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Internet Bookwatch

Volume 20, Number 10 October 2010 Home | IBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Christian Studies Shelf Folklore Shelf
Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Biography Shelf Civil War Shelf
Agricultural Studies Shelf Political Science Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Buddhist Studies Shelf Native American Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf
Photography Shelf Genealogy Shelf Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Gaming Shelf American History Shelf
Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf Parenting Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Religion/Spirituality Shelf Self-Help Shelf Philosophy Shelf
Railroading Shelf Needlecraft Shelf Travel Shelf
Money/Finance Shelf Poetry Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Fiction Shelf Real Estate Shelf Islamic Studies Shelf
Judicial Studies Shelf Language Studies Shelf Computer Shelf
Nautical Shelf Sports Shelf Art Shelf
World History Shelf Mythology Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf
Environmental Studies Shelf Fashion Shelf Crafts Shelf
Library Science Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf Library DVD Shelf
Audiobook Shelf Library CD Music Shelf Military Shelf
Business Shelf Education Shelf Science Shelf
Literary Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf International Studies Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Interior Design Shelf Architecture Shelf
Music Shelf Dance Shelf Gardening Shelf
Math Shelf Jobs/Careers Shelf Economics Shelf
Aviation Shelf Black Studies Shelf Sociology Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

I Drink for a Reason
David Cross
Grand Central Publishing
c/o Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
9780446697712, $13.99, www.hachettebookgroup.com

I DRINK FOR A REASON combines comedy and memoir in a fun survey of developing a career and life in comedy. Personal essays, satirical fiction, and comic social observation permeate a presentation packed with fun and ribald humor, creating a lively survey perfect for any general lending library!

Tales of Woe
John Reed
MTV Press
1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
9781576875407, $20.00, www.talesofwoe.com

There is always someone who has it worse than you. "Tales of Woe" is a self-described collection of Greek catharsis, of tales where people are faced with suffering that is not of their doing, the cruelty of their life, the suffering they endure, and how they struggle simply to endure and live. Not stories of overcoming adversity, "Tales of Woe" focuses on tragedy as a motivator, to remind readers that no matter what they are going through, it could be worse.

The Wedding Workbook
Kimberly Schlegel Whitman
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton UT 84041
9781423601937, $24.99, www.gibbs-smith.com

THE WEDDING WORKBOOK is a top pick as a gift guide for any bride-to-be. It pairs checklists and a handy user-friendly workbook style with a design meant to help wedding planners focus on the important issues of a wedding celebration. Three-hole binding allows users to add their own pages, while tips on entertaining are simply outstanding! As an early wedding planner gift, this can't be beat.

Creating Motion Graphics With After Effects
Trish & Chris Meyer
Focal Press
30 Corporate Dr. #400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780240814155, $69.95, www.focalpress.com

Creating Motion Graphics With After Effects tells how to master animation and digital video using After Effects, teaching how the program can help video producers think visually and more quickly. It's packed with color examples and screen shots, tips and tricks, and advice that covers all the features added in After Effects CS4 and CS5, including the new Roto Brush tool and 3D model import from Photoshop. A 'must' for any video, film, computer or reference collection where After Effects is covered!

Allworth Press
10 East 23rd St., New York NY 10010
www.allworth.com

Steven Heller's POP: HOW GRAPHIC DESIGN SHAPES POPULAR CULTURE (9781581157154, $24.95) offers an outstanding key linking graphic design to popular culture. From the recreation of Yankee Stadium to twitter, POP is the first book to consider graphic design's choices and influence on wider cultural norms, and focuses on contemporary issues from viral advertising to political satire and design vs. decoration. Arts and sociology collections alike will appreciate this diverse approach. Theo Stephan Williams' THE INTERIOR DESIGNER'S GUIDE TO PRICING, ESTIMATING, AND BUDGETING (9781581157185, $24.95) appears in its second updated edition to provide interior designers with a fine business survey on fees and pricing. Commercial and residential interiors alike are covered along with interviews with experienced home designers and tips on competing effectively.

Wonders of Life
Life
135 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10020
9781603201414, $29.95

From the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, there is no shortage of sights and sounds that nature has for the viewer. "Life: Wonders of Life: The Classic Collection" is a From massive redwood, to the glory of winter, to the deepest oceans, throughout the book, there are nonstop full color photographs of the various life in the world, both plant and animal. With plenty of text flavoring the images well and offering insight into their majesty, "Wonders of Life" is educational, entertaining, and just plain gorgeous, making a choice pick for those looking for a magnificent coffee table book.

50 Money-Saving Tips For Every Landlord
Mike McLean
Square One Publishers
115 Herricks Road, Garden City Park, NY 11040
9780757003523 $16.95 www.squareonepublishers.com

A penny saved is a penny earned, and with the profit margins some landlords live on, you need those pennies. "50 Money-Saving Tips for Every Landlord: A Practical Guide to Maintaining Short-Term Rental Properties" is a guide for land lords who want to keep their holdings repaired and up to date while still keeping themselves operating in the black. Lawsuit avoidance, good communication with tenants, and more, "50 Money Saving Tips for Every Landlord' is a guide that should be at the hand of every landlord who wants to save more money.

Secrets of Mental Marksmanship
Linda K. Miller & Keith A. Cunningham
Paladin Press
7077 Winchester Circle, Boulder, CO 80301
9781581607215, $34.95, www.paladin-press.com

One shot one kill is the motto of the sniper, but how does one attain such a level of perfection? "Secrets of Mental Marksmanship: How to Fire Perfect Shots" is a guide to mentally preparing oneself as a marksman by training one's mind to quickly enter the metaphorical zone that if unprepared, will elude them when they need to be on the mark the most. For hunters, police, competitors, or military, "Secrets of Mental Marksmanship" is a strong pick for anyone who counts on being on the bulls eye.

Covering Niagara
Joan Nicks & Barry Keith Grant
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5
9781554582211, $34.95, www.wlupress.wlu.ca

Culture can be different one city to the next. "Covering Niagara: Studies in Local Popular Culture" looks to analyze the culture in the Niagara region of Canada, offering a unique analysis of culture and everything surrounding the town. Niagara has its own favorites in media, and still has some unusual quirks compared to most of western culture such as blackface minstrel shows. An intriguing discussion of anthropology and social sciences, Joan Nicks and Barry Keith Grant provide much food for thought about culture and how even when everything can seem the same, it's different. "Covering Niagara" is a solid and scholarly study, very highly recommended.

Origins
Geoffrey Blundell
Double Storey
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
1770130403, $32.95

All science has pointed to the start of Homo sapiens in the continent of Africa and a great migration outward. "Origins: The Story of the Emergence of Humans and Humanity in Africa" is an analysis of the rise of humanity from its African roots, as the cradle of civilization. From the start of human creativity, to early tools they created, and the beginnings of culture. A thoughtful collection of insight into Africa's special role as humanity's starting point, "Origins" proves an intriguing and very educational read that shouldn't be overlooked.

Spirit of the Sword
Steve Shackleford
Krause Publications
700 East State Street, Iola, WI 54990-0001
9781440211560, $24.99, www.krausebooks.com

The sword is majestic, and is much a work of art as it is a tool for war. "Spirit of the Sword: A Celebration of Artistry and Craftsmanship" analyzes the artistry and craft that goes into the swords around the world, explaining why such a weapon still holds fresh in the minds of many. Both Europe and Asia embraced the sword, and the cultural clash still creates new designs today. Looking at not only the craft, but the craftsmen, "Spirit of the Sword" is a fine coffee table book for anyone who loves the craft and respects the craftsmen.

Food Chains: From Farmyard to Shopping Cart
Warren Belasco and Roger Horowitz, editors
University of Pennsylvania Press
3905 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4112
9780812221343 $26.50 www.upenn.edu/pennpress 1-800-537-5487

Food Chains: From Farmyard to Shopping Cart is an anthology of scholarly essays by learned authors discussing assorted aspects of the history of food production and distribution. Individual case studies include "Provisioning Man's Best Friend", about the inception of the commercial pet food industry; "Wheeling One's Groceries around the Store" about the invention and popularity of the modern grocery cart; "Trading Quality, Producing Value" about crabmeat and the global seafood trade; and more. Food Chains is a thoughtful collection examining facets of an increasingly important issue as human population puts an ever-increasing demand on the amount of food the world needs to sustain itself today. Highly recommended especially for college library collections.

The Vampire Book, third edition
J. Gordon Melton
Visible Ink
43311 Joy Road #414, Canton, MI 48187-2075
9781578592814, $29.95, www.visibleinkpress.com

The vampire and its undead brethren have been captivating the imagination of the world for decades. "The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead" looks into the history of the vampire and the third edition discusses what it has evolved into with programs like True Blood and the Twilight Saga. From true history to the first appearances in literature to becoming pop culture phenomena, and so much more, "The Vampire Book" is a complete and comprehensive guide to the trope, everything that has led to it, and where it's going.

International And Language Education For A Global Future
David S. Wiley & Robert S. Glew, editors
Michigan State University Press
Manly Miles Building, Suite 25, 1405 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
www.msupress.msu.edu
9780870139840, $48.95, www.amazon.com

In the Twenty-First Century we are living and working in a world of nation states that are more interdependently global than ever before in human history. "International and Language Education for a Global Future: Fifty Years of U.S. Title VI and Fulbright-Hays Programs" is the collaboratively compiled and edited work of David S. Wiley (Professor of Sociology at Michigan State University) and Robert S. Glew (Director of the Center for Advanced Study of International Development and an Associate Professor at Michigan State University). This 502-page compendium is comprised of an informed and informative introduction followed by 15 contributed articles whose focus is on the role and impact of Title VI and Fulbright-Hays programs promoting national and global security; the impact of language studies and the teaching of minor languages; the significance of Title VI with respect to education legislation; as well as international issues relevant to Title VI programs including global competition, accessing, benchmarking and assessment. Of special note are the two contributions specific to the future of Title VI and Fulribht-Hays programs. Enhanced with five appendices, background information on the contributors, and a comprehensive index, "International and Language Education for a Global Future" is a work of seminal scholarship and a highly prized addition to governmental and academic reference library collections.

Virtual Reality, third edition
Jerome Iglowitz
Privately Published
9780984528509, $42.16, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly updated and expanded third edition, "Virtual Reality: Consciousness Really Explained!" is a 606-page compendium of the research, study, thought, and contemplations of Jerome Iglowitz whose focus is on exploring, detailing, and understanding the relationship of the human mind to the human brain. Reading "Virtual Reality" is very much like sitting in on a genuinely personalized and thoroughly engaging series of lectures. Insightful, challenging, occasionally iconoclastic, and always interesting, "Virtual Reality" is especially recommended as a unique reading experience for anyone trying to understand just what makes the human mind -- human.

The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest
Dave Williams
University of Iowa Press
100 Kuhl House, 119 West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
Chicago Distribution Center (distrubutor)
11030 S. Langley Ave., Chicago, IL 60628
9781587299025, $14.00, www.uiowapress.org

When breeding plants, one has to keep a sharp eye out for details. "The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest" is a guide for evaluating the tallgrass of the Upper Midwest region, full of many different breeds of grass. Included are full color photos and diagrams outlining distinguishing characteristics of these plants. For anyone studying these plants for interest, gardening, or other, use, "The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest" will prove to be a valuable resource.


The Christian Studies Shelf

The Friends We Keep
Laura Hobgood-Oster
Baylor University Press
One Bear Place, #97363, Waco, TX 76798-7363
9781602582644 $19.95 www.baylorpress.com 1-800-710-3217

The Friends We Keep: Unleashing Christianity's Compassion for Animals is a reminder that the tenets for Christianity promote compassion for the humane treatment of animals as well as fellow human beings. Modern humans are often isolated from the animal world; yet animals have been an integral part of Christians' lives for generations. Chapters discuss what the Christian faith implies for human-animal interactions in "What a Friend We Have: Our Animal Companions", "Lions and Christians: Animals in Sport", "Eating Mercifully: Animals for Food", "Good Christian Hospitality: Animals at Home on the Earth", and "Where Have All the Animals Gone?" A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this thoughtful testimony about re-evaluating how Christians should view the role of the many animal species that God created.

New Feminist Christianity
Mary E. Hunt and Diann L. Neu, editors
Skylight Paths Publishing
Route 4, PO Box 237, Woodstock, VT 05091
9781594732850 $24.99 www.skylightpaths.com

In the past century, feminism has risen harder than ever. "New Feminist Christianity: Many Voices, Many Views" discusses feminism and what it means to be both a feminist and a Christian. Many women converge in this volume to give their own thoughts and opinions on scripture, clergy, ethics and the feminist agenda in regards to the Church, and so much more. A thoughtful and scholarly study, "New Feminist Christianity" is a solid compendium on the issue, very highly recommended.

Playing with Purpose
Mike Yorkey
Barbour Publishing
P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
9781616262891 $19.99 www.barbourbooks.com

With the pre-game prayer, Christianity and football aren't complete strangers to one another. "Playing with Purpose: Inside the Lives and Faith of the NFL's Top New Quarterbacks" looks at three new figures in the National Football League, hailed as both good Christians and good role models. An analysis of how faith will stack up on the field, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow are discussed as both players and people, and provides an intriguing debate for Christian NFL fans. "Playing with Purpose" is a strong pick for any analytical football collection and for Christian studies collections.

Ancient Paths
David Robinson
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
9781557257734 $16.99 www.paracletepress.com

Christian faith is something learned in many ways. "Ancient Paths: Discover Christian Formation the Benedictine Way" is a guide to the more traditional learning paths, as David Robinson looks deep into history encourages faith through these ancient ways, complete with a twelve week study guide that encourages readers to empower themselves through the studies of this path. "Ancient Paths" is a fine addition to any Christian studies collection, highly recommended.

Choosing to See
Mary Beth Chapman with Ellen Vaughn
Revell
c/o Baker Books
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516
9780800719913, $21.99, www.bakerbooks.com

CHOOSING TO SEE: A JOURNEY OF STRUGGLE AND HOPE shares the author's personal journey from childhood to marriage and the sudden loss of a daughter. Her account is permeated with encounters with God, questions on God's plan, and her relationship with God in the face of loss and pain. The result is a fine autobiographical portrait of one relationship to spirituality that belongs in any Christian collection.

Christian Ethics in a Technological Age
Brian Brock
William B. Eerdmans Publishing
2140 Oak Industrial Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
9780802865175, $34.00, www.eerdmans.com

Christian Ethics in a Technological Age offers a fine analysis of the historical and conceptual roots of modern science and technology, and is a recommendation for college-level Christian collections interested in a comparison of Christian beliefs and technology challenges. Part 1 traces 'secular' philosophical accounts of modern technology's meanings and ethical implications, while Part II develops an account of faith's search to hear the claim of Christ amid technological living. An excellent scholarly discussion evolves!

The Me I Want to Be
John Ortberg
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310275923, $19.99, www.zondervan.com

THE ME I WANT TO BE: BECOMING GOD'S BEST VERSION OF YOU provides a fine personal account of spiritual thought, surveying God's ideas for personal growth and offering a survey of natural gifts and how God seeks redemption and personal strengths alike. Any spiritual reader will find this packed with details on how to be an individual and spiritually enlightened, making THE ME I WANT TO BE a fine addition to any spirituality collection.

A Quest for Godliness
J.I. Packer
Crossway
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
0891078193, $25.00, www.crossway.org

A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life comes from an author who has had a passion for Puritan history and values. His survey of Puritan life and thought probes their spiritual teachings and contrasts it with Western Christianity in a survey reflecting his own lifetime of study of great Puritan leaders and their values.

The Big Book of Christian Mysticism
Carl McColman
Hampton Roads
c/o Red Wheel, Weiser, Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781571746245, $21.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

Mysticism is not mutually exclusive with Christianity. "The Big Book of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality" is a guide for Christians who are seeking a greater piece of enlightenment out of their faith. Looking at the often forgotten mystical tradition that lies with Christian and the New Testament, Carl McColman gives readers an intriguing take on God, Jesus, and the search for spirituality. "The Big Book of Christian Mysticism" is a choice pick for any Christian studies collection.

Net Casters
Craig Von Buseck
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37234-0143
9780805447842, $14.99, www.BHPublishingGroup.com

If you're not online, you're going to fall behind. "Net Casters: Using the Internet to Make Fishers of Men" is an inspirational read from Dr. Craig Von Buseck as he encourages readers to use the internet and social media to better spread Christianity and its message. A fascinating and intriguing blend of faith and technology, "Net Casters" is a powerful read that shouldn't be overlooked.

Talking with the Children of God
Gordon Shepherd & Gary Shepherd
University of Illinois Press
1325 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6903
9780252077210, $28.00, www.press.uillinois.edu

What drives radical Christianity? "Talking with the Children of God: Prophecy and Transformation in a Radical Religious Group" is an analysis of the growth of the group known as the Family International, and how they took hold of many, growing out of the Jesus People movement in the 1960s. Under David Berg, they believed the end was near, and led to an organization that was corrupt and abusive of its members, offering an intriguing look at Christian cults and radicalism. "Talking with the Children of God" is a fine pick and a solid addition to any Christian studies collection focusing on extremes.

Beyond the Walls
Paul Wilkes
ACTA Publications
4848 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
9780879464295 $16.95 www.actapublications.com

Monasteries can be found in America, something that many Catholics don't know. "Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life" is an updated edition of Paul Wilkes' look at Monastic life and wisdom that he compiled ten years ago during his visit to Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina. Discussing the modern Catholic Church as well as wisdom that can be taken from the most devout of followers, "Beyond the Walls" is a thought provoking and faith assuring read, highly recommended.

The Faith Dare
Debbie Alsdorf
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
9780800733674 $12.99 www.bakerbooks.com www.revellbooks.com

Living life to the fullest can be harder than one thinks. "The Faith Dare: 30 Days to Live Your Life to the Fullest" is a faith driven challenge where author Debbie Alsdorf asks women to push themselves and make their lives fuller and more driven life where they're in control and living for themselves as well as God. Full of faith and affirmation, "The Faith Dare" is an inspiration that will drive many women to lead more driven lives.

Gotta Have It!
Gregory L. Jantz
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
97814347662443, $14.99, www.davidccook.com

Excess is a wonderful thing but it can easily consume our lives. "Gotta Have It! Freedom from Wanting Everything" is a guide to fighting the wants and go in pursuit of the needs. Letting go of one's frivolous wants proves to be a wise key in controlling one's life and attaining a greater level of happiness, and Dr. Gregory L. Jantz helps readers drop the nagging feeling. Thoughtful with plenty of wisdom, "Gotta Have It!" is a fine collection and a solidly recommended one.

You Are What You See
Scott Nehring
RightLine
1832 Winding Trail Rd., New Richmond, WI 54017
9780984439522, $27.95

Cinema is a massive part of the modern culture, and they have a massive impact on the world as it is today. "You Are What You See: Watching Movies Through a Christian Lens" delves into the importance of movies to culture, and what they mean to a Christian family. These stories follow much of the same pattern as Biblical stories and carry much of the same moral weight. A thoughtful discussion of movies and what they mean to Christian morality, "You Are What You See" is worth considering for the pondering Christian.

Dying to Live
Clayton King
Harvest House
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736926539, $13.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Death is the ultimate outcome, and it's up to you to make it a worthy outcome. "Dying to Live: Abandoning Yourself to God's Bold Paradox" is a guide encouraging people to live a more principled life that encourages living to be a better person and of God, instead of for worldly possessions and goals. Passion for faith and a higher goal of life, "Dying to Live" is a read that may inspire many to a more divine life style.

Meeting the Messiah
Kara Lessen Oliver
Upper Room Books
1908 Grand Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212
9780835810296, $14.00, www.upperroom.org

Advent is a time to re-evaluate one's faith and make it stronger. "Meeting the Messiah: Scriptures for the Advent Season" is a Christian guide to advent that provides much thought and scripture for readers in assisting them during the time of advent and Jesus's birth. With simple reflections and plenty of things to ponder, "Meeting the Messiah" is a top pick for any advent-observing Christian.

The Complete Gospels, fourth edition
Robert J. Miller, editor
Polebridge Press
PO Box 7268, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
www.polebridgepress.com
9781598150186, $35.00, www.amazon.com

All Christians are well acquainted with the four gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Roman Catholics are also familiar with the apocryphal gospels in their version of the Bible that is absent from the King James edition and most other Protestant versions of the Bible. Now in an expanded and updated fourth edition, "The Complete Gospels" as deftly compiled and knowledgeably edited by Robert J. Miller offers new translations of the four New Testament gospels; the Gospels of Thomas, Judas, and Mary; the Q Gospel; the Mystical Gospel of Mark; the Infancy Gospels of James and Thomas; the Egerton Gospel; the Gospel Oxrhynchus; the Gospels of the Hebrews, the Ebionites, and the Nazoreans. Enhanced with the inclusion of an extensive glossary, "The Complete Gospels" also offers nineteen informed and informative essays ranging from 'The Synoptic Puzzle' to 'Lost Gospels And "Non-Gospels". Of special note are eight black-and-white illustrations. An impressive work of meticulous and detailed scholarship, "The Complete Gospels" is a strongly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library Christian Studies reference collections. Also highly recommended for Christian Studies supplemental reading lists from Polebridge Press is Harold W. Attridge's "The Acts Of Thomas" (9781598150216, $18.00) and "Such Is Life!: A Close Encounter With Ecclesiastes" (9781598150230, $20.00).


The Folklore Shelf

America's Folklorist: B.A. Botkin and American Culture
Lawrence Rodgers and Jerrold Hirsch, editors
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806141114 $34.95 www.oupress.com 1-800-627-7377

America's Folklorist: B.A. Botkin and American Culture is an anthology of essays by learned authors concerning the work of folklorist, writer, editor, regionalist, and cultural activist Benjamin Albert Botkin (1901-1975), an American intellectual known for his work with the Federal Writers' Project during the New Deal, the Writers' Unit of the Library of Congress Project, and the Archive of American Folksong. Botkin labored to collect, disseminate, and preserve America's folk-cultural heritage; individual essays examine different aspects of his lifelong passion, from "Benjamin Botkin and Play-Party Scholarship in America" to "Lore for the Folk: Benjamin A. Botkin and the Development of Folklore Scholarship in America". A selection of essays and poems by Botkin himself round out this superb collection for college library American history and folklore studies shelves. Also highly recommended from the University of Oklahoma Press is the exceptional biography "A Pair of Shootists: The Wild West Story of S.F. Cody and Maud Lee" (9780806141497, $29.95).


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Modern Commemorative Coins
Eric Jordan
Krause Publications
4700 E. Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236
9781440212895, $22.99, www.fwmedia.com

Modern Commemorative Coins offers all the essential keys to coin collecting, from selecting coins that have the best chance of increasing in value to including coins in an IRA and understanding new issues from the U.S. Mint for those on a budget. Any collector who wants to make a secure investment in modern coins will find this a fine, in-depth key to success!

Little Big World
Jeffrey Hammond
University of Iowa Press
100 Kuhl House, 119 West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
9781587299100 $22.95 www.uiowapress.org 1-800-621-2736

Little Big World: Collecting Louis Marx and the American Fifties is the memoir of a true collector. Author Jeffrey Hammond never intended to start a collection of themed playsets originally produced by the Louis Marx Toy Company, yet the desire settled upon him, leading him to scour websites for leads to new prize pieces from the company's dozens of playsets. Little Big World is far more than a purchasing odyssey, however; the story blends the author's childhood memories of the fifties with reflections on the drastic changes in American culture, and insights into the role toys play as springboards for the imagination, in both children and adults. Little Big World also examines the dark side of nostalgia, and does not shy from the dark side of fifties culture - or its lasting repercussions on those who lived it. A balanced blend of memory, journey, philosophy, and revelation, Little Big World is extraordinarily absorbing and highly recommended.


The Biography Shelf

God's Angry Man
B. Wayne Quist
Brown Books
16200 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 170, Dallas, TX 75248
9781934812686 $24.95 www.brownbooks.com

God's Angry Man: The Incredible Journey of Private Joe Haan is the true-life story of a survivor. Joe Haan lost his mother at a young age, and spent his childhood in a cheerless orphanage; worked for years as an indentured farm servant; rode the rails during the Great Depression; and served as part of Patton's Third Army during World War II. His harsh life taught him to mistrust organized religion, yet he also harbored a sense of wonder concerning the mysteries of the natural world, including the composition of stars, galaxies, plants, and living creatures. He wrote poetry and music, and played the guitar and harmonica. God's Angry Man is the extraordinary and unforgettable saga of an independent-minded man, honest and determined to the end. "I owe one apology only, and that is to the devil, for lacking the ability to be more severe in my criticism of all organized religion."

Lives We Carry With Us
Robert Coles
New Press
38 Greene St., New York NY 100013
9781595585028, $24.95, www.thenewpress.com

LIVES WE CARRY WITH US: PROFILES OF MORAL COURAGE is edited by David D. Cooper and offers a fine compilation of biographical storytelling and personal reflection, with stories from thirteen lives that have served as a personal inspiration for Coles during the last six decades profiled here. This blends profiles with the exploration of 'moral courage' and demonstrate courageous individuals who have moved against convention to challenge the world. Literary and biography holdings alike will find this a fine survey.

The Measure of Paris
Stephen Scobie
The University of Alberta Press
Ring House 2, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E1
9780888645333, $29.95, www.uap.ualberta.ca

Paris has been romanticized throughout many cultures, and this romance attracts people. "The Measure of Paris" is a memoir from Stephen Scobie, as he blends his reflections on his travels with his discussion of literature and a bit of poetry. A Canadian at heart, he reflects on the work of his contemporaries and provides a good deal to think about and plenty to ponder. "The Measure of Paris" is a fine read and not one to be overlooked for those looking for a solid blend of humor and opinion.

What's That Pig Outdoors?
Henry Kisor
University of Illinois Press
1325 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6903
9780252077395, $22.00, www.press.uillinois.edu

Hearing is a sense all too easily taken for granted. "What's That Pig Outdoors?: A Memoir of Deafness" is a memoir from Henry Kisor, an accomplished literary journalist who earned his position in spite of his nearly life long deafness. Not one to speak on deaf culture, he was trained to live among the hearing and as such has many unique viewpoints, including the impact of the Americans with Disabilities act. "What's That Pig Outdoors?" is a fine read and an excellent addition to any memoir collection.

The Road Through Wonderland
Dawn Schiller
Medallion Press
1020 Cedar Ave. Suite 216, Saint Charles, IL 60174
9781605420837, $19.95, www.medallionpress.com

What turns one not only to porn, but to fully embrace its culture? "The Road Through Wonderland: Surviving John Holmes" tells the story of Dawn Schiller, a young girl who was caught into the whirlwind of the underworld surrounding John Holmes, an infamous male porn star with many questionable ties with gang activity. From a broken home, she viewed Holmes as a father, then a lover, until she broke free of his spell. "The Road Through Wonderland" is a both saddening and uplifting memoir, very highly recommended.

Barefoot in Baghdad
Manal M. Omar
Sourcebooks
1935 Brookdale Rd, Suite 139, Naperville, IL 60563
9781402237218, $14.99, www.sourcebooks.com

More than anything, the rights of women have changed since the American invasion all those years ago. "Barefoot in Baghdad: A Story of Identity -- MY Own and What It Means to be a Woman in Chaos" is a memoir of an American woman of Iraqi descent going to Iraq as an aid worker following the fall of Saddam Hussein. Revealing a vastly changed world, Manal M. Omar gives readers a fascinating take on Iraq and what it has become, as well as the personal drama that drives her. "Barefoot in Baghdad" is a fine addition to any memoir collection tackling modern issues.

Zimbabwe Bound
Larita Killian
University of Indianapolis Press
1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
9781880938768 $19.95 www.uindy.edu/universitypress

Immigrating from America to Africa is not a common tale. "Zimbabwe Bound: A Woman's Journey Through Africa" tells the story of Anna, a Chicago nurse who traveled to South Africa to marry a rancher. Through establishing their life together, Anna had to use her nurse training to bring a better life to many in Zimbabwe. Constructed through letters, Larita Killian makes for an intriguing read with "Zimbabwe Bound", a read that will prove hard to put down.

The Last Banana
Shelby Tucker
Stacey International
c/o Interlink Publishing Group
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060-1804
9781906768218 $25.00 www.interlinkbooks.com

The relationship of the Europeans and the Africans has changed much over the years. "The Last Banana: Dancing with the Watu" is a reflection of Shelby Tucker's travels to east Africa over the course of four and a half decades, observing a changing cultural and political landscape he has seen from his own travels and the contrasts over the centuries with the missionaries who sought to bring Christianity to the African people. An intriguing analysis of the development of the African people with plenty to make readers ponder, "The Last Banana" is a fine addition to any travel memoir collection.

The Devil in Pew Number Seven
Rebecca Nichols Alonzo with Bob DeMoss
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414326597 $14.99 www.tyndale.com

Faith for some is not about faith; it's about control, and to lose that control is to deeply upset them. "The Devil in Pew Number Seven" is a memoir from Rebecca Nichols Alonzo, as she reflects on the persecution she and her father faced as they joined a church in 1969 and found themselves opposite a man who wanted complete control of the church and began to harass the family, and her father wouldn't stand down. The payment for his belief was brutal. "The Devil in Pew Number Seven" is a fascinating read of Christians faced with horror and crime and keeping their morality.

Necropolis
Boris Pahor
Dalkey Archive
1805 S. Wright Street, MC-011, Champaign, IL 61820
9781564786111, $13.95, www.dalkeyarchive.com

The awfulness of it all is never really gotten used to. "Necropolis" is a memoir from Boris Pahor, a Slovenian man who spent fourteen months in the Nazi Prison Camps at the end of World War Ii. Acting as a medic, he saw the worst that the Nazis had to offer, and never really forgetting the horrors and lack of humanity that rang through it all. Expertly translated by Michael Biggins, "Necropolis" is a haunting memoir about the guilt of a survivor facing the worst of humanity.

A King's Ransom
Simon Burrows
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 704, New York, NY 10038
9780826619897, $29.95

The worst of us are the most interesting of us. "A King's Ransom: The Life of Charles Theveneau de Morande, Blackmailer, Scandalmonger, & Master-Spy" tells the story of this particularly unsavory individual who endured the wrath of much of late eighteenth century Europe for his actions. Throughout many wars, his story is one of intriguing scandal and manipulation, the very antithesis of high society of the day. "A King's Ransom" is an exciting read that shouldn't be overlooked for anyone looking for a story of interesting history's unsung heroes.

Perfectly Amanda
Beckey Burgoyne
Five Star Publications
4696 W. Tyson Street, Chandler, AZ 85226
9781589851634, $29.95, www.perfectlyamanda.com

An icon of one of the longest running shows on television, Amanda Blake made her legend as Miss Kitty. "Perfectly Amanda: Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty, To Dodge and Beyond" tells the life story of the Gunsmoke veteran who made her own way in life, carrying over the charm of her character. An adventurous life with plenty of twists and turns both on and off the set, Beckey Burgoyne tells her story, peppered with photographs throughout. "Perfectly Amanda" is an intriguing read, and one not to be missed for Hollywood biography collections.

Phil Trajetta
Franco Sciannameo
Pendragon Press
PO Box 190, Hillsdale, NY 12529
9781576471876, $58.00

True artists create with something to believe in. "Phil Trajetta (1777-1854): Patriot, Musician, Immigrant" looks at this Italian opera composer's life. Born in Naples, he was raised and classically educated, but took up the call of political activism. His actions however, left him fleeing his beloved homeland for America, where he continued his work and became an early American composer of some note, but never forgetting his political beliefs and push for social justice as an American immigrant. Franco Sciannameo looks equally deep into Trajetta's work and his life, and provides a compelling picture of the individual. "Phil Trajetta" is a solid addition to any music or general biography collection, very highly recommended.

The Best of Intentions: Unforeseen Circumstances
Laurence P. Keenan
Jetty House
c/o Peter E. Randall, Publisher
PO Box 4726, Portsmouth, NH 03802-4726
9780981789873 $28.50 www.perpublisher.com

The Best of Intentions: Unforeseen Circumstances is the memoir of an Irish-American family. The primary focus is on the parents of author Laurence P. Keenan, although the scope of the true story ranges from the 1920s to the 1970s. Living in an Irish-American neighborhood near an industrial factory, the family weathered the tough times of the Great Depression, the demands of the war years, and the astonishing societal transformations of the postwar era. Sixteen pages of vintage photographs enhance this absorbing tour of the ups and downs, trials, tribulations, setbacks, and accomplishments of daily life in twentieth-century America.

In A Heartbeat
Leigh Anne & Sean Tuohy
Henry Holt
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
B&B Media Group (publicity)
109 South Main Street, Corsicana, TX 75110
9780805093384, $24.00, www.ttbbmedia.com

Behind every story is another story. "In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving" is a memoir from Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, the parents of Michael Tuohy, known for his own inspiring memoir, 'The Blind Side'. Their story of wanting to raise a charitable Christian family and how their white family did not hesitate to adopt a black child in need, it is a tale of Christian values that the couple hopes to inspire others in their lives. "In a Heartbeat" is a must for those looking for a feel good memoir or fans of 'The Blind Side'.

Maria's Journey
Ramon Arredondo & Trisha Arredondo
Indiana Historical Society Press
450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
9780871952868, $19.95, www.indianahistory.org

The first half of the twentieth century was a time of rapid change. "Maria's Journey" tells the story of Maria Perez, a young Mexican woman whose life brought her into arranged marriage and immigration to America changed her life from living in poverty to living a good life in Indiana, years later. One woman's chronicles through many changes and wars, "Maria's Journey" is a fascinating read and a must for anyone looking for a story of American immigration.

Bound Like Grass
Ruth McLaughlin
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806141374 $24.95 www.oupress.com 1-800-627-7377

Bound Like Grass: A Memoir from the Western High Plains is the true-life testimony of author Ruth McLaughlin, who grew up in the 1950s on an impoverished Montana homestead. Her parents struggled with the challenge of raising four children, including two disabled sisters; food was scarce, and life was hard. The farm barely produced enough to allow the family to survive, and even the milk they drank was sour when the cows ate flowering biscuitroot. The difficult conditions prompted ingenuity and thrift, as well as sheer endurance in Ruth and her family. When she finally left the homestead behind, she had some difficulty adapting to a relatively abundant modern world, and her connection to the prairie land remains though her days of near-starvation have long since passed. Bound Like Grass is a thought-provoking and compelling memoir of good times, bad times, and enduring ties to the earth and to family, highly recommended.

Going to Windward
Robert A. Mosbacher Sr. with James G. McGrath
Texas A&M University Press
Drawer C, College Station, TX 77843-4354
9781603442213 $30.00 www.tamu.edu/upress 1-800-826-8911

Going to Windward: A Mosbacher Family Memoir is the memoir of amateur sailing champion and the George W. Bush administration's Secretary of Commerce Robert A. Mosbacher Sr. - a man whom Bush has personally credited as being critically responsible for aiding his ascent to the presidency. Mosbacher's brings the reader on a vivid tour of his memories from seeing New York City with his father in the 1930s, to his discovery of a tremendous natural gas field in the 1950s, to his increasing immersion in the complex and constantly shifting world of politics. His vignettes regale, enlighten, and entertain, in this excellent page-turner.


The Civil War Shelf

A Small but Spartan Band
Zack C. Waters and James C. Edmonds
The University of Alabama Press
PO Box 870380, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0380
9780817316792 $29.95 www.uapress.ua.edu 1-800-621-2736

A Small but Spartan Band: The Florida Brigade in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia is an in-depth study of the Florida units that served in Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War. Chapters recount meticulous historical and military details, from events at the Battle of Seven Pines and Seven Days to the Second Bull Run and Antietam, to Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, to Gettysburg, the retreat from Pennsylvania, and the war's denouement up to Lee's surrender at Appomattox. A balanced and scholarly accounting, assembled through exhaustive research and enhanced with extensive notes, a bibliography, and an index, A Small but Spartan Band is an excellent contribution to American Civil War reference shelves.


The Agricultural Studies Shelf

Storey's Guide to Keeping Honey Bees
Malcolm T. Sanford & Richard E. Bonney
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603425506 $19.95 www.storey.com 1-800-827-8673

University of Florida Extension Beekeeping Specialist Malcolm T. Sanford has combined his expertise with the late Richard E. Bonney's foundational "Beekeeping and Hive Management" instructional to create Storey's Guide to Keeping Honey Bees, a straightforward introduction to the craft and art of keeping and managing beehives for honey. Although intended especially to help neophytes get up to speed, Storey's Guide to Keeping Honey Bees is solid and thorough enough to offer plenty of tips, tricks, and techniques that long-time veterans will appreciate. Chapters address the necessary preparatory steps (from researching local community laws about bees to acquiring and learning how to use protective equipment to keeping emergency remedies for bee stings on hand and more), how to install a colony (two colonies are recommended for beginners, in case one colony suffers disaster), prevent diseases, harvest honey crops, and much more. "In rural areas, ensure that livestock are not located nearby (some tend to use beehives as scratching posts). Horses are a particular problem. Their odor seems to offend bees, and when stinging starts, horses often react violently and can injure themselves."

Plant Bacteriology
Clarence I. Kado
The American Phytopathological Society
3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55121
9780890543887 $139.95

Plant Bacteriology is a scholarly, scientific compendium of the latest known information about bacterial diseases affecting modern plants, from agricultural crops to wild growth. Written for intermediate to advanced students and experts in the field, Plant Bacteriology's chapters cover "Evolution of Bacterial Pathogens", "Rapid Necrotizing Diseases", "Asymptomatic and Latent Infections", "Epidemiology and Control of Bacterial Plant Diseases", and much more. Full-color photographs illustrate this studious, meticulously researched and detailed text, ideal for specialist and college library collections.

Science and Technology of Organic Farming
Allen V. Barker
CRC Press
Suite 300, 6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781439816127 $69.95 www.crcpress.com

Science and Technology of Organic Farming is an in-depth, no-nonsense handbook for anyone seriously interested in organic farming, covering the scientific basis for it, the technology it requires to obtain a sufficient yield, information to counter widespread myths, and more. Chapters thoroughly cover the foundational aspects of organic farming: composting, cover crops, farm manures, controlling weeds/insects/disease, and more. A handful of black-and-white illustrations enhance this excellent text highly recommended for self-study, agriculture coursework, or personal reference among veterans in the field.


The Political Science Shelf

Courting Disaster
Marc A. Thiessen
Regnery Publishing
One Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001
9781596986039, $29.95, www.regnery.com

COURTING DISASTER: HOW THE CIA KEPT AMERICA SAFE AND HOW BARACK OBAMA IS INVITING THE NEXT ATTACK comes from a former Bush administration Senior staff members who defends the CIA and warns of dangers ahead. He focuses on how the CIA programs were effective, supports interrogation techniques that ultimately saved many lives, and provides evidence to prove the CIA's tactics were lawfully and morally just as well. President Obama dismantled the CIA's interrogation program, and this makes a case for how national security has been degraded, as a result. Political collections will find this an intriguing argument.

Reappraising the Right
George H. Nash
ISI Books
3901 Centerville Road, Wilmington, DE 19807-1938
9781935191650, $27.95, www.isibooks.org

REAPPRAISING THE RIGHT: THE PAST AND FUTURE OF AMERICAN CONSERVATISM considers whether real conservatism is dead, and comes from a historian of American conservatism who examines the new issues directing the modern Conservative movement. Over thirty years of study lends to a consideration of various conservative politicians and considering perspectives on Roosevelt, Hoover and more, considering the past and future of the movement. Highly recommended!

Political Writings, 1953-1993
Maurice Blanchot
Translated with introduction by Zakir Paul
Fordham University Press
2546 Belmont Avenue, University Box L, Bronx, NY 10458-5172
9780823229987 $28.00 www.fordhampress.com

Skillfully translated from the original French by Zakir Paul, Maurice Blanchot's Political Writings, 1953-1993 is an anthology of philosopher Maurice Blanchot's political writings - many of which were written anonymously and signed collectively, in response to current events. Individual topics include the right to insubordination during the French-Algerian War, the creation of the Berlin Wall, repression in Eastern Europe, and personal insights concerning the ideas of Heidegger, Levinas, Robart Antelme, and more. The writings are scholarly, measured, and serious in tone, even though Blanchot himself was never an academic and published much of his life's work in periodicals. An insightful window into the politics of France in the decades after the Second World War, Political Writings 1953-1993 is a welcome addition to political science shelves and highly recommended for college library collections. "There is no good nationalism. Nationalism always tends to assimilate and unify everything, all values; that is why it ends up being exclusive and fundamentalist, which is to say, the only value."


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

2013: Raising the Earth to the Next Vibration
Richard Grossinger
North Atlantic Books
Box 12327, Berkeley, CA 94712
9781556438783, $16.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com

2013: Raising the Earth to the Next Vibration comes from a spiritual writer gifted with a range of knowledge and insights into planes of consciousness and psychic opportunities to be found in failure. From different vibrations that will affect Earth in the future to the coming 2013 changes, this provides an outstanding spiritual survey for any New Age collection!

Awakening to the Spirit World
Sandra Ingerman & Hank Wesselman
Publicity Department
Sounds True
413 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
9781591797500 $19.95 www.soundstrue.com 1-800-333-9185

Understanding the world around you is to see unhindered. "Awakening to the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation" discusses Shamanism and the shamanic elements that lie within us all. With chapters on ritual, artistic vision, traditional wisdom, community, and more, the authors seek to give readers a more complete understanding of modern Shamanism. With CD of meditation music and the like, "Awakening the Spirit World" is recommended for those who want to understand Shamanism.

Haunted Wisconsin: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Badger State
Linda S. Godfrey
Stackpole Books
5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-6921
9780811736367 $10.95 www.stackpolebooks.com 1-800-732-3669

Haunted Wisconsin: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Badger State lives up to its title with a cornucopia of Wisconsin's paranormal legends, from the witches of the Wisconsin Dells to spirits haunting the State Capitol, Rocky the Rock Lake Monster, to stories of space aliens (with an affection for pancakes!) and the ghost of the murderous gangster John Dillinger. These exciting ghost stories are perfect for campfire reading, enhancing scary Halloween parties, or simply sending shivers down one's spine anytime. Highly recommended!


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

Enough!
Chonyi Taylor
Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393447, $16.95, www.snowlionpub.com

Addictions are hard to break; it's part of the definition. "Enough!: A Buddhist Approach to Finding Release from Addictive Patterns" is a Buddhist approach designed to help readers find their own break from their addictions and help others break theirs through the principles of Buddhism, with its emphasis on moderation and balance in life. Blending enlightenment and other ideas, "Enough!" is a fine and inspirational read that shouldn't be overlooked.

Essential Buddhism
Diane Morgan
Praeger Publishers
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9780313384523, $44.95, www.amazon.com

Buddhism is one of the world's great faiths. Here in the United States there are an estimated 2.4 millions Buddhists. "Essential Buddhism: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice" by Diane Morgan (Adjunct Professor of Religion and Philosophy, Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania) is a 245-page compendium providing an informed and informative introduction to the manifold aspects of Buddhist philosophy, beliefs, practices, traditions, and writings. Appropriate for both students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in Buddhism, "Essential Buddhism" provides a biography of the Buddha, as well as covering such issues as Buddhist metaphysics, ethics, the Tantra, Zen, and so much more. Enhanced with both illustrative stories and koans, all the diverse traditions within Buddhism are identified, making "Essential Buddhism: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice" a core addition to personal, school, and community library Buddhist Studies instructional reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

The Flower of Chinese Buddhism
Daisaku Ikeda, author
Burton Watson, translator
Middleway Press
606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
9780977924547 $14.95 www.middlewaypress.com

Part of the Soka Gakkai History of Buddhism series, The Flower of Chinese Buddhism chronicles the history of how Buddhism came to China, brought by traders and monks via the silk road, and how distinct Chinese schools of Buddhist thought came to be established (including the Tiantai school, which would later have a profound impact in Japan). Chapters further follow how Buddhism declined in China after brutal persecution during the tenth century, the deeds of notable Chinese Buddhist leaders of history, and the role of Buddhism in Chinese society. An excellent, carefully researched chronicle, "The Flower of Chinese Buddhism" is a must-have for Buddhist studies shelves. Also highly recommended are the other volumes in the series, "The Living Buddha: An Interpretive Biography" (9780977924523, $14.95) and "Buddhism: The First Millennium" (9780977924530, $14.95).

The Buddhist Path: A Practical Guide from the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhist
Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche & Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche
Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393553 $15.95 www.SnowLionPub.com 1-800-950-0313

Written by the founders and directors of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center (a worldwide Buddhist meditation and study network), The Buddhist Path: A Practical Guide from the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhist explains how to cultivate intellect, understanding, and compassion in oneself in order to bring out one's true nature, in accordance with the Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma ("ancient") tradition. The Buddhist Path teaches readers methods for meditation including tantric techniques of visualization, mantra, and formless meditation, as well as explaining how the mind functions and describing primordial human nature. Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, The Buddhist Path is an excellent introduction to Tibetan Buddhist practice, whether for practitioners, potential practitioners, or researchers of the Nyingma tradition. Highly recommended especially for Buddhist studies shelves.


The Native American Shelf

Trickster
Matt Dembicki, editor
Fulcrum Publishing
4690 Table Mountain Drive, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80403
9781555917241, $22.95, www.fulcrum-books.com

"Trickster: A Graphic Collection of Native American Tales" is a sequential, illustrated selection of Native American trickster tales from a variety of authentic voices and artists. Presenting the artistic and storytelling offerings of more than 26 artists/authors of different Native American backgrounds, "Trickster" is a vivid glimpse of the rich traditions still present and accessible to modern memory in Native American oral/historical traditions. Just paging through "Trickster" is sure to intrigue the most casual observer, for its vibrant colors and illustrations leap out from the page. "Trickster" is an adult/young adult serious comic book collection with a mission to inform and educate all who are interested in the vast, diverse Native American heritage that precedes discovery and colonization. Come meet an ancient god, the trickster takes many forms.

One Nation One Year
Doug James, photographer
Karyth Becenti, text author
Rio Grande Books
925 Salamanca NW, Los Ranchos, NM 87107
9781890689995, $24.99, www.nmsantos.com

"One Nation One Year: A Navajo Photographer's 365-day Journey into a World of Discovery, Life and Hope" is a photographic odyssey through far-flung parts of the Navajo nation by a talented Navajo photographer with a clear connection to the beauty of daily events in this varied setting. Traveling over dirt roads by truck, horseback, even on foot, Don James documents exciting and artistically challenging events involving rodeos, sports, traditions, people, and celebrations. From July 9, 2009, when a young woman plants corn and earns money in a summer job to buy herself an ipod, to January 19, 2009, where Joe Vandever, Sr., famed Navajo Code interpreter from WW II is pictured, the emphasis in "One Nation One Year" is on the lives and deeds of the Navajo people. There are also spectacular shots of great scenic drama woven throughout. "One Nation One Year" is a great gift of sharing to cross cultural and distance divides, presented with exquisite sensitivity and vision.

The Story of the American Indian
Sydney E. Fletcher, author/illustrator
Craig R. Smith, editor
Aubrey Wells, assistant illustrator
Axios Press
P.O. Box 118, Mt. Jackson, VA 22842
9781604190328, $18.00, www.AxiosPress.com

Initially published in 1954 by Grosset & Dunlap, "The Story of the American Indian" is a young readers' classic compendium or mini-encyclopedia to the main representatives of American Indian tribes and nations that existed previous to 1492. filled with detailed drawings and illustrations partially supplemented or completed by Aubrey Wells after the death of the original author/illustrator, "The Story of the American Indian" presents background information on Mayans, Pueblos and cliff-dwellers, Mound Builders, Iroquois, Lakota and other Plains Indian nations, Cherokee, Paiute and other Seed-Gatherers, Northwest Fishermen nations including Haida, Eskimos, Navajo, and other Indian American nations and tribes. In addition to general information about survival practices, hunting, gathering, agriculture, and social customs of the various specific groups, "The Story of the American Indian" has 21 brief biographic profiles of famous Indian Americans listed chronologically from Pocahontas, Powhatan (1595-1617), through Washakie, Shoshoni (1804-1900). More recent famous Indians mentioned include Allie Reynolds (Creeek Yankee pitcher), Jim Thorpe (Sauk Fox great athlete), Will Rogers (part Cherokee humorist), Marjorie and Maria Tallchief (Osage, ballet dancers), Charles Eastman, D'Arcy McNickle, and Maria Martinez. Ideally presented as a resource for teen readers age 12-18, "The Story of the American Indian" is a practical collection of lore and information about many of the best known American Indian nations/tribes. Due to the vast amount of current material available on the general topic, use of 'the Story of the American Indian" should be supplemented with more recent publications for any serious or comprehensive research. However, it continues a classic and valuable contribution to the field of study of American Indian history.

Cave Rock
Matthew S. Makley and Michael J. Makley
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874178272 $24.95 www.unpress.nevada.edu

Matthew S. Makley (Assistant Professor of History, Metropolitan State College in Denver) and Michael J. Makley present Cave Rock: Climbers, Courts, and a Washoe Indian Sacred Place, the chronicle of a recent, drawn-out dispute between the small Nevada tribe of the Washoe Indians and athletes backed by influential corporations, over the destiny of Cave Rock. The Washoe consider Cave Rock to be a sacred place; yet athletes and corporations sought to transform it into a world-class rock-climbing site. Their legal battle culminated in an unprecedented 2007 ruling blocking sport climbing on Cave Rock. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this thoughtful, evenhanded accounting of a groundbreaking court case.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Mind of the Mourner
Joel B. Wolowelsky
OU Press
c/o KTAV
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602801592, $15.95, www.ktav.com

Every culture faces death differently, and Jews are no different. "The Mind of the Mourner: Individual and Community in Jewish Mourning" discusses the Jewish mindset surrounding death and mourning. An event that is faced by both the individual and the community, it discusses the trait with a psychological mindset, as well as a traditional and ritual one. For those with an interest in the many cultures of death throughout the world or are just studying Judaism in general, "The Mind of the Mourner" proves to be an intriguing and fascinating read.

Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices
Jewish Publication Society
Elliot N. Dorff & Danya Ruttenberg, editors
2100 Arch Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9780827609068, $16.00, www.jewishpub.org

Security and safety is more important than ever in today's world. "Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: War and National Security" looks into the Jewish opinion on one of today's' most important and vital topics. Voices from rabbis, activists, and scholars look at the importance of the Jewish faith in beliefs and understanding in these important aspects of today's world which leaves many questions for all Americans. "Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: War and National Security" is a must for those trying to understand the Jewish opinion in today's society.

New Essays in American Jewish History
Pamela S. Nadell, Jonathan D. Sarna & Lance J. Sussman, editors
KTAV Publishing House
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306-6316
9781602801486 $49.50 www.ktav.com

Published in commemoration with the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the American Jewish Archives, New Essays in American Jewish History offers twenty-two scholarly articles, recently written by a diversity of learned authors. Individual essays include "The Democratization of American Judaism", "Rethinking the History of Nonobservance as an American Orthodox Jewish Lifestyle", "The Postwar Pursuit of American Jewish History and the Memory of the Holocaust", "Telling the American Story: Yiddish and the Narratives of Children of Immigrants", and many more. Extensive notes and an index round out this worthy contribution to Judaic Studies shelves, highly recommended especially for college library collections.


The Photography Shelf

Glacier Album
Michael J. Ober
Riverbend Publishing
PO Box 5833, Helena, MT 59604
9781606390085 $14.95 www.riverbendpublishing.com

The cold does not counter the innate beauty. "Glacier Album: Historic Photographs of Glacier National Park" is a collection of back and white photograph of this wonderful national park in Montana, focusing on its early days in the post war-boom where automobile travel came into major prominence. Displaying the sights of the area, and offering historical context, "Glacier Album" is an intriguing take and a solidly recommended pick for any lover of nature and historical photography.

Full Bleed: New York City Skateboard Photography
Alex Corporan, Andre Razo and Ivory Serra
Vice Books
c/o Power House Books
37 Main St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
9781576875391, $35.00, www.PowerHouseBooks.com

Full Bleed: New York City Skateboard Photography offers a powerful visual journey through over thirty years of skateboarding in New York, featuring a range of full color photos by New York photographers as it captures the urban skateboard phenomenon in motion. Any collection where urban culture and skateboarding are of interest will relish this presentation!

Rocky Nook
26 West Mission Street, Suite 3, Santa Barbara, CA 93102
www.rockynook.com

Jack Howard's PRACTICAL HDRI: HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGING USING PHOTOSHOP CS5 AND OTHER TOOLS (9781933952635, $34.95) provides a fine survey by a pro photographer who offers tips updated for 2010 in a highly recommended second edition. The entire HDR process from picture to print, plus processing for web applications, is fully illustrated with step-by-step tutorials packed with color screen shots throughout. No serious photography library should be without this! Also recommended as an ongoing pick is Stephen Laskevitch's PHOTOSHOP CS5 AND LIGHTROOM 3 (9781933952673, $39.95), a fine basic guide to novices new to Photoshop and Lightroom. Step-by-step instructions come from the author's background as a teacher and photographer and offer keys to using the latest version of Photoshop and Camera Raw, Lightroom and Bridge. Color examples pack nearly every page. Darrell Young's MASTERING THE NIKON D3000 (9781933952598, $34.95) offers a fine guide for any owner of the budget Nikon digital camera. It considers all the buttons, options, and personal recommendations on how and where to use each advanced function, assuming no prior knowledge in digital technology as it explores photo basics.

Apple Aperture 3
Ken McMahon & Nik Rawlinson
Focal Press
30 Corporate Drive #400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780240521787, $39.95, www.focalpress.com

Apple Aperture 3 provides an excellent survey of how to use Apple's photo management package to produce superior images. Aperture 3 tips include how to protect images, use Presets and the new Curves tool, and how to blend Aperture 3 with other programs. Digital photographers will relish instructions which use projects for examples, from exporting images to slideshows or the Web to creating an oversized photo book.

Castles of New York
Scott Ian Barry
SUNY Press
PO Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172-0960
9781438433974, $29.95, www.amazon.com

You don't have to go through Europe to experience the majesty of castles. "Castles of New York" delves into the castles one can find in the very united states, as photographer Scott Ian Barry gives readers a taste of these stone structures that sit throughout New York and its neighboring regions. Presented in full color and accompanied by a great array of history along side it, "Castles of New York" is a gorgeous coffee table book for any castle lover.

Inside the Egyptian Museum with Zahi Hawass
Zahi Hawass
The American University in Cairo Press
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
9789774163647, $49.95

Few ancient cultures have captivated the imagination as much as the Egyptians have. "Inside the Egyptian Museum with Zahi Hawass" is a photography collection taking readers on a full color journey through the Egyptian Museum in its home country of Egypt. Zahi Hawass, along with the rich and detailed full color photographs of Sandro Vannini, provides a beautiful exploration of what the museum has to offer, explaining some of the history behind many artifacts. A perfect gift for the Egyptophile or just an excellent coffee table book, "Inside the Egyptian Museum with Zahi Hawass" is an excellent pick that should not be missed.

Then & Now: The Bronx
Kathleen A. McAuley and Gary Hermalyn
Arcadia Publishing
420 Wando Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9780738573151 $21.99 www.arcadiapublishing.com

Part of Arcadia Publishing's excellent "Then & Now" series, Then & Now: The Bronx is a showcase of vintage, black-and-white photographs capturing history, flavor and character of one of New York's most well-known boroughs, named after the nearby Bronx River. Each image is accompanied by a detailed caption that adds context and insight to the memorable photograph itself. Most of the images in "Then & Now: The Bronx" were taken during the first two-thirds of the twentieth century; all reveal a telltale glimpse of America's vibrant past. Highly recommended. "An aerial photograph of the Freedomland Amusement Park site shows the property contoured into the shape of the continental United States. Although the amusement park lasted a brief time - ground-breaking took place in 1959, it declared bankruptcy in September 1964, and was torn down early 1965 - Freedomland holds some very fond memories for many New York-area baby boomers. The location of the park is now occupied by Co-op City and the Bay Plaza Shopping Center."


The Genealogy Shelf

Barksdale Chronicles in America, Volume 1
Robert Groves
Author House
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
9781452059969 $15.99 www.authorhouse.com

Barksdale Chronicles in America, Volume 1: The Stories of John Hickerson and Hickerson Barksdale is a simple, straightforward genealogical chronicle of the history of the Barksdale family in the early New World. Passages are brief, drawing upon data from censuses and other records to summarize the births, deaths, marriages, and other highlights of individual members' lives - often within the length of just a few sentences. The result is a composite picture of how a family lived, loved, and changed over time - from surviving through agriculture to embarking on new lives in merchandising and manufacturing, to playing key roles in shaping their local communities. An excellent, businesslike family chronicle and genealogical reference.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Warlord of Io
James Turner
SLG Publishing
577 South Market St., San Jose, CA 95113
9781593621957 $14.95 www.slgcomic.com

Warlord of Io is an engaging, science fiction graphic novel with appeal for readers of all ages and backgrounds. The young prince Zing is slated to inherit the gigantic space empire of Io, but he prefers playing video games to being responsible for billions of subjects! When Emperor Zoz retires, Zing struggles with instigating drastic social reforms (mostly to impress his friend Moxy Comet!) and is served a military coup for his trouble. Does Zing have the potential to be a great warlord and leader of people? Or is he capable of becoming an ever greater type of ruler? Or will the mess of galactic politics ultimately drown him? The slick, cartoony, black-and-white artwork has a strong, futuristic feel to it and brings this ultimate ruler's coming-of-age narrative to life. The result is a real treat, highly recommended for sci-fi fans.


The Cookbook Shelf

Best of the Best from the Pacific Rim
Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley
Quail Ridge Press
PO Box 123, Brandon, MS 39043
9781934193464 $16.95 www.quailridge.com

Featuring a plastic comb binding so that it can lay flat on the table for easy reference, Best of the Best from the Pacific Rim is a collection of popularly beloved recipes from the best cookbooks of the Pacific states of America: Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and Hawaii. From Dungeness Crab Puffs to Blue Cheese-Pear Salad with Hazelnuts to Broccoli Salmon Quiche, Crab or Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms, Blueberry-Raspberry Upside-Down Cake and more, Best of the Best from the Pacific Rim lives up to its title with a wealth of savory, flavorful delights. A supplementary list of contributing cookbooks and an index round out this mouth-watering compilation perfect for anyone interested in serving up a taste of the Pacific Rim.

Semi-Homemade Grilling 2
Sandra Lee
Meredith Books
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023
9780696238284, $19.95, www.semihomemade.com

SEMI-HOMEMADE GRILLING 2 offers wonderful recipes that taste as though they are made from scratch. From grilling and barbecue parties to special side dishes, this is packed with innovative, easy dishes and color photos throughout, making for an inspiring survey perfect for summer and fall entertaining and any general lending library seeking quick dishes with embellishments.

Gems of Gluten-Free Baking
Wendy Turnbull
Whitecap
351 Lynn Avenue, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2C4
9781770500181, $29.95, www.whitecap.ca

Gems of Gluten-Free Baking provides a fine assortment of breads and gluten-free treats everyone can enjoy, telling how to create your own GEMS flour, and how to reduce fat, calories and sugar in recipes. From quick breads and muffins to cookies and pies, this comes from an author diagnosed with Celiac Disease over thirty years ago - who wanted good baked goods to fit her diet. Health AND general lending libraries must have this!

Sweet Carolina
Foy Allen Edelman
The University of North Carolina Press
116 S. Boundary St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3808
9780807832943, $25.00, www.uncpress.unc.edu

A sweet tooth is something universal around the country. "Sweet Carolina: Favorite Desserts and Candies form the Old North State" is a guide to the many treats that North Carolina has developed throughout its history and has made uniquely its own. With twists on vanilla ice cream, original dishes like nutty fingers and chocolate gravy, "Sweet Carolina" is an intriguing collection that shouldn't be overlooked for anyone longing for a bit of Carolina for their cravings.

Houston Classic Desserts
Erin Hicks Miller
Pelican
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LO 70053
9781589808362, $16.95, www.pelicanpub.com

Creativity knows no ends, and this holds true with desert as well. "Houston Classic Desserts: Recipes from Favorite Restaurants" is a guide who want a taste of Houston's finest restaurants at dessert time no matter where they are in the world. Drawn from the top rated restaurants and their top rated dishes, a fine assortment of deserts ranging from cakes, pudding, pies, and candy, and other delectable entrees are available for purchase and consumption. From fresh takes on traditional dishes from White Chocolate Bread Pudding, to completely original Kourambiedes, "Houston Classic Deserts" is a fine resource for any who want a more complete appreciation of the dessert.

The Pot and How to Use It
Roger Ebert
Andrews McMeel publishing
1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106
9780740791420, $14.99, www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Who could have guessed that film critic Roger Ebert has turned the rice cooker into a powerful cooking tool? "The Pot and How to Use It: The Mystery and Romance of the Rice Cooker" is a cookbook by Roger Ebert, as he gives readers a guide to the rice cooker and how to use it to the fullest as a tool for greater health. With plenty of recipes and verbals sparring with people he's encountered online on the subject of cooking, "The Pot and How to Use It" is an entertaining useful read about the lesser known of Ebert's favorite things: his rice cooker.

Simply Lebanese
Lha'am Atalla
Garnet
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
1859641350, $39.95, www.garnetpublishing.co.uk

It features unique flavors with little else like it in the world. "Simply Lebanese" is a guide to Lebanese cooking and the finer details of the style, to help readers prepare authentic Lebanese food in their own home. With a glossary defining traditional Lebanese ingredients, and plenty of recipes for many occasions, readers will see Lebanese takes on tomato soup, salads, as well as original dishes such as Kibbeh makleih, and more. "Simply Lebanese" is a top pick for any international cookbook collection.

Fix with a Mix Desserts
Betty Crocker
Wiley
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
9780470617991, $19.95, www.wileyptnews.com

Sure, the mix itself will come out delicious, but a little creativity can turn good into wonderful. "Fix with a Mix Desserts: 100 Sensational Sweets Made Easy with a Mix" is a guide to turning plain cookie, brownie, cake, and other pastry mixes into something greater and more creative. The Betty Crocker labs encourage using their mixes to make more than the ordinary, with ideas for desserts such as Candy-Topped Blossom cookies, midnight molten brownie, peanutty granola cookies, and more, along with the added value of coupons, "Fix with a Mix Desserts" is a must for those who want something special but aren't rolling in extra time.

The Meat Lover's Meatless Cookbook
Kim O' Donnel
DaCapo Press
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738214016, $18.95, www.dacapopress.com

Faking it can be just as good as the real thing. "The Meat Lover's Meatless Cookbook: Vegetarian Recipes Carnivores Will Devour" is a guide to those who can't get enough of meat, but want to cut down on it all the same. Giving readers plenty of alternatives of what to sue for substitutes to match or even sometimes surpass meat, she gives advice on everything from rice dishes to vegetarian barbeque, and even plenty of recipes that don't involve emulating meat, but being great all their own. "The Meat Lover's Meatless Cookbook" is an original concept that will help many carnivores help curb their habit.

The Book of Tapas
Simone & Ines Ortega
Phaidon
180 Varic Street, Fourteenth Floor, New York, NY 10014
9780714856131, $39.95, www.phaidon.com

Something light doesn't have to mean something simple. "The Book of Tapas" is a guide to the wide array of Spanish tapas, or for the not Spanish inclined, appetizers and snacks. With 250 recipes making the most complex of recipes simple to make and easy to embrace for any level of cook, these tapas range from recipes for the herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore, hot and cold dishes, and so much more. With recipes like simple fired squid, Fisherman's rice, picadillos, and more, and enhanced with full color photographs, "The Book of Tapas" is a must for anyone who wants a bit of Spanish cooking in their life.

Asian Fusion
Chat Mingkwan
The Book Publishing Company
PO Box 99, Summertown, TN 38483
9781570672316 $14.95 www.thefarm.org/businesses/bpc.html 1-800-695-2241

Asian Fusion: A Culinary Odyssey of Vegan Recipes lives up to its title by offering a wealth of delicious vegan recipes from a diversity of Asian cultures. Individual dishes hail from Japan, Korea, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and more exotic locales. From "Braised Pears in Sweet Wine", "Spicy Fruit Salad", and "Marinated Lemongrass Tofu" to "Celebratory Golden Rice" and "Mushrooms in Tamarind Sauce", Asian Fusion is a delectable tour de force of healthful tastes from the East. A handful of color photographs illustrate this welcome addition to vegan cookbook collections.

Table For One
Camille Funk
Bonneville Books
c/o Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 West 700 South, Springville, Utah 84663
www.cedarfort.com
9781599554327, $16.99, www.amazon.com

When there is only yourself to cook for, it's all too easy to fall into a habit of fast food take out alternating with microwaved fare. Now there's a much healthier (and delicious) alternative for single people -- Camille Funk's "Table For One", a very nicely illustrated, 224-page compendium of thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes for 'perfectly portioned meals' for a solo diner. From soups and salads; to poultry, beef, and seafood entrees; to all manner of side dishes; to a roster of truly impressive desserts, "Table For One" features easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for turning basic ingredients into elegant dining experiences. Enhanced with both an Ingredient Index and an Alphabetical Index, "Tale For One" is especially recommended for personal and community library cookbook collections.

Fruitcake
Marie Rudisill
University of North Carolina Press
116 South Boundary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3808
www.uncpress.unc.edu
9780807899304, $15.00, www.amazon.com

Despite its honorable origins in this country, beginning with our colonial forebears, the fruitcake has become an underappreciated culinary joke. That's why Marie Rudisill's "Fruitcake: Heirloom Recipes And Memories Of Truman Copte And Cousin Sook" is such a welcome little volume. "Fruitcake" is an 80-page compendium of the history of the fruitcake followed by some rather impressive 19th century fruitcake recipes taken from a family farm journal. Showcasing twenty-three fruitcake recipes with their thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', step-by-step instructions, Marie Rudisill has elevated the fruitcake back into its rightful place as an American culinary icon appropriate for anytime of the year.

Teen Cuisine
Matthew Locricchio
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.marshallcavendish.us
9780761457152, $22.95, www.amazon.com

Along with being able to read and write, one of the truly life-long skills children can be equipped with is the ability to cook. All to often adolescence is a time of fast-food take-out alternating with microwave fare. What is needed is something to engage teens with the sense of accomplishment that comes from making a meal with their own hands that will be as delicious as it is nutritious. That's where Matthew Locricchio's "Teen Cuisine" comes in. This superbly illustrated 207-page compendium is an instructive collection of 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes of dishes that will appeal to even the most discriminating appetites. From breakfast items like a Fresh Fruit Tostados; to snacks such as a Yogurt and Cucumber Dip; to a variety of 'Celebrity Soups' including New Gazpacho with Chipotle Almond Cream; to salads and dressings such as Chicken Salad with Green Goddess Dressing; to sandwiches and burgers where 'Not-an-Ordinary Grilled Cheese Sandwich' truly lives up to its name!; to pizzas, side dishes, entrees, and desserts, "Teen Cuisine" offers something for every meal time occasion. Enhanced with the inclusion of a list of kitchen pantry essentials, a metric conversion chart, and an illustrated list of kitchen equipment and utensils, "Teen Cuisine" is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to family, school, and community library Cookbook collections.

Los Angeles Classic Desserts
Grace Bauer
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
9781589807815, $16.95, www.amazon.com

Los Angeles has long been a leader in American haute cuisine. In "Los Angeles Classic Desserts", cookbook author Grace Bauer has compiled spectacular recipes from L.A.'s premier restaurants. Superbly enhanced with full color photography by Allison Meyerson, the recipes range from cakes, torts, custards, and puddings, to pies, cheesecakes, cookies, and fruits. Of special note is the section on pie crust, mint tea, and sauces. "Los Angeles Classic Desserts" will enable even the most novice of kitchen cooks to turn out truly elegant dishes like Ciudad's 'Tres Leches Cake'; Il Cielo's 'Panna Cotta with Rose Petals'; or Comme Ca's 'Brioche Bread Pudding'. Inspired, inspiring, and a culinary tour-de-force, "Los Angeles Classic Desserts" is enthusiastically recommended for both personal and community library cookbook collections!

Cooking with Chef Silvio
Silvio Suppa with Anthony V. Riccio
Excelsior Editions
c/o State University of New York Press
State University Plaza, Albany, NY 12246-0001
9781438433639 $24.95 www.sunypress.edu 1-800-666-2211

Cooking with Chef Silvio: Stories and Authentic Recipes from Campania is more than an Italian cookbook- it's a coffee table amalgam of southern Italy's culinary cultural history, peppered with delightful anecdotes as well as delectable recipes. Full-color photographs illustrate the delights one can create, such as "Spaghetti Vesuviana", "Codfish Salad", "Ricotta Pie", "Cardilli and Beans", and much more. Most recipes include estimated preparation time An excellent choice for cookbook collections, Cooking with Chef Silvio features numerous family and restaurant-quality recipes. Highly recommended.


The Gaming Shelf

Heroes of the Megaverse
Kevin Siembieda
Palladium Books
39074 Webb Court, Westland, MI 48185-7606
9781574571738, $16.95

Sometimes one setting just isn't enough for adventures. "Heroes of the Megaverse" meshes the universes of Dimension and Minion War, creating source material for this crossover setting and how they interact with one another. Designed to be used with any campaign and setting, "Heroes of the Megaverse" is a must for Rifts fans or Palladium RPG fans in general, very highly recommended.

Masters of Technique
Howard Goldowsky
Mongoose Press
1005 Boylston Street, Suite 324, Newton Highlands, MA 02461
9780979148262, $24.95, www.mongoosepress.com

The game of chess is an allegory for many things. "Masters of Technique" is a collection of fiction centered on the game of chess, a centuries old game that is played around the world. The iconic game is used as a centerpiece as many writers provide insight into the game of Chess itself, the people who play it, and the world in general. For anyone who is a fan of the game, and a fan of short fiction, "Masters of Technique" is the ideal read for them, and any short fiction reader.

Checkmate Tactics
Garry Kasparov
Everyman Chess
c/o Globe Pequot Press
246 Goose Lane, PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437-0480
9781857446265, $16.95, www.everymanchess.com

If you're going to learn anything, you may as well learn from the best. "Checkmate Tactics" is a Chess tactics guide from world renown player Garry Kasparov as he encourages readers with his own blend of tactics and tips, outlining common strategies and how to foil them, as well as offering plenty of counters to the counters. With plenty of puzzles and drills to help a chess player take themselves to the next level, "Checkmate Tactics" is a fine read for anyone beginner or intermediate player, who wants to hone their craft at the game.

Nunn's Chess Endings: Volume 2
John Nunn
Gambit Books
www.gambitbooks.com
info@gambitbooks.com
9781906454234, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Drawing upon John Nunn's experience and expertise as an international chess grandmaster, "Nunn's Chess Endings: Volume 2" has as its particular focus rook end games. Covering every aspect of rooks and minor pieces in strategic end game play, Nunn clearly and deftly identifies motifs often encountered in over-the-board play; thematically relevant tactical elements; and articulate commentary on the ideas that serve as the foundation for complex analysis of end game tactics and strategies, making this 336-page compendium a highly prized, 'player friendly', instructional reference with enormous and enduring practical value for novice and experienced players alike. Simply stated, no personal, professional, academic, or community library chess reference collection can be considered comprehensive without the inclusion of "Nunn's Chess Endings: Volume 2".

Elements of Chess Strategy
Alexei Kosikov
Gambit Books
info@gambitbooks.com
9781906454241 $22.95 www.gambitbooks.com

Ukraine chess master and chess trainer Alexei Kosikov presents Elements of Chess Strategy, a step-by-step guidebook and teaching tool for executing one's strategy, while remaining aware that one's opponent will be taking countermeasures. The STEPS algorithm, one of Kosikov's most effective methods, is explained at length in practical terms. A wealth of sample games dissected move by move help to illustrate key principles in this excellent self-study guide for intermediate to advanced chess players striving to improve their game.


The American History Shelf

Beyond Mount Rushmore
Mary A. Kopco, editor
South Dakota State Historical Society Press
900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SC 57501-2217
9780982274965 $19.95 www.sdshspress.com

Beyond Mount Rushmore is an anthology of essays by a diversity of learned authors about famous historical personages of the Black Hills. From great musicians, to influential members of the local Chinese population, to the story of a Civilian Conservation Corps worker, to the testimony of the first African-American woman to settle in the Hills, Beyond Mount Rushmore offers an eclectic and cosmopolitan array of viewpoints. An excellent historical primary source, Beyond Mount Rushmore is especially recommended to any historian or layperson who wants to learn more about the Black Hills and the people who lived there from the mid-1870s to the late twentieth century.

The Sweetness of Freedom
Stephen Garr Ostrander
Martha Aladjem Bloomfield
Michigan State University Press
Manly Miles Building, Suite 25, 1405 South Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9780870139772 $29.95 www.msupress.msu.edu

Historian Stephen Garr Ostrander and museum curator Martha Aladjem Bloomfield present The Sweetness of Freedom: Stories of Immigrants, an anthology of firsthand testimonies of adapting to life in America by immigrants hailing from all over the world. People from Finland, the Netherlands, Korea, Iraq, Lebanon, Tanzania and more tell their stories - some of escaping from persecution, some of the drive to find the American dream, and some of just struggling to get by day by day. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrates this compelling testimony of true-life stories, sure to engage and enrich readers of all backgrounds as well as offer an invaluable primary source to historians.

Alluring New Mexico
Marta Weigle
Museum of New Mexico Press
PO Box 2087, Santa Fe, NM 87504
9780890135747, $29.95

New Mexico has had a unique history all its own throughout its one hundred and thirty year existence. "Alluring New Mexico: Engineered Enchantment 1821-2001" looks at a majority of this history reaching from the state's creation as a territory, it has had many names and attractions. From holding many artists and outlaws within its borders to the obsession with Area 51 and Roswell, Marta Weigle gives readers an appreciation for the unique history that New Mexico carries. "Alluring New Mexico" is a fine read and a top pick for any with curiosities about this state of many identities.

Nevada
Hal K. Rothman
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874178265 $21.95 www.unpress.nevada.edu

Distinguished Professor of History Hal K. Rothman (1958-2007) presents Nevada: The Making of Modern Nevada, a solid historical chronicle of the Silver State from hostile desert territory to iconic postmodern presence. Chapters examine the factors that shaped the history and character of the state, including the role of the federal government in controlling Nevada's public lands, the social, economic, and political conflict between Nevada's rural population and its burgeoning urban hubs, the drastic changes that took place during the demands of World War II, the social liberalism that took hold in the parts of Nevada where prostitution became legalized, and more. Nevada: The Making of Modern Nevada is a worthy addition to American and state history shelves, highly recommended especially for public and college library collections.

Boneyards
Richard Bak
Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814333532, $34.95, www.wsupress.wsu.edu

With small space and not a lot of places to go, disposal of the dead has always been a dilemma for Detroit. "Boneyards: Detroit Under Ground" looks at the history of the Detroit metropolitan area and how it has dealt with and honored its dead throughout the centuries of its existence. The history is a storied one that clashes practicality and tradition with a bit of the extreme with people seeking to raise the dead. Major funerals have also taken place and have had a unique impact on the culture of Detroit. "Boneyards" is an intriguing look at the story of Detroit and its dead, making for an unusual and entertaining read.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

Horror Movie Freak
Don Sumner
Krause Publications
4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
1440208247, $19.99, www.krausebooks.com

Over 130 movies and over two hundred fifty photos of movie stills and posters lend to a fine horror film survey perfect for enthusiasts. It covers the entire genre of horror, explaining what makes such a movie great, covering classics as well as newer films, and dividing horror into categories from Asian horror and supernatural thriller to zombie movies. A bonus 'Night of the Living Dead' DVD rounds out this recommendation for film collections and horror movie fans.

Theatre Games
Adrea Gibbs
Meriwether Publishing
PO Box 7710
Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7710
9781566081740 $29.95 www.meriwether.com

Theatre Games is a collection of exercises designed to help one learn and refine acting skills on DVD-R (requires players with DVD-R compatibility). An accompanying black-and-white instruction booklet summarizes the rules and skills of each game, for quick and easy reference after the video has been played. Seventeen different games/exercises are covered, including "Emotion Tag", "Mime Alley", "Concentration", and more. For example, the "Basketball" game to develop imagination, improvisation, and teamwork has the participants toss an imaginary ball in the air, and coordinate consistency in the size and weight of the ball, as they dribble it and pass it to other players in line. Theatre Games is an excellent "hands-on" practice supplement highly recommended for drama classes, improv comedy acts, and community theatre groups.


The Parenting Shelf

Out of Harm's Way
Sandy K. Wurtele, Ph.D.
Parenting Press
P.O. Box 75267, Seattle, WA 98175
9781884734977, $9.95, www.parentingpress.com

"Out of Harm's Way: A Parent's Guide to Protecting Young Children from Sexual Abuse" is a paperback pamphlet written specifically for parents of young children to help them provide realistic protection and defense against sexual predators. Though this is a difficult area to enlighten, necessary information will empower and enable parents of young children to detect signs of the imminence of sexual abuse and allow them to take swift, preventive, protective actions when necessary. "Out of Harm's Way" teaches parents how to recognize sexual abusers of children, how to practice good safety habits both at home and outside, how to communicate openly and truthfully with your child about sexuality, safety, and personal boundaries, and how to keep their children out of harm's way. While avoiding jargon and unnecessary scare tactics, "Out of Harm's Way" helps parents identify potential predators and also how they may begin to groom children for their attention. Child self-protection strategies are also taught, as well as choosing reliable adult support for child protection. Most important of all, full and open communication between parent and child is encouraged. The concepts of parental discretion, with regard to choices for single parent partners, and heeding one's intuition or "gut warnings" are stressed as well. "Out of Harm's Way" is an excellent supplement to school-based personal safety curricula for parents of young children. Also recommended by this publisher is "Where Is My Mommy?" (9781884734465, $12.95), dealing with issues of child abandonment.

Family Child Care Curriculum
Sharon Woodward
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117
9781605540122, $39.95, www.redleafpress.org

Good care does more than sustain life, it makes it flourish. "Family Child Care Curriculum: Teaching Through Quality Care" is a guide for parents and child care specialists designed to help the children under their watch not only be comfortable and happy, but learn and be stimulated for higher education above and beyond just babysitting. Analyzing young development, the importance of family, and creating a positive learning environment, Sharon Woodward promotes over two hundred exercises to help professionals. "Family Child Care Curriculum" is a powerful and useful resource that shouldn't be missed.

8 Strategies for Successful Step-Parenting
Nadir Baksh, Psy.D. & Laurie Murphy Ph.D.
Hohm Press
PO Box 2501, Prescott, AZ 86302
9781935387084 $14.95 www.hohmpress.com

It's one thing to have your own child; it's another to be dropped right into the job, already in progress. "8 Strategies for Successful Step-Parenting" discusses the job of step parenting, and how a step-parent can make a powerful difference in one's life, perhaps even more so, if they are dedicated to being a positive figure in a child's life. With notes from real life situations, "8 Strategies for Successful Step-Parenting" is a heartily recommended read for anyone about to take on the mantle of the step-parent.

The Active, Creative Child
Stephanie Vlahov
Hohm Press
PO Box 2501, Prescott, AZ 86302
www.hohmpress.com
9781890772475, $12.95, www.amazon.com

Parenting calls for a complex web of coping skills as children test boundaries, themselves, their families, their teachers, and any other adult authority that affects their lives. Especially with very active children (often diagnosed or mis-diagnosed with ADHD and similar conditions) the balance between parental supervision enhancing or suppressing a child's potential can be especially difficult. That's why Stephanie Vlahov's "The Active, Creative Child: Parenting in Perpetual Motion" will prove to be so invaluable to any and all parents of exceptionally active children of all ages and levels of development. This 105-page compendium is a thoroughly 'user friendly' resource that will enable concerned and caring parents to develop clear ideas and useful practices in supporting and encouraging the productive channeling of their child's energy, avoid diminishing their child's natural curiosity and passions, refrain from over-stimulating a child's mind and/or body, even how to select appropriate artistic activities and teachers. Thoughtful and thought-provoking, inspired and inspiring, "The Active, Creative Child: Parenting in Perpetual Motion" is an enthusiastically recommended read for any parent with an active child, and a core addition to community library Parenting instructional resource collections.


The Social Issues Shelf

The Great Jihad: How Islam and the Left Sabotage America
Andrew C. McCarthy
Encounter Books
900 Broadway, Suite 601, New York NY 10003-1239
9781594033773, $27.95, www.encounterbooks.com

The Great Jihad: How Islam and the Left Sabotage America offers a survey of the threat of Islam, which has collaborated with the American left to undermine U.S. national security and democracy. This comes form the former federal prosecutor who convicted numerous jihadists for waging a terrorist war: his survey offers a penetrating insight into underlying dangers of Jihad ideology.

Illegal
Terry Green Sterling
Lyons Press
Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
9781599218618, $16.95, www.lyonspress.com

ILLEGAL: LIFE AND DEATH IN ARIZONA'S IMMIGRATION WAR ZONE profiles the undocumented people who live and work in Arizona - and those who persecute them. Arizona's violent border is a busy gateway for illegal immigration in America: no state is as hostile to them as Phoenix, yet it's home to thousands who have no civil rights. This documentation of the heart of an immigration war makes for an involving, thought-provoking survey for any discussion on illegal immigration and immigration and civil liberties in America.

Westview Press
2465 Central Ave, Boulder, CO 80301
www.westviewpress.com

Mark Gottdiener and Ray Hutchison's fourth updated edition of THE NEW URBAN SOCIOLOGY (9780813344256, $44.00) has been revised and updated to provide college-level students with a fine integrated reader on race, class, gender, culture and politics in urban society. It discusses how these relationships influence behavior, how individual choice can affect spatial arrangements, and expands coverage of world urban centers to focus on new patterns of global interactions. Also recommended is the fourth updated edition of Craig A. Rimmerman's THE NEW CITIZENSHIP: UNCONVENTIONAL POLITICS, ACTIVISM, AND SERVICE (9780813344577, $29.00), which has been updated throughout with new material on the 2008 presidential election, ACORN, and Obama's presidency. It builds on author Rimmerman's 'Dilemmas in American Politics' series and is a top pick for classroom discussion at the high school to college level. An outstanding pick for any school collection!

Same-Sex Marriage
David E. Newton
ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781598847079, $55.00, www.amazon.com

Same-sex marriage continues to be a hot political issue on both state and national levels. Attitudes toward same-sex marriage are in a state of generational change, with favorable views growing among the young, while older citizens continue to be preponderantly opposed. One of the newest additions to the outstanding 'Contemporary World Issues' series from ABC-CLIO, "Same-Sex Marriage: A Reference Handbook" is organized into eight major sections: Background and History; Problems, Controversies, and Solutions; Worldwide Perspective; Chronology; Biographical Sketches; Documents and Data; Organizations; and Resources (including Print and Non-Print). Enhanced with the inclusion of an extensive glossary and a comprehensive index, "Same-Sex Marriage: A Reference Handbook" is a 300-page compendium that is ideal for both school and community library Contemporary Social Issues and Gay Studies reference shelves and supplemental curriculum reading lists.

Human Aggression and Violence
Philip R. Shaver & Mario Mikulincer
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002
9781433808593, $79.95, www.apa.org

All animals have violent tendencies, but human violence is in a league all on its own. "Human Aggression and Violence: Causes, Manifestations, and Consequences" takes a philosophical and scholarly look at the practice as old as humanity itself. From what drives us to violence, cultural factors, why some people are more violent than others, and how much failure there has been in history to prevent and stop it. Gazing through history, Mario Mikulincer & Philip R. Shaver edit and compile a riveting study, discussing how violence takes form, the place of genetics, the psychology of aggression, narcissism, the impact of society, and the victims. Enhanced with useful indexes and appendices, "Human Aggression and Violence" is a must for any psychology or social issues community or college library collection.

The Socialist Alternative
Michael A. Lebowitz
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583672143, $15.95, www.monthlyreview.org

Socialist is a term tossed about rampantly in the modern day, but what is truly a socialist? "The Socialist Alternative: Real Human Development" is a discussion of socialism and how author Michael Lebowitz holds that it is necessary for humanity to reach its full potential and to meet the requirements of a good society. For those looking to understand the socialist movement and the thought behind it, "The Socialist Alternative" may answer many questions and provide much food for thought.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Such is Life!
Lloyd Geering
Polebridge press
Williamette University
900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301
9781598150230, $20.00

The thinkers of the ancient world are revered for their thoughts for a reason. "Such is Life!: A Close Encounter with Ecclesiastes" looks at the work of the Jewish sage known as the Proclaimer and his thoughts on the world. His work, studied as the Ecclesiastes, was a work that promoted human worth and rings very true in today's secular world where few live only for their faith. "Such is Life!" is a fine read and a solidly recommended one.

The Pilgrim's Way to St. Patrick's Purgatory
Eileen Gardiner
Italica Press
595 Main Street, Suite 605, New York, NY 10044
9781599101675, $20.00, www.italicapress.com

The faith of the Irish Christian is deeply entrenched in their homeland. "The Pilgrim's Way to St. Patrick's Purgatory" looks into the pilgrimage sights throughout both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, looking at major religious sites throughout its deeply dedicated and religious past. With paths to be traveled by any method, be it foot or car, "The Pilgrim's Way to St. Patrick's Purgatory" is a must for anyone who wants to embrace Ireland's deep religious heritage.

Men Of A Single Book
Mateus Soares de Azevedo
World Wisdom
1501 East Hillside Dr., Bloomington, IN 47401
www.worldwisdom.com
9781935493181, $19.95, www.amazon.com

Mateus Soares de Azevedo is a Brazilian journalist who has won awards for his work. In "Men of a Single Book: Fundamentalism in Islam, Christianity, and Modern Thought" he focuses upon how a passionate and emotional attachment to a particular viewpoint or perspective coupled with the automatic dismissal of all other views or considerations has become a source of global conflict with respect to social, political and religious issues. The result of this intolerance is proving to be a primary source for 21st Century terrorism and violence. It has also begun to corrupt the term 'fundamentalist' into a pejorative description that while usually applied to religious motivations is now broadened to include secular issues as well. A 136-page compendium of insightful, rational discourse, "Men of a Single Book: Fundamentalism in Islam, Christianity, and Modern Thought" is compelling reading, as well as a timely and highly recommended contribution for personal, academic, and community library Religious Studies and Contemporary Social Studies reference collections.


The Self-Help Shelf

When You Have Outgrown Him
Dr. Kimberly Ventus-Darks
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669, Far Hills, NJ 07931
9780882823201 $14.95 www.newhorizonpressbooks.com

People change, and that can be hard to cope with. "When You Have Outgrown Him: Whether to Stay or Go" is a guide to being a woman who is at a crossroads with their mate. With advice on when to stay with your man and when to move on with your life, Dr. Kimberly Ventus-Darks gives sage wisdom to women everywhere. "When You Have Outgrown Him" is a fine take and a solidly recommended read.

Stop *Effing Yourself
Sean Kenniff
Health Communications, Inc.
3201 SW 15th Street, Deerfield beach, FL 33442
9780757314698, $14.95, www.hcibooks.com

Your biggest enemy in your life will undoubtedly be yourself. "Stop *Effing Yourself: A Survivor's Guide to Life's Biggest Screw Ups" is a book on staying resilient through all of the miserable screw ups in life. From the mistakes of health, poor choices in finance, bad romance, and so much more than that, Sean Kenniff gives plenty of advice on beating one's own bad tendencies and living your life well in spite of your self. "Stop *Effing Yourself" is a charming and much needed read for the imperfect in all of us.

Awakening the Quieter Virtues
Gregory Spencer
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830837359, $16.00, www.ivpress.com

Virtues are key to having a peaceful and successful life. "Awakening the Quieter Virtues" is an inspirational guide to finding the virtues in your life in today's world where virtue seems like some lost and forgotten concept. Character, courage, generosity, and more as the topics as Gregory Spencer seeks to inspire and drive readers. "Awakening the Quieter Virtues" is highly inspirational reading that shouldn't be missed by those who find themselves lost in life.

Listen For The Whispers
Kim Luxen Meredith
Cable Publishing
14090 E. Keinenen Road, Brule, WI 54820
9781934980477, $23.95, www.amazon.com

Tragedies like the one that struck Kim Kluxen Meredith's family can happen to anyone at any time. A car accident left her husband a quadriplegic and herself having to support her two young daughters while dealing with her own grief, trauma, and the needs of her husband in his final days. Her story is told in the pages of "Listen for the Whispers: Coping with Grief and Learning to Live Again". But more than just an account of a family's tragedy, it is also a story of learning to overcome depression, anxiety, heartache, and the loss of a loved one to re-establish a life worth living for herself and her children. Eloquent and moving, inspired and inspiring, "Listen For The Whispers" is also available in a paperback format (9781934980484, $16.95) and would make a highly recommended addition to personal reading lists and community library Self-Help collections.

Embracing Death
Terri Daniel
O Books
c/o National Book Network
PO Box 62188, Baltimore, MD 21265-2188
9781846943607, $14.95, www.o-books.com

A life lived in fear of death is not a life lived well at all. "Embracing Death: A New Look at Grief, Gratitude, and God" is an uplifting look at death, as Terri Daniel encourages readers to live their life not as if the clock is ticking down, but to face grief head and as a new beginning. Designed to help readers shake their woes of life, "Embracing Death" is a choice and inspirational read that shouldn't be missed.


The Philosophy Shelf

The Katas
Kenji Tokitsu
Inner Traditions
1 Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594773488, $16.95, www.innertradtions.com

There is more to the martial arts than fighting techniques. "The Katas: The Meaning Behind the Movements" looks at the katas, a philosophical principle that connects much of Japan's many martial arts, the underlying goal of a dedication to perfection and the endless pursuit of bettering oneself. With much eastern philosophy blended in, "The Katas" is an intriguing collection of principles and makes for a fascinating and enlightening read, highly recommended.

What Is This Thing Called Happiness?
Fred Feldman
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016-4314
www.oup.com/us
9780199571178, $45.00, www.amazon.com

We all want to be happy. But what does that mean and how is it achieved? "What Is This Thing Called Happiness?" by Fred Feldman (Professor of Philosophy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst) is a 304-page compendium of philosophical inquiry into the nature and value of happiness, including his own theory that happiness is a form of 'attitudinal hedonism'. A work of painstaking scholarship, "What Is This Thing Called Happiness?" considers the implications of theories of happiness within a framework of moral philosophy and relevance to hedonic psychology. Of special note is Professor Feldman's proposed theory of happiness in terms of empirical research. Impressively enhanced with an extensive bibliography and a comprehensive index, "What Is This Thing Called Happiness?" is a strongly recommended addition to academic library Philosophy collections and academic supplemental reading lists.


The Railroading Shelf

Santa Fe Railway
John Kelly
Iconografix
PO Box 446, Hudson, WI 54016
www.iconografixinc.com
9781583882597, $32.95, www.amazon.com

The Santa Fe railroad was and continues to be one of America's premier railway lines that has such historic claims to railroading fame as entering into partnership with Harvey House depot restaurants, providing connecting service to the Grand Canyon National Park, transporting movie stars, celebrities, and industrial moguls between Los Angeles and Chicago, and employing legendary passenger trains from Arizona to Kansas. This impressive railroading history is showcased in "Santa Fe Railway: Photo Archives", a 128-page compendium of period photographs of the trains and such ephemera as the Santa Fe railway travel brochures, advertising posters, and picture postcards of the day. No personal, academic, or community library American Railroading History collection can be considered comprehensive or complete without the addition of John Kelly's "Santa Fe Railway: Photo Archives"!


The Needlecraft Shelf

Entree To Entrelac
Gwen Bortner
XRX Books
PO Box 1525, Sioux Falls, SD 57101
www.knittinguniverse.com
9781933064192, $19.95, www.amazon.com

In "Entree to Entrelac: The Definitive Guide from a Biased Knitter", Gwen Bortner draws upon her many years of experience and expertise designing knit patterns to create a 160-page illustrated compendium of knitting projects specifically designed for knitters ranging from novice beginners to seasoned needlecrafters. The emphasis is on what advanced techniques can accomplish as readers follow the step-by-step instructions to turn out all manner of sweater patterns and other knitting projects utilizing a variety of different yarns. Superbly illustrated with both diagrams and color photography, "Entree To Entrelac" will prove to be a welcome and elegant addition to any personal, professional, or community library Needlecraft instruction collection.

Knit Socks!
Betsy Lee McCarthy
Storey Publishing
210 MassMoca Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603425490, $12.95, www.storey.com

KNIT SOCKS! 17 CLASSIC PATTERNS FOR COZY FEET offers a fine new paperback edition of the best-selling original title, offering a completely revised, updated survey packed with modern, new styles. New knitters learn correct sock techniques, practical knitting applications, and how to personalize a sock project in a title packed with interchangeable stitch patterns perfect for beginners.

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

Jeanne Large and Shelley Wicks's 'TIS THE SEASON: QUILTS AND OTHER COMFORTS (9781564779847, $24.99) provides a fine collection of home decorating ideas using ten folk-art quilts and accessories. From lap and wall quilts to projects using fusible applique, themes include stockings, stars, holly and more traditional holiday ideas, providing a powerful pick perfect for any holiday needleworker looking for new projects. Beginners will relish A TO Z OF SEWING: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE (9781604680218, $19.99), a reference that documents nearly two hundred sewing techniques using step-by-step photos paired with directions. From creating box corners to working with facings, this is a top pick for any basic needlework section. Terry Martin's QUILTING WITH PRECUTS AND SHORTCUTS (9781564779953, $22.99) is also a top pick, using simple sewing methods, bright fabrics and tips for beginners to other quilter levels. Learn how to create complex-looking patterns such as diamonds and pieced blocks using shortcuts to simplify and streamline the process in this outstanding winner!


The Travel Shelf

Your Guide to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Master Books
c/o New Leaf Publishing Group
PO Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
www.newleafpress.net
9780890515808 $15.99 www.masterbooks.net

America's natural beauty is something often forgotten and it's unfortunate that this is so. "Your Guide to Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks" is a travel guide to these two beautiful national parks as the staff at Master Books seeks to give readers a more complete guide to traveling through these parks and seeing the particularly beautiful interests of the region. With a bit of faith intertwined to encourage Christians to view God's work for themselves, "Your Guide to Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks" proves to be an intriguing and fun read, not to be missed, especially by those soon taking a vacation.

Learning the Valley
John Leland
University of South Carolina Press
718 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208
9781570039133 $24.95 www.sc.edu/uscpress 1-800-768-2500

From dinosaurs to gruesome conflict, the modern Shenandoah Valley has a special place in the hearts of South Carolina's outdoor enthusiasts. "Learning the Valley: Excursions into the Shenandoah Valley" is a travel memoir and nature appreciation read as he reflects on Shenandoah Valley as he takes a trip with his son through the valley and looks at the events that have promoted its fame, on top of its natural beauty. "Learning the Valley" is a fascinating and educational read, not to be missed.

The Creaky Knees Guide
Seabury Blair Jr
Sasquatch Books
119 South Main Street, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98104
9781570616273, $16.95, www.sasquatchbooks.com

Not every hiker is looking to push the envelope and be extreme. "The Creaky Knees Guide: The 80 Best Easy Hikes: Oregon" is a guide to finding an easy trip through the expansive wilderness in the state of Oregon. With plenty of natural sights and sounds to enjoy even through simple and easy trails, with extra information on parking, seasons, and much more to make the trip as a whole an enjoyable one. For anyone who enjoys hikes but doesn't think their knees do, "The Creaky Knees Guide" is worth checking out.

Great Escapes Italy
Angelika Taschen & Christiane Reiter
TASCHEN America
107 Greene Street, New York, NY 10012
www.taschen.com
9783836515818, $39.99, www.amazon.com

"Great Escapes Italy" is a 300 page compendium showcasing fabulous Italian villas, hotels, and resorts up and down the length and breadth of the Italian peninsula. Edited and compiled by Angelika Taschen, the full color photography of building interiors and exteriors is impressively spectacular. Enhanced for the reader with a bi-lingual text by Christiane Reiter, "Great Escapes Italy" is especially recommended browsing for the armchair traveler, and an ideal Memorial Acquisition selection choice for community library travel collections.

Lesotho
David Fleminger
Southbound
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781920143268, $10.95, www.30degreesouth.co.za

The only country in the world totally surrounded by another, Lesotho has a unique place in the world. "Lesotho: Southbound Travel Guide" is a travel guide to this unique country, sovereign in its own collection of mountains and history. Its small towns and mountain-driven countryside provide a place for visit for those who want to go off the beaten path and see something remote and mostly unseen. The first travel guide dedicated entirely to the small country, "Lesotho" is a top pick for those looking for a unique travel destination.

Oklahoma Hiking Trails
Kent F. Frates & Larry Floyd
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806141411, $19.95, www.oupress.com

The countryside of Oklahoma has plenty to offer the hiker as well. "Oklahoma Hiking Trails" is a guide for the aspiring hiker to tour the countryside and see what the forests of Oklahoma have to offer. Outlining the many trails throughout the state with detailed maps, safety tips, and difficulty ratings and so much more on top of that, "Oklahoma Hiking Trails" is a powerful tool for the Okie who enjoys something more strenuous than a nature walk.

Lonely Planet
150 Linden St., Oakland CA 94607
www.lonelyplanet.com

Adam Skolnick & Austin Bush's PHUKET ENCOUNTER (9781741797114, $12.99) offers a fine pocket-sized tote consisting of regional and city maps and unique itineraries, and offers a fine survey by locals who share their secret Phuket back roads. Destination-oriented travelers receive a fine activity-oriented approach perfect for any planning an independent journey to Phuket. Andrew Burke, et.al.'s THAILAND'S ISLANDS & BEACHES (9781741794137, $21.99) is also a highly recommended take-along tote for independent travelers to Thailand. It offers color chapters on activities and documents best places to stay from a range of independent reviews of different types of accommodation, using a green index for ecofriendly options and packing in highlights from natural areas to urban disco clubs. Anthony Ham's AFRICA (9781741049886, $36.99) packs in over 250 detailed small maps and is the only guide for independent travelers to cover the entire continent. Fast facts, tips on where to see local culture and wildlife alike, and plenty of town-by-town descriptions for accommodations, food and more make this a thick but welcome take-along tote. Travel collections will find these popular picks.


The Money/Finance Shelf

Better For Life
Daniel J. Jones
Wipf & Stock Publishers
199 West 8th Avenue, Suite 3, Eugene, OR, 97401
9781608994243, $22.00, www.amazon.com

The unexpected arrival of what has been dubbed as 'The Great Recession' has compelled millions of Americans to experienced drastic changes in their personal finances. For hundreds of thousands of our citizens, those changes have been catastrophic. "Better for Life: Turning Financial Hardship into Your Finest Hour" by Daniel J. Jones is a 188-page compendium of how to deal with the sudden short term, and enduing long term consequences of economic upheaval in terms of unanticipated job loss, loss of residence, and the barriers to re-employment. "Better for Life" goes on to provide reality-based inspiration for successfully dealing with the emotional and financial necessities of reestablishing trust; and being supportive of one's friends, families, neighbors, and community. Of special note is the concluding chapter 'Be Willing' that provides a deft presentation on turning financial hardship into personal opportunity. "Better for Life: Turning Financial Hardship into Your Finest Hour" is strongly recommended reading for anyone who has undergone the traumas associated with our current dismal economy.

How To Live Homeless In Style
Robert Spaulding
Spaulding Publishing
1225 Taft Highway, Signal Mountain, TN 37377
9781935803027, $16.95, www.justfortoenails.com

Every city in the country has a homeless population. People have been expelled from their homes or apartments because they could not pay their mortgage or rent. A very large percentage of the homeless in America are children. How do such impoverished men, women, and children survive? What can they do to survive, let alone improve their quality of life? Along with simple acts of charity, their friends, relatives, and social workers can provide them with a copy of Robert Spaulding's "How To Live Homeless In Style: Plus, 50 Ways to Survive on Plastic Bottles in These Economic Times". This is a 391-page compendium of practical, specific, thoroughly 'user friendly', real-world oriented, tried and tested ideas, suggestions, advice, and informative commentary on surviving homelessness in American today. Enhanced throughout with 175 photographs, of special note is the exceptionally useful information provided on 'dumpster diving' for plastic bottles to create a variety of survival tools for daily use. Also very highly recommended for both academic, welfare agency, and public library collections, "How To Live Homeless In Style" also provides an extensive and thematically appropriate bibliography, and would prove to be quite instructive and valuable reading for anyone at risk for becoming homeless.

The Better World Shopping Guide
Ellis Jones
New Society Publishers
PO box 189, Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0 Canada
9780865716803, $9.95, www.newsociety.com

When shopping, you can turn the world around with your wallet. "The Better World Shopping Guide: Every Dollar Makes a Difference" is a report on many products that one commonly buys every day, rating them on the measure of human rights, environmental contributions, among others, praising and condemning them on this measure, warning against the evil of certain corporations. In easy handbook form to help shoppers carry with them when deciding what brands to buy, "Every Dollar Makes a Difference" is a useful tool for the socially conscious shopper.


The Poetry Shelf

Pima Road Notebook
Keith Ekiss
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
9781930974937, $15.00, www.wmich.edu

Flourishing in a barren wasteland is something very hard to do. "Pima Road Notebook" is a collection of poetry from Keith Ekiss, reflecting on the American Dream and how it applies to America's deserts. "Pima Road Notebook" is a thoughtful and fun first collection, a top pick. "Reclamation": The landscape needs fewer words--/lexicon of birds dispersed.//Toxic slurry, spoil piles, chloride pools./There's a rawness to it, like beaten flesh.//When it's been filled in and over/a tentative takes hold//one unsure of its roots.

Voices from the Bitter Core
Ursula Krechel, poet
Amy Kepple Strawser, translator
Host Publications
1000 East 7th Street, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78702
9780924047657 $40.00 www.hostpublications.com

Voices from around the world prove vital to more complete understanding of the world. "Voices from the Bitter Core" is a massive collection of poetry from Ursula Krechel, a German poet who reflects on the major events throughout German history and the world around her. Placing the original German across from expertly translated to English by Amy Kepple Strawser, "Voices from the Bitter Core" is an ideal collection of German poetry, highly recommended.

Free Sex Chocolate
Julian Gough
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781907056369, $19.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

Having skill for one can translate to another medium. "Free Sex Chocolate" is a collection of poems and musings from Julian Gough, as the accomplished novelists branches into poetry with an irreverent take and thoughts on the world around him. Entertaining and thoughtful, "Free Sex Chocolate" is a treasure trove, very highly recommended. "An American Haiku": Ten thousand syllables//A break//Thirty thousand syllables//A break//Basho applauds, but it's not over//We Will be back with/A hundred thousand great new/syllables, after//this break.

The Fall
Anthony Cronin
New Island
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781848400689, $19.00

For all of his long life, Anthony Cronin has been a lover of literature. "The Fall" is a collection of poetry from this life long lover of the work, providing a unique brand of humor and seriousness that twist throughout the work. "The Fall" is a fine volume, not to be missed by international poetry collections. "God is a Woman": Of Course God is a woman./God has no sense of justice or fair play./God is not logical./God never listens to what you say.

Apocalyptic Swing Poems
Gabrielle Calvocoressi
Persea
853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780892553532, $22.95, www.perseabooks.com

Individuality, for the country, rebellion and tradition, America is a country of contradiction. "Apocalyptic Swing Poems" is a collection of poetry from Gabrielle Calvocoressi, discussing this nature with much thought and variance, proving a fine take on society and its values. "Apocalypse Swing Poems" is a thoughtful and entertaining take, highly recommended. "Dear Elvis, How She Did It and When and What Music": Who knows? Not me, sitting in the dark classroom./Lincoln was president. He was president onscreen./That's all that mattered to me, a light in dark/rooms, a voice filling the night as I lay awake/and rats scratched in the walls. This was before/I learned to move my hips. When I just lay there/and thought I was dreaming. When the room spun/like roller-rink lights and I prayed you would come.

The Ache of Appetite
Rachel Hadas
Copper Beech Press
PO Box 2578, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
9780914278849 $12.00 www.copperbeechpress.com

With countless previous works of poetry, Rachel Hadas is no stronger to the party of poetry composition. "The Ache of Appetite" is a collection of poetry form Rachel Hadas, her eleventh volume published. With many awards won, "The Ache of Appetite" will give readers an understanding of why Hadas has been acclaimed by her peers. "The Pilot Light": The angers flare up suddenly, blue flames./Sometimes I can predict what sets one off,/and the dismal precision of this knowledge/angers me afresh://the innocent struck match/and what ti chances this time to ignite;/and underlying every exchange,/meek, deceptive, low, the pilot light.

The Breakfast Machine
Helen Ivory
Bloodaxe Books
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781852248734 $17.95 www.dufoureditions.com 1-800-869-5677

There's more to most things than meet the eye. "The Breakfast Machine" is a collection of poetry from Helen Ivory, who explores many concepts and ideas in mythology and the world to provide a humorous and thoughtful exploration of the world. "The Breakfast Machine" is a fine pick for those looking for lighter British poetry. "Migration": The sky's starlings/are outside her window,/bustling the branches of a tree./She didn't ask for them,/doesn't' know their names;/still they are calling hers.

We Don't Know We Don't Know
Nick Lantz
Graywolf Press
250 Third Avenue North, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781555975524 $15.00 www.graywolfpress.org

A recent award winner and author of several other collections, "We Don't Know We Don't Know" is Nick Lantz's discussion of conscience, cognition, and how we perceive the world around us. "We Don't Know We Don't Know" is poetry that will make readers think about why they see the world the way they do. "Potemkin Village: Ars Poetica": Verisimiltude requires/a homeless man's feet/protruding from a dark/vestibule. Empty huts/will fool no one. If/I say do not look there,/you will look more closely, so I say, look,/for God's sake look./The men and women:/papier-mache flesh,/one bare bulb burning/in each ribcage. From this distance, light can/resemble life. See/how they wave to you.

The Dirt Riddles
Michael Walsh
The University of Arkansas Press
McIlroy House, 201 Ozark Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72701
www.uapress.com
1557289255, $16.00, www.amazon.com

Michael Walsh is an award winning poet who in "The Dirt Riddles" has compiled fifty-one poems that take for their theme work, farm life, and the sense that family farmers have that their way of life and all it entails for themselves, their families, and their communities are being steadily eroded by a changing world. Written by a master wordsmith, these are free-verse poems that strike familiar chords with universal messages and is highly recommended for personal reading lists and library Contemporary American Poetry collections. 'Family Farm': Let the garden its own green vines. / Let the yard riot back to ditch / and the field brood seedy with weeds. // Someone should live there, they say. / Not me, he says. Not me, she says / Not us, they agree. You, you. // Whoever you are, no one knows / how many violets sway / underfoot out here, how much thistle.

The Least of These
Todd Davis
Michigan State University Press
Manly Miles Building, Suite 25, 1405 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9780870138751, $19.95, www.msupress.msu.edu

A prolific poet, Todd Davis brings his third volume of poetry to light, "The Least of These". A volume that seeks to defy its title, his award winning poetry brings a level of wisdom and thought to the table that is hard to find elsewhere. "The Least of These" is least of all to be missed, highly recommended. "Dryad": Shell of sycamore, hollowed/by rot, by wind, a flume/to enfold the roundness of hip, of areola in spring.

10 Mississippi
Steve Healey
Coffee House Press
79 Thirteenth Avenue NE, Suite 110, Minneapolis, MN 55413
9781566892520, $16.00, www.coffeehousepress.org

A man of much experience in literature in poetry, "10 Mississippi" is a collection of poetry from Steve Healey, as he examines life as if it were a hide and seek game that we all play with the coming of change in the world and its tomorrow. "10 Mississippi" is a fun anthology of poetry, highly recommended. "A Life of Consolations": You'll get your reward n heaven, said my mom/when I didn't make the cheerleading squad./I remember this while pretending to study/the street map. Why do these little defeats/keep stabbing me after all these years?/I change. The light changes. I drive/up and down streets those names/I don't know. I drive along the river,/curving with its curves. I still/can't do the splits. At times/I've had too many freckles./I have an old snapshot of them./Like stars at the bottom of a chocolate milkshake./That would be a good way to die.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Multi-Ethnic Bird Guide
Ricardo Rozzi
University of North Texas Press
4354 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4354
9781574412826, $34.95, www.unt.edu/untpress

South America has a grand variety of wildlife, and in the particular avenue of birds, no place else can match it. "Multi-Ethnic Bird Guide of the Sub-Antarctic Forests of South America" discusses these birds which are believed to have persistently inhabited the area for millions of years, and that the native people have passed down stories of these birds for generations. Combing a study of these birds with a study of the people, "Multi-Ethnic Bird Guide" proves to be an intriguing study of South America, its people, and its wildlife. A fine pick and highly recommended.

Wiley-Blackwell
111 River St., MS 8-01, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell

The second updated edition of Edward J. Noga's FISH DISEASE: DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT (9780813806976, $124.99) is a 'must' for any aquatic biologist or fish health specialist. The newly updated edition expands clinical work-up insights, coverage of fish pathogen identification, and more, providing updates on diagnosis, treatment, and issues affecting overall environmental health. The result is a top pick filled with technical detail and the latest research, recommended for any college-level collection! Also recommended for college-level vet libraries is Terry W. Campbell and Krystan R. Grant's CLINICAL CASES IN AVIAN & EXOTIC ANIMAL HEMATOLOGY & CYTOLOGY (9780813816616, $124.99), a fine survey packed with keys on how to use hemic cytology and cytodiagnosis as part of the assessment of an exotic animal patient. Nearly 100 clinical cases provide a fine survey putting theory into practice, and is organized by animal type and diagnostic focus. From real-life examples to applications of basic theory, this packs in tips and cases perfect for any vet school collection. Also highly recommended is Nick Bexfield and Karla Lee's BSAVA GUIDE TO PROCEDURES IN SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE (9781905319176, $101.99), offering step-by-step guidance to performing the diagnostic procedures performed in a regular small animal vet practice. From neurological exams to nasal oxygen administration and skin biopsies, this is an outstanding guide for any working in a vet's office.

Do Over Dogs
Pat Miller
Dogwise
403 S Mission St. Wenatchee, WA 98801
9781929242696, $17.95, www.dogwise.com

People get second chances all the time, why not dogs? "Do Over Dogs: Give Your Dog a Second Chance for a First Class Life" is a guide to taking in dogs that have had previous owners, or has been taken off of the street. These dogs may not be accustomed to better owners, and Pat Miller seeks to give these new owners how to train their dog for better habits that they may not have previously known. With plenty of training advice and techniques for teaching oneself and their dog, "Do Over Dogs" is a useful guide for those who believe in second chances for man's best friend.

Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest, second edition
Andy Lamb and Phil Edgell
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
9781550174717 $29.95 www.harbourpublishing.com

A whole unique ecostystem lies just off the coasts. "Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest" is the second edition of Andy Lamb and Phil Edgell's compendium of the diverse ecosystem that lies beneath the waves off the coast of Alaska, Canada, and Washington. With plenty of full color glossy photographs and tons of details on nearly three hundred fish, this resource will prove invaluable for any study of fish, be it a professional interest or a non-specialist general reader. "Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest" is a choice addition to any community library science collection.

Valley Animals
Brooks Firestone
Fithian Press
c/o Daniel & Daniel
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
9781574645002, $16.95, www.danielpublishing.com

In the countryside, animals have as much say in the days of lives as people. "Valley Animals: True Stories About the Animals and People of California's Santa Ynez Valley" is a collection of tales for animal lovers as Brooks Firestone compiles many stories of the valley and gives a fun read about the many animals ranging from Cattle and horses to common house cats, to even some exotic elephants. For lovers of animals, "Valley Animals" will prove a fine source of entertainment.

Horse Lover's Guide to Kentucky
Patti Nickell
Eclipse Press
3101 Beaumont Centre Circle,
PO Box 919003, Lexington, KY 40591-9003
9781581502169, $19.95, www.eclipsepress.com

The fields of Kentucky have endless things to offer the lover of horses. "Horse Lover's Guide to Kentucky" is a complete and comprehensive guide for the horse fan in the blue grass state. Kentucky has been called the capital for horses in the world, with the famous Kentucky Derby to its name, but there is more to the state than that. Everything from food and lodging is discussed, making "Horse Lover's Guide to Kentucky" a must for any equine aficionado planning a trip to the state.


The Fiction Shelf

The Sixth Surrender
Hana Samek Norton
Plume
c/o Penguin Group, USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780452296237 $16.00 www.us.penguingroup.com

The Sixth Surrender is a medieval novel of intrigue, passion, innocence, and jockeying for power. Sister Eustace, born Lady Juliana, is the last of the de Charnais line, and she longs to possess her rightful home: the viscounty of Tillieres. Forced to choose between a husband or life in the cloister, Juliana hopes to wed an honorable and kindly man; instead she is betrothed to a landless mercenary with darkness on his soul. The two yearn to end their marriage as soon as feasible, yet machinations close upon them both as traitorous lords plot Juliana's untimely death. Vividly brought to life, The Sixth Surrender is a captivating novel from first page to last.

Backcountry Fury
Tony Zeiss
Parkway Publishers
PO Box 3678, Boone, NC 28607
9781597124096 $19.95 www.parkwaypublishers.com

Manhood came early for some young individuals during the revolutionary war. "Backcountry Fury: A Sixteen Year Old Patriot in the Revolutionary War" tells the tale of Thomas Young, a South Carolina teen who joins the cause and quickly grows up through the conflict, and exhibiting determination, courage, and maturity well beyond his age. An exciting historical novel, "Backcountry Fury" is not a read to be missed.

The Plum Rains and Other Stories
John Givens
The Liffey Press
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9781905785766 $29.95 www.theliffeypress.com

As peace came to Japan, the conflict simply switched to an inner one. "The Plum Rains and Other Stories" is a collection of short fiction from John Givens focusing on the Edo period of Japan where Japan shut itself off from the world as a time of feudalism. His stories focus on Samurai without wars to fight, the birth of the Yakuza, women who seek to be something other than servants fo pleasure, faith and religion, and more. "The Plum Rains and Other Stories" provide an intriguing collection of stories of Japan with plenty of poignancy and excitement.

Bedlam at the Brickyard
Brenda R. Stewart & Wanda Lou Willis, editors
Blue River Press
c/o Cardinal Publishers Group
2402 N. Shadeland Ave., Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46219
9780981928999 $14.95 www.cardinalpub.com

Speed attracts all sorts, and not all of them are race fans. "Bedlam at the Brickyard" is a collection of fifteen short stories surrounding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 400-mile stock car race and the hysteria that surrounds the event. The history of racing is delved into, the darker side of the events, superstition, and so much more. "Bedlam at the Brickyard" is a collection of fiction that those who love auto racing will love and enjoy.

The Great Bay
Dale Pendell
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
9781556438950, $21.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com

Great extinctions have ravaged the planet before, and humanity is not immune. "The Great Bay" is a novel set in the far flung future. Disease ravages mankind and thousands of years in the future, the world has greatly changed, with technology not as prevalent as it once was. An environmental examination of the world and how humans can live in tune with it for a better future, "The Great Bay" is a wonderful concept with a solid message, highly recommended.

A Sudden Dawn
Goran Powell
YMAA Fiction
PO Box 480, Wolfeboro, NH 03894
9781594391989, $12.95, www.ymaa.com

There's more to the art of fighting than simply violence. "A Sudden Dawn" is a historical novel following a young Indian of the warrior caste who realizes this fact and begins to search for enlightenment and find his own understanding of the world and the nature of the martial arts. Hoping to provide a possible explanation of the origins of Kung Fu, "A Sudden Dawn" is an exciting read that will prove hard to put down.

Unfinished Business
William G. Byrnes
Durban House Press
10000 N. Central Expressway, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75231
9780981848693, $17.95, www.durbanhouse.com

Recovering old glory can lead to rough situations. "Unfinished Business" tells the story of Peter Armstrong, an investment banker who left America behind after a prolonged period of rough times. Now living in London, he may be dragged back onto the international stage as Russia seeks to build an empire of its own, and a German Chancellor wants Germany important once more. Allying himself with a CIA Ex, "Unfinished Business" is an exciting and riveting thriller that will prove hard to put down.

Cuba on my Mind
Katie Wainwright
Livingston Press
UWA Station 22, Livingston, AL 35470
9781604890631, $17.95, www.livington.uwa.edu

One generation can have such a different experience from another. "Cuba on my Mind" tells the story Catalina and her grandson Wayne. Living in Cuba, Catalina tells story of Batista's Cuba and the revolution that came, as her grandson listens and looks to have a revolution of his own, and to craft his own place in life and society. "Cuba on my Mind" is a fine take on coming of age in Cuba, highly recommended.

Bliss, Remembered
Frank Deford
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
9781590203590 $25.95 www.overlookpress.com

Love is hard to pursue when you have a heated war between you. "Bliss, Remembered" tells the story as Olympic Athlete Sydney falls in love with a German gentlemen in the 1936 Berlin games. When World War II tears them apart, Sydney is heart broken, but an American still pursues her. Caught between the safe love and wanting what seems completely lost, "Bliss, Remembered" is a riveting romance set in an unstable period, highly recommended.

Kiss Me Deadly
Trisha Telep, editor
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9780762439492, $9.95, www.runningpress.com

Love is almost like magic on its own, so it meeting the paranormal isn't much of a stretch. "Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love" is a compilation of short stories on the concept of love and the super natural. Cruel spells, pushing the limits of what's consider natural, romantic affairs with creatures who have departed humanity, and so much more, "Kiss Me Deadly" is a riveting collection that is sure to entertain well for romance and thriller fans.

Faith, Hope, & Love
Llwyd Owen
Alcemi
c/o DuFour Edtions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9780955527272, $17.95, www.alcemi.eu

Trying to figure out what to do with one's life can be one of the toughest decisions in your life. "Faith, Hope, & Love" is the tale of Alun Brady as he faces midlife and unsure what to do, and the picture of perfected in his brother isn't helping things. An urban thriller with the theme of family ties and their pros and cons, "Faith, Hope, & Love" is a remarkable and intriguing read that shouldn't be missed.

The Called
Warren Rochelle
Golden Gryphon Press
3002 Perkins Road, Urbana, IL 61802
1930846630, $24.95, www.goldengryphon.com

People fear the different, and making them understand is no easy task. "The Called" is a follow up to the novel "Harvest of Changelings" and follows four of the characters of that novel as they are pitted against the drawing Reconvergence, a potentially catastrophic event that occurs on December 21st, 2012. Facing persecution when they leave their home land, they struggle for acceptance while trying to stand off against the evil of the Fomorii. "The Called" is a fine take on the meeting of fantasy and reality, highly recommended.

The Boy Detectives
Michael G. Cornelius
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
9780786460335, $35.00, www.amazon.com

The young sleuth is a favorite model for adolescent fiction. "The Boy Detectives: Essays on the Hardy Boys and Others" is a literary discussion on the impact of boy detective stories and their impact on society. From the meaning of male camaraderie, the mysteries they solve, and the logic behind their mysteries, it provides fascinating insight to these old tales and makes for an intriguing read. "The Boy Detectives" is a core addition to any literary studies collection.

Voice from the Planet
Charles Degelman, editor
Harvard Square Editions
79 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
9780615367323, $14.95, www.harvardsquareeditions.com

All over the world, lives are changing and they change in many different ways. "Voice from the Planet: An Anthology of Living Fiction" is a collection of short fiction that goes through all genres and concerns, from the realistic to the fantastical to the coming of age to the war story. A grand variety pack of tales, Charles Degelman puts together a fascinating collection that will never stop entertaining. "Voice from the Planet" is a solid volume, not to be missed.

Klausen
Andreas Maier
Open Letter
University of Rochester, Lattimore Hall 411, Box 270082, Rochester, NY 14627
9781934824160, $14.95, www.openletterbooks.com

The more everybody knows, the more nobody knows. "Klausen" tells the story of a small German town where a crime has occurred. It seems for every person who is clueless, there is someone who knows exactly what has happened without question. A literary novel of events and the many takes that occur within, "Klausen" is an enticing novel that will entertain as well as make one think.

The Travels of Increase Joseph
Jerry Apps
Terrace Books
c/o University of Wisconsin Press
1930 Monroe Street, 3rd Floor, Madison, WI 53711-2059
9780299247546, $19.95, www.uwpress.wisc.edu

The call for change can come in the strangest of ways. "The Travels of Increase Joseph" tells the story of Increase Joseph, a person ejected from Harvard for his views and takes up the mantle of a traveling preacher, going against the common views of the era, speaking out against environmental abuse and slavery in the 1840s. "The Travels of Increase Joseph" is an intriguing tale of the attitudes of change in the nineteenth century.

The Rounders
Max Evans
University of New Mexico Press
MSC05 3185, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
9780826349132, $16.95 www.unmpress.com

The story of the cowboy lives on, even though it's not the same as it used to be. "The Rounders" Is a reprint of the acclaimed novel that was later turned into a major motion picture. With plenty of humor, author Max Evans hoped that the story would also be known for its depictions of the life of the modern cowboy and his role in today's society. "The Rounders" is an intriguing read and a very highly recommended one, not to be missed.

In Danger
Jack Hirshman, editor
City Lights Publishers
261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
9780872865075, $16.95, www.citylights.com

There are figures in history that invite controversy. Pier Paolo Pasolini was one of these people. "In Danger" is an anthology of his work over the years, as the Italian individual was openly gay and strongly supported communism. Through his work, he pushed his beliefs and thoughts before his murder in the 1970s added only more mystique to his legend. "In Danger" is an insightful collection of one of most controversial figures of Italy in the twentieth century.

Runes of Iona
Robert Balmanno
Regent Press
2747 Regent Street, Berkeley, CA 94705
9781587902031, $15.95, www.blessingsofgaia.com

The journey to protect the planet is never an easy one. "Runes of Iona" tells the story of Iona, as she travels through an environmentally ravaged world to stand against the crushing fist of a world government with only a group of seemingly hopeless rebels by her side. A tale of environmental fantasy and journeys, "Runes of Iona" is not a read to be missed for fiction collections.

Sweetwater Burning
Heather Sharfeddin
Bantam Books
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
9780385341288, $15.00, www.sharfeddin.com

The past will come to light in often the most devastating way possible. "Sweetwater Burning" tells the tale of the small town of Sweetwater, Idaho as sheep rancher Chas McPherson cares for his livestock as well as his father. Hiring a troubled woman named Mattie Holden to look after his invalid father, Mattie's problems seem to exacerbate the problems between Chas and his father, especially when there is arson afoot in the small town. "Sweetwater Burning" is an intriguing novel that will prove hard to put down.


The Real Estate Shelf

Protect Your Legacy
Mark R. Alvig & David P. Buss
Adams Business & Professional
c/o Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 55439-2129
9781592983391, $19.95, www.beaverspresspond.com

It's best to plan for the future now, because you never know when it'd be too late. "Protect Your Legacy: A Handbook for Estate Planning" discusses estate planning and how to go about the legal processes of setting up one's will and how one wants their money managed, either when they become unable to do it themselves or the worst happens. With plenty of legal advice and reflections on modern acts and laws, "Protect Your Legacy" is a much needed read for anyone who would leave considerable estate behind.


The Islamic Studies Shelf

Journey into America
Akbar Ahmed
Brookings
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
9780815703877, $29.95, www.brookings.edu

America has no national language, no national religion, and was built on equality in the eyes of the law. Then why do so many citizens find themselves outcasts? "Journey into America: The Challenge of Islam" is a memoir and social issues discussion from Akbar Ahmed as he hopes to reflect on his own experiences and comes to American readers with the affirmation that American Muslims exist and are not the enemy of the American people. He also tackles issues of the challenges of being accepted as American, the divide of Jews and Muslims in America, and white people converting to Islam. "Journey into America" is an intriguing look at Islam in America, and is a fine read.

The Leadership of Muhammad
John Adair
Kogan Page USA
525 South 4th Street, #241, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9780749460761 $19.95 www.koganpageusa.com

People of any faith can be inspired by the drive of the Prophet Muhammad. "The Leadership of Muhammad: On a Journey, the leader of a People is Their Servant" looks at the Prophet Muhammad as a leader. Muhammad sought to better his people, and through his work, he served them, and his leadership and the examples he set forth led to one of the most powerful faiths in the world today. Integrity, courage, practicality, and other virtues are the focus, and makes "The Leadership of Muhammad" a certainly intriguing read.

Islamic Law and Civil Code
Richard A. Debs
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street, New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231150446, $50.00, www.cup.columbia.edu

Understanding a people can sometimes be done through understanding their traditional laws. "Islamic Law and Civil Code: The Law of Property in Egypt" discusses traditional Islamic law in regards to the millennia old nation of Egypt. Egypt is a unique case in the Islamic world, forming a more modern law system still founded in Islamic tradition. A unique blend of modern law and tradition, Egypt provides an intriguing case study. Richard A. Debs provides an insightful look, analyzing classical law and how it has evolved over recent years and what it can teach about the Islamic world and law around the planet. "Islamic Law and Civil Code" is a fascinating read, and a core addition to community and college library collections focusing on international law.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

Find Info Like a Pro
Carole A. Levitt and Mark E. Rosch
c/o American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610
9781604428902 $79.95 www.ababooks.org

Having a massive resource like the internet on hand is only as useful as knowing how to use it. "Find Info Like a Pro: Mining the Internet's Publicly Available Resources for Investigative Research" is a guide for using the internet to its fullest power to research any topic more efficiently. With advice on how to begin, finding addresses and other contact information, directly finding primary sources and experts, and how to use it in the court of law, this compendium by the American Bar Association will prove to be a powerful resource to lawyers who don't yet fully understand the digital age or are simply just getting started. Compiled in an easy to use fashion and enhanced with an additional resource CD-ROM, "Find Info Like a Pro" is a guide that should be on the hand of any lawyer who has to do investigative research.

Limits of Legality
Jeffrey Bland-Ballard
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9780195342291, $65.00, www.oup.com

The Judge holds a lot of power, in viewing the law, and it seems in viewing past the law. "Limits of Legality: The Ethics of Lawless Judging" looks into the power of the judge and how they are used in situations where the law as written does not hold into the Judge's own opinion and world view, and the problems that can arise. Occasionally, a judge will be faced with a case that is morally objectionable to them, yet the law as written does not condemn it. Professor of Philosophy Jeffrey Bland-Ballard discusses this practice with criticism, feeling that this practice, one accepted on many levels of society, is easily corruptible and stands against a lawful society. Thoughtful with plenty of scholarly study and opinion, "Limits of Legality" is a fine addition to any community or college library collection on the ethics of law.


The Language Studies Shelf

Cicero Alegamus Transitional Reader
Judith Sebesta & Mark Haynes
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, Inc
1570 Baskin Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
9780865166561, $36.00, www.bolchazy.com

All the education in the world may not be preparation enough for the real thing. "Cicero Alegamus Transitional Reader" is a guide to help students of Latin make the leap from the their Latin classes and text books to actual Latin documents and books. Professors of the classics in Mark Haynes and Judith Sebesta hope to help readers gain a greater grasp of the details of Latin and its grammar rules that are not commonly taught in most textbooks. "Cicero Alegamus Transitional Reader" is a fine pick for any Latin enthusiast, be they professional or amateur.


The Computer Shelf

Murach's HTML, XHTML, and CSS
Anne Boehm
Murach
4340 N. Knoll, Fresno, CA 93722
9781890774578, $44.50, www.murach.com

A good website can be a solid key to good business, and a good website needs good design. "Murach's HTML, XHTML, and CSS" is a guide to the precisions of the web languages most commonly used throughout the internet, HTML and its variants. With a comprehensive introduction to the language's basics, building a web page from scratch, using it to integrate media, forms, and other valuable website services, Anne Boehm and the Murach team equip readers well for a more complete understanding of the technology. With no shortage of useful appendices, "Murach's HTML, XHTML, and CSS" is an absolute must for anyone learning to build their own website as well as community and college library web design collections.

Microsoft
c/o O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
www.oreilly.com

Laurence Moroney's MICROSOFT SILVERLIGHT 4 (9780735638877, $34.99) comes with a disc of exercises and tools needed to install and build a first Silverlight application. Use one of Silverlight's 4 features, learn how to deploy simple applications, and use the accompanying online learning resources in this outstanding survey! Casey Reas & Ben Fry's GETTING STARTED WITH PROCESSING (9781449379803, $19.99) tells how to learn computer programming with Processing, an easy language that uses code to create drawings, animation and graphics. This approach is based on hands-on projects, not theory: as such it provides a fine introduction to programming basics and uses the fine Processing software as a teaching foundation. Also powerful is Joyce Cox and Joan Lambert's STEP BY STEP MICROSOFT WORD 2010 (9780735626935, $29.99), a survey packed with tips on building skills in Word 2010. Numbered steps and screenshots emphasize tips and pointers on using MS Word 2010, offering keys to web pages, blog posts, document management, and graphics alike. Highly recommended!

SQL Antipatterns
Bill Karwin
Pragmatic Programmers
P.O. Box 293325, Lewisville, TX 75029-3325
9781934356555, $34.95, www.pragprog.com

SQL ANTIPATTERNS is for any programmer's collection where SQL database programming is of interest. Chapters identify, explain and correct antipatterns, grouping them in terms of logical design and queries and linking them to application development. Learn how to identify and fix dangerous application antipatterns and common problems in this fine addition to any database programming collection.

Microsoft Office 2010 On Demand
Steve Johnson
Que
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0789742780, $29.99, www.quepublishing.com

Microsoft Office 2010 On Demand is packed with details on how to use Office 2010, documenting tasks on one or two pages, offering illustrations and screen shots in full color with matching steps, and numbering the steps for complete task achievement. Alerts to quirks and tips complete the at-a-glance details, while pointers offer further keys to related information in the book. Any general lending library needs this instructional guide!

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

The third updated edition of Robert Love's LINUX KERNEL DEVELOPMENT (0672329468, $49.99) offers a narrowed focus on the design of the Linux Kernel for programmers seeking a deeper understanding of the operating system so they can tailor coding more specifically to Linux strengths and operations. This newly updated third edition includes details on handlers, coverage of virtual memory, tips on debugging the Linux kernel, and more. Also recommended is Jason Sanders and Edward Kandrot's CUDA BY EXAMPLE: AN INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL-PURPOSE GPU PROGRAMMING (0131387685, $39.99). It's a fine pick for advanced programming collections where parallel programming is of interest, covering a computing architecture designed to support parallel programs. Two senior member of the CUDA software platform team up to offer this in-depth coverage, perfect for professional programming collections. Richard S. Wright, et.al.'s OPEN GL SUPERBIBLE, fifth edition (9780321712615, $59.99) provides a powerful survey of Open FL graphics programming for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, and offers hands-on keys to OpenGL development. From writing shaders and using real-time 3D graphics to using OpenGL across platforms, this is a 'bible' packed with key details for any graphics programmer and collections catering to them.

Microsoft Office 2010 Bible
John Walkenbach, et.al.
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9780470591857, $44.99, www.wiley.com

Leading experts in MS Office provide a fine reference of all features of Office 2010 in Microsoft Office 2010 Bible. From creating a document in Word and applying advanced editing options to using Excel's formulas and building a fine PowerPoint presentation, this is packed with step-by-step references to all functions from beginning to advanced features, and is a top pick for any computer reference collection.


The Nautical Shelf

A Full Cup
Michael D'Antonio
Riverhead Books
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson St., Ne York NY 10014-3658
9781594487606, $26.95, www.riverheadbooks.com

A FULL CUP: SIR THOMAS LIPTON'S EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND HIS QUEST FOR THE AMERICA'S CUP provides an excellent biography and nautical story telling of Lipson, who set the standard for winning a prize he never achieved. He was a millionaire sportsman that everyone loved - he became an international business figure but tried to win America's Cup four times - to no avail. His exploits during World War II are particularly moving in a fine account suitable for nautical, business and general libraries alike.

Building Chris-Craft
Anthony S. Mollica with Chris Smith
Voyageur Press
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760335925, $40.00, www.voyageurpress.com

Good quality is what legends start on. "Building Chris-Craft" looks at the famous motorboat production company Chris-Craft, passed through generations, originally founded by the aptly named Christopher Columbus Smith. With loads of black and white archival photographs along with a text history, a history of the company is delivered as author Anthony Mollica applies his nautical expertise with assistance from grandson of the founder, Chris Smith. A history of an American business and a read for any boating enthusiast, "Building Chris-Craft" is a fine read and a top pick for any nautical collection.


The Sports Shelf

Rickwood Field
Allen Barra
W.W. Norton
500 -5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393069334, $27.95, www.wwnorton.com

RICKWOOD FIELD: A CENTURY IN AMERICA'S OLDEST BALLPARK provides a fine survey of Richwood Field, a 1910 ballpark envisioned by a local steel baron which is the country's oldest ballpark. Sports writer Allen Barra tells the ballpark's story and provides a concurrent history of Southern baseball, creating a lively survey of regional baseball evolution highly recommended for any sports library!

Fair Play, third edition
Robert L. Simon
Westview Press
2465 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301
9780813343686, $33.00, www.westviewpress.com

FAIR PLAY: THE ETHICS OF SPORT appears in its third edition to provide new sections analyzing sports, games, and ideas of philosophy. From revised considerations of the morality of sports competition and violence concerts to discussions of headline-making issues, this is packed with discussions key to any high school or college-level survey of professional sports and ethics.

Cycling Fast
Robert Panzera
Human Kinetics
Box 5976, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
0736081143, $19.95, www.humankinetics.com

CYCLING FAST: WINNING ESSENTIALS FOR CYCLING COMPETITION provides a fine survey of cycling, from selecting a racing bike frame and choosing a race to nutrition for training, bike-handling skills for different terrains, and more. The focus is on competitive cycling: CYCLING FAST is packed with tips and training plans, workouts and checklists perfect for avid cyclers.

Ride Your Way Lean
Selene Yeager & Bicycling Editors
Rodale Press, Inc.
400 South Tenth Street, Emmaus, PA 18098-0099
9781605294063, $19.99, www.rodale.com

Ride Your Way Lean does more than just advocate cycling as a weight loss program: it tells exactly how to use the bicycle to optimize loss, from understanding connections between speed and duration and calorie-burning to selecting the proper bicycle, choosing the gear that will make the most of calorie burning, and eating before and after the ride. A fine survey for any interested in optimizing bicycle use for weight loss!

Race Track Attack Guide: AutoClub Speedway
Edwin Reeser, III
Sericin Publishing Company
1979 Mar Vista Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001
9780984172436 $16.95

For the auto racer, every track is a new puzzle to attack. "Race Track Attack Guide: AutoClub Speedway" is a guide to mastering this particular motor sports course, and how to maximize one's performance on its twists and curves with a skill and finesse that only professionals typically have. For anyone who wants to master the course, the "Race Track Attack Guide: AutoClub Speedway" continues the series detailed analysis, highly recommended.

Survival Notes for Race Fans
Robert Stofel
Ambassador Books
c/o Paulist Press
997 Macarthur Boulevard, Mahwah, NJ 07430
9780809146468, $14.95, www.ambassadorbooks.com

Not everything in life can be burned through at two hundred miles per hour. "Survival Notes for Race Fans: Inspiration for the Drive Through Life" is a self-help and inspirational guide for NASCAR and other motorsports fans to using one of their favorite passions to help them drive through their own life, sprinkled with a bit of faith throughout. "Survivals Notes for Race Fans" is a strong pick for the racing fan who needs their spirits lifted.

Learning from Water
Rene Harrop
Stackpole Books
5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-6921
9780811705790, $39.95, www.stackpolebooks.com

The trout is not a fish so easily caught. "Learning from Water: Fishing Tactics & Fly Designs for the Toughest Trout" draws upon author Rene Harrop's over a half century of experience. Encouraging fishermen to read the water to choose their lure and more correctly make their judgment calls to catch bigger, meatier trout, Harrop leaves no aspect of the sport uncovered and gives an analytical eye to the process. "Learning from Water" is an informative read for any ambitious trout fisher, highly recommended.


The Art Shelf

Idle Idol
Edward & John Harrison
Mark Batty Publisher
30 West 37th St., Suite 409, New York NY 10018
9780984190614, $16.95, www.markbattypublisher.com

IDLE IDOL: THE JAPANESE MASCOT collects under one cover the fine 3D characters found all over Japan, and is a pick for both arts and Japanese culture collections. The names, culture and features of each character is explored in an outstanding survey of strange Japanese figures, from Hello Kitty to Pyon-Chan.

Faeries
Bran Froud & Alan Lee
Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9780810995864, $29.95, www.abramsbook.com

The fairy has been the icon and first step into all things fantastical. "Faeries" is a collection of art and text, providing a gorgeous exploration of faeries and their history, their varieties, and so much more. Originally published thirty years ago, this deluxe collector's edition reprinting introduces new art and essays on faeries from the original artists, and includes eight frame-able prints and pull out posters. It also includes quite a few stories spread out through the illustrations. "Faeries" is a top pick for lovers of faeries in search of a coffee table book, or those who just appreciate good fantasy art.

H. J. Ward
David Saunders
The Illustrated Press
3640 Russel Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
9780982004135, $39.95, www.theillustratedpress.com

His art style is iconic and well known by many, even if they don't know his name. "H. J. Ward" is a biography of the man who created a grand assortment of art throughout the early days of pulp magazines in the first half of the twentieth century. Looking at his life as well as his work with plenty of major comic franchises as well as early icons like the Lone Ranger and Superman. With hundreds of works, his style defined an era, and has earned a special place in the hearts of fans of the era's comic books and pulp magazines. "H. J. Ward" is a fine coffee table collection for anyone with an appreciation for the man's work, or those who enjoy comic history in general.

Processing for Visual Artists
Andrew Glassner
AK Peters
5 Commonwealth Road, Suite 2C, Natick, MA 01760
9781568817163, $69.00, www.akpeters.com

In this world of interactivity, simple art isn't enough sometimes. "Processing for Visual Artists: How to Create Expressive Images and Interactive Art" is a guide to creating powerful and useful interactive art to make the most out of this twenty first century medium. Andrew Glassner gives readers a complete and thorough guide to programming and creating programs and using it as a medium for art. Discussing many necessary techniques, with plenty of example exercises, and outlining the production of both 3D and 2D graphics, "Processing for Visual Artists" is a great resource for artists and programmers, highly recommended.

Enameling on Metal
Nuria Lopez-Ribalta & Eva Pascual i Miro
Barrons
250 Wireless Bouelvard, Happauge, NY 11788
9780764162978, $29.99, www.barronseduc.com

Metal can be just another easel. "Enameling on Metal: The Art and Craft of Enameling on Metal Explained Clearly and Precisely" is an introduction for those who want to explore the possibilities of enameling on metal, using metal to be another way to express oneself artistically. The special materials needed, the tips and techniques that make metal art truly stand out, and so much more, "Enameling on Metal" is an intriguing and fascinating read that shouldn't be overlooked by artists looking for new mediums.


The World History Shelf

Lonergan & Historiography
Thomas J. McPartland
Missouri University press
2910 LeMone Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202
9780826218841, $44.95, www.press.umsystem.edu

There's more to history than writing down things that have happened. "Loneregan & Historiography: The Epistemological Philosophy of History" is a discussion of historiography, the philosoph and why of history. History is used not only as a look into the past, but an inquiry of the why of human nature, what culture has brought, and brings forth plenty of thought on the matter. A scholarly study and a solid addition to history and philosophy collections, "Loneregan & Historiography" is an informative text with plenty to add to any classroom discussion.

Lenin's Final Fight
Vladimir Lenin
Pathfinder
PO Box 162767, Atlanta, GA 30321-2767
9781604880274, $20.00, www.pathfinderpress.com

Lenin's version of Soviet Communism was much different from that of what Stalin turned it into. "Lenin's Final Fight: Speeches & Writings 1922-23" looks into the waning days of the political life of Vladimir Lenin as he was fighting for his vision for Russia that he won toppling the Tsars in 1917. Told with his own documents and writings, "Lenin's Final Fight" is a fascinating read for anyone who is intrigued in studying this major power in history.

Hanoi Jane
Jerry Lembcke
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429, Amherst, MA 01004
9781558498150, $22.95, www.umass.edu

Jane Fonda's staunch positions during the Vietnam war gave birth the mythos of Hanoi Jane. "Hanoi Jane" delves into the mythology constructed around Jane Fonda, who was known for visiting North Vietnam, visiting prisoners of war during the infamous conflict. Outspoken against the war, she has gained her own infamy, and the figure Hanoi Jane is constructed as what undermined America's efforts during the war. Analyzing the mythos of Hanoi Jane, "Hanoi Jane" is an intriguing and fascinating take that shouldn't be overlooked by any history collection focusing on the Vietnam war.

Empires Apart
Brian Landers
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street,5th Floor, New York, NY 10004
9781605981062 $35.00 www.pegasusbooks.com

Empire is a concept that never truly goes away. "Empires Apart: A History of American and Russian Imperialism" looks at the concept of empire through the perspective of America and Russia. Through tis birth, America has been part of an empire or building an empire of its own, so much so that one could say the country is built on empire. Russia, one of the most massive land-wise countries in the world, has also made its identity out of manifest destiny. Looking at these two countries, their history, and their futures as super powers, "Empires Apart" proves to be a remarkable, scholarly, and educational read for world history collections.

The Medieval World
National Geographic Books
1145 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-4388
9781426205330, $40.00, www.nationalgeographicbooks.com

With the fall of Rome, the world entered a period where it struggled to keep its advances. "The Medieval World: An Illustrated Atlas" is a history of the period scattered with a history of the man concepts and events that have happened throughout the period. The dual rise of both Christianity and Islam as major players in the West and Middle East, the changing face of the world divided by the rise of many nations, and what lead to the Renaissance. "The Medieval World" is packed with full color maps, reproductions of art, and much more providing a comprehensive overview of the era, proving both entertaining and educational.


The Mythology Shelf

Dances with the Gods
Wafa Stephan Tarnowski
Al Rimal Publications
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9789963610112, $11.95, www.amazon.com

There are myths that form the basis for all other stories. "Dances with the Gods: Canaanite-Phoenician Myths & Legends Retold" brings these ancient myths into the modern era as author Wafa Stephan Tarnowksi brings them into language that younger readers will understand to help them embrace and love these legends. "Dances with the Gods" is a fine addition to any children's fiction collection, highly recommended.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

SleepManual
Wilfred Pigeon PhD
Barron's
250 Wireless Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788
0764197371, $16.99, www.barronseduc.com

SLEEPMANUAL: TRAINING YOUR MIND AND BODY TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT NIGHT'S SLEEP includes an audio CD with relaxation exercises and is a top pick for any who have had trouble sleeping. Edited by Michael J. Sateia, MD, this offers the latest research and advice from leading experts and an unusual interactive exercise plan perfect for insomniacs.

Jones and Bartlett
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
www.jbpub.com

The tenth updated edition of 2011 NURSE'S DRUG HANDBOOK (9780763792381, $39.95) is a 'must' for any health reference collection, especially those where nurses regularly consult nursing drug references. It provides facts on hundreds of drugs, using formatted drug entries in an alphabetical arrangement and an index of all generic, trade and alternate drug names for quick cross-referencing, and it provides the latest research on drug interactions, dosage adjustments, and precautions. Mary E. Zaccagnini and Kathryn Waud White's THE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE ESSENTIALS: A NEW MODEL FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING (9780763773465, $56.95) will be a textbook assignment for many a nursing student, current DNP students and those seeking the degree. It's modeled after the eight DNP Essentials outlined by the AACN, offering analysis of materials relevant to an Essentials document, using the documents to help students understanding the degree requirements. Lisa Astalos Chism's THE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE: A GUIDEBOOK FOR ROLE DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES (9780763766535, $61.95) provides students with information on the DNP degree and related professional topics. From case scenarios and bulleted summaries to reflection questions at chapters' end, this is a fine textbook choice for any studying for the degree. No nursing library should be without these!

The Whole-Food Guide to Overcoming Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Laura J. Knoff, NC
New Harbinger Publications
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
9781572247987, $17.95, www.newharbinger.com

The Whole-Food Guide to Overcoming Irritable Bowel Syndrome offers a blend of recipes and health tips for eating well with a digestive disorder. From natural relief for constipation and diarrhea to a greens recipe for those who hate leafy greens, this is packed with plenty of practical ideas blending nutrition and appealing dishes, and deserves a place in any health or general collection!

The Eden Diet
Rita Hancock, MD
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310328087, $14.99, www.zondervan.com

THE EDEN DIET: YOU CAN EAT TREATS, ENJOY YOUR FOOD, AND LOSE WEIGHT advocates a simple technique - the Apple test - to help decide when it's actually time to eat. The idea is when you are physically hungry you will eat anything - even an apple - and it uses this and other visualization techniques to modify and identify real hunger and need versus habit. A fine behavior modification approach to dieting, this will earn its place in any culinary library.

Syndrome W, revised edition
Harriette R. Mogul
M. Evans
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781590771617, $16.95, www.rlpgtrade.com

Losing the hour glass figure seems to come often with age. "Syndrome W: A Woman's Guide to Reversing Midlife Weight Gain" is a health guide aimed towards middle aged women to help them fight the common midlife weight gain that naturally comes when a woman ages. With recipes for lower calorie meals, advice on habits to stave off the middle age roundness, and plenty of tips on keeping life fun and keeping a positive outlook, "Syndrome W" is an ideal pick for any woman who wants to face middle age with the odds stacked in their favor.

End of Life Care
Sandra L. Friedman, David T. Helm
American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
501 3rd Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001
9781935304074, $75.00, www.aaidd.org

The final days are tough, for both the dying and those around them. "End-of-Life Care: For Children and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" is a guide for caring for a dying one who has been suffering from various disabilities. Written by a collection of experts on near death care, the authors seek to help readers and medical staff provide adequate care that respects the dignity of the dying and their families. Discussing many issues surrounding it, from medical advancements, political debates, ethics, and more, "End-of-Life Care" will prove to be a useful resource and reference for those who are professional caretakers and are not certain how to deal with caring with terminal cases.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Points
Roger Dalet
Healing Arts Press
c/o Inner Traditions
1 Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594773358, $24.95, www.healingartspress.com

There are subtle ways to help heal their own bodies. "The Encyclopedia of Healing Points: The Home Guide to Acupoint Treatment" is a guide to the healing points and what they can offer to help the healing process and help pain relief. Outlining disorders that acupressure points can help with, Roger Dalet, a renown French acupuncturist, gives a complete and comprehensive discussion of Healing points. For anyone who wants a thorough guide to this brother practice of acupuncture, "The Encyclopedia of Healing Points" is a fine resource, not to be missed.

Women's Home Workout Bible
Brad Schoenfeld
Human Kinetics
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
9780736078283, $19.95, www.humankinetics.com

Money shouldn't be a barrier to fitness. "Women's Home Workout Bible: A Better Body for Every Budget" is a guide for attaining better health for only a hundred dollars, but with tips for those fortunate enough to be able to part with more. For stretching the health budget, over a hundred exercises are discussed to help readers get a greater mastery of their own health and fitness. With simple programs, "Women's Home Workout Bible" is a useful resource for those who are short on time and money.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Conservation by Proxy
Tim Caro
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009-1148
9781597261920, $70.00, www.islandpress.com

With so many talking heads going on about environmentalism, it can be hard to truly understanding it. "Conservation by Proxy: Indicator, Umbrella, Keystone, Flagship, and Other Surrogate Species" discusses environmentalism looking to plainly state and describe looks to define terms such as biodiversity, elaborating on the buzzwords, and seeking to give a plainly stated state of the environment address. Throughout, there are detailed diagrams supporting Tim Cairo, a professor of Wildlife at the University of California, and his facts on his opinions and thoughts on the matter. With a high attention to detail and plenty of research, "Conservation by Proxy" proves to be a complete and comprehensive look at the topic of environmentalism, a fine addition to community and college collections on studying the topic.

In Katrina's Wake
Donald L. Canney
University Press of Florida
15 Northwest 15th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611-2079
9780813035109, $27.50, www.upf.com

Katrina is quite possibly the most major disaster in the first decade of the 2000s. 'In Katrina's Wake: The U. S. Coast Guard and the Gulf Coast Hurricanes of 2005" delves into events at the response of the coast guard during this catastrophic event in 2005. Devastating New Orleans, and faced with some bumbled political action, heroes were made as the Coast guard rushed to save lives and lessen the damage to the region, and how these events still ring strong today. "In Katrina's Wake" is a thoughtful analysis of the event and the importance of the coast guard, highly recommended.

An Introduction to Green Process Management
Sam Windsor
ASQ
600 N. Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
9780873897914, $40.00, www.asq.org

What does it mean for a business to be green? "An Introduction to Green Process Management" discusses the details and needs of being an environmentally progressive business. Defining greenness, elaborating on unique requirements to be able to call oneself green, and more. With chapters on standards, management, recycling, carbon trading, among others, "An Introduction to Green process Management" will prove a very useful and educational resource, very highly recommended.


The Fashion Shelf

Little Green Dresses
Tina Sparkles
Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, PO Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507,
9781600851216, $22.95, www.taunton.com

The best fashion designer for you, is you. "Little Green Dresses: 50 original Patterns for Repurposed Dresses, Tops, Skirts, and More" is a guide for those who want to save the planet but look fashionable while doing it. Focused on using something old and turning it into something new and made by you, there is plenty of thoughtful wisdom for any creative and environmentally conscious self-fashioner. "Little Green Dresses" is a read that shouldn't be missed for the inventive dress wearer.


The Crafts Shelf

30-Minute Earrings
Marthe Le Van
Lark Books
c/o Sterling Publishing
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9781600594878, $21.95, www.larkbooks.com

30-MINUTE EARRINGS offers some sixty quick projects for jewelers, offering a range of styles that moved from earrings made from fabric swatches or scrap metal to those made from copper sheets. These are different, stylish creations made largely of metal and are fine quick projects for any jewelry-maker.

Threads
Debbie Bates & Liz Kettle
Landauer
3100 101st Street, Suite A, Urbandale, IA 50322
9780982558614, $27.95, www.landauecorp.com

A bit of thread can spice up one's art by a good degree. "Threads: The Basics & Beyond: The Complete Visual Guide to Thread Techniques & Creativity" discusses thread and how to weave into the techniques of quilting, painting, and other artistic mediums. With no shortage of ideas and full color photos throughout, Debbie Bates & Liz Kettle teach readers well on using thread in many versatile ways. "Threads" is a fine addition to any crafts collection.

Stitching Beaded Jewelry
Lesley Weiss
Kalmbach Books
21027 Crossroads Circle, PO Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
9780871164124, $21.95, www.kalmbachbooks.com

Beads can be the first ingredient in something truly special. "Stitching Beaded Jewelry: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started" is a guide for the beginner who doesn't even know where to get started. Covering numerous techniques for getting started with bead design. With plenty of diagrams and full color photos throughout the guide, Lesley Weiss arms readers with everything they need to get started to create beautiful bead jewelry. "Stitching Beaded Jewelry" is a fine addition to any crafts or hobbyist collection.


The Library Science Shelf

Crash Course In Public Library Administration
Wayne Disher
Libraries Unlimited
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781598844658, $30.00, www.amazon.com

There are two ways to learn -- from someone else's experiences or from your own mistakes. The former is much to be preferred over the latter. That's why "Crash Course In Public Library Administration", a 124-page compendium of instruction and commentary by Wayne Disher (Public Library Director, Helmet, California) will prove to be an invaluable reference for librarians called upon to provide administrative services in rural or small urban systems. Deftly organized into fifteen thoroughly 'user friendly' chapters, "Crash Course In Public Library Administration" covers all the major areas of concern ranging from library policies, to budgeting issues, facility management, general planning, and more. An ideal instructional reference, "Crash Course In Public Library Administration" strongly recommended reading for anyone called upon to library administrative duties and should be a core part of academic Library Science reference collections as well.

The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship
Amanda Gluibizzi & Paul Glassman
Facet Publishing
c/o Neal Schuman
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781856047029, $115.00, www.neal-schuman.com

Librarians aren't exclusive to rows of books. "The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship" discusses the art librarian and what is expected of this position. Many minds converge and discuss the visual arts and their presentation to the public. With chapters on how to encourage art literary, art history, art's evolution over the years, the role and uses of technology, and how communication is greatly changing the art world, this is a scholarly and comprehensive discussion of art librarianship and the aspects surrounding it. "The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship" is a strong addition to community and college library science and art collections.

Risky Business
Linda W. Braun, Hillias J. Martin, and Connie Urquhart
ALA Editions
50 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611
9780838935965 $55.00 www.alastore.ala.org 1-866-746-7252

It may seem appealing to try to appeal to teens, but there are risks in radical transformations. "Risky Business: Taking and Managing Risks in Library Services for Teens" is a discussion of steps that can be taken to make a library appeal to young adults, and the things to consider while moving towards catering to them. From the simplest of concerns of carrying books that may prove controversial, technology integration, becoming a social center, or even shifting layouts against century old systems. Discussing these topics at great length and weighing the pros and cons of each, "Risky Business" comes with many useful appendixes, and will prove an invaluable resource for any library that wants to be on the cutting edge.

Everyone Plays at the Library
Scott Nicholson
Information Today
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NH 08055
9781573873987, $39.50

Games and play can unite generations. "Everyone Plays at the Library: Creating Great Gaming Experiences for All Ages" discusses how libraries can embrace becoming community centers by offering game playing opportunities at these facilities. Written by a man who has been a game designer, an educator, and a librarian, he comes to other librarians with tips on encouraging play and togetherness, while outlining these values. Elaborating genre with many outlets and platforms, "Everyone Plays at the Library" is a very useful read that shouldn't be overlooked by librarians trying to make their library more important to their community.

Liven Up Your Library
Jennifer A. Wetzel
Upstart Books
401 S Wright Road, Janesville, WI 53547
9781602130470, $17.95

If it's just rows and rows of books, it won't exactly be someplace people want to go. "Liven Up Your Library: Creative & Inexpensive Programming Ideas" is a guide to brightening up one's library and using these elements to attract patrons. From colorful fliers to encourage reading, to good design and art throughout the library to liven the place up, to games and activities, "Liven Up Your Library" is quite the read for anyone who wants to help encourage elementary school students to read.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals, second edition
Moria Allen
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
9781581157437, $19.95, www.allworth.com

To write to persuade is a truly powerful skill. "The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals" is a guide to writing when it counts the most, to get your idea heard, known, and sold. With tips on crafting a query letter, proposing a fiction or nonfiction book, preparing a manuscript, syndication, win grants, public speaking, and dealing with rejection, "The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals" is a very useful resource that should be at hand for any writer.

How To Be A... Writer
Barbara Baig
Writer's Digest Books
c/o F+W Media
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
9781582978055 $16.99 www.fwpublications.com

How To Be A... Writer: Building Your Creative Skills Through Practice and Play is a self-training resource for writers of all skill and experience levels. Chapters offer useful exercises to encourage one's natural talents for communication, expression, memory, creativity, and characterization. Tips, tricks, and techniques for finding one's voice as a writer, getting obligatory projects done to free up time for the writing one wants to do, understanding the nature of the relationship between writer and reader, and more fill this handy and practical volume. An invaluable supplementary skill-improvement resource for writers everywhere, How To Be A... Writer is highly recommended.

Six Pigs in a Tub
Gene Cox
Capital City Books
1 N. 5th Street, Richmond, VA
9780984288120 $12.95 www.capitalcitybooks.com

The English language can prove quite annoying at times. "Six Pigs in a Tub: A Grammar Repair Kit" seeks to help readers evade the many pitfalls and complexities that come along with English grammar and how popular culture and media are not helping. With no shortage of humor, anyone looking to command a greater mastery of English should consider "Six Pigs in a Tub".

Living Write
Kelly L. Stone
Adams Media Corporation
57 Littlefield Street, 2nd floor, Avon, MA 02322
www.adamsmedia.com
9781440506246, $16.95, www.amazon.com

Writing things down, often in a personal journal, has been a long and established psychotherapeutic tools and creative psychological exercise. This practice has also proven to be an invaluable approach for authors seeking inspiration and substance for their literary efforts. "Living Write: The Secret to Inviting Your Craft Into Your Daily Life" by Kelly L. Stone is a 224-page instructional manual that will teach anyone how to make writing a daily priority, create and maintain enthusiasm for their writing activities, gain confidence in their abilities as a writer, and establish a professionalism in their writing quite distinctive from those who simply sit down on occasion to write something. Of special note is a comprehensive program specifically constructed to overcome and eliminate negative writing habits. Enhanced with an accompanying CD, "Living Write: The Secret to Inviting Your Craft Into Your Daily Life" will prove to be useful for the novice seeking to establish good writing habits, as well as more seasoned authors seeking to tap the power of their subconscious mind and harness it to their writing agendas and projects.

New Perspectives On Technical Editing
Avon J. Murphy, editor
Baywood Publishing Company
26 Austin Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701
9780895033949, $47.95, www.amazon.com

The newest addition to the Baywood Publishing Company's 'Technical Communications Series', "New Perspectives On Technical Editing" is a collection of ten informed and informative articles by experienced and knowledgeable editors that have been compiled by Avon J. Murphy, a professional technical editor and owner of Murphy Editing and Writing Services. Murphy is also a fellow of the Society for Technical Communication and currently the book review editor for "Technical Communications", the quarterly journal of the Society for Technical Communication. With the articles providing a range of perspectives, aspiring editors will find informed and informative information on a range of editing issues such as ethics, legal issues, strategies for diverse media, electronic editing, editing technical journals, and a great deal more. Each chapter features extensive references. Enhanced with an annotated bibliography that provides an evaluated description of one hundred editing resources. A critically important read for anyone who aspires to an editorial career, "New Perspectives On Technical Editing" is an exceptional reference and highly recommended for professional and academic Writing/Publishing reference collections.

Views from the Loft
Daniel Slager
Milkweed Editions
1011 Washington Avenue South, #300, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1246
9781571313232, $20.00, www.milkweed.org

The exchange of ideas is a key factor in improving oneself to become a better writer. "Views from the Loft" discusses the importance of the writer's group and a method of constant feedback. Filled with musings from countless writers, they offer insight on how to create ideas, getting it onto paper, criticizing and being criticized, and the success and failure of publishing. "Views from the Loft" is filled with inspiration and push for the would be writer who wants to better master their craft, very highly recommended.


The Library DVD Shelf

Strong Body, Fit Body with Erin O'Brien
Acacia
8515 Georgia Avenue Suite 650, Silver Spring, MD 20910
9781598284614 $16.99 acacialifestyle.com

Strong Body, Fit Body with Erin O'Brien is an all-purpose home workout on DVD, requiring no equipment other than light hand weights. Hollywood personal trainer Erin O'Brien guides the viewer through a blend of strength training, circuit training, and multi-joint movements designed to work multiple muscle groups at the same time. An excellent choice to tone muscle and get the heart going, Strong Body, Fit Body with Erin O'Brien is an ideal workout for anyone adapting their lifestyle to lose weight and improve their overall fitness. 46 min., widescreen. Also highly recommended for personal fitness DVD libraries is Acacia's "Bollywood Party Workout" (9781598284508, $16.99, 50 min.), a toning and cardio workout invested in the energy, enthusiasm and outright fun of Bollywood dance.

10 Minute Solution: Pilates for Beginners
Lara Hudson, host
Anchor Bay Entertainment
2401 West Big Beaver road, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48084-3304
$14.98 www.anchorbayentertainment.com

Part of the excellent 10 Minute Solution series of fitness DVDs, 10 Minute Solution: Pilates for Beginners lives up to its title with an amalgam of basic Pilates workouts anyone can learn and perform. The five ten-minute segments, which can be mixed and matched to one's personal tastes, are "Core Basics", "Lower Body Basics", "Upper Body Basics", "Total Body Combo", and "Long & Limber Stretch". Hosted by Pilates Method Alliance Gold Certified Instructor Lara Hudson, 10 Minute Solution: Pilates for Beginners is easy-to-follow and a stellar choice for effective body sculpting. 56 minutes. Also highly recommended for personal fitness libraries is Anchor Bay's "Dance Off the Inches: Cardio Hip Hop" (45 min. plus 19 min. step guide, $14.98).

Travel with Kids: Caribbean Cruise
Janson Media
88 Semmens Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640
$17.98 www.janson.com www.TravelWithKids.tv

Another winning installment in the Travel with Kids series, Travel with Kids: Caribbean Cruise is a DVD family travel guide to enjoying a Caribbean cruise, including ports at Jamaica, Cozumel, Cayman Islands, Labadee, Haiti, and Miami. Following the Roberts family on an enlivening adventure, Travel with Kids: Caribbean Cruise is both a useful wealth of tips and resources for potential vacationers, and a relaxing experience that armchair travelers everywhere will enjoy. bonus features include a thirty-minute Travel with Kids Miami video, a trip planner with information on ship, route & excursions, and a bloopers reel. An excellent, practical and preparatory supplement for anyone with children interested in enjoying a Caribbean cruise. 117 minutes.

Good Fortune
PBS Home Video
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608833023 $24.99 www.shopPBS.org

PBS distribution offers another critical commentary on society in Good Fortune, a cautionary DVD documentary that questions whether international efforts to aid Africa might be doing more harm than benefit. Focusing on Jackson and Silva, two individual Kenyans seeking to protect their homes from being razed by large-scale development, Good Fortune puts a human face on larger societal consequences. In rural Kenya, an American investor hopes to soften poverty by flooding the land and creating a multi-million dollar rice farm - destroying any other incidental farms like Jackson's farm in the process. In Nairobi, Silva's home and business is being destroyed as part of a slum-upgrading project. Are the potential advantages of these large scale intrusions sufficient to justify the homes and successful livelihoods they devour? Is sufficient investment being placed in the diligence and entrepreneurial spirit of the African people themselves? Deleted scenes are included in this thought-provoking documentary, worthy of stirring informed debate. Also distributed by PBS and highly recommended for public library collections is "Lafayette the Lost Hero" (9781608832514, $24.99), a DVD biography of Gilbert de Lafayette and the critical role he played in the creation of America's democracy.

Personal Training with Jackie
Anchor Bay Entertainment
2401 West Big Beaver road, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48084-3304
$14.98 www.anchorbayentertainment.com

Personal Training with Jackie: Xtreme Timesaver Training is a fitness DVD that combines cardio and strength training into an effective 30-minute workout. Television star Jackie Warner lends her expertise as a top-dollar personal trainer in this DVD packed with moves that train multiple muscle groups at once. Personal Training with Jackie is excellent choice for anyone seeking a workout routine that promotes maximum self-improvement despite having a minimum amount of time available for exercise! 32 min.

Well: Worked Out with Tannis Kobrinsky
Stock Yard Films
c/o 411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$14.95 www.healthabitravels.com www.411videoinfo.com

Hosted by Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis instructor Tannis Kobrinsky (certified by Julius Horvath), Well: Worked Out is a fitness DVD blending Pilates, Qi Gong moves, yoga-based stretches, and balance poses to the rhythms of music from around the world. Five different segments are offered; they can be combined into a single balanced workout, or undertaken separately. The sections are "Well Within" (with a focus on core muscles), "Well Being" (movement mediation to access one's Chi), "Well Armed" (upper body tone and stretch), "Well Grounded" (lower body muscle building and joint mobility), and "Well Balanced" (enhance one's awareness and alertness in addition to balance). A choice addition to personal fitness DVD libraries.

World Food Markets: China
Learning ZoneXPress
PO Box 1022, Owatonna, MN 55060
1571758453 $49.95 www.learningzoneexpress.com 1-888-455-7003

Intended for viewers ranging in age from grade 7 to adult, World Food Markets: China is an educational DVD about food markets and food preparation in the populous nation of modern China - where freshness is so important that some Chinese housewives shop twice a day to prepare meals that are not only flavorful, but also healthy. Cookbook author and traveler Paulette Mitchell guides the viewer through Hong Kong, Shanghai, and the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, where people come to the food markets to socialize as well as shop and savor local delicacies. Printable teaching materials are available online as a companion to this brief yet enlightening cultural program. Highly recommended, especially for school and public library DVD collections. 24 minutes, closed captioned.

Agatha Christie Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598284676 $29.99 Blu-ray www.acornmedia.com

Now available on a beautifully mastered Blu-ray, Murder on the Orient Express brings Agatha Christie's classic mystery starring the inscrutable Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) to unforgettable life. While traveling from Istanbul to London by rail, Poirot is offered a large sum of money to determine who is threatening the life of a wealthy, hard-line businessman. Poirot declines at first, but when the businessman is stabbed to death, Poirot resolves to reconstruct what led to the murder and find the killer. Guest stars include Eileen Atkins, Toby Jones, Hugh Bonneville, and Barbara Hershey; Murder on the Orient Express also comes with a list of Poirot books, cast filmographies, and the bonus featurette "David Suchet on the Orient Express", offering a tour of the history of the real-life Orient Express. A "must-have" for fans of Agatha Christie's widely beloved works, Murder on the Orient Express deserves to be the centerpiece of any British mystery Blu-ray collection. 93 min. plus 47 min. bonus program, 1080p (bonus program 1080i), widescreen, SDH subtitles.

Exploring Our Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
PBS Home Video
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608833061 $49.99 www.shopPBS.org

Exploring Our Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. collects three groundbreaking films about understanding the history and origins of American people: "African-American Lives", "African-American Lives 2", and "Faces of America". Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. guides the viewer on a tour that encompasses history, genealogy to reveal the stories sagas of Americans from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Exploring Our Roots is ultimately not just a story of race or ancestry, but an exploration of American heritage and foundation. An excellent, contemplative collection that examines what it truly means to be an American, Exploring Our Roots is a top pick especially for public library DVD collections. 3 DVDs, 12 hours, widescreen.

Directors: Life Behind the Camera
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
$29.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

Assembled from over 300 hours of interviews, Directors: Life Behind the Camera is a stunning documentary featuring words of wisdom from thirty-three legendary directors. A compendium of revelations about the art, business, and craft of filmmaking, how to get things done in Hollywood, the pitfalls facing one at all steps of the process, and more, Directors: Life Behind the Camera is further enhanced with illustrative film clips and interviews with guest actors and other industry veterans. A fascinating treasure trove for movie buffs, and an absolute "must-see" for anyone interested in getting into directing as a career, Directors: Life Behind the Camera is especially recommended for public and college library DVD collections. 2 DVDs, 4 hours.


The Audiobook Shelf

The Yoga of Sleep
Rubin Naiman, PhD
Sounds True Audio
413 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
9781591799184 $19.95 www.soundstrue.com 1-800-333-9185

The Yoga of Sleep: Sacred and Scientific Practices to Heal Sleeplessness lives up to its title as a two-CD audiobook self-teaching course to relearning how to enjoy deep, healthy sleep without the use of drugs. Host Dr. Rubin Naiman offers simple techniques for calming one's mind, unwinding at the end of the day, optimizing the environment in which one sleeps, and more. The CDs include rituals and rhythms offering virtually hypnotic methods to aid a smooth transition to sleep, the value of meditation and relaxation in encouraging a mindful surrender to sleep, and even the equally sacred art of awakening. A wonderful exploration into the benefits of yoga to combat insomnia and stilted sleep patterns, The Yoga of Sleep is highly recommended for anyone with sleep problems - particularly as a first choice before ingesting medications that dull the senses and may interfere with getting a good night's rest. 2 CDs, 2 hours.

Tough Customer
Sandra Brown, author
Victor Slezak, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781449818463 $123.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Tough Customer is the unabridged audiobook adaptation on CD of Sandra Brown's suspenseful novel about Dodge Hanley, a private investigator who cares more about results than rules. When a murderous stalker seeks to kill the daughter he has never met, Dodge must unravel the madman's schemes to not only protect her, but also earn a chance at reconciliation. An absorbing saga, skillfully brought to life via the smooth narration of Victor Slezak, Tough Customer is a top pick for both library and personal audiobook collections. 12 CDs, 13.75 hours.

Fake
Eric Simonson
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
1580817556 $25.95 www.latw.org 1-800-708-8863

Oscar-winning writer and director Eric Simonson examines the most notorious archaeological hoax of history in Fake, an audiobook presentation that alternates between 1914 and 1953 while following journalists and archaeologists on their quest to learn who originally planted the alleged (and ultimately false) "missing link" of the Piltdown Man skull. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries, is a suspect! Smoothly performed by a cast of five talented people, Fake makes one of history's mysteries come vividly alive and is highly recommended, especially for public library audiobook collections. 2 CDs, 105 minutes.

Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang: A Dark Ones Novel
Katie MacAlister
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781440734762 $92.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang: A Dark Ones Novel is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of Katie MacAlister's dark fantasy about a woman caught a vampire love triangle. Pia has married the Dark One Alec, who has gone missing. Her former love, the Dark One Kristoff, is convinced that she is connected to the group seeking to eradicate his kind. An unknown evil presence menaces her, while the vampire community hunts Kristoff and her for crimes they didn't commit. An exciting web of supernatural intrigue, undeath-defying danger and passionate love connect the three for better or worse, in this nail- (or jugular-) biting adventure! 8 CDs, 9.75 hours.

Ralph Compton: Ride the Hard Trail
David Robbins, author
Kevin Orton, narrator
Lone Star Audio
c/o Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781440768019 $77.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Ride the Hard Trail is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of author David Robbins' western novel, written in tribute to the legendary legacy of the late Ralph Compton. The cowpunchers Lin and Chancy Bryce seek shelter from the long arm from the law by earning a living working as cowpunchers at a widow's ranch. But when a ruthless land baron tries to seize the widow's land, Lin and Chancy become immersed in a bitter range war with the baron and his virtual army of hired guns. Lin swore he'd never strap his weapons on again, but the threat of a blood feud may force him to compromise his own principles. Kevin Orton's narration brings to life this memorable saga of internal as well as external frontier struggle to vivid life. 7 CDs, 8.25 hours.

Kokoda
Paul Ham
Bolinda Publishing
186 S Long Swamp Rd, Jackson, ME 04921
9781742148281 $123.95 www.bolinda.com

Kokoda is the audiobook adaptation of journalist Paul Ham's chronicle of the bloody battles fought on the Papuan jungle trail during World War II. Australian forces struggled to defend their homeland; the Japanese were under strict orders to fight to the death in order to conquer "Greater East Asia". The conflict was fierce and savage, marked by acts of bravery on both sides. Kokoda is a vivid, compelling, and balanced military history chronicle, worthy of the highest recommendation. 17 CDs, 21 hours 30 minutes.

KnitKnit
Sabrina Gschwandtner
Knitting Out Loud
111 Middle Street, Stockton Springs, Maine 04981
9780979607370 $29.95 knittingoutloud.com

KnitKnit is the audiobook presentation of true stories from twenty-six men and women (and one group) who engage in modern-day knitting as an art form, or for the joy of it, or to create useful and practical items, or to test the boundaries of their skill. Regarding handcraft in the context of contemporary art, KnitKnit serves as inspiration as well as exploration into the discoveries that await one learning to combine the dexterity of their hands with the creativity of their minds for fruitful results. KnitKnit is, of course, the perfect audiobook to listen to while working on one's own knitting, and an excellent gift for knitting hobbyists everywhere. 3 CDs, 3 hours 30 minutes.

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

Scott Turow's THE BURDEN OF PROOF (9781607883784, $29.98) receives a fine narration by stage and screen actor John Bedford Lloyd, and tells of a defense attorney facing an emotionally shattering event as a family is caught in crimes and secrets. This gripping story is a top pick for any library where legal investigative action thrillers are a hit. Tiger Woods' HOW I PLAY GOLF (9781607882060, $17.98) is narrated by Walter Franks and Tiger Woods and provides a fine, vivid account detailing Woods' game and personality. From his six keys to a great backswing to how to practice golf shots, this is a winning account any sports collection will relish! HITCH 22 by Christopher Hitchens (9781607882329, $34.98) is narrated by the author, features a conversation with the author, and tells of one of the most notable, debated public intellectuals of modern times. It's a personal history as well as a social history, telling of his relationships, changes, and public personal life. Tony Hsieh's DELIVERING HAPPINESS: A PATH TO PROFITS, PASSION, AND PURPOSE (9781607882305, $29.98) provides a powerful survey of an author who sold his first company for, $265 million - at the age of 24. His amazing survey shares the different lessons he's learned in business and life, showing how a differently evolving corporate culture is offering a strong model for success and achievement, based on personal happiness and new paradigms for measuring success. Robert Ludlum's THE BOURNE OBJECTIVE (9781607882268, $49.98) receives a new Jason Bourne novel written by Eric Van Lustbader and narrated by powerful reader Scott Sowers. Facing down African mercenaries, Jason Bourne's witness of an art dealer's death results in a dangerous trail of conspiracy in this powerful Bourne thriller, packed with exciting twists and turns in the typical Bourne tradition begun by novelist Ludlum. Nelson DeMille's THE LION (9781607882206, $39.98) receives a fine narration by Scott Brick, who has lent his voice to numerous successful recordings over the years, and brings a sequel to a year 2000 best-seller to life. It's ten years later, and special Agent John Corey returns to confront the Libyan terrorist known as The Lion in this gripping saga recommended for any lending library. Also a pick is James Patterson and Adam Sadler's DANIEL X: DEMONS AND DRUIDS (9781607882442, $22.95), a survey of Daniel X, on a mission to eliminate every intergalactic criminal on Earth. His superpower allows him to take on some dangerous aliens - including Phosphorius Beta, the demon of fire. An excellent science fiction story evolves, packed with twists, turns and high drama! Elin Hilderbrand's THE ISLAND (9781607882404, $34.98) is narrated by Denise Hicks, who adds a fine and lively flavor to this novel of a summer get-away where Birdie Cousins finds her role as mother of the bride-to-be challenging - especially when the bride abruptly announces she's canceled her engagement. A fine story of mothers, daughters and family secrets makes for a moving saga and dramatic audio! Scott Turow's INNOCENT (9781600249211, $39.98) provides a fine sequel to PRESUMED INNOCENT and receives a fine reading by Edward Hermann featuring Orlagh Cassidy. Over twenty years after the murder trial of PRESUMED INNOCENT, this tells what happens when Sabich, a chief judge, finds his wife dead under mysterious circumstances. Molto accuses him once again of murder - and dark truths and dangers again threaten the legal system. Fans of PRESUMED INNOCENT will relish this!

Brilliance Audio
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com

Andre Norton's YEAR OF THE UNICORN (1441814191, $24.99) enjoys a fine spirited performance by Kate Rudd as it pairs a coming-of-age story with a romance set in Andre Norton's Witch World. Gillian longs to leave her dull country life, but her desire for adventure brings her on a dangerous journey in this vivid science fiction audio, perfect for any lending library. Dean Koontz's FRANKENSTEIN: LOST SOULS (1441818294, $34.99) receives a fine narration by veteran Christopher Lane, who brings to life a new Frankenstein legend with a twist for modern times. This monster is created using stem cells and nanotechnology with the goal of creating a race of machine/biological humans - and when it back fires, Victor is in trouble in this engrossing story line! Douglas Brinkley's THE WILDERNESS WARRIOR: THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND THE CRUSADE FOR AMERICA (1441853243, $39.99) receives a fine performance by Dennis Holland who provides a warm, clear voice to reveal a fine focus on President Theodore Roosevelt and his environmental legacy. From the role nature played in Roosevelt's career to his influences from Audubon to Darwin, this offers a blend of personal anecdotes and political insights perfect for any general lending library. Dean Koontz's THE VISION (1441817344, $34.99) receives a fine narration by Dan John Miller, who is a multiple Audie finalist and Earphones ward winner. It provides an early Koontz classic award-winning novel telling of a clairvoyant who uses her psychic abilities and visions to help police solve crimes - until she envisions her own death. A striking supernatural crime drama evolves. Meg Gardiner's THE LIAR'S LULLABY (1441820019, $36.99) receives a fine narration by veteran reading Susan Ericksen, who brings to life a story of has-been country singer Tasia, who is the ex-wife of the president of the U.S. Her latest politically charged song rises in the charts - and results in her murder. It's up to forensic psychiatrist Jo to prove it's murder, not suicide, in this latest thriller. Linda Howard's AFTER THE NIGHT (1423363191, $29.99) receives a fine performance by Natalie Ross, a native Texan stage actor whose voice spices the story of Faith Devlin and Gray Rouillard in another search for truth. Southern overtones are perfectly captured in Ross' narrative voice as the thriller and romance evolves.


The Library CD Music Shelf

Voice Over the Bridge
Khing Zin Shwe and Shwe Shwe Khaing
EarthSync
c/o FlipSwitch (publicity)
PO Box 2207, Bloomington, IN 47404-2207
$16.98 www.flipswitchPR.com

Voice Over the Bridge is an extraordinary music CD that resurrects the Great Songs once used to praise the King of the ancient 13th century kingdoms of Myanmar. Recreated in collaboration with modern-day western musicians, the Great Songs return with captivating vocals and an evocation of past glory. Voice Over the Bridge is hauntingly beautiful and highly recommended. The tracks are "Rain Song" (6:40), "Nitoon Yanka" (6:25), "Ataing Mathy Blue" (7:26), "Mandalabon" (3:03), "Glorious Sun" (4:11), "San Way" (3:48) and "Thida" (7:28).

Baba Mo Tunde
King Sunny Ade
Mesa / Bluemoon Recordings / IndigeDisc
c/o Rock Paper Scissors
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
$16.98 www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Baba Mo Tunde is King Sunny Ade's first studio album in ten years; now with the aid of his enthusiastic band, he brings his pulse-pounding brand of Nigerian music steeped in Yoruba rhythm, culture, and lore. Baba Mo Tunde features an exciting, driving beat, energetic lyrics, and a drive to dance. Several American musicians have contributed to this exciting, high-octane album on two CDs, especially recommended for international music shelves. The tracks are (Disc 1) "Baba Feran Mi" (18:55), "Oro Yi Bale" (15:47), "Emi Won N'ile yi O" (8:55), "Baba L'oun S'ohun Gbogbo" (11:28); (Disc 2) "Baba Mo Tunde" (31:02), "Baba Mo Tunde King Britt Remix" (15:17), and "Eyi Ma Dun To" (11:00). Also highly recommended from Rock Paper Scissors is "Homes", an album of "Beach Blanket Noir" by sold-out-show popular performers Jon and Roy.


The Military Shelf

The American Way of War
Tom Engelhardt
Haymarket Books
PO Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
9781608460717, $16.95, www.haymarketbooks.org

When you take the highest office in the land, you get all of its problems, regardless if they are your construction or not. "The American Way of War: How Bush's War Became Obama's" is a political book discussing American politics and America's role on the world stage. Criticizing the way the wars have taken shape, 9/11 and how it happened, the flaws of Bush and Obama, and the problems of the future, "The American Way of War" provides much to think about and makes for an intriguing read, highly recommended.

Killer Rays
Mark Frankel
Specialty Press
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
9781580071550, $44.95, www.specialtypress.com

From the pages of science fiction comes America's next lethal weapon. "Killer Rays: Story of the Douglas F4D Skyray & F5D Skylancer" discusses the production of these fighters that became major players in the Navy's arsenal in the 1950s, flying off of air carriers for the first time in history and becoming the scourge of America's enemies. With plenty of artwork and photos, both color and black and white, as well as technical specs and information, "Killer Rays" is a top pick for any aviation technology fan, very highly recommended.

4 Troops
Meredith Melcher & Company
Newmarket Press
18 E. 48th Street, New York, NY 10017
9781557049476, $16.95, www.newmarketpress.com

Friendships form in the military, and like minded interests lead to unique endeavors. "4 Troops: The Mission is Music" is a collection of four soldiers uniting over their love and music and performing for the sake of their injured associates and veterans that are returning to home, raising money and awareness. Inspirational, and coming with a CD-ROM with two of their songs, "4 Troops" is a touching read, a top pick for anyone looking to support the troops in their own way.

Osprey
44-02 - 23rd St., Long Island City, NY 11101
www.ospreypublishing.com

Shilomo Aloni's Mirage III vs. MiG-21: Six Day War 1967 (9781846039478, $17.95) is a pick for any serious military library, offering a blend of first-hand accounts and surveys of the latest research to tell of dogfights over the Middle East. Photos and drawings in color illustrate the Mirage III aircraft and MiG 21 operations during the key aerial warfare scenarios of the times, making this a top pick for any military collection. Also highly recommended is Alfredo Logoluso's FIAT CR.32 ACES OF THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR (9781846039836, $22.95), a survey offering complete histories of the pilots and craft of the FIAT CR.32 in Spanish Civil War. History blends with technical specs and military strategy for an outstanding presentation! Paul F. Crickmore offers a fully revised edition of his classic LOCKHEAD BLACKBIRD: BEYOND THE SECRET MISSIONS (9781846038464, $24.95). It was first published in 1986 when the Cold War was at its height: ten years later a number of official documents have been declassified and these and dozens of key military contacts re-tell the story of the SR-71 and its performance and importance, in a title highly recommended for any serious military collection. Also recommended is COUNTERINSURGENCY IN MODERN WARFARE (9781849081641, $19.95), edited by Daniel Marston and Carter Malkasian. This new paperback edition holds new chapters reviewing counterinsurgency methods, comparing works and perspectives of leading analysts in the U.S. and Canada in a 'must have' reference for any military collection.

Hero Found
Bruce Henderson
Harper
10 East 53rd St., New York NY 10022-5299
9780061571367, $27.99, www.harpercollins.com

HERO FOUND: THE GREATEST POW ESCAPE OF THE VIETNAM WAR provides a dramatic, true story of a U.S. navy pilot who led a mass escape from a POW camp inside Laos and became the longest-held American to escape captivity during the Vietnam War. It reads with all the drama of a novel, but is a powerful, true story of survival and daring perfect for military and general lending collections alike!


The Business Shelf

Best Practice in Professional Supervision
Allyson Davys & Liz Beddoe
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Box 960, Herndon, CA 20172-0960
9781843109952, $34.95, www.jkp.com

Best Practice in Professional Supervision: A Guide for the Helping Professions offers an assessment of the basic skills and practices involved in a supervision relationship, from organization to culture, and offers examples and a model of superior supervision. Adult learning theory contributes to the model where supervision is viewed as a learning environment: a range of professions, from nursing to allied health, is covered in this fine recommendation for any business or health sciences collection.

The Jazz Process
Adrian Cho
Addison-Wesley
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321636457, $29.99, www.informit.com/aw

THE JAZZ PROCESS: COLLABORATION, INNOVATION, AND AGILITY is a top pick for business managers and teams seeking to apply jazz musician principles to the business world. It comes from a collaboration expert and musician who shows how to use thee basics to improve team performance, offering a survey that begins with five core principles of working in teams and teaches how to collaborate more effectively both within the team and with customers and outside interests. A top pick for any business collection!

Marketing in a Web 2.0 World
Peter Van Rhysdam
Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.
1405 SW 6th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471-0640
9781601383174, $24.95, www.atlantic-pub.com

The Internet changes so rapidly that a tactic useful in 2009 may not work in 2010. "Marketing in a Web 2.0 World: Using Social Media, Webinars, Blogs, and More to Boost Your Small Business on a Budget" looks at the possibilities of the internet has for marketing and pushing the potential of small business above and beyond what they were usually limited in attaining. A powerful and comprehensive research, "Marketing in a Web 2.0 World" is a choice pick that shouldn't be overlooked by any small business with growth aspirations.

Predictable Magic
Deepa Prahalad and Ravi Sawhney
Wharton School Publishing
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780137023486 $29.99 www.mcp.com 1-800-428-5331

What works isn't some crazy unknown formula, it can be pretty clear and standard. "Predictable Magic: Unleash the Power of Design Strategy to Transform Your Business" is a guide to making a successful product by building a strategy along with the product to make the corporation work with the product instead of aversely like many products start their lifespans on. From different strategies for different items, the importance of marketing, and how to introduce something new, "Predictable Magic" is a fine read, and a solidly recommended one.

Refocusing Focus Groups
Robert J. Morais
Paramount Market Publishing, Inc.
950 Danby Road, Suite 136, Ithaca, NY 14850
9780981986975 $19.95 www.paramountbooks.com 1-888-787-8100

Research is invaluable in any venture, especially so in business. "Refocusing Focus Groups: A Practical Guide" is a guide to maximizing the potential of focus groups, and how to get real, usable, reliable info out of them. Drawing upon decades of pre-existing research and the opinions of many experts, "Refocusing Focus Groups" should be required reading for any business seeking to use one.


The Education Shelf

What Teachers Really Need To Know About Formative Assessment
Laura Greenstein
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416609964 $27.95 www.ascd.org

Assessing a students skills shouldn't only be done at the time of a test. "What Teachers Really Need to Know About Formative Assessment" is a guide for educators on using formative assessment, and how it can help teachers help their students before they fail a vital test. With advisories on diagnosing problems, adjusting instruction, finding out what's not working, and so much more, Laura Greenstein uses her over three and a half decades of teaching experience to create a useful read that shouldn't be missed. "What Teachers Really Need to Know about Formative Assessment" is a core addition to any educational studies collection.

How the Sun Makes Our Day
The College of William & Mary's Center for Gifted Education
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593633929, $39.95, www.prufrock.com

Without the sun, we'd have nothing. "How the Sun Makes Our Day" is a guide to a youth science curriculum for kindergarten and first graders to help them gain a more basic understanding of our solar system and why the sun is so important. With thirteen thoroughly researched lessons, how to challenge your students, and more, "How the Sun Makes Our Day" is quite the resource for those tasked with teaching this aspect of science to very young learners, a top pick for elementary education collections.

Learning by Doing, second edition
Richard DuFour & Collaborators
Solution Tree
555 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
9781935542094, $34.95, www.solution-tree.com

Learning is something that a good company should never stop doing. "Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work" is a complete and comprehension guide to PLCs, or professional learning community. Educators can provide a major aspect to effective employees if applied correctly and help companies move forward. Evaluating, establishing, and reforming these practices make "Learning by Doing" a read that should be highly considered by any business that wants to train its employees further.

The Adventures of Super3
Annette C.H. Nelson and Danielle N. DuPuis
Linworth
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 92116-1911
9781586833879, $95.00, www.abc-clio.com

The Adventures of Super3: A Teacher's Guide to Information Literacy for Grades K-2 offers teachers a collection of dynamic lesson plans which can be used to teach problem-solving strategies to young children. Each lesson contains performance objectives, activities, assessment, and children's literatures, with printable materials for each lesson and a DVD with two animated shorts rounding out a revolutionary new way teachers can teach the concept of the Super3.

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

Gayle H. Gregory and Lin Kuzmich's STUDENT TEAMS THAT GET RESULTS: TEACHING TOOLS FOR THE DIFFERENTIATED CLASSROOM (9781412917025, $35.95) offers effective group tools to improve critical thinking, knowledge sharing and applied learning. Over 100 reproducible planning tools offer teachers a host of tools, from examples for math and graphic organizers to examples, steps and directions. Sandra M. Kaplan, Irene Guzman and Carol Ann Tomlinson's USING THE PARALLEL CURRICULUM MODEL IN URBAN SETTINGS GRADES K-8 (9781412972192, $38.95) provides a key survey for teachers in urban settings. It provides a hands-on curriculum guide that focuses on student potential in studies, as classroom participants, and as presenters, teaching how to build the connections between curriculum and personal strengths that will enable students to rely on their strengths. Education collections must have these! Randi Stone's MORE BEST PRACTICES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOMS: WHAT AWARD-WINNING TEACHERS DO (9781412963428, $30.95) comes packed with lessons and units written by teachers who have used these ideas successfully in classrooms. Each lesson includes grade levels, objectives, state and national standards, and more, offering keys to managing classrooms and teaching in all disciplines. A 'must' key for engaging students more efficiently. Also key is Sarah V. Mackenzie and G. Calvin Mackenzie's NOW WHAT? CONFRONTING AND RESOLVING ETHICAL QUESTIONS: A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS (9781412970846, $33.95). Real-life case studies offer a volume that examines the relationship between ethics and school success, considering the role of teachers in developing ethical policies for their schools and considering how inter-relationships are affected by the school's structure. A thought-provoking piece, this examines working relationships throughout the system. Cornelius L. Barker and Claudette J. Searchwell's WRITING MEANINGFUL TEACHER EVALUATIONS - RIGHT NOW! (9781412960113, $31.95) appears in its third updated edition and provides school principals with a reference guide to teacher evaluations. Sample written evaluations with commentary, forms, and keys to interacting with teachers and parents alike make for an outstanding, specific guide!

Best Practices for the Inclusive Classroom
Richard T. Goon, PhD and Vicky G. Spencer, PhD
Prufrock Press
Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593634063, $39.95, www.prufrock.com

Best Practices for the Inclusive Classroom is written by expert teachers and researchers and examines field-tested strategies that teachers need to teach all learners equally well in the classroom. General and special interest providers alike receive strategies in different content areas and a review of the entire integration process, plus tested tips for introducing assistive technology and responding successfully to cultural differences. Very highly recommended!

Developmentally Appropriate Play
Gaye Gronlund
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
9781605540375, $32.95, www.redleafpress.org

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PLAY; GUIDING YOUNG CHILDREN TO A HIGHER LEVEL provides a powerful early childhood survey packed with teaching methods and best strategies for facilitating high-level play. From interaction with kids to adding documentation and drawing and blending early learning standards into play, this offers parents and educators an excellent survey and is a pick for any early learning library.


The Science Shelf

Packing for Mars
Mary Roach
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393068474, $25.95, www.wwnorton.com

PACKING FOR MARS: THE CURIOUS SCIENCE OF LIFE IN THE VOID offers a fine survey studying space. Her survey of hilarious adventures from simulated space stations around the glove to a simulated moon missions makes for a personal collection of information on how to become an astronaut. Psychology and physical challenges are assessed in a lively tour of space research perfect for any general lending collection!

Brilliant
Jane Brox
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10003
9780547055275, $25.00, www.hmhbooks.com

BRILLIANT: THE EVOLUTION OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT provides a lively, fun history of artificial light form early limestone lamps by Ice Age humans to the latest LED technology. This probes scientific developments but also offers a concurrent social history of how light needs and developments have changed mankind. A fine, lively survey!

Modeling Our World, second edition
Michael Zeiler
ESRI Press
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92378-8100
9781589482784 $44.95 www.esri.com

There are many ways to project data, and maps are no different. "Modeling Our World: The ESRI Guide to Geodatabase Concepts" discusses maps and the many different versions and concepts that are used throughout their presentation throughout the world. With tips on creating geodatabases for any size of project, presenting data well, and choosing the right method for the job, one comes to realize how to present the complex Earth in many different useful ways. "Modeling Our World" is a must have resource for anyone who works with geodatabases or maps.

Introducing Geology, second edition
Graham Park
Dunedin
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781906716219, $16.99, www.isbs.com

It makes up a good chunk of the Earth and it's everywhere if you know where to look. "Introducing Geology: A Guide to the World of Rocks" is an introductory to geology to better understanding the large assortments of rocks that encompass the world. Geology can lead to a greater understanding of history, from its creatures, to the big picture of history and the dawn of the planet's life, to other worlds. With plenty to teach, "Introducing Geology" is a fine addition to any science collection, and a top pick for anyone who wants to learn about the importance of Geology.


The Literary Shelf

Animal Characters
Bruce Thomas Boehrer
University of Pennsylvania Press
3905 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4112
9780812242492 $49.95 www.upenn.edu/pennpress

The animal still plays a powerful part in literature, even as the world goes to cities. "Animal Characters: Nonhuman Beings in Early Modern Literature" analyzes the history of modern literature and the use of animals when they became less a part of everyday life starting in the Renaissance. Through five species, author Bruce Thomas Boehrer provides an intriguing look at shifting views and how events in the world has changed the opinions on the once noble horse, the amazing parrot, the tortured cat, and much more. "Animal Characters' is a fascinating analysis of early modern literature, a solid addition to any community or college literary studies collection.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Do Unto Others
Michael Z. Williamson
Baen Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781439133835, $22.00, www.baen.com

DO UNTO OTHERS tells of a Welsh coal-mining family who uses technology to exploit the subsurface ores of entire planets, becoming the richest people in the universe. But enemies are trying to kill them - and Bryan and his daughter face repeated dangers and even nuclear threats in this moving and exciting story of espionage, wealth, and dangers perfect for any general science fiction collection.

The Wolf of Tebron
C. S. Lakin
Living Ink Books
6815 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421
9780899578880, $14.99, www.amgpublishers.com

For a loved one, one would travel any distance. "The Wolf of Tebron" is a take on fantasy from C. S. Lakin talking of Joran, a blacksmith who had found his wife and with her everything he wanted. But when his wife is whisked away by magic, he takes up the journey to find her, with only prophecy to guide him. With the friendship of a wolf, Joran's journey may yet come to a happy end. "The Wolf of Tebron" is a fine take on the fairy tale, highly recommended.


The International Studies Shelf

Why Africa Matters
Cedric Mayson
Orbis Books
Price Bldg, Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545
9781570758690, $20.00, www.orbisbooks.com

Africa seems to be the last continent thought about in regards to today's modern world. "Why Africa Matters" discusses the importance of the African continent and people in regards to the world wide stage. Cedric Mayson, a contemporary of Nelson Mandela, seeks to explain the details of Africa today, a people who still hold onto their traditions and cultures in the face of globalization and technology. A thoughtful analysis of Africa's role in the global stage, "Why Africa Matters" is a solid addition to any social issues collection, highly recommended.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Case of the Unnecessary Sequel
Brian Landon
North Star Press of St. Cloud
PO Box 451, St. Cloud, MN 56302
9780878393909, $14.95, www.brianlandon.com

Some people take cinema seriously. Perhaps too seriously. "The Case of the Unnecessary Sequel: A Doyle Malloy Mystery" tells the story of Detective Doyle Malloy and his investigation of a murder that happens on a controversial film. When his friends become entangled, and the murder seems to not be done just yet, Doyle seems to be pit in a race against time. "The Case of the Unnecessary Sequel" is a thrilling and fun mystery, highly recommended.

The Amazing Judgment / Mr. Laxworthy's Adventures
E. Phillips Oppenheim
Stark House
2200 O St, Eureka, CA 95501
9781933586274, $19.95

A good mystery is hard to put down. "The Amazing Judgment / Mr. Laxworthy's Adventures" is a dual book of the mysteries of E. Phillips Oppenheim, providing a source of the most intriguing pulp mysteries of the early twentieth century. With nearly two hundred works to his name Oppenheim is proven writer of mystery. "The Amazing Judgment / Mr. Laxworthy's Adventures" is an exciting double dose of mystery, a very highly recommended pick.


The Interior Design Shelf

Living Modern
Richard Powers
Thames & Hudson
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780500515259, $60.00, www.wwnorton.com

Modern design has become a bit of a meeting of practicality, retro, future, and something else. "Living Modern: The Sourcebook of Contemporary Interiors" analyzes modern design and how to blend it into one's own home with plenty of creative ideas. Presenting a book filled with ideas, displayed with full color photos and text explaining the various styles, Richard Powers and Phyllis Richardson provide no shortage of inspiration from the exterior and how it's built, to the many trains of thought for the interior. "Living Modern" is a must for anyone who wants their home to be the complete package of style, inside and out.


The Architecture Shelf

Residential Building Codes Illustrated
Steven R. Winkel, FAIA, et.al.
John Wiley & Sons
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9780470173596, $49.95, www.wiley.com

Residential Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2009 International Residential Code is a 'must' for any serious builder or architect's collection - and for many a homeowner. It provides an easy, illustrated guide to the building code requirements for residential structures, is organized to follow the 2009 Code, and provides commentary by codes experts as well as drawings and a visual format to enhance understanding. A team of experts in building codes, architecture, and code consultation make this more than a recitation of law - and a 'must have' reference!

Prefab Houses
Arnt Cobbers & Oliver John
TASCHEN America
107 Greene Street, New York, NY 10012
9783836507530, $69.99, www.taschen.com

PREFAB HOUSES offers insights into the mass-produced house that's constructed in a factory and assembled on site in a few days or weeks. Unlike other coverages on the topic, this covers the entire global prefab movement from the U.S. to Asia and Africa, offering assessments not just of structure but of accessibility, delivery difficulties, and the mechanics of their assembly and construction. Lavish, full-page color photos compliment an oversized presentation especially recommended for college-level collections strong in architectural history and construction.

The Hybrid House
Catherine Wanek
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton UT 84041
1423603168, $24.99, www.gibbs-smith.com

THE HYBRID HOUSE: DESIGNING WITH SUN, WIND, WATER AND EARTH provides an outstanding home reference perfect for builders, remodelers, and homeowners at all stages of home design or retrofit. It considers the specifics of what makes a hybrid house, views structures in different regions of the U.S. facing different weather challenges, and comes packed with color photos of houses as it provides case histories and reviews of home choices. A fine addition to any home and garden collection!

Construction Forms for Contractors
Karen Mitchell & Craig Savage
Craftsman
6058 Corte del Cedro, PO Box 6500, Carlsbad, CA 92018
9781572182226, $48.50, www.craftsman-book.com

Construction can prove to be a costly job, and making sure the payment is just right is vital to getting paid at all. "Construction Forms for Contractors: Construction Forms in RTF, Excel, & PDF Estimating Forms with Active Cells" is a resource for contractors frilled cover to cover with blank forms for contractors who want to create a more complete and comprehensive payment form for ease of use for them and their clients. Coupled with a CD filled with plenty of example forms for use in many computing formats, "Construction Forms for Contractors" is a solid resource and one that construction companies shouldn't be without.


The Music Shelf

Encyclopedia of Music Knowledge
Dr. William F. Lee, editor
Jessy Sauchuk, producer
Santorella Publications
13 Pleasant Avenue, Danvers, MA 01923
TS221, $10.95, www.santorellapublication.com

Encompassing a dictionary of music terms, music theory guide, and a history of music timeline, (including 20 related reference charts), the "Encyclopedia of Music Knowledge" offers a compact key to definitions of music terms and music theory areas. Including scales, modes, intervals, transpositions, ranges, conducting patterns and a chronological timeline of Western music history, the "Encyclopedia of Music Knowledge" is a versatile compendium of a wide range of music knowledge. It even contains charts for analysis of forms of rondos, sonatinas and sonatas. The "Encyclopedia of Music Knowledge" is a must for both serious and amateur students of music.

Dictionary of Musical Terms
Produced by Jessy Sauchuk
Revised by Cari Levreault
Santorella Publications, Ltd.
13 Pleasant Avenue, Danvers, MA 01923
TS220, $8.95, www.santorellapublications.com

"Dictionary of Musical Terms" is a handy reference for music students featuring 126 pages of definitions, reference charts and music theory, originally published in 2000 and revised in 2010. In addition to many other appendices, it contains schematic charts for first, second and third rondo forms plus sonatina and sonata forms for analysis. English translations of German, French, Italian and other phrases and expressions are presented. Organized alphabetically with multiple Appendices of other relevant musical information at the end, the "Dictionary of Musical Terms" is the music student's best friend to aid in unlocking the mysteries of music.

The Fender Bass Handbook
Paul Balmer
Voyageur Press
c/o Quayside Publishing Group
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760338629, $25.00, www.voyageurpress.com

The Fender Bass Handbook tells how to purchase, set up and maintain and repair a Fender bass guitar, covering everything from setting intonation and electronics troubleshooting to stage fixes and basic enhancements. Including over six hundred color photos, this offers expert advice, model history, tips on assessing a Fender, and more, and is the first handbook exclusively covering Fender bass guitars. A 'must' for any collection strong in musical instrument coverage.

Shelter from the Storm
Sid Griffin
Jawbone
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781906002275, $19.95, www.jawbone.com

Bob Dylan is one of the most influential musicians in history, and his time with Rolling Thunder is not to be forgotten. "Shelter from the Storm: Bob Dylan' Rolling Thunder Years" discusses this turbulent period in the musician's life. Though he was working with other remarkable musicians, his life was out of control and was influencing his work. Looking at the history of this troupe of traveling musicians, "Shelter form the Storm" proves to be a remarkable and enticing read for any music history reader, and for any fan of Bob Dylan.


The Dance Shelf

Choreographing From Within
Diana F. Green
Human Kinetics
Box 5976, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
0736076190, $34.00, www.humankinetics.com

Choreographing From Within: Developing the Habit of Inquiry As an Artist provides a fine survey of how to artistically create movement and choreograph concepts, and provides exercises to make it happen. Students receive keys to exploring individual styles in a series of photos illustrating concepts and showing how to blend movement with music and artistic pieces. Dance and art libraries alike will find this a fine exploration.


The Gardening Shelf

So You Want to Be a Garden Designer
Love Albrecht Howard
Timber Press
133 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 450, Portland OR 97204-3527
9780881929041 $29.95 www.timberpress.com

Having an eye for design is one thing, but to be a professional takes a bit more. "So You Want to Be a Garden Designer: How to Get Started, Grow, and Thrive in the Landscape Design Business" is a how to guide to the landscaping industry for those who love gardening and want to better embrace it and its challenges. Passion is a great place to begin, but Love Albrecht Howard gives readers the finer tuning of the business side, how to present your ideas, and most importantly how to make it profitable. For anyone with dreams of making their living working with gardens, "So You Want to Be a Garden Designer" is the book for them.


The Math Shelf

Hot X: Algebra Exposed
Danica McKellar
Hudson Street Press
c/o Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9781594630705, $26.95, www.penguin.com

Hot X: Algebra Exposed comes from an actress and math genius who shows students how to ace algebra. This is more than your traditional math review: it uses sassy, sparkling language and easy step-by-step instructions to explain math and relate it to the real world. Students stuck on square roots, word problems and more receive a peppering of the actress' own math encounters in a title highly recommended for any middle to high school or general lending library!

The Pythagorean Theorem
Alfred S. Posamentier
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781616141813, $27.00, www.prometheusbooks.com

The Pythagorean Theorem: The Story of its Power and Beauty offers high school to college-level collections a fine survey of the best-known equation in math, which every math student studies. Why is it fascinating? Veteran math educator Alfred S. Posamentier offers a fine history of the theorem and its importance over the centuries, linking it to mankind's development and evolution and exploring its hidden aspects. A fine addition to any math history library.


The Jobs/Careers Shelf

Fearless Job Hunting
Bill Knaus, Ed.D, et.al.
New Harbinger
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland CA 94609
9781572248342, $16.95, www.newharbinger.com

Fearless Job Hunting: Powerful Psychological Strategies for Getting the Job You Want tells how to overcome self-doubt and worry and how to use psychology to understand real job requirements, interviewer intentions, and how to land the job. From staying positive during the process to using cognitive behavioral therapies to understand strategies decision processes in organizations, this is yet another powerful tool in the modern job-hunter's toolbox - and a pick for any career-oriented collection.


The Economics Shelf

Toward a Truly Free Market
John C. Medaille
ISI Press
3901 Centerville Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807-1938
9781935191810, $26.95, www.isibooks.org

Toward a Truly Free Market offers an excellent survey on the role of government, taxes, and regulation in the lives of Americans. For three decades free-market leaders have tried to reverse Keynesian economic politics only to produce more government debt. John Medaille advocates a truly free-market system by considering economics as a humane science and arguing that economic equilibrium and economic equality together lead to an unbalanced economy. A fine argument ensues!

Money Enough
Douglas A. Hicks
Jossey-Bass
989 Market Street, 5th floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741
9780787997755, $17.95, www.josseybass.com

MONEY ENOUGH: EVERYDAY PRACTICES FOR LIVING FAITHFULLY IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY deserves ongoing mention and recommendation as an outstanding survey identifying and exploring the nine economic practices that shape our social and religious lives. It shows how money is a necessary but not central key to an abundant life, and it advocates readers 'do better' in their work and money decision-making processes. Highly recommended as a key to spiritual and social survival during hard times as well as better days!


The Aviation Shelf

The Fw 200 Condor: A Complete History
Jerry Scutts
Crecy Publishing
c/o Specialty Press
99 Spring Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10012
9780859791311 $49.95 www.spibooks.com

The Fw 200 Condor: A Complete History is an exhaustively in-depth history of the Fw 200 Condor, a German aircraft used before and during world War II. The Condor was well known for being capable of long air routes before the War broke out; its accurate navigation capabilities over long tracts of ocean took a special toll of discipline among its pilots and crew. The Condor was used to target allied vessels so far out to sea as to scarcely expect attack, and several hundred thousand tons of war material to the bottom of the ocean. This continued until the arrival of escort carriers and merchant ships armed with Hurricane fighters and long-range bombers to counter the Condor threat. The Fw 200 Condor is a story of maritime reconnaissance, the transition from peace to war, and more. Over 200 vintage black-and-white photographs illustrate this meticulous accounting of how the Condors were constructed, how they were used, and their ultimate effect upon aviation history. A "must-have" for serious aviation history and military collections.


The Black Studies Shelf

Say It Loud!
Catherine Ellis and Stephen Drury Smith, editors
The New Press
38 Green Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10013
9781595581136 $35.00 www.thenewpress.com 1-800-233-4830

The sequel to the speech anthology/CD compilation "Say It Plain", Say It Loud! Great Speeches on Civil Rights and African American Identity collects memorable speeches (all as recorded at live events) pertaining to the African American struggle for liberty and equality from 1960 to the present day. An accompanying MP3 allows one to listen to the impassioned voices of great leaders speaking directly to the hearts and minds of the people about racial equality and civil rights. Individual speeches include Malcolm X's "The Ballot or the Bullet", Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Where Do We Go from Here?", Toni Morrison's 1993 Nobel Prize Lecture, Condoleeza Rice's "Speech to National Council of Negro Women", and Barack Obama's "A More Perfect Union" 2008 speech. Like its predecessor, "Say It Loud!" is a superb primary source worthy of the highest recommendation for public and college library collections.


The Sociology Shelf

Networks, Crowds and Markets
David Easley and Jon Kleinberg
Cambridge University Press
32 Ave of Americas, New York NY 10013
9780521195331, $50.00, www.cambridge.org

Networks, Crowds and Markets: Reasoning About a Highly Connected World offers a college-level text surveying the connectedness of modern society, from the Internet to global communication, the spread of news and information, and more. It considers the networks and behaviors of groups of people that evolve from such connections and provides undergrads with a textbook considering the economics, sociology, computing and other factors of networks and behavior patterns. A top pick for college-level sociology collections!


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