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Volume 19, Number 3 March 2009 Home | IBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Health/Medicine Shelf Biography Shelf
Literary Shelf Poetry Shelf Travel Shelf
Education Shelf Sports Shelf Graphic Novel Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Art Shelf
Crafts Shelf Railroading Shelf Gardening Shelf
Human Sexuality Shelf Black Studies Shelf World History Shelf
Philosophy Shelf Self-Help Shelf Christian Studies Shelf
Hunting/Fishing Shelf Social Issues Shelf American History Shelf
Buddhist Studies Shelf Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf Native American Shelf
Photography Shelf Parenting Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf
Computer Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf Women's Studies Shelf
Jobs/Careers Shelf Money/Finance Shelf Political Science Shelf
Criminology Shelf Needlecraft Shelf Psychology Shelf
Library CD Music Shelf Library DVD Shelf Audiobook Shelf
Interior Design Shelf Fiction Shelf Astronomy Shelf
Science Shelf Music Shelf Business Shelf
International Studies Shelf Economics Shelf Judicial Studies Shelf
Religion/Spirituality Shelf Gaming Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf Library Science Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

Alexander Calder and His Magical Mobiles
Jean Lipman with Margaret Aspinwall
Hudson Hills Press
PO Box 205, 3556 Main Street, Manchester, VT 05254
9780933920170, $24.95, hudsonhills.com

Mobiles are a quaint and unique medium of art. "Alexander Calder and His Magical Mobiles" is the tale of mobile artist Alexander Calder, telling his life story and how he came into the field, but mostly focusing on the man's art. Drawing from Calder's own words much of the time, "Alexander Calder and His Magical Mobiles" features many photographs of his work in black- and-white, as well as forty photographs in full color. An ideal guide to understanding the mobile, "Alexander Calder and His Magical Mobiles" is highly recommended.

Imagining the Future
Yuval Levin
New Atlantis Books
c/o Encounter Books
900 Broadway, Suite 601, New York, NY 10003
9781594032097, $21.95, www.encounterbooks.com

If there were a debate about whether water was wet, there would surely be those who would argue that it is not. "Imagining the Future: Science and American Democracy" takes a look at the relationship of science and politics, focusing on such issues as global warming, stem cell research, evolution, and more. Asking many poignant questions and offering ideas that may have not been obvious to the reader, author Yuval Levin has doubts that those on the left are truly the party of science, or that those on the right are entirely waging a war on science. Suggesting that maybe the science has little to do with it, "Imagining the Future" is enlightening and fascinating reading about the influence of science on politics - or the lack thereof.

Bet You Didn't Know
Cheryl Russell
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591026358, $18.95 www.prometheusbooks.com

Author Cheryl Russell is a recognized authority on statistics and demographics, and BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW: HUNDREDS OF INTRIGUING FACTS ABOUT LIVING IN THE USA offers little-known facts on a range of trends and facts top of America's obsessions. From jobs and money to free time and social issues, the author spotlights facts and offers illuminating commentary. General-interest lending libraries will find it intriguing.

The Hand Gun Story
John Walter
Casemate
1016 Warrior Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
9781848325005, $50.00 www.casematepublishing.com

THE HAND GUN STORY: A COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY traces the history of the 'one hand gun' from its 14th century origins to modern times, surveying changing technology, techniques, and design. Libraries strong in gun history or appealing to gun users will find this packed with diagrams, history and black and white photos: a key guide for any interested in hand guns.

A Mountain Year
Chris Czajkowski
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC V0N 2H0
9781550174410, $36.95, www.harbourpublishing.com

Nature is beautiful, but few have the fortitude to live amongst it. "A Mountain Year: Nature Diary of a Wilderness Dweller" is a combination memoir and art journal from Chris Czajkowski, a woman who sought to dwell in the wilderness of the vast forests of British Columbia. Reflecting on her time in nature, she vividly describes her experiences, and hopes to pass on what she saw to readers and she does it well. "A Mountain Year" is a solid recommendation to any who want to experience British Columbia but can't make the trip.

The Family Ranch
Linda Hussa
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874177718, $24.95 www.unpress.nevada.edu 1-877-682-6657

Award-winning author Linda Hussa presents The Family Ranch: Land, Children, and Tradition in the American West, an up-close and personal look at the stories of six modern-day ranching families of the American West. From the battle between ranchers and those who would siphon water off their property to big cities (or even across state lines), to the daily life of being raised on a ranch, to the potentially thorny difficulty of passing down the ranch through the generations, The Family Ranch offers an unforgettable portrait of enduring family traditions. A treasury of insight into the traditions and legacy of a distinctly American way of life.

A History Of The Kennedy Space Center
Kenneth Lipartito & Orville R. Butler
University Press of Florida
15 Northwest 15th St., Gainesville, FL 32611-2079
9780813030692, $39.95, www.upf.com

It was President John F. Kennedy who inspired a nation to invest and strive towards leaving planet Earth and setting foot upon the Moon. The process was undertaken by NASA whose launch facility at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was to be renamed the Kennedy Space Center after the man most responsible for directing the federal government to achieve such a historical and momentous task. Co-authored by Kenneth Lipartito (Professor History, Florida International University) and Orville R. Butler (Associate history in the Center for History of Physics at the American Institute of Physics), "A History Of The Kennedy Space Center" is an informed and informative history of the center, including the methods and technologies developed for preparing, testing, and launching spacecraft over the past 45 years of the center's operation. A 496-page compendium of detailed information, "A History Of The Kennedy Space Center" is enhanced for the reader's appreciation with the inclusion of 97 illustrations, copies notes, an essay on sources, and a comprehensive index. No personal, community, or academic library American Space and Astronautics history collection can be considered complete or comprehensive without the inclusion of "A History Of The Kennedy Space Center"!


The Health/Medicine Shelf

The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures
Eileen Miller
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market St #400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843108894, $22.95 www.jkp.com

For many years the author's daughter Kim was unable to verbalize her experiences and emotions - but could communicate using her art. THE GIRL WHO SPOKE WITH PICTURES tells of how her drawings enabled her to interact with the world, is illustrated with pictures drawn by Kim between the ages of 3 and 19 years, and explores the idea of art as a universal language for those with autism. Any library with books on autism needs this.

Forgetting: When to Worry, What to Do
Joan Carson Breitung, RN, MSN
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591026174, $19.98 www.prometheusbooks.com

What differentiates normal brain aging from more serious symptoms of confusion and cognitive impairment? From Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia to Mild Cognitive Impairment's common causes and diagnosis, chapters discuss all aspects for forgetting, consider caregiver challenges, and offer advice on long-range solutions and planning. Any health library will find this an excellent, basic consumer's pick.

Caregivers
Delaune Pollard
Cantankerous Cow books
c/o Select One Rehab
6305 Roselawn Avenue, Monona, WI 53716
9780980557503, $29.95, www.selectonerehab.com

Caregivers live not only for themselves, but for others as well. "Caregivers: Drowning in a Sea of Cognitive Challenges" is a book discussing at great length the challenges that face caregivers in their everyday lives - from dealing with the patient who doesn't want to admit that he or she needs help, memory loss from ailments and age, and deceptive appearances. Understanding above all else is the topic, as well as being prepared when disaster strikes. A must for any caretaker, "Caregivers" is an enthusiastically recommended reference.

Managing And Treating Urinary Incontinence
Diane Kaschak Newman & Alan J. Wein
Health Professions Press
PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
www.healthpropress.com
9781932529210, $64.95, 1-888-337-8808

Although most commonly associated with aging seniors, urinary incontinence can happen to anyone of any age for a variety of reasons and causes. Now in a significantly expanded and fully updated second edition, "Managing And Treating Urinary Incontinence" by the team of Diane Kaschak Newman (Co-Director of the Penn Center for continence and Pelvic Health, Division of Urology, University of Pennsylvania health Systems, Philadelphia) and Alan J. Wein (Professor and Chair of the Division of Urology, University of Pennsylvania health Systems and Chief of Urology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) is a comprehensive guidebook to all of the issues relevant to the treatment and management of urinary incontinence. Covering all of the current treatment options and coherently explaining how they work, "Managing And Treating Urinary Incontinence" provides an informed and informative accounts of the anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor, the types and causes of incontinence and overactive bladders, the components of clinical assessment and evaluation, the impact of bowel dysfunction on incontinence, the significance of patient education and the importance of self-care techniques, the efficacy of behavioral treatments, the role of drug therapy and surgery, the management of pelvic organ prolapse, and the full range of incontinence containment products. A compendium of sound medical scholarship that is written in a thoroughly accessible text appropriate for medical students, medical service providers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in urinary incontinence issues, "Managing And Treating Urinary Incontinence" is a core addition to academic, community, and health service agency reference collections.

Partners in Healing
William Collinge
Trumpeter
Horticultural Hall,
300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
9781590304150, $16.95, www.shambhala.com

A loved one in pain puts you in pain. "Partners in Healing: Simple Ways to Offer Support, Comfort, and Care to a Loved One Facing Illness" is a reference and inspirational guide to those who are faced with supporting a loved one who is not well and needs all the help they can get. Highlighting the importance of taking care of oneself even when your loved one has it worse, getting other family members to assist, and many techniques to make life happier all around, "Partners in Healing" is something no friend or family member of a person in pain should be without.

Ethical Issues in Rural Health Care
Craig M. Klugman & Pamela M. Dalinis
The John Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
9780801890451, $50.00, www.press.jhu.edu

City dwellers are spoiled - a high tech hospital sits no less than a few miles away. "Ethical Issues in Rural Health Care" seeks to discuss rural health care, where caregivers are few and far in between with little in the way of checks and balances weighing over them. Such power leads to ethical issues; also, rural areas tend to have less income, leading to issues involving finances when a doctor is the only one that can help. Splitting the difference between urban and rural cultures, "Ethical Issues in Rural Health Care" is an excellent scholarly examination of what rural people face in the world of health care. "Ethical Issues in Rural Health Care" is a must for anyone evaluating America's quality of healthcare on a nationwide level.


The Biography Shelf

Something of the Turtle
Sandra Clayton
Wheatmark
610 East Delano Street, Suite 104, Tucson, AZ 85705
9781604940664, $18.95

Less is more, and a minimalistic life can let one know what's really important. "Something of the Turtle" is about a couple's choice to give up their home and declare their residence as the sea. A follow up to a previous memoir of 'Dolphins Under My Bed', the Clayton's story is continued, charting how they severed their ties to their land life and could never be happier. A look at a different sort of alternative lifestyle, "Something of the Turtle" is highly enjoyable reading.

The Bond Code
Philip Gardiner
New Page Books
3 Tice Road, PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
9781601630049, $16.99, www.newpagebooks.com

Inspiration has to come from somewhere. "The Bond Code: The Dark World of Ian Fleming and James Bond" takes a look behind the man behind the icon of pulp spy fiction, Ian Fleming. Touching on a long list of facts and how Fleming came across them ranging from the moniker 007, Fleming's final novel, and more, "The Bond Code" is fascinating reading to any Bond fan or any who want to understand the man behind the phenomenon.

Survival in Shanghai
Audrey Friedman Marcus & Rena Krasno
Pacific View Press
PO Box 2897, Berkeley, CA 94702
9781881896296, $22.95, www.pacificviewpress.com

The stories of many Jews fleeing the Nazi regime is nothing new, but little has been written of those who went to China to find salvation. "Survival in Shanghai: The Journals of Fred Marcus 1939-49" is a collection of journal entries from one teenager escaping one of the blackest marks in human history. A fish out of water true story, "Survival in Shanghai" tells of getting by in a nation simultaneously stricken by the Chinese civil war and Japanese invasion. An enlightening saga of a group of Jews rarely discussed within Holocaust studies.

Facing Fear
Judith Strasser
Borderland Books
c/o University of Wisconsin Press
1930 Monroe Street, 3rd Floor, Madison, WI 53711-2059
9780976878193, $19.95, www.borderlandbooks.net

Fear is a powerful weapon. "Facing Fear: Cancer and Politics, Courage and Hope" is a scholarly discussion of the nature of fear, its power in one's body, and how fear plays such a dominant role in modern politics. Judith Strasser is a woman who knows fear; she has lost friends and family to such things, and she is concerned that America itself may be in worse shape due to its fears. "Facing Fear" is an intriguing read about how fear itself is truly the only thing that needs to be feared.

The Wrong Side of Murder Creek
Bob Zellner with Constance Curry
NewSouth, Inc.
PO Box 1588, Montgomery, AL 36102
9781588382221, $27.95 www.newsouthbooks.com 1-334-834-3556

The Wrong Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the Freedom Movement is the personal memoir of civil rights activist Bob Zellner, a white Alabama native who stood beside black students who marched, undertook sit-ins, and sometimes died to challenge the racist reality of the South in the 1960s. Zellner's story of protest on behalf of positive social change and the promotion of equal rights does not end with America's desegregation; The Wrong Side of Murder Creek also explains how he continues to work for a more just America in the present day. The captivating and profound testimony of a patriot who did everything he could to help make his nation a better place, The Wrong Side of Murder Creek is highly recommended.

One Man and the Mighty Mississippi
Captain Norman Hillman
Great River Publishing
W987 Cedar Valley Road, Stoddard, WI 54658
9780971160200, $21.95 1-888-255-7726

Written by Captain Norman Hillman, a career riverboat pilot, One Man and the Mighty Mississippi: A Sixty-Year Adventure on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers is a memoir filled cover to cover with amazing facts about and major events in the riverboat industry. Hillman's more striking days on the job involved everything from breaking ice on Lake Pepin to fighting fires on board to rescuing tugboats trapped against bridges. An excellent book for scholars interested in researching a primary source of the riverboat industry as well as for lay readers.


The Literary Shelf

The Sacrament and Other Plays of Forbidden Love by Hugo Claus
David Willinger, editor
Susquehanna University Press
c/o Associated University Presses
2010 Eastpark Blvd., Cranbury, NJ 08512
9781575911106, $50.00, www.susqu.edu/su_press

Holland's greatest living writer now has his work translated into English. "The Sacrament and Other Plays of Forbidden Love by Hugo Claus" is a collection of translated work from Hugo Claus, translated by the deft team of David Willinger, Luc Duneulin, and Luk Truyts. The three works are ones that provoke thought and controversy, yet are eloquently composed. 'Bride in the Morning' follows a sister's battle with her incestuous desires for her brother, 'Sugar' is about one man's obsession with a prostitute who may end up killing herself, and the titular play the Sacrament follows a gay man trying to gain acceptance from the priest who molested him so many years ago. Strange yet enlightening, "The Sacrament and Other Plays of Forbidden Love by Hugo Claus" is a must add to any theatre's library of source material.

And the World Changed
Muneeza Shamsie
The Feminist Press
365 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5406, New York, NY 10016
9781558615809, $15.95, www.feministpress.org

Voices seldom heard in mainstream literature are so pleasant to experience. "And the World Changed: Contemporary Stories to Pakistani Women" is a collection of memoirs and short fiction from Pakistani women writers, who paint a vivid picture of their lives. With stories about what these women dream of and depictions of their everyday challenges in life, it is a unique anthology giving a glimpse at the soul of the Pakistani people. "And the World Changed" is a must for any world literature collection.


The Poetry Shelf

The Upshot
Anne Rouse
Bloodaxe Books
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781852248086, $25.95, www.dufouredtions.com

Society isn't as united as a whole as it should be. "The Upshot" is the latest collection of poetry from Anne Rouse, a lady with a sharp wit and gift for verse. Her latest volume focuses on love, the mundane life we all live, and how society is split into divisions. "The Upshot" is moving and eloquent poetry, highly recommended. "Nude Descending a Stair": It's 2 a.m., when the placid telephone shrieks./A silhouette floats over the fly-posted shops,/and enters: a game of toy soldiers,/you'd think to hear them talk, descending//to a basement hung with nylon fetters,/with an unknown atmosphere, and speech.//To hear them talk - but these rarely do,/above water. We goggle in a movie-house;/co-opt their stylish silence,/frame by frame./For beauty, rubbish - they are just afraid.

Strange Attractors
Sarah Glaz & JoAnne Growney, editors
AK Peters
888 Worcester Street, Suite 230, Wellesley, MA 02482
9781568813417, $39.00, www.joannegrowney.com

Numbers are absolute, love is not. "Strange Attractors: Poems of Love and Mathematics" is a collection of poems from many poets about two subjects rarely brought together in the same subject - love and arithmetic. Well over one hundred poems, both classic and contemporary, discuss these two subjects and how they have more in common than one would think. "Strange Attractors" is a fresh and original book of poetry, highly recommended. "We Shall Find the Cube of the Rainbow." by Emily Dickinson: We shall find the cube of the Rainbow./Of that, there is no doubt./But the Arc of a Lover's conjecture/Eludes the finding out.

An Apron Full of Beans
Sam Cornish
CavanKerry Press
6 Horizon Road, No. 2901, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
9781933880099, $16.00, www.cavankerrypress.org

Presenting itself as a successor to the work of Walt Whitman, "An Apron Full of Beans" is about nothing in particular, touching on a wide array of subjects and discussing them in poignant, entertaining verse sure to please. With a focus on the African American perspective, "An Apron Full of Beans" is a fine choice for poetry fans looking for variety. "Hungry": Nat Turner his blood is on the corn/His number on the leaves/Nat Turner/Slave/Composer/Man/Death/And darkness.

A Tour of Your Country
Eamonn Wall
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781903392805, $23.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

History is a long, old, and fascinating thing. "A Tour of Your Country" is a poetic look at history from established poet Eamonn Wall. In his fifth anthology, he discusses how the roots of many people affect them today. "A Tour of Your Country" is a fine volume of poetry, highly recommended reading indeed. "Midsummer's Eve": The fields are littered with ruins and heartache./The towns carry the weight of disease and pain./The great leaders will build a great road across Tara./The small men in the small towns will fell the last oak.

Into the Arms of Pushkin
Carol V. Davis
Truman State University Press
100 East Normal Street, Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
9781931112710, $15.95, www.tsup.truman.edu

Russia is a culture like no other in the world. "Into the Arms of Pushkin: Poems of St. Petersburg" is an anthology of poems from Carol V. Davis, a woman of Russian heritage who has embraced it well with her poetry. A winner of the T.S. Eliot prize, "Into the Arms of Pushkin" is quite the book of poetry, both entertaining and educating about the culture of Russia. "If Now as I Wait for Your Call": you instead climb the three/flights of broken stairs, /careful to avoid the drip/of corroded pipe, a small/lake forming on the ground/floor of this building/slapped together between/the wars in uncertain urgency./Streets still cling to their/Soviet names in a display/of foolish loyalty./If as I open the door/you empty your pockets/of keys and broken strings:/leaving of a life undecided/trailing behind you like/musicians shuffling off stage/in the Unfinished Symphony./And if in the dusk of entryway/your hand reaches me/with the familiarity of dream/I would understand you at last/without burden of translation,/no longer dependent on the/ intercession of angels.

Burning Cartography
Noni Benegas, author
Noel Valis, translator
Host Publications
1000 East 7th, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78702
9780924047435, $12.00

A sample of one of Spain's finest, "Burning Cartography" brings Noni Benegas' work to the English language. With several previous works published, Benegas is no stranger to the world of poetry, and her expertise shines right through to readers. Tackling the unknown world of dreams that lies in everyone of us, and presenting the original Spanish lyrics alongside their English translation, "Burning Cartography" is a fine book of international poetry, deftly translated by Noel Valis. "Another Light": Groping through the house, blind steps/of chalk/with the light of dreams/suddenly opaque or radiant/Who shimmers that screen/in the darkened brain?/Like skin withering on the inside/the mystery of that glow persists.

Blues and Bliss
George Elliot Clarke
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554580606, $14.95, www.wlupress.wlu.ca

The blues are simply the outpouring of one's soul, and George Elliot Clarke is a master of it. "Blues and Bliss" is his venture in poetry, using the same skills he uses as a blues man, preacher, and his other long list of social titles in his poetry to bring out his pure soul in his verse. "Blues and Bliss" is an enthusiastically recommended work from a diverse man. "Avowals": A is the cracked steeple./E is a long scream./I is a gawky guillotine./O is a silk abyss./U is a fetus - or crab lice./Y is a two-pronged gallows.

Touchstones
Gordon Walmsley
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781903392690, $23.95, www.dufoureditons.com

Four previous volumes in his resume, Gordon Walmsley returns again with "Touchstones", the fifth anthology of the Princeton alumni. His poems focus on the harsh reality of the world and the nature of freedom and expression, with fine and flowing verse that entertains as well as make the reader think. "Touchstones" is a seminal volume, highly recommended. A sample: even if one child/walking along entranced/notices the one tree/it blossoms cresting in the May light/tucks it under his heart/like a letter from a secret friend/life will be able to continue on the earth.

Zebra
Nadine S. St. Louis
Marsh River Editions
M233 Marsh Road, Marshfield, WI 54449
9780977276851, $12.00, www.marshrivereditions.com

Nadine S. St. Louis didn't get her start in the world of poetry until late in her life, but you wouldn't know it by her verse. "Zebra" is her first full fledged volume of poetry, with a focus on her radically different interests such as interests in both science fiction and literary classics. "Zebra" is a fine work that's sure to entertain. "Once More onto the Beaches": Better to have throat/than chest or belly cut//provided it's done right//you'll still breathe and swallow/sweetness in an iron hour.

Suddenly, Out of a Long Sleep
Lowell Jaeger
Arctos Press
PO Box 401, Sausalito, CA 94966-0401
9780972538480, $16.00, www.members.aol.com/Runes

Prolific and educated poet Lowell Jaeger comes to readers with "Suddenly, Out of a Long Sleep" a series of poems of a personal nature about the important people, places, and things in his life. Poignant and with a quick wit within its verse that makes its poems effortless and enjoyable, "Suddenly, Out of a Long Sleep" is solid reading through and through. "Voluptuous": Of curvaceous female form I sing./Soft round hips and shapely booty./Thick thighs and calves. Rubenesque./Plump and rosy about the face. Meaty -/lipped kisses. Lolling breasts, flesh/scented satin pillows. A far cry//from rags and bones the tabloids bring/forth for adoration. Beauty/prepackaged, starved, grotesque/scarecrows painted scarecely 3-D/on the page and off. Pallid fash-/ionable paper dolls. Small wonder why//you fill my hands with a sculptor's joy in bed./As I love your shape from toe to head.

Reading Novalis in Montana
Melissa Kwasny
Milkweed Editions
1011 Washington Avenue South, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55415
9781571314291, $16.00, www.milkweed.org

Melissa Kwasny brings readers her third volume of poetry with "Reading Novalis in Montana" is a look into the world of natural science using poetry as a vehicle, and Kwasny executes it excellently. Moving, entertaining, educational are all fine labels to apply to "Reading Novalis in Montana". "11 Fire": White velocity. We dare not interrupt you./Stream of light in the light./Gender. The Surpreme fiction? Gender./The alchemy? Stars you build and stamp out./What is old: you are sweeping through it, jumping the creek. Arnica. Cedar waxwings./The pale pink spider. Your ash, already, anointing them./I cut the tree that fell in this winter's wind./I rake twigs into piles and pull the runners from the tines/to hand to you, to use for your quick ceremonies./Can you take what is negative, correct our mistake? We have/such plans for amelioration. As below, so above./Lightning. Sun. As above, so below. Igneous, metamorphic./You are the weed that grows spiky and voluptuous./You are the verb, sprung from seven sprouts of morning/to the twenty-two of afternoon./Fire beneath our lids, the farce of you.

Finding Ireland
Richard Tillinghast
University of Notre Dame Press
310 Flanner Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556
9780268042325, $25.00, www.undpress.edu

In takes a certain adoration to embrace a new country as home. "Finding Ireland: A Poet's Explorations of Irish Literature and Culture" is a book that combines poetry and memoir as author Richard Tillinghast describes his adoption of Ireland as his new home after living in the United Stated for most of his life. He describes his new home and why he loves it, in a manner sure to inspire an appreciation for Irish heritage and culture in readers. "Finding Ireland" is a must for anyone who wants to learn about the home of Saint Patrick.

The Niagara River
Kay Ryan
Grove Press
841 Broadway, New York, New York, 10003
9780802142221, $14.00 www.groveatlantic.com

Prize winning poet Kay Ryan presents The Niagara River, the latest entry in the Grove Press Poetry Series. The brief, free-verse vignettes cascade into defining, picturesque moments, perfectly capturing a thought, mote, or moment of time before thundering onward like the Niagara River itself. The result is a treat for poetry lovers of all persuasions. "Thin": How anything / is known / is so thin- / a skin of ice / over a pond / only birds might / confidently walk / upon. A bird's / worth of weight / or one bird-weight / of Wordsworth.


The Travel Shelf

Walking Chicago
Ryan Ver Berkmoes
Wilderness Press
1200 5th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710-1306
9780899974163, $19.95, www.wildernesspress.com

One of America's most culturally rich cities, Chicago has much to offer the person out on the town. "Walking Chicago: 31 Tours of the Windy City's Classic Bars, Scandalous Sites, Historic Architecture, Dynamic Neighborhoods, and Famous Lakeshore" is a travel guide showing what one can really enjoy in Chi-town when exploring the historic city on foot. The nightlife, history, beautiful views, and so much more are advertised, making a trip to Chicago very appealing. "Walking Chicago" is an absolute must companion to the Chicago traveler.

Fodor's New York City 2009
Fodor's
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9781400019472, $18.95, www.fodors.com

New York is one of the most famous cities in the world. "Fodor's New York City 2009" is a complete and comprehensive travel guide to those visiting this metropolis for vacation purposes who want to get the most possible out of their trip. With nearly three hundred color photos, it has much appeal to armchair travelers and much to whet one's appetite for the big apple. It also speaks on the many attractions ranging from the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero to the great bouquet of cultures in restaurants and hotels. "Fodor's New York City 2009" is a must for anyone who wants to absorb all of the city's delights.

Party Across America
Michael Guerriero
Adams Media
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322
9781598698169, $12.95, www.adamsmedia.com

A party doesn't have to be contained within one's own basement. "Party Across America!: 101 of the Greatest Festivals, Sporting Events, and Celebrations in the U.S." is a guide to traveling the United States and partying along the way. Sporting events, festivals, and just plain parties all across the United States are listed. A surefire way for the nation wide traveler to find fun wherever they go, "Party Across America!" is the outgoing traveler's best friend.


The Education Shelf

The Obama Education Plan
Education Week
Jossey-Bass, Inc.
c/o Wiley-Blackwell
989 Market Street, 5th floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741
9780470482094, $14.95, www.josseybass.com

President Barack Obama has impacted the American political scene with an agenda-changing effect rarely equaled in the 200 year history of that office. One of the major social issue areas that are to be the cornerstone of his administration is education reform. Compiled by 'Education Week' and published by Jossey-Bass, "The Obama Education Plan: An Education Week Guide" will prove an indispensable aid to understanding what the Obama administration seeks to accomplish as it lays out 'The Obama-Biden Plan', offers insightful perspectives on key educational issues on the national and state levels, incorporates illustrative stories of innovative practices, includes sage advice from education leaders (some of whom are sources for the Obama Administration's education policy reforms), and features sage commentary on the issues relevant to educational reforms, accountability, resource enhancements, and goal setting. "The Obama Education Plan" is highly recommended for academics, governmental policy makers, school administrators, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in educational issues in general, and the Obama Administration's approach to them in particular.

Helping At-Risk Students
Jill Waterman & Elizabeth Walker
Guilford Publications, Inc.
72 Spring Street , New York, NY 10012
9781606230022, $35.00, www.guilford.com

There is a renewed interest in preventing students from prematurely dropping out of school -- if only because our cratering economy and our need to compete in a global market necessitates the best trained and educated workforce we can muster. Now in an expanded and updated second edition, "Helping At-Risk Students: A Group Counseling Approach For Grades 6-9" by Jill Waterman (Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles) and Elizabeth Walker (a clinical psychologist specializing in economically disadvantaged and ethnically diverse high school students in Denver, Colorado) is an introduction and instruction guide to utilizing the 'SPARK' program as part of a group counseling approach to helping students at risk of under performing and dropping out of school. Enhanced with 36 reproducible handouts and forms (plus Spanish language versions of 32 of these handouts), "Helping At-Risk Students" provides the reader with field-tested at-risk counseling strategies; a new module on male-female relationships; new sessions on emotion regulation, communication, and relational aggression; strategies for whole-class implementation of at-risk student programs; and 68 reprocudibles of which almost half are new to this revised addition. Thoroughly 'user friendly', "Helping At-Risk Students" is highly recommended for counselors, teachers, and school administrators working with their at-risk student populations.

Thematic Inquiry Through Fiction and Nonfiction PreK to Grade 6
Colleen MacDonell
Linworth Books
3650 Olentangy River road, Suite 250, Columbus, OH 43214
9781586833503, $44.95 www.linworth.com

Thematic Inquiry Through Fiction and Nonfiction PreK to Grade 6 is a guide for educators and librarians for giving inquiry-based lessons to children in preschool and elementary classes. Each thematic inquiry unit is divided into a "Read it!" section with a sample dialogic reading of a given fiction or nonfiction book, an "Integrate it!" section with examples of how specific subjects or technology can be seamlessly blended into the lesson, a "Do it!" section with hands-on activities, and an "Assess it!" section with solid cross-curriculum standards and goals. Lists of core collection fiction and nonfiction books suitable for the lesson plans are included, and librarians and teachers are given the right to reproduce activity sheets for library or classroom use. Thematic Inquiry Through Fiction and Nonfiction PreK to Grade 6 is ultimately a solid guide and supplement to stimulating intellectual curiosity and creative thinking. "The challenge for schools with a rigidly defined core curriculum is to interpret the core content in such a way that it connects to the real life interests and questions of students. The challenge for more open curricula is to find motivating questions with enough content to sustain interest and propel investigations over time. As long as questions are neither frivolous nor abstract teachers and children should be able to frame content into questions that are worthy of in-depth investigation and thought."

Bullying Prevention & Intervention
Susan M. Swearer, Dorothy L. Espelage, Scott A. Napolitano
Guilford Publications, Inc.
72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012
9781606230213, $30.00 www.guilford.com 1-800-365-7006

A foundation of research and the authors' hands-on experience in schools, Bullying Prevention & Intervention: Realistic Strategies for Schools is a straightforward guide for educators to take a stand against bullying in schools. Straightforward strategies for developing effective district-wide policies, coordinating team-based prevention initiatives, addressing the root causes of bullying, taking steps against the modern problem of cyberbullying, and more fill this practical guide with examples, reproducible pages, and discussion questions. A "must-have" for public and private school educators. "It is not politically correct to suggest that some children have physical and personality characteristics that place them at risk for victimization, but it is true. Children and adolescents who bully others do, in fact, pick their victims very carefully. The selection or choice might be the result of a judgment that makes use of a real understanding of the victim's weaknesses and of how this child is perceived by other classmates."

The Miseducation of Black Children
Dr. Kmt G. Shockley
African American Images
P.O. Box 1799, Sauk Village, IL 60412
9781934155127, $12.95, www.africanamericanimages.com

Inner city schools have the lowest test scores, and this is where most of America's black population is centered. "The Miseducation of Black Children" is a scholarly examination of today's educational system and how it is partly responsible for the wide failure rates of America's black population. Low education is a cause of the high black ratio in prisons and involvement in violent crime, writes Shockley. Offering his own ideas on how to improve this, "The Miseducation of Black Children" is a strong consideration for educational professionals.

Making Sense of Children's Thinking and Behavior
Leslie Holzhauser-Peters and Leslie True
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843108887, $19.95 www.jkp.com

This step-by-step guide for understanding children diagnosed with Asperger's, HFA and other neurological differences provides the authors' own tool for analyzing thinking, offering a step-by-step set of insights into analyzing the thought processes behind a child's behavior. From case studies to help describe the twelve common deficit areas to applying the STAT formula to common scenarios, this is a practical resource for parents and professionals working with kids, and an invaluable guide for any special education collection.

The ABCs of the ADA
Karren Ikeda Wood & Victoria Youcha
Paul H. Brookes Publishing
Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
1557669333, $29.95 www.brookespublishing.com

THE ABCS OF THE ADA: YOUR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM'S GUIDE TO THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT provides a powerful guidebook giving readers everything needed to implement a successful compliance plan. From understanding the ADA and disability laws and developing policies and programs to meet its requirements to troubleshooting problems and working collaboratively with special education service providers and caregivers, THE ABCS OF THE ADA should be in every early childhood educator's library.

Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
www.redleafpress.org

Sara Wilford's NURTURING YOUNG CHILDREN'S DISPOSITION TO LEARN (9781933653471, $27.95) adds to early education collections offering a teaching method based upon a child's natural inclination to explore and learn. From connections between the latest brain research findings and young child development to fostering learning styles in a classroom and establishing learning methods similar to successful international classrooms, Sara Wilford's book is a wide-ranging assessment of programs that work. Dave Riley, et.al's INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT (9781933653631, $24.95) and SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT (9781933653303, $24.95) join others in Redleaf's 'Professional Library' series, connecting science and practice in early childhood settings. INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT surveys language development, early number learning, cognitive development and more, with practice tips and recommended reading accompanying best practices guidelines for teachers. SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT shows how to help students form strong attachments with adults and how to take advantage of peer relationships to develop empathy and social patterns. Both are strong recommendations for early education collections.

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

Noah Benshea's THE JOURNEY TO GREATNESS AND HOW TO GET THERE! (9781412972086, $22.95) blends wisdom with humor to consider the paths to changing habits and developing character. From turning wishes and dreams to paths to reality to understanding the basics of leadership and communication, THE JOURNEY TO GREATNESS is an outstanding key to success. Nancy P. Gallavan's DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENTS comes in two volumes: one for grades K-5 (9781412966092) and one for Grades 6-12 (9781412969819, $31.95 each). They cover customizing instructional approaches for specific education context and learning needs at both grade levels, discussing how to use PBS to help target specific academic goals and foster learning experiences. From formative assessments to summative assessments for gathering and applying data, these handbooks offer important keys to student success. The third updated edition of Joyce L. Epstein and Associates' SCHOOL FAMILY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: YOUR HANDBOOK FOR ACTION (9781412959025, $43.95) is based on 25 years of research and offers an updated edition of a best-selling discussion from a team of experts offering new examples of partnership success, new definitions of leadership roles, and new connections between family, community and student goals. THE PRINCIPAL AS MATHEMATICS LEADER (9781412963107, $52.95) adds to the 'Leading Student Achievement' series and offers a vision for learning math, from observing and assessing a math classroom to assuming an active role in its approach and effectiveness. Chapters offer administrators key overviews for math assessment and offers specific tips on how to pair observation with effective action. Jennifer Abrams' HAVING HARD CONVERSATIONS (9781412965002, $28.95) offers an interactive, personal approach to mastering conversation using a step-by-step strategy to address communication, peer/superior conversational choices, and more. Sample scripts and tools help educators speak about work-related issues with clarify and an eye for more effective problem-solving. Kathy Tuchman Glass' LESSON DESIGN FOR DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION GRADES 4-9 (9781412959827, $35.95) discusses concepts of differentiation, helping teachers understand how lessons and units may be differentiated, offering a planning template, examples and many reproducibles, and discussing strategies for change. Barbara C. Trolley, Heather S. Haas and Danielle Campese Patti's THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR'S GUIDE TO SPECIAL EDUCATION (9781412968317, $33.95) offers a fine reference for assisting students with special needs, offering a comprehensive guide clarifying the counselor's role and offering strategies for handling the special education process using teams and resources. From interventions for school-age and transitioning students to disability categories, legal and ethical issues, terminology and chapters covering educational processes from preschool through college, this is an outstanding survey for school counselors. An excellent pick for education collections. Charlotte Danielson's TALK ABOUT TEACHING! LEADING PROFESSIONAL CONVERSATIONS (9781412941419, $31.95) offers a survey of informal dialogue between school leaders and educators on classroom instruction and teacher learning. From how power and leadership works in schools to successful changes and professional conversation guidelines to promote growth, TALK ABOUT TEACHING is a winner. Robert J. Sternberg, Linda Jarvin and Elena L. Grigorenko's TEACHING FOR WISDOM, INTELLIGENCE, CREATIVITY AND SUCCESS (9781412964531, $31.95) offers a survey of the WICS model of teaching which encourages teachers to encourage student capacity for effective learning and problem-solving. Techniques for grades K-12 provide hands-on strategies for teaching and assessing model applications in the classroom. The third updated edition of Pearl G. Solomon's THE CURRICULUM BRIDGE: FROM STANDARDS TO ACTUAL CLASSROOM PRACTICE (9781412969840, $36.95) provides an updated review of educational research, from ways to connect curriculum and standards to actual classroom scenarios to an overview of how current politics affect such standards. Teachers will find it a winning choice. Adding to the 'Principal As' series is MATHEMATICS LEADER (9781412963114, $23.95) a survey for instructional leaders discussing math instruction changes and the principal's role in leading math instruction programs. From observing math in action to supporting teacher development, it's a top pick for education collections catering to principals. Timothy Gangwer's second updated edition of VISUAL IMPACT, VISUAL TEACHING: USING IMAGES TO STRENGTHEN LEARNING (9781412968294, $33.95) offers in-depth detail on how students process visual information and how teachers can use geographic organizers, digital photography, the Internet and other tools to enhance learning. Tested strategies and research makes for an outstanding guide. Theresa A. Roberts' NO LIMITS TO LITERACY FOR PRESCHOOL ENGLISH LEARNERS (9781412965644, $30.95) comes from a literacy practitioner and research for preschool Els, and offers strategies that have been field-tested by over 1,000 early childhood educator. It focuses solely on preschool Els and covers everything from teaching phonological awareness and vocabulary to working with a child's primary language. William N. Bender and Martha J. Larkin's READING STRATEGIES FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES: STRATEGIES FOR RTI (9781412960694, $38.95) appears in its second updated edition to help general and special educators blend approaches for strengthening reading skills with procedures for RTI. Based on the latest research, it offers elementary to middle school reading instruction case studies and details on promoting progress through monitoring reading. Jody L. Maanum's THE GENERAL EDUCATOR'S GUIDE TO SPECIAL EDUCATION (9781890455354, $35.95) appears in its revised, updated second edition to survey approaches to common medical treatments, special education processes, and teacher/student curriculum and interactions. Teachers of general classrooms that include students with special needs will find this offers the latest facts and information. Early childhood educators will find Maryln Appelbaum's HOW TO HANDLE HARD-TO-HANDLE PRESCHOOLERS (9781412970037, $22.95) a key to a range of conditions, from bipolar disorders and bullying to learning disabilities and autism. By including a range of disorders and problems, it blends analysis with clear direction on management. Lucy C. Martin's STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES (9781412968034, $28.95) offers a range of classroom-tested tools that help students with learning disabilities succeed. Over 100 practical strategies and activities include assessment techniques, communication methods with students and families, the latest ADA rules, and more as well as stories from the author's own classroom experiences. Alan R. Odden and Sarah J. Archibald's DOUBLING STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND FINDING THE RESOURCES TO DO IT (9781412969635, $25.95) combines the latest research in educational reform with the authors' national study of diverse schools that were able to boost student achievement. Case studies, examples, and 10 key strategies for such achievement make for a fine set of tools for educators and policy makers. All are outstanding education library picks.


The Sports Shelf

Origins of Chinese Sports
Lim SK
Fu Chunjiang, illustrator
Asiapac Books
c/o China Books
360 Swift Ave., Suite 48, South San Francisco, CA 94080
9789812294883, $8.95, www.asiapacbooks.com

There are few sports that are inherently Chinese, but that doesn't stop the people from participating. "Origins of Chinese Sports" is a detailed look at China and the world of sports. In recent years China has surged into a major powerhouse every Olympics, taking home more than its own fair share of medals. Chasing today's modern sports and tracing their history throughout China's past, "Origins of Chinese Sports" is a fine and educational read for those with an interest in Chinese history.


The Graphic Novel Shelf

Anne Steelyard
Barbara Hambly
Penny Farthing Press
2000 W. Sam Houston Pkwy, South, Suite 550, Houston, TX 77042
9780971901292, $19.95, www.pfpress.com

Every now and then along comes an graphic novel that can be classified as not only a terrifically entertaining read, but a work of original literary excellence. Such is the case with Barbara Hambly's "Anne Steelyard And The Garden Of Emptiness: An Honorary Man", the first of a series of adventures set in the Middle East of first decade of the 20th century and featuring a strong-minded, independent, intelligence young woman who seeks to become a renowned archaeologist and who has been 'drafted' by her British government to serve as a secret agent in the complex political world of the Ottoman Turks, the Egyptians, and the forces that will erupt in just a few more years as the first global war. Superbly illustrated by the team of Alex Kosakowski and Ron Randall (and featuring an original cover by Glen Orbik), this is the first episode of an on-going saga that promises to be as complex and engaging as an real life adventure by such historical figures as Lawrence of Arabia or fictional Indiana Jones. Highly recommended reading, "Anne Steelyard And The Garden Of Emptiness: An Honorary Man" will leave you looking eagerly for the next volume of high adventure in this deftly crafted and thoroughly entertaining series from Penny Farthing Press.

Dr. Slump volume 17
Akira Toriyama
Viz Communications Inc.
295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
9781421519999, $7.99 www.viz.com 1-800-394-3042

Created a few years before the wildly popular Dragonball and Dragonball Z series, manga (Japanese comics) author Akira Toriyama's first weekly series, Dr. Slump is a racous, wildly funny action series filled with irreverent wacky gags and high-spirited fun. In volume 17, the creator of the universe (or maybe just a few planets) appears, determined to destroy the world for hosting too much conflict and suffering. But the semi-infantile, high-spirited Gatchans (angels?) distract him at every turn with their wild and joyful hijinks, and the kindness of one boy letting him sleep overnight keeps making him put off destroying the world for one more day. Then, a kindly vegetarian tiger-man is inconsolable over the loss of a bird he nursed to health, but a cheery young Gatchan/angel is determined to get him back to his old self by raising more pet birds with him! More quick, quirky, and all-around fun adventures (and a dash of potty humor, but only a dash) round out this playful collection. Dr. Slump volume 17 is as good a jumping-on point as any for anyone intrigued by Toriyama's debut manga series.

Heaven's Will
Satoru Takamiya
Viz Communications Inc.
295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
9781421522586, $8.99 www.viz.com 1-800-394-3042

Part of Viz Media's "Shojo Beat Manga" series, featuring Japanese graphic novels with a focus on characters' emotions and relationships, Heaven's Will is a stand-alone manga complete in one volume about a young girl with a paranormal gift and the mysterious allies she befriends. Sudou Mikuzu has the power to see ghosts, and it terrifies her - she is a focal point that attracts any number of hideous monsters! Seto, an exuberant, cross-dressing exorcist agrees to help her, and along for the ride is Seto's mysterious companion: Kagari, the blood-feeding demon. Seto's cross-dressing and obsession with "girly" things like cake hide a dark secret, though. Seto is not a transgender, but rather haunted by extreme survivor's guilt over the sister who died in his place. As Sudou draws closer to Seto, she better understands him and the feelings that drive him, but can she allow him to pursue his most fervent wish, even if it will ultimately bring about his destruction? Presented with "unflipped" right-to-left artwork as the creator originally drew it, Heaven's Will is an enthralling story of complex characters, highly recommended especially to fans of shojo manga and the occult.


The Cookbook Shelf

New West Cuisine
Chase Reynolds Ewald and Amy Jo Sheppard
Gibbs Smith
P.O. Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1423602560, $29.95 www.gibbs-smith.com

NEW WEST CUISINE captures regional traditions from some fifteen Rocky Mountain restaurants, from mountain resorts to mom-and-pop small establishments, and pairs these with memories of foods and cuisine from the Rocky Mountain area. Add Audrey Hall's color photos and you have a spicy cookbook perfect for regional U.S. cookbook collections and offering dishes such as Poached Salmon with Cucumber Vinaigrette and Roasted Red Pepper Soup.

Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating
Mark Bittman
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1416575642, $25.00 www.simonsays.com

What is 'responsible eating', and how can such habits be fostered? FOOD MATTERS covers everything from government policy and global economics to marketing in his discussions of organic, sustainable, and conscious food choices. There's plenty of science and also plenty of tips on how to tailor a lifestyle to make food choices fit as well as reflect social change. Any collection strong in vegetarian or political food selection needs FOOD MATTERS, an outstanding clear call for action on a personal level: the dinner table.

Canning & Preserving for Dummies
Karen Ward
Wiley Publishing
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5773
9780764524714, $16.99 www.wiley.com

Any who wish a very easy introduction to the finer art of canning and preserving will find Canning & Preserving for Dummies a winner. It provides a step-by-step guide to canning at home, pairing the latest equipment and safety guidelines with easy, fun techniques all tied together by the skill of an author who is a home economist and canning instructor. From recipes for preserves to handling jars, the 'caution' and 'remember' bulleted tips make for easy, quick directions.

No Man Knows My Pastries
Sister Enid Christensen
Signature Books
564 West 400 North, Salt Lake City, UT 84116-3411
1560850280, $8.95 www.signaturebooks.com

Deserving of ongoing recommendation is NO MAN KNOWS MY PASTRIES, a fun and lively survey of Mormon cookery pairing a healthy dose of humor with recipes for everything from Sweet and Sour Hot Dogs (spiced with apple or currant jelly) to a Spam casserole and Wonder Bread side dish.

Slow & Easy
Natalie Haughton
Wiley Publishing
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5773
9780470229408, $22.95 www.wiley.com

SLOW & EASY: FAST-FIX RECIPES FOR YOUR ELECTRIC SLOW COOKER offers recipes for everything from dips and pasta sauces to chicken and pork dishes, one-dish meals, vegetables, oatmeal and more. Produce complete meals from scratch in practically no time with a cookbook that covers a range of ways of blending fresh ingredients with easy approaches, collecting popular new ingredients and seasonings to take recipes to a higher level of complexity in taste and ease in preparation.

Weight Watchers in 20 Minutes
Weight Watchers Intl
Wiley
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9780470287453, $29.95 www.wiley.com

Over two hundred fast dishes for weight watching come from the editors at Weight Watchers and deliver dishes supporting the Weight Watchers program. They feature Points values as well as the usual nutrition information for dieters, and also include time-saving tips and healthy ways to make a meal feel filling. Another fine supplement for any on the Weight Watchers plan, it includes hardcover binding paired with spiral-bound, lay-flat pages for easy kitchen use.

The Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook
Sheila Mills
The McGraw Hill Companies
Two Penn Plaza, 11th Fl., NY, NY 10121-2298
www.books.mcgraw-hill.com
9780071546591, $18.95, 1-877-833-5524

'Roughing it' in the great out of doors does not have to exclude great eating! That's the implied message reflected by the 225 creative, original, and 'camp cook friendly' recipes comprising Sheila Mills' "The Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook". A 'Dutch Oven' is basically a cooking pot with legs and a snug-fitting lid that is suspended over a camp fire. Drawing upon her more than 30 years as head chef and co-owner of Rocky Mountain River Tours, Sheila Mills has compiled superb Dutch Oven recipes for baking breads, preparing breakfast dishes, appetizers and snacks, both meat and meatless main dishes, and even some particularly wonderful desserts. The recipes range from a Posh Potato and Sausage Breakfast; to a Turkey and Brown Rice Casserole, to a Spicy Pesto Lasagna; to an elegant Yogurt Chocolate Cake. These gourmet quality recipes will satisfy an appetite and please any palate, making "The Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook" an ideal addition to personal and community library cookbook collections.

Red Or Green
Clyde W. Casey
Clear Light Publishing
823 Don Diego, Santa Fe, NM 87505
www.clearlightbooks.com
9781574160901, $14.95, 1-800-253-2747

The utilization of chili peppers in American cuisine arises out of Mexican culinary traditions as originally adapted and adopted throughout the southwest. In "Red Or Green: New Mexico Cuisine", Clyde W. Casey has compiled a 261-page compendium of more than two hundred authentic regional recipes showcasing 'kitchen cook friendly' New Mexico traditional and modern dishes that are as delicious as they are nutritious -- and often celebrating those culinary qualities most associated with red and green chili peppers. Featuring recipes ranging from 'Blue Cornmeal Pancakes' and 'Breakfast Burritos'; to 'Green Beans in Jalapeno Dressing' and 'Grilled Spanish-Style Eggplant'; to 'Fresh Basil Salsa' and 'Habanero Salsa', "Red Or Green" is enhanced with information about New Mexico's wines (one of the state's fastest growing products) and invaluable hints for high-altitude baking, making it an especially welcome addition to any personal or community library cookbook collection.

Cardamon And Lime
Sarah al-Hamad
Interlink Publishing Group
46 Crosby St., Northampton, MA 01060-1804
9781566567251, $26.95, www.interlinkbooks.com

The culinary traditions of the Middle East are as diverse as the populations of the countries that comprise their ancient lands. "Cardamon And Lime: Recipes From The Arabian Gulf" is a compendium of exotic recipes assembled by Sarah Al-Hamad from Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Enhanced throughout with full color photography of finished dishes, "Cardamon And Lime" also offers some history of these Gulf nation's culinary traditions. The thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes range from Aromatic Rice with Dill and Fava Beans; Chicken Biryani; Baked Fish with Nut Stuffing; and Green Bean Stew; to Gulf-Style Dumplings; Sago and Lychee Pudding; Stuffed Dates in Butter Sauce; and Arabian Coffe. "Cardamon And Lime" is a welcome and highly prized addition to personal and community library cookbook collections, and especially commended to adventures family chefs wanting to bring a bit of Arabia to their special occasion dining.

The Power Of Flour
Tiffany Haugen
Frank Amato Publications
PO Box 82112, Portland, OR 97282
9781571884459, $19.95, www.amatobooks.com

Just browsing through the full color photos of finished dishes in Tiffany Haugen's "The Power Of Flour: Cooking With Non-Traditional Flours" will arouse even the most jaded of appetites. The dishes themselves are truly extraordinary in that they offer the kitchen cook an impressive variety of flavors drawn from an equally impressive variety of flours that go well beyond the usual bleached wheat flour that dominates most American baking cookbooks. Each individual recipe is clearly laid out in terms of ingredients and instructions, as well as being enhanced with a brief personal but relevant anecdote by Tiffany. The recipes comprising this spiral bound cornucopia of recipes include every aspect of a dinner menu from soups, salads and pastas, to breads, healthy snacks, and desserts. Of special note (and value) are the appendices on 'Nutritious Flours'; 'Substitutions'; 'Recipe Rescue & Bread Machine tips'; and 'Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free Vegan Recipes'. From Rainbow Corn Cakes; Outside-In Pizza; High-Protein Bars; and Dark Bread Crackers; to Chai Latte Cookies; Dangerous Brownies; and Fanned Apple Tart, "The Power Of Flour" is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, family, and community cookbook collections.

The Big Book Of Barbecue Side Dishes
Rick Browne
Sellers Publishing
81 West Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
9781416205357, $16.95, www.amazon.com

One of America's most popular dining occasions is the barbecue. As the creator and host of the PBS television series 'Barbecue America', Rick Browne brings a special expertise to the subject with the publication of "The Big Book Of Barbecue Side Dishes", an impressive compendium of nicely presented recipes for more than 125 dishes that include salads, breads, pasta, vegetables, rice, beans, salsas, potatoes, fruits, and more. From such classics as American Potato Salad; Baking Powder Biscuits; and Fried Green Tomatoes, to more exotic fare like Rum-Glazed Sweet Potatoes; Blueberry-Grapefruit Salsa; and Bourbon Creamed Corn, "The Big Book Of Barbecue Side Dishes" recipes are thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' and make any barbecue menu complete. As fun to browse through for ideas as it is informed and informative as to what would make an ordinary barbecue an extraordinary culinary event, "The Big Book Of Barbecue Side Dishes" is an enthusiastically recommended addition for any and all personal, family, and cookbook collections.

The Genius of James Barber
James Barber
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
9781550174496, $26.95, www.harbourpublishing.com

As the food critic for the 'Vancouver Sun', the author of eleven cookbooks, and the star of the popular cooking show 'the Urban Peasant' which had a ten year run on CBC, the late James Barber (1923-2007) is well known in Canadian food circles. Now his culinary expertise is reconfirmed with the publication of "The Genius of James Barber: His Best Recipes" offering his legions of fans with a collection of Barber recipes that range from Ricotta-Stuffed Cannelloni with Peaches; Shrimp Egg Foo Young; and Sicilian Pumpkin with Mint; to Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding; Spicy Potato Pancakes; and Ground Lamb Balls with Cherries. Enhanced with an informed and informative preface by Angela Murrills, with commentaries by Umberto Menghi, Karen Barnaby, Hidekazu Tojo, Francois Gagnon, Vikram Vij and others, "The Genius of James Barber" is a fitting tribute to an illustrative culinary career and a welcome addition to both personal and community library cookbook collections.

Nadia G's Bitchin' Kitchen Cookbook
Nadia Geosia
Skirt!
c/o The Globe Pequot Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
www.globepequot.com
9781599214412, $19.95, www.amazon.com

Nadia G is the creator of www.bitchinKitchen.TV, a hit, hip, an award winning web and mobile cooking show and the source of the recipes she has gathered together to create "Nadia G's Bitchin' Kitchen Cookbook". Colorfully and provocatively illustrated throughout, Nadia G laces humor with her recipe instructions for 'kitchen cook friendly' dishes ranging from such exotic items as Chile raspberry Parfait, to mouth watering fare as a Chicken & Banana Curry, to such personal favorites as her Pot Au Chocolate. There's even such unexpected and unique dishes as Parsnip Chips with Sour Cream & Green Onion Dip (ideal for party time) and depression fighting fare like her Splitsville Salad with Caramelized Figs. Unique, unusual, and culinary cutting edge, "Nadia G's Bitchin' Kitchen Cookbook" is a highly prized and recommended addition to personal cookbook collections.

Quality Venison Cookbook
Steve Loder & Gale Loder
Stackpole Books
5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-6921
www.stackpolebooks.com
9780811735209, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Deer hunting season continues a perennially popular time to harvest meat for the family table. Now the family chef can have access to a veritable compendium of 'kitchen cook friendly', delicious and nutritious recipes specifically designed for bringing deer meat to the menu. A good thing too! An average deer can be butchered to provide up to seventy pounds of venison and even the most avid meat-eater can grow tired of just sitting down to venison burgers and steaks. The recipes in this 380-page, spiral bound, nicely organized collection of tips and recipes showcases dishes ranging from Jack's Venison Jerky; Lansdale Stovetop Venison Stew; Aunt Marge's Cheesy Venison and Veggie Bake; and Our Homemade Venison Manicotti; to Steve's Yankee-Style Venison Casserole; Gale's Venison Parmesan; Easy Louisiana Venison Creole; and A Duck Hunter's Venison Dish. For those with a desire for something extraordinary by way of a venison stake, the recipes range from Mustard Buttered Venison Steaks, to Teriyaki Steak Sandwiches, to Kelly's Venison Steak with Fresh Mushrooms. There are recipes for barbecue sauces and marinades, slow cooker dishes, and all manner of family friendly dining adventures making "Quality Venison Cookbook" a very highly recommended addition to any family cookbook shelf or community library collection!

Weber's Way to Grill
Jamie Purviance
Sunset Books
80 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
9780376020598, $24.95 www.sunset.com 1-800-643-8030

Chef, journalist, and nationally acclaimed grilling expert Jamie Purviance presents Weber's Way to Grill: The Step-by-Step Guide to Expert Grilling, an all-around how-to cookbook jam-packed with more than 160 recipes, dozens of marinades and sauces, and an immense amount of tips, tricks, and techniques for grilling everything from steak to baby back ribs, turkey, fish, and more. Over 1,100 photos illustrate every stage of the techniques, making Weber's Way to Grill easy to follow and use, regardless of personal grilling experience. Weber's Way to Grill is a "must-have" for anyone new to grilling, and even veteran grillers are sure to acquire new, useful and delicious ideas!

Provencal Cooking
Mary Ann Caws
Pegasus Books
45 Wall Suite Street, Suite 1021, New York, NY 10005
9781605980201, $24.00, www.pegasusbooks.us

Complex does not mean better. "Provencal Cooking: Savoring the Simple Life in France" is a combination memoir and cookbook as Mary Ann Caws reflects on her time in Provence and the lessons she learned about food and drink during her time there. Living without even the bare essentials, Caws learned to embrace the simple things, and brings readers her experiences alongside over forty recipes, such as Aubergine Paradis and Poulet Marche. "Provencal Cooking" is a must for those who want to learn how the French eat when being simple about it.

Cooking Backyard to Backcountry
John Rittel and Lori Rittel, M.S., R.D.
Riverbend Publishing
PO Box 5833, Helena, MT 59604
9781606390009, $19.95 www.riverbendpublishing.com 1-866-787-2363

A handful of color photographs illustrate Cooking Backyard to Backcountry: 12 Techniques and 150 Recipes For Fabulous Outdoor Cooking, a no-nonsense guide to the art of cooking outdoors, from crowd-pleasing barbecue to baking in a classic Dutch oven to cooking on a hot stone slab, over a steam pit, using Native American techniques, and much more. 150 tried and true recipes fill this "field tested" compendium. Cooking Backyard to Backcountry is an excellent choice for cooks of all skill and experience levels, and includes a wealth of practical information and instructions to balance its step-by-step recipes. "Lump charcoal can be ignited in the same way as briquettes, but it's best to avoid lighter fluids... Fumes from unburned lighter fluid in cool spots can contaminate the food. You can usually light lump charcoal by piling it on top of wads of crumpled paper; this will avoid any possibility of petroleum fumes tainting the food."

Foods and Flavors of San Antonio
Gloria Chadwick
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781589806467, $19.95 www.pelicanpub.com 1-800-843-1724

Foods and Flavors of San Antonio is a compendium of Tex-Mex inspired recipes, sure to delight the palate of anyone eager for authentic dishes worthy of San Antonio's festivals, fiestas, and day-to-day life. From Serrano Omelet to Turkey Tomorrow Tacos, Stuffed Poblano Peppers, Chipotle Salmon, Apple Enchiladas and much more, Foods and Flavors of San Antonio offers a treasury of unforgettable tastes. A welcome addition to regional or ethnic cuisine cookbook shelves.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Collecting Baseball Memorabilia: A Handbook
Dan Zachofsky
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
9780786441662, $29.95 www.mcfarlandpub.com

Now in an updated second edition, Collecting Baseball Memorabilia: A Handbook is filled cover to cover with advice for collectors of everything from autographed baseballs, bats, and photos to how to design a room for memorabilia display, to a guide to acquiring signatures of each living member of the Hall of Fame, to savvy tips for taking advantage of online auctions (and avoiding scams)! Written by teacher and Society for American Baseball Research member Dan Zachofsky, Collecting Baseball Memorabilia: A Handbook is a thoroughly accessible guide equally valuable to novice collectors and advanced hobbyists searching exhaustively for that one last signature. "Avoid purchasing unreasonable and overpriced memorabilia from dealers. It is very easy to be enticed by the autograph craze. Collectors should be careful about purchasing the 1998 New York Yankees team baseballs and other items from some dealers. A New York company conducted a limited signing of 500 Yankees team baseballs with an excessive unit price of, $1,200. Collectors realize the Yankees have a rich tradition and history; however, the hefty price was determined prior to the outcome of the 1998 World Series."

Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Buying Guide, 3rd edition
Renee Newman
International Jewelry Publications
PO Box 13384, Los Angeles, CA 90013-0384
9780929975412, $19.95 www.reneenewman.com

Now in a completely revised third edition, Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Buying Guide: How to Identify, Evaluate and Select these Gems is an in-depth buyer's guide to these precious stones. Chapters discuss the geographic sources of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds; their carat weight, shape and cutting style, how to judge them by their colors, how to judge their clarity/transparency, the relative merits of appraisals versus lab reports, how to discern imitations and avoid gem scams, how to determine whether these gems are synthetic or natural, and much more. An invaluable resource, accessible to readers of all backgrounds, and an absolute "must-have" for anyone ready to expend the price to secure quality ruby, sapphire, or emerald jewelry.

Cameos: Old & New
Anna M. Miller & Diana Jarrett
Gemstone Press
PO Box 237, Woodstock, VT 05091
9780943763606, $19.99, www.gemstonepress.com

Cameos were a hallmark of social status and intrinsically beautiful adornments down through the centuries. Anna M. Miller's "Cameos: Old & New" has now been substantially revised, updated and expanded by Diana Jarrett for this newly published fourth edition of an antiques industry standard reference. A core reference guidebook, "Cameos: Old & New" provides invaluable information, instruction and advice on where to seek out cameos for acquisition, distinguishing old cameos from new ones, imitations and synthetic cameos from antiquarian ones, and separating ultrasonically produced cameos from hand-carved ones. Enhanced with a profusion of black-and-white as well as color images, "Cameos: Old & New" also covers defining the value of cameos, buying cameos from retailer sand dealers through either the Internet or at auction, ranging and classifying cameos, reviews of cameo artists from around the globe including contact information, and offering a cogent explanation of 'The MasterValuer Program' with respect to cameos. Laced throughout with 'info bits' of special interest to cameo enthusiasts and collectors, "Cameos: Old & New" is an essential reference and a welcome addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library Antiques & Collectibles guidebook collections.

Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint 1838-1861
Douglas Winter
Zyrus Press, Inc.
PO Box 17810, Irvine, CA 92623
9781933990194, $39.95 www.zyruspress.com 1-888-622-7823

Now in its third edition, Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint 1838-1861 is an in-depth collector's guide featuring full-color, close-up photographs of each gold coin created by the Charlotte Mint from 1838-1861. Updated with the latest mintage figures, rarity rankings, information about significant pieces known and auction records, Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint 1838-1861 is not only a "must-have" for serious collectors, but the perfect treasury for "armchair collectors" who love to look at and learn about rare coins, but don't want to spend a fortune to own them. "Rarity Summary" tables allow at-a-glance information in this commendable reference and resource.

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

Cathy and Gene Florence's 2nd edition of HAZEL-ATLAS GLASS: IDENTIFICATION AND VALUE GUIDE (9781574326055, $24.95) is the result of painstaking research through malls, antique shops, flea markets, catalogs and friends' collections as the authors re-gathered the basics about wares they had sold in the past. Chapters divided by type of glassware offer good-sized color photos and text description accompanied by histories and the latest valuation notes, making for an invaluable updated reference for any interested in Hazel-Atlas glassware, or any library catering to glassware collectors. Libraries offering references to collectors will also appreciated the 3rd updated volume of INSIDE THE JEWELRY BOX: A COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO COSTUME JEWELRY IDENTIFICATION AND VALUES (9781574326079, $24.95) by Ann Mitchell Pitman, a guide pairing large-size clear color photos - many from the author's own collection - with tips on collecting costume jewelry. An arrangement by jewelry type makes it easy to turn to the right section lending to quick identification, while value ranges are the latest available. Mike Carwile's STANDARD ENCYCLOPEDIA OF OPALESCENT GLASS, 6TH EDITION (9781574326109, $29.95) packs in identification and values for such glass, pairing good-sized, clear color photos of individual pieces with design descriptions and notes on variations and prices. Collectors of such glass will find this a real winner, as will libraries catering to them. Such libraries will also wish to add the third updated edition of Stefanie Deutsch and Bettina Dorfmann's BARBIE: THE FIRST 30 YEARS 1959 THROUGH 1989 AND BEYOND IDENTIFICATION AND VALUE GUIDE (9781574325959, $29.95). Each page holds 4 good-sized color photos featuring Barbie, her outfits, her friends and accessories. The latest values accompany discussions of changing eras and focus in this fine historical pictorial perfect for any Barbie doll collector.


The Art Shelf

Magnificent Failure
John Martin Campbell
Stanford University Press
1450 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1124
9780806199658, $14.95 www.sup.org

A range of collections, from those strong in Western history and culture to arts libraries featuring regional photographic histories, will find MAGNIFICENT FAILURE: A PORTRAIT OF THE WESTERN HOMESTEAD ERA to be a striking collection of black and white portraits documenting early buildings, tools, and equipment of the period beginning around 1885, when pioneers tackled homesteading west of the Dakotas. Some 70 duotone photos with captains record outbuildings, abandoned farms, and the failure of early homesteading in this powerful testimonial.

Hudson Hills Press
Box 205, Manchester, VT 05254
www.hudsonhills.com

E. Ambrose Webster is among the earliest American modernists: he painted amazing landscapes packed with light and color and exhibited around the world. Gail R. Scott's E. Ambrose Webster: Chasing the Sun (9781555953034, $50.00) represents the first in-depth study of his career and comes from an art history scholar who packs in both large- and small-size color photos with text describing his achievements and innovations. Art history libraries; particularly those with a modern American focus, need this. Joan Brady's BETWEEN BRUSHSTROKES (9781555953010, $50.00) is simply outstanding for any serious art library strong in contemporary watercolor painting representation. Joan Brady made a name for herself with her works: here her autobiographical book of paintings and writings offers insights on her approach to watercolor, with full-page color paintings providing vivid testimony to her talents.

Newport Villas: The Revival Styles, 1885-1935
Michael C. Kathrens
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393732702, $85.00 www.wwnorton.com

Newport, Rhode Island at its peak was the center of fashion and opulence, and the Newport villas represented this peak of style and fashion, offering lavish architectural displays and revolutionary design choices. NEWPORT VILLAS is a pick for any college-level arts library strong in architectural design history: it pairs vintage black and white photos with floor plans and descriptions of such villas and builds a powerful history of Newport culture and arts in the process.

Phone Sex
Phillip Toledano
Twin Palms Publishers
Box 10229, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1022
9781931885744, $50.00 www.twinpalms.com

Operator phone sex must discern the caller's needs and answer to them, devising a fantasy structure on the fly in real-time. These photos of phone sex operators were taken in their homes and workplaces, pair with their discussions of techniques and approaches, and is an artistic representation of an unusual work mode. Arts collections as well as college-level sociology holdings will find it a fascinating, unique approach.

Robert Vickrey: The Magic of Realism
Philip Eliasoph
Hudson Hills Press
PO Box 205, 74-2 Union Street, Manchester, VT 05254
c/o National Book Network
4270 Boston Way, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781555952921, $75.00 www.hudsonhills.com www.nbnbooks.com

Robert Vickrey: The Magic of Realism is a visually enthralling, full color artbook of oil, acrylic, egg tempura, and more paintings by Robert Vickrey, whose many accomplishments include his memorable works for the cover of "Time" magazine. Vickrey's pieces have also earned the privilege of being displayed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Academy of Design, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The extensive text of Robert Vickrey: The Magic of Realism, written by art history professor Philip Eliasoph, traces Vickrey's life from childhood to the present day and reflects on his artistic evolution and worldwide travels. A memorable coffee table book worthy of artbook shelves and especially recommended for public library collections.

Colorado Abstract: Paintings and Sculpture
Michael Paglia and Mary Voelz Chandler
University of New Mexico Press
MSC04 2820, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
9781934491126, $85.00 www.unmpress.com 1-800-249-7737

Colorado Abstract: Paintings and Sculpture is a coffee table art book featuring full color images of abstract art and sculpture by Colorado artists throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century. Co-authored by Denver art writers Michael Paglia and Mary Voelz Chandler, Colorado Abstract: Paintings and Sculpture includes brief profiles of the many artists whose works are presented. A vividly stunning compilation, perfect for anyone fascinated by or seeking to draw inspiration from abstract art, and highly recommended for public library collections and artbook shelves.


The Crafts Shelf

Simply Irresistible Bags
Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05033
Independent Publishers Group (distributor)
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
9781570764035, $24.95 www.trafalgarbooks.com 1-800-888-4741

Simply Irresistible Bags: 45 Designs for Going Out, Looking Chic, and Shopping Green is a how-to craft guide for creating fabulous bags for every season. Each project is illustrated with a full-color photograph, and different projects span a wide variety of crafting techniques - from sewing and knitting to crochet and embroidery. In addition to step-by-step instructions, detailed templates are provided along with guidelines for personalizing the decorations on one's bags. Simply Irresistible Bags is a great way to create jazzy carry-alls for eco-friendly shopping, or unforgettable handmade gifts. Highly recommended.

Button It Up
Susan Beal
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
9781600850738, $21.95 www.taunton.com 1-800-477-8727

Featuring full color photography of every project, Button It Up: 800 Amazing Vintage Button Projects for Necklaces, Bracelets, Embellishments, Housewares & More is a craft guidebook that lives up to its title. Each page or two-page spread features a different button project, explained with meticulous step-by-step how-to instructions and accompanied by a list of inexpensive required materials. From vintage button cafe curtains to a button bath set, a layered pendant, button magnets, button holiday decorations and more, Button It Up is a creative guide to turning one's old buttons into creative and colorful creations, suitable for use at home or as gifts. Highly recommended especially for hobbyists.

101 Gorgeous Earrings
Martingale Company
20205 - 144th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
9781564778895, $19.95 www.martingale-pub.com

Crafters who have bead stashes and seek inspiration for new and different earring styles will find much to enjoy in 101 GORGEOUS EARRINGS. It offers photos of blends of beads and gems, step-by-step directions for easy projects, and discussions of all the basics of putting earrings together. Any library strong in jewelry-making projects will find this a winner.


The Railroading Shelf

A Railroad Atlas of the United States in 1946, V. 3
Richard C. Carpenter
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218-4363
0801890020, $65.00 www.press.jhu.edu

Specialty libraries strong in American history in general and railroad history in particular - as well as those containing cartography volumes - will relish A Railroad Atlas of the United States in 1946. It consists entirely of pages of hand-drawn rail lines of regional railroad routes across the country, and this third volume focuses on Indiana, Lower Michigan and Ohio. For the right specialty collection, it's a winning reference.

Along The Pocahontas District
Pentrex
2652 East Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91107
1563422204, $29.95, www.pentrex.com

Pentrex is the premier producer of railroading DVDs and well regarded for their meticulous attention to detail and excellent technical/visual work. In "Along The Pocahontas District" we are treated to a full-color, 1 hour and 32 minute DVD travelog and history of the double-tracked rail route through southern West Virginia along the Norfolk Southern mainline called the Pocahontas District. The spectacular terrain, deep in the heart of Appalachia, and the colorful communities along the way from Williamson to Bluefield, are a perfect showcase for the heavy coal trains and time-freights. There are eighteen tunnels, numerous river crossings, steep grades, and more. Enhanced with stereo sound, an informative narration, and the impressive engines necessary to haul the coal trains up long, steep grades, "Along The Pocahontas District" is a welcome and highly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library Railroading History DVD collections.

Done in a Day
Pelle K. Soeborg
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
9780890247624, $19.95 www.kalmbachbooks.com 1-800-533-6644

Done in a Day: Easy Detailing and Weathering Projects for Your Model Railroad is ideal for model railroad enthusiasts who love their hobby but don't have a lot of time. Filled cover to cover with weathering and detailing projects that take no more than a few hours, Done in a Day teaches the reader how to rust the roofs of old auto carriers, make easy pipe and coal loads, model a neglected Santa Fe Warbonnet diesel, add DCC decoders and lights to pre-DCC locomotives, and much more. Each project is illustrated with up-close color photographs for every step of the creative process. An invaluable resource for model railroad hobbyists everywhere; even those who aren't short on time are sure to appreciate these simple yet creative detailing projects.


The Gardening Shelf

Defining Middle Ground
Paul P. Voos & Jonathon Scott Fuqua
Stemmer House
PO Box 89, 4 White Brook Road, Gulsum, NH 03448
Pathway Book Service (distributor)
PO Box 89, 4 White Brook Rd, Gilsum, NH 03448
9780916144661, $16.95, www.pathwaybook.com

A garden between one's home and the world can be truly beautiful. "Defining Middle Ground: Visual Essay of the Townhouse Garden" is a call to encourage readers to put more faith in the middle garden, the garden that surrounds one's home and is their first sight to the outside world. Such gardens can provide a soothing atmosphere and beauty in areas that are typically devoid of life. "Defining the Middle Ground" is a must for those who would better emphasize their home garden.

The Dry Gardening Handbook
Olivier Filippi
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
9780500514078, $60.00 www.thamesandhudsonusa.com 1-800-233-4830

Beautifully illustrated with full color photography on virtually every page, The Dry Gardening Handbook: Plants and Practices for a Changing Climate is an solidly practical guide to creating a garden that is hardy against drought and ideal for gardeners who seek to conserve water. An alphabetical listing of over 500 drought-resistant plant species forms the core of The Dry Gardening Handbook; each entry includes the plant's geographic origin, size, exposure and hardiness, foliage, ideal soil conditions, and related kindred plants. The first seventy pages of The Dry Gardening Handbook are packed with more general advice concerning the successful planting of one's garden, tips for optimum water management and maintenance, and more. An absolute "must-have" for any gardener in dry climates, and highly recommended for gardeners in moderate climates in today's era when population increases make water conservation more important than ever.


The Human Sexuality Shelf

Phone Sex
Phillip Toledano, photographs and foreword
Twin Palms Publishers
PO Box 10229, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
9781931885744, $50.00 www.twinpalms.com 1-800-797-0680

Phone Sex is an astounding, full-color photographic portrait collection of phone sex workers, often in their homes or workplaces. The photos of Phone Sex aren't particularly risque; though some of the women are wearing less clothing than others, the goal is to show the actual people behind the audio-fantasy-for-hire facade. Some are attractive, some are plain, some are skinny, some are fat, and all do their job because they have bills to pay. The first-person narrative text offers a glimmer of insight into the lives of phone sex operators. "Phone Sex" is a book for adults only, since some of the text makes graphic reference to various sex acts - not to titillate the reader, but simply because talking about graphic sex acts is part of a phone sex operator's job. "Just last night I received possibly the most disturbing phone sex call I'd had in a long time. A caller shot himself with me on the phone. The unmistakable sound of a gunshot followed by the heavy and wet sound of a body falling with a thud to the floor. Things like this always scare me." Highly recommended.


The Black Studies Shelf

Freedom Facts and Firsts
Jessie Carney Smith & Linda T. Wynn
Visible Ink Books
43311 Joy Road #414, Canton, MI 48187-2075
9781578591923, $24.95

The African American race has come a long way, from being treated like cattle off boats to leading the free world. "Freedom Facts and Firsts: 400 Years of the African American Civil Rights Experience" is an amazing compilation of facts and stories about the lives and times of African Americans in the past four centuries. With everything from entries on major court cases, remarkable events, to the icons of black history, "Freedom Facts and Firsts" is a fine reference for those who want to understand the importance of those who came before.


The World History Shelf

This Fleeting World
David Christian
Berkshire
314 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
www.berkshirepublishing.com
9781933782041, $14.95, www.amazon.com

Hundreds of thousands of years can be summed up quite compactly. "This Fleeting World: A Short History of Humanity" is a book of history attempting to cover the broad scope of history ranging from the evolution of the homo sapiens, to what has become of mankind in today's modern world. Author David Christian makes history fun, making "This Fleeting World" a good read from beginning to end.


The Philosophy Shelf

What's So Wrong with Being Absolutely Right
Judy J. Johnson
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026570, $21.98 www.prometheusbooks.com

WHAT'S SO WRONG WITH BEING ABSOLUTELY RIGHT: THE DANGEROUS NATURE OF DOGMATIC BELIEF uses traditional and modern personality theories, biopsychology, and social learning theories to discuss dogmatism and its traits. While this easily could have been featured in our 'Health' section, it's reviewed here for its wider importance to social science libraries as well, holding important keys linking psychology and belief systems to educational, political and social trends. A key acquisition for any college-level social science library.

The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy
Luke Cuddy, editor
Open Court Publishing Company
70 East Lake Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812696547, $18.95 www.opencourtbooks.com 1-800-815-2280

The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy: I Link Therefore I Am is a most unusual collection of philosophical essays in that their theme is drawn from popular culture - specifically, the widely beloved series of "Legend of Zelda" action-fantasy video games. Those who grew up playing the Zelda games know them for their minimalist stories, epic quests, exploratory journeys, and Link, the silent everyman fantasy hero. Individual essays include "Why Do We Care Whether Link Saves the Princess?", "The Hero with a Thousand Hearts: Death in Zelda", "Zelda as Art", "How Can There Be Evil in Hyrule?", "The Legend of Feminism", and many more. The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy is a quite serious and substantial philosophical treatise, that applies full force of the discipline to the long-treasured Zelda series of interactive media. "An important fact of 'The Legend of Zelda' is that there are no directions or divine laws... Many ancient cultures and the philosophies they produced did not express linear time; like the seasons, the tides, the rising and setting of the sun, time was understood a circle of life and death, abundance and death. With the inception of Christianity, which plotted a beginning (God created the world in six days) an end (Armageddon and Judgment), a different understanding of time and history flared forth.

The Consistent Ethic of Life
Thomas A. Nairn, editor
Orbis Books
PO Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302
9781570757921, $25.00, www.maryknoll.org

Ethics is a word tossed around, but what does it really mean? "The Consistent Ethic of Life: Assessing Its Reception and Relevance" is a series of essays asking questions such as 'What are the true ethics in one's life, be they personal or professional?' In today's ever-changing society, ethics are more important than ever, and with secular and religious voices alike speaking within the volume, "The Consistent Ethic of Life" is a fine discussion to consider when pondering the term.

Feeling Our Feelings
Eva Brann
Paul Dry Books
1616 Walnut Street, Suite 808, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9781589880467, $35.00, www.pauldrybooks.com

Feelings are nothing if they are not acted upon. "Feeling Our Feelings: What Philosophers Think and People Know" poses the question of what are feelings, and why those who are not entirely in touch with them are considered 'weird' and in need of therapy. Discussing a wide array of classics ranging from Plato to Descartes, Eva Brann puts forth her own extensive knowledge and the result is a very enjoyable philosophical read. "Feeling Our Feelings" is well worth it to those who feel feelings are more than just that.

The Gift of Time
Fiona Charles, editor
Dorset House Publishing
3143 Broadway, Suite 2B, New York, NY 10014
9780932633750, $25.95, www.dorsethouse.com

Gerald M. Weinberg is a highly respected mind in today's academia, and "The Gift of Time" has been composed in tribute of his work with the minds of both humanity and computers. A collection of essays touching on what Weinberg has helped them within the problems they face, commonly with leadership, group thinking mentality, education, and more. "The Gift of Time" is a collection of fine intellectual writing, sure to give readers much to learn.


The Self-Help Shelf

Reinvention
Brian Tracy
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0814413463, $21.95 www.amacombooks.org

REINVENTION: HOW TO MAKE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE THE BEST OF YOUR LIFE is a powerful key to job fulfillment and reinvention overall and comes from a 'success expert' with an international reputation. He's helped thousands of people reinvent themselves - and here tells how to evaluate, form a game plan for, and implement change. While business libraries will gain much - so will any general-interest lending library.

The Power of the Middle Ground
Marty Babits, LSCW, BCD
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591026624, $17.98 www.prometheusbooks.com

THE POWER OF THE MIDDLE GROUND: A COUPLE'S GUIDE TO RENEWING YOUR RELATIONSHIP provides a fine self-help book from a seasoned couples therapist and educator, who explains strategies for handling relationship difficulties. The focus here is on creating a place that brings love and compassion alive - a place where neither partner dominates, and each approaches problems productively. This key to learning the 'middle ground' oasis is a pick for any library, from health collections to general-interest lending libraries.

Widows Wear Stilettos
Carole Brody Fleet
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669, Far Hills, NJ 07931
9780882823393, $14.95, www.newhorizonpressbooks.com

Widows are suppose to be women who are old and gray, not people in the prime of their lives. "Widows Wear Stilettos: A Practical and Emotional Guide for The Young Widow" is a self-help guide for those who have been widowed at a young age. With the recent conflicts in the Middle East, there has been a rise in young widows in recent years. When separated so early, these men and women face a special challenge, unsure of how to move on and live the long duration of the rest of their lives. "Widows Wear Stilettos" is a must for anyone who has faced the tragedy of losing a spouse before they've become middle aged.

Keep It Simple & Sane
Barb Rogers
Conari Press
c/o Red Wheel, Weiser, & Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781573243575, $14.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

Over-thinking can be just as much a problem as not thinking at all. "Keep It Simple & Sane: Freeing Yourself from Addictive Thinking" is a guide to simplifying one's life by not over-thinking the common problems in one's life. Divided into sections discussing emotional, physical, and spiritual simplicity, "Keep It Simple & Sane" is a fine handbook to use to remove some complexity to life.

The Road to Wisdom
Dennis A. Butler
Road to Wisdom Publishing
26442 West 110th Terrace, Olathe, KS 66061
9781607025207, $24.95

Life is simply one search after another. "The Road to Wisdom: Becoming" is a self-help manual that takes natural human curiosity and applies it to becoming a more complete person. Written in a simple and easy to understand manner, "The Road to Wisdom" lays out what one needs to understand about the world we live in and how to build a healthy relationship with one's free will and others. "The Road to Wisdom" is a fresh approach to the topic and is sure to open the minds of many a reader.

You're Not Who You Think You Are
Albert Clayton Gaulden
Atria Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781416583769, $22.00, www.simonsays.com

One's true self is usually buried under piles of masks and falsehoods to make oneself more appealing to society as a whole. "You're Not Who You Think You Are: A Breakthrough Guide to Discovering the Authentic You" is a guide to breaking through the falsehoods so one may best understand who they truly are. Spiritual and poignant, "You're Not Who You Think You Are" says the best path to peace is total honesty with oneself, and to stop lying to the world and therefore lying to the self. "You're Not Who You Think You Are" is enlightening reading, sure to inspire and motivate.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Choose to Believe Live to Receive
Lori Riddle
Cedar Fort
2373 W 700 S, Springville, UT 84664
9781599551777, $8.99, www.cedarfort.com

Society is becoming increasingly secular, and it grows harder for teenagers to stay faithful in a world that's apathetic towards religion. "Choose to Believe, Live to Receive: Learning to Believe in a World of Doubt" is a book aimed at Latter Day Saints teenagers, but the lessons within can apply very well to Christians of any denomination. Hoping to inspire teenagers to keep their faith in a hostile world, Riddle gives much wisdom and scripture to encourage the retention of faith. "Choose to Believe, Live to Receive" is very much recommended reading for young Mormons.

Raising a Modern-Day Joseph
Larry Fowler
David C. Cook
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Vertias Communications (publicity)
PO Box 2075, Canon City, CO 81215
9781434767059, $12.99, www.davidccoook.com

How does one infuse their children with the values of a great Biblical figure? "Raising a Modern-Day Joseph: A Timeless Strategy for Growing Great Kids" is a Christian parenting manual outlining what parents need to do to raise their children as 'modern-day Josephs' who can withstand the rough moral waves of television, peer pressure, popular culture, and other sources. "Raising a Modern-Day Joseph" is a must for any parent who desires to foster strong spirituality in their child.

Jesuit Saturdays: Sharing the Ignatian Spirit
William J. Byron
Loyola Press
3441 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
9780829427127, $14.95, www.loylapress.com

Some people devote their existence to God, and that's enough for them to be content. "Jesuit Saturdays: Sharing the Ignatian Spirit with Friends and Colleagues" is the work of a friar by the name of William J. Byron, explaining the way of the Jesuit. Hoping to inspire his readers with the spirit of his way of life so they may take the principles of it to apply it to their own, Byron offers a different perspective. A quintessential book on spirituality by a very spiritual man, "Jesuit Saturdays" is very much recommended to those who want to deepen their relationship with God.

The Top 100 Miracles of the Bible
Pamela McQuade
Barbour
PO Box 719, Ulrichsville, OH 44683
9781602601048, $12.95

The Bible is filled with strange and unusual things, but which of them are the most important? "The Top 100 Miracles of the Bible: What They Are and What They Mean to You Today" is a survey covering one hundred major events in the Bible and their cultural relevance on today's society. From well-known ones such as Moses' staff's transformational power, the raising of the dead, and the ten plagues, to lesser known events, "The Top 100 Miracles of the Bible" is a great companion volume to better understanding the acts of God in the Bible.

The Origins of the Gospel According to St. Matthew
G. D. Kilpatrick
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishing
1000 Brown St., Unit 101, Wauconda, IL 60084
9780865166677, $38.00, www.bolchazy.com

The Bible was not a book written all at once. Each book has its own origins. "The Origins of the Gospel According to St. Matthew" is a reprint of the respected text outlining the history of one of the most vital books of the Holy Bible. More than a half century old, the scholarship stands well against the test of time, and offers insights on how the gospels became gospels and earned their place in the Bible. "The Origins of the Gospel According to St. Matthew" is a must for Biblical scholars, professional or amateur.

Wider Than Heaven
Mary B. Cunningham, translator
St Vladimir's Seminary Press
575 Scarsdale Road, Crestwood, NY 10707
9780881413267, $18.00, www.svspress.com

The Virgin Mary has had a long road to achieving the reverence she receives today. "Wider Than Heaven: Eighth-Century Homilies on the Mother of God" is a scholarly manual outlining how the Virgin Mary came to become observed in the Orthodox Christian church. Twelve sermons are translated into modern English to be understood, and Mary B. Cunningham presents a fine set of religious history and research in "Wider Than Heaven".

The Bible Believer's Handbook
Larry Vaughn
Anomalos Publishing
PO Box 5, Crane, Missouri 65633
9780981495781, $14.95 www.AnomalosPublishing.com

The Bible Believer's Handbook is a guide for all who believe that the Bible is the word of God. Chapters discuss the aspects of God, what God expects of human beings, good qualities one should strive to embrace, and evil qualities one should strive to purge from one's heart. "The Bible is the foundation on which America stands... The secularists seized control of our culture in the 1960s. It was in 1962, that the Supreme Court banned prayer in public schools. They prohibited Bible reading in the classroom in June of 1963. Before that year had ended, the President of the United States was brutally murdered. When our government officially rejected God, he withdrew his protection from it. Since that time our nation has spiraled in moral decline." Biblical passages are quoted throughout "The Bible Believer's Handbook", followed by plain-terms interpretations. A fervently devotional guide filled with essential biblical passages every Christian needs to know.


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

Fishing Diamond Jigs and Bucktails
Tom Migdalski
Burford Books
32 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081
9781580801539, $18.95, www.burfordbooks.com

Some fish prove harder to catch than others. "Fishing Diamond Jigs and Bucktails: How to Fish the World's Most Versatile Saltwater Lures" is a fishing manual about some of the tougher fish to catch in the deceptively difficult sport of fishing. Detailing methods needed to catch the type of fish one desires, Migdalski's fishing wisdom proves invaluable no matter where in America one chooses to fish. "Fishing Diamond Jigs and Bucktails" is an enthusiastic recommendation to anyone who takes their fishing seriously.


The Social Issues Shelf

Conservation for a New Generation
Richard L. Knight & Courtney White, editor
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009
9781597264389, $30.00, www.islandpress.org

With each new generation, comes new knowledge and new technology to be applied to many ideas. "Conservation for a New Generation: Redefining Natural Resources Management" looks at the philosophy and practice of conservation when it comes to the rapidly changing world of the twenty-first century. With several essays from today's foremost experts on the subject, detailing conservation around the world, and its challenges and successes throughout it all. "Conservation for a New Generation" is an enlightening and educational read for those concerned about the environment and the world's progress - or lack thereof - in protecting it.

The Poverty of 'The Poverty Rate'
Nicholas Eberstadt
American Enterprise Institute
1150 Seventeenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
9780844742465, $20.00, www.aei.org

Definitions change over time, even when it apparently comes to statistics. "The Poverty of 'The Poverty Rate': Measure and Mismeasure of Want in Modern America" is a criticism of today's handling of the poor and needy in America. Judging the current measure of the poverty rate as a metaphorical broken compass, Eberstadt offers new ways to measure America's true poverty rate, stating that at this point, it is better to start over entirely than to repair a fundamentally broken system. "The Poverty of 'The Poverty Rate'" is an intriguing read for those interested in one of politics' most thrown about terms.

Disappearing Desert
Janine Schipper
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806139555, $19.95 www.oupress.com

DISAPPEARING DESERT: THE GROWTH OF PHOENIX AND THE CULTURE OF SPRAWL considers the social and cultural forces that contribute to suburban sprawl in the U.S., using Phoenix's experiences as a microcosm of U.S. events. From Phoenix's planned suburbs and Indian reservation to ecological destruction and negative environmental sprawl, DISAPPEARING DESERT is packed with important observations key to college-level libraries strong in urban issues and studies.

The Cigarette Century
Allan M. Brandt
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780465070480, $24.00 www.basicbooks.com

Smoking has become a part of American culture, affecting daily life, legal; matters and policies alike. THE CIGARETTE CENTURY offers a history of how the product came to permeate the culture, offering medical history that crosses over well into general social history. Both high school and college-level libraries strong in medical and social history will find THE CIGARETTE CENTURY an excellent pick, perfect for classroom discussion.

Latinos and the Nation's Future
Henry G. Cisneros
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston,
452 Cullen Performance Hall, Houston, TX 77204-2004
9781558855427, $29.95 www.artepublicopress.com 1-800-633-2783

Latinos and the Nation's Future is an anthology of scholarly essays by learned authors discussing both solid facts and grounded predictions about the role Latinos play in present-day America, and the roles they will have to play in the future to help maintain the United States' global standing. Individual essays include "Becoming American - The Latino Way", "Politics and the Latino Future: A Republican Dream", "Latino Progress and U.S. Foreign Policy", "Latino Numbers and Social Trends: Implications for the Future", "On the Power of Education and Community Action", and much more. A solid resource offering invaluable insights into America's fastest growing racial demographic. "Other dynamics beside demographics and financial capacity impair Latinos' ability to buy a home. One of the most important is a lack of information and guidance regarding the way banks and financial institutions operate, how to establish credit and how to negotiate the often-complicated process of home buying. Needless to say, these difficulties may be increased by the language barrier faced by many of the more recent immigrants."

International Terrorism And Threats To Security
Ronald J. Burke & Cary L. Cooper, editors
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court, Northampton, MA 01060-3815
9781847201508, $150.00, www.e-elgar.com

In the world of today, the global threats to stability and peaceful co-existence stem principally from violence by stateless enemies whose lethal ideology stems from such triggering causes as religion, ethnicity, and diminishing resources. Such groups resort to the strategy of terrorizing established governments and communities with acts of terrorism that include such tactics as assassinations, suicide attacks, and the random bombing of civilian targets. The newest addition to the outstanding Edward Elgar Publishing series 'New Horizons in Management', and collaborative compiled and co-edited by Ronald J. Burke (Professor of Organizational Behavior, Schulich School of Business, York University, Canada) and Cary L. Cooper (Distinguished Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health, Lancaster University, United Kingdom), "International Terrorism And Threats To Security: Managerial And Organizational Challenges" is a series of twelve informed and informative essays addressing various aspects of terrorism's impact and creating both individual as well as organizational resilience to terrorist assaults. Of special note are Jack N. Kondrasuk and Elizabeth Arwood's 'A US analysis of terrorism' and 'Airline industry responses to September 11th' which is the team product of Jody Hoffer Gittell, Kim Cameron, Sandy Lin, and Victor Rivas. A work of meticulous and seminal scholarship throughout, "International Terrorism And Threats To Security" is a core addition to university library reference collections and especially recommended reading for governmental officials and non-specialist general readers concerned with responding to terrorist activities at home and abroad.


The American History Shelf

Florida's Working-Class Past
Robert Cassanello & Mellanie Shell-Weiss, editors
University Press of Florida
15 Northwest 15th St., Gainesville, FL 32611-2079
9780813032832, $69.95, www.upf.com

Most histories focus upon the leaders of a society or a community. But to have a fully informed understanding of the history of these societies and communities attention must be made to the lives of the ordinary people who comprise the vast majority of their members. That's why "Florida's Working-Class Past: Current Perspectives On Labor, Race, And Gender From Spanish Florida to The New Immigration" is such a valued contribution to Floridian social, cultural, political, and economic history. Expertly compiled and co-edited by the team of Robert Cassanello (Assistant Professor of History, University of Central Florida) and Melanie Shell-Weiss (Visiting Assistant Professor of History, Johns Hopkins University), "Florida's Working-Class Past" is an outstanding compilation of nine substantial and superbly written essays that embody original and seminal scholarship by their contributors. The essays range from Tamara Spike's 'St. Augustine's Stomach: Corn and Indian Tribute Labor in Spanish Florida', to Melanie Shell-Weiss' 'I Dreamed I Went to Work: Expanding Southern Unionism in the Mid-Twentieth-Century Lingerie Industry'. Enhanced with an knowledgeable introduction and an epilogue ('Florida and the Contemporary Labor Movement'), "Florida's Working-Class Past" is a seminal contribution recommended for university library American History reference collections in general, and Floridian History Studies reading lists in particular.

The Sutton-Taylor Feud
Chuck Parsons
University of North Texas Press
PO Box 311336, Denton, TX 76203-1336
9781574412574, $24.95 www.unt.edu/untpress

Highly accessible to lay readers and scholars alike, The Sutton-Taylor Feud: The Deadliest Blood Feud in Texas is the shocking true story of a murderous blood feud that continued into the 1890s when the final court case was settled with a governmental pardon. Of all Texas feuds, the one between the William E. Sutton (and his many friends) and the Taylors lasted longer than any other. The initial cause of the feud is lost to history, though both sides are known for insisting that they were on the side of righteousness. The violence and bloodshed included preemptive executions by lynch mobs, the slaying of two military soldiers, and the lethal shooting of a doctor and his son. Pressures and family ties through marriage or friendship forced many a Texan to take sides - those who wouldn't often felt even more endangered and better off moving to another state. A fascinating, expertly researched chronicle of bloodshed on American soil long after the Civil War, The Sutton-Taylor Feud is an a worthy addition to college library and Texas history shelves.

A Shadow on the Household
Bryan Prince
McClelland & Stewart
75 Sherbourne Street, 5th floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5A 2P9
9780771071256, $32.99 www.mcclelland.com 1-800-788-1074

A Shadow on the Household: One Enslaved Family's Incredible Struggle for Freedom is the true-life story of a family of slaves - John Weems, his wife Arabella, and their seven children - who were divided up among the heirs of slaveowner Adam Robb when he died. Distraught at the dissolution of his family, Weems resolved to buy his family from the slave traders before they were taken into the Deep South. As news of the Weems family tragedy spread, it raised awareness of the plight of divided slave families in both Britain and the United States, lighting a fire under the press and in the consciences of American citizens. Some of the Weems family took their freedom into their own hands, and dared to escape and evade slave catchers rather than wait for rescue; one daughter even learned to dress, walk, and act like a boy as a disguise. An amazing true story of a family fiercely resisting the cruelties thrust upon it.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

As Long As Space Endures
Edward A. Arnold, editor
Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393300, $29.95 www.SnowLionPub.com 1-800-950-0313

As Long As Space Endures: Essays on the Kalacakra Tantra in Honor of H. H. the Dalai Lama is an assembly of essays by twenty-five expert scholars of tantric studies, compiled to celebrate the current Dalai Lama's long connection with the Kalacakra ("Wheel of Time") Tantra, a tradition of Buddhist theory and practice that spans the gamut from observations of the universe to matters of meditative states and the body's vital energies. Individual writings present include "Palden Lhamo: Supreme Guardian Goddess of the Dalai Lama", "The Six Vajra-Yogas of Kalacakra", "Medicine and Astrology in the Healing Arts of the Kalacakratantra", "Demon Diseases and Tibetan Medicine: The Interface Between Religion and Science", and many more. An astutely philosophical text, ideal for advanced students, researchers, or practitioners of Buddhism, As Long As Space Endures also features practical advice for Western students directly from modern-day Tibetan Kalacakra masters. Highly recommended as a worthy addition to Buddhist studies shelves.

The Dark Red Amulet
Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche
Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche
Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393119, $16.95 www.SnowLionPub.com

Written by the co-founders and co-directors of Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, The Dark Red Amulet: Oral Instructions on the Practice of Vajrakilaya is a solid history of the lineage of the Vajrayana practice, and the orally transmitted wisom of the great seventeenth-century master Tsasum Lingpa. The transcript of Tsasum Lingpa's teachings is presented line-by-line, each line in its original language followed by its English translation; each line is followed by an extensive and thorough commentary that clarifies and enlightens. Additional insights are offered in the form of a historical overview of the Vajrakilaya Transmission, insight into the Four Phurbas, a question-and-answer section, and much more. An absolute must-have for any scholar or buddhist practitioner seeking to better understand the past and future path of the Vajrayana practice of Vajrakilaya.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

Synecdoche New York
Charlie Kaufman
Newmarket Press
18 E. 48th Street, New York, NY 10017
9781557048134, $19.95, www.newmarketpress.com

Charlie Kaufman is one of the most unique and innovative movie makers in the modern era. "Synecdoche, New York: The Shooting Script" is the complete screenplay of last year's film, and Kaufman's directorial debut. With an introduction to the script by Kaufman, a Q&A section, color photographs and complete credits as bonuses to the script, "Synecdoche, New York" is a must get for fans of the film or Kaufman's fans in general.

Actor Training the Laban Way
Barbara Adrian
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
9781581156485, $24.95, www.allworth.com

One can tell quite the story while never opening the mouth. "Actor Training the Laban Way: An Integrated Approach to Voice, Speech, and Movement" is a drama teaching manual using the teachings of skilled actor and coach Rudolf Laban. Author Barbara Adrian also adds her own touch to the lessons, which emphasize the importance of every little body movement in the field of acting. Breath, functional strength and agility, vocal range, and more are all covered with meticulous detail, making "Actor Training the Laban Way" a must for would be actors and those who coach them.

One on One
Joyce E. Henry
Applause Theatre & Cinema Books
c/o Hal Leonard
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10010
9781557837011, $14.95, www.applausepub.com

The monologue is an important part of the theatre, but even the best actor will falter with poor material. "One on One: The Best Men's Monologue for the 21st Century" is an anthology of great monologues geared towards male actors. Comprised of contemporary writers' best work, the monologues range across diverse topics, from serious social issues to entertainment-based matters. "One on One" is a must for any theatre producer or writer who wants to be inspired or use the best.

Sacred Terror
Douglas E. Cowan
Baylor University
PO Box 97363, Waco, TX 76798
9781602580183, $24.95, www.baylorpress.com

Demonic creatures, the undead, and evil are all vaguely religious concepts. "Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen" is a discussion of the strong presence of religion in horror films. Saying that horror films tend to prey on the religious sense that exists in most people, even those who are not exactly weekly church goers, author Douglas Cowan discusses many examples of popular movies and the most common fears used in these films. "Sacred Terror" is a key volume to better understanding horror and why it's frightening.

Western Film Series Of The Sound Era
Michael R. Pitts
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
9780786435296, $95.00, www.mcfarlandpub.com

The enduring popularity of those old western movies series such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Durango Kid, and the Three Mesquiteers, continued with the advent of television and even today can be seen by whole new generations of viewers on specialty television channels with western movie themes. The western genre of filmmaking produced popular culture heros and movie stars that ranged from John Wayne and Johnny Mack Brown, to Ken Maynard and Tim McCoy. Now movie fan and historian Michael R. Pitts has compiled a 480-page reference that details all of these western movie series including plot synopsis and analysis of each series' place in cinematic history. Profusely illustrated with 137 photos, and enhanced with filmographies, a bibliography, and an index, "Western Film Series Of The Sound Era" is a welcome and highly prized addition to personal, academic, and community library film history reference collections and western film buff supplemental reading lists.

The Columbia History Of American Television
Gary R. Edgerton
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street, New York, NY 10023-7015
http://cup.columbia.edu
9780231121651, $24.50, www.amazon.com

Most people are not aware that the technology of sending images and sound over the airwaves was well underway prior to the outbreak of World War II. The demands of the war effort were what delayed the introduction of television to the American population until after the war's end. In "The Columbia History Of American Television", Gary R. Edgerton (Professor and Chair of the Communication and Theater Arts Department at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia) lays out the developmental history of television beginning with its pre-war inception, then takes the reader through the Network Era, then the Cable Era, and concludes with an examination of the current Digital Age of television. Along the way, Professor Edgerton addresses an enormous number of relevant issues such as television as an art form, its impact on American popular culture, its gender, racial, and ethnic components, its impact on politics and social issues, its effect as a commercial venture for the American economy, and so much more. A seminal work of meticulous scholarship, "The Columbia History Of American Television" is a welcome and highly recommended addition for academic and community library American Popular Culture reference collections, as well as an informed and informative work suitable for non-specialist general readers with an interest in the history of television in America.


The Native American Shelf

Big Sycamore Stands Alone
Ian W. Record
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806139722, $37.95 www.oupress.com

BIG SYCAMORE STANDS ALONE: THE WESTERN APACHES, ARAVAIPA, AND THE STRUGGLE FOR PLACE follows Aravaipa's cultural legacy as seen through its descendants, bringing Apache voices, knowledge and perspectives to the fore and focusing on the Camp Grant Massacre. Native American history holdings at the college level will find the survey of four threads of oral history discussions to be involving and key, going beyond the usual singular documentation of specific tribes.

Hopi
Susanne and Jake Page
Treasure Chest Books
c/o Rio Nuevo Publishers
PO Box 5250, Tuscon, AZ 85703-0252
www.treasurechestbooks.com
9781933855264, $29.95, 224 pages

"Hopi" is a stunning 25th anniversary edition of a rare portrayal of the varied facets of life among the Hopi. Originally published in 1982 after the photographer/author team of Susanna and Jake Page were invited to visit Hopi tribal lands and record their cultural diversity and concerns. "Hopi" is filled with documentary, world class photography and sensitive summaries of some of the many Hopi tribal differences and dialogues. Chief among the factions are the Traditionalists and the Progressives, but within these large generalizations are countless subtle shadings and differences of opinion. Faithfully recording myriad details of Hopi daily life, ceremonial year events, and traditional sacred knowledge and bits of Hopi lore that were allowed to be shared with the dominant culture's representatives was the daunting goal of the Pages. They made clear the honor that was bestowed upon them to be invited to partake of the Hopi way of life for the purpose of recording even a fraction of their rich diversity. "Hopi" was nearly 8 years in the making, to show some of the time and effort and care that was invested in this beautiful project. It is a fascinating glimpse into a world already irrevocably changed by time and events. "Hopi" is a landmark effort of deep and luminous beauty. All American are enriched by these reverent efforts to present a culture in all its rich diversity.


The Photography Shelf

Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure
Mikkel Aaland
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9780596521011, $44.99 www.oreilly.com

Mikkel Aaland is an award-winning photographer who has written 11 books on Photoshop pro tips: this latest is packed with screen shots, color photos, and expert tips, updated for the most recent release of Lightroom and providing step-by-step direction for developing and presenting photos. Displays aren't just the author's: they come from top world photographers and accompany specific tips with backup photo examples, making for an outstanding resource needed by any lending library strong in digital photography.

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

Bill Hurter's 100 TECHNIQUES FOR PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS (9781584282457, $34.95) covers everything from preparing for the wedding shoot to establishing rapport with the participants, creating engaging portraits before and after the ceremony, traveling to the event, and more. Pros receive techniques specific to the wedding photography market, making this a key business book acquisition as well as a recommended pick for arts collections strong in photography. William B. Folsom's BUTTERFLY PHOTOGRAPHER'S HANDBOOK (9781584282471, $34.95) tells how to understand butterfly behavior and master special skills to photograph these quick flyers. From ideas for attracting butterflies and creating 'hotspots' to exposure techniques, lighting, and composition, any nature photographer wishing to focus on butterflies receives plenty of specific tips.

The BetterPhoto Guide to Exposure
Sean Arbabi
Amphoto Books
c/o Watson Guptill Publications
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0817435549, $24.95 www.watsonguptill.com

The BetterPhoto Guide to Exposure is more than just another general photography guide: it's a course in a book pairing assignments with tips, illustrations, and fine photo accompaniment. Exposure is the basic key to crafting good photos: that's why it makes sense for libraries - even general-interest collections - to include an entire book on this narrowed topic. Chapters offer details for both digital and film photographers in the course of an outstanding presentation.

CMYK 2.0
Rick McCleary
Peachpit Press
1249 - 8th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
0321573463, $49.99 www.peachpit.com

CMYK 2.0: A COOPERATIVE WORKFLOW FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, DESIGNERS, AND PRINTERS focuses on creating predictable color in the RGB-to-CMYK workflow, discussing cooperation and changes in standards to help solidify and clarify color challenges. From a step-by-step to achieving predictable color results on the press to a workflow that photographers and printers need, this is an invaluable addition to any serious arts or photography collection.

Soul Rebel
David Burnett
Insight Editions
c/o Palace Publishing Group
17 Paul Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
9781933784267, $39.95 www.insighteditions.com 1-800-809-3792

Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley is an amazing photographic portrait of reggae music legend Bob Marley. Filled cover to cover with black-and-white and color photographs of Marley that "Time" magazine photojournalist David Burnett took in 1976 and 1977, Soul Rebel is further enhanced by Burnett's reminiscences of those bygone days, and the unforgettable experience of meeting and working with Marley. Many of the images are quite candid, and show Marley in his day-to-day life as much as his time on stage giving performances. A captivating photographic collection that reveals the man behind the music.

Seacoast Maine
George Tice
David R. Godine, Publisher
PO Box 450, Jaffrey, NH 03452
9781567923766, $40.00, www.godine.com

George Tice is a veteran photography who for the past five decades has been taking images of the diverse landscapes of America in general, and his native New Jersey in particular. Now he has compiled photographs of coastal Maine taken when, ever summer, he taught a one-week Master Class at the Maine Photographic Workshops. the result is "Seacoast Maine", which includes his finest photographic work done from 1970 through 2007 and showcasing 107 quatone photographs. From fogs off Lubec to the lobster boats of Monhegan, from the grain elevators of Portland to the Shakers of Sabbathday Lake, "Seacoast Maine" is a visual showcase of Maine's ports, people, geography, and architecture. Highly recommended for personal, professional, and academic library American Photography collections.


The Parenting Shelf

Stop That Seemingly Senseless Behavior
Beth A. Glasberg
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817
9781890627768, $19.95, www.woodbinehouse.com

Autism is a mystery to many, understanding it being truly difficult. "Stop That Seemingly Senseless Behavior: FBA-Based Interventions for People with Autism" is a guide for parents and adults who deal with autistic children, seeking to help them better understand autism and the erratic behavior that comes along with it. With suggestions and advice for dealing with these outbursts and how to deal with them the right way when dealing with autism, "Stop That Seemingly Senseless Behavior" is a must get for anyone who deals with autism on a frequent basis.

Competing with Character
Kevin Kush
Boys Town Press
14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010
9781889322988, $12.95, www.boystownpress.org

Parents pushing their children way too hard for the win in children's sports is seen way too often. "Competing with Character: Let's Put Sportsmanship and Fun Back in Youth Sports" is a book calling for a return to the fundamentals of youth athletics - fun and sportsmanship. Children who are pushed too hard, or playing under coaches who are too obsessed with winning instead of the thrill of the game, are far more likely to give up a sport than those who are not under the harsh pressure of the must-win mentality. "Competing with Character" is a must for any coach or parent of athletic children.

The Highly Intuitive Child
Catherine Crawford, MFT, ATR
Hunter House
1700 - 4th Street, Berkeley CA 94710
9780897935098, $15.95 www.hunterhouse.com

The receptive intuition of a child is often 'on', acting as sixth sense - and such a sense can be difficult to cope with in a sensitive child. From difficulties falling asleep to an exaggerated sense of responsibility about healing people and 'acting out' stress or the pains of others, THE HIGHLY INTUITIVE CHILD is a pick any education or parenting collection needs.

Brothers And Sisters In Adoption
Arleta James
Perspectives Press
PO Box 90318, Indianapolis, IN 46290
www.perspectivespress.com
9780944934357, $30.00, www.amazon.com

Often the question of adoption will involve siblings. When experienced parents consider adopting an older child or a sibling group they must go through a series of requirements imposed by adoption agencies that will include background checks, interviews, group meetings, reading assignments, as well as classes in parenting and the problems associated with adopted children. Often the children themselves with have a history of neglect or trauma that must be addressed. Drawing upon her many years of experience and expertise as a Cleveland, Ohio-based clinical therapist whose specialty is adoption and foster care, Arleta James has authored "Brothers And Sisters In Adoption: Helping Children Navigate Relationships When New Kids Join The Family", a compendium of advise, counsel, information, and commentary that deals with a roster of vital issues ranging from developing realistic expectations about the adoption process and the readiness of the family to adopt siblings; the role of fathers in adoptive families; as well as child displacement, disruption and dissolution issues. Of special note are the chapters on family mobilization and issues related to adopted children turning 18 and becoming adults in their own right. Enhanced with a glossary, references, an index, and a number of pertinent appendices, "Brothers And Sisters In Adoption" is highly recommended reading for anyone one considering the adoption of older children, distressed children, and siblings, making it an ideal and invaluable addition to personal, academic, community library, and adoption agency reference shelves.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

The Little Book Of Living Green
Mark Hegarty
Andrews & McMeel
4520 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
9780740777554, $5.99, 1-800-851-8923

Environmental issues and the necessity of living in ways more harmonious with our environment is at the forefront of public awareness with such dire problems as those of global warming and decreasing petroleum supplies world wide. "The Little Book Of Living Green" by Mark Hegarty is a compendium of practical, 'user friendly' ways for us to alter our daily lives and habits that will enable our grandchildren (and their grandchildren) to inherit an earth no longer blighted by human originated environmental degradations. From recycling used photocopy cartridges and printer toners, to cooking our meals with microwave ovens, using cloth bags to grocery shop, to joining an environmental protection group, "The Little Book Of Living Green" is a handy and portable little pocket book which offers a cornucopia of simple, effective, do-it-yourself ways to live well in our homes and in our lives while exercising good environmental stewardship.


The Computer Shelf

How to be a Geek Goddess
Christina Tynan-Wood
No Starch Press
555 DeHaro Street, Suite 250, San Francisco, CA 94107
O'Reilly Media
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9781593271879, $24.95, www.nostarch.com

You don't have to sacrifice femininity for efficiency. "How to be a Geek Goddess: Practical Advice for Using Computers with Smarts and Style" is a woman's guide to the world of all things computer. Ranging from everything involving from purchasing a computer, staying safe from viruses and malware, using the internet to its fullest extent, and avoiding being that one aunt or mother who wouldn't know a computer from a shovel, "How to be a Geek Goddess" is an ideal acquisition to those who want to avoid ignorance in the necessary modern art of computer use.

ESRI Press
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92378-8100
www.esri.com

Any college-level library strong in GIS education in general and security practices in particular will find Susan Lindell Radke and Eddie Hanebuth's GIS Tutorial for Homeland Security (9781589481886, $79.95) a weighty, solid hands-on instructional applying GIS technology to planning and operations goals established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Step-by-step instructions for applying problem-solving capabilities of the ArcGIS software are accompanied by exercises for students, making this an especially highly recommended classroom text. Dave Peters' BUILDING A GIS (9781589481596, $44.95) an excellent methodology for building a successful system for GIS. ESRI customers and managers interested in system architecture design will find it a specific A-Z instructional for creating a GIS framework, reviewing technology and options alike.

Adobe InDesign CS4 One-On-One
Deke McClelland with David Futato
Deke Press
c/o O'Reilly Publishing
1005 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9780596521912, $49.99 www.oreilly.com

A video is paired with lessons and exercises to make for an excellent classroom-in-a-book format perfect for classrooms and self-learners alike in Adobe InDesign CS4 One-On-One. Here are all the basics for using InDesign more efficiently, from self-paced tutorials paired with real-world projects and applications to over four hours of new video instruction, multiple-choice quizzes for testing, and all backed by the expertise of an author with over 20 years of professional experience. With over 800 color photos and screen shots - what more could you want?

Creating a Web Site: The Missing Manual
Matthew MacDonald
Pogue Press
c/o O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9780596520977, $29.99 www.oreilly.com

Fully revised to reflect the latest new information, CREATING A WEB SITE: THE MISSING MANUAL is simply packed with details on how to create a website from beginning to end, from using style sheets and gaining cash from Google ads and affiliate programs to tracking victors, identifying their interests, promoting the site with a blog and much more. All the basics are here in easily-understood language characteristic of the ever-popular 'missing manual' format, making it a top pick for any library offering general computer guides.

Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures
Keith Hutton, et.al.
Cisco Press
c/o Pearson Education
800 East 96th Street, 3rd floor, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3770
1587055740, $70.00 www.ciscopress.com

The authorized self-study guide Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures is a pick for any college-level computer collection strong in CISCO frameworks and networks. It reviews designs, shows how to plan and implement them, tells how to integrate a firewall and intrusion detection/prevention into a network design, and more, and is part of a recommended learning tool backed by Cisco itself. Any advanced network design library needs guide Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures.

Building a WordPress Blog People Want to Read
Scott McNulty
Peachpit Press
1249 - 8th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
0321591933, $29.99 www.peachpit.com

Many onliners have their own blog - but to build an outstanding one gaining regular readers and avid fans is a challenge both technically and artistically. That's why Building a WordPress Blog People Want to Read is key to any computer collection where bloggers are part of the audience: it covers everything from picking a theme and using tags to choosing widgets and building a community complete with images, plug-ins, and easy links and templates. Both computer and general-interest libraries will find this cutting-edge.

The Business Benefits of GIS: An ROI Approach
David Maguire, Victoria Kouyoumjian, Ross Smith
ESRI Press
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92378-8100
9781589482005, $24.95 www.esri.com/esripress

This comprehensive methodology builds a business case for existing or planned GIS projects, is designed for use by GIS professionals and libraries catering to them, and explores all the key concepts and calculations for overseeing a GIS project. GIS project managers and business and computer libraries will find this a winner.

Everything You Know About CSS is Wrong!
Rachel Andrew & Kevin Yank
Sitepoint
48 Cambridge Street, Collingwood VIC Australia 3066
9780980455229, $29.95 www.sitepoint.com www.amazon.com

Change your patterns of using CSS in a different approach to using Cascading Style Sheets without the workarounds required. From learning new techniques that work with older browsers to considering how to streamline CSS processes to avoid its cumbersome reputation, Everything You Know About CSS is Wrong is a pick for any programming library interested in best practices titles.

Essentials of Interactive Computer Graphics
Kelvin Sung, Peter Shirley, Steven Baer
A.K. Peters Ltd
888 Worcester Street Suite 230, Wellesley, MA 02482
9781568812571, $84.00 www.akpeters.com

ESSENTIALS OF INTERACTIVE COMPUTER GRAPHICS offers students a fine textbook showing how to build interactive computer graphics applications. Actual implementation of over 100 programs with extensive examples and tutorials perfect for self-study as well as classroom applications makes for a detailed computer graphics 'bible' perfect for college-level classroom or library reference. From object coordinate systems to behavior abstraction, this is a winner.

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

Any owner of Dreamweaver and any library catering to computer program owners needs David Sawyer McFarland's DREAMWEAVER CS4: THE MISSING MANUAL (9780596522926, $44.99). It packs in over a thousand pages of detail: everything from building a beginner's web site using Dreamweaver to design specs, interactive forms, and over a hundred pages of step-by-step tutorials. A 'must' for any Dreamweaver owner. Jesse Liberty, Dan Hurwitz and Dan Maharry's PROGRAMMING ASP.NET 3.5, 4TH EDITION (9780596529567, $59.99) tells how to use Microsoft's web development technology and Visual Studio 2008 to use .NET 3.5 technologies for faster development and better performance. Examples and sample code teach server controls, data-bound controls, and navigation controls alike, and comes from three Microsoft technology experts well versed in building interactive web applications. Libraries strong in web programming references will find this an excellent college-level guide. Jesse Liberty, Dan Hurwitz and Dan Maharry's ASP.NET 3.5 (9780596529567, $59.99) tells how to create applications using Microsoft's popular web development technology and Visual Studio 2008. It's been updated to help users with several .NET 3.5 technologies for faster development and better web application performance, teaches the basics of AJAX and ASP.NET server controls and applications, and shows how to build and streamline web services. This updated 4th edition is a 'must' for any serious programming library. Dux Raymond Sy's SHAREPOINT FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT (9780596520144, $44.99) tells how to apply key project management techniques by using SharePoint PMIS. From example case studies tracking its processes to automating projects and tracking risks, schedules and controls, each chapter offers insights plus exercises to practice what is learned, making this a perfect self-tutor guide. John Papa's DATA-DRIVEN SERVICES WITH SILVERLIGHT 2 (9780596523091, $44.99) tells how to build data-rich business applications using Silverlight 2 and multiple sources of data. From how such applications bind, save, query and present data to how web services work with Silverlight2 and how to use WCF and Entity to retrieve and save data, this is a pick for developer libraries strong in Silverlight and advanced business programming applications. Lynn Beighley and Michael Morrison's HEAD FIRST PHP & MYSQL: A BRAIN-FRIENDLY GUIDE (9780596006303, $44.99) is also for web programming libraries catering to programmers: it shows how to take HTML web pages to the next level, building database-driven sites using PHP and MYSQL. Chapters cover the basics of building a range of applications, from video games to message boards, and from working with cookies to performing database queries.

Addison-Wesley
c/o Pearson Education
801 East 96th Street, 3rd floor, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.informit.com/aw

Any serious C++ web programmer who plans on real-world programming applications must have Bjarne Stroustrup's Programming Principles and Practice Using C++ (0321543726, $69.99); it focuses on basic concepts and techniques and introduces programming in general - not just C++. It introduces the C++ language within context of overall programming requirements and thus provides a broader view than most. While it looks weighty and complicated at over 1,000 pages, have Programming Principles and Practice Using C++ actually is for beginners as well as newcomers to C++, exploring design concepts, programming techniques, and leading to more advanced topics. College-level programming libraries will find it a key acquisition promising years of value. The third updated edition of Eric Clayberg and Dan Rubel's ECLIPSE PLUG-INS (0321553462, $59.99) is for advanced collections strong in Java programming guides. It builds on previous editions but has been fully revised to reflect the new capabilities of Eclipse 3.4, comes from two leading Eclipse experts, and offers coverage of new plug-in features along with code examples and discussions of using new dynamic framework features. A 'must' for any collection catering to Eclipse users.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Yirat Shamayim
Marc D. Stern, editor
KTAV Publishing House
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602800373, $30.00, www.ktav.com

Fear is a powerful thing, and one of the central subjects of Orthodox Judaism. "Yirat Shamayim: The Awe, Reverence, and Fear of God" is a collection of essays discussing the fear and reverence of God, and why it is so important in Judaism's belief system. Thirteen essays spanning over four hundred pages offer a blend of opinions and discussions of Judaism, and will prove enlightening and insightful for Jew and gentile alike. "Yirat Shamayim" is a fine discussion of Judaism and fear, highly recommended.

Doing Jewish Theology
Neil Gillman
Jewish Lights Publishing
PO Box 237, Sunset Farm Offices, RT. 4, Woodstock, VT 05091
9781580233224, $24.99, www.jewishlights.com

The religion of Judaism has evolved constantly throughout history. "Doing Jewish Theology: God, Torah, & Israel in Modern Judaism" is a wide scope look at modern Judaism, and what the religion means to its millions of followers around the world. Diving into ancient and sacred texts to probe for answers, author Neil Gillman looks into the evolution of modern Judaism, the impact of Israel, and much more. Acting as both a study of the religion and an inspiration to it, "Doing Jewish Theology" is an enthusiastically recommended read for anyone interested in Judaism, regardless if they follow it or not.


The Women's Studies Shelf

Women at the Top
Mimi Wolverton, Boverly L. Bower, and Andrienne E. Hyle
Stylus Publishing
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2102
9781579222567, $21.00, www.styluspub.com

What's different when a woman takes control? "Women at the Top: What Women University and College Presidents Say About Effective Leadership" is a collection of essays from various women in power as presidents of major colleges throughout the United States. They each speak with much wisdom about the challenges a woman faces in this position, and offer leadership keen for a woman in any type of leadership position - and a good deal of it can apply to men as well. "Women at the Top" is a solid manual of leadership advice with a specialized, but not overly so, focus.


The Jobs/Careers Shelf

So You Are a Chef: Managing Your Culinary Career
Lisa M. Brefere, CEC, AAC, et.al.
Wiley
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
9780470251270, $35.00 www.wiley.com

The second updated edition of SO YOU ARE A CHEF is a winner, covering food-related jobs such as culinary Educator, Food Photographer and Celebrity Chef and highlighting careers across all industries, including those in research and development and education. From handling an interview for being a chef to selecting the appropriate materials for a portfolio and using networking to search the hidden job market, this handbook is for any who have their cooking credentials and are ready to plumb the job market's potentials. Any business or career library or those catering to food professionals needs SO YOU ARE A CHEF.

Home Staging for Profit
Barbara Jennings, CRS/CSS
Ahava Enterprises Inc.
7501 Slater Avenue, Suite C, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647
9780961802622, $29.95 www.decorate-redecorate.com

Business collections catering to real estate readers or those seeking careers in home staging will find HOME STAGING FOR PROFIT a unique, important and specific acquisition. Begin in 7 days or less, work from home, and build up a six-figure business with a guide based on the author's years of work. From furniture rental and business record-keeping to check-lists for sellers and enhancement design tips, HOME STAGING FOR PROFIT is a unique 'must' for any library catering to either re-career readers or those seeking tips on home staging.

Your Job Survival Guide
Gregory Shea & Robert Gunther
FT Press
c/o Pearson Education Press
1 Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458
9780137127023, $18.99, www.ftpress.com

Change is good, but boy is it ever stressful. "Your Job Survival Guide: A Manual for Thriving in Change" is a guide to dealing with the chaotic nature of one's workplace during times of change. With key advice on keeping one's job and staying useful to assist that fact, taking the lead and controlling change instead of letting it control you, and so much more, the business wisdom within is invaluable to anyone who wants to be ready for whatever life is going to throw at their career. "Your Job Survival Guide" is a solid reference for the career person.

Ten Steps To A Federal Job
Kathryn Troutman
The Resume Place, Inc.
89 Mellor Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21228
www.resume-place.com; www.amazon.com
9780964702592, $28.95, 1-888-480-8265

In our cratering economy every week brings more announcements of massive job layoffs and cutbacks by American businesses. Government is more and more being seen as the employer of last resort for thousands upon thousands of unemployed workers who cannot find gainful employment in the private sector. President Obama and his advisors, as well as the more progressive members of Congress, have realized this as our nation's unemployment figures soar. This is in addition to those who seek to serve the national interests through the federal job sector. Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, "Ten Steps to A Federal Job: How To Land A Job In The Obama Administration" by Kathryn Troutman couldn't come at a more timely opportunity to help people to successfully apply for federal jobs in the new administration. Enhanced with the inclusion of a CD-ROM packed with federal resumes, required KSA statements, and more, "Ten Steps To A Federal Job", is illustrated with twenty-four true stories of real people who obtained federal employment utilizing the 'Troutman Method'. Strongly recommended for personal, professional, academic and community libraries, as well as job center reference shelves, "Ten Steps To A Federal Job" is especially an appropriate guide for career changers; college students; entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals; as well as discharged military personnel and their family members.


The Money/Finance Shelf

Rich Like Them
Ryan D'Agostino
Little, Brown
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
9780316021463, $25.99 www.hachettebookgroup.com

RICH LIKE THEM: MY DOOR-TO-DOOR SEARCH FOR THE SECRETS OF WEALTH IN AMERICA'S RICHEST NEIGHBORHOODS offers a surprising approach: the author knocked on the doors of rich strangers asking them about their private finances - and got solid responses. Any who aspire to wealth will delight in a candid assessment of what made these folks rich - any general-interest library collection will find this a popular, easy and lively read.


The Political Science Shelf

Seeking Balance
Anne Edwards
Caitlin Press
8100 Alderwood Road, Halfmoon Bay V0N 1Y1, Canada
9781894759311, $28.95, www.caitlin-press.com

Women are half the population but if you looked at most jurisdiction's political systems, you wouldn't know it. "Seeking Balance: Conversations with BC Women in Politics" is a discussion of women in politics, with a special focus on British Columbia, which has had more than a few women break into their political arena. A vast sampling of women's voices talk on the matter and offer much food for thought, and may inspire more women to dare to enter the man's world of politics. "Seeking Balance: Conversations with BC Women in Politics" is a strong choice for readers who want to understand the growing presence of the fairer sex in elections.

Welcome to Obamaland
James Delingpole
Regnery Publishing
One Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001
9781596985889, $27.95 www.regnery.com

If the election of Obama is a negative in your book, WELCOME TO OBAMALAND: I HAVE SEEN YOUR FUTURE AND IT DOESN'T WORK is for you. The prediction here is a future that leads government more heavily into American freedoms and lives, suffocating economy, liberties and culture - and it offers a powerfully negative viewpoint. Read it and weep.


The Criminology Shelf

Without Remorse
Vonda L. Pelto
Seven Locks Press
PO Box 25689, Santa Ana, CA 92799
Irwin Zucker (publicity)
6464 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
9780979585289, $18.95

Serial killers can make strange and interesting companions. "Without Remorse: The Story of the Woman Who Kept Los Angeles' Serial Killers Alive" is the story of Vonda Pelto, a woman assigned to be a psychologist for some of Los Angeles' most notorious killers, with the specific duty of staving off their suicidal tendencies that they often develop while incarcerated. She describes these men and how she managed to form personal relationships with them despite their horrible deeds. "Without Remorse" is an intriguing look into the mind of the serial killer, highly recommended.

A Question of Murder
Cyril H. Wecht, MD, JD and Dawna Kaufmann
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2107
9781591026617, $26.98 www.prometheusbooks.com

A QUESTION OF MURDER: COMPELLING CASES FROM A FAMED FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST comes from a forensic pathologist who has dissected the greatest, performing autopsies on over 16,000 bodies to determine why and how they died. His expertise lends to a true-crime expose considering such fascinating cases as those of Anne Nicole Smith, murder victim child Stephanie Crowe, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.


The Needlecraft Shelf

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

12 fine blocks are provided for a queen-size 'calendar quilt' in Beverly A. Maxvill's A Year of Paper Piecing: 12 Sensational Designs (9781564778147, $26.95) - and can also be used as a block wall hanging singularly - in this book of patterns for 12x12 blocks useful for embellishments of all kinds. New to paper piecing concepts? A step-by-step guide helps out, making this perfect for beginners new to the basics. ALL ABOUT KNITTING (9781564778987, $29.95) is a comprehensive guide to knitting which covers all the basics, from how to cast on to progressively difficult projects ranging from simple blankets to sweaters and hats. A 'stitch gallery' accompanies a book packed with full-page color photos of finished products and smaller drawings of methods, plus step-by-step written directions. A 'must' for any library catering to newcomers to knitting. LOOSE CHANGE by Claudia Plett and Le Ann Weaver (9781564778253, $24.95) tells of how to use precut fabrics in 5" and 10" squares to produce 12 creative needlework projects, from a table runner or lap quilt to a bed quilt. Quilters typically have large stashes - and this guide will help them mix and match the leftovers in satisfying ways: perfect for any needlework collection. Janet Rehfeldt's TOE-UP TECHNIQUES FOR HAND-KNIT SOCKS (9781564779175, $14.95) offers easy techniques for knitting socks that fit well. These 'toe-up' techniques begin from the toe up rather than the cuff down - so socks can be tried as the process continues, for a better fit. Instructions cover all the basics and pack in tips perfect for beginners. For something different, choose Nancie M. Wiseman's START WITH A SWEATSHIRT (9781564778673, $16.95), which shows how to transform a simple sweatshirt by layering it with lovely fabrics and stitching them into five soft jackets. The finished product looks nothing like its sweatshirt base, yet uses the sweatshirt as a quilting layer. Its slim presentation and lack of spine lettering lends to its inclusion in a pamphlet collection. Cassie Barden's THE NEW HANDMADE: SIMPLE SEWING FOR CONTEMPORARY STYLE (9781564778772, $24.95) tells how to create handmade projects for a wardrobe or home with only basic sewing skills and minimal time. From totes and bags to home decor, this teaches basics such as installing zippers and using fusible applique, all within context of easy and useful projects. Needlework collections will find it an invaluable addition offering something different in the way of useful, simple and quick projects. Gayle Bong's TWIN PEAKS: QUILTS FROM EASY STRIP-PIECED TRIANGLES (9781564778345, $24.95) tells how to create strips of joined triangles with a technique involving sewing two fabric strips into squares and cutting them. Chapters tell how to explore different quilt designs, show how to use strip piecing with fabrics, and display some 13 projects to create designs. Sandy Klop's AMERICAN JANE'S QUILTS FOR ALL SEASONS AND SOME FOR NO REASON (9781564778529, $26.95) comes from a designer/quilter who provides some 14 quilts with vintage American roots to them. From remakes of classic folk art and traditional designs to fun simple quilts and themes, piecing and applique techniques alike are combined with patterns and color photos to make for an outstanding presentation. Both books are top picks for quilters seeking innovations on themes and approaches. Cheryl Potter, et. al.'s SKEIN FOR SKEIN: 16 KNITTED PROJECTS (9781564778574, $27.95) provides a powerful set of sixteen knitted projects teaching yarn substitution and how style, texture and fiber content affect results. From double-knitting and using bulky-weight yarns to considering how yarn substitution works, SKEIN FOR SKEIN is a pick for any collection appealing to knitters.


The Psychology Shelf

Being a Brain-Wise Therapist
Bonnie Badenoch
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393705546, $29.95 www.wwnorton.com

BEING A BRAIN-WISE THERAPIST: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO INTERPERSONAL NEUROBIOLOGY adds to Norton's Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology and provides college-level counseling students and practitioners with a powerful review of the basics on brain structure, function, and neurobiological theories. Exercises and case histories accompany wide-ranging discussions of spirituality, brain injury, personality changes, and more. It's a discussion no mental health and psychology library collection should omit.

How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health Care
Richard P. Brown, MD, et.al.
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Street, New York NY
9780393705256, $34.95 www.wwnorton.com

Many physicians and therapists agree that herbs and mind/body health enhances overall health - but few integrate these paths into clinical work. This book comes from three experts in integrative medicine and shows how to blend herbs and yoga into mental health care, using research to draw links between medical conditions and diet and nutrients. College-level collections strong in medical or mental health alternative therapies will find this a specific survey focusing on evidence-based practices and clinical research applications: invaluable for practicing physicians and those in the mental health industry.


The Library CD Music Shelf

A Streetcar Named Desire
Tennessee Williams
Caedmon
c/o Harper Audio
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780061714658, $17.95 www.harperaudio.com 1-800-242-7737

Now available for the first time on CD, A Streetcar Named Desire is the full-cast archival recording of the famous musical by Tennessee Williams, as performed by the cast at the 1973 revival at Lincoln Center (including Pulitzer Prize-winning stars Rosemary Harris and James Farentino as Blanche and Stanley). When the troubled Blanche seeks shelter in her sister Stella's New Orleans apartment, Stella's brutish husband Stanley Kowalski relentlessly strips away the lies and delusions propping up Blanche's insubstantial dreams. A modern-day theatrical classic, A Streetcar Named Desire is highly recommended for anyone who loves the musical, and for public library audio CD collections.

A Place Called Peace
Randy Granger
Dogsense Music
PO Box 1326, Fairacres, NM 88033
c/o c/o The Creative Service Company (publicity)
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
$14.78 www.randygranger.net

Southwestern flautist Randy Granger draws on his Native American heritage (his bloodline is connected to the Chol, Athabascan, Apache, Comanche and Dogrib tribes) for inspiration in A Path Called Peace, his music CD album reflecting the timeless, land-connected nature of Southwestern life. Individual pieces are performed with an impressive variety of flutes, from a reproduction of an ancient Anasazi flute to a double-barreled flute with buffalo drum, to the Australian digeridoo. Both pieces with vocals and purely instrumental pieces are present, and individual songs range in theme from somber commiserations to the hardship the Apache endured when remnants of the tribe were forced to live a starvation existence hiding in the canyons, to the ebullient celebration of life in the title song. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Za Zee Za Zu Zing", "The Dog Star", "Chaco Moon Meditation", "Ghost Dancers", "Rio Grande Lullaby", "Apache Tears", "Double-Barrel Train Wreck", and "Ancestor's Ocean Voyage".

East Wind
Timothy Cooper
New Piano Age Music
c/o The Creative Service Company (publicity)
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
$15.95 www.new-piano-age.com

The second solo piano album by Timothy Cooper, East Wind is a roughly hour-long CD with an exotic Asian influence. A delicate and emotional listening experience, East Wind seeks to embody the essence of China's ancient history, the vibrantly hot forests and jungles of Malaysia, the delicacy classical Eastern poetry, and much more. An ultimately upbeat music album bearing a message of hope and inspiration, East Wind is highly recommended. 30 tracks, 58.7 minutes.


The Library DVD Shelf

Cracker: The Complete Collection
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
$119.99 www.acornmedia.com

Winner of more than 25 major awards, including BAFTAs for best drama series and best actor, Cracker: The Complete Collection is a DVD set of the enthralling British crime drama about Dr. Edward "Fitz" Fitzgerald, a forensic psychologist with an uncanny ability to divine the motivations of psychopaths. At the same time, Fitz is driven by his own self-destructive compulsions - scotch, sex, and gambling, and his personal arrogance makes him barely tolerable to his co-workers. A 45-minute bonus special feature "Cracker: Behind the Scenes" enhances this dark saga of the nightmare side of urban life. Cracker: The Complete Collection is a worthy addition to mystery and crime drama DVD collections. 10 DVDs, approximately 22 1/2 hours plus bonus, full screen and widescreen, subtitles.

Reality Press
info@reality-entertainment.com
www.reality-entertainment.com

Reality Press is a premier publisher of informative books and producer of library quality DVDs in the field of New Age and Metaphysical Studies. Two of their newest DVDs are especially recommended to those with an interest in esoteric wisdom and metaphysical studies. "Forbidden Knowledge Conference 2006" (RYE 1003, $24.95, 90 minutes) showcases a historic event that featured presentations by such world renowned authorities Andrew Collins, Robert Feather, Tim Wallace-Murphy, Michael Cremo, Churchton Miller, Hamish Miller, Nick Pope, Alan Alford, John J. Harper, and its principle organizer, Philip Gardiner. Sponsored by the Conscious Media network and filmed at Kings Hall, Stoke on Trent, England, viewers will find the included speeches and special interviews to be informed and informative on a wide range of subjects from the Cygnus Mystery to Freemason Symbols, to the resting place of Joseph of Arimathea, to the antiquity of man, and so much more. "Science Of Soul: The End-Time Solar Cycle Of Chaos In 2012 A.D." (RYE 1004, $24.95, 1 hour 10 minutes) features metaphysical researcher John Jay Harper whose presentation ranges from quantum physics, to life after death, to the sacred teachings of ancient cultures, to the forthcoming apocalypse and the emergence of a superconciousness in 2012 A.D. Superbly directed by Philip Gardiner, "Science of Soul" is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Dedicated students in the field of Metaphysical Studies would do well to visit the Reality Press website at www.reality-entertainment.com for a complete listing of their impressive library of books and DVDs that are available to the general public and for academic library reference collections.

Darius Goes West
Darius Goes West, distribution
135 Pine Tops Ct., Athens, GA 30606
$20.00 www.dariusgoeswest.org

Darius Goes West is an acclaimed independent documentary film (it won more than 28 awards!) about the first ever cross-country trip of fifteen-year-old Darius Weems, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the world's primary genetic killer of children. The goal of Darius and eleven college-age young men is to reach Los Angeles and convince MTV's "Pimp My Ride" to customize Darius' wheelchair. Together they learn about friendship, and the simple joys of living in this heartfelt and educational true-life story. An excellent film especially ideal for school and public library DVD collections as well as for family viewing, Darius Goes West is highly recommended. Seventeen dollars, or more than four-fifths of the twenty dollar purchase price of Darius Goes West goes to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research. 94 minutes.

Secrecy
Peter Galison and Robb Moss
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
$295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com 1-800-543-3764

Secrecy is an award-winning independent documentary about the world of government secrecy. Government secrecy is itself a double-edged sword: on one hand, it protects against excessive nuclear proliferation and the spread of biological and chemical weapons, and is crucial to waging war against terrorism. On the other hand, secrecy can all too easily give way to corruption, from abridgements of liberty such as extraordinary rendition and warrantless wiretaps to the monstrous abuses of Abu Ghraib. When hidden from prying eyes, national policy can stumble as agencies fail to coordinate, and devour massive budgets; at the worst, America's system of justice could be at risk. Extensively researched, Secrecy is an unforgettable documentary that every patriotic American citizen should view. Highly recommended especially for public library collections.

Fit By Tracey: Walking Strong
Tracey Staehle
411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$19.99 www.411videoinfo.com www.fitbytracey.com

Fit By Tracey: Walking Strong is a fitness DVD designed for viewers who exercise by walking, including walking on a treadmill. Broken into eleven five-minute segments, Fit By Tracey: Walking Strong varies one's walking routine by alternating between cardio walks and strength walks (with resistance training). Certified personal trainer Tracey Staehle guides the viewer with clear narration and a demonstration of the advanced version of her treadmill workout, while her sister Bobbi demonstrates a less intense version on the treadmill. Their friend Jill demonstrates the workout on the floor without a treadmill. Inexpensive lightweight dumbbells are recommended to get the most out of exercising to Fit By Tracey: Walking Strong. A superb exercise video especially for the elderly, people recovering from severe illness or surgery, or anyone who needs a good workout but can't put excessive strain on their joints by jumping. Approximately 55 minutes.

Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm
MVD Entertainment Group
PO Box 280, Oaks, PA 19456
$19.95 www.MVDb2b.com 1-800-888-0486

Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm is a live-in-concert DVD capturing the sensational performance of the titular legends at the North Sea Jazz Festival of 2002. In addition to the sensational performance, Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm is packed with extras: "The Early Years" documentary, concert snippets from a wide variety of other locations, a biography and discography, and more. A "must-have" for true fans of Jazz in general and Ike Turner in particular. The songs performed are "Chicken Shack", "Ike & Pinetop's Boogie", "Mercy, Mercy", "I Need A-Nuddin", "Caldonia", "'Five Long Years", "Baby's Got It", "Rocket '88'", "Tequila", "Ike's Tune", "Steel Guitar Rag", "I'm the Only One", "I've Been Loving You Too Long", "Proud Mary", and "I Want To Take You Higher". Approximately 2 hours 12 minutes.

Arctic Dinosaurs
WGBH Boston Video
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781593758660, $24.99 www.ssapr.com

Arctic Dinosaurs: Warm-Blooded Creatures of the Cretaceous is an episode of the award-winning public television series NOVA, now available on DVD. A field expedition sets out Alaska's North Slope to search for the answer to a quandary: how did dinosaurs survive in the dark and frigid polar regions? Researchers dig a tunnel into the permafrost in order to collect dinosaur bones, an activity that carries its own perils, while other experts decipher the evidence in order to bring their hypotheses to life with CGI animation. Special features include printable materials for educators and described video for the visually impaired. An amazing fresh look at these remarkable ancient reptiles, perfect for school and public library DVD collections as well as for the enjoyment of dinosaur lovers everywhere. 56 minutes, closed captioned. Also highly recommended are the recently released NOVA DVD episodes "Columbia: Space Shuttle Disaster" (9781593758677, $24.99) and "Alien from Earth: The Little People of Flores" (9781593758691, $24.99).

Tai Chi for Beginners
Samuel Barnes, host
Anchor Bay Entertainment
2401 West Big Beaver road, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48084-3304
$14.98 www.anchorbayentertainment.com

Hosted by expert Tai Chi teacher Samuel Barnes, and filmed on a calm outdoors location overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, Tai Chi for Beginners is a DVD that teaches the user how to tap into the revitalizing power of Qi Gong, learn Tai Chi postures, and use Tai Chi as a form of moving meditation meant to increase the body's natural energy. An easy-to-follow guide that all ages can use to experience the mind-clearing benefits of Tai Chi highly recommended for anyone intrigued by Tai Chi's physical and spiritual benefits. 56 minutes.

Dance Your Body Slim
Kathy Smith
Lionsgate
c/o 411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$14.98 www.411videoinfo.com

Kathy Smith hosts Dance Your Body Slim, a 2-DVD set of dance-based workout routines that burn calories, promote firm muscles, and are simply a blast to do! Disc one features the "Slow and Sensual" slow belly dance routine, the "Heat It Up" fast belly dance routine, and the "Flex Appeal" stretch routine, with a bonus belly dance tutorial as well as a complete choreographed dance and performance by belly dance superstar Ansuya. Disc two features a warm up, a "Latin Basics" workout of rousing Latin dance, "Latin Sizzle" that kicks the intensity up, a cool down, and a bonus guide to learning Latin dancing with a partner. Customizable workout options and a personalized introduction and instructions from Kathy round out this exciting way to burn calories and feel good. 2 DVDs, 114 minutes, full screen.

Yoga Emergency The 12 Minute Workout: Full Leg Stretch
Kristen Eykel, host
411 Video Information (publicity)
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$9.99 www.411videoinfo.com www.kristeneykel.com

Yoga Emergency The 12 Minute Workout: Full Leg Stretch is part of a five-DVD series designed especially to help viewers on a tight schedule reap the benefits of squeezing a little yoga into their day. Host, yoga expert, model, and mother Kristen Eykel has created a series of twelve-minute yoga workouts meant to target specific parts of the body; "Full Leg Stretch" is meant especially to promote flexibility, balance, and strength in the legs. Additional bonus material includes a guided meditation following the workout, particularly tailored to focus on one's legs; "stressbusters" 1-minute stress-relief tips, and a brief interview with Kristen Eykel. Shot amidst a beautifully sunlit garden, Yoga Emergency The 12 Minute Workout: Full Leg Stretch is easy to follow and perfect for incorporating yoga into one's daily routine for better health and quality of life. Also highly recommended are the other four volumes in the Yoga Emergency The 12 Minute Workout series, "Arms & Shoulders", "Back", "Hips", and "Pregnancy".

Visit Wales with Rachel Hicks
Rachel Hicks, host
Camrose Media
c/o Janson Media
88 Semmens Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640
9781568393075, $24.95 www.janson.com betsy.vanost@janson.com

Visit Wales with Rachel Hicks is a beautiful, DVD tour of the grand and historic land of Wales, filmed in high definition. Former BBC presenter Rachel Hicks leads readers on a journey from Aberystwyth on the Irish Sea, to Abergavenny in the easy, and from Anglesey in the north to Tenby on the southern coast. Highlights include a stop by St. Fagans Natural History Museum near Cardiff, ancient Celtic burial chambers, castles mountains, lakes, the smallest city in Britain, and a whiskey distillery. A bonus photo gallery rounds out this relaxing and delightful tour, surely the next best thing to flying across the ocean to visit Wales in person. 60 minutes.

Paint Like Van Gogh
Larry Withers, host
On Air Video Incorporated
8203 Westminster Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027
$19.95 www.onairvideo.com 215-885-2828

Paint Like Van Gogh is an instructional DVD that demonstrates the painting techniques of legendary Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. Host Larry Withers walks the viewer through step-by-step as he copies Van Gogh's widely beloved work "Sunflowers". To gain full benefit, viewers will need to acquire some simple art tools (stretched linen canvas, filbert brushes, oil paint, wooden pallet, pallet knife and cup, mineral spirits, and latex gloves) to follow the primer. Bonus features include a two-sided color insert with a photo of the painting and a schematic with color swatches, as well as PDF files of these reference materials. Paint Like Van Gogh unquestionably lives up to its title, and is enthusiastically recommended for any aspiring painter interested in "hands-on" learning. 66 minutes.


The Audiobook Shelf

The Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer, author
J.U. Nicolson, translator
Read by Martin Jarvis and a full cast
Blackstone Audiobooks
PO Box 969, Ashland, OR 97520
9781433249716, $125.00 www.BlackstoneAudio.com 1-800-729-2665

At the Tabard Inn, thirty travelers from a diversity of classes and occupations are planning to make the annual pilgrimage to Becket's shrine at Canterbury. It is agreed that each traveler will tell four tales to help pass the time, and the host of the inn will reward the best storyteller with a free supper when they return. The Canterbury Tales is a sometimes bawdy, sometimes spiritual classic, skillfully translated into modern English and presented in an unabridged audiobook format. Read by Martin Jarvis and a full cast, The Canterbury Tales reveals the trials and travails of daily life in late fourteenth-century England through stories, conversations, jokes and arguments between travelers. Truly the most memorable way to experience this literary classic, The Canterbury Tales is especially recommended for public library collections. 17 CDs, 21 hours, tracks every 3 minutes for easy bookmarking.

Eclipse
Richard North Patterson, author
Peter Francis James, narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
9781427206091, $39.95 www.macmillanaudio.com 1-800-221-7945

Former trial lawyer Richard North Patterson presents Eclipse, a gripping, unabridged audiobook on CD about Damon Pierce, a California lawyer who responds to a plea for help from old flame Marissa Brand Okari. Marissa's husband is the leader of a freedom movement in the West African nation of Luandia; the world's insatiable thirst for oil has caused the nation to be viciously exploited by the ruthless PetroGlobal and Luandia's autocratic ruler General Savoir Karama. Bobby's home village has been massacred, while Bobby has been arrested and charged with the murder of three PetroGlobal workers. Pierce dares to brave Luandia's lethal politics to save Bobby, a case that could literally cost him his life in this nail-biting contemporary thriller. Highly recommended. 11 CDs, 14 hours.

1421: The Year China Discovered America
Gavin Menzies, author
Simon Vance, narrator
Blackstone Audiobooks
PO Box 969, Ashland, OR 97520
9781433255106, $110.00 www.BlackstoneAudio.com 1-800-729-2665

Smoothly narrated by the Earphones Award-winning Simon Vance, 1421: The Year China Discovered America is the unabridged audiobook presentation of author Gavin Menzies' astonishing theory - that a Chinese expedition discovered the American continent, planted cropbs, and even established Caribbean colonies seventy years before Columbus, and circumnavigated the globe a century before Magellan. Menzies visited 120 countries and over 900 museums and libraries in the course of his research, and has assembled a surprisingly persuasive account that suggests how China's foothold in the American continents could have been established, then lost due to the turmoil following the Emperor's fall. The sturdy library edition of this fascinating audiobook is an excellent addition to collections offering alternative viewpoints and theories concerning world history. 11 CDs, 13 hours, tracks every 3 minutes for easy bookmarking.

Whodunit?
Symphony Space
2537 Broadway at 95th Street, NY, NY 10025-6990
www.symphonyspace.org
9781934033104, $28.00, www.amazon.com

Audio books are an enduringly popular format for millions of Americans seeking to entertain themselves while driving, doing routine chores, or simply relaxing and engaging in a bit of entertainment. Symphony Space is the publisher of CD short story sets which showcase some of the best performed material every to play on our nation's public radio stations. One of their newest and best in their outstanding 'Selected Shorts' audio book series is the 3 CD collection "Whodunit? comprised of a compilation of short stories that include Dashiell Hammett's "The Creeping Siamese" performed by John Shea; "C. S. Montanye's "A Shock for the Countess" performed by Fionuula Flanagan; Ed McBain's "Improvisation" performed by Isaiah Sheffer; "Shirley Jackson's "The Summer People" performed by Rene Auberjonois; Nadine Gordimer's "Country Lovers performed by Hattie Winston; and Louise Erdrich's "Gleason" performed by Robert Sean Leonard. Flawlessly recorded, "Whodunit?" will prove to be a popular addition to personal and community library audio book collections. Also very highly recommended and a new addition to their 'Selected Shorts" series from Symphony Space is "The William Hurt Collection" (9781934033104, $28.00, 3 CDs) in which the Academy Award-winning actor William Hurt narrates the short stories "Blind Josef Pronek" by Aleksandar Hemon; "Communist" by Richard Ford; "Towel Season" by Ron Carlson; and "Nightingale" by Tobias Wolff.

Norman Corwin's The Rivalry
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
1580815693, $25.95 www.latw.org 1-800-708-8863

An amazing dramatization of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, Norman Corwin's The Rivalry is a full-cast audiobook presentation starring Academy Award nominees Paul Giamatti and David Strathairn. The passionate exchange of words between up-and-coming legislator Abraham Lincoln and incumbent Senator Stephen A. Douglas over critical issues - especially the hot-button matters of slavery and the American concept of freedom. A profoundly moving experience, offering a window into the historical clash of words that would come to foreshadow the infinitely more devastating clash of the American Civil War. 2 CDs, 104 minutes.

Lucrezia Borgia
Sarah Bradford, author
Lorna Raver, narrator
Blackstone Audiobooks
PO Box 969, Ashland, OR 97520
9781433224706, $110.00 www.BlackstoneAudio.com 1-800-729-2665

Award-winning stage actress Lorna Raver reads aloud an unabridged audiobook presentation of Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love, and Death in Renaissance Italy, a biography that neither condemns nor exonerates the life of the notorious Renaissance femme fatale Lucrezia Borgia. Though her name is associated with any number of Renaissance malevolences, from incest to political assassination, author Sarah Bradford reveals that Lucrezia was in fact an intelligent woman determined to secure power amid political struggles, and who exploited her beauty to that end. A fascinating account of the true-life woman behind the Machiavellian legend.

Animals Make Us Human
Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson, authors
Andrea Gallo, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781436163057, $123.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals is an unabridged audiobook presentation of the book by scientist and animal welfare advocate Temple Grandin, drawn from thirty years' worth of research. Grandin insists that animals possess an emotional system similar to that of humans, with impulses ranging from playfulness to fury. Grandin advocates a practical approach to creating the best life possible for animals in our care, and speaks out against the needlessly cruel environments in which too much livestock is raised and slaughtered. An inspirational guide to improving individual and societal compassion toward the creatures in our care. 10 CDs, 11.75 hours.

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

THE PRODIGAL GOD: RECOVERING THE HEART OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH (9780143143802, $24.95) takes an intellectual approach to discussions on Christianity, using Jesus' parable of God's prodigal grace to discuss a new way of thinking about faith and Christianity. Collections strong in religious debates and intellectual spirituality will relish the powerful audio discussion. Catherine Blyth's THE ART OF CONVERSATION: A GUIDED TOUR OF A NEGLECTED PLEASURE (9780143144236, $19.95) also receives the author's own voice as it tells of making conversation. Lessons from philosophy, anthropology and literature reveal the rules and secrets for navigating all kinds of conversation, from business to personal settings. Book 3 of Jim Butcher's 'Codex Alera' series, CURSOR'S FURY (9780143143789, $49.95) receives Kate Reading's exceptional background as a stage actress and her powerful voice harnesses the power of a saga of war and assault. This ongoing saga is a top pick for prior listeners of FURIES OF CALDERON and ACADEM'S FURY. Dirk Wittenborn's PHARMAKON (9780143143291, $39.95) presents the dual acting powers of Mark Deakins and Lincoln Hoppe, who add powerful verbal support to a novel of suburban life in postwar America. One American family's struggles in 20th century America come to life in this gripping saga.

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

Dalton Conley's ELSEWHERE, USA (1423377621, $29.99) receives Christopher Lane's powerful audio rendition as it tells of how 24-hour connectivity and multitasking are reshaping patterns of work, family and values. Dalton Conley is a social scientist who does a powerful job of connecting daily life with changed social conditions: reader Lane ties it all together. Nick Tasler's THE IMPULSE FACTOR (1423375122, $29.95) receives an excellent reading by veteran audio narrator Buck Schirner and tells of the recent discovery of a potential-seeking gene that could hold great impact on how we understand decision making. Those who have this gene are impulsive and their choices can lead to creative action or foolish choices. Business collections will find this involving, as well self-improvement libraries. David Whyte's THE THREE MARRIAGES: REIMAGINING WORK, SELF AND RELATIONSHIP (1423376528, $34.99) is read by the author and provides a pointed discussion of how to bring balance and a deeper satisfaction to life. Rethinking work, partnership and inner self is part of the formula: the focus on 'secret vows' made between all make for an involving survey. M. William Phelps' SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE (1423349512, $29.99) is narrated by J. Charles and tells of an Arizona man who discovers hidden bodies when he buys sealed boxes at an unclaimed property auction. The story of a mother who murdered her children makes for a vivid true crime account. Peter Biskind's DOWN AND DIRTY PICTURES: MIRAMAX, SUNDANCE AND THE RISE OF INDEPENDENT FILM (1423371135, $49.99) receives Phil Gigante's smooth experienced acting and directing voice as it tells of the rise of independent filmmakers and the two film festivals that powered them. Film history comes to life in audio. Lionel Shriver's GAME CONTROL (1423360850, $29.99) provides a powerful psychological novel paired with the equally powerful reading voice of audio veteran Laural Merlington as it tells of one Eleanor, a do-gooding American family-planning worker drawn to Kenya to improve the lot of the poor, only to fall in love. Siobhan Dowd's THE LONDON EYE MYSTERY (1423370597, $26.99) is read by Alex Kalajzic and tells of the mysterious disappearance of Salim from a sealed pod on the London Eye. While this is technically a young adult story, many an adult will find riveting the twists and turns of plot, so adult mystery audio collections will also wish to have this. Vaishali Sharma lends her smooth and evocative voice to Shenaaz Nanji's CHILD OF DANDELIONS (1423370589, $24.99), a story of politics and danger about the expulsion of Indians from Uganda in 1972. Here teen Sabine is part of two worlds, and sees both of them wrenched and dying in a moving story. M.M. Buckner's WATERMIND (1423375726, $36.95) receives an excellent narration by Tanya Eby Sirois and tells of a dangerous life evolving in toxic waterways. A sexy self-destructive dropout cleaning up a small pollution spill comes across the mysterious Watermind - and finds it holds a murderous danger to all. Linda Howard's ANGEL CREEK (1423362993, $29.99) is narrated by Natalie Ross and tells of a lovely woman who keeps her independence and heritage in Angel Creek valley when her father dies. When a man with ruthless ambition enters her world and introduces romance, trouble and possibly murder evolve. Suzanne Brockmann's DARK OF NIGHT (1423342666, $38.99) is read by Patrick G. Lawlor and Renee Raudman and tells of a powerful threat from a lethal enemy when operative James Nash decides to work away from his Agency work. A near assassination leads to a new identity, a safe house, and the involvement of a handful of people in a desperate plot.

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

Josh Bazell's BEAT THE REAPER (9781600244322, $29.98) receives Robert Petkoff's Broadway background and experience and tells of Dr. Peter Brown, an intern at Manhattan's worst hospital who has a new patient with just three months to live and a strange idea about the identity of his doctor and his connections to a mob. Intrigue and action fueled by the voice of Robert Petkoff keep the plot vivid and moving. William Paul Young's LA CABANA (9781600246869, $24.98) provides an all-Spanish version of a New York Times best-seller of tragedy and discovery. Frank Rodriguez powers a vivid audio listen for Spanish speakers. Alphie McCourt's A LONG STONE'S THROW (9781600245022, $29.98) receives the author's own narration as it tells of the youngest McCourt brother, Alphie, who escapes a miserable childhood in Ireland and heads to America only to find an aimless existence awaits him. All are powerful picks.


The Interior Design Shelf

Charles Faudree Country French Florals & Interiors
Toni Garner
Gibbs Smith
Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
142360329X, $39.95 www.gibbs-smith.com

Designer Charles Faudree shares some of his signature Country French interiors and pairs with floral artist Toni Garner, his personal florist, to create floral arrangements for every room in this survey of French County themes. From choosing unusual flower containers and dressing a room with embellishments to creating a Country French theme, this is a 'must' for interior design libraries.


The Fiction Shelf

Brother
James Fredericks
Bascom Hill Publishing Group
212 N 3rd Avenue, Suite 570, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780980245561, $14.95, www.bascomhillpublishing.com

Brother is a term thrown around freely with many men. "Brother" is a novel following an attorney and his brother, Chase and Jared Riordan respectively, who are faced with wrongful accusations. Though estranged, the two must mend their past wounds and embrace brotherhood, or both their lives may end in death or imprisonment. But after so much time, can they truly trust each other like brothers? "Brother" is a fine tale of learning to embrace another as a sibling after a long time, recommended reading.

The Strength of a Sparrow
Tim Anders
Alpine Publishing
1119 S. Mission Rd., #102, Fallbrook, CA 92028
9781885624635, $39.95

When one reveals a skeleton in their closet, it usually isn't wearing priestly garments. "The Strength of a Sparrow" is a love story of the unusual sort. Bouvette Sherwood is a successful Broadway actress, who finds herself in love with one Hughie Hewitt. Hughie, however, is an alcoholic, and that's not the least of what's preventing him from committing to his relationship with Bouvette. A strange twist of a romance, Tim Anders uses inspiration of a true story to make "The Strength of a Sparrow" a uniquely recommended read.

Marble Mountain
Wayne Karlin
Curbstone Press
321 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
9781931896436, $15.00

Finding one's roots is hard. But for an adopted mixed race person, it's nigh impossible. "Marble Mountain" follows Kiet Hallam as she is faced with the lifetime question of who she is and why is she here. Half Vietnamese and half African-American, she has little clue as to where her place of origin truly lies. Despite her supportive family, it looks as if Kiet's past won't be revealing itself with ease anytime soon. "Marble Mountain" is a fine story of searching for one's genealogy with many mystery elements, and is an enjoyable read.

Blacksnake's Path
William Heath
Heritage Books
100 Railroad Ave, #104, Westminister, MD 21557
Hood College (publicity)
401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701-8575
9780788446498, $30.00, www.heritagebooks.com

The diplomats rarely get their due. "Blacksnake's Path: The True Adventures of William Wells" is admittedly fiction, but author William Heath heavily researched the life of the true William Wells. Through that research, Heath attempts to create a narrative that follows the man's life as accurately as possible. Caught between two cultures, Wells served as a middle for the Americans and Native Americans during the beginning of the nation's start as a country. Heath paints a fine picture of what Wells dealt with throughout his career. "Blacksnake's Path" is a fine and educational read, for those who want history with their entertainment.

Ailanthus Park
Marina Snow
Lost Coast Press
155 Cypress St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
9781882897964, $19.95, www.cypresshouse.com

City parks are refuges of nature in the wild urban jungle. "Ailanthus Park" follows Claire Patterson, a single woman making her way in Sacramento. Involved heavily in the push for a new park, Claire finds herself in an utterly intriguing plot that will reveal much about Claire and the town around herself as she grows as a person. "Ailanthus Park" is a fine novel of humanity, highly recommended.

Pilgrim's Progress
Gary D. Schmidt
Eerdmans Books
2140 Oak Industrial Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
9780802853462, $16.50, www.eerdmans.com

The same story from a different speaker can improve much upon the first. "Pilgrim's Progress" is a retelling of John Bunyan's original story of a Christian's journey to the Heavenly Palace. A modern spin on the subject matter with a more common language and brilliant and beautiful watercolors from Barry Moser, Gary Schmidt's rendition of "Pilgrim's Progress" is very much worth the read, matching, if not surpassing the original.

Dancing with Bears
William Borden
Livingston Press
University of West Alabama, Station 22, Livingston, AL 35470
www.livingstonpress.uwa.edu
9781604890211, $16.95, www.amazon.com

Bears can sometimes be too much to bear. "Dancing with Bears" is a novel following a writer and his story focusing on the bears of America, alongside Lyle, a bear specialist under the National Park Service. What starts as a simple assignment soon spirals into madness, with gruesome deaths and infidelity being only some of what is dealt with. A story of changing love, bears, and other such chaos, "Dancing with Bears" is quite the adventure laced with romance.

Voices from the North
Vigdis Ofte & Steinar Sivertsen
Maia Press Unlimited
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781904559290, $21.95, www.dufoureditions.com

An amazing showcase of modern-day literary talent from Norway, "Voices from the North: New Writing from Norway" is an anthology of works, mainly short fiction and poetry, from seven of Norway's prize-winning writers. The Norwegians draw upon their country's rich history, as well as its modern culture to craft unforgettable imagery and drama. "Voices From the North" is something world fiction fans will relish.

Jack with a Twist
Brenda Janowitz
Red Dress Ink
225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9
9780373895557, $13.95, www.reddressink.com

Working with one's partner can be a great experience, but not for Brooke and Jack. "Jack with a Twist" is a love story of two lawyers. Feeling they are destined to be together, they are engaged to be wed. And if marriage was the only thing on the table, things would be simple. But then they find themselves on opposite sides of the courtroom in a case that could make or break their careers. A story of love, career, and the problems when the two mix, "Jack with a Twist" is a fine twist on the typical romance, highly recommended.

The Madwoman of Bethlehem
Rosine Nimeh-Mailloux
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Ste 401, Toronto, ON M5V 2M5 Canada
9781897187487, $18.95, www.secondstorypress.ca

The insanity defense is of much debate in modern courts, but for one woman, it was her only hope for survival. "The Madwoman of Bethlehem" is a story of Amal. Amal lashed out against the society that oppressed her, a society that would punish such acts with death. Only by feigning insanity can she find survival and one day hope for peace in the future. A tale of one woman dealing with a cruel society, "The Madwoman of Bethlehem" is a unique piece of historical fiction, sure to please.

Greener Grass
Caroline Pignat
Red Deer Press
311 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135
9780889954021, $12.95, www.fitzhenry.ca

When there's no food on the table and people are wasting away, there's little one won't do to stop it. "Greener Grass" is a tale that takes place during the infamous Irish potato famine. Kit Byrne and family are facing possible death due to malnutrition. Willing to do anything to stop it, Kit soon finds that 'anything' includes some things that she would rather not do, and finds herself in the world of the criminal. A story of the will to survive and the love of the family, "Greener Grass" is riveting reading all the way through.

Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales
Eleanor Bluestein
BkMk Press
c/o University of Missouri-Kansas City
5101 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110
9781886157644, $16.95, www.umkc.edu/bkmk

You can take everything away, but you cannot strip people of their will to survive and thrive. "Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales" is a collection of short stories, derived from concepts of Eleanor Bluestein traveling to Southeast Asian countries and finding these countries' will to prosper, even as tradition and change clashed, and in Cambodia's case, in spite of tyranny. "Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales" is moving and inspiring, entertaining as well as educational.

Rosanna of the Amish
Joseph W. Yoder
Herald Press
616 Walnut Avenue, Scottdale, PA 15683-1999
9780836194081, $15.99, www.heraldpress.com

Voluntarily cut off from the world, the Amish have crafted their own culture, and even their own literature. "Rosanna of the Amish" is a reissue of the original acclaimed work of Mennonite literature. The original text restored, it tells the story of an Irish Catholic girl brought up in Amish society, and is complete with literary discussion going over what it all means in the world of literature. "Rosanna of the Amish" is well worth the read for those who are studying the Amish and their literature.

Khan al-Khalili
Naguib Mahfouz, author
Roger Allen, translator
The American University in Cairo Press
420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018
9789774161919, $24.95

Sacred places are rarely sacred to everyone. "Khan al-Khalili" offers an Egyptian perspective of World War II, following the Akifs as they seek refuge from Nazi Germany's armies. Though a novel, "Khan al-Khalili" offers readers much food for thought when it comes to many aspects that seem to be opposed, such as traditions and change, or faith in an ever-secularizing world. "Khan al-Khalili" is expertly translated by Roger Allen, offering fine Arabic literature to English speakers.

The Vansellars
Chris Durer
Ivy House Publishing Group
5122 Bur Oak Circle, Raleigh, NC 27612
9781571974914, $24.95, www.ivyhousebooks.com

The many paths one family can go is mind-boggling. "The Vansellars: Story of a New York Family" is a novel covering several generations of a fictional family in New York, and how their lives start to break apart and intertwine at random points. Tragedy, redemption, murderers, saviors, and high society are major themes throughout the book, with family being the single uniting trend among it all. "The Vansellars" is intriguing reading all the way to the end.

Jenny's Dream
Linda Weaver Clarke
Bedside Books
c/o American Book Publishing
PO Box 65624, Salt Lake City, UT 84165
9781589824461, $19.95, www.lindaweaverclarke.com

There are those in small towns who always yearn to be larger than their town can contain. "Jenny's Dream" is another entry in Linda Weaver Clarke's 'A Family Saga in Bear Lake Valley' series of books, focusing on Jenny Roberts, a small town girl who wishes to be anything but. Romance, however has other plans for her. "Jenny's Dream" is a charming novel of small town America at the turn of century, highly recommended.

The Leopard's Prey
Suzanne Arruda
Obsidian
c/o New American Library
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
9780451225863, $24.95 www.penguin.com

Suzanne Arruda's fourth mystery has Jade Del Cameron working for a zoological company in Nairobi, working to save a pair of leopards slated for execution. When bodies are found, Jade also finds herself working to clear her friend of murder charges - and finds herself piloting a plane and landing in African wilderness to face a brutal killer. THE LEOPARD'S PREY is a riveting, fast-paced mystery highly recommended for any mystery collection.


The Astronomy Shelf

Let There Be Night
Paul Bogard, editor
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874173284, $21.95, www.unpress.nevada.edu

Neon lights, florescent lights, all electric lights, all of these are great, but they spell the end of one thing - the truly dark night sky. "Let There Be Night: Testimony on Behalf of the Dark" is a collection of essays and writings from various scientists, poets, and scholars who speak about the death of the clear night, where one could see every star in the sky, unaided by telescope or other device. A discussion of the fall of the natural world, and how many things that our fathers have seen are now unseeable to the modern age, "Let There Be Night" is intriguing and enlightening, if a bit saddening.

The Crowded Universe
Alan Boss
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780465009367, $26.00 www.basicbooks.com

THE CROWDED UNIVERSE: THE SEARCH FOR LIVING PLANETS comes from a renowned astronomer who argues that we're on the verse of finding many Earth-like planets around other stars - planets where life is not just possible, but common. His ideas about planetary formation and life possibilities makes for an outstanding study key to any high school to college-level astronomy collection as well as any general-interest lending library strong in science.


The Science Shelf

Martians of Science
Istvan Hargittai
Oxford University Press
2001 Evans Road, Cary, NC 27513
9780195365566, $15.95, www.oup.com

Certain men change the world, yet people on the street rarely know who they are. "Martians of Science: Five Physicists Who Changed the Twentieth Century" is a collective biography of five physicists who have had a major impact on the last hundred years. All five, hailing originally from Hungary, came to America at the critical time of war, and changed science with their ideas. Referred to as the Martians, a nickname with unclear origins, "Martians of Science" is an intriguing biography of five unsung heroes of physics.

Cave Paintings and the Human Spirit
David S. Whitley
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026365, $25.98 www.prometheusbooks.com

CAVE PAINTINGS AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT: THE ORIGIN OF CREATIVITY AND BELIEF offers a college-level discussion of ancient art and religion by one of the world's foremost experts on cave paintings. Archaeological evidence and analysis blends with insights in evolutionary psychology and neuroscience to provide a new understanding of shamanism and its connections with early myth and religion. While this could have been featured in our 'spirituality' section, it's reviewed here for its importance to college-level science holdings, as well.


The Music Shelf

The Words and Music of Sting
Christopher Gable
Praeger
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
9780275993603, $39.95 www.prgaeger.com

Sting has successfully established himself as one of the most important singer-songwriters in Western popular music: this survey of his songs and solo and group career offers critical analysis of the extent of his works, from his performances with The Police to the structural diagrams of his songs. College-level libraries strong in popular music analysis need this.


The Business Shelf

You Can Do It Too
Rachel Bridge
Kogan Page
525 South 4th Street, #241, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9780749451530, $29.95, www.koganpage.com

Fundamentals are the basics, but all too often, even the basics are ignored. "You Can Do It Too: The Twenty Essential Things Every Budding Entrepreneur Should Know" is a compilation of twenty bits of advice and wisdom that Rachel Bridge has deemed utterly necessary for an entrepreneur to succeed in today's competitive world. Drawing additional advice from countless people at varying levels of success, "You Can Do It Too" is highly recommended for those just starting out in the tough world of business.

Exiting Your Business, Protecting Your Wealth
John M. Leonetti
Wiley
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Jane Wesman Public Relations (publicity)
322 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1702, New York, NY 10001
9780470376188, $49.95, www.wiley.com

There comes a time when one must leave what they have worked on for so long. "Exiting Your Business, Protecting Your Wealth: A Strategic Guide for Owners and Their Advisors" is a guide to extracting oneself from one's business. An exit strategy for business is needed, in order to keep one's own prosperity as well as that of the businesses. With special chapters on realizing when one is a workaholic, moving onto a different career or retiring, and setting realistic exit goals, "Exiting Your Business, Protecting Your Wealth" is a must for business owners who want to move on.

The Big Idea
Donny Deutsch with Catherine Whitney
Hyperion
77 West 66th Street, New York NY 10023-6298
9781401323219, $25.95 www.hyperionbooks.com

Donny Deutsch's hit CNBC show THE BIG IDEA profiles business people who have made their dreams come true, illustrating that big business ideas are developed, not inspirations from above. The entrepreneurs featured didn't necessarily have lots of money, either, or experience. They had an observation, an idea, and the willpower to follow it through to profits - and THE BIG IDEA illustrates how. Libraries both business and general-interest will find it a popular pick offering easy-reading ideas and inspiration.

From Bureau to Boardroom
Dan Carrison
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019-7420
0814410634, $24.95 www.amacombooks.org

When it comes to inspiring employees the FBI has learned invaluable lessons about leadership and management, working with increasingly limited resources and global influences to develop strategic advantage. These lessons are documented in a collection from a former marine who has had unprecedented access to the FBI's inner sanctum: chapters cover success, failures, and how the FBI evolved more efficient organizational choices from both. Business libraries will find it a top pick.


The International Studies Shelf

Mexico Unconquered
John Gibler
City Lights Books
261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
9780872864931, $16.95, www.citylights.com

Mexico, one of America's closest neighbors, is plagued with corruption. "Mexico Unconquered: Chronicles of Power and Revolt" takes a look into the history of Mexico and how the country got to where it is today. A country split by a huge financial divide, Mexico is portrayed as a nation of people who don't need much more provocation to be spurned towards rebellion once more. Enlightening and informative, "Mexico Unconquered" is a must read for those concerned about America's southern neighbor.

Basque Nationalism and Political Violence
Cameron J. Watson
Center for Basque Studies
c/o University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
www.unpress.nevada.edu
9781877802768, $29.95, 1-877-682-6657

In the twentieth century, Spain was never known as a stable country. "Basque Nationalism and Political Violence: The Ideological and Intellectual Origins of ETA" examines the nationalist violent struggles in Basque, a political party in Spain. Aggressive nationalism is regarded as the cause, and Watson discusses how the group came into being and power. Not focusing solely on Spain, he looks at what aggressive nationalism has brought to much of the world. "Basque Nationalism and Political Violence" is a must for those studying the sociology of nationalist movements.

China's New Role in Africa
Ian Taylor
Lynne Rienner Publishers
1800 30th Street, Boulder, CO 80301
9781588266361, $55.00, www.reinner.com

China has become an economic trading powerhouse, and its trading partners include many nations on the continent of Africa. "China's New Role in Africa" is a scholarly examination of the relationship of China and its African trading partners. Discussing in depth China's foreign relations when it comes to the continent, the importance of oil, what Africa gets in return, human rights concerns, arms trading, and what it all means for world peace, Taylor gives readers much to think about. "China's New Role in Africa" is a grand pick for those who ponder the world's foreign relations when America isn't directly involved.

China in the World
Curriculum Specialists at Primary Source Inc., editors
Cheng & Tsui Company
25 West Street, Boston, MA 02111-1213
9780887276217, $49.99, www.cheng-tsui.com

China has always been quite the big player on the world stage. "China in the World: A History Since 1644" covers the power of China in the last four hundred years, ranging from its status as a major trading nation to a powerhouse for communism to its emergence once again as a major contributor to the world economy. Drawing from a wide variety of primary sources from personal letters to imperial edicts to propaganda posters, it paints a long and reaching picture of the Chinese people these past four centuries. Enhanced with a CD-ROM, "China in the World" is meant to be a supplemental resource for more traditional texts, and it serves that purpose excellently.

Vietnam Rising
William Ratliff
The Independent Institute
100 Swan Way, Oakland, CA 94621-1428
9781598130263, $15.95, www.independent.org

Vietnam has come such a long way since the notorious war. "Vietnam Rising: Culture and Change in Asia's Tiger Cub" takes a scholarly look at the economic rise of Vietnam in the recent years. William Ratliff discusses what led to this turn around, ranging from cultural influences, history, religion, and much more, changing Vietnam from a communist country to one of the freest markets on the planet. "Vietnam Rising" is a fine look at one of the positively changing nations in recent history.

Haiti in the Balance
Terry F. Buss
Brookings Institution Press
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
9780815713913, $28.95, www.brookings.edu

A country in chronic crisis. "Haiti in the Balance: Why Foreign Aid has Failed and What We Can Do About it" is a look at where four billion of United States taxpayer's money has went in the past decade - the crisis of the country of Haiti. The money, though, has proven ineffective, and Terry F. Buss will explain why within this volume and presents many interesting facts and ideas. "Haiti in the Balance" is a great pick for international studies collections, and those who want to better understand Haiti in general.


The Economics Shelf

Are Economists Basically Immoral?
Geoffrey Brennan & A.M.C. Waterman
Liberty Fund
8335 Allison Pointe Trail, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46250-1684
9780865977136, $15.00

What's the price of a human life? "Are Economists Basically Immoral? and Other Essays on Economics, Ethics, and Religion" is a look economics and the moral and social contract of the world. All too often economists must attach costs to things with high emotional value, such as human and animal life, and there is much scholarly discussion on this topic contained within the pages of this volume. "Are Economists Basically Immoral?" is quite the piece for discussion, as it is intriguing and enlightening the whole way through.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

Garner on Language and Writing
Bryan A. Garner
American Bar Association
321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7598
9781590315880, $59.95, www.ababooks.org

In a world where everyone is looking for a loophole, good wording is essential. "Garner on Language and Writing" is a law discussion from Bryan Garner discussing th many problems in today's legalese writing from all levels of discussion. With wit along with his wisdom, Garner's manual of law isn't just plain and straight text, as Garner does much to make his book entertaining as well as outlining things that should be avoided in today's world of legal language. Educational, enlightening, entertaining, Garner produces a volume with all of these qualities, with additional tributes to those who have made Garner and his career possible, making "Garner on Language and Writing" is enthusiastically recommended reading for law students or anyone who wants a better understanding of the jungle of the law.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

The System for Soul Memory
Susan Kerr
Blue Dolphin Publishing
PO Box 8, Nevada City, CA 95959
1577330897, $14.95, www.bluedolphinpublishing.com

The soul has as much of a memory as the brain. "The System for Soul Memory: Using the Energy System of Your Body to Change Your Life" is a look into the spirituality and using one's soul to better prepare one for the challenges of life. Saying that the energy to fight one's woes lies in all people, just blocked and unused, Kerr encourages people to break the blockage and use their energies to the fullest. "The System for Soul Memory" is a must for those with a strong interest in spirituality and metaphysics.

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body
Missy Buchanan
Upper Room Books
PO Box 340004, Nashville, TN 37203-0004
9780835899420, $10.00, www.upperroom.org

At the end of one's life, one struggles to find why they need to live on. "Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults" is a Christian manual to finding the purpose in one's life at the end. With powerful words accompanied by poignant scripture, it is crafted in such a way for easy access to older readers with large print, easy reading, and other facilitating features. "Living With Purpose in a Worn-Out Body" is a must for those who are worn-out physically, but not spiritually.

When in Doubt, Sing
Jane Redmont
Sorin Books
PO Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0428
9781933495163, $18.95, www.sorinbooks.com

Prayer is so much more than a conversation with God. "When in Doubt, Sing: Prayer in Daily Life" is a guide for further embracing prayer in one's daily life, instead of the mere lip service so many Christians fall into. Promoting that individuality has a strong place and prayer, and that prayer can help one's own identity in finding oneself and bringing them closer to God, Redmont also includes passages for Non-Christian prayer, making "When in Doubt, Sing" a fine choice for any who want to value prayer as something more.

Living Our Religions
Anjana Narayan & Bandana Purkayastha
Kumarian Press
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166
9781565492707, $29.50, www.kpbooks.com

America is dominated by Christian society, and to be something else brings its own unusual experiences. "Living Our Religions: Hindu and Muslim South Asian American Women Narrate Their Experiences" tells the story of two women who live in America, believing different religious beliefs from a vast majority of the population. Hoping to end the idea of an 'invisible minority', Narayan and Purkayastha tell their stories, and show where racism and sexism still stand in modern America. "Living Our Religions" is a fine read of life on the other side, highly recommended.


The Gaming Shelf

Small Track Betting
C. N. Richardson
Skyhorse Publishing
555 Eighth Avenue, Suite 903, New York, NY 10018
9781602391253, $14.95, www.skyhorsepublishing.com

You can lose big on the smallest of tracks if you don't do your research. "Small Track Betting: Pick More Winners Using This Sure-Fire Eight-Point System of Race Analysis" is a guide to smart betting at horse races across the country. Knowledge is power says Richardson, encouraging knowledge of everything, ranging from the track itself, to the people behind and on the horses, to much more, to the correct way to bet. Anyone who enjoys betting on horse races, and also enjoys winnings, should strongly consider "Small Track Betting". Also from Skyhorse Publishing for gaming fans is "Backgammon for Blood" (9781602391840, $12.95) by Chris Bray, a guide for those who want victory above all else in the game of backgammon.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Across the Sky
Mark Rich
Fairwood Press
21528 104th St. Ct E, Bonney Lake, WA 98391
9780982073018, $16.99, www.fairwoodpress.com

Science fiction comes in many flavors. "Across the Sky" is a collection of short science fiction from Mark Rich, who gives a great variety of tone and topic in his anthology. Ranging from the troubles with evolution when it comes to vegetables, contact with alien races, and life when orbiting other planets, "Across the Sky" is filled with a story for every sci-fi fan.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Tales of Two Species
Patricia B. McConnell
Dogwise Publishing
403 South Mission Street, Wenatchee, WA 988801
9781929242610, $12.95, www.dogwise.com

The bond between pet and owner can improve one's health and make one's day. "Tales of Two Species: Essays on Loving and Living with Dogs" is a collection of essays on life with man's best friends. Focusing on the relationship between the two species, McConnell analyzes everything ranging from the name a person gives their dog, to better communication, to the effect of breeding on canine-kind as a whole, and other topics as well. "Tales of Two Species" is a fine read for those who want to better understand the bond of homo sapiens and their canine familiars.

Connecting with Horses
Margrit Coates
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440, Berkeley, CA 94703
9781569756911, $14.95, www.ulyssespress.com

A rider and horse relationship can be likened to a relationship of soulmates. "Connecting with Horses: The Life Lessons We Can Learn From Horses" is about the joy horses can bring to one's life, acting as a stabilizing factor. A sort of self-help book heavily inspired by the equine race, Coates' writing shows that perhaps embracing horsemanship is just what some people need to enhance their life. "Connecting with Horses" is invaluable to anyone with an interest in horses and wants to build upon it.

To the Dogs
Peter Culley
Arsenal Pulp Press
341 Water Street, Suite 200, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 1B8
9781551522418, $32.95, www.arsenalpulp.com

Man's best friend isn't an exaggeration. "To the Dogs" is an anthology of photos and words, documenting the one nonhuman creature most dear to humanity, the dog. The dog has been alongside man nearly all civilization's existence, and the dog has inspired people with its stereotypical yet more often than not true traits - loyalty, bravery, and love. Countless black and white photos show the importance of the dog in the human experience, ranging from household pet, to entertainer, to work force. "To the Dogs" is a fine coffee table acquisition for any dog lover.


The Library Science Shelf

Internet Technologies And Information Services
Joseph B. Miller
Libraries Unlimited
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
9781591586265, $70.00, www.lu.com

In economically stressful times the local community library assumes an even more vital role in the well-being of the community as a source of useful and useable information as their patrons seek to survive and thrive against the challenges that a recession inevitable entails for them both personally and professionally. The latest addition to Libraries Unlimited's outstanding 'Library and Information Science Text' series, "Internet Technologies And Information Services" by Joseph B. Miller (Associate Professor in the School of Library and Information Science, University of Kentucky), who draws upon his many years of experience and expertise (which includes his currently serving as Coordinator of Computer Services for his school) to provide students, librarians, and non-specialist general readers with a complete single volume course on internet technologies and their role and utilization within the context of a library system. Of special note are the sections associated with 'Web Publishing' and 'Internet Content and Information Retrieval', as well as 'Libraries and the Internet: Learning from the Past, Exploring the Future'. Enhanced with the inclusion the appendix entry 'The Binary Machine', a glossary, bibliography, and index, "Internet Technologies And Information Services" is as comprehensive as it is 'user friendly', making it ideal as a course textbook and for on-site librarians seeking to accommodate their own community or school library to the age of the computer.

M-Libraries
Gill Needham & Mohamed Ally, editor
Facet Publishing
c/o Neal-Schuman Publishers
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781856046480, $125.00, www.neal-schuman.com

The modern cell phone is a camera, MP3 player, personal organizer, and access to the world wide web. Libraries can be the next feature of these phones as well. "M-Libraries: Libraries on the Move to Provide Virtual Access" is a guide for library administrators to help them embrace the wide ranging mobile phone revolution as to not be left behind. Written by two scholars, one of the United Kingdom's lead thinkers on library education, and a Canadian doctor of Education, the book outlines the many possible ways today's library can join the mobile revolution. Step-by-step, each of the things a library needs to do to use the latest technologies, from converting existing resources into mobile friendly media, e-learning when it comes to cell phone technology, and building a specific digital library, "M-Libraries" is an absolute must for any library who desires to be on the cutting edge, and for community and college library science 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


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