Return to home
page Book Reviews, Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers
Home / The Bookwatch

The Bookwatch

Volume 3, Number 7 July 2008 Home | BW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Mystery/Suspense Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf
Photography Shelf Music Shelf Education Shelf
Poetry Shelf Cookbook Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Metaphysical Studies Shelf Self-Help Shelf Architecture Shelf
Psychology Shelf Social Issues Shelf Parenting Shelf
International Studies Shelf Biography Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Business Shelf Science Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Gardening Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf
Criminology Shelf Christian Studies Shelf Fiction Shelf
Travel Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice

Celtic Folk Soul
Jen Delyth
Amber Lotus
PO Box 11329, Portland, OR 97211-0329
9781602371163, $35.00, www.amberlotus.com

The Celts have produced wonderful art – but what does it all mean? "Celtic Folk Soul: Art, Myth, and Symbol" is a book of art and history, hoping to investigate the spiritual aspects of Celtic artworks. Going through the major pieces left behind by people who lived before Christianity reached the British Isles, and offering a look at how they interpreted both the mundane and spiritual worlds through their druids, "Celtic Folk Soul: Art, Myth, and Symbol" is a scholarly, educational, and awe-inspiring look at the Celts, highly recommended for both history and art collections.

Renewing America's Food Traditions
Gary Paul Nabhan
Chelsea Green Publishing
PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 050001
9781933392899, $35.00, www.chelseagreen.com

When the European style of cooking met the plethora of ingredients native to the Americas, a new tradition was born. "Renewing America's Food Traditions: Saving and Savoring the Continent's Most Endangered Foods" is a look at the forgotten foods of the American tradition and countless tips and articles about restoring these foods to prominence. Using the concept of if it's eaten, it will be remembered and recreated, "Renewing America's Food Traditions" is as educational as it is delicious. A top pick for chefs looking for something historical to cook, "Renewing America's Food Traditions" is a must for any American cookbook or history collection.

Rebel Giants
David R. Contosta
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026105, $26.95, www.prometheusbooks.com

Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin, although both famous, would not be said by many to have a lot in common. David R. Contosta disagrees, and "Rebel Giants: The Revolutionary Lives of Abraham Lincoln & Charles Darwin" is his reasoning why. The two figures, hugely impactful in history, were born on the same day, disliked their fathers, lost their mothers at a young age, suffered from depression, and other eerie similarities. Hoping to give readers a more comprehensive understanding of both men by examining their similarities and differences, "Rebel Giants: The Revolutionary Lives of Abraham Lincoln & Charles Darwin" is an excellent pick for any community library collection dedicated to history.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Oasis Project
Art Adkins
Dorrance Publishing
701 Smithfield Street, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
0805976043, $23.95

A motive can be the hardest thing to figure out when investigating a homicide. "The Oasis Project" follows Shirley Waterbury as she deals with the catastrophe of her family's death. Although the tragedy is ruled an accident, she refuses to believe it and wants to bring those responsible to justice. She finds support in a grizzled old cop who needs answers to why he does what he does anymore, and who thinks there may be something to Shirley's theory. A riveting mystery all the way through, "The Oasis Project" is a grade-A pick for community library mystery collections.

Vita Nuova
Magdalen Nabb
Soho Crime
853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9781569474938, $24.00, www.sohopress.com

A studious single mother is well on the way to setting her life straight when the unspeakable occurs. "Vita Nuova: A Marshal Guarnaccia" follows the Marshal as she tries to solve a baffling crime where no one has a clear motive, though there has been plenty of opportunity; the only thing that sticks out is the strange behavior of prosecutor. An exciting story for mystery readers to sink their teeth into, "Vita Nuova: A Marshal Guarnaccia Investigation" is a top pick for community library collections.

Shadow on the Wall
H.C. Bailey
Rue Morgue Press
87 Lone Tree Lane, Lyons, CO 80540
9781601870193, $14.95, www.ruemorguepress.com

Two dead, and one attempted murder. What exactly is going on? "Shadows on the Wall" follows Reginald Fortune, a country doctor, as he tries to answer these befuddling questions. First, Lady Rosnay falls down a set of stairs; Reginald suspects foul play, but the Lady will hear none of it, and seems too calm about what has happened. Two murders follow, and Reginald, advisor to Scotland Yard, must solve the problem. A treat for old fashioned mystery fans, "Shadow on the Wall" is highly recommended for community library collections.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Standard Encyclopedia of Carnival Glass, eleventh edition
Mike Carwile
Collector Books
Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009
9781574325768, $29.95 www.collectorbooks.com

From tumblers and bowls to advertising pieces, specialty items from glass workers, and notes on manufacturing credits and oddities, Standard Encyclopedia of Carnival Glass, eleventh edition is an outstanding survey of carnival glass makers and their products. Identification of pieces is the focus here; each piece accompanied by a small yet clear color photograph, and a separate price guide offers no photos but plenty of pricing details. A superb choice for collectors of carnival glass.


The Photography Shelf

Amherst Media
Box 586, Buffalo, NY 14226
www.amherstmedia.com

Acclaimed children's portrait photographer Sandy Puc' covers all facets of producing a 'kid care' system to produce engaging, professional photos of kids of all ages. From designing a kid-friendly studio and using pre-session consultations to working with kids of all ages to draw them out, THE SANDY PUC' GUIDE TO CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY (9781584282341, $34.95) offers up a host of tips and tricks of the trade and is perfect for any who would open their own studio. Kathleen Hawkins' GUIDE TO SALES AND MARKETING FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS (9781584282327, $34.95) is a top pick for any photographer who would profit from efforts. From developing a solid marketing plan and using sales skills to determining ways to reach clients and using relationship marketing to boost efforts, this blends solid business strategy with applications specific to professional photographers. Dr. Glenn Rand's FILM & DIGITAL TECHNIQUES FOR ZONE SYSTEM PHOTOGRAPHY (9781584282273, $34.95) tells how to take control of photographic results using the Zone System which emphasizes black and white photography and is based on the techniques of Ansel Adams. This is an unusual systematic approach which offers tips for using the system, identifying its place in typical workflows, and honing techniques for using with the Zone System. Photography libraries catering to practicing professionals and neo-professionals need this.


The Music Shelf

River of No Return
Jeffrey Buckner Ford
Cumberland House Publishing
431 Harding Industrial Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
9781581826531, $26.95 www.cumberlandhouse.com

Any interested in the life and times of Tennessee Ernie Ford will relish this biography of his achievements in RIVER OF NO RETURN: TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD AND THE WOMAN HE LOVED. The couple's eldest son recalls family life and romance, and the high and low times of the Ford family as it coped with fame and its ultimate cost. His lively survey covers a life that produced many hits and classics fond to American memory and makes for a top pick for any library strong in music history and biographies.


The Education Shelf

Web Literacy for Educators
Alan November
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412958431, $24.95 www.corwinpress.com

Educators interested in web literacy for students as well as their own advancement will find educational technology expert Alan November provides keys to conducting safer, faster and more accurate student research on the web, blending tips on unfiltered research and outside school internet research with ideas for understanding ethical issues and terminology alike. An outstanding guide for any education library.

A Guide to Literacy Coaching
Annemarie B. Jay & Mary W. Strong
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412951555, $36.95 www.corwinpress.com

A GUIDE TO LITERACY COACHING: HELPING TEACHERS INCREASE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT covers skills for coaching and describes the roles of effective coaches as facilitators, observers, colleagues and learners. From sample scenarios and coaching challenges to details on developing coaching relationships with school administrators, A GUIDE TO LITERACY COACHING is packed with important coaching keys to success.

Raising The Grade
Bob Wise
Jossey-Bass
c/o Wiley
989 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741
9780470180273, $24.95, www.josseybass.com

Graduation rates in America are plummeting – is there any hope for secondary education? "Raising the Grade: How High School Reform Can Save Our Youth and Our Nation" written by the president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former West Virginian Governor Bob Wise. Outlining a plan for reforming secondary education in a time where it's more vital than ever thanks to rising career demands asking for high education and skill with technology, it's an invaluable read for any educational administrator. "Raising the Grade: How High School Reform Can Save Our Youth and Our Nation" is highly recommended for community library education collections.

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

Kathleen Feeney Jonson's second edition of BEING AN EFFECTIVE MENTOR: HOW TO HELP BEGINNING TEACHERS SUCCEED (9781412940627, $33.95) comes from an educator and mentoring expert who identifies the skills that nurture beginning teachers, providing techniques for mentors which use feedback, role modeling, and a combination of teacher methods and assessment options. From establishing a new career path as a mentor to revitalizing an existing one, this covers many basics and is a fine survey for any college-level education collection. Virginia Smith Harvey and Joan A. Struzziero's PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPERVISION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS FROM INTERN TO EXPERT (9781412953276, $40.95) appears in its second updated edition to substantially revise a classic, addressing administrative and clinical supervision skills needed for school psychologists to thrive. From expanding professional roles in offering prevention services to tools for assessing supervisor effectiveness and sample dilemmas to study, this extensive survey is based on the latest research and is a 'must' for any college-level educator's collection. Olaf Jorgenson's A REFLECTIVE PLANNING JOURNAL FOR SCHOOL LEADERS (9781412958097, $22.95) offers ideas and tips from winning principals and blends a journal with a planning calendar and 'how to' guide for any who would foster professional development. This step-by-step resource is arranged by the school year and offers tips, exercises and guidelines for prioritizing and planning. James H. McMillan's ASSESSMENT ESSENTIALS FOR STANDARDS-BASED EDUCATION (9781412955515, $27.95) appears in its second updated edition to help teachers blend assessment processes with teaching and learning. From basic principals of reliability and testing to using data to make improvements, ASSESSMENT ESSENTIALS is an important key to blending data with change. Karl J. Klimek, Elsie Ritzenhein and Kathryn Sullivan's GENERATIVE LEADERSHIP: SHAPING NEW FUTURES FOR TODAY'S SCHOOLS (9781412953023, $27.95) considers basic elements of generative leadership and outlines six hallmarks for developing an individual's 'generative' potentials. From personal reflection and harnessing creativity to leading organizations from data, GENERATIVE LEADERSHIP is a winning guide educators need. Hal Portner's MENTORING NEW TEACHERS, 3RD EDITION (9781412960090, $25.95) uses a blend of research and experience to review mentoring behaviors and teacher standards. From classroom observation methods and tools which assess and contrast learning styles to important mentoring functions, Portner's MENTORING NEW TEACHERS is an essential key to passing wisdom and an important pick for any education collection. Also key is the second updated edition of Marilee Sprenger's DIFFERENTIATION THROUGH LEARNING STYLES AND MEMORY (9781412955454, $30.95), an updated review of student learning styles and brain-based strategies based on the latest research into learning methods. From how the brain processes and stores information to how teachers can evaluate their own classroom effectiveness, DIFFERENTIATION THROUGH LEARNING STYLES is an excellent educator's pick. Kathy Perez's MORE THAN 100 BRAIN-FRIENDLY TOOLS AND STRATEGIES FOR LITERACY INSTRUCTION (9781412926935, $28.95) offers more than 100 field-tested strategies for results at any grade level, blending hands-on activities with techniques for different intelligence levels. These strategies will provide teachers, literacy coaches and reading specialists not with theory but with proven tools that work, making for an important classroom pick. Denise D. Nessel and Carol N. Dixon's USING THE LANGUAGE APPROACH WITH ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS: STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING STUDENTS AND DEVELOPING LITERACY (9781412955058, $31.95) offers K-12 teachers in ESL a basic instructional method for meeting students at their different levels and helping them use listening skills to build reading skills. This method allows students to build upon their own experiences, accenting the learning process with familiar choices. An outstanding approach ESL teachers will relish.

Zend Studio for Eclipse Developer's Guide
Peter MacIntyre and Ian Morse
Pearson Education
800 E. 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240
0672329409, $39.99 www.safaribooksonline.com

Computer libraries strong in Zend Studio for Eclipse for PHP/LAMP developers will find Zend Studio for Eclipse Developer's Guide an excellent survey of the core techniques and terminology that make up Eclipse applications. From code editing and galleries to unit testing, debugging and more, Zend Studio for Eclipse Developer's Guide is an outstanding addition to any Eclipse developer's library.


The Poetry Shelf

All These Roads
Louis Dudek
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5
9781554580392, $14.95, www.wlupress.wlu.ca

The cream of an already excellent crop - "All These Roads: The Poetry of Louis Dudek" picks thirty five poems from the poet's long and illustrious sixty-year career as a major literary force in Canada. The high regard in which he is held is readily understood as readers view and enjoy his work, making "All These Roads: The Poetry of Louis Dudek" highly recommended for community library poetry collections.

The Extremities
Timothy Kelly
Oberlin College Press
50 North Professor Street, Oberlin, OH 44074-1091
9780932440334, $15.95, www.oberlin.edu/ocpress

Author of two previous collections of poetry and award winning poet Timothy Kelly returns with his third anthology of verse in "The Extremities". Contemplating the unique subject of the human body and turning the science behind it into enlightening, educational, and entertaining lyrical poetry, "The Extremities" is a read poetry lovers are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended for community library poetry collections. "Taking It In to Have it Looked At": In her voice there's Irish tracings,/ in her ear a bridgework of bones. In the bones/ small sets of shivers upon which/ everything you think you hear turns.// In the eye there's carpet receptive/ to light waved in from the star; and the tamped/ seeds, signaled, splay triggered,/ the seeds where the libraries are.// In sleep dart severs the senses,/ then incommunicado we drift our beds; and are/ mapped by lovers we never knew/ were stowed away strange in our heads.

Unmentionables
Beth Ann Fennelly
WW Norton
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393066050, $23.95, www.wwnorton.com

The word "unmentionable" does not, strictly speaking, mean something that is inappropriate; it can also mean something that words can't describe well. "Unmentionables" is a poetry collection by experienced and prolific author Beth Ann Fennelly, who tries to speak of what can't be spoken with inspired and detailed lyrical verse. The result is an enlightening and entertaining reading experience. Community library poetry collections would do well in acquiring "Unmentionables". "Colorplate 68": Eugene worsens./ At fifty I am old./ I paint en plein air no more.// April: he gives me a bunch of violets./ I crush them/ onto my pallette,/ suture my canvas/ with violets.


The Cookbook Shelf

Latino Food Culture
Zilkia Janer
Greenwood Press
99 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
9780313340277, $49.95 www.greenwood.com

Part of a set of titles on world foods in America is LATINO FOOD CULTURE, a survey of ingredients, cultures, and important trends in Latino foods. From national holidays and special occasion celebrations to regional recipes which have made it to the U.S., LATINO FOOD CULTURE is packed with cultural, social and culinary insights and connections and is especially recommended for any college-level library strong in Latin culture and food.

I Like Food, Food Tastes Good
Kara Zuaro
Hyperion
77 W. 66th Street, New York NY 10023
1401308740, $17.95 www.hyperionbooks.com

Kara Zuaro isn't your usual chef/home cook author; she's followed rock bands from Violent Femmes to Death Cab for Cutie to find out what they cook while on the road, and I LIKE FOOD, FOOD TASTES GOOD: IN THE KITCHEN WITH YOUR FAVORITE BANDS comes packed with specialty dishes, from adaptations of standards to innovative new cuisine. No photos but the easy dishes don't need them – and the introductions packed with rock star insights are also enlightening and intriguing reads, making this a cross-pick for both music and culinary collections.

Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan
Dreena Burton
Arsenal Pulp Press
341 Water Street, Suite 200, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 1B8
9781551522241, $24.95, www.arsenalpulp.com

Experienced cookbook author Dreena Burton is back with her third book of recipes in "Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan: Everyday Vegan Recipes worth Celebrating". A compilation of well over one hundred and fifty recipes ranging from Thai Chick-Un Pizza without the Chicken and Breakfast Crepes to Five Star Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, "Eat, Drink & Be Vegan" focuses on everyday celebratory foods that one can enjoy without feeling much guilt about their diet. "Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan" is a solid pick for vegan chefs and community library cookbook collections.

Vegan Fusion
Mark Reinfeld & Bo Rinaldi
Beaufort Books
PO Box 1119, Kapa'a, HI 96746
9780825305849, $19.95, www.7minutechef.com

Who says vegetables don't taste good? "Vegan Fusion: World Cuisine" is a guide to countless vegan recipes, combined with insights of eastern wisdom. Promoting food that is good for the body, the soul, the consciousness, and the planet on which we live, "Vegan Fusion" covers everything from soups and sauces to salads and desserts. Enhanced with a forward from world renowned zoologist Jane Goodall, "Vegan Fusion: World Cuisine" is a top pick for aspiring vegan chefs, and for community library cookbook collections.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Reinventing the Sacred
Stuart A. Kauffman
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com 1-800-242-7737
9780455003006, $27.00 www.basicbooks.com

REINVENTING THE SACRED: A NEW VIEW OF SCIENCE, REASON AND RELIGION comes from a pioneer in the field of complexity theory, and here offers a radical new world view: that of the natural universe as a ceaseless creativity which is unpredictable – and which should be considered divine in itself. This concept of 'sacred' can be recreated, Kauffman writes – and his title shows how to refine a view of God into a different kind of system entirely. Perfect for both spirituality and college-level science holdings, it offers a challenging new way of perceiving spirituality and deity.

Science and Nonbelief
Taner Edis
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591025610, $18.95 www.prometheusbooks.com

Scientists have raised religious questions since the discipline's earliest development. Today many scientists are also nonbelievers – but can scientific inquiry and religious belief coexist? Science and Nonbelief is an overview detailing the history and theories of this relationship, examining scientific and spiritual developments alike. Any collection strong in science, philosophy or religion will find Science and Nonbelief a satisfying blend of inquiry and analysis.

A Monk in the Inner City
Mary Lou Kownacki
Orbis Books
Box 308, Maryknoll, NY 10545
9781570757600, $16.00 www.orbisbooks.com

An 'urban monk' offers up meditations on dying, living, and religious sense in A MONK IN THE INNER CITY: THE ABCS OF A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. Juxtaposing spiritual insights with the input of others in society, Mary Lou Kownacki's survey is an excellent addition to any spirituality library, especially those offering meditations for change.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Destiny Books/Bear & Company
c/o Inner Traditions
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594772085, $16.95 www.destinybooks.com

Artistic works often hold hidden occult secrets, and so Ernesto Frers's Secret Societies and the Hermetic Code (9781594772085, $16.95) offers up research ranging from the early paintings of Byzantine times to Dali, and from the Pyramids to architecture. Music also is surveyed in a powerful connection between religious societies and artistic codes, with full-color photos liberally peppered throughout for a pageant of display and visualization. Perfect not just for new age collections, but for art library holdings as well. Adrian Murdoch's THE LAST PAGAN: JULIAN THE APOSTATE AND THE DEATH OF THE ANCIENT WORLD (9781594772269, $16.95) tells of the violent death of the emperor Julian and his journey from his Christian childhood to his involvement in pagan cults and his mission to establish paganism as the dominant faith of the Roman world. An eye-opening alternate history that uses over 700 pages of Julian's original writings to provide some eye-opening new revelations on his beliefs. Sabine Lucas, Ph.D.'s PAST LIFE DREAMWORK: HEALING THE SOUL THROUGH UNDERSTANDING KARMIC PATTERNS (9781591430759, $16.00) examines 'soul bloodlines' representing successive past lives, using the results of nearly thirty years of personal and professional work to explore how past life memories help with karma work. From different kinds of past life dreams to case studies of dream therapy results, the focus in PAST LIFE DREAMWORK offers many paths for healing.


The Self-Help Shelf

Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
www.thomasnelson.com 1-800-251-4000

Lasting success can come from as little as seven intentional decisions – and the author has spent several decades studying some of the success stories that have revolved around these decisions. Andy Andrews' Mastering the Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success (9780785261414, $19.99) blends profiles of very successful people with exercises designed to help readers translate these successes into action plans. Chapters give plenty of examples of responsible thinking, gratitude, and more in this outstanding survey of life improvements. Andrews' THE TRAVELER'S GIFT, (9780785264286, $19.99) expands on the theme, reviewing the seven decisions that lead to personal success and emphasizing and analyzing the difference between failure and success. David Ponder was a successful executive once, but feels like a total failure now: once an executive, he works a part-time, minimum-wage job and faces many crises. A life-threatening situation sends him on a journey of discovery in this inspirational saga.


The Architecture Shelf

Andrea Palladio, second edition
Bruce Boucher
Abbeville Press
137 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013
9780789209405, $39.95, www.abbeville.com

Architecture is all around us, but few ever pay attention to the men behind these constructions. Now in a newly updated and expanded second edition, "Andrea Palladio: The Architect in His Time" looks at the man who revolutionized western architecture during his long life in the sixteenth century (he was a master of the arts and a true Renaissance man). "Andra Palladio: The Architect in His Time" covers his life and the inspirations for his craft, enhanced with photographs of Palladio's work. A seminal coverage, "Andrea Palladio: The Architect in His Time" is highly recommended for community library Biography and Architectural Studies collections.


The Psychology Shelf

The Mother Factor
Stephen B. Poulter, Ph.D.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026075, $18.95 www.prometheusbooks.com

THE MOTHER FACTOR: HOW YOUR MOTHER'S EMOTIONAL LEGACY IMPACTS YOUR LIFE is based on the author's psychology practice and shows how a mother's influence can work either for or against us. A mother's 'style' influences adults lifelong: THE MOTHER FACTOR illustrates these common styles, from perfectionism and best friends to the 'me first' mother, and illustrates combinations of traits in showing how adults can transcend the underlying messages to achieve mental health. General-interest lending collections will find it a popular read with an eye-catching cover.


The Social Issues Shelf

The Last Professors
Frank Donoghue
Fordham University Press
University Box L, 2546 Belmont, Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
9780823228607, $22.00, www.fordhampress.com

Today's world is full of corporations where engineering and business sense are the top values in employees. Higher Education, as such, has turned to teaching these aspects. "The Last Professors: The Corporate University and the Fate of the Humanities" is a look at the victims of this turn, the college professors. With the fall of the liberal arts and modern emphasis on efficiency, the days of the tenured professor are looking grim as the world changes too fast for a long term career as a college level instructor to be a viable option. "The Last Professors: The Corporate University and the Fate of the Humanities" is a scholarly examination of a serious academic shift, highly recommended for community and college library social issues collections.

Governance in Dark Times
Camilla Stivers
Georgetown University Press
3420 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
158901197X, $24.95, www.press.georgetown.edu

As conditions in a country get worse, trust in the government tends to dwindle. "Governance in Dark Times: Practical Philosophy for Public Service" is a guide for those in the service of a public that presumes corruption at every turn and has no faith in the system. With advice on doing the right thing in the face of adversity, and discussions on contested issues like terrorism and homeland security, "Governance in Dark Times: Practical Philosophy for Public Service" is a must for government employee and community library social issues collections.

The Coming Convergence
Stanley Schmidt, Ph.D.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591026136, $27.95 www.prometheusbooks.com

THE COMING CONVERGENCE: THE SURPRISING WAYS DIVERSE TECHNOLOGIES INTERACT TO SHAPE OUR WORLD AND CHANGE THE FUTURE comes from a physicist and writer who shows how past convergences between technologies have changed the world – and how new currents in biotechnology and information technology hold the same promise for the future. From the potentials for reduced pollution and longer lives to the issues of too much power in too few hands, THE COMING CONVERGENCE charts dangerous – and hopeful – future paths of development.


The Parenting Shelf

My Child, My Gift
Madeline P. Nugent
New City Press
202 Cardinal Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538
9781565482913, $14.95, www.newcitypress.com

Medical science is an amazing thing. Mothers can often find out the gender of their child before it is born, but they can also find out terrible news before the baby comes into their life. "My Child, My Gift: A Positive Response to Serious Prenatal Diagnosis" is a look at these unfortunate parents who are faced with a troubling forecast for their children. Seeking to give practical advice to mothers who are considering abortion, "My Child, My Gift" is also a spiritual guide, intended to bring comfort as well as straight talk to expectant mothers who find themselves in this difficult situation. "My Child, My Gift: A Positive Response to Serious Prenatal Diagnosis" is highly recommended for community library parenting collections.


The International Studies Shelf

Rivals
Bill Emmott
Harcourt Trade
15 East 26th Street, New York NY 10010
9780151015030, $26.00 www.harcourtbooks.com

RIVALS: HOW THE POWER STRUGGLE BETWEEN CHINA, INDIA AND JAPAN WILL SHAPE OUR NEXT DECADE is the first book to predict the economic trends of all three nations, exploring how these trends will affect the world and the environment, and pose risks to global peace. But it doesn't stop at an assessment of possible dangers: the meat of RIVALS lies in its blend of analysis and nine specific recommendations on how their rivalry can be managed for optimum benefit to the world. College-level collections strong in Asian social issues in particular will find it important.

Culture and Customs of Senegal
Eric S. Ross
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
9780313340369, $49.95 www.greenwood.com

Advanced high school to college-level collections strong in African studies will welcome the specific volumes in 'Culture and Customs of Africa', of which CULTURE AND CUSTOMS OF SENEGAL is one. From literature and academics to family and gender, music and sports, this survey of uniquely Senegalese culture is involving and exciting – and perfect for reports.


The Biography Shelf

The Man Who Loved China
Simon Winchester
HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022-5299
9780060884598, $27.95 www.harpercollins.com

THE MAN WHO LOVED CHINA: JOSEPH NEEDHAM ND THE MAKING OF A MASTERPIECE reviews the life of an eccentric who moved from being a biochemist at Cambridge to marrying a visiting Chinese student and journeying to China. His fascination with and scholarship into Chinese history and enigmas produced a 24-volume treatise on SCIENCE AND CIVILIZATION OF CHINA, which remains the longest book on China ever written in English. An outstanding survey blends Needham's life with an outline of Chinese accomplishments and history.


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Historical Dictionary of Horror Cinema
Peter Hutchings
Scarecrow Press Inc.
4501 Forbes, #200, Lanham, MD 20706
0810855852, $90.00 www.scarecrowpress.com

College-level performing arts libraries strong in the horror genre must have Historical Dictionary of Horror Cinema! Historical Dictionary of Horror Cinema traces the development of the genre from the early 20th century to modern times using a chronology, essay, bibliography, and hundreds of dictionary entries. All major movie villains are covered, along with a general horror history in this in-depth survey discussing content, form and presentation.

Continuum International
4775 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
www.continuumbooks.com

Each book in the 'character studies' series edited by Ashley Chantler is a recommended pick for high school and college-level libraries alike, providing fine literary analysis through the concept of character which makes this an excellent choice for drama as well as literary students. Each includes an introductory review of text, discussions of play performance and reception, and a concluding essay. New to the series is TWELFTH NIGHT (9780826495419, $16.95), OTHELLO (9780826494337, $16.95) and WAITING FOR GODOT (9780826493811, $16.95): all classics worthy of study and research.

Zombie Culture: Autopsies of the Living Dead
Shawn McIntosh and Marc Leverette, Editors
Scarecrow Press
4501 Forbes Boulevard #200, Lanham, MD 20706
0810860430, $40.00 www.scarecrowpress.com

Why have zombies been so pervasive in popular media and film? The editors of Zombie Culture: Autopsies of the Living Dead provide a collection of discussions from scholars from different fields, from cinema to popular culture and video games to literary culture, all considering how zombies have evolved from folklore into mainstream culture. While Zombie Culture covers a specialty topic for horror and cinema libraries, such collections will find its discussions wide-ranging and important.


The Business Shelf

The Hidden Enterprise Culture
Colin C. Williams
Edward Elgar Publishing
William Pratt House, 9 Dewey Cort, Northampton, MA 01060
9781847207944, $55.00, www.e-elgar.com

Under the table, off the books - few entrepreneurs get their start in the most honest way possible. "The Hidden Enterprise Culture: Entrepreneurship in the Underground Economy" is an analytical survey of this underappreciated segment of the business world, commonly ignored by most books on business and economics. With advice on harnessing the underground's business advantages, and tips on how to turn businesses that start in this grey territory into fully legitimate companies, "The Hidden Enterprise Culture: Entrepreneurship in the Underground Economy" is a top pick for any economist or academician interested in this field, as well as for any underground entrepreneur who wants to make their enterprise lawful with the fewest possible legal complications.

General Contracting Costbook, 2008 Edition
ENR
c/o McGraw Hill
P.O. Box 182604, Columbus, OH 43272
6058 Corte del Cedro, Carlsbad, CA 92009
9781588550781, $44.95, www.mcgraw-hill.com

Estimates for contractors are virtually a form of on the job gambling, but more skill than luck is involved. The new 2008 edition of "General Contracting Costbook" is a superbly organized, 'user friendly' guide for contractors to more accurately give their clients estimates on how much it will cost to correctly and efficiently do the job while keeping the contractor out of the poor house. An easy to use reference that should be on the desk of every contractor, "General Contracting Costbook" is highly recommended for professional and community library construction and business finance reference collections.

Forgive Us Our Debts
Andrew L. Yarrow
Yale University Press
302 Temple Street, New Haven CT 06520-9040
9780300123531, $25.00 www.yalebooks.com

FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS: THE INTERGENERATIONAL DANGERS OF FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY discusses national debt in more personal terms than most, explaining why federal debt is rising, its effects on Americans, how our government borrows and pays back money, and how rising expenses and insufficient government revenues are colliding. Any business library strong in government spending needs this survey.

Action Reflection Learning
Isabel Rimanoczy and Ernie Turner
Davies Black
1055 Joaquin Road, 2nd Floor, Mountain View, CA 94043
9780891062400, $36.95 www.daviesblack.com

ACTION REFLECTION LEARNING: SOLVING REAL BUSINESS PROBLEMS BY CONNECTING LEARNING WITH EARNING covers the basics of supporting fundamental changes in behaviors to encourage learning. Stories, journal entries, dialogues and other styles of case history examples from real life power a hands-on guide to Action Reflection Learning in practice, surveying its concepts, how they are applied, and how they make a difference within and outside the classroom. It's an exceptional hands-on opportunity to learn from others and a top pick for any business or education college-level library.

Managing & Organization, second edition
Stewart Clegg, Martin Kornberger, & Tyrone Pitsis
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412948784, $69.95, www.sagepublications.com

Leadership and planning is everything to businesses. Now in a newly updated and expanded second edition, "Managing & Organization: An Introduction to Theory and Practice" is a scholarly, educational text for business leaders looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of this core concept of business. The newly revised second edition carries six additional chapters on ethics, teamwork, and responsibility, as well as additional information in the older chapters. Enhanced with a companion website and teacher's manual, "Managing & Organization: An Introduction to Theory and Practice" is a must for any classroom teaching the subject, and for college library business collections.

Atlantic Publishing
1405 SW 6th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
www.atlantic-pub.com

Margaret R. Kohut, MSW's COMPLETE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING, CONTROLLING AND STOPPING BULLIES & BULLYING AT WORK (9781601382368, $21.95) is an important, essential guide for any business library. It discusses workplace violence and victims, showing how to identify workplace bullying, how to stop it, and how to 'bully-proof' employees. The excellent survey includes whistleblowing how-tos and more. M.D. Weems' GETTING CLIENTS AND KEEPING CLIENTS FOR YOUR SERVICE BUSINESS (9781601380449, $24.95) offers a 30-day step-by-step program for building a business, from understanding target markets and niches to attracting new clients while keeping existing customers satisfied. From professional memberships that pay off to traditional and non-traditional marketing approaches, GETTING CLIENTS AND KEEPING CLIENTS FOR YOUR SERVICE BUSINESS is an essential guide.


The Science Shelf

The Unknown Universe
Richard Hammond, Ph.D.
New Page Books
Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
9781601630032, $21.99 www.newpagebooks.com

From the basics of how physicists view the universe and its creation to the latest scientific theories and explanations and some of the major puzzles physics is trying to handle today, THE UNKNOWN UNIVERSE is a fine survey of the latest puzzles and science, and come from personal insights from the author's own research. From cosmic rays to hydrogen collapses, THE UNKNOWN UNIVERSE is packed with exciting science possibilities and perfect for both science and general-interest collections.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Delightful Quilts in Bloom
Mary Ross & Barbara Scheu
American Quilter's Society
Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781574329490, $26.95 www.americanquilter.com

A full-size, 12-block quilt, five wallhangings, and a table runner are among the features in this selection of quilting projects that use applique and color patterns to incorporate flowers into quilting. From finishing touches to discussions of quilting tips and techniques for blending styles and flowers, DELIGHTFUL QUILTS IN BLOOM is a special pick for quilters and gardeners alike.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The 12th Demon
Bruce Hennigan
Synergy Books
PO Box 80107, Austin, TX 78758
Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists (publicity)
2100 Kramer Lane, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78758
9781934454091, $13.95, www.synergybooks.net

"No rest for the weary" is the proverb that describes the lives of Jonathan Steel and Josh Knight. "The 12th Demon: Vampyre Majick" is the second book in the series following Jonathan Steel as he deals with an insurgence of the supernatural in the natural world. Assassins are after Steel, Knight, and their families; a demon is setting out to brining a vampyre Apocalypse upon the earth. Jonathan has to foil the evil plot or be consumed himself! "The 12th Demon: Vampyre Majick" is an original and intriguing fantasy, highly recommended for community library fantasy collections.

Storm Front
Jim Butcher
ROC
c/o Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780451457813, $7.99, www.penguin.com

When you're the only publicly practicing wizard in Chicago and no one believes in magic, business is never good. "Storm Front", the first novel of the Dresden Files (now reissued in paperback to celebrate the television series on Sci-Fi Channel), follows wizard Harry Dresden and his quest to pay the rent. One of Harry's only regular clients, a police detective named Murphy, calls him in to consult on a set of grisly murders. Harry also gets a cautious client who's willing to pay well to find her husband; while business certainly is beginning to pick up, Harry may not survive to enjoy it. Drawing heavily upon elements from classic detective noir, "Storm Front" is witty, intriguing, and will hook readers on the entire series. Highly recommended for community library fantasy collections seeking something outside the sword and sorcery field.

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

Eric Flint and Mike Resnick edit THE DRAGON DONE IT (1416555285, $24.00), a survey mixing sleuthing with magic in a collection of stories specializing in a satisfying blend of both. Mystery and magic blend in stories ranging from an occult detective's hobby gone serious to an issue of gingerbread and a Hansel and Gretel recreation. Edric Flint provides a fine sequel set to 1632 in RING OF FIRE II (1416573879, $25.00), a set of new stories surrounding the time-swept town introduced in 1632. From a new story by Flint of a Hungarian officer's theft of new technology and an American agent's search for the missing papers to a cardinal's plot even as civil war threatens France, new scenarios and political encounters fill out the 1632 scenario and create gripping new action plots. Catherine Asaro's THE RUBY DICE (1416555145, $23.00) tells of Jaibriol and Kelric, two rulers who don't wish war but find their hands inevitably turn to war as a choice – each trying to hide a secret which might lead to downfall. Can two men with shared secrets and common perspectives avoid war yet hold on to their kingdoms? Passionate encounters make for a fast-paced story. Tom Kratman's CALIPHATE (1416555455, $24.00) is set in the 22nd century where Europe is under control of Muslims, atheism has been exterminated, gay people hanged or crucified, and general brutality rules. A German girl sold as a slave to pay for her family's escape discovers a magic place in America and determines to achieve something her country can't: a different kind of freedom.

Brasyl
Ian McDonald
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591025436, $25.00 www.prometheusbooks.com

Three very different Brazils are presented in Brasyl, a book that blends science fiction, history, mystery and more in three separate stories. In one, a self-made man in a near future Sao Paulo of riches and poverty finds himself immersed in a dangerous underworld; in the second, an ambitious Rio TV producer seeks a different kind of reality show and finds herself involved in a dangerous conspiracy; and in the third, a Jesuit missionary sent into 18th century Brazil to locate and punish a rogue priest finds himself in a dangerous Amazon world. All are involving, riveting stories perfect for science fiction collections.

Captain Kirk's Guide to Women
John Bonrs Rodriguez
Pocket Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 13th fl., New York, NY 10020
1416543155, $14.00 www.simonsays.com

Trekkers and even casual fans of the first Star Trek series will relish the tongue-in-cheek observations of CAPTAIN KIRK'S GUIDE TO WOMEN, a set of funny observations of the main women in the show – basically the captain's love interests. There are color photos of many of them – but disappointingly, not all. That caveat aside, the comments and history make for a fun guide for any interested in Captain Kirk and his erstwhile love life.

The Girl Who Loved Animals and Other Stories
Bruce McAllister
Golden Gryphon Press
3002 Perkins Road, Urbana, IL 61802
1930846495, $24.95 www.goldengryphon.com

An exceptional set of short stories makes The Girl Who Loved Animals and Other Stories a top pick for any science fiction collection, deserving of ongoing recommendation and acclaim. From a young woman dedicated to preserving animals, to a little girl's life psychically linked to two pandas, the stories of The Girl Who Loved Animals speak to the human condition, offering an outstanding menu of fine characters and poignant situations.

The Martian General's Daughter
Theodore Judson
Pyr Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591026433, $15.00 www.pyrsf.com

Set over two hundred years into the future, in a world like Imperial Rome, The Martian General's Daughter tells of one General Peter Black through the eyes of his devoted daughter, raised on battlefields. When a plague threatens their kingdom, the general must choose between tradition, war, and the daughter he loves in this fast-paced military science fiction fable.


The Gardening Shelf

Don't Throw It, Grow It!
Deborah Peterson & Millicent Selsam
Storey
210 Mass Moca Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603420648, $10.95, www.storey.com

You can't recycle organics, only paper, plastic, and glass -- or can you? "Don't Throw It, Grow It! 68 Windowsill Plants from Kitchen Scraps" is a novel but effective guide to turning ordinary household organic garbage into a thriving personal garden. "Don't Throw It, Grow It!" promotes the ability to take the remains of countless vegetables and nuts such as almonds, celery, kiwis, squash, and others, plant them, and grow them once more into food. The veggies can then be consumed again, repeating the cycle anew. A conservationist's manual of efficiency, "Don't Throw It, Grow It!" is highly recommended for community library gardening collections.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

To the Jew First
Darrell L. Bock & Mitch Glaser
Kregel
PO Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501
9780825436581, $16.99, www.kregel.com

The Jewish approach to new converts has always been to make them come to the synagogue, not the other way around. "To the Jew First: The Case for Jewish Evangelism in Scripture and History" is an argument pushing for a new approach to Judaism, one that favors evangelism. Looking at modern Jewish Evangelism and the Jewish missionary, "To the Jew First" argues in against the standard passive conversion stance that Judaism so values. "To the Jew First" is highly recommended for community library Judaic studies collections.

Commitment and Complexity: Jewish Wisdom in an Age of Upheaval
Rabbi Yehuda Amital
KTAV Publishing House
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602800304, $19.95 www.ktav.com

For over five decades the author, heads of Israel's largest hesder yeshiva, has provided teachings to thousands of students. COMMITMENT AND COMPLEXITY reveals these teachings for Torah students and Jewish peoples around the world, providing his thoughts on modern events and issues. Any scholarly adult Jewish library will find it packed with comments and insights essential to understanding Jewish culture and its direction.


The Criminology Shelf

A Mind for Murder, new edition
Noreen Renier
Hampton Roads Publishing
1125 Stony Ridge Road, Charlottesville VA 22902
9781571745736, $16.95 www.hrpub.com

Written by the only psychic to ever lecture at the FBI Academy, A Mind for Murder: The Real-Life Files of a Psychic Investigator has been revised, expanded and updated into a new edition. Stories of the author's experiences reveal her change from businesswoman to psychic investigator, and cover her predictions and encounters with true crime. Fascinating reading for any audience interested in true crime accounts.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Exploring the Old Testament, Volume Four
J. Gordon McConville
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830825448, $27.00, www.ivpress.com

The Old Testament of the Bible is a major historical document from an era where not much history has been recorded. "Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets" is not a strictly Christian book looking to spread the gospel, but rather a text looking critically at the Bible within a historical context. Examining the roots of the prophets' books and their secular and theological contributions to the old world, "Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets" is highly recommended for community library theology collections.

Our Daily Bread
Ralph Wright
Paulist Press
997 Macarthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ 07430
9780809145256, $16.95, www.paulistpress.com

This is my body, this is my blood – the rite of Eucharist. "Our Daily Bread: Glimpsing The Eucharist Through the Centuries" is a look at over two millennia of writings inspired by the Eucharist, from the earliest days of Christianity to letters Benedict XVI. A long, thorough, inspired and inspiring collection of poems and hymns written to strike the love of Christ within all who read them, "Our Daily Bread: Glimpsing The Eucharist Through the Centuries" is highly recommended for community library Christian studies collections.

The Mystery We Celebrate, The Song We Sing
Kathleen Harmon
Liturgical Press
St. John's Abbey, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814661901, $29.95, www.liturgicalpress.com

Music has been a part of religion for as long as both existed. "The Mystery We Celebrate, The Song We Sing: A Theology of Liturgical Music" is a study of liturgical music and the relationship of the two through the ages. It also touches upon liturgical music's spiritual relevance and its contributions to religion as a whole. A scholarly examination from first page to last, enhanced with an index, "The Mystery We Celebrate, The Song We Sing: A Theology of Liturgical Music" is highly recommended for community library Christian collections.

A Chronology of World Christianity
John Bowden
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 704, New York, NY 10038
9780826496331, $70.00, www.continuumbooks.com

Christianity – one of the most influential forces in the history of the western world. "A Chronology of World Christianity" is a long historical look at this world-changing concept started by a Jewish carpenter two thousand years ago. From the fall of Jerusalem to the election of Pope Benedict XVI, "A Chronology of World Christianity" is a complete and comprehensive coverage of the subject. It also tackles the subject of what precisely Christianity is in a scholarly manner. Enhanced with glossaries, indexes, a time line, and appendixes, "A Chronology of World Christianity" is a top pick for community library collections focusing on Christianity or World History, as well as general reference collections.


The Fiction Shelf

Shadows of Mulberry
Gwendolyn Nebelsick Mahler
Leathers Publishing
4500 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66211
9781585974610, $14.95, www.leatherspublishing.com

A government agent, a cousin of Jefferson Davis, spoiled brats – all are characters sure to intrigue readers in "Shadows of Mulberry", a chronicle following four generations of a family with a noble Southern lineage in the state of Kentucky, from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s. The characters of this family are well-formed, sure to keep readers glued to the page. "Shadows of Mulberry" is a good pick for community library fiction collections, and anyone who enjoys a set of solid stories.

The Legend of Mickey Tussler
Frank Nappi
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780312381097, $24.95, www.stmartins.com

Autism wasn't always known as autism, or even diagnosed. Some people were just seen as slow. "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" is the fictional story of one of these people with autism before autism was recognized. In this tale, Arthur Murphy discovers Mickey Tussler, a ball player who might just save the Milwaukee Brewers from their abysmal record. Mickey, however, doesn't seem to be all there, and faces adversity from both his teammates and the fans in the stands. A touching story of finding one's dream even when the cards dealt to one are poor, "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" is highly recommended for community library literary fiction collections.

Dearest Anne
Judith Katzir
The Feminist Press
365 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5406, New York, NY 10016
9781558615755, $15.95, www.feministpress.org

Finely translated into English by Dalya Bilu, "Dearest Anne: A Tale of Impossible Love" is the story of Rivi, many decades after a lesbian love affair with her teacher. The teacher, Michaela, has passed on, and Rivi returns to Israel to pay her condolences and mourn a relationship that could never be. Faced with the results of her decision in life, she turns to her notebooks addressed to Anne Frank to help her reflect. An original tale, "Dearest Anne: A Tale of Impossible Love" is highly recommended for community library world fiction collections.


The Travel Shelf

Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers
Peter J. Barr
John F. Blair Publisher
1406 Plaza Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
9780895873569, $14.95, www.blairpub.com

Lookout towers used to be places where rangers could view the forests and spot any problems. Today, they are open to anyone who wishes to visit them. "Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers" is a guide for hikers who want to put a destination into their hikes that ends with a great view of the surrounding landscape. An ideal pick for any hiking enthusiast, "Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers" is highly recommended for community library travel collections.

Jerusalem
Chanoch Shudofsky
Devora Publishing
40 East 78th Street, Suite 16D, New York, NY 10021
Stuart Schnee PR (publicity)
9781934440254, $21.95, www.devorapublishing.com

The city of Jerusalem means so much to so many people. "Jerusalem: A Neighborhood Street Guide" is a closely personal look at the city in its modern state, studying its rich history street by street. The 2,500 streets of the city are listed in alphabetical order; none are left out, and at the end is a full color road map of the city. "Jerusalem: A Neighborhood Street Guide" is highly recommended for community library travel collections and to anyone wishing to visit the holy city.

Hour Chicago
Ann Slavick
Ivan R. Dee Publisher
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2694
9781566637435, $16.95, www.ivanrdee.com

One doesn't need an entire day to appreciate the arts and life of the great city of Chicago. "Hour Chicago: Twenty Five Self-Guided Sixty Minute Tours of Chicago's Great Architecture and Art" is a guide for tourists and residents who looking to savor full appreciation of the city's culture in conveniently bite-sized doses. Presented in a compact and portable form, Hour Chicago is the perfect guide to carry along for any trip through the city. Highly recommended for community library travel collections.

Kansas Outdoor Treasures
Julie M. Cirlincuina
Trails Books
c/o Big Earth Publishing
923 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703
9781934553114, $18.95, www.bigearthpublishing.com

Nature can be an attraction all its own. "Kansas Outdoor Treasures: A Guide to Over 60 Natural Destinations" is exactly what its title says. For nature hiking enthusiasts, it's a complete and comprehensive guide to traveling through the Midwestern state and enjoying mother nature's own tourist attractions. The guide gives tips on getting the most out of these trips, making "Kansas Outdoor Treasures: A Guide to Over 60 Natural Destinations" highly recommended for community library travel collections.


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


Copyright ©2001

Site design by Williams Writing, Editing & Design