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Internet Bookwatch

Volume 21, Number 9 September 2011 Home | IBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Photography Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Relationship Shelf Gay Studies Shelf Memoir Shelf
Poetry Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf Christian Studies Shelf
Native American Shelf Self-Help Shelf Fashion Shelf
Gardening Shelf Sports Shelf Art Shelf
Computer Shelf Travel Shelf Fiction Shelf
Business Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Hunting/Fishing Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Education Shelf
Woodworking Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Science Shelf
Humor Shelf American History Shelf World History Shelf
Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf Audiobook Shelf Library DVD Shelf
Parenting Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Psychology Shelf
Metaphysical Studies Shelf Political Science Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf
Civil War Shelf Genealogy Shelf Architecture Shelf
Library Science Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf Islamic Studies Shelf
Biography Shelf Social Issues Shelf Law/Justice Shelf
Dance Shelf Military Self Library CD Shelf
Music Shelf Large Print Shelf Journalism Shelf
Criminology Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Self Environmental Studies Shelf Homeowner's Shelf
International Studies Self Literary StudiesShelf Economic Studies Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

Signing Their Rights Away
Denise Kiernan and Joseph D'Agnese
Quirk Books
215 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781594745201 $19.95 quirkbooks.com

Flaunting a dust jacket that can be unfolded into a replica of the U.S. Constitution, Signing Their Rights Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the United States Constitution is an extraordinary compilation of 39 compact biographies of the men who signed the Constitution. What is truly impressive is that these men were flawed mortals, beset with conflicting goals, quirks, and personal problems - Hugh Williamson believed in aliens; Robert Morris was incarcerated; alcohol addiction destroyed Thomas Mifflin; and Jonathan Dayton stole $18,000 from Congress (a staggering fortune at the time)! Yet for all their imperfections, they were able to set aside their differences, compromise, and create a living document that served as the foundation for a strong and enduring nation. An extraordinarily fascinating study of America's lesser-known founding fathers alongside the more well-known ones, Signing Their Rights Today is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended contribution to public and college library shelves.

Between the Two Rivers, second edition
Aida Kouyoumjian
Coffee Town Press
PO Box 70515, Seattle, WA 98127
9781603811118, $18.95, www.coffeetownpress.com

To escape death, one will go to any length. "Between the Two Rivers: A Story of the Armenian Genocide" is an updated biography of two Armenian sisters as they try to escape genocide in Iraq. Selling dung and working as servants, they struggle to find their place in the world and may find it in working with other survivors to remember their legacy. The updated edition includes more photographs and a relevant map, "Between the Two Rivers" is an excellent addition to any collection with a focus on the Armenian genocide.

Fair Culture
Harold Lee Miller
Indiana Historical Society Press
450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269
9780871952783, $24.95, www.indianahistory.org

Even as life travels further from the farms, the fair still has a strong place in society. "Fair Culture" a collection of full color photography on many state and county fairs from Indiana. Focusing on the people, seeking the reasons that people of all walks of life are attracted to the state fair. From the carnival aspects, to the competitions, to the costumes, and so much more, Harold Lee Miller uses photography to paint an intriguing picture of Americana. "Fair Culture" is an excellent pick and very much recommended.

John Bachman
Gene Waddell, editor
The University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30602-4901
9780820338187, $39.95, www.guapress.com

Through faith and science, he forged a scholarly view of the world. "John Bachman: Selected Writings on Science, Race, and Religion" is a collection of essays from lauded Lutheran minister and naturalist of the nineteenth century in John Bachman. Contributing much to science as much as religion, his studies of and essays provide a strong standing view of life and history for years to come. "John Bachman" is a vital and scholarly addition to community and college library collections touching on history, science, faith, among other topics.

Father of Money
Jason Whiteley
Potomac Books
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166
9781597975445, $27.50, www.potomacbooksinc.com

Money is power, and power corrupts. "Father of Money: Buying Peace in Baghdad" is the memoir of Jason Whiteley, who looks painfully back as his time as governance officer of Al Dora, a rough district of Baghdad. He quickly found his task rough and ruled by greed. Candid and honest about a task he viewed as a failure, he speaks on what may truly stand between Iraq and peace. "Father of Money" is poignant and honest about Iraq, very much recommended addition to international issues, history, and current events collections.

Brain Storm
Don Hahn
Disney Editions
c/o Disney Book Group
114 Fifth Avenue, 14th floor, NY, NY 10011
9781423140368, $14.95, www.disney.com

BRAIN STORM: UNLEASHING YOUR CREATIVE SELF comes from a film producer who offers effective methods for unleashing the creative spirit. Personal experience blends with anecdotes and humor to explore how a creative environment is constructed. From the idea of a Guy Store evoking a passion among men to tackling challenges of collaboration, the inspiration of being alone, and more, this is a lively survey any general library will relish.

Leonardo to the Internet, second edition
Thomas J. Misa
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles St., Baltimore MD 21218
1421401533, $25.00, www.press.jhu.edu

Leonardo to the Internet: Technology & Culture from the Renaissance to the Present provides a fine history of technology and comes from a historian who explores the history of relationships between technology and society over the past 500 years. The study began as an effort to understand the works of Leonardo De Vinci and evolved to explore changing eras of technology and changes in worldview that embraced them. A powerful pick for any library interested in a scholarly yet lively survey of connections between science and culture.

Upheaval in Charleston
Susan Miller Williams and Stephen G. Hoffius
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30602-4901
0820337153, $29.95, www.ugapress.org

UPHEAVAL IN CHARLESTON: EARTHQUAKE AND MURDER ON THE EVE OF JIM CROW tells of a massive earthquake near Charleston South Carolina in 1886 that sent shock waves as far as Maine and Florida. The resulting social change that accompanied that disaster is detailed in this collection of stories of Confederate veterans and former slaves alike, offering a fine blend of disaster recovery and evolving social issues in the Jim Crow South. Any collection strong in regional American evolution will find this a powerful survey.

Atlantic Publishing
1405 SW 6th Avenue, Ocala FL 34471-0640
www.atlantic-pub.com

Martha Maeda's HOW TO RAISE DAIRY GOATS (9781601383785, $24.95) provides a fine basic survey of how to become a dairy goat breeder ad farmer. From raising goats for different purposes from fiber to dairy to selecting the right breed, understanding its pros and cons, handling care of breed goats and more, this comes from numerous expert goat farmers and offers a fine overview on raising goats. Martha Maeda's THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GREEN BUILDING & REMODELING YOUR HOME (9781601383648, $24.95) provides a fine guide to home renovation basic s and provides an in-depth understanding of the entire process, from obtaining green materials to plans, paperwork, and the construction process. From natural building methods to alternative energy systems, this is a fine pick for any general home collection.


The Photography Shelf

Pinhole Cameras
Chris Keeny
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East Seventh Street, New York, NY 10003
9781568989891, $18.95, www.papress.com

With time and ingenuity, you can create a camera out of almost anything. "Pinhole Cameras: A Do-It-Yourself Guide" is a guide to making a camera out of almost anything and capturing images with them. A guide to fun home made projects that can become almost an art form all in itself, he encourages readers to embrace doing things the wrong way and to create art from those mistakes. "Pinhole Cameras" is an excellent pick for anyone with a do-it-yourself spirit looking for something different.

Madison
Brent Nicastro
University of Wisconsin Press
1930 Monroe Street, 3rd Floor
Madison, WI 53711-2059
9780299283049, $19.95, www.uwpress.wisc.edu

Madison, Wisconsin has been one of the beacons of the Midwest for over a hundred years, and there is certainly much to embrace. "Madison" is a collection of photography of the city in all of its seasons capturing the spirit of its people, its college town nature, and much more, showing the traditional to the offbeat. With descriptions in Chinese, Spanish, and German, as well as English, the full color nature entices any people to come to the city, proving to be an advertisement of travel as well as a worthy coffee table book. "Madison" is a fine work of photography from Brent Nicastro, highly recommended.


The Cookbook Shelf

The First Real Kitchen Cookbook
Megan & Jill Cable
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
9780811878104, $22.95, www.chroniclesbooks.com

One look at a spice rack can quickly scare anyone off from cooking. "The First Real Kitchen Cookbook" is an introductory guide to cooking. The recipes within present easy to follow instructions, suggestions for substitutions, all in a full color manual. Indexed well by category, within there is plenty to understand and embrace about cooking for any taste, for the herbivore, carnivore, or anything else. "The First Real Kitchen Cookbook" is a strong pick for those who want to step into the kitchen and not run away screaming when the first difficulty appears.

Vegan for Life
Jack Norris & Virginia Messina
Da Capo Press
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738214931, $17.00, www.dacapopress.com

No meat doesn't mean your options are as limited as you think. "Vegan for Life: Everything You Need to Know To Be Healthy and Fit on a Plant-Based Diet" is a guide to delving into a vegan diet which abandons animal products for strictly an animal based diet. Blending recipes with health knowledge on how to understand what needs to be done to adapt such a diet, concerns about health, children, and much more. "Vegan for Life" is filled with everything one needs to know to embrace the Vegan diet wholly and effectively.

Recipe Hall of Fame
Gwn McKee, Teresa Ray, & Barba Moseley
Quail Ridge Press
PO Box 123, Brandon, MS 39043
9781934193716, $24.95, www.quailridge.com

Fresh ingredients bring a vivid flavor that can't be beat. "Fresh from the Farmers Market Cookbook: Recipe Hall of Fame" is full of recipes focused on making the most out of fresh fruits and vegetables in the best ways. From cobblers to meat dishes to deserts, salads, jams, and so much more, this is a simple and to the point cookbook for those who want good old fashioned cooking that embraces the power of freshness. "Fresh from the Farmers Market Cookbook" is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a general purpose cookbook with great and delicious variety.

Essential Pepin
Jaques Pepin
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
9780547232799, $40.00, www.hmhbooks.com

"Essential Pepin" is a fabulous cookbook collection the famous chef/performer author's favorite recipes collected over 60 years of creative cuisine experiences. Accompanied by a DVD that demonstrates "all the techniques that cooks need to know," "Essential Pepin" is a vast and varied collection of French-influenced American-perfected plate-pleasing recipes. Fifteen chapters of recipes are included, from Soups, Salads, Pasta and Potatoes to Meat, Charcuterie and Offal, Vegetable and Side Dishes, and all sorts of amazing desserts. A final handy chapter on Basics includes recipes and how-to's for seasonings. stocks. sauces, relishes and pickles (including cornichons, sour French gherkins in vinegar), and drinks. Of course, with a chef/artiste as accomplished as Jaques Pepin, there is a long list of producer's thank-you's and acknowledgements that also may serve as a handy resource list for readers. As always, "Essential Pepin" is mainly about enjoyment of wonderful food, a dazzling array of combinations of classic and fresh flavors and combinations. The reader will savor every potential gustatory delight almost as much as the cook will enjoy presenting these offerings for the nourishment of the soul and the body. "Essential Pepin" is a classic that belongs on every serious foodie's cookbook literature shelf, to be treasured, loved, and used frequently.

Notes From a Maine Kitchen
Kathy Gunst
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
9780892729173, $27.95, www.downeast.com

"Notes From a Maine Kitchen: Seasonally Inspired Recipes" is both a seasonal sampler of fabulous Maine foods deliciously prepared and a series of thoughtful seasonal meditations from a creative food expert and a dedicated natural gourmet. Reflecting upon her choice to move to a remote farmhouse and live in Maine to experience "slow food" at one of its most celebrated sources, author Kathy Gunst helps readers remember some of the best good things about being alive, while ruefully acknowledging the occasional bumps and challenges along the way. Thus arises this seasonal sampler of Maine-inspired recipes. Month by month the tastes revolve, ever new, always tempting, always fresh. Here are recipes for Pan-Fried Cornmeal-Coated Maine Smelts in January, Triple Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Biscotti in February, Roasted Parsnips and Carrots with Maple Glaze in March, Linguine with Maine Clam Sauce, Ramps and Garlic in April, and of course, Best Blueberry Pie in July and Lobster Roll in August. The recipes are clearly written with ingredients listed first and standard measurements, with extra information and anecdotes about the food(s) in introductory notes and additional tips and trivia included in sidebars. At the end of the book are suggested menus, added resources, and a recipe index. "Notes From a Maine Kitchen" is a treat both to read and to sample the culinary delights of Maine.

Great Chefs Cook Vegan
Linda Long, editor/photographer
Gibbs Smith
PO Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
9781423623274, $24.99, www.gibbs-smith.com

Meat and dairy have their appeal, but their merely crutches. "Great Chefs Cook Vegan" is a guide to cooking truly vegan as many chefs come together and contribute their own recipes on how to make truly magnificent dishes that truly embrace vegetables in their many ways or seek to emulate meat and diary products. Presented in full color with a brief biography of every chef, "Great Chefs Cook Vegan" is a choice pick for anyone who wants to try their hand at some high quality vegan cooking.

Seasoned to Taste
Junior League of Chattanooga
FRP Inc
PO Box 305142, Nashville, TN 37230
9780961180614, $29.95, www.frpbooks.com

It's the little things that truly bring a dish together. "Seasoned to Taste: Savoring the Scenic City" is a cookbook from the Junior League of Chattanooga, an assortment of cooks dedicated to family, friends, and their community. With a certain dedication in their dishes, they range from Pacific Rim Salad to Zucchini Muffins and Drunken Burgers. "Seasoned to Taste" is an enticing read for anyone looking a cookbook with wide variety.

Miette
Meg Ray with Leslie Jonath
Chronicle Books
680 - 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107
9780811875042, $27.50, www.chroniclebooks.com

MIETTE: RECIPES FROM SAN FRANCISCO'S MOST CHARMING PASTRY SHOP is an engaging cookbook on many levels. First, it comes packed with vivid color photos by Frankie Frankeny that features the unusual and appealing dessert creations. Second, its pages are attractively scallop-edged with an artistic flair not to be found in competing cookbooks. Lastly, it focuses as much on the packaging and presentation of a cake as on its recipe and creation. Add recipes for the baker's signature cake creations, not to be found in any other cookbook, and you truly have a unique dessert attraction any dessert chef will relish.

Homemade Soda
Andrew Schloss
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
9781603427968, $18.95, www.storey.com

HOMEMADE SODA: 200 RECIPES FOR MAKING AND USING offers a guide to all kinds of sodas, from herbal waters and sparkling teas to fruit sodas, root beers and brews, and floats. From making syrups and mixing them with seltzers to carbonating with CO2 systems, this is packed with practical information!

Wiley
111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com

The fifth updated edition of Costas Katsigris and Chris Thomas's THE BAR & BEVERAGE BOOK (9780470248454, $68.75) offers culinary and hospitality students an in-depth text on creating a five-star bar and beverage service, with the updated fifth edition discussing new information on industry trends and social drinking changes. From the rise of classic cocktails to new changes in alcohol service regulations and new directions for creating budget and cost worksheets, this is intended for the bar manager who wants to understand the legal requirements to serve alcohol and how to make a profit running a bar or beverage operation. Highly recommended for any college-level reference collection! General collections will relish Jill Silverman Hough's 100 PERFECT PAIRINGS (9780470446348, $16.95), a fine pairing of dishes and wines. It's written for casual wine lovers who want a cookbook organized by twelve popular wine varieties: six whites and six reds, and offers color photos and dishes that will prove top attractions. Any general culinary collection will find this an attractive choice.

Vegan for Life
Jack Norris, RD and Virginia Messina, MPH, RD
DaCapo Lifelong
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738214931, $17.00, www.dacapopress.com

Vegan for Life: Everything You Need to Know to be Healthy and Fit on a Plant-Based Diet provides a definitive guide for maintaining optimum nutrition and provides new and established vegans with an easy six-step plan for switching to a vegan diet. From a vegan food guide with five new food groups to sample menus, this offers keys to the latest research and needs for vegan eaters. Any general lending library catering to vegetarians needs this introductory guide.

The Emperor of All Maladies
Siddhartha Mukherjee
Scribner
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781439107959, $30.00, www.simonandschuster.com

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer deserves repeated, ongoing mention as a powerful survey and 2011 Pulitzer-Prize winner for nonfiction, providing an epic history of this disease that ravaged people for thousands of years. Science, health, and social issues combine in a fine survey of research discoveries, challenges to cancer treatments, and how cancer has affected the human race. Health and general lending collections alike need this award-winner, which has recently been issued in paperback.

W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
www.wwnorton.com

Richard C. Francis's EPI-GENETICS: THE ULTIMATE MYSTERY OF INHERITANCE (9780393070057, $25.95) provides general-interest science readers with the first non-specialist's book on the science of epigenetics, offering discussions of relationships between DNA and traits and their relationship to the environment. From a mother's diet and health to epigenetic factors affecting disease development, this is packed with the latest research but couched in language any general-interest adult can easily access. BRAIN BUGS: HOW THE BRAIN'S FLAWS SHAPE OUR LIVES by Dean Buonomano (9780393076028, $25.95) provides fine survey of brain flaws and how the brain works or fails. In particular discussions of how the brain is ill-equipped to handle the fast pace of our digital world make for enlightening, eye-opening surveys packed with examples and studies based on the latest neuroscience research. Causes of 'brain bugs' in human behavior (which range from susceptibility to propaganda to false memories and forgetfulness) are provided in chapters that cover research and daily applications alike.


The Relationship Shelf

The ADHD Effect on Marriage
Melissa Orlov
Specialty Press
300 N. W. 70th Ave., Suite 102
Plantation, FL 33317
9781886941977, $19.95, www.addwarehouse.com

Marriage can be hard to make last when the attention wanders. "The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps" is a guide from Melissa Orlov on sustaining that marriage in the long term when one or both partners has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and how to remember the joy that both parties strive for. Looking at the effects the disorder can have on matrimony, Orlov speaks well on a subject not often mentioned. "The ADHD Effect on Marriage" is a powerful and very much recommended read.

The 72 Hour Rule
Margot E. Brown
Atlas Books
30 Amberwood Parkway, Ashland, OH 44805
9780692013113, $15.95, www.atlasbooksdistrubution.com

Communication is the cure for many relationship woes. "The 72 Hour Rule: A Do-It-Yourself Couples Therapy Book" is a guide filled with simple wisdom and recommendations for settling the clash of couples personally, advocating communication and offering simple and straightforward wisdom for dealing with many problems that can cause relationships to go sour at any point. "The 72 Hour Rule" is worth considering for anyone who wants to harness the power of communication in their relationship.


The Gay Studies Shelf

Coming Out, Coming Home
Kenneth A. Burr
Routledge
c/o Taylor & Francis Group
270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9780789038432, $35.95, www.routledgementalhealth.com

The anti-gay sentiment in many religions leaves homosexuals without any outlet for spiritual fulfillment. "Coming Out, Coming Home: Making Room for Gay Spirituality in Therapy" discussing counseling and finding faith and theology does not just dismiss homosexuality as an abomination to be hated. Kenneth Burr, a family therapist, seeks to help many find that spirituality they want in their life so that they can have their faith without the self-loathing. "Coming Out, Coming Home" is a thoughtful and recommended read for anyone who is, or knows a friend or loved one struggling with their spiritual life and its clash with who they are.


The Memoir Shelf

Innocent Spouse
Carol Ross Joynt
Crown
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780307592095, $25.00, www.crownpublishing.com

Innocent Spouse: A Memoir tells of a family struggle when a husband dies suddenly, leaving behind a five-year old son and a widow forced to take over her husband's finances and legendary restaurant business. Carol discovered her husband had secrets - including nearly, $3 million in debt to the IRS, which she was responsible for as his surviving spouse. Her struggles and recovery makes for a vivid memoir with an unusual twist to the widow's tale, and should be in any general lending library.

Familyhood
Paul Reiser
Hyperion Books
77 West 66th Street, New York, NY 10023-6298
9781401324322, $25.99, www.hyperionbooks.com

FAMILYHOOD comes from the best-selling author of COUPLEHOOD and BABYHOOD and is a pick for either fans of the prior books or collections catering to parents and families. Here Paul Reiser, an actor and comedian, shares his views about marriage, parenthood and midlife and adds humor to his explorations of universal truths about life and love. A fine, involving survey, this will appeal to a wide audience.

Mind on the Run
Dottie Pacharis
Idyll Arbor
39129 264th Ave SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022
9781882883912, $18.00, www.idyllarbor.com

The cruelty of bipolar disorder can shake one's life ever so strongly. "Mind on the Run: A Bipolar Chronicle" is a memoir of Dottie Pacharis, who writes of her son and his struggles with bipolar disorders. Through many major episodes which prevented Scott Baker from attaining normalcy, as Dottie criticizes a broken mental health system which prevented him from getting the assistance he needed. "Mind on the Run" is a poignant and tragic memoir of a mother losing her son, a cautionary tale about the damage it can do to lives.


The Poetry Shelf

Sparrow Tree
Gwyneth Lewis
Bloodaxe Books
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781852248994, $21.95, www.dufoureditions.com

Nature inspires wonder in us, and we turn that wonder on its head all too often. "Sparrow Tree" is a collection of nature poetry from Gwyneth Lewis. Speaking on her love of birds and spinning it into something unique, "Sparrow Tree" speaks profoundly to any bird watcher, highly recommended for poetry collections. "Splinter": In years to come, they will lodge in his heart./I won't be me/with a sterilized pin/dislodging dashes of wooden rain/Aslant in his sole./He says it doesn't hurt,/I don't believe him. One fragment's stubborn./Dig deeper. If I were a mosquito/I'd anesthetize his novice skin/Before each stab. And then I'd suck/with more conviction and no less zeal/Than Helen, mother Constantine,/Who scoured the length and breadth of Christendom/For a piece of the real cross./Got It! Kiss his reliquary skin.

New and Selected Poems
Michael Foley
The Black Staff Press
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9780856408625, $29.95, www.blackstaffpress.com

Wit, wisdom, and a little rhythm are all you need to embrace poetry. "New and Selected Poems" is a wide reaching collection of poetry from acclaimed Irish poet Michael Foley. A compilation of some of his best over three decades of work and providing a wide ranging assortment of history and culture of the modern son of Ireland, "New and Selected Poems" is a must for any international poetry collection. "Disturbances of Autumn": Are the trains heavier... or the house jumpier?/At night floors tremble, panes rattle, bookcases quake./Again now. To the window. Too late.//Above the track, crushed cans and thickets of weeds,/Pale imperfect growth framed by involuntary loss-/A gibbous moon among the half-bare trees.

The Blood from my Roots
Alafuele M. Kalala
Dorrance Publishing
701 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
9781434909268, $10.00, www.dorrancebookstore.com

The plague of war grows ever stronger in Africa. "The Blood from my Roots" is a call from Congo native Alafuele M. Kalala as he looks into the tragedy of Africa, a land tearing itself apart with war and corruption. In the format of a long poem, he goes with spirituality and passion for his native lands to rebuild their society together. "The Blood from my Roots" is a work of love and hope, recommended reading.

The Required Accompanying Cover Letter
Richard Fein
Parallel Press
372 Memorial Library
728 State Street
Madison, WI 53575
9781934795255 $10.00 http://parallelpress.library.wisc.edu

Digital photographer Richard Fein presents The Required Accompanying Cover Letter, a chapbook of free-verse poetry collected from the many online and print poetry journals that he has published in, including "The Southern Review", "Adagio Verse Quarterly", "The Loch Raven Review", and many more. The mysterious and indefinable aspects of emotions are a recurring theme amid these rhythmic glimpses into the workings of the psyche. Thought-provoking, insightful, and written with keen feeling, The Required Accompanying Cover Letter is highly recommended for poetry lovers. "Cetacean Creed": Imagine our fantasies about them are true, / that they really had refined their songs / into a melody of words, / merged their herds into tribes, / invented politics, became aware of death, / and now yearn for a faith. / All their feelings are expressed lyrically / and through the flux of pressure waves.

In Confidence
Jim Tilley
Red Hen Press
PO Box 40820, Pasadena, CA 91114
9781597094733, $19.95, www.redhen.org

Even when we have what we want out of our lives, it all too often throws curve balls at us. "In Confidence" is a collection of poetry from Jim Tilley as he presents an intriguing spin of poetry that touches on life and its surprises with clarity. Educated and well put, "In Confidence" is a fine debut volume, very much recommended. "One Would Hope": that life's final moments travel slowly,/quieting the blood and brain and leaving/time enough to hear one's choice of music,/a plucked lute for the teenage boy driving/through a crowded street -- barely entering/a Baghdad square to gather his father/from work, talking to his mother about/new friends at school or scoring the winning/goal in a soccer game -- when the bursts/of bullets rang. And for the mother/leaning on her son, a lullaby, the one/her mother sang to her, and she to him./For both of them, one would hope that life/ was long enough to hear each other's song.

Night Walk
John McKeown
Salmon Publishing
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781907056680, $21.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

Our nature leaves us with many questions and a lust to search for answers. "Night Walk" is a collection of poetry from John McKeown as he presents a series of thoughts and opinions of life and its challenges. With a certain hatred for the way we have lost and plenty of driven emotion throughout, "Night Walk" is an original collection of work, very much recommended. "Moth": I'm the moth who/ wants to get out/away from the light//into and as far as the dark stretches.//For all the light is/is my wing's dance//broken on a nail.

About the Dead
Travis Mossotti
Utah State University
3078 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-3078
9780874218268, $19.95, www.usupress.org

When we see others meet the end of the road, we are left asking of our selves about what lies past that. "About the Dead" is a collection of poetry from Travis Mossoti, as he speaks on the staunchly realistic fears we all face and our own personal search for truths. "About the Dead" is a poignant collection of work, very much recommended reading. "Reminiscing Skyros": Under the couch cushion I find/a tangle of octupuses, olive groves/salting in the wind, Hera grooming/the northern crags and vineyards/from Zeus's beard, a slight drizzle of/Mediterranean blue that could upset/the rest of my afternoon. There goes/a fishing boat; there goes sunlight/dusting the worn path; there goes/my wasted life, my decrepit mule.

Soul Clothes
Regina D. Jemison
Modern History Press
c/o Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
9781615990955, $8.95, www.modernhistorypress.com

Poetry and baring the soul merge well together. "Soul Clothes"is a work of poetry from Regina D. Jemison as she speaks from her own soul, seeking to capture the essence of the blues and jazz with simply words instead of music. "Soul Clothes" is worth considering, highly recommended for poetry collections seeking to capture something different. "Writin' My Blues Away": I've been busy chasin'/chasin' children/chasin' money/chasin' men//No time to write/my blues away; chasin'//gave me the blues//chasin'/seekin',/workin'/meanderin'//No time to write/my blues away.

Ghazal Games
Roger Sedarat
Ohio University Press
The Ridges, Athens, OH 45701
9780821419502, $16.95, www.ohioswallow.com

The games we play with life give us results that leave us only with more questions. "Ghazal Games" is a collection of poetry from Roger Sedarat. Clashing Western and Eastern philosophy, the Iranian American poet offers unique food for thought. "Ghazal Games"" is a fine pick for American poetry collections, highly recommended. "Mixed Metaphor": A Gemini, I'm a mixed metaphor,/Both a strong and henpecked metaphor.//Basho's images are the things they are;/His melon is no mud-flecked metaphor.//The hyper-real postmodern age mirrored/Our lives. It killed art and wrecked metaphor.//New software scanned couplets of this poem;/It suggested rhymes and checked metaphor.//Those drivers turning their heads towards the crash/Extend cliched rubberneck metaphor.//His reading of post-structural theory/Explains the poet's Zizeked metaphor.//Jonathan Edwards used the web to catch/Sinners (a divine elect metaphor).//Look, here's the actor's hand holding a pen/To play the writer, a Brecht metaphor.

Come and See
Fanny Howe
Graywolf Press
250 Third Avenue North, Suite 600
Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781555975869, $15.00, www.graywolfpress.org

For many, the idea of the twentieth century being the past is a strange idea to understand. "Come and See" is a collection of poetry from Fanny Howe who sees a century coming that isn't too unlike the last, and how the century changing seems like only a number. With poignancy and fine verse, "Come and See" is an excellent volume of poetry, very much recommended. "At the Heart of It": The dirt is spirit/The people both/Celtic and Baltic/Potatoes and onions,/Bread and beets./Mystical, musical,/Violent and sad./Without a way/either right or left,/East or west./But tears, plenty/Of tears to drink/While they dig.

Surpassing Pleasure
John Slater
Porcupine's Quill
68 Main Street, PO Box 160
Erin, ON, Canada N0B IT0
9780889843400, $16.95, www.porcupinesquill.ca

A lover of poetry, John Slater is a man of faith who has a unique way of staring into the world. "Surpassing Pleasure" is the work of Cistercerian monk and professor of philosophy John Slater as he presents a unique adventure through his life. "Surpassing Pleasure" is an excellent and thoughtful collection that would do well in any poetry collection. "The Root of Obsession": Obsidere, to sit across from/ in front of, some/brooding enemy in mental chess, to be,/literally besieged by a fixed Idea, as in://For months a single thought sat opposite, cut/our water and supply lines, until,/imprisoned in the walls we'd built for defence.//we stuffed ourselves with excrement./Then ate the children.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

The Wisdom Teachings Of Harish Johari On The Mahabharata
Wil Geraets
Destiny Books
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781594773792, $16.95, www.amazon.com

The late Harish Johari (1934-1999) dedicated his life to the scholarly study of India's 'Mahabharata' and its insights over a wide range of topics ranging from Hindu philosophy to cosmic consciousness. In "The Wisdom Teachings Of Harish Johari On The Mahabharata", Will Geraets draws upon his many years as a student of Harish Johari to ably compile and deftly edited his teacher and mentor's teachings, interpretations, commentaries, and insights into the Mahabharata, its universal wisdom well adapted for contemporary readers. Informed and informative, this 256-page, thoroughly 'reader friendly' compendium is enhanced with the inclusion of an "Epilogue: Mahabharata and the Game of Life", a comprehensive index, a succinct two-page biographical sketch of Harish Johari, and a biographical listing of published works by Harish Johari. "The Wisdom Teachings Of Harish Johari On The Mahabharata" is a very strongly recommended, core addition to personal and academic library collections on Hinduism and Indian Philosophy in general, and the works of Harish Johari in particular.

Spiritual Writings
John Howard Yoder
Orbis Books
Price Bldg, Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545
9781570759352, $20.00, www.orbisbooks.com

Violence is the failure of negotiation. "Spiritual Writings" is a collection of spiritual writings from John Howard Yoder, a Mennonite theologian whose work is revered over a decade past his death. Paul Martens & Jenny Howell select some of his most important writings and add their own introductions to his work to give readers a better understanding of the man's work. A core read of Mennonite faith and philosophy, "Spiritual Writings" is a strong addition to any religious collection.

The Heron Dance Book of Love and Gratitude
Roderick MacIver
North Atlantic Books
PO Box 12327, Berkeley, CA 94712
9781556439551, $16.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com

Knowledge is eternal. "The Heron Dance Book of Love and Gratitude" is an assortment of writings compiled and illustrated to by Roderick MacIver. Presented in full color, he uses art to accentuate the works of everyone from Helen Keller, Walt Whitman, to Albert Einstein. Sure to appeal to the mind and soul, "The Heron Dance Book of Love and Gratitude" is an excellent addition to any art or spirituality collection.

All Things Shining
Hubert Dreyfus & Sean Dorrance Kelly
Free Press
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781416596158, $26.00, www.simonandschuster.com

The western world marches further away from a divine being of any sort. "All Things Shining: Reading the Western Classics to Find Meaning in a Secular Age" discusses the great classics of the western world and how they connect with today's science driven and more secularized state. Whether it was the Greek pantheon of Polytheism or the Abrahamic God of Jesus, religion has always been a powerful force in the western world. Speaking on this lost spiritual connection and its purpose in modern life, "All Things Shining" is an intriguing work of literary criticism, highly recommended.

Soulshift
Steve DeNeff & David Drury
Wesleyan Publishing House
215 Long Lane, Middletown, CT 06459
9780898274769, $17.99, www.wesleyan.org

To become something better than the same old is what a Christian should strive for. "Soulshift: The Measure of a Life Transformed" is an inspirational read, as the authors advise readers to transform into what God intends for them, and embrace it to find their own happiness and fulfillment. With seven key shifts to make in one's life, "Soulshift" presents intriguing ideas that may very well be worth embracing.

Deep Exegesis
Peter J. Leithart
Baylor University
One Bear Place, #97363
Waco, TX 76798-7363
9781602580695, $29.95, www.baylorpress.com

To understand the scripture for yourself is a marvelous thing. "Deep Exegesis: The Mystery of Reading Scripture" is a biblical study that focuses on the nature of reading scripture for oneself. Peter Leithart hopes to inspire readers to take up the study themselves, open their eyes, and realize Jesus's words for themselves, instead of through a filter like many simply accept. "Deep Exegesis" comes with a powerful encouragement for personal theology, very much recommended.

Four Seasons of Verse
Marcellus C. Miller
WinePress Publishing
PO Box 428, Enumclaw, WA 98022
9781414118383, $14.99, www.winepressbooks.com

Through life, we try to find a role for faith in our lives. "Four Seasons of Verse: The Right Words at the Right Times" is a collection of wisdom and scripture study through poetry from Marcellus Charles Miller. "Four Seasons of Verse" is an intriguing collection of verse with plenty to uplift the spirit. "Is This the End?": Here I sit, right by someone but still alone,/Like an outcast, an orphan without a home./How I long for the old days, the way it used to be,/I still hear "I love you," but no longer feel it on me.//I wonder what what happened, what did I do wrong?/The last time I felt a touch, it seems to be so long.//Will we get it right, because my broken heart needs to mend?/I don't know what will happen, but does this look like the end?


The Christian Studies Shelf

God Wins
Mark Galli and Randy Alcorn
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414366661, $12.99, www.tyndale.com

GOD WINS: HEAVEN, HELL, AND WHY THE GOOD NEWS IS BETTER THAN LOVE WINS provides a fine survey questioning whether a loving God really sends people to hell, and examines questions raised in LOVE WINS, from the role of the cross for Christians to biblical authority and concepts of a holy or living God. As an in-depth examination of the issues raised in LOVE WINS, this will please any Christian reader.

Celtic Christian Spirituality
Mary C. Earle
Skylight Paths Publishing
PO Box 237, Sunset Farm Offices, Rt.4, Woodstock, VT 05091
9781594733024, $16.99, www.skylightpaths.com

When Christianity came to Ireland, they embraced the faith with incredible vigor. "Celtic Christian Spirituality: Essential Writings -- Annotated & Explained" discusses the faith of the Celtic Christians and how their fervency played well into their everyday life and spirituality. Drawing from many of their writings studied well by Mary Earle, "Celtic Christian Spirituality" is a very much recommended read for anyone who wants to better understand the spirituality of the Celts and their haste in embracing Christianity.

Great Christian Thinkers
Pope Benedict XVI
Fortress Press
PO Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440
9780800698515, $16.99, www.fortresspress.com

Thought is needed to keep the faith ever advancing forward. "Great Christian Thinkers from the Early Church Through the Middle Ages" is a delve into the history of Christian thought as current Pope Benedict XVI offers a unique perspective on the great thinkers in the past millennium and a half of the established Christian doctrine. From students of the Apostles, teachers, monks, and scholars all throughout the period, "Great Christian Thinkers from the Early Church Through the Middle Ages" is a fine study from the reigning pope, a man viewed to be quite the great thinker of theology himself.

How to Stay Christian in College
J. Budziszewski
NavPress
PO Box 35001
Colorado Springs, CO 80935
9781576835104 $15.99 www.navpress.com

Written by a Christian, for Christians, How to Stay Christian in College is a measured and well-reasoned discussion of ways to keep steadfast in one's faith when on one's own amid an eclectic swirl of ideas, experiences, and opportunities in college. Chapters address common political philosophies; myths about the search for knowledge; misconceptions about love and sex; ways to hone one's Christian mind and faith as surely as one's intellectual and knowledge capacity; and much more. "Your biology teacher says: 'Science shows that the world is aimless, purposeless, and without meaning.' You think: Something smells fishy. How could science 'show' a thing like that? Could I point a meaning-meter at the wonder of life and see the needle swing to 'empty'?" How to Stay Christian in College is a practical-minded guide with useful recommendations, and warns just as sharply against common conservative myths (such as "wealth is a measure of moral virtue", the false implication that all those in poverty are lazy and all those with wealth earned it through hard work) as liberal myths. Highly recommended.

Acting Up in Church Again
M. K. Boyle
Meriwether Publishing
PO Box 7710, Colorado Sprigns, CO 80933-7710
9781566081788, $15.95, www.meriwether.com

When you bring humor into faith, you don't mock it, you use it as an enhancement. "Acting Up in Church Again: More Humorous Sketches for Worship Services" blends humor, theatre, and faith as M. K. Boyle presents many sketches to entertain readers and draw their enjoyment into a faithful environment inspired by scripture. For plenty of fun and for Christian theatre enthusiasts who want to combine their passions, "Acting up in Church Again" is an excellent and very much recommended pick, not to be missed.

Keeping in Tune with God
Suzanne G. Farnham & Timothy H. Grayson
Morehouse Publishing
4775 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
9780819224453, $16.00, www.churchpublishing.org

It's far too easy to lose sight of God. "Keeping in Tune with God: Listening Hearts Discernment for Clergy" is a guide to keeping one's connection with God as one's ministry continues. As a leader of people, one must help them find their ways through their faith as well, and while helping others find their connection, it's important not to lose yours. With strong spiritual wisdom to clergymen, "Keeping in Tune with God" is a fine read that shouldn't be overlooked.

The Lord's Prayer
Mary Lou Redding
Upper Room Books
1908 Grand Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212
9780835810661, $14.95, www.maryglenn.com

Christ's gift to us is food for the soul. "The Lord's Prayer: Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray" is a spiritual musing from Mary Lou Redding who discusses this spiritual discipline and how to make it nourishment for the soul. For anyone who wants to make prayer matter in their lives and gain wisdom from their connection with God, "The Lord's Prayer" is a top pick for Christian readers who seek better understanding of their faith.

Family Ties
L. Tom Perry
Deseret Book
PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130
9781609087685, $15.99, www.deseretbook.com

A man must be a leader of life, a leader of their family. "Family Ties" is a Mormon parenting memoir from L. Tom Perry, although his wisdom rings quite true for any father of a Christian family. With straightforward wisdom stating that a father can act to their family as Christ to them, he encourages fathers to be the anchors of wisdom and life. "Family Ties" is a strongly recommended read for any Christian father who wants to enhance the faith in their and their family's lives.

Get Healthy...for Heaven's Sake
Lisa Morrone
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736927048, $11.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Good health is worth anything in the world. "Get Healthy...for Heaven's Sake: & Steps to Living Strong, Loving God, Serving Others" is a Christian health guide from Lisa Morrone as she advises readers on how to use faith to improve one's overall health, mental, physical, and spiritual. Emphasizing the importance of good sleep, keeping the mind sharp, and avoiding illness, "Get Healthy...for Heaven's Sake" draws from scripture and is filled with simple yet important ideas throughout, highly recommended.

When Missions Shapes the Mission
David Horner
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37234-0143
9781433671371, $14.99, www.BHPublishingGroup.com

To spread the word of God, you need a worthy plan. "When Missions Shapes the Mission: You and Your Church Can Reach The World" is a discussion of faith and ministry and the importance of leadership when trying to spread the word of God abroad. Encouraging pastors to share their thoughts with other church leaders and spread the value of mission, David Horner offers many ideas for the power of mission. "When Missions Shapes the Mission" is well worth considering for leaders of the faith, highly recommended.

Over It!
Hayley & Michael DiMarco
Revell
c/o Baker
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
9780800731533, $14.99, www.revellbooks.com

Old wounds heal with time, but it the pain as they do so can prove quite daunting. "Over It!: Letting God Get You Past Life's Hurts" is a guide to finding faith to inspire one forward over the pains of life. Haley & Michael DiMarco state how remembering faith at your lowest can make that a distant past that doesn't matter anymore. "Over it!" is inspirational and driven for any Christian who needs God at their time of emotional need, highly recommended.

And God Said Let's Eat
Gary Graf
ACTA Publications
4848 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640-4711
9780879464325, $14.95, www.actapublications.com

Food and faith are cornerstones in many people's lives, and the two have more in common than one would think. "And God Said Let's Eat!: Amusing and Thought-Provoking Parallels between the Bible and Food" is a walk through faith and cuisine as Gary Graf presents connections of the Bible and cooking, with Biblical recipes littered throughout. With a blend of humor, thought, wisdom, and a love of food, "And God Said Let's Eat" is well worth considering for any Christian foodie.

Who is the Holy Spirit?
Amos Yong
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
9781557256355, $16.99, www.paracletepress.com

The holy spirit is with us all, we simply need to know how to realize it. "Who is the Holy Spirit?: A Walk with the Apostles" discusses the third figure in the Christian trinity among the Father and Son, the Holy Spirit. Amos Young seeks to better explain this idea and draws from scripture and the gospels to capture a more understanding view of the concept, with a strongly new testament driven view. Spiritual and insightful, "Who is the Holy Spirit?" is an excellent read for any Christian who ponders on the third part of the trinity.

Somewhere in the Bible
Harris F. Allen
Westbow Press
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781449714598, $22.95, www.westbowpress.com

The evidence for biblical history does exist in the scientific world. "Somewhere in the Bible" is a study from Harris F. Allen as he applies chemistry and other sciences to many biblical pieces of history in order to give proof and credence to them. With many intriguing ideas and discoveries, he offers a fine blend of memoir, science, and faith. "Somewhere in the Bible" is a fine read with plenty to consider for students of biblical realities.

Mirror Ball
Matt Redman
David C. Cook
4050 Lee Vance View
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
9780781405782, $12.99, www.tbbmedia.com

Your connection to the big life may be through your faith. "Mirror Ball: Living Boldly and Shining Brightly for the Glory of God" is a guide to finding one's own grand life under God and living to a higher standard as we follow Jesus. Written by an empowered Christian songwriter in Matt Redman, he hopes his passion and spirit for faith will find its way to his readers. "Mirror Ball" is a solid and recommended read for Christian readers.

Family Ministry Field Guide
Timothy Paul Jones
Wesleyan Publishing House
c/o Veritas Communications
PO Box 2075, Canon City, CO 81215
9780898274578, $17.99

The first spiritual teacher in a child's life is the parent. "Family Ministry Field Guide: How Your Church Can Equip Parents to Make Disciples" is a guide to being the priest and preacher of the home. With strong faith, Dr. Timothy Paul Jones equips readers with everything they need to make the most out of their home life and set children onto a more spiritual place. "Family Ministry Field Guide" is a fine pick for anyone who wants to be better ministers to their homes.

A Survivor's Guide for Church Ministers
William J. Jerema
Paulist Press
997 Macarthur Blvd. Mahwah, NJ 07430
9780809147212, $19.95, www.paulistpress.com

Being the leader of a congregation can sometimes be incredibly daunting. "A Survivor's Guide for Church Ministers" is a guide for those leaders of men in spirit who may often find their position a daunting and demanding one. With plenty of humor and wisdom, the Reverend William J. Jerema comes with practicality and anecdotes of other people of the church overcoming the pressure of their position. "A Survivor's Guide for Church Ministers" is a choice and very much recommended pick for any newer minister.

The Forgiveness Project
Michael S. Barry
Kregel Publications
733 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
9780825426568, $14.99, www.kregel.com

Letting bygones be bygones is more than peace of mind; it's good health. "The Forgiveness Project: The Startling Discovery of How to Overcome Cancer, Find Health, and Achieve Peace" discusses the power of forgiveness and how a good Christian aspect of life and embracing forgiveness can empower one's soul to give the body the extra strength it needs to fight off cancer. "The Forgiveness Project" speaks to any who have the burden of life on them and are facing tremendous odds of death.


The Native American Shelf

Lakota Woman
Mary Crow Dog
Grove Press
841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780802145420, $14.95, www.groveatlantic.com

A strong woman will not let herself be held by the status quo. "Lakota Woman" is a memoir of Mary Crow Dog as she struck out from nothing and away from her going nowhere community to push for tribal pride in the modern world. What follows is a story of Native American pride in the modern day, that is fighting save traditions that are dwindling in recent years after decades of assimilation. Critical of history while looking towards the future, "Lakota Woman" is an inspirational read for those who want to understand the new tribal pride movement in Native American society.


The Self-Help Shelf

Wisdom from Beyond
H. Constance Hill
Diamond Clear Vision
c/o Illumination Arts
140 Adams Street, Quincy, MA 02169
9780982922521, $19.95, www.diamondclearvision.com

To connect with the masses takes more than charisma, it takes a powerful message. "Wisdom from Beyond" is an inspirational guide that takes the wisdom from thirty five major figures of recent history and touches on their words and what they mean to our daily lives. With a bit of art blended in, H. Constance Hill presents readers with a unique adventure of spirituality, inspiration, and much more to find their own drive and inspiration through life. "Wisdom from Beyond" is packed with solid and very much recommended advice.

Making the Best of a Bad Decision
Erwin W. Lutzer
Tyndale
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414311432, $13.99, www.tyndale.com

Everyone is going to make bad decisions in life, and as soon as you realize as such, life can get much better. "Making the Best of a Bad Decision: How to put your regrets behind you, embrace grace, and move toward a better future" is an inspirational read from Erwin W. Lutzer, as he offers Christian insight into making the best of one's life, which includes not living in fear of making a wrong move, and acting more freely. "Making the Best of a Bad Decision" has a strong message and is highly recommended reading.

How to Get What You Want
Richard Templar
FT Press
c/o Pearson
1330 Avenue of the Americans
35th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780132824361, $18.99, www.ftpress.com

Unspoken communication is a powerful thing, you just need to be able to realize it. "How to Get What You Want Without Having to Ask" is a guide to influence and persuasion in today's world. Applicable to any element of today's life, Richard Templar's wisdom encourages readers to become the type of person that people want to help in spite of their own problems. A guide to the power of indirect communication, "How to Get What You Want" is worth considering for those who want a lesson in the day to day psychology of life.

The Quantum Shield
Philip Petersen
Empyrean Quest Publishers
c/o Llumina Press
7101 W. Commercial Blvd., Ste 4E
Tamarac, FL 33319
9781890711245, $12.95, www.empyreanquest.com

Positive thinking can make more of a difference than one would think. "The Quantum Shield: Protecting Your Life from Destructive Thoughts and Feelings" is a well-written seminar in positive thinking from Dr. Philip Petersen. He advises readers to push themselves further with a blend of quantum science and positivity to shield themselves from thoughts that would oppose their dreams. "The Quantum Shield" is a unique work of inspiration, very much recommended.


The Fashion Shelf

Put Up Your Hair
Julie A. Brown
Heritage Books
229 Danagher Court, Holly Springs, NC 27540
9780788451980, $16.00, www.heritagebooks.com

Retro isn't limited to just a few decades ago. "Put Up Your Hair: A Practical Manual to Nineteenth Century Hairstyles" is a guide to the hair fashions of the 1800s as Julie A. Brown walks readers through them to allow them to apply for any purpose, for play, theatre, or perhaps trying make what's old new again. "Put Up Your Hair" is a fine assortment of unique and useful fashion advice, highly recommended.


The Gardening Shelf

Homegrown Herbs
Tammi Hartung
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCa Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603427036, $19.95, www.storey.com

Homegrown Herbs: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying More Than 100 Herbs is for any gardener who wants to grow herbs successfully, whether in pots or in a herb garden or even added to an existing flower bed. Keys to planting, caring for and using the products of over 100 herbs pack a guide that covers all the basics, from preparing soil to planting and propagation. General gardening collections looking at a wide-ranging herb growing and usage guide will find this a winner!

Growing Fruit Trees
Jean-Marie Lespinasse and Evelyne Leterme
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780393732566, $49.95, www.wwnorton.com

Growing Fruit Trees: Novel Concepts and Practices for Successful Care and Management packs in color photos, illustrations, and keys to successful fruit tree management, includes all kinds of trees from apple and common fruits to kiwis and various nut trees, and is a fine key for any interested in quick, high-quality fruit production. Over three hundred color photos compliment in-depth discussions perfect for gardeners and horticultural libraries alike.

How to Grow Food in Your Polytunnel
Mark Gatter & Andy McKee
Chelsea Green
PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001-0428
9781900322720, $19.95, www.greenbooks.co.uk

Gardening doesn't have to be a one time thing. "How to Grow Food in Your Polytunnel: All Year Round" is a guide to year round polytunnel use, on how to get the most of growing year round to enjoy fresh vegetables and the like all year. Mark Gatter & Andy McKee advise readers on how to make the most of it and maximize the technology. "How to Grow Food in Your Polytunnel" is an excellent pick for anyone who wants to go further in their gardening endeavors.

The Complete Guide to Preserving Your Own Seeds for Your Garden
Katie A. Murphy
Atlantic Publishing Group
1405 SW 6th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471-0640
9781601383525, $24.95, www.atlantic-pub.com

If you care for your crops, you can enjoy them for a season. If you care for your seeds, you can enjoy them for a lifetime. "The Complete Guide to Preserving Your Own Seeds for Your Garden: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply" is a guide for managing seeds from Katie A. Murphy who teaches readers how to get the best seeds to start with and use them to maintain them for years to come and preparing them for next year's growing season. "The Complete Guide to Preserving Your Own Seeds for Your Garden" is a strong recommendation for those who want to maintain self-sutainability.


The Sports Shelf

Super Bowl Monday
Adam Lazarus
Taylor Trade Publishing
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200
Lanham, MD 20706
9781589796003 $24.95 www.rowman.com

Adam Lazarus (member of the Pro Football Writers of America) presents Super Bowl Monday From the Persian Gulf to the Shores of West Florida: The New York Giants, the Buffalo Bills, and Super Bowl XXV, an in-depth examination of a defining moment in sports history when the Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants battled for the NFL world championship on January 27, 1991. The stories of individual players lead up to a striking, moment-by-moment portrayal of a dramatic match broadcast to American troops who had been deployed to the Persian Gulf only ten days earlier for Operation Desert Storm. Super Bowl Monday is a choice pick for football fans, highly recommended for sports libraries and as a giftbook for the sports lover in one's life.

Rhythms of the Game
Bernie Williams, Dave Gluck, & Bob Thompson
Hal Leonard Books
7777 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53213
9781423499473, $24.99, www.halleonardbooks.com

Music and the world of sports have more in common than one would think. "Rhythms of the Game: The Link Between Musical and Athletic Performance" is a reflection from Bernie Williams, a major league baseball player and avid musician as he states that the two can enhance one another and prove a powerful appeal to those who want to excel at both talents. Making this connection, "Rhythms of the Game" is a must for any dual talented athlete and musician, very much recommended.

A Thrilling Ride
Paul Chapman & Bev Wake, editors
Greystone Books
2323 Quebec Street, Suite 201
Vancouver, BC Canada V5T 4S7
9781926812915, $19.95, www.greystonebooks.com

A forty year legacy was almost topped off almost perfectly. "A Thrilling Ride: The Vancouver Canuck's 40th Anniversary Season" tracks the 2010-2011 season of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks as in their fortieth year, they took it to the final game in the playoff Finals, falling ever so short of the Stanley cup. In full color, the entire endeavor of the odyssey that players and fans experienced is covered, proving to be a treasure trove of photography for the hockey fan, especially a Canucks fan. "A Thrilling Ride" is a top pick for any sports and photography collection.

Human Kinetics
Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
www.humankinetics.com

The fifth updated edition of American Sport Education Program with Sam Snow's COACHING YOUTH SOCCER (9780736092173, $16.95) is a pick for any sports collection appealing to coaches, and offers coaches a tool for directing a youth soccer team. It's written by ASEP in conjunction with Sam snow, a coaching director, and is intended for coaches of athletes 14 and under. Over 45 activities and 40 coaching tips blend with over 70 photos and 50 illustrations in a top coaching guide recommended for any sports library. Also recommended for college-level sports collections is David Gilbourne and Mark B. Andersen, Editors' CRITICAL ESSAYS IN APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY (0736078851, $49.00), a collection of 16 essays discussing sport psychology's traditions, research models and more. A team of recognized sport psychologists with backgrounds in various disciplines presents ideas in the field in a collection that considers research methods, applications, and more. Each essay offers a different perspective on applied sport psychology practices.


The Art Shelf

Adornment
Barbara Natoli Witt
Hudson Hills Press
PO Box 205, 3556 Main Street
Manchester, VT 05254
9781555953348, $50.00, www.hudsonhills.com

There are no rules saying jewelry must be a simple chain of pearls or gold. "Adornment: The Art of Barbara Natoli Witt" catalogs in full color the work of Witt, as she creates jewelry and designs that turn the necklace into a canvas all its own. The many designs scattered throughout the book are accompanied by explanations explaining their formations, their materials with notes on their influences. For anyone looking for inspiration for their own artistic jewelry, "Adornment" proves a valuable pick, and also is well worth considering for general art collections and as a coffee table book.

Concubines and Courtesans
F. M. Bertholet
Prestel
900 Broadway, Suite 603
New York, NY 10003
9783791346298, $60.00, www.prestel-usa.com

Long the objects of desire for a nation for thousands of years, concubines and courtesans have long had their place in culture. "Concubines and Courtesans: Women in Chinese Art" looks at the long line of erotic art produced. Paintings, sculptures, potteries, fan designs, fashions, and much more have been produced in devotion to these objects of desire, doing things not expected of respectable women. Presented in full color, it provides a unique look at the evolution of Chinese art up until the fall of the Dynastic system and rise of the Nationalist and Communist conflicts. Enticing and clearly not meant for children, "Concubines and Courtesans" is a very much recommended addition to any collection focusing on Chinese art and its history.

Artful Adornments
Yvonne J. Markowitz
MFA Boston
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
9780878467686, $55.00, www.mfa.org

Jewelry is just another canvas for expression. "Artful Adornments: Jewelry from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston" traces some of the most magnificent works of jewelry based art throughout history. From the art of the ancient Egyptians uncovered to twentieth century styles and everything in between, it also speaks on the culture behind them, on how that many designs were not strictly for aesthetic purposes, but instead have the superstition of magic behind them. "Artful Adornments" is a fine pick for any fan of historic jewelry, packed cover to cover with full color photographs.


The Computer Shelf

Continuous Testing
Ben Rady & Rod Coffin
Pragmatic Bookshelf
P.O. Box 293325
Lewisville, TX 75029-3325
9781934356708, $33.00, www.pragprog.com

Troubleshooting begins as soon as you start forming a concept. "Continuous Testing: With Ruby, Rails, and JavaScript" is a guide to programming with the titular languages and getting constant feedback with their programming so they may fix problems as they come. Ben Rady & Rod Coffin offer advice on making automated tests that constantly work on your code as you compose it. "Continuous Testing" is a fine read for students of technology and these programming languages, highly recommended.

Configuring Windows Server 2008, second edition
J. C. Mackin
Microsoft
1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399
9780735648784, $59.99, www.microsoft.com

Keeping a server going strong is vital in today's worlds where bad servers could send a project to hell. "Configuring Windows Server 2008: Applications Infrastructure" is a guide to training oneself for more excellent server management. J. C. Mackin guides readers through how to use Windows based clients to more effectively meet your technological needs, and how to meet technological dilemmas as they present themselves. Including a CD with plenty of practice tests, "Configuring Windows Server 2008" is the training guide that any potential server administrator should seriously consider.

Software Build Systems: Principles and Experience
Peter Smith
Addison-Wesley
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321717287, $59.99, www.informit.com/aw

Software Build Systems: Principles and Experience is a recommendation for any in-depth software engineering collection, and provides keys to the basic principles involved in producing efficient build systems. Features, usage scenarios, and mastering basic concepts offers insights into five leading build tools, packaging software for installation, and debugging, profiling and checking methods. Developers will find the specifics offer a big key to success.

Programming iOS 4
Matt Neuburg
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9781449388430, $49.99, www.oreilly.com

Programming iOS 4 is a highly recommended pick for any involved in mobile web developments or iPad applications. It teaches all the basics of iPad app development, teaches object-oriented programming concepts, and tells how to understand Cocoa concepts and Xcode projects in their entirety. There's a huge amount of reference material paired with real-world examples here: enough to make this a top pick for any technical computer collection.

iPad for Dummies, second edition
Edward C. Baig and Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118024447, $24.99, www.wiley.com

IPAD FOR DUMMIES appears in its second updated edition to cover iPad and iPad 2, and teaches the basics of how to set up an iPad, learn its interface, and surf the web or make video calls. The iPad can become an e-book reader, a portable game console, or a HD video camera: chapters provide full-color screen shots and step-by-step examples to accompany bulleted tips on usage in a reference highly recommended for any new iPad user or collection catering to them.

Windows Azure Step by Step
Roberto Brunetti
Microsoft Press
c/o O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein, Hwy N.
Sebastopol, CA 95472-2811
9780735649729, $34.99, www.microsoft.com/mspress

Windows Azure Step by Step pairs a workbook with online book and practice files to cover the basics of programming for Windows Azure. From extending skills to cloud development and building web applications for the cloud to storing data using Windows Azure Storage, this packs in real-world solutions and steps to common Azure uses and is a pick for any Azure programmer's collection.

Sybex
c/o Wiley-Blackwell
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46256
www.sybex.com

George Omura with Rick Graham's MASTERING AUTOCAD 2012 AND AUTOCAD LT 2012 (9780470952887, $49.99) offers an in-depth, comprehensive reference to AutoCAD in a tutorial designed to help readers quickly learn the software program. It uses a series of foundation tutorials to build and apply skills, offering in-depth explanations of its latest features and applications and offering an official guide to help readers prepare for Autodesk's Certified Associate and Certified Professional exams. From using tables and fields to controlling objects, linking drawings to databases, and exploring modeling, this teaches how to present 3D models and render realistic designs. AutoCad learners will find this a fine, specific survey. The seventh updated edition of Todd Lammle's CCNA: CISCO CERTIFIED NETWORK ASSOCIATE STUDY GUIDE (9780470901076, $49.99) teaches the basics of preparing for the latest version of the CCNA Exam. An accompanying CD features advance testing software including chapter reviews and bonus exams as well as electronic flashcards, while chapters cover all exam objectives and provide hands-on and written labels for critical skills. A 'must' for any CCNA exam-taker, this is packed with information and strategies for success. Roderick W. Smith's LPIC-2: LINUX PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE (9781118000151, $69.99) covers both the 201 and 202 exams and packs in exercises, applied scenarios, and the latest exam prep software. Add electronic flashcards and a glossary of terms in pdf format and you have an in-depth study guide key to any studying for the Linux certification test.

Cisco Press
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.ciscopress.com

Sean Wilkins & Franklin H. Smith III's OFFICIAL CERT GUIDE: CCNP SECURITY SECURE 642-637 (1587142805, $69.99) provides Cisco exam takers with a fine study guide that focuses on the objectives for the CCNP Security Secure exam. This comes in the form of organized chapters and test prep routines using proven techniques, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM testing engine that allows users to focus on individual topic areas or the entire test. Any planning on taking the exam will consider this an in-depth, essential guide and any computer collection catering to these exam students needs this reference. Anthony Burno and Steve Jordan's OFFICIAL CERT GUIDE: CCDA 640-864 (9781587142574, $59.99) is also a winner, offering an official study guide that helps master all the topics in the CCDA Design exam, from network structure models and WAN technologies to security solutions, routing and voice design. Test-takers will find this packed with real-world examples and applications. Kevin Wallace's CCIE's IMPLEMENTING CISCO UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS VOICE OVER IP AND QOS (CVOICE) (1587204193, $64.99) is a Cisco-authorized text for learning CCPN Voice basics, and is a pick for any advanced user learning VoIP configuration and applications. From dial plans and gatekeepers to mechanisms, operations, and basic applications of IP phones in a Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express environment, this is an in-depth technical pick for any Cisco collection.


The Travel Shelf

Caribbean Passagemaking, second edition
Les Weatheritt
Sheridan House
145 Palisade Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
9781574093087, $27.95, www.sheridanhouse.com

There's more than sunny beaches to enjoy in the Caribbean. "Caribbean Passagemaking: A Cruiser's Guide" is a guide to planning a trip through the Caribbean islands when one is in the charge of a ship's path through the islands. For the captain of a small vessel who is planning on taking their friends and family through quite the trip through these tropical isles, with a certain degree of practicality as the focus. With tips on comfort, finding good harbors, watching the weather, and being equipped for anything, "Caribbean Passagemaking" is a strongly recommended pick that shouldn't be overlooked for any person who enjoys do-it-yourself travel.

Discover New York City
Michael Grosberg
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street
Oakland CA 94607
9781742202570, $21.99, www.lonelyplanet.com/new-york-city

The big apple attracts people from every walk of life and has become one of the greatest tourist destinations for those visiting the United States. "Discover New York City" is a travel guide for those who want to experience the maximum impact of New York City and everything it has to offer people. From many highlights of entertainment and attractions all throughout the cities, Michael Grosberg equips readers everything they need to do to experience New York realistically for their budget. "Discover New York City" is a top pick for any traveler who wants to see one of the great cultural capitals of the world.

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

Carolina A. Miranda, et.al.'s DISCOVER PERU (9781742200026, $24.99) covers all of the country's highlights, provides itineraries for making the most of Peru, and comes from local experts who add maps, commentary, cultural insights and more. It's packaged in a perfect take-long tote size and is intended for destination-oriented visitors who want to make the most of independent travel to Peru, and is a fine recommendation for this audience or for libraries with strong travel holdings. Marc Di Duca and Leonid Ragozin's UKRAINE (9781741793284, $24.99) provides an excellent survey of the country packing in nearly fifty maps, itineraries, discussions of history, culture and transport and more. Designed as a handy take-along tote, this is packed with important keys to navigating the country and is a pick for any Ukraine-bound tourist.

Paris to the Past
Ina Caro
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393078947, $27.95, www.wwnorton.com

PARIS TO THE PAST: TRAVELING THROUGH FRENCH HISTORY BY TRAIN offers a fine blend of French history and travelogue, and offers the author's survey of that history when she began to rearrange her travels using the chronological order in which landmark historical events took place. Her trips can be taken from Paris by the city Metro and other public transit, and provides day trips to locales which were pivotal in French history. Whether it's a general library seeking an armchair read or a French history holding, this provides an appealing blend of travel facts and historical insights.


The Fiction Shelf

Twenty Thirty
Albert Brooks
St. Martin's Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780312583729, $25.99, www.stmartins.com

TWENTY THIRTY: THE REAL STORY OF WHAT HAPPENS TO AMERICA offers a fine novel projecting social changes into the future and how June 12, 2030 changes the U.S. when an earthquake levels Los Angeles and the government can't afford to rebuild. It's a world where cancer has been cured and Americans age dramatically, living in perpetual retirement while young people resent "the olds" for their wealth. A vivid story of national changes and changing social issues based on realistic modern-day concerns makes this a riveting story highly recommended for any general lending library.

My Two Worlds
Sergio Chejfec
Open Letter Books
University of Rochester, Lattimore Hall Room #411
Box 270082, Rochester, NY 14627
9781934824283, $12.95, www.openletterbooks.org

A good long walk can have grand effects. "My Two Worlds" is a novel from Sergio Chejfec, translated deftly from the original Spanish by Margaret B. Carson. A wandering fifty year old contemplates the failure of his most recent novel by willingly getting lost in Brazil to consider the world around him. Through his journey in a park, he gains a different understanding of the world as a whole. "My Two Worlds" is an excellent addition to any world literature collection.

Beyond All Measure
Dorothy Love
Thomas Nelson
PO Box 141000, Nasville, TN 37214
9781595549006, $15.99, www.thomasnelson.com

Self-reliance is something that we can't underrate. "Beyond All Measure" follows young Ada Wentworth as she learns of her own path in life and tries to make it go her own way. Hired as a companion to a lady, she makes her way through the post-Civil War south during the waning days of the classical American nobility. Unwilling to easily love, Ada's path becomes more and more unclear. "Beyond All Measure" is a fine pick that is very much worth considering, highly recommended for historical fiction collections.

Fighting in the Shade
Sterling Watson
Akashic Books
PO Box 1456, New York, NY 10009
9781936070985, $15.95, www.akashicbooks.com

The importance of football is all that some in small towns have to get them out. "Fighting in the Shade" tells of such a small town in 1964, where football is anything and everything for nearly adult Billy Dwyer, who has to train insanely to gain a spot on the high school football team. But he soon discovers the small town of Oleander has plenty of secrets and that Billy is closer to it than he really wants to be. "Fighting in the Shade" is a riveting novel of small town intrigue, very much recommended.

A Warrior's Soul
SR Staley
Wheat Mark
610 East Delano Street, Suite 104, Tucson, AZ 85705
9781604945966, $19.95, www.wheatmark.com

You cannot run from the nature to protect. "A Warrior's Soul: Path of the Warrior 1" is the first entry in SR Staley's novels about young Luke, who has abandoned his martial arts training. When a violent gang begins to put pressure on his school, he's the only one who sees the threat for what it is. Leaping to protect his friends, Luke will learn what it means to be a warrior and that it's more than training. "A Warrior's Soul" is a fine and exciting read for younger readers, highly recommended.

Born Ugly
Beth Goobie
Red Deer Press
195 Allstate Parkway, Markham, ON L3R 4T8
9780889954571, $12.95, www.reddeerpress.com

As you flee your life, it has an annoying tendencies to always catch up. "Born Ugly" follows Shir as she tries to cope with the torment of her own life, targeted at school, ignored at home. With her job and her own quiet getaway, her last two refuges of sanity, are forever changed, she is uncertain how she will be able to deal with it all. "Born Ugly" is a fine spin on the coming of age tale of a young woman pushed too far.

Perfect Architect
Jayne Joso
Alcemi
c/o DuFour Edtions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9780956012524, $16.95, www.alcemi.eu

With the death of a husband, there are no more barriers to understanding what he was about. "Perfect Architect" follows Gaia as she copes with the death of her architect husband. Quickly falling into her late husband's profession, she learns much and quickly about the world and competitive architecture. As she rises to the challenge and learns much along the way, "Perfect Architect" is a humorous and entertaining journey through the world of architecture.

Galaxy Press
7051 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 200
Hollywood, CA 90028
www.galaxypress.com

L. Ron Hubbard was a master storyteller and a major literary figure in the 'Golden Age' of pulp magazine publishing. Galaxy Press is dedicated to keeping Hubbard's stories in print and available to new generations of appreciative readers. Three of the newest titles added to the L. Ron Hubbard library are "Trouble On His Wings" (9781592122360, $9.95); "While Bugles Blow!" (9781592122981, $9.95); and "Killer's Law" (9781592122875, $9.95). These trade paperback reprints feature the original pulp magazine illustrations as cover art and give the 'feel' of what pulp magazine fiction was all about. "Trouble On His Wings" was originally published in the January 1939 issue of 'Five-Novels Monthly'; "While Bugles Blow" first saw print in the December 1936 issue of 'Five-Novels Monthly"; while "Killer's Law" greeted avid readers in the September 1947 issue of 'New Detective Magazine'. A master author in all of the diverse and varied action-adventure genres, these three newly reprinted titles will be especially welcome by those already familiar with Hubbard's work -- and serve as an admirable and highly recommended introduction for those new to the 'Golden Age' of pulp magazine fiction!


The Business Shelf

The American Marketplace
New Strategist Publications Editors
New Strategist Publications
PO Box 242, Ithaca, NY 14851
www.newstrategist.com
9781935775270, $120.00, www.amazon.com

Now in a fully updated and significantly expanded tenth edition, "The American Marketplace: Demographic and Spending Patterns" a 642-page compendium compiled by the editorial staff of New Strategist Publications and draws from a wealth of governmental studies, surveys, and source materials (included the mandated national 2010 census) providing a contemporary population profile of the country. Enhanced with a profusion of charts, tables, and graphs, "The Market Place" is accessible organized into eleven distinctive trends ranging from attitudes, education, health, and housing, to income, labor force, living arrangements, and time use. Enriched with the addition of an extensive glossary, an impressive bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "The American Marketplace" is strongly recommended as a core addition to personal, professional, corporate, academic, and community library Business Studies reference collections.

The Secrets of Word-of-Mouth Marketing, second edition
George Silverman
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780814416686, $17.95, www.amacombooks.org

Even in today's world of high technology, a friend's recommendation is an advertisement that cannot be beat. "The Secrets of Word-Of-Mouth Marketing: How to Trigger Exponential Sales Through Runaway Word of Mouth" is a guide to spreading good word through the world for your business. The presence of the internet and social media has spread and increased its power, actually making this ancient marketing techniques' power even greater. With advice on making a truly worthy word-of-mouth experience, "The Secrets of Word-of-Mouth Marketing" is an excellent and very much recommended read, a top pick for any business leader.

Wired and Dangerous
Chip R. Bell & John R. Patterson
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781605099750, $19.95, www.bkconnection.com

The power of the consumer is vastly more different than it has ever been. "Wired and Dangerous: How Your Customers Have Changed and What to do About It" is about dealing with a well informed and smart customer who is adept at knowing everything and anything to get the best deal, and will make your blunders well known to the rest of the world. More than ever, customer service is important to deal with expertly. "Wired and Dangerous" is a guide to handling this volatile customers well and efficiently, highly recommended.

The Best Digital Marketing Campaigns in the World
Damian Ryan and Calvin Jones
Kogan Page
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100
Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749460624, $29.95, www.koganpage.com

The power of the internet for marketing is unrivaled. "The Best Digital Marketing Campaigns in the World" is a guide to marketing on the internet by analyzing the best for their example. Through their success, we can deduct what is necessary to create an exceptional marketing campaign themselves. Focuses include beverage and restaurant juggernauts to presidential campaigns and much more, all add important understanding to the bigger picture of success and the internet. For anyone crafting their own internet based marketing campaign, "The Best Digital Marketing Campaigns in the World" is an excellent study in sales, a core addition to business study collections.

Your Company Sucks
Mark Stevens
BenBella Books
10300 N. Central Expressway, STE 400
Dallas, TX 75204
9781935618546 $14.95 www.benbellabooks.com

Written by the CEO of global marketing and management consultancy MSCO, Your Company Sucks is a straight-talk, no-nonsense business guide to turning around an underperforming or stagnating corporation. Chapters explain why the company leader needs to "declare war on himself/herself" in order to ensure that neither the leader nor the company takes the easy way out in the ruthless economic war that is today's business world, and the importance of going beyond "customer satisfaction" to thrill the customer and drive repeat business. The four factors that lead to business failure or stalling are scrutinized in detail, as well as ways to positively counter them. "Except for the U.S. Supreme Court, there is no place for tenure. People, ideas, products, services, strategies - all must earn their place in the real-world markets or be swept away by the meritocracy established and upheld by the leader, the president, the CEO." Your Company Sucks pulls no punches in its frank advice for fostering success and growth, and is especially invaluable in today's uncertain economic times. Highly recommended.

Putting the Luxe Back in Luxury
Pamela N. Danziger
Paramount Market Publishing
950 Danby Road, Suite 136, Ithaca, NY 14850
9780981986944, $34.95, www.paramountbooks.com

Luxury is still something special in today's world. "Putting the Luxe Back in Luxury: How New Consumer Values are Redefining the Way We Market Luxury" is a business study touching on the many aspects of business and how to see luxury in the modern day. The new generations following the baby boomers have begun to define what is luxury quite differently from their parents, and the modern business must understand this principle in order to survive in a luxury market. "Putting the Luxe Back in Luxury" is an excellent read for any business leader who is looking to stay on top of the game.

What is Global Leadership?
Ernest Gundling, Terry Hogan, & Karen Cvitkovich
Nicholas Brealey Publishing
20 Park Plaza, Suite 1115A, Boston, MA 02116
9781904838234, $34.95, www.nicholasbrealey.com

The world is smaller than ever, and a leader needs to be equipped for dealing with anything or anyone. "What is Global Leadership?: 10 Key Behaviors That Define Great Global Leaders" is a discussion of what it takes to lead on the world stage, to be all inclusive and avoid alienating those in your world wide business. Good leadership has many similar values on any level, and the combined expertise of Ernest Gundling, Terry Hogan & Karen Cvitkovich do well in explaining what it means to take those values to the international level. "What is Global Leadership?" is a must for any business leader who is about to cross oceans.

How to Manage an Effective Religious Organization
Michael A. Sand
Career Press
220 West Parkway, Unit 12
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
9781601631510, $15.99, www.careerpress.com

Even in faith, one must manage the finances to work towards a better status. "How to Manage an Effective Religious Organization: The Essential Guide to Improving Your Church, Synagogue, Mosque, or Temple" is a guide to being a religious institution leader and understanding the financial aspect of it all. From hiring staff to picking up volunteers, making improvements to buildings, and how much business can be done without losing the soul of the business. "How to Manage an Effective Religious Organization" is a studious and thoughtful read, highly recommended.

Flipping Burgers to Flipping Millions
Bernard Kelly
Hyperion Books
77 West 66th Street, New York, NY 10023-6298
9781401324209, $21.99, www.hyperionbooks.com

Flipping Burgers to Flipping Millions: A Guide to Financial Freedom Whether you Have Your Dream Job, Own Your own Business, or Just Started Your First Job tells of the author's first job working at McDonald's, when his goal was to work for three months and save money for a trip to Europe. Thirteen years later he manages 6 restaurants with annual sales of over, $24 million, having developed a winning system of managing success from McDonald's framework. Any who would derive financial freedom from work will find this inspirational - which includes patrons in many general lending libraries as well as business collections.

Career Press
220 West Parkway Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
www.careerpress.com

CEO PRIORITIES: MASTER THE ART OF SURVIVING AT THE TOP by Neil Giarratana (9781601631268, $15.99) is a fine recommendation for any business library and offers a survey of key areas that must be handed by the CEO. From tracking and ending office politics to handling a bad quarter, forecasting earnings, and becoming a more effective leader, CEO PRIORITIES offers keys to setting better priorities. Roger Dawson's SECRETS OF POWER PROBLEM SOLVING (9781601631527, $15.99) provides proven techniques for solving all kinds of problems using a blend of intuition and savvy. From creating options when there seems to be no solution to considering speed in choices and decisions to act over holding back, this offers executives plenty of insights into making definitive motions for change. Both are top picks for business collections.


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Film and The American Moral Vision of Nature
Ronald B. Tobias
Michigan State University Press
1405 S. Harrison Rd., Ste. 24
East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9781611860016, $39.95, www.msupress.msu.edu

Where has film shaped the American opinion of nature? "Film and the American Moral Vision of Nature: Theodore Roosevelt to Walt Disney" discusses the portrayal of nature and American attitudes towards it though the ages. Tracing American conservation back to Theodore Roosevelt and the impact he made that still resounds today, which has become America's quest to conquer nature. An intriguing analysis and the underlying roots and subtexts of it all, "Film and the American Moral Vision of Nature" proves an excellent study of man, nature, and America, highly recommended to any community library collection focused on studying any of those subjects.

The Book of Mormon
Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, & Matt Stone
Newmarket Press
18 E. 48th Street, New York, NY 10017
9781557049933, $19.95, www.newmarketpress.com

When the creators of South Park took to Broadway, the musical got what they both didn't expect and expected completely. "The Book of Mormon" is a script and lyric book for the growing in fame play. Focusing on Mormon missionaries and making a comedy out of the daily tragedy in Africa, "The Book or Mormon" is an excellent pick to see what the musical world is raving about, highly recommended.

Boston Theater Marathon XII
Smith and Kraus Books
177 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755
9781575257785, $24.95, www.smithandkraus.com

Theatre is far from dead, most definitely so in Boston. "Boston Theater Marathon XII" is a compilation of 10 minute plays from a grand assortment of authors providing material for plenty of plays that can be done, drawn from the event that does 50 of this short plays in ten hours, at five plays an hour. "Boston Theater Marathon XII" is a must for anyone looking for good material for their own theatres or to simply gain an appreciation for the task.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Quilt Savvy: Hand Quilting
Virginia "Rusty" Hedrick
American Quilters Society
P.O. Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
1574328255, $21.95, www.americanquilter.com

Quilt Savvy: Hand Quilting provides a spiral bound, fingertip 'how to' guide to mastering hand quilting, covering the basics and providing the first in a projected series. This format especially lends to quilter use, offering an 11" long shape and spine lettering for easy location on a bookshelf paired with spiral binding for lay-flat usage. The large-sized step-by-step color photos leave nothing to guesswork, making this a special recommendation for beginning hand quilters seeking visual display of the basics.

Couture Sewing Techniques
Claire B. Schaeffer
Taunton Press
Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507
9781600853357, $24.95, www.taunton.com

Couture Sewing Techniques is revised and updated for new audiences and comes from a fashion historian who provides a guide to techniques that define couture sewing. Her title has been revised and updated with new photos, a new chapter on specialty fabrics, and more, with coverage of techniques for shaping garments and applying perfect fit ideas to sleeves, jackets, gowns and more. Color photos and illustrations accompany an exceptional guide recommended for any sewing collection.

Happy Endings, revised edition
Mimi Dietrich
Martingale & Company
20205 - 144th Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
1564775003, $19.95, www.martingale-pub.com

HAPPY ENDINGS: FINISHING THE EDGES OF YOUR QUILT is a fine revised edition offering a wide range of different ways to finish a quilt, from easy edging to advanced borders. New ideas for backings, bindings and more appear in a revised edition providing a new section on quilt borders, tips on using different fabrics and techniques, and more. Quilters will find this the perfect conclusion to polish and refine any quilting project!

Fast, Fusible Flower Quilts
Nancy Mahoney
Martingale & Company
20205 - 144th Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
9781604680393, $24.99, www.martingale-pub.com

Fast, Fusible Flower Quilts comes from a best-selling author who provides some eleven beautiful, easy projects for creating flower motifs. From wall hangings and lap quilts to two twin-size quilts and patterns for tracing onto fusible web, this packs in full-page color panels of completed projects and creates an outstanding set of projects perfect for any quilter seeking specific themes.

1-2-3 Sew
Ellen Luckett Baker
Chronicle Books
680 - 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107
9780811876490, $24.95, www.chroniclebooks.com

1-2-3 SEW: BUILD YOUR SKILLS WITH 33 SIMPLE PROJECTS offers bags, accessories, and home projects from an expert seamstress and craft blogger who provides a building-block approach to sewing, presenting projects in groups of three to build on skills and techniques used in the prior project. Over thirty fine projects range from clothing to decor and are perfect for all levels of sewers, including how-to basics and patterns tucked into an enclosed front envelope. This may not make the book perfect for library lending - but it's perfect for the home seamstress!

Classic Collection
Sasha Kagan
Taunton
63 South Main Street, PO Box 5506
Newtown, CT 06470-5506
9781600854118, $24.95, www.taunton.com

Some things never truly go out of style. "Classic Collection" is a needlework guide from Sasha Kagan as she walks readers through the weaving of many classical designs. Kagan is known for her fashion work for the past four decades, and she now offers knitters plenty of classic ideas to apply themselves or modify to their own thought and design with today's processes and styles. For those who want a timeless appeal that will be good for years to come, "Classic Collection" is a top pick for knitting enthusiasts with a flair for good style.

Small Wonders
Lynette Jensen
Landauer
3100 NW 101st Street, Suite A
Urbandale, IA 50322
9781935726043, $29.95, www.landauercorp.com

Quilts have more uses than just as blankets. "Small Wonders: 44 Quilting Inspirations for the Comforts of Home" is a guide to many applications of needlework. From creative pillow cases, bags, table covers, or the ever traditional quilt, Lynette Jensen walks readers through countless projects with a full color guide that has plenty to be considered. "Small Wonders" is a useful read for any who are looking for new needlework project ideas.


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

Ultimate Trout Fishing
Larry E. Stefanyk
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC Canada V0N 2H0
9781550175486, $26.95, www.harbourpublishing.com

The trout of the Pacific Northwest have plenty to offer the ambitious fisherman. "Ultimate Trout Fishing in the Pacific Northwest" is a guide for those who want to get those trout when going to the forests, rivers, and lakes of the region. Larry E. Stefanyk advises readers on how to get their fish no matter their method, be it fly, traditional bait, even in ice. Presented in full color and illustrated with huge amounts of photographs, "Ultimate Trout Fishing in the Pacific Northwest" may just be what a fisherman needs to excel when visiting the Northwest.

Salmon Country
Doug Underhill
Goose Lane
330-500 Beaverbrook Court
Fredericton, NB Canada, 5X4
9780864926296, $45.00, www.gooselane.com

The Salmon proves to be a favored fish of many. "Salmon Country: New Brunswick's Great Angling Rivers" is an analysis of New Brunswick and the many aspects that surround the fishing for salmon. From crafting boats, to the cooking of the fish, to the culture surrounding it, to the actual act of fishing itself, Doug Underhill and his photographer Andre Gallant capture the spirit of the salmon world and how it's more than catching fish, it's a world in itself. "Salmon Country" is a strong pick for those seeking a coffee table book, a cultural study of Salmon, or just happen to like salmon fishing.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Henry VIII: Wolfman
A. E. Moorat
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004
9781605981987, $15.95, www.pegasusbooks.us

Henry the VIII was a man larger than life, and no mere human existence is enough. "Henry VIII: Wolfman" is a unique spin of the man's life, adding a bit of beast to the man who already had the bloodlust to be so. A. E. Moorat previously wrote 'Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter' and now brings a paranormal touch to royalty once more with Tudor England. "Henry VIII" is a fast paced and fun read that should prove hard to put down.

Dangerous Waters
Juliet E. McKenna
Solaris
1525 Hulse Road, Unit 1
Pt. Pleasant, NJ 08742
9781907519963, $7.99, www.solarisbooks.com

The rule of profit trumps all other rule. "Dangerous Waters" is a story of intrigue. The Caladhrian Coast is besieged by corsairs, in a land where they are ruled by a wizard yet magic is banned for warfare. When one of the wizards is plying his trade against the ban in the name of gold, the corsair's assault is relentless and lives are being destroyed. It will take a few dedicated individuals to save the land from plunder, but time is ticking. "Dangerous Waters" is an excellent spin of fantasy and intrigue, highly recommended.

Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects
Christie Golden
Gallery Books
c/o Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl.
New York, NY 10020
9781416550884 $26.00 www.simonandschuster.com

Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects is the latest fantasy novel set in the universe of the immensely popular "World of Warcraft" massively multiplayer online role-playing game; prior readers of Christie Golden's work will recognize her commitment to the integrity and continuity of World of Warcraft lore. The story follows Thrall, the former orc slave and gladiator who rose to lead the Horde as warchief. Although Thrall necessarily relinquished leadership of the Horde in order to train further as a shaman, the brutal repercussions of that decision haunt him. Yet Thrall is not the only troubled one; the majestic Aspects - great dragon guardians of the world itself - have lost three of their number. The bronze dragon Aspect of Time Nozdormu has disappeared; the blue dragon Aspect of Magic Malygos was killed at the close of his horrifically genocidal campaign against all magic users, leaving the blue dragonflight leaderless; and the black dragon Aspect of Earth Neltharion was long ago converted into the monstrous Deathwing, a despot dedicated to destroying all other Aspects as well as the world itself. Deathwing's directed attack upon the red and blue dragonflights inflicts horrific slaughter, leaving the red dragon Aspect of Life Alextrasza wracked with inconsolable grief. The green dragon Aspect of the Dream Ysera, recently awakened from her long slumber, foresees that Thrall will be a crucial in uniting the scattered dragonflights against their deadly common enemy, but her visions are blurry and indistinct at best. It will ultimately be up to Thrall to forge his own path, a journey destined to take him through the recesses of time and a cruel alternate future, as well as test him against an implacable enemy from his past. Meanwhile, the blue dragon Kirygosa, held captive in human form, has had to suffer from unspeakable experiments at the hands of Deathwing's lackeys, and has little more than her own will to fight back against a prospective fate worse than death! Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects is highly recommended for fans of the game and the complex tapestry of its legends.

Dark Solus
David Andrew Crawford
Strategic Book Group
PO Box 333, Durham, CT 06422
9781609113391, $26.95, www.strategicpublishinggroup.com

Vengeance is often a long time coming. "Dark Solus: An Assassin's Tale" follows the lust for revenge carried by Dark Solus, a young man trained as an assassin to get revenge for the death of his parents. With the list of those responsible long, Solus has much revenge to claim and no shortage of targets to take it out on. "Dark Solus" is a fun read of pulpy fantasy, very much recommended.


The Education Shelf

The American Public School Teacher
Darrel Drury & Justin Baer
Harvard Education Press
8 Story Street, 1st Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
9781934742914, $34.95, www.harvardeducationpress.com

Education isn't what it used to be. "The American Public School Teacher: Past, Present, and Future" analyzes the role of the public school teacher in modern times. Many thinkers come together and discuss the modern role of the teacher and where our society is going with them, the wishes of the parents, the wishes of the teachers, unions, and much more. Scholarly and insightful, "The American Public School Teacher" addresses many of today's educational problems and offers much to ponder for the future of our schools.

Multicultured Gifted Education, second edition
Donna Y. Ford
Prufrock Press
5926 Balcones Drive, Suite 220
Austin, TX 78731
9781593636999, $45.00, www.prufrock.com

Multiculturalism is becoming a major reality in today's world. "Multicultured Gifted Education" is a guide to facing the cultural aspects of education and the changing demographics in today's education. In higher education for gifted and talented students, there are certain barriers of culture that may put minority students at a disadvantage, and conquering them can lead to a more harmonious class experience. Donna Y. Ford is a professor of Education and human development, and uses her expertise to tackle many issues that come in today's diverse classrooms. "Multicultured Gifted Education" is a strongly recommended pick for any educational leader, highly recommended.

Battling Boredom
Bryan Harris
Eye on Education
6 Depot Way West, Larchmont, NY 10538
9781596671669, $29.95, www.eyeoneducation.com

You aren't in a classroom to be bored, you're there to be educated. "Battling Boredom: 99 Strategies to Spark Student Engagement" is an educational guide from Bryan Harris as he encourages teachers and educators to drag their students to care about their lesson and making it more fun for everyone involved. From music to thought exercises to games to building into the web, "Battling Boredom" is a strongly recommended pick for any educator who doesn't want to delve into boredom.

The Tragicomedy Of Public Education
James M. Kauffman
Full Court Press
c/o Attainment Company Inc.
PO Box 930160, Verona, WI 53593-0160
9781578616824, $19.00, www.amazon.com

Despite an almost two hundred year history as the primary source of public literacy, national identity, and economic advancement for succeeding generations of Americans, public education has become the whipping boy of national politics and an object of either disappointment or disdain for large segments of the general population. In "The Tragicomedy of Public Education", James M. Kauffman draws upon his many years of experience and expertise as an educator in public school, private school, and university settings to focus attention on the inherent irony of previous and contemporary education reform attempts, and then lays out thoughtful and thought-provoking ideas and commentaries on how to rehabilitate the image and efficacy that public education once enjoyed with previous generations of Americans. Of special note are the chapters on 'The Art of Poor Thinking' and 'How to Judge Whether a School Is Successful'. A 210-page compendium that is enhanced with the inclusion of thematically appropriates listings of references and web sites, a comprehensive index, "The Tragicomedy Of Publication Education" is highly recommended for anyone engaged in local, state, regional, and national debates over public education and a core addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library Educational Studies reference collections.

Getting Started with Lego Robotics
Mark Gura
ISTE
1710 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036-3132
9781564842985, $37.95, www.iste.org

From playing with bricks to advanced robotics is a more logical step than one would expect. "Getting Started with Lego Robotics: A Guide for K-12 Educators" is a guide to walking readers through the easy to get into and highly educational world of Lego robotics. Combining science, technology, engineering, and math, embracing this endeavor for young people can prove very educational, and more importantly, very fun. Mark Gura brings over twenty years of experience to the table, and explains everything one needs to do to dive headfirst into this engineering adventure. "Getting Started with Lego Robotics" is a strongly recommended for any science and technology minded educator who wants to expand the horizons.

Cracking the SAT 2012
Adam Robinson and John Katzman
The Princeton Review
c/o Random House Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
9780375428296, $21.99, www.princetonreview.com

Cracking the SAT 2012 should be in the reference sections of any high school library, providing young scholars with proven techniques for gaining a higher SAT score. In addition to five full-length practice tests there's a host of hints and tips on how to study for the exam, how to achieve higher scores, and how to recognize common SAT test approaches. It's packed with more than tests and answers, including detailed explanations of why one answer is the answer of choice.

Med School Rx
Walter Carl Hartwig, PhD
Kaplan Publishing
1 Liberty Plaza, 24th floor, NY, NY 10006
9781607140627, $24.95, www.kaplanpublishing.com

Med School Rx is for any student's reference library and offers keys to the entire medical school admissions process. It comes from a medical school admissions advisor who has helped thousands of students and provides advice on everything from preparing for and applying to medical school to getting the most from a medical school education. Students receive a chronological discussion covering the essentials of what to expect before, during and after medical school.

Making the Grades
Todd Farley
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9780981709154, $16.95, www.bkpub.com

MAKING THE GRADES: MY MISADVENTURES IN THE STANDARDIZED TESTING INDUSTRY provides a fine memoir documenting the author's experiences with K-12 testing and considers the tests, their creators, scorers, and employees who read student responses for low wages and no benefits. It rebukes psychometrics, critiques how tests are scored, and blends humor and personal experience with insights into how assessments really work in an eye-opening critique perfect for any education collection.

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

Michael W. Corrigan, Doug Grove, Philip F. Vincent's MULTI-DIMENSIONAL EDUCATION: A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO DATA-DRIVEN THINKING (9781412992596, $43.95) is based on over 40 years of research and offers a seven-dimensional model to enhance a school curriculum and community environment. From assessing student achievement and modifying instruction based on data analysis to understanding a framework for shared leadership and planning strategies and asking the right questions of data results, this is a fine pick for any school leader and libraries catering to them. John D. Ross's ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: DESIGN, DELIVER, SUCCEED! (9781412987127, $35.95) offers a fine survey that answers the basics of how to embark on an online professional development program. From costs and getting started to understanding the technologies, arrangements and options of online professional development, this provides step-by-step planning and real-life case studies from OPED providers and users alike. An outstanding resource for any professional seeking to advance their skills online. Educators interested in overall school change will welcome Judy Stoehr, Maria Banks and Linda Allen's PLCs, DI & RTI: A TAPESTRY FOR SCHOOL CHANGE (9781412992381, $26.95). This resource blends three top topics on professional learning communities, differentiated instruction and Response to Intervention under one cover, blending all topics to provide a foundation for achieving ongoing school improvements. Principals in particular will welcome this survey on how to build stronger foundations for school leadership and teacher effectiveness using all three programs. TEACHING NUMERACY: 9 CRITICAL HABITS TO IGNITE MATHEMATICAL THINKING by Margie Pearse and K.M. Walton (9781412992237, $34.95) provides teachers with the basics of imparting basic math understanding to students. It tells how to monitor and address student comprehension, shows teachers how to represent mathematics differently, and shows how to imbed numeracy into lesson plans. Math teachers will find this a winner! Walter Kaweski's TEACHING ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM: PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM (9781412995290, $34.95) provides a fine guide to reaching teens with autism and offers secondary teachers practical strategies based on his experience as an autism specialist and inclusion coordinator. From an introductory guide to the causes and challenges of autism to supporting students with autism and helping them adjust, each chapter pairs personal stories with concepts supplemented with bulleted lists, tables, photos and cartoons drawn by a student with autism. Any secondary teacher working in an inclusive classroom setting needs this. The second updated edition of MAKING FRIENDS PREK-3: A SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM FOR INCLUSIVE SETTINGS by Ruth Herron Ross and Beth Roberts-Pacchione (9781412981132, $33.95) provides a fine set of literally hundreds of activities that help kids learn about how to behave appropriately and make friends. From team playing to emotion regulation and safety, this provides teacher-friendly activities that can be used in small groups or with the whole class, and should be a top pick for any education library and many an elementary-grade teacher. Jennifer Stepanek, Melinda Leong, Linda Griffin and Lisa Lavelle's TEACHING BY DESIGN IN ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS GRADES K-1 (9781412987042, $38.95) tells how to use collaborative planning to strengthen math lessons, providing a series of professional development guides that help teachers investigate how students learn. It's one of three volumes focused on grade-appropriate number and operations topics in relation to the Common Core State Standards, and guides groups through the co-creation and implementation of lessons. This volume covers Grades K-1 and provides teachers with worksheets, lessons and more.


The Woodworking Shelf

Simply-Built Cabinets
Danny Proulx
Popular Woodworking Books
c/o F+W Media
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
9781440313059, $24.99, www.popularwoodworking.com

More cabinets is more space, something we can never have too much of. "Simply-Built Cabinets: Plan, Build, Install" is a guide for home improvement to those who want to increase the amount of cabinets available for their home. Danny Proulx advises readers on how to make more cabinets in their home for no matter the use, be it kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, or any other room of the house. A guide for those who like taking wood working into their own hands, "Simply-Built Cabinets" is a top pick for either the home improvement enthusiast or simply one who enjoys woodworking.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Rock Hole
Reavis Z. Wortham
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. First Avenue #103, Scottsdale AZ 85251
9781590588840, $24.95, www.poisonedpenpress.com

THE ROCK HOLE: A RED RIVER MYSTERY offers the satisfying story of a farmer and part-time Constable Ned parker, who combines forces with a legendary black deputy sheriff to track down a threat to a small Texas community. Many twists and turns of plot are presented in a powerful survey of animal torture and murder that eventually threatens Ned's own family. Murder mystery collections will find this a riveting thriller!

Dreams of the Dead
Perri O'Shaughnessy
Gallery Books
c/o Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl.
New York, NY 10020
9781416549734, $25.00, www.simonandschuster.com

DREAMS OF THE DEAD provides a new Nina Reilly thriller and is set in South Lake Tahoe, California where Nina faces strange clients, criminals, and personal issues involving her teen son and his estranged father. A fugitive sociopath returns to threaten her world, and Nina's connection to two local women who are brutally murdered brings danger to her own doorstep in this riveting account, perfect for any general lending library strong in novels, mysteries and thrillers.

Kage
John Donohue
YMAA Fiction
PO Box 480, Wolfeboro, NH 03894
9781594392108, $12.95, www.ymaa.com

To keep thought suppressed, killing is nothing. "Kage: The Shadow" is a martial arts adventure following Connor Burke as he investigates the death of a mystic in the American Southwest. Finding the plot running deep, author John Donohue blends the martial arts tale with plenty of mysterious intrigue for a fine and riveting read, making "Kage: The Shadow" an excellent pick for community library general fiction collections looking for a very fun read.

A Crack in Everything
Angela Gerst
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. First Ave., Ste. 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
9781590589441, $24.95, www.poisonedpenpress.com

When you seek adventure, more adventure than you can handle may find you. "A Crack in Everything" follows Susan Callisto as she tries to find a new path in her career trying to pace enjoying herself with success. Becoming a political consultant, she finds herself drawn into the secrets of a small Massachusetts town. With old flames re-emerging, the truth will prove hard to find and may prove ultimately deadly. "A Crack in Everything" is a riveting work of mystery, highly recommended.

Deadly Endplay
Ken Allan
Master Point Press
331 Douglas Ave.
Toronto, ON Canada M5M 1H2
9781897106686, $19.95, www.masterpointpress.com

The mysteries of a small town can quickly consume it. "Deadly Endplay" is a mystery novel of the small town of Pemberton, and retired cop Dan Cogan. Ignoring his retirement, he begins to be drawn into the death of Elsie Carmichael, whose death is curious. Close to her widower, the secrets of the small town may come out in the name of the truth. "Deadly Endplay" is a riveting work of mystery and bridge, highly recommended.

Dumpster Dying
Lesley A. Diehl
Oak Tree Press
140 E. Palmer St., Taylorville, IL 62568
9781610090063, $14.95, www.oaktreebooks.com

The sunshine loses a lot of luster when it's helping to rot a corpse. "Dumpster Dying" is a mystery following retiree immigrant to Florida Emily Rhodes as she finds a body and her best friend accused of being responsible. As she sets out to find the truth, she finds that rural Florida has a lot more obstacles to the truth than she really knew. "Dumpster Dying" is an excellent pick for any fan of old fashioned mystery, highly recommended.


The Science Shelf

Gargoyle Country
Jerry D. Vineyard
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Blvd., Columbia, MO 65201
9780975971215, $24.95, www.umsystem.edu

Nature has many sights to see in itself if you know where to look. "Gargoyle Country: The Inspiring Geology of Springfield & Greene County" is a full color guide with no shortage of charts, photography and maps about this geological playground. Jerry D. Vineyard gives readers plenty to enjoy even if they aren't particularly students of geology themselves, but gives plenty more for any hobbyist rock lover. "Gargoyle Country" is a fine addition to any nature photography collection that give a nod to geology.

Seashells
Witherington
Pineapple Press, Inc.
PO Box 3889, Sarasota, FL 34230
9781561644971, $9.95, www.pineapplepress.com

Nature's design is vast and creative. "Seashells of Georgia and the Carolinas: A Beachcomber's Guide" is a full color exploration of the shells one can find all throughout the Atlantic coast. Identifying each creature's shell by noting certain qualities, discussing its habitat and where it is found, "Seashells of Georgia and the Carolinas" is a strongly recommended pick for any avid shell collector.

Electrostimulation: Theory, Applications, and Computational Model
J. Patrick Reilly
Artech House
685 Canton Street, Norwood, MA 02062 USA
9781608071081, $139.00, www.artechhouse.com

Electrostimulation: Theory, Applications, and Computational Model is a recommendation for any college-level library strong in advanced health and engineering theory. It discusses electrostimulation techniques and focuses on the accidental and biological effects of electrical energy for professionals who want to develop standards for human exposure to electric currents. Also included is guidance in using the SENN computer model that stimulates the interaction of applied electric energy with myelinated neurons. From applications such as stun gun settings to MRI exposure and sensory responses, this is a fine technical guide.


The Humor Shelf

Your Accomplishments are Suspiciously Hard to Verify
Scott Adams
Andrews & McMeel
1130 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
9781449401023 $16.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Your Accomplishments are Suspiciously Hard to Verify is a compendium of "Dilbert" comic strips, a hilarious series focusing on the savage vagaries of office politics, managerial inefficience, 9-to-5 slackers, and everything else wrong with the cubicle-stabled workforce today. "'I'm pleased to report another stellar week of accomplishments! I moved more than 800,000 bits of data to a disaster recovery back-up facility!' 'Did you just take credit for copying a file to a diskette?' 'It was my resume.'" Color Sunday strips are included in this broad cross-section of the best Dilbert cartoons, sure to prove a popular library lend as well as an excellent giftbook for any friend or family who might be spending just a little too much time in the office.

The Practical Napper
Jennifer Eyre White
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106
9781449403089, $8.99, www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Napping is a small bit of peace in a chaotic day. "The Practical Napper: Tips, Facts, and Quotes for the Avidly Recumbent" is a book of humor and empowerment surrounding the power of the nap. Jennifer Eyre White suggests many ideas for getting those few extra winks during the day and around life, filled with jokes and factoids abound. "The Practical Napper" is a choice pick for those who want to justify their drowsing off as productive.


The American History Shelf

The Fall and Recapture of Detroit in the War of 1812
Anthony J. Yanik
Wayne State University Press
The Leonard N. Simons Building
4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814335987 $24.95 http://wsupress.wayne.edu

The Fall and Recapture of Detroit in the War of 1812: In Defense of William Hull is a meticulously researched account of Brigadier General William Hull's doomed 1812 campaign, which ultimately caused the surrender of Detroit and the British Army's triumph over the North Western Army. Hull was court-martialed for cowardice and sentenced to death for his failure; he is the only commanding general given such a harsh punishment in American military history, and his name is disparaged to this day. Author Anthony J. Yanik (winner of the Michigan Historical Society's State History Award) examines Hull's surrender and his claim that the choice was made on humanitarian grounds, starting with a snapshot of the causes of the War of 1812 as well as daily life in the frontier settlement of Detroit. Studying Hull's service closely, especially the failed invasion of Canada that led to his predicament, Yanik reconstructs the evidence surrounding Hull's defense and offers strong reason to question the validity of the verdict. A chronology of Hull's Detroit campaign and appendices of historical writings and speeches round out this excellent contribution to American military history shelves.

A Young Dutchman Views Post-Civil War America
Claude August Crommelin, author
Augustus J. Veenendaal, Jr., translator
Indiana University Press
601 North Morton Street
Bloomington, IN 47404-3797
9780253356093 $29.95 www.iupress.indiana.edu

Now available in English for the first time, A Young Dutchman Views Post-Civil War America is the personal journal of a Claude Augustus Crommelin, whose travels in the post-Civil War United States spanned New York, the Middle Atlantic States, the Upper Mississippi Valley, and the battered South. His sharp eye for detail and influential family connections lead to an impressive level of insight and observation, in this excellent outsider's viewpoint of American people, politics, culture, and society. Highly recommended as a valuable primary source for public and college library American History collections.

Battle Weapons on the American Revolution
George C. Neumann
Mowbray
54 E. School Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895
1931464499, $39.99, www.gunandswordcollector.com

America has had the technological edge in many of its wars, but not its first war. "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" looks at the weapons used on both sides of America's first war. A time where a soldier could not rely on their rifle alone, George C. Neumann presents pictures of rifles, pistols, swords, and even pole arms used by all sides of the conflict, including the French, Hessian mercenaries, among others. "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" is an intriguing study of the weapons of America's struggle for independence.

Principle Over Party
R. Alton Lee
South Dakota State Historical Society Press
900 Governors Drive
Pierre, SC 57501-2217
9780979894091 $32.95 www.sdshspress.com

Principle Over Party: The Farmers' Alliance and Populism in South Dakota, 1880-1900 is an in-depth examination of South Dakota's involvement in the Populist movement, one of the most successful third-party establishments in the history of the United States. Author R. Alton Lee (Professor emeritus of History, University of South Dakota) scrutinizes the causes that sparked South Dakota farmers to become politically active, notable figures including Henry Loucks and Alonzo Wardall, movements such as the Farmers' Alliance, and other factors that set the stage for the Populist Party in South Dakota. Principle Over Party is an excellent, well-researched and accessible contribution to South Dakota and American political history shelves, highly recommended.

American Letters
Jackson Pollock & Family
Polity
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
9780745651552, $25.00, www.politybooks.com

Through the depression and war, "American Letters 1927-1947: Jackson Pollock & Family" is a compilation of history offering a snapshot of Americana and how the nation faces adversity. These letters focus on Jackson and his brothers, his mother, and other family members to show as the family drifted apart to find their own ways through these chaotic times. "American Letters" is a vivid, and riveting snapshot of everyday life for Americans during this rough time, expertly compiled and composed, highly recommended for any history collection.

Detroit Land
Richard Bak
A Painted Turtle Book
c/o Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 58201-1309
9780814334997, $24.95, www.wsupress.wayne.edu

Detroit, for all its problems, is a major contributor to the concept of Americana. "Detroit Land: A Collection of Movers, Shakers, Lost Souls, and History Makers from Detroit's Past" looks at the past century of Detroit's history, which includes major boxing bouts, its temptation into the underworld, the musicians of Motown, and even more known figures such as Charles Lindbergh. "Detroit Land" is a must for anyone who wants another fine exploration of Detroit history.


The World History Shelf

No One Had a Tongue to Speak
Utpal Sandesara and Tom Wooten
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781616144319, $25.00, www.prometheusbooks.com

No One Had a Tongue to Speak: The Untold Story of One of History's Deadliest Floods tells of a 1979 disaster that happened in the Indian state of Gujart, where a two-mile-long damn disintegrated after a week of monsoon rains. The waters rushed through a heavily populated area, destroyed an industrial city and its surrounding villages, and the death toll was estimated as high as 25,000. This tells, for the first time, the story of the disaster and is based on over 130 interviews and archival research. Any collection strong in either India history or disaster accounts will find this engrossing.

The Benedictines In The Middle Ages
James G. Clark
Boydell Press
c/o Boydell & Brewer Inc
668 Mount Hope Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620-2731
www.boydellandbrewer.com
9781843836230, $50.00, www.amazon.com

The monastic orders during the period of Europe's 'Dark Ages' were pretty much the sole repositories of literacy as well as bastions of Christianity and social order. One of the most popular, numerous, widespread, and influential of these monastic orders were the Benedictines, a religious movement based on 6th Century rules originally laid down by Benedict of Nursia (c.480-c.547). "The Benedictines In The Middle Ages" is a 352-page compendium researched and written by academician James G. Clark (Department of History, University of Bristol, England) that provides an historical overview of the history over the past eleven centuries. Enhanced with the inclusion of illustrations and maps, an impressive bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "The Benedictines In The Middle Ages" is a work of impeccable and original scholarship with special attention to the organization, economy, environment, and cultural/political influence of this iconic religious order. "The Benedictines In The Middle Ages" is an especially recommended and seminal contribution to academic library World History, European History, Catholic History, and Medieval Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Happyland
Curtis R. McManus
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AL Canada T2N 1N4
9781552385241, $34.95, www.uofcpress.com

With failing crops, a great many people are in peril. "Happyland: A History of the "Dirty Thirties" in Saskatchewan 1914-1937" discusses the crisis faced by Saskatchewan from 1914 to 1937 where devastating droughts caused untold agricultural damage, shifting people from their farms in search of something to survive with. An important study of this very important period of Canadian history and how it hold a major impact on the Canadian peoples. "Happyland" is a vital addition to any Canadian or World History collection, highly recommended.

The Portuguese
Barry Hatton
Interlink Books
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060-1804
9781566568449, $15.00, www.interlinkbooks.com

Portugal is often forgotten when talking about Europe's great powers. "The Portuguese: A Modern History" speaks on the history of this strip of land to the west of Spain and its impact on the modern world. With a language that is widely spoken around the world, the small country has had an eventful history tells the unique history of the country which has included coups, an unusual relationship with its only neighbor in Spain, and its role in the cold war. "The Portuguese" is a fascinating study of a major yet relatively quiet in international affairs, highly recommended.

Elvis Romero and Fiesta de Santa Fe
Andrew Leo Lovato
Museum of New Mexico
1312 Basehart Road SE
Albuquerque NM 87106-4363
9780890135327, $22.50, www.state.nm.us

People embrace the festival, even if they are not entirely sure of its history. "Elvis Romero and Fiesta de Santa Fe featuring Zozobra's Great Escape" is a study of history from Andrew Leo Lovato about this annual festival that has been celebrated for three hundred years, commemorating the reconquest of New Mexico by Don Diego de Vargas. Although this concept in root likely means little to the now American state, the Fiesta lives on as a unique festival of Hispanic heritage. Also contained is the culturally influenced tale of 'Zozobra's Great Escape' following the adventures of Elvis Romero and his cousin Pepa as they embark on a great rescue. "Elvis Romero and Fiesta de Santa Fe" is an excellent study of culture and history, highly recommended for community library collections.

Unveiling the Kings of Israel
David Down
Master Books
c/o New Leaf Publishing Group
PO Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
9780890516096, $29.99, www.masterbooks.net

Archeology has proven the Bible a fine source of history. "Unveiling the Kings of Israel" is a walk through Biblical history and looking at the ancient kingdom of Israel. Looking at the timeline of history and making connections between the Bible and history, the book is packed with full color photography all throughout, noting excavated structures as well as some that stand to this day. "Unveiling the Kings of Israel" is a riveting and Christian-driven exploration of the Bible as a book of history and of Biblical archeology.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Twin Spica, volume 9
Kou Yaginuma
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10016
9781935654230 $10.95 www.vertical-inc.com

Have you ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut when you grew up? Volume 9 of Twin Spica continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) series about a school designed especially to train young adults for the physical and mental rigors of a manned space flight (volume 9 also works as a good jumping-on point to any reader who may be new to the series). The main protagonist Asumi is a quiet, slightly shy yet absolutely dedicated girl, who runs laps on her own every morning in addition to devoting herself to the school, all in pursuit of her dream. Her many classmates share her drive to become part of the space program, but in different ways - one simply wants to be the worthy equal of a young man who is on the cusp of being chosen, while another has his hands full working a part-time job as a costumed mascot in addition to the demanding educational program. In volume 9, dark connections are drawn between the school's faculty and a terrible launch accident that claimed innocent lives. The tragic past of one of Asumi's staunchest supporters, a young man in a lion mask, is revealed; can he truly help Asumi achieve her destiny? "A compromise is always lying right in front of your dream. It's easier to get. Just to live, most people accept compromises, little by little, and before they know it, they're far away from their dreams... For a sapling to grow into a big tree, it needs to be watered every day. It'll be years before it bears fruit. Dreams are the same. You have to hold on or they'll never bloom large." Printed with right-to-left "unflipped" art, and suitable for readers of all ages, Twin Spica is an emotionally moving story about dealing with all the little things in daily life as well as coping with its greatest challenges and blows. Highly recommended.

The Lives of Sacco & Vanzetti
Rick Geary
NBM
40 Exchange Pl., Ste. 1308, New York, NY 10005
9781561636051, $15.99, www.nbmpublishing.com

In a time of rapidly changing ideas, anarchy was one least understood. "The Lives of Sacco & Vanzetti" traces the story of these accused murderers to try to capture their story and how they became the scapegoats of fear against socialism and anarchy. Rick Geary uses a graphic novel format to tell their story, and of the evidence in favor of the accused. "The Lives of Sacco & Vanzetti" does justice to this very important part of twentieth century history.

Joe Simon: My Life in Comics
Joe Simon
Titan Books
144 Southwark Street, London SE1 OUP, UK
9781845769307, $24.95, www.titanbooks.com

Joe Simon: My Life in Comics provides the official autobiography of a comic artist who has become one of the most influential people in comics history. He was half of the comics team of Simon and Kerby, helping create captain America and was the first editor at Marvel Comics, where he hired Stan Lee for his first job. His autobiography recounts not only his personal experiences in the industry, but the rise of the genre as a whole, detailing encounters with key figures along the way. Any collection strong in comic book history must have this.

Fighting American
Joe Simon & Jack Kirby
Titan Books
144 Southwark Street, London SE1 OUP, UK
9780857681157, $19.95, www.titanbooks.com

Fighting American is published with perfect timing as the new Captain America: The First Avenger film comes on the market, and comes from the team behind the original Captain America. This color graphics novel offers the complete adventures of the character plus a new introduction by co-creator Joe Simon, plus previously unpublished stories and covers. Any fan of Captain America will find this a winning, keepsake collection!


The Audiobook Shelf

The Prince
Niccolo Machiavelli, author
Nigel Carrington, narrator
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
9781843794592 $22.98 www.naxosaudiobooks.com

Smoothly narrated by actor and former BBC Radio Drama Company member Nigel Carrington, The Prince is a classic treatise of power and rulership originally penned in 1532. Author Niccolo Machiavelli lived in an era when Italy was under the control of rulers vying for power, and answering to the control of the Medici family; Machiavelli wrote a practical and realist-centric approach to governing well and holding on to monarchical power. The Prince advocates judicious, but not wanton use of both benevolent and ruthless means - including cruelty, trickery, or even state-sponsored terrorism - with the implicit assumption that the skilled use of such methods is preferable to the human suffering brought by rebellion, civil war, invasion, or incompetent rulership. The Prince has been such an influential compendium for the past five centuries that the author's last name has become synonymous with evil ("Machiavellian"), though such a condemnation may well be unfair given the war-prone era in which he lived. This audiobook rendition of The Prince is an invaluable classic, highly recommended especially for public library collections. 3 CDs, 3 hours 12 min.

Three Sisters
Anton Chekhov
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
9781580818223 $25.95 www.latw.org

Three Sisters is the full-cast audio CD rendition of Anton Chekhov's classic play, first performed in 1901. Expert actors and actresses bring this saga of three cultured sisters who grew up amid the excitement of Moscow, but were then forced to live in the rural backwater country of Russia. Their father's passing kindles a keen yearning for each of them to return to the city and the hustle of a fast-paced, exciting life. A superb and vivid production of a timeless parable of desire, Three Sisters is highly recommended. 2 CDs, 122 min.

Victory and Honor
W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV, authors
Scott Brick, narrator
Penguin Audio
c/o The Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
9781611760309 $39.95 http://us.penguingroup.com

The unabridged audiobook adaptation of one of W.E.B. Griffin's immensely popular "Honor Bound" series of World War II historical spy novels, Victory and Honor opens shortly after Hitler's suicide - which is only the beginning of new trials and tribulations for Cletus Frade and his associates in the OSS. Now they are at the crossroads, as the FBI seeks to appropriate OSS agents and assets, and the shadow of Joe Stalin threatens to spark a new world war. Frade's latest mission puts everyone's lives on the line, in this tautly written and expertly performed work of suspense. 8 CDs, 10 hours.

Only Time Will Tell
Jeffrey Archer, author
Roger Allam and Emelia Fox, narrators
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427211460 $39.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

The audiobook rendition of the first novel in "The Clifton Chronicles" series, Only Time Will Tell follows a resolute family across the span of generations and the breadth of oceans. Opening in the 1920's, Only Time Will Tell begins with Harry Clifton, a young man on the threshold of adulthood, who never knew his deceased father but has just learned that everything he knew about the man may no longer be what it seems. As the narrative continues to the outbreak of the Second World War, Harry must decide whether to go to Oxford or serve in the navy opposing Hitler's Germany. An extraordinary, sweeping saga, Only Time Will Tell is an excellent addition to audiobook fiction collections.

Luka and the Fire of Life
Salman Rushdie, author
Lyndam Gregory, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781440752315 $77.75 www.recordedbooks.com

The sequel to "Haroun and the Sea of Stories", Luka and the Fire of Life is the audiobook rendition of Salman Rushdie's novel following Haroun's young brother Luka, who is striving to save his father against all odds. Luka's father, the legendary storyteller, has fallen into a deep sleep; the only way to wake him puts Luka on a mystic journey to the Magic World to seize the eternally burning Fire of Life. Luka and his companions face one terrible trial after another, and cross the perilous land of the Badly Behaved Gods, all to reach the Fire that will decide their destinies. An extraordinary, fantastic adventure of love and tests of character, Luka and the Fire of Life is highly recommended. 7 CDs, 7 3/4 hours.

The Graduate
Adapted & originally directed by Terry Johnson
Based on the novel by Charles Webb
and the screenplay by Calder Willingham & Buck Henry
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
158081820X $25.95 www.latw.org

Based on the novel by Charles Webb and the screenplay by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry, The Graduate is a full-cast audiobook presentation of the Broadway stage adaptation of a classic. When a college graduate returns home with his diploma in hand, he flounders in search of a career and falls prey to the seductive Mrs. Robinson, wife of his father's business partner. But it is Mrs. Robinson's daughter that captures his heart, in this wry story of love, lust, and wrestling with difficult choices for one's future.

Out of Control
Mary Connealy, author
Sherri Berger, narrator
Oasis Audio
289 Main Place
Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781598599787 $29.99 www.oasisaudio.com

Out of Control is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of The Kincaid Brides Book 1, a Christian romance series set upon isolated land. Rafe Kincaid is accustomed to being in control of his family ranch, and his predictable routine is upset when he discovers a fossil-hunting woman trapped in the natural cavern on his land. He rescues her, and a relationship begins to blossom - but their love threatens to sow a rift between Rafe and his brothers. Will Rafe be forced to choose between family and love? Out of Control is a sweeping emotional story of learning to deal with complexities and emotions that are to great to be rigidly directed, and highly recommended. 8 CDs.

The Leftovers
Tom Perrotta, author
Dennis Boutsikaris, narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427213228 $39.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

The Leftovers is the audiobook adaptation of an electrifying novel by Tom Perrotta that asks, what if the Rapture - or perhaps something indescribably more sinister - whisked away people's loved ones all over the world? How would the survivors cope? In a traumatized land, one family struggles to pick the pieces in the wake of a disaster that claimed an unknowable number of lives. Mapleton's new mayor Kevin Garvey wants to lend his community a new sense of hope and purpose, but his own family is disintegrating - his wife has left to join a cult of members who take a vow of silence, his son has dropped out of college to follow a questionable prophet, and his moody daughter has her own troubles. A bonus interview with the author enhances this dramatic and enthralling story. Highly recommended. 8 CDs, 10 hours.

Demonic: How the Liberal Mob is Endangering America
Ann Coulter
Random House Audio Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780307878816, $37.00, www.randomhouseaudio.com

Demonic: How the Liberal Mob is Endangering America enjoys a vivid narration by author Ann Coulter who here argues that liberals exhibit the psychological characteristics of a mob. She cites mob psychology as a pattern in liberal behavior and reactions, cataloging the Left's mob behaviors and offering a history of the liberal mob psyche from the French Revolution to modern times. Any political or social issues collection needs this!

Becoming a Man of Unwavering Faith
Joel Osteen
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9781611138092, $24.98, www.hachetteaudio.com

Becoming a Man of Unwavering Faith is narrated by Dr. Paul Osteen, a physician and surgeon who for twelve years has provided leadership to all the pastoral ministries of Lakewood Church. His narration of late pastor John Osteen's title brings life and vivid feeling to this account of s sixty-year ministry in which John Osteen emphasized the power of faith in his life. Moments of intense struggle are precisely the moments faith should be at its strongest, he maintains. Any religious collection will want to include this inspirational account.


The Library DVD Shelf

The Flaw
Directed by David Sington
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
1594588708 $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

The Flaw is a sobering documentary about the roots of the recent economic crisis that has wracked America, and through a ripple effect, the world. The bursting of the housing bubble - which popped when subprime mortgage-backed securities collapsed - is of course scrutinized in fine detail. But an underlying and less-considered root of the problem is: what happens when the rich get richer, while the middle class and the poor stagnate? Since the 1970's American wages have, on average, barely kept pace with inflation, leading to an ever-increasing concentration of wealth among the very top percentile. But wealthy individuals don't fuel economic demand by buying goods - they only need to spend a small percentage of their income on food, shelter, and similar items (even if the goods they buy for this purpose are luxurious). The bulk of the income of the wealthiest members of society is spent on assets - items intended for resale such as real estate, stocks, or precious metals. Assets are resistant to the standard laws of supply and demand; unlike ordinary consumable items such as food or video games, when the price of an asset goes up, demand for it sharply increases (everyone wants to get in on the "hot" property and make money), and when the price of an asset goes down, demand for it sharply decreases (everyone wants to get out of the market immediately when there's blood in the water). Thus, increased concentration of wealth among a very few leads to greater volatility in asset-driven markets, while supply and demand-driven consumer markets enter a recession because the people who buy ordinary goods have less money to spend on them. No special economic background is needed to fully absorb the stark picture painted by The Flaw, a thoughtful and absolutely invaluable documentary worthy of the highest recommendation, that deserves to be on the DVD shelves of every public and college library in the nation. 82 minutes, SDH captions.

Truck Farm
Ian Cheney
Wicked Delicate Films
c/o Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
159458821X $250.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Truck Farm is an eye-opening documentary about modern-day urban farmers. With green roof technology and heirloom seeds, filmmaker Ian Cheney plants a vegetable garden in the back of his grandfather's old pickup truck! Riding the most unusual vehicle across New York, Cheney introduces viewers to some of the most unique and original urban farms, on a quest to learn whether New York might have the potential to feed itself. An amazing tour of positive efforts toward sustainability, Truck Farm is as fun to watch as it is educational and highly recommended. 48 min., SDH captions.

When China Met Africa
A film by Marc Francis and Nick Francis
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
1594588236 $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Licensed for public performance, When China Met Africa is an extraordinary, educational documentary about how modern globalization changing the future of the world's most populous nation and an entire continent. Following Mr. Liu and Mr. Li, two of thousands of Chinese entrepreneurs who have settled across Africa to create prosperous business enterprises, as well as the efforts of Zambia's trade minister to secure millions of dollars in Chinese investments, When China Met Africa is an extraordinary picture of how commerce and trade has the potential to positively influence people's lives. Highly recommended. 75 min. and 60 min. versions are present on one DVD, with SDH captions.

Lost Empires
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598285338 $49.99 www.acornonline.com

Based on J.B. Priestley's novel, Lost Empires is a British series on DVD starring Oscar winning actor Colin Firth (known for his work in "The King's Speech") in the role of Richard Herncastle. In order to see the world, Herncastle becomes part of a traveling stage act run by his uncle Nick. Enthralled by the female performers, Herncastle becomes absorbed in one love affair after another as the group performs across Britain. Nominated for six BAFTA awards, Lost Empires is a passionate and emotionally moving human drama set against the ominous threat of conflict about to tear apart Europe, highly recommended. 7 episodes on 3 DVDs, 410 min., SDH subtitles.

Changing Hearts
Questar, Inc.
307 North Michigan Ave., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60601
9781594646621 $19.95 www.questarentertainment.com

Based on the award-winning play "Colored Eggs" by Daniel Wright, is Changing Hearts is a movie starring Lauren Holly and Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway as two unlikely friends who support one another in the fight against cancer. Aiding each other with conundrums ranging from daily illness to disentangling their love lives, they share the priceless value of friendship despite having strikingly different personalities - one is an upbeat optimist, while the other is a glowering curmudgeon. Changing Hearts is an uplifting film and highly recommended especially for public library DVD collections. 96 min.

The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith
Bill Moyers
Athena
c/o Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598285970 $49.99 www.acornonline.com

As originally broadcast on PBS, The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith is a two-DVD, five-episode documentary examining evidence for Professor of Comparative Religion Huston Smith's claim that all religions are the same at their innermost core. Examining the connections between Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, The Wisdom of Faith is a fresh revisiting of Huston Smith's classic treatise "The World's Religions" (first published in 1958), offers an extraordinary level of insight. Award-winning broadcast journalist Bill Moyers hosts this uplifting, insightful, and educational documentary enhanced with a twelve-page viewer's guide. Highly recommended, especially for public library DVD documentary collections. 2 DVDs, 276 min., full screen, SDH subtitles.

Terry Pratchett's Going Postal
Jon Jones, director
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598286403 $39.99 DVD or Blu-ray www.acornonline.com

Available in both DVD and Blu-ray format, Terry Pratchett's Going Postal is the faithful, fabulous, live-action movie adaptation of a witty novel set in Terry Pratchett's wildly popular Discworld fantasy universe. Richard Coyle (known for his performance in "Lorna Doone") plays the Moist von Lipwig, a hustler's hustler who has (almost?) perfected the art of the con - until he is caught. The Machiavellian Patrician of Ankh-Morpork offers him a choice: turn around the city's dysfunctional post office, or die in a most messy or painful manner. Von Lipwig not only has to cope with the gaggle of misfits (at best) under his new employ, but also sort through mountains of undelivered letters, and devise a more efficient way for the postal system pay for itself - could tiny squares drawn by the amazing hand of a withdrawn master artist be of any help? Worse still, Von Lipwig has earned the ire of the ruthless "businessman" who has taken over the post office's primary competition (the "clacks", a burgeoning telegraph industry). It will take every last drop of guile, charm, and smooth-talking skill in Von Lipwig's body to not only resurrect the post office, but also defeat the "clacks" in a grand competition, and win the love of the frigid Adora Dearheart - a shrewd woman who shows more compassion to golems than to greedy, selfish, and stupid human beings (perhaps rightfully so). An extensive wealth of bonus features enhance this absolute "must-have" for fans of Pratchett's work, and will prove an immensely popular lend in public library DVD shelves! Highly recommended. 2 DVDs (or 1 Blu-ray disc), 185 min. plus 62 min. bonus, widescreen, SDH subtitles.

Down & Out
Mark Hatmaker
Paladin Press
7077 Winchester Circle
Boulder, CO 80301
$29.95 www.paladin-press.com

Mixed Martial Arts expert Mark Hatmaker presents Down & Out: MMA Grappling, Clinching, and Takedown Techniques from the Gym to the Cage, a DVD packed with invaluable information on how to successfully blend assorted elements of MMA into a personally customized training program. Demonstrating a 17-link drill set, with the option to insert alternative drills at any point, Hatmaker offers the foundation of a solid, practical training routine. An excellent supplement to martial arts DVD libraries, Down & Out is highly recommended. 56 min.

Bethenny's Skinnygirl Workout
Bethenny Frankel and Mike McArdle
Acacia
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
9781598286885 $16.99 www.acacialifestyle.com

Reality TV star Bethenny Frankel and professional yoga instructor Mike McArdle present Bethenny's Skinnygirl Workout, a fitness DVD featuring three easy-to-follow yoga workouts, each roughly fifteen minutes in length, that can be done independently or all at once. No expensive equipment other than a basic floor mat is required for these refreshing and toning yoga routines, suitable for practitioners of all skill, experience, and fitness levels. A 12-minute bonus stretching segment and a recipe booklet from "The Skinnygirl Dish" round out this user-friendly DVD that superbly complements any exercise library. 50 min. plus bonus, widescreen.

Train 2 Cheer
Instructors Stacey DelPreore, Allison Guarneiri, and Ryan Jackson
Train2beFit
c/o 411 Video Information
PO Box 1223
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$19.99 www.train2cheer.com www.411videoinfo.com

Train 2 Cheer: Strength and Conditioning is a fitness DVD program developed especially for cheerleaders and dancers. The primary focus is on improving cardio and muscular endurance, enabling more energetic cheerleading and dance performances. Exciting, upbeat music enhances this high-energy workout designed to get one's heart rate up as well as targeting muscles in the body. An excellent, high-intensity workout, Train 2 Cheer lives up to its title. The tracks are "Warmup: Battlefield", "Low Impact Cardio: True Believer", "High Intensity Cardio: I Believe", "Mixed Interval: Apologize", "Upper Body: Stay", "Extreme Cardio: Alone", "Explosive Reflex: Look At Me Now", "Jump Cardio: Everywhere", "Core: Champion", "Stretch & Flexibility: The Climb", and bonus track "Lower Body: Gotta Feeling". 60 min.

Anchor Bay Entertainment
2401 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 200
Troy, MI 48084-3304
www.anchorbayentertainment.com

Two excellent fitness kits from the "Element" series published by Anchor Bay each come with an instructional DVD and a useful piece of basic fitness equipment. "Hatha & Flow Yoga for Beginners" (67 min., $21.98) lives up to its title with two solid yoga workouts; one based on Hatha to promote flexibility and stress relief, one on Flow to improve strength and stamina. Experienced yoga teacher Tamal Dodge guides viewers through easy-to-follow poses, as well as the proper use of the included cotton yoga strap. "Total Body Pilates with Mini Ball" (54 min., $21.98) features a DVD of two Pilates workouts that employ the included lightweight mini-ball (it's an appropriate size to be held firmly between one's ankles, and easily inflated with the provided inflation straw). Certified Pilates instructor Lisa Hubbard guides the viewer through their choice of a time-efficient 20-minute workout and a more intense, muscle-toning 30-minute workout; both routines are excellent for improving core strength, flexibility, promoting overall health and fitness. Both fitness kits are inexpensive, user-friendly additions to any fitness library an excellent choice for anyone seeking to squeeze a solid workout into their busy schedule.

Dare to Cook Chocolate
"Chocolate Man" Bill Fredericks
Bennet Watt HD Productions, Inc.
13021 - 244 Avenue SE
Issaquah, WA 98027
$24.95 each www.Bennett-Watt.com

"Chocolate Man" Bill Fredericks hosts Dare to Cook Chocolate, a two-DVD set that explores the remarkable joy crafting chocolate candies by hand. "Basic Truffles" (9781604900637) walks viewers through techniques for dipping, molding, and creating ganaches for delicious, professional-quality truffles, and "Molding Techniques" (9781604900644) lives up to its title with a step-by-step walkthrough of molding and sealing gourmet-quality truffles. Dare to Cook Chocolate features hands-on demonstrations that viewers of all skill and experience levels can follow step by step, and deserves the highest recommendation as a supplement to prospective dessert chefs of all walks of life, from ordinary chocolate lovers to gourmet chefs.

Dare to Cook: Food Carving Artistry series
Chef Ray Duey, CEC
Bennet Watt HD Productions, Inc.
13021 - 244 Avenue SE
Issaquah, WA 98027
$24.95 each www.Bennett-Watt.com

The Dare to Cook: Food Carving Artistry DVD series is a hands-on, how-to guide to adding an exceptional level of visual beauty to one's culinary creations. Chef Ray Duey hosts all three of these informative volumes packed with tips, tricks, and techniques that food artists of all backgrounds will find invaluable, whether creating a simple, symmetrical layout or an elaborate carving. All three DVDs are simply beautiful to watch, and highly recommended for the enjoyment of gourmets and connoisseurs as well as amateur and professional food stylists. The series consists of "The Basics" (9781604900675), covering standard tools and how to handle them as well as vegetable and fruit creations like Banana Dolphin or Pear Porcupine; "Advanced Techniques" (9781604900682), with more in-depth instructions and sample creations such as Potato Roses and Japanese Watermelon Lantern; and "Ultimate Creations" (9781604900699) packed with nimble-fingered expertise in crafting beautiful items such as Papya Vase, Layered Turnip, and Reversed Watermelon. All three DVDs of this exceptional series are also available in Blu-Ray and a downloaded version!

Tandem Surfing: The Love Story
Directed and produced by Albert & Jayne Cloutier
World Class Productionz
$15.95 www.amazon.com

Tandem Surfing: The Love Story is an amazing documentary about the beautiful and demanding sport of tandem surfing featuring male-female couples. Professional tandem surfers demonstrate their extraordinary skills amid the waves, and vintage footage from California tandem surf legends Steve & Barrie Boehne round out this exceptional presentation. A treat for armchair travelers and sports fans, Tandem Surfing: The Love Story lives up to its title and is highly recommended. 46 min. 39 sec.


The Parenting Shelf

Blessings and Baby Steps
Ilana Grinblat
Behrman House
11 Edision Place, Springfield, NJ 07081
9780874418781, $14.95, www.behrmanhouse.com

One's faith is something that is often shared with a child. "Blessings and Baby Steps: The Spiritual Path of Parenthood" is a discussion of spirituality and parenthood from Rabbi Ilana Grinblat as she advises parents on keeping the spirituality of life when the turmoil of parenthood can wreak havoc on every phase of one's life. With practical parenting advice to go with the extra touch of spirit, "Blessings and Baby Steps" is a moving and wise read for every step of the process, from conception to watching them grow into independent beings.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

A Guide Book of United States Coins 2011: Professional Edition
R. S. Yeoman, et al.
Whitman Publishing
3103 Clairmont Road, Suite B
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
9780794831585, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Whitman Publishing is the premier producer of numismatist books for the dedicated collector. A standard reference and now in an updated second edition, "A Guide Book of United States Coins 2011: Professional Edition" is a spiral bound, profusely illustrated, 348-page compendium on all federal coinage issues from 1793 down to the present day. Of special note is the introductory information on how to use this informed and informative reference work and sage advice/instruction on investing in rare coins. With the inclusion of reliable valuations for dealers and collectors, "A Guide Book of United States Coins 2011: Professional Edition" is an essential and strongly recommended acquisition for personal, professional, and community library Antiques/Collectibles collections in general, and U.S. coin collectors in particular.


The Psychology Shelf

Musical Cognition
Henkjan Honing
Transaction
300 McGaw Drive, Edison, NJ 08837
141284228X, $34.95, www.transactionpub.com

What distinguishes music from a meaningless jumble of sound? "Musical Cognition: A Science of Listening" discussing the psychology of music and how our cognitive nature plays into what music means to us as a people and why we are drawn to certain types of music. Stating that music may be a subconscious game that we play with listening and how the many elements can play into this theory. An intriguing study of consciousness and the things that we listen to every day of our lives, "Musical Cognition" is a fascinating read, an excellent addition to music or psychology community and college library collections.

Ordeal Therapy
Jay Haley
Crown House Publishing
6 Trowbridge Drive, Ste. 5, Bethel, CT 06801
9781935810056, $34.95, www.crownhousepublishing.com

The challenge of life does well in empowering people to find their way through their lives. "Ordeal Therapy: Unusual Ways to Change Behavior" is a reprinting of the psychotherapy classic from Jay Haley, a late professor of psychology. His wisdom as presented in this book offers a different way of empowering people to face their challenges in life. "Ordeal Therapy" is filled with simple yet wise wisdom for any psychotherapist or non-specialist general reader to strongly consider, highly recommended.

Billing And Collecting For Your Mental Health Practice
Jeffrey E. Barnett & Steven Walfish
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.apa.org/books
9781433810176, $39.95, www.amazon.com

Ordinarily, a review of "Billing And Collecting For Your Mental Health Practice" by would be found in our book review column "The Business Shelf". But it is here in "The Psychology Shelf" because academic training and certification programs in psychology and psychiatry focus on psychology and psychiatry -- not business. So graduates entering this professional field are often woefully ill informed about the nuts and bolts of how the business aspects of their practice must operate if they are to be financially successful in their chosen careers. That's why "Billing And Collecting For Your Mental Health Practice", the collaborative and impressive work of licensed clinical psychologists Jeffrey E. Barnett and Steven Walfish is so important. This 144-page compendium of practical advice on the ethics, legal ramifications, and strategies for billing and collecting for professional services. Drawing upon their many years of 'real world' experience, the authors of provide a thorough and user friendly instruction manual (including sample forms, an extensive bibliography, and a comprehensive index) that should be considered mandatory reading for anyone seeking to make a professional and financially successful career in the practice of psychology and psychiatry.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Awake in the World
Michael Stone
Shambhala Publications
300 Horticultural Hall, Boston MA 02115
9781590308141, $17.95, www.shambhala.com

AWAKE IN THE WORLD: TEACHINGS FROM YOGA AND BUDDHISM FOR LIVING AN ENGAGED LIFE teaches how to live a balanced life in unbalanced times, and how meditation and yoga can support our daily lives. It comes from a teacher and psychotherapist who presents the basics of yoga, emphasizing the teachings of simplicity and connecting life. The spiritual heart of yoga and Buddhist practice encourages world awareness - and this book also encourages getting involved in communities and using trainings to support life-affirming goals.

Confessions of a Tarot Reader
Jane Stern
Skirt!
c/o The Globe Pequot Press
246 Goose Lane, Suite 200
Guilford, CT 06437
9781599219936, $22.95, www.globepequot.com

Confessions of a Tarot Reader: Practical Advice from This Realm and Beyond comes from a fourth generation tarot reader who has read cards professionally for over forty years, and who uses the twenty-two major arcane cards to impart the basics. Advice for all kinds of life scenarios are presented in a guide that draws connections between tarot and the unseen world, providing chapters that discuss literal and figurative translations of the cards. Any interested in tarot will find this a clear presentation of the cards and their basic interpretations.

Barbarian Rites
Hans-Peter Hasenfratz
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781594774218, $16.95, www.amazon.com

The pre-Christian Germanic tribes of Western Europe had their own pantheon of gods, spirits, sacred places, rites and rituals. In "Barbarian Rites: The Spiritual World of the Vikings and the Germanic Tribes", Hans-Peter Hasenfratz (Professor Emeritus of the History of Religion, Ruhr University, Bochum Germany) draws upon his many years of academic studies and research to produce a 176-page historical treatise chronicling Teutonic pagan traditions with respect to mythology, spirituality, and occult beliefs. Of special note is the chapter devoted to Germanic 'magic'. Enhanced with the inclusion of copious notations, an extensive bibliography, and a useful index, "Barbarian Rites" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' and a highly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library Folklore and European History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Political Science Shelf

The Podium, The Pulpit, And The Republicans
Frederick Stecker
Praeger Publishers
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
Gulotta Communications (publicity)
341 Lexington Street, Newton, MA 02466
www.abc-clio.com
9780313382505, $44.95, www.amazon.com

Despite the concept of a separation between church and state, religion continues to be an integral aspect of American politics whether referenced as a 'moral majority' or a 'tea party movement'. Christian evangelical identification has been (and continues to be) a particular staple within the Republican party. That's why "The Podium, the Pulpit, and the Republicans: How Presidential Candidates Use Religious Language in American Political Debate" by Episcopal minister Frederick Stecker is so timely and such a valued contribution to the growing body of literature concerning the impact and influence of religion upon American politics, politicians, and political movements. This 275-page compendium has an especial focus on politicians competing for their party's presidential nomination for the presidency -- and then in the general election campaigning. "The Podium, The Pulpit, And The Republicans" covers the rise and influence of the new 'Religious Right', the use of fear arising from religious issues (anti-gay, anti-abortion, anti-Muslim, etc), and the party conventions. Of special note is the chapter on the 2008 presidential debates and the presidential election. Enhanced with extensive notes, a bibliography, and an index, "The Podium, The Pulpit, And The Republicans" is informed, informative, thoughtful, thought-provoking, and directly relevant to today's national presidential politics, making it a highly recommended addition for academic and community library reference collections, as well as supplemental reading lists for American Political Science curriculums.

The Congressional Budget Office
Philip G. Joyce
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
9781589017573, $29.95, www.press.georgetown.edu

The national budget has entered hard into the current political debate. "The Congressional Budget Office: Honest Numbers, Power, and Policymaking" discusses the role of the U. S. Congressional Budget Office and its role in National Policymaking since 1974. The CBO, as it's termed, has strived to become a non-partisan office, something that has been highly difficult to maintain in recent years. "The Congressional Budget Office" is a detailed history of this important and vital institution in this chaotic financial time, highly recommended.

Church, State, and the Crisis in American Secularism
Bruce Ledewitz
Indiana University Press
601 North Morton Street
Bloomington, IN 47404-3797
9780253356345, $29.95, www.iupress.indiana.edu

The state's stance at religion can be described as schizophrenic at best. "Church, State, and the Crisis in American Secularism" discusses the separation of church and state in today's society. While there is a prevalence of a majority Christian population, mottos and strong reverence for Christian ideals, at the same time secularization may be fighting some things a bit too hard. Author Bruce Ledewitz advocates a more balanced approach to religion in America, one that seeks to honor the religious pluralism that truly stands behind freedom of religion. "Church, State, and the Crisis in American Secularism" is a fascinating and scholarly read, highly recommended.

Saving the Bill of Rights
Frank Miniter
Regnery Publishing, Inc.
One Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
9781596981508 $27.95 www.regnery.com

Radio and television commentator Frank Miniter presents Saving the Bill of Rights: Exposing the Left's Campaign to Destroy American Exceptionalism, a conservative call-to-arms against efforts to erode the rights protected by the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Chapters defend waterboarding as "obviously not torture"; decry efforts to use "separation of church and state" to force Christianity out of the public eye; attack net neutrality on the claim that legally requiring internet service providers to give their customers equal access to all websites would harm free speech; warn that property rights protected by the fifth amendment are under attack from governmental avarice (a.k.a. "eminent domain"); and much more. "Here in America, the concept of a 'living Constitution' would take the Constitution out of the hands of the people and allow the government to do whatever it wants, regardless of what the Constitution says. Such things may happen in China and Zimbabwe, but America is attractive to immigrants and has created wealth because it has a stable, just democracy tethered to a Constitution that says what it means and means what it says." An impassioned, sharply worded account, Saving the Bill of Rights is a wake-up call of warnings that deserve careful scrutiny regardless of the reader's personal political leanings.

The Terrorist Next Door
Erick Stakelbeck
Regnery Publishing Inc.
One Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
9781596981522, $27.95, www.regnery.com

THE TERRORIST NEXT DOOR: HOW THE GOVERNMENT IS DECEIVING YOU ABOUT THE ISLAMIST THREAT provides fine survey on the threat of terrorism in America, which the government maintains has been largely eliminated. THE TERRORIST NEXT DOOR comes from an investigative reporter who exposes the truth about the enormous terrorist threat growing right under our noses in this country - and it provides chapters that offer close inspection of mosques in America, plots for Islamic domination in this country, and how jihadist training camps are springing up throughout rural America. Any concerned about terrorism will find this an eye-opening guide!


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Challenging and Emerging Conditions in Emergency Medicine
Arvind Vankat, editor
Wiley-Blackwell
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
9780470655009, $84.95, www.wiley.com

When every second matters, bureaucracy needs to be shoved aside. "Challenging and Emerging Conditions in Emergency Medicine" discusses the important issues that emerge in serious issues that have life and death connotations on the line for it all. As the population ages, and new techniques emerge in medical science, and conditions lead to multiple emergency treatments as people live with heart disease, obesity, and other long term conditions. Discussing evaluation and diagnosis with essays from many long term emergency physicians and more, "Challenging and Emerging Conditions in Emergency Medicine" is a vital discussion of this very important aspect of modern medicine and the high complexity in this incredibly vital situations.

The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder
Stephanie Marohn
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781571746566, $16.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

Bipolar disorder can be controlled, but it can prove quite difficult. "The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder" is a guide to living with bipolar disorder. Stephanie Marohn encourages readers to learn what triggers episodes and how to learn to avoid them, gain a balance of mind and avoiding situations that would escalate one into a situation. "The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder" is a thoughtful read, and a great gift to anyone who has been recently diagnosed or is searching for new ways to combat it.

Addiction Essentials
Carlton K. Erickson
W. W. Norton
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393706154, $19.95, www.wwnorton.com

Fighting addiction is the first step in finding health and happiness for many people. "Addiction Essentials: The Go-To Guide for Clinicians and Patients" discusses the first steps to battle addiction, a process that needs the help of doctors, patients, and their families. Discussing the many addictions, focusing primarily on drugs both narcotic and prescription, "Addiction Essentials" is a fine assortment that should be considered for anyone fighting their own addictions or seeking to be a bastion of support in another's fight.

Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis
Jeffrey N. Gingold
Demos Health
11 W. 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036
9781936303205, $19.95, www.demoshealth.com

When the mind is under fire, people are at their most vulnerable. "Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis" is a study from Jeffrey N. Gingold, who presents an updated study on the cognitive difficulties that come with multiple sclerosis. An updated second edition, he discusses many principles and challenges that surround those with such ailments. "Facing with Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis" is a scholarly and powerful read that presents the very human face of the disease, how it can be fought, and ultimately finding something of a cure.

Primal Body, Primal Mind
Nora T. Gedgaudas
Healing Arts Press
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781594774133, $19.95, www.amazon.com

"Primal Body, Primal Mind: Beyond the Paleo Diet for Total Health and a Longer Life" by certified nutritional therapist Nora T. Gedgaudas is a 416-page compendium that examines what we know about the diets and health of our Paleolithic hunter-gatherer ancestors before the advent of agriculture. Applying recent scientific discoveries, "Primal Body, Primal Mind" reveals how the coming of agriculture resulted in a marked decline in stature, bone density, dental health, with a corresponding rise in birth defects, malnutrition, and disease directly related to an agriculturally-based life style. Informed and informative, and occasionally iconoclastic, "Primal Body, Primal Mind" is particularly noteworthy for Nora Gedgaudas' recommendations with respect to our modern diets and 'real world' strategies to nutrition-based diets combined with exercise to provide a roster of benefits ranging from stress reduction, to improved sleep, to an enhanced immune system, to saving money on groceries, to extending our life expectancies. Enhanced with eight appendices (including an impressive bibliography) and a comprehensive index, "Primal Body, Primal Mind" is an enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library Health & Nutrition instructional reference collections.


The Civil War Shelf

A Little Short of Boats, revised edition
James A. Morgan, III
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
9781611210668 $29.95 www.savasbeatie.com

Military historian James A. Morgan III presents A Little Short of Boats: The Battles of Ball's Bluff & Edwards Ferry, October 22-22, 1861, now in a newly revised and expanded hardcover edition. A Little Short of Boats tells the true story of a tremendous disaster that befell four federal regiments at Ball's Bluff and Edwards Ferry. The Northern troops were caught on largely open ground, poorly organized, and with their backs to the river as the Southern infantry attacked; after twelve hours of fighting the North suffered one of its greatest defeats in the war, and sitting United States senator Col. Edward D. Baker (one of Abraham Lincoln's good friends) was killed. A Little Short of Boats examines the entire military engagement in meticulous, heavily researched detail, and is an excellent addition to Civil War military history shelves and college library collections.

Stuart's Tarheels
Chris J. Hartley
McFarland
PO Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
9780786463640, $55.00, www.mcfarlandpub.com

Through the American Civil War, the Calvary charge was something very much to be feared. "Stuart's Tarheels: James B. Gordon and His North Carolina Cavalry in the Civil War, second edition" speaks of the cavalry of Brigadier General James Byron Gordon. A landowner, politician, and businessman, he rose through the ranks of the confederacy and become a legend of the fight in himself, but was not without controversy. A comprehensive and scholarly coverage of his life and career, "Stuart's Tarheels" is a core addition to any community or college American Civil War history collection, enthusiastically recommended.

The Perfect Lion
Jerry H. Maxwell
The University of Alabama Press
PO Box 870380
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0380
9780817317355 $49.95 www.uapress.ua.edu

The Perfect Lion: The Life and Death of Confederate Artillerist John Pelham is the biography of Civil War soldier and artillery commander John Pelham, also known as "Gallant Pelham". An Alabama native, Pelham was a dashing young blond, blue-eyed man. known for his expertise in his chosen field as well as his charm with the ladies. He was killed in action at the battle of Kelly's Ford at age twenty-four, prompting three women of his acquaintance to go into mourning. The Perfect Lion examines Pelham's life, death, and popularity in detail, and is a welcome addition to Civil War biography shelves.


The Genealogy Shelf

Richmond, Virginia Lost Souls
Nancy C. Frantel
Heritage Books
100 Railroad Ave, Suite 104
Westminster, Maryland 21157-4826
9780788453304 $20.00 www.heritagebooks.com

Richmond, Virginia Lost Souls: Restored African-American Interments as Listed in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery Register, 1875-1908 is a genealogical reference that casts a disturbing shadow on recent American history. Author Nancy C. Frantel originally sought to create a basic internment register concerning the cemetery of Mt. Olivet, where African-Americans were buried; her work revealed shocking amount of cases in which graves were reopened for multiple burials, with few clues as to who or how many individuals were laid to rest in which plots. Richmond, Virginia Lost Souls lists as much information as could be gathered from the register: full name, date interred, age, marital status, gender, cause of death, partial gravesite location and side remarks. An introduction by the author and an appendix transcribing a speech from the mayor of Manchester in 1878 round out this sober and invaluable contribution to American genealogy shelves.


The Architecture Shelf

Media-ICT
Encri Ruiz-Geli
Actar D
c/o ActarBirkhauser Distribution
151 Grand Street, 5th floor
New York, NY 10013
9788492861026 $54.95 www.actar-d.com

Media-ICT is a technical, in-depth spotlight on the Media-ICT building recently constructed in Barcelona as a practical, energy-efficient center of high standards to promote not only a solidly serviceable headquarters for numerous institutions, but also a high level of sustainable living. A trailblazer for more environmentally friendly and economically productive future construction projects, the Media-ICT building offers a wealth on invaluable lessons in architecture. This book includes numerous essays from individuals involved in or who have studies the Media-ICT building; meticulously detailed architectural design and technical specifications; and a wealth of full-color photographs visible on almost every page. A superb source of inspiration and practical ideas for modern architects, especially in a world where energy costs and environmental concerns are continually escalating, Media-ICT is highly recommended for college library and professional architectural studies shelves, and comes with a bonus 130-minute DVD (region 0, compatible with DVD players worldwide) with English subtitles.


The Library Science Shelf

Zotero
Jason Puckett
ACRL
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
9780838985892, $36.00, www.ala.org

New technology can make your job easier, but only if you can understand it. "Zotero: A Guide for Librarians, Researchers and Educators" is a guide to the Zotero tool for bibliography management. An open source project, the Zotero project contains much of what librarians need to do to keep on top of a business that all too easily gets out of hand due to sheer volume. A perfect introductory for the librarian hoping to use the program, "Zotero" is a resource that shouldn't be overlooked.

Libraries and Society
David Baker & Wendy Evans
Chandos Publishing
c/o Neal Schuman
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781843341314, $80.00, www.chandospublishing.com

With the rise of the internet and the information age, the place of the library in changes. "Libraries and Society: Role, Responsibility, and Future in an Age of Change" discusses the role of the library in a time where books aren't as valuable as they once were. From changing reading habits for youths, changing research habits, and much more. The librarian too, has changed, from mere tender of books to active player of education. Compiled by experts of libraries and their use in professional librarian David Baker and Head of Library at the University Colleges of Plymouth, St. Mark, and St. John Wendy Evans. "Libraries and Society" has plenty of sage wisdom and makes for a very much recommended read.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper, seventh edition
Robert A. Day & Barbara Gastel
ABC-CLIO
130 Cremona Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9780313931972, $29.95, www.abc-clio.com

You may have the best science, but there are hoops to jump through to get your work known. "How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper" follows Robert A. Day & Barbara Gastel as they walks readers through the ins and outs of scientific paper publishing. A crucial step in a scientific career, Day & Gastel offer much wisdom in cutting through the red tape to avoid missteps, ethics, presenting your work, and the accepted scientific writing style. "How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper" is a strongly recommended addition to any novice and aspiring person of science's personal library collection.


The Islamic Studies Shelf

Velvet Jihad
Faegheh Shirazi
University Press of Florida
15 Northwest Street, Gainesville, FL 32611-2079
9780813037301, $29.95, www.upf.com

Discontent can stand strong, even when it isn't vocal. "Velvet Jihad: Muslim Women's Quiet Resistance to Islamic Fundamentalism" analyzes how Muslim women have been fighting in their own way against the wave of Islamic fundamentalism that has taken strongly in much of the Arabic World. She states that women battle their own oppression strongly and for quite some time, and that their struggles are not to be ignored. "Velvet Jihad" is an intriguing dual study of women's and Islamic studies, highly recommended.

On the Other: A Muslim View
Rusmir Mahmutcehajic
Fordham University Press
University Box L, 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx
New York, NY 10458
9780823231119, $45.00, www.fordhampress.com

Islam is on the rise throughout Europe. "On the Other: A Muslim View" discusses Islam in modern Europe. Examining the Qur'an's views on people of other faith, how it is practiced in the modern world, and its place in today's religious debate. Stating that its bigotry and racism towards Judaism and other faiths is grossly exaggerated, he argues against the reactionary politics in it all, and presents solid study and evidence backing up his position. "On the Other" is a strongly recommended read for any community and college library Islamic studies and social issues collections.


The Biography Shelf

My Work is That of Conservation
Mark D. Hersey
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive
Athens, GA, 30602-4901
9780820338705 $24.95 www.ugapress.org

My Work is That of Conservation: An Environmental Biography of George Washington Carver is an in-depth study of the oft-misunderstood African-American scientist and environmentalist, who dedicated his life to improving the lot of impoverished farmers in the Black Belt, among others. Covering the life of Carver (1864-1943) from his Missouri and Kansas childhood to his education at Iowa Agricultural College, to his dismay at how poor conservation methods had stripped the soil of its ability to yield. The institutionalized racism of the era was yet another barrier Carter had to deal with in his mission to help his fellow human beings become better stewards of the earth; his work would force him to reconsider his own view of scientific agriculture even as his strived to teach a more balanced and long-term view to others. My Work is That of Conservation is a quintessential addition to college and public library American biography collections, and worthy of the highest recommendation.

Shooting from the Lip
Donald Loren Hardy
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780806142111 $26.95 www.oupress.com

Shooting from the Lip: The Life of Senator Al Simpson is a biography that draws directly from the extensive, nineteen-volume journal that Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming elected to keep shortly before he was elected to the post of majority whip. Colorful anecdotes and testimony of those who knew the senator best supports this excellent reconstruction of a strong-willed leader. Al Simpson himself gave Donald Loren Hardy full editorial control and a mandate to tell the complete, unvarnished truth. Shooting from the Lip especially scrutinizes Simpson's role in critical events such as the Iran-Contra scandal. Al Simpson's charisma, expertise, and talent for using humor as well as reason to drive home a point distinguish his political career. Shooting from the Lip is an excellent and engaging true story and a welcome addition to college and public library political biography shelves.

Dennis Brain
Stephen Gamble & William Lynch
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336
Denton, TX 76203-5017
9781574413076, $29.95, www.unt.edu

When you find your calling, you can do great things with it. "Dennis Brain: A Life in Music" tells the life story of Dennis Brain. Born in 1921, in his short four decades of life he served in the military and was quite known for revolutionizing the horn in ways not before seen. Stephen Gamble and William Lynch write of his work and his time in the National Symphony Orchestra. "Dennis Brain: A Life in Music" is a strongly recommended pick for any biographical and music collection, highly recommended.

The Real Luther
Franz Posset
Concordia Publishing House
3558 South Jefferson Ave
St. Louis, MO 63118-3968
9780758626851, $39.99, www.cph.org

Martin Luther is known for pinning his grievances with the Catholic church to a door, but what else is behind the man? "The Real Luther: A Friar at Erfurt & Wittenberg" seeks to explain this Catholic turned into father of the Reformation. A man who turned to religion later in life, his story is one of an outsider coming in, immersing themselves in faith, and seeing the corruption within. "The Real Luther" is an intriguing study of perhaps one of the most important friars in history.


The Social Issues Shelf

Hate Crimes and Ethnoviolence
Howard J. Ehrlich
Westview Press
2465 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301
9780813344454, $27.00, www.westviewpress.com

Hate Crimes and Ethnoviolence: The History, Current Affairs and Future of Discrimination in America provides essays by Howard J. Ehrlich, who conducted the first national surveys on ethnoviolence and helped design the protocol for identifying hate crimes. His personal research and expertise lends to discussions that offer historical and social insights into ethnoviolence and prejudices and how prejudice translates to violence, offering discussions essential to any college-level social issues course covering violence and prejudice trends.

Always On
Brian X. Chen
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge MA 02142
9780306819605, $25.00, www.dacapopress.com

ALWAYS ON: HOW THE IPHONE UNLOCKED THE ANYTHING-ANYTIME-ANYWHERE FUTURE - AND LOCKED US IN explores the impact of iPhones on our daily lives - and asks if the smartphone will prove a detriment, long-term, to human society. Chapters examine how technology will influence our lives by keeping us more closely connected to the world, and chapters explore the Apple, specifically, as a powerful company controlling its products and users through a virtual business model. Business and social issues collections alike will find this an important survey.

National Security, Civil Liberties, and the War on Terror
M. Katherine B. Darmer and Richard D. Fybel, Editors
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781616143961, $21.00, www.prometheusbooks.com

National Security, Civil Liberties, and the War on Terror provides a fine survey of the various issues surrounding legitimate national security concerns and personal civil liberties, considering what limits should be placed on interrogating suspected terrorists and what rights apply to prisoners in such situations. Political and social issues are considered in a collection of recent articles and legal commentary that provides a balanced perspective and overview in a collection recommended for any college-level collection strong in terrorism studies.

Homeland Security
Giorgio Franceschetti & Marina Grossi
Artech House
685 Canton Street, Norwood, MA 02062
9781608071067, $89.00, www.artechhouse.com

The balance of liberty and security is one that will be stressing thinkers for many decades to come. "Homeland Security: Threats, Countermeasures, and Privacy Issues" discusses this debate by presenting a breakdown of the topics at hand. Within, full chapters are dedicated to the importance of privacy issues, health crises, tracking dangerous materials, and to what extent urban surveillance should truly go. Many security thinkers come together in this compilation and discussion, broken down into the many serious issues of international security, including the blurry line that lies between the role of the police and the role of the military. "Homeland Security" is a very much recommended volume for any international issues collection, not to be missed.

Child Welfare, second edition
Kathleen Kufeldt & Brad McKenzie
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554583300, $54.95, www.wlupress.wlu,ca

To leave a child without aid is cruel. "Child Welfare: Connecting Research, Policy, and Practice" is the second edition that discusses children who are involved in Child welfare services and their families who are in need. Written by professors of sociology and social work in New Brunswick and Manitoba in Kathleen Kufeldt & Brad McKenzie, the target subject matter is Canada, but many of the principles apply well in international discussions of child welfare. Included in the second edition are concerns of Indigenous children in Canada, and what has been done to help families in greater need. "Child Welfare" is a must for any collection discussing Canada's social welfare programs in the present and their future.

On Rabbits, Morality, Etc.
Walter Murdoch
International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave., Suite 300
Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781742582757, $29.95, www.isbs.com

Thought is our way of filtering through life's questions and challenges. "On Rabbits, Morality, Etc" is a collection of essays from Walter Murdoch as he speaks clearly and frankly of life and its many challenges. Encouraging greater social discourse of life and providing many ideas, the Professor of English at the University of Western Australia provides a profound and thoughtful read that shouldn't be missed. For social issues collections and collections of essays, "On Rabbits, Morality, Etc." is a core addition.


The Law/Justice Shelf

The People's Lawyer
Albert Ruben
Monthly Review Press
146 W 29th St, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583672372, $17.95, www.monthlyreview.org

The Constitution can prove to be quite a nuisance, so there are those who would simply ignore it. "The People's Lawyer: The Center for Constitutional Rights and the Fight for Social Justice, From Civil Rights to Guantanamo" focuses on the progressive organization and how they have been faced off against the Justice Department and White House in regards to the abuses of the government towards its prisoners. Albert Ruben states this uphill struggle is a battle must be fought as a reminder that there are no situations where the document's provisions for due process and civil rights are to be ignored. "The People's Lawyer" is an important read about how there are still those who would fight for the bill of rights.


The Dance Shelf

Dance Medicine
Judith R. Peterson
Princeton Book Company
514 Route 130, Highstown, NJ 08520
9780871273536, $29.95, www.dancehorizons.com

Dancing can turn more sour than you know. "Dance Medicine: Head to Toe" is a guide to keeping health through dancing while avoiding the injuries that unknowingly may come with it. Muscle health, bone health, sores, and much more, Judith R. Peterson gives advice that can keep one dancing for a long time to come. "Dance Medicine" is a strongly recommended pick for any dancer who doesn't want to be one wrong move away from an injury.


The Military Shelf

In a Strange Land
Alexander Barnes
Schiffer Military History
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764337611, $79.99, www.schifferbooks.com

Ensuring peace can often be a difficult and arduous process. "In a Strange Land: The American Occupation of Germany - 1918-1923" traces the American occupation of Germany after World War I. World War I served as America's first foray into the conflicts of Europe, and this proved to be a culture shock of sorts for many American soldiers who would later take the knowledge they gained to become famed leaders in World War II. Chapters present a comprehensive coverage of the period with heavy usage of photographs covering the men, the machines, the architecture of the period. Additionally, many scans of historical documents add in to combine a vivid picture of the occupation through the eyes of the soldier and the German people. "In a Strange Land" is a fine read that should very much be considered for coffee table books selections or American military history collections.

Sun Tzu at Gettysberg
Bevin Alexander
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393078138, $26.95, www.wwnorton.com

Military historian Bevin Alexander considers how the Chinese sage Sun Tzu's THE ART OF WAR has influenced Eastern warfare for over two thousand years - but didn't become widely known in the West until the 1970s when guerrilla forces in Vietnam used sun Tzu's axioms to defeat entire armies. This considers how Sun Tzu's maxims created effective military scenarios, considering different decisive operations in modern times from 1777 to the Korean War. The pairing of military history with Sun Tzu's approach makes this a powerful pick for any military collection.

Osprey Publishing
4402 - 23rd Street, Suite 219
Long Island City, NY 11101-5058
www.ospreypublishing.com

Angus Konstam's YANGTZE RIVER GUNBOATS 1900-49 (9781849084086, $17.95) provides a fine survey of early gunboats that protected traders and missionaries from the end of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th. It was a wild time in China as warlords fought small wars to increase their powers: this covers gunboats of all the major nations that stationed naval forces in China during the times and provides color drawings and vintage black and white photos to capture the boats in action. Any China or military history library will find this specific and informative. Military history holdings will also appreciate Gordon Williamson's E-BOAT VS. MTB: THE ENGLISH CHANNEL 1941-45 (9781849084062, $17.95), a fine survey of the German E-Boat and their conflicts with the U-Boat Allies. German and British skirmishes using either boat are covered in chapters packed with vintage black and white photos and illustrations to capture a fine history of the two military vessels.


The Library CD Shelf

Further Definitions of the Days of Awe
The Afro-Semitic Experience
With cantors Jack Mendelson, Erik Contzius, Lisa Arbisser, & Daniel Mendelson
Reckless DC Music
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$13.07 www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Old-school cantor group The Afro-Semitic Experience lives up to their name in their new album, Further Definitions of the Days of Awe, a celebration of cantorial music highlighted with elements of jazz, Latin, Afrobeat and soul. An exciting, cathartic intermingling of rhythms and cultures, Further Definitions of the Days of Awe is spiritual music that calls the heart to dance, and express joy in life and love. Faith, worship, and zeal make Further Definitions of the Days of Awe and unforgettable listening experience that invigorates the soul. Highly recommended.

Grannen
Frigg
Privately Published
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$TBA www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Grannen is an album of by the band Frigg that dares to defy modern stereotypes of Finnish music as slow-paced, moody and melancholy. Tapping into the spirit of upbeat Finish songs from before World War II, Grannen is a music CD of the joy and merriment to be found amid Nordic traditions. Energetic and creative throughout, Grannen is a welcome contribution to international music CD collections. The tracks are "Potatisvals" (2:05), "Rajrajraj" (3:23), "Maple Cake Farm" (4:34), "Verna" (3:54), "Grannen" (5:24), "Bussen" (4:05), "Amurin Tiikeri" (4:49), "Patana Sunset / Holokyn Kolokyn" (7:43), and "Jepuan Marssi" (3:55).


The Music Shelf

Beyond and Before
Paul Hegarty & Martin Halliwell
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
9780826423320, $24.95, www.continuumbooks.com

To forge toward something greater is the idea behind the term progressive, and progressive rock has taken that definition and ran with it. "Beyond and Before: Progressive Rock Since the 1960s" follows the history of progressive music and its roots. Blending the emerging genre of rock and roll with its parental concepts, Paul Hegarty & Martin Halliwell do well in breaking down these roots and how it keeps marching forward, even as modern groups like Radiohead and the Mars Volta dare to push out something different than standard popular music fare. "Beyond and Before" is a fine study on the advancement of music, highly recommended.

Lindsay's Elements of Flute-Playing
Thomas Lindsay
Pendragon Press
PO Box 190
Hillsdale, NY 12529
9781576471814, $48.00, www.pendragonpress.com

The flute is a more versatile instrument than many let on. "Lindsay's Elements of Flute-Playing: A Study in Performance Practice" is a reprinting of Thomas Lindsay's written works on the flute in the early nineteenth century. A historical reproduction, Richard Wilson offers a contemporary commentary on the work, its lessons for flutists, and what has evolved in the nearly two hundred years since. For anyone with a strong interest in the history of music and the flute in particular, "Lindsay's Elements of Flute-Playing" proves an excellent historical reference, highly recommended for community library musical history collections.

Def Leppard
Photos by Ross Halfin
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
9780811879309, $35.00, www.chroniclebooks.com

DEFF LEPPARD: THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL HISTORY offers stunning insider photos by Ross Halfin to accompany a visual history of the rock group's travels, concerts, and impact. Notes on how the photos speak to the viewer and how they were created accompany full page color images capturing Def Leppard's most notable experiences.

The Chitlin' Circuit and the Road to Rock 'n Roll
Preston Lauterbach
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393076523, $26.95, www.wwnorton.com

The Chitlin' Circuit and the Road to Rock n Roll provides a fine history of the network of black nightclubs that created rock and roll. For generations the 'chitlin circuit' meant second-tier performers in raucous nightspots away from big cities. Music journalist Preston Lauterbach here provides an in-depth survey of the real roots of rock n roll: in black nightclubs across America. His is a chronicle that fills in details and is a 'must' for any serious rock music history holding.

Along the Cherry Lane
Milton Okum as told to Richard Sparks
Hal Leonard
P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213
9781423499497, $24.99, www.halleonard.com

Along the Cherry Lane: Tales from the Life of Music Industry Legend Milton Okun tells of a producer, conductor and arranger who worked with such greats as Harry Belafonte, Petr Paul and Mary, and more. He founded Cherry Lane Music, published Elvis, and achieved success in many different music-related fields - yet spent his life as a music teacher in New York City public schools. ALONG THE CHERRY LANE is the first account of his life and achievements and is a 'must' for any music history collection.

Backbeat Books
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201, NY, NY 10010
www.backbeatbooks.com

Robert Shelton's classic NO DIRECTION HOME: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF BOB DYLAN (9781617130120, $35.00) restores major parts of the original, previously unpublished manuscript by Robert Shelton, pairing it with updated footnotes and a chronology of Dylan's life and career. The result elevates an already-powerful survey written by a friend of Dylan whose work remains the only one written with Dylan's active cooperation. This new edition is published to acknowledge Bob Dylan's seventieth birthday and provides a powerful account that took twenty years to complete, first appeared in 1986 to great acclaim, and here expands and enhances the presentation in a 'must' for any Dylan or popular music history collection. Kent Crowley's SURF BEAT: ROCK N ROLL'S FORGOTTEN REVOLUTION (9781617130076, $19.99) has been researched over a period of many years and is packed with anecdotes and insights form surfers, musicians, record label owners and more to provide the first in-depth story of surf music since its beginnings. A history of surfing and surf culture is accompanied by a surf rock review of groups, musicians, trends and surf music marketing. Any popular music history holding will find this a valuable addition!


The Large Print Shelf

Spanish Range
Lee. E. Wells
Sagebrush
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
9780753187487, $29.99, www.amazon.com

With a decade passing, it can be hard to make a heroic return. "Spanish Range" follows Blaise Randell as he returns home after being falsely imprisoned for ten years. Aiming to regain his property, he finds a town very different than what he left behind. With plenty of action and adventure set in the old west with easy to read large print, "Spanish Range" is very much recommended reading.


The Journalism Shelf

Page One
David Folkenflik, Editor
Public Affairs
250 West 57th St. Suite 1321, New York NY 10107
9781610390774, $15.99, www.publicaffairsbooks.com

PAGE ONE: INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES AND THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM: A PARTICIPANT MEDIA GUIDE is inspired by the documentary and deserves ongoing recommendation as a fine pick for any library strong in media history and culture. Some of the media's leading experts investigate the past, present and future of news and its reporting style, considering issues of accuracy, fairness, analysis, and more. The New York Times here serves as a foundation for this in-depth consideration, recommended for any college-level journalism or media issues library.

Literary Journalism Across the Globe
John S. Bak & Bill Reynolds
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429, Amherst, MA 01004
9781558498778, $28.95, www.umass.edu

Feedback is all important in the creative process. "Literary Journalism Across the Globe: Journalistic Traditions and Transnational Influences" discusses journalism as it applies to literature worldwide in today's world. Journalism was once viewed as something that must be objective, making it difficult to apply to artistic endeavors, but that has faded in recent decades. Literary journalism is a unique and difficult to define concept, as many writers come together to provide an intellectual breakdown of what it means and where it is going in the future. "Literary Journalism Across the Globe" is an excellent and scholarly addition to any literary criticism collection.


The Criminology Shelf

Unruly Women, new edition
Karlene Faith
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York, NY 10013
9781609801373, $19.95, www.sevenstories.com

Why do we hold those who are of no threat to society? "Unruly Women: The Politics of Confinement & Resistance" discusses women in prison and the rapid rise of imprisoned women in the past four decades. Karlene Faith argues that many women have not committed offenses worthy of imprisonment and that our patriarchal society and blind greed encourages the law to throw women behind bars, leaving them open to much abuse and things that change their lives forever. "Unruly Women" is an intriguing spin of this vital part of history, highly recommended.

Dark Rose
Robert C. Donnelly
University of Washington Press
PO Box 50096
Seattle, WA 98145-5096
9780295991115, $22.50, www.washington.edu/uwpress

Corruption and mob ties were not solely concentrated in Vegas as America spread west. "Dark Rose: Organized Crime and Corruption in Portland" delves into the history surrounding Portland, Oregon after World War II. The corruption ran deep into the law enforcement, into the Teamsters unions, and into politics. With new evidence discovered in recent years, "Dark Rose" proves to be an intriguing and very highly recommended read for American history collections.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

Freeing the Heart & Mind
Sakya Trizin
Wisdom Publications
199 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
9780861716388, $15.95, www.wisdompubs.org

For nearly a thousand years, the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism has been teaching its own interpretation. "Freeing the Heart & Mind: Introduction to the Buddhist Path" is the first part of the Buddhist philosophy and spirituality from forty-first throne holder of the Sakya school, Sakya Trizin. Discussing the four noble truths, universal compassion, and the right ideals for a Buddhist, "Freeing the Heart & Mind" is very much worth considering for any student of Tibetan Buddhism.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Passover Haggadah
Rabbi Yosef Marcus, compiler
Kehot Publication Society
770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213
9780826601391 $29.95

Superbly translated with original commentary by Rabbi Yosef Marcus, "The Passover Haggadah" is ideal for family use to enhance the experience of a traditional Passover Sedare. Of special note are the passages in the original Hebrew that accompany the English text revealing the relevancy and timeless value of the Sedar Table. An especially beautiful edition, "The Passover Haggadah" offers an impressive volume of citations and quotations from hundreds of commentators ranging from antiquity to the present, from the obscure to the famous. Enhanced with original artwork and thoroughly 'user friendly, Rabbi Yosef Marcus' "The Passover Haggadah" is confidently recommended for personal, family, and academic library Judaic Studies reference collections in general, and Passover celebrations in particular.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

It's a Dog Not a Toaster
Diana Kerew-Shaw
Dogwise
403 South Mission Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801
9781617810374, $14.95, www.dogwise.com

Competitive Obedience sounds odd, but there can be much fun for both dog and master. "It's a Dog, Not a Toaster: Finding Your Fun in Competitive Obedience" is a guide to this unusual nature of competition, and how to embrace the fun even if you never have a chance. Guiding readers through everything they need to know about the 'sport' and how to have fun with your dog doing it, "It's a Dog, Not a Toaster" is a fine read for any pet lover looking for new fun to be had with their beloved pet.

Demon Fish
Juliet Eilperin
Pantheon Books
c/o Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
9780375425127, $26.95, www.pantheonbooks.com

DEMON FISH: TRAVELS THROUGH THE HIDDEN WORLD OF SHARKS offers a fine adventure investigation of how humans relate to sharks. Science and reporting blend in a survey of shark encounters around the world, documenting the experiences of scientists and villagers trading in or encountering sharks. Cultural perceptions of sharks and scientific observations blend in a fine survey of how people and sharks co-exist, and how sharks are tolerated and used by humans.

Venomous Reptiles of the U.S., Canada and Northern Mexico V. 1
Carl H. Ernst and Evelyn M. Ernst
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles St., Baltimore MD 21218
9780801898754, $75.00, www.press.jhu.edu

Venomous Reptiles of the U.S., Canada and Northern Mexico V. 1 represents a completely revised landmark reference and is a top pick for any college-level reference on venomous reptiles. It provides improved species accounts of lizards and snakes (the second volume will cover rattlesnakes) and represents the authors' in-depth research and facts on each animal's natural history. Also covered are details on snakebite, venom composition, and photos for identification as well as maps of species ranges. The latest research makes this a winner.

Wiley-Blackwell
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell

C. Wayne McIlwraith and Bernard E. Rollin's EQUINE WELFARE (9781405187633, $69.99) is a clear exploration of ethical and welfare concerns about the human use of horses, and is co-edited by a veterinary surgeon and a philosopher, and written by a diverse team of contributors. The survey considers the many issues surrounding horses, from its basic nature and the ethical basis for our concern with equine welfare to a historical survey and examination of horse abuse, use, and research. Any in-depth collection strong on horses and the horse-human relationship will find this a winning survey packed with important, key articles! Veterinary reference holdings will welcome Fred Mann, Gheorghe Constantinescu and Hun-Young Yoon's FUNDAMENTALS OF SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY (9780781761185, $79.99), a fine introduction to the surgical basics key to any vet practice. Pencil drawings and clinical photos compliment detailed descriptions on these surgeries and is designed to provide a basic foundation to any studying veterinary surgery at the college or clinical levels. NEPHROLOGY AND UROLOGY OF SMALL ANIMALS, edited by Joe Bartges and David J. Polzin (9780813817170, $149.99) provides vets with the knowledge needed to diagnose and treat urologic diseases in canine, feline and exotic animals. It's designed as a comprehensive clinical coverage charting the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of conditions and packs in references for all levels of vets, providing all the basics needed to diagnose and treat urologic diseases. Color and black and white photos throughout accompany in-depth articles perfect for any college-level or practicing vet's collection.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

The Economics Of Pollution Control
Kathleen Segerson
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060-3815
www.e-elgar.com
9781848440739, $345.00, www.amazon.com

When it comes to the environment, no reform is truly free. There is always an economic aspect that must be considered. The latest addition to the Edward Elgar Publishing's outstanding 'International Library of Critical Writings in Economics' series, "The Economics of Pollution Control" ably compiled by Kathleen Segerson (Philip E. Austin Professor of Economics, University of Connecticut) is a 614-page compendium that focuses specifically on the impact of economic aspects on pollution control legislation and efforts. Organized into three main sections of scholarly articles (Overview; The Economic Theory of Pollution Control; From Theory to Practice: Empirical Evidence), "The Economics Of Pollution Control" is a seminal contribution that is strongly recommended as a core addition to professional, governmental, and academic library "Environmental Studies" reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

One Man's Planet
Stephen M. Testa
American Geological Institute
4220 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302
9780922152858, $24.95, www.agiweb.org

The environment can only take so much more of our abuse. "One Man's Planet: Earth in Today's Political Culture" is an offbeat yet important discussion of the importance of environmental science from Stephen M. Testa, who comes at readers with geology about the dangers of our every day life and the threats we do to the earth and earth's threats to us. Intelligent, "One Man's Planet" is an excellent and very much recommended read that shouldn't be overlooked.


The Homeowner's Shelf

Home Repair and Improvement
Creative Homeowner
PO Box 38
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458-0038
9781580115285, $29.95, www.creativehomeowner.com

Homes are expensive, so it's often best to simply do with the one you got. "Home Repair and Improvement: Ultimate Guide" is a useful compilation of thought and knowledge from Creative Homeowner as they advise readers with everything they need to know with plenty of direct do it yourself wisdom on how to make the most of their home. Also included is a comprehensive guide on dealing with contractors for when a job is too far out of your skill. Packed with full color photos cover to cover, "Home Repair and Improvement" is highly useful and very much highly recommended.


The International Studies Shelf

Contemporary Galician Cultural Studies
Kirsty Hooper & Manuel Puga Moruxa
Modern Language Association
26 Broadway, Third Floor, New York, NY 1004-1789
9781603290883, $25.00, www.mla.org

Although territorially part of Spain, Galicia is autonomously its own country. "Contemporary Galician Cultural Studies" discusses the culture and people of this region that finds itself between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean with strong influences from its father Spain and neighbor Portugal. Contributing unique style to the world's arts, Kirsty Hooper and Manuel Puga Moruxa compile as editors an intriguing and quite recommended break down of culture, as many writers let their voice be heard. "Contemporary Galician Cultural Studies" is a strongly recommended read for anyone who wants to know what Galicia is and understand it well.


The Literary Studies Shelf

Why Jane Austen?
Rachel M. Brownstein
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231153904, $29.50, www.cup.columbia.edu

Why Jane Austen over other writers of high society in the nineteenth century? "Why Jane Austen?" discusses the following of Austen in contemporary society which has produced movies, literary discussions, even parodies. Rachel Brownstein seeks to explain the genius behind Austen's work, how it served as a blue print of feminism while at the same time speaking clearly about her time, and how such topics still sound true today. "Why Jane Austen?" is an intriguing discussion of one of history's literary giantesses.


The Economic Studies Shelf

False Profits
Dean Baker
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9780982417126, $15.95, www.bkconnection.com

FALSE PROFITS: RECOVERING FROM THE BUBBLE ECONOMY provides an outstanding survey of how the unlimited housing bubble was the biggest economic blunder in the history of the world, leading to the recent collapse of the financial system. Many looked the other way as the bubble grew: FALSE PROFITS documents how the country's top economic policymakers kept the American public unaware of the dangers of the bubble, and how they failed to rein it in. A powerful pick for any economic or American history holding!


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Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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http://www.midwestbookreview.com


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