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Library Bookwatch

Volume 7, Number 9 September 2012 Home | LBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Economic Studies Shelf Education Shelf
Large Print Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf Photography Shelf
Nautical Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf Business Shelf
Biography Shelf American History Shelf World History Shelf
Social Issues Shelf Women's Studies Shelf Architecture Shelf
Environmental Studies Shelf Cookbook Shelf International Studies Shelf
Literary Studies Shelf Psychology Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf
Political Science Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Poetry Shelf
Library Science Shelf Computer Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Art Shelf Law/Justice Shelf Civil War Shelf
Agriculture Shelf Autism Shelf Self-Help Shelf
Graphic Novel Shelf Audiobook Shelf Library CD Shelf
Library DVD Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf Mathematics Shelf
Military Shelf Hunting/Fishing Shelf Sports Shelf
Journalism Shelf Language Studies Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Anthropology Shelf Sociology Shelf Philosophy Shelf
Music Shelf Gaming Shelf Reference Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

The Long Ride
Lucian Spataro Jr., Ph.D.
Green Rider LLC
c/o KSB Promotions
55 Honey Creek, NE
Ada, MI 49301
9780983501909 $35.00

Illustrated with full-color photography on almost every page (and a handful of sketched color artwork or vintage black-and-white photos), The Long Ride is a captivating coffee table book chronicling one man's record-setting horseback journey across America. Lucian Spataro Jr., Ph.D. planned this journey for two years not just for the thrill; he sought to draw human attention to environmental issues, from local stewardship to the destruction of the world's rainforests. Images from Spataro's own photography collection (as well as from historic sources) and Spataro's own first-person testimony bring the reader on a virtual cross-country tour along with Spataro and his hardy Arabian steed. The Long Ride is an extraordinary browse that will appeal especially to environmentalists and horseback riding enthusiasts, and is worthy of the highest recommendation.

That Mad Game
J. L. Powers
Cinco Puntos Press
701 Texas Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901
9781935955221, $16.95, www.cincopuntos.com

War doesn't make for a good environment to grow up in. "That Mad Game: Growing Up in a Warzone" is a collection of memoirs and essays focused on around the globe as there are many stories of people growing up surrounded by violence. The essays and stories are drawn from current events and history, from World War II to current incidents in Israel and Palestine, providing a broad view of the impact war can have on the child. "That Mad Game" is a strongly recommended addition to any world history and international issues collections.


The Economic Studies Shelf

The Price of Inequality
Joseph E. Stiglitz
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10110
9780393088694 $27.95 www.wwnorton.com

Joseph E. Stiglitz, whose distinguished credentials include winning the 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize for Economics, reveals how the American Dream is in crisis in his latest book, The Price of Inequality: How Today's Divided Society Endangers Our Future. Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, The Price of Inequality examines how income inequality has worsened dramatically in America over the past several decades - the rich have become much richer, the poor have become poorer, and the middle class have been "hollowed out", with many of them pushed ever-closer to the brink or fully into poverty. Perhaps most eye-opening, Stiglitz debunks the defenders of inequality, particularly those on the right of the political spectrum. Advocates of low taxes on the wealthiest Americans claim that the wealthy will invest their money in businesses that stimulate the economy, but Stiglitz shows that wealthy individuals are more likely to engage in "rent-seeking" activities that gain money without producing any societal benefit. "Rent-seeking" includes perfectly legal ripoffs such as buying natural resources (mining or oil drilling rights on public lands, etc.) from the government at artificially cheap prices and selling the resources for full market value; buying a company and forcing it to bankrupt itself paying out dividends; or creating monopolies that push up prices as high as they can go (opportunities for this abound especially when local governments privatize essential, monopolistic services such as water utilities). The result is greater public poverty and misery, increased distrust in government, fewer high-skilled workers (since so few can afford soaring college costs), and more unemployment (as those who cannot afford the expense of training themselves for a high-skill career compete fiercely for a limited supply of low-skill jobs). "There are two visions for America a half century from now. One is of a society more divided between the haves and the have-nots, a country in which the rich live in gated communities... Meanwhile, the rest live in a world marked by insecurity, at best mediocre education, and in effect rationed health care... At the bottom are millions of young people alienated without hope. I have seen that picture in many developing countries; economists have even given it a name, a dual economy." Offering creative solutions and recommendations as well as an expert's analysis of the problem, The Price of Inequality is an absolute "must-read" for any concerned about the precarious state of America, and is worthy of the highest recommendation.

The Betrayal of the American Dream
Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele
Public Affairs Books
250 West 57th Street, #1321
New York, NY 10107
9781586489694 $26.99 www.publicaffairsbooks.com

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter team Donald Barlett and James Steele present The Betrayal of the American Dream, a harsh expose on the current plight of America's increasingly squeezed middle class. Why is the American Dream that one's children would enjoy a better standing in dire jeopardy? Bartlett and Steele lay the blame multiple causes: excessively lax free trade policies that do not push hard enough for other nations to open their markets, leaving American manufacturers vulnerable to the state-subsidized goods of foreign nations; a "tax heist" that burdens the poor and middle class while handing out tax breaks to the wealthy (especially when the impact of regressive sales taxes and payroll taxes are taken into account); and financial chaos directly attributable to the deregulation of Wall Street. "Middle-class Americans, still the largest group of voters, must put their own economic survival above partisan loyalties and ask four simple questions of any candidate who wishes to represent them: Will you support tax reform that restores fairness to personal and corporate tax rates? Will you support U.S. manufacturing and other sectors of the economy by working for a more balanced trade policy? Will you support government investment in essential infrastructure that helps business and creates jobs? Will you help keep the benefits of U.S. innovation within the United States and work to prevent those benefits from being outsourced?" The Betrayal of the American Dream is an forceful call to reverse dire economic trends before it is too late, and highly recommended.

Monsters of the Market
David McNally
Haymarket Books
PO Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
9781608462339, $28.00, www.haymarketbooks.com

The most vicious of monsters are those with human faces. "Monsters of the Market: Zombies, Vampires, and Global Capitalism" explores Marx's consistent use of folklore and monster as metaphor in his criticisms of capitalism. From Frankenstein and the dissection of the market, vampires that feed off the misery of others, among other ideas, drawing on the ideas behind many recent events such as the market crashes and Enron. "Monsters in the Market" is an intriguing way of exploring economics, very much recommended reading.


The Education Shelf

Navigating Special Education Law and Policy, new edition
Dixie Snow Huefner and Cynthia M. Herr
IEP Resources
Attainment Company, Inc.
PO Box 930160
Verona, WI 53593-0160
1578617820 $59.00 www.AttainmentCompany.com

Now in a new edition, Navigating Special Education Law and Policy is a user-friendly guide especially for professionals in the field of special education to staying on top of the latest legal requirements. Chapters break down the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 into accessible passages, highlighting key provisions of each, as well as their avenues of due process and conflict resolution. "School personnel should also be aware of the privacy rights of students with diseases. If a parent discloses a student's medical condition to the school and it becomes part of the student's education record, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (2006) requires that schools obtain written parental consent before disclosing the student's disease to persons without legitimate educational interest in the information." Navigating Special Education Law and Policy is an absolute "must-have" reference and resource for schools and special education professionals nationwide, highly recommended.

School Struggles
Richard Selznick
Sentient Publications
1113 Spruce St.
Boulder, CO 80302
9781591811787, $15.95, www.sentientpublications.com

When a child struggles to learn, it can snowball into a much bigger problem. "School Struggles: A Guide to Your Shut-Down Learner's Success" is a guide for parents and teachers in reaching out to struggling school children and how to answer these problems felt by struggling students and helping them learn to their complete ability. "School Struggles" is a top pick for educators, school psychologists, and parents of these types of students who want to consider every option for helping the students.

High School Transition that Works!
Maryellen Daston, J. Erin Riehle, Susie Rutkowski
Brookes Publishing Company
PO Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
9781598572490, $34.95, www.brookespublishing.com

Moving into the high school is rough for many students, but those with disabilities face a whole other level. "High School Transition that Works!" is a discussion of how to help young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities better transition into the high school environment, the last leg of their educational career. From better communicating with others on the educational team and parents as well, to equipping disabled students with the skills to move into the adult world and employment, and much more, "High School Transition That Works!" is a must for education collections focusing on special education.

Improving Adult Literacy Instruction
National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
9780309219594, $65.00, www.nap.edu

Literacy is perhaps the single most vital skill in today's world. "Improving Adult Literacy Instruction: Options for Practice and Research" is an exploration of improving literacy instruction when your student is not a typical student. Focusing on improving literacy in individuals who are adults, and how this fact can change things in an educational situation, the National Academies Press compiles a comprehensive and scholarly collection of writings on how to use research to improve the situations for these adult students. "Improving Adult Literacy Instruction" is a must for any educational and scholarly studies collection for community and college libraries.

Flip Your Classroom
Jonathan Bergmann & Aaron Sams
International Society for Technology in Education
180 West 8th Avenue, Suite 300
Eugene, OR 97401-2916
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781564843159, $19.95, www.ascd.org, www.iste.org

Reaching students and making a difference is the ultimate goal of any teacher. "Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day" is an educator's guide to reaching out to students using the method of the flipped classroom. The flipped classroom places the assignments and homework styled work into the main class, with lectures and videos for homework to learn the content. "Flip Your Classroom" is a strong pick for those looking for ways for technology to revolutionize the classroom and enable students to succeed at higher levels.


The Large Print Shelf

The Return of the Texan
L. L. Foreman
Sagebrush
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230
West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
9780753189924, $29.99, www.ulverscroftusa.com

Friends can make us do things that ain't the best idea, but for them, you just do it. "The Return of the Texan" is another large print western from Sagebrush, this time following Dain Moore, who seeking to leave Texas after the Civil War to evade the flood of Yankees coming their way, is drawn back to the state as his partner and a charming girl may be hopeless without him to guide them. "The Return of the Texan" is a must for those who love Old Western adventure, recommended.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Self Publishing
A. William Benitez
Positive Imaging, LLC
9016 Palace Parkway, Austin, TX 78748
http://positive-imaging.com
9780984248094, $19.95, www.amazon.com

Concise, succinct, comprehensive, methodical, 'user friendly', "Self Publishing: Writing A Book And Publishing Books And eBooks For Yourself And Others" by A. William Benitez is a 200 page instructional compendium specifically designed for showing novice authors how to turn their manuscripts into either traditional print publications or digital volumes. Offering sage advice ranging from the value of backing up the writing and editing to choosing a marketable title; to tips on self-editing, layout and formatting; to practical advice on using CreateSpace, Kindle, Smashwords, and Clickbank; to creating quality covers and even setting up a publishing service company of your own, "Self Publishing: Writing A Book And Publishing Books And eBooks For Yourself And Others" will prove an enduringly valued and highly recommended instructional reference for all aspiring writers seeking to publish their own material in a highly competitive market.

The Art of Styling Sentences
Ann Longknife, Ph.D, & K. D. Sullivan
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard
Hauppauge, NY 11788
9780764147838, $9.99, www.barronseduc.com

What separates good writing from the bad is flow, and flow is created by good structure. "The Art of Styling Sentences" is a grammar and style guide from Professor Ann Longknife and K. D. Sullivan as they present a comprehensive study on forming good structure, and creating a more comprehensive and engaging writing style. "The Art of Styling Sentences" is a must for any literary arts collection or for anyone trying to improve their artistic techniques in general.

Writing Screenplays
Jessie Coleman & Paul Peditto
Self-Counsel Press
4152 Meridian Street, Suite 105-471
Bellingham, WA 98226
9781770401044, $19.95, www.self-counsel.com

Movies are becoming the medium of choice for sharing stories. "Writing Screenplays" is a guide to those who want to learn screenwriting as a new avenue for their stories, such as prevalently, turning one's memoir into play and promoting it to make it more than words on paper, but into a living breathing film. "Writing Screenplays" is a must for those who want to adapt their life's work into more mediums and take it further, recommended.


The Photography Shelf

Mammals of Montana, second edition
Kerry R. Foresman
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399
Missoula, MT 59806
9780878475907, $32.00, www.mountain-press.com

The vast wilderness of Montana offers many sights and sounds that will entice just about anyone. "Mammals of Montana" is the second edition photography and nature guide from the team of author Kerry R. Foresman and photographer Alexander V. Badyaev. Providing a full color and informative guide throughout, each critter has many photographs and graphs offering details on ecology, behavior, taxonomy, and other information on the m any creatures who call the fields, hills, and mountains of Montana home. "Mammals of Montana" is a strong pick for those who a scholarly or amateur interest in nature and its many creatures, a top choice for community and college nature photography collections.

Valley of Shadows and Dreams
Ken Light & Melanie Light
Heyday Books
PO Box 9145, Berkeley, CA 94709
9781597141727, $40.00, www.heydaybooks.com

The breadbasket of America is vital for the nations continued success, but their lies many troubles in the region. "Valley of Shadows and Dreams" is a collection of black and white photography that focuses on Mendota, as migrant workers, struggling people of many stripes make their way through life, the decay of life around them and much more. "Valley of Shadows and Dreams" is an enticing addition to any photography collection with a strong social message of the problems plaguing farm workers all across the country.

Tabletop Photography
Cyrill Harnischmacher
Rocky Nook
802 East Cota Street, 3rd Floor
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
9781937538040, $24.95, www.rockynook.com

The photograph, in its most base form, is a copy of reality, but clarity and catching all that is needed is harder than one would think. "Tabletop Photography" is a photography how to guide from Cyrill Harnischmacher, demonstrating how to get the most out of one's photography skills and create excellent still photos of objects to reach that professional quality that is often sought out of life. "Tabletop Photography" is a strongly recommended pick for any amateur photographer or advanced one who just seeks to further their skills.

Iconic
Brian Vanden Brink
Down East Books
PO Box 679
Camden, ME 04843
9781608931798, $65.00, www.downeastbooks.com

Man has gained the power to reshape the world in his own image. "Iconic: Perspectives on the Man-Made World" is a collection of full color photography from Brian Vanden Brink, as he explores the creations of mankind. These conceptually simple photos capture a feel of a world taken far away from its natural state and the triumph of man over nature. With much to ponder throughout, "Iconic" is a strongly recommended addition to any artistic photography collection of for anyone considering a coffee table book that provokes thoughts in ways one may not have considered before.


The Nautical Shelf

Float Planes & Flying Boats
Capt. Robert B. Workman
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
9781612511078, $41.95, www.navalinstitute.org

Air and sea have always had a unique union. "Float Planes & Flying Boats: The U.S. Coast Guard and Early Naval Aviation" discusses the early efforts of seaplanes as the US Coast Guard and Navy as before and throughout World War I, the Coast Guard, Marines produced my machines for use in war. With countless black and white photographs, Capt. Robert B. Workman, a Coast Guard veteran, presents an intriguing study of military history and these dual-purpose craft. "Float Planes & Flying Boats" is a must for anyone with a fascination of naval history.


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Film After Film
J. Hoberman
Verso
20 Jay Street, 10th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201-8346
9781844677511, $24.95, www.versobooks.com

Twelve years into the new century, what does the next ninety years hold for the future? "Film After Film: Or What, Became of 21st Century Cinema" discusses the post 9/11 film, the advances of technology, the political world, and all of its impacts on film around the world. Analyzing the development of film through 'The Matrix' to the 'Social Network' and all of the impact on film and art. Enticing reading all throughout, "Film After Film" comes with a particularly strong critique of the George W. Bush years, from controversial Village Voice film critic, J. Hoberman.

Rule of Thumb of Ebert at the Movies
Todd Rendleman
Continuum International Publishing Group
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 704
New York, NY 10038
978144192219, $19.95, www.continuumbooks.com

Roger Ebert has become the name that is thought of when one thinks of a film critic. "Rule of Thumb of Ebert at the Movies" explores the critical work of famed critic Roger Ebert, as Todd Rendleman reviews Ebert's impact on the film industry and pop culture, exploring how the critic's Chicago base offered a middle ground between the professional-critic hot spots of New York and Los Angeles. While not afraid to be critical of the critic, Rendleman presents an even handed and intellectual look at the impact of Ebert. "Rule of Thumb of Ebert at the Movies" is a strong pick for any film studies collection.

Cut by Cut, second edition
Gael Chandler
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111
Studio City, CA 91604
9781615930906, $36.95, www.mwp.com

Good editing is laying the finishing touches that brings it all together. "Cut by Cut: Editing Your Film or Video" is a director's guide to the ins and outs of more excellent film editing. An updated guide that brings the most well known digital techniques to light, Gael Chandler presents a comprehensive guide for beginners or advanced editors who want to make sure the film they are charged with comes out looking professional looking, and how to further oneself as an editor. "Cut by Cut" is a must for any film production collection.

Burnt Cork
Stephen Johnson, editor
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429
Amherst, MA 01004
9781558499348, $28.95, www.umass.edu/umpress

Almost two hundred years ago, the most hilarious thing was a person with black face makeup. "Burnt Cork: Traditions and Legacies of Blackface Minstrelsy" explores this now taboo act of blackface in its roots in early nineteenth century America, where these minstrel shows were born and served as a launching pad for acts that discussed not only race, but class, culture, gender, and other topics of the day. Eruditely discussing the advancement of race in America in the process, editor Stephen Johnson presents evidence that there is a long way to go. "Burnt Cork" is a strong addition to any cultural history or racial studies collection.


The Business Shelf

Social Marketology
Ric Dragon
The McGraw Hill Companies
Two Penn Plaza, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10121-2298
9780071790499, $25.00, www.books.mcgraw-hill.com

Today's world is a world of connectivity. "Social Marketology: Improve Your Social Media Processes and Get Customers to Stay Forever" is a guide to crafting a more perfect social marketing strategy for your business, no matter what that business is. Encouraging readers to embrace their vision, finding your customer base and community and much more, Ric Dragon brings forth a comprehensive method for reaching out efficiently and effectively to potential customers. "Social Marketology" is a must for any business who understands that the internet holds the key to their businesses success.

How to Get Started in Export
John Westwood
Kogan Page USA
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100
Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749463717, $14.95, www.koganpageusa.com

Exports are the basis of profit for an international business. "How to Get Started in Export" is a business guide for those who want to expand their business beyond national borders. Touching on the considerations that much be pondered for those who want to embark on this business endeavor, good strategy with pricing and costs, and dealing the many hurdles that may come, "How to Get Started in Export" is a fine read with plenty to consider, highly recommended for ambitious business managers.


The Biography Shelf

Bridging Two Peoples
Allan Sherwin
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554586332 $29.95 wlupress.wlu.ca

Bridging Two Peoples is the biography of Dr. Peter E. Jones, one of the first Native Americans to earn a medical doctor degree from a Canadian university. When he returned to his southern Ontario reserve, he was elected chief and band doctor. He served as secretary to the Grand Indian Council of Ontario and became a liaison between two peoples, communicating his chiefs' views and concerns to Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald, especially during consultations concerning the Indian Act. Jones also worked to introduce public health measures on his reserve, but there was not much he could do to stem a deadly onslaught of tuberculosis that killed over forty percent of his fellows. A handful of black-and-white photographs, notes, a bibliography, and an index enhance this in-depth, true-life story of an extraordinary man, highly recommended for both public and college library biography collections.

Boots, Bikes, and Bombers
Karen Brewster, editor
University of Alaska Press
PO Box 756240
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6240
9781602231733, $29.95, www.uaf.edu/uapress

Alaska's remote nature gives it an unspoiled beauty, that many seek to keep unspoiled. "Boots, Bikes, and Bombers: Adventures of Alaska Conservationist Ginny Hill Wood" chronicles the works of Ginny Hill Wood, a World War II veteran who dedicated much of her life to preserving Alaska to the fullest. Working as a guide and advocate, Karen Brewster compiles tales of her life in this devoted read that will entice lovers of the environment and nature. "Boots, Bikes, and Bombers" is a worthy tribute, and a solid addition to any history or biography collection focusing on Alaska.

Manuscripts Don't Burn
J.A.E. Curtis, editors
Ardis Publishing
c/o The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012
9781468300703, $18.95, www.overlookpress.com

When your work is banned as it's published, you know you've struck a chord. "Manuscripts Don't Burn: Mikhail Bulgakov: A Life in Letters and Diaries" collections the works of Bulgakov, a writer of early Communist Russia who often found himself in opposition to Stalin and the KGB, and consistently sought emigration out of the country, dodging purges. The letters within cast a strong voice as a man of literature and a man of his period and time. "Manuscripts Don't Burn" is a strong addition to any biography and literary studies collection, highly recommended.

Pauline E. Hopkins
Hanna Wallinger
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive
Athens, GA, 30602-4901
9780820343457, $24.95, www.ugapress.org

With the scourge of slavery fading away, many voices began to be heard. "Pauline E. Hopkins: A Literary Biography" explores the literary writings of Pauline Hopkins, who advanced the thoughts of African American women throughout the turn of the century and met with many of the big names of the advancement of colored peoples during the era, such as Booker T. Washington. Hopkins used many mediums to share her opinions on the spirit of women and African Americans, from fiction to essays, including her connections to black nationalism, in its earliest years at the time. "Pauline E. Hopkins" is a strong addition to any literary studies collection focusing on early twentieth century African American writers.

The Ivory Trail
T. V. Bulpin
Protea
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781869194642, $27.95, www.proteaboekhuis.com

Making one's fame and fortune against authority can lead one into unusual status as criminal and legend. "The Ivory Trail" is a collection of interviews and biography of Cecil Benard, a hunter and poacher throughout the first half of the twentieth century who gained fame for his outlaw status and standing against the many authorities of the era, and his development into a hunter of the big game into a defender of it. "The Ivory Trail" is an intriguing delve into a bygone era and period, highly recommended for history collections focusing on Africa.


The American History Shelf

187 Things You Should Know About the War of 1812
Donald R. Hickey
Maryland Historical Society
201 W. Monument Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
c/o The Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
9780984213528 $15.00 www.press.jhu.edu www.mdhs.org

Donald R. Hickey (professor of history, Wayne State College) presents 187 Things You Should Know About the War of 1812, which covers the historical facts of the War of 1812 in an accessible question-and-answer format. An excellent choice for reviewing the history of the war prior to a test, or simply learning things about the struggle that might have been glossed over in school, 187 Things You Should Know About the War of 1812 is a choice pick for public, high school, and even college library collections due to its concise, reader-friendly format. "181: Was this a second war of independence for the United States? Not in any real sense. The British maritime practices that caused the war infringed upon American rights but were a direct outgrowth of the war in Europe and would end when that war ended. The British had no real designs on American sovereignty, no desire to roll back the Declaration of Independence or to recolonize the United States. Even when the British took the offensive in 1814, their campaigns were not designed to undermine American independence but to win territory that might be used to bargain for greater security for their North American provinces and their Indian allies." Highly recommended.

Visions and Voices
Charlotte Caldwell
Farcountry Press
PO Box 5630
Helena, MT 59604
9780985497101 $45.00 www.farcountrypress.com

Visions and Voices: Montana's One-Room Schoolhouses is an oversized hardcover showcase of Montana's historic education buildings. Every two-page spread features a pristine color photograph of a one-room schoolhouse on the right, and insights and memories from Montanans (some of whom are in their eighties or nineties) who were students, teachers, or workers at these schools. "In early years, it was one student's job to pump water into a bucket and haul it inside each morning. There was a dipper, and everyone had a tin cup with his or her name on it. But when I was a student, cone-shaped paper cups had replaced the tin cups. Later it was determined that cross light could injure a student's eyes, so the windows on one side of the schoolhouse were removed." Visions and Voices is a beautiful book to page through, highly recommended. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from Visions and Voices will be donated to the Preserve Montana Fund, in order to create a challenge grant earmarked to help preserve Montana's one-room schoolhouses.


The World History Shelf

After Empire
Peter Zarrow
Stanford University Press
1450 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1124
www.sup.org
9780804778688, $85.00, www.amazon.com

With the collapse of imperial government China underwent turbulent changes in both its culture and its politics. "After Empire: The Conceptual Transformation of the Chinese State, 1885-1924" by Peter Zarrow (Research Fellow, Institute of Modern History, Academia Sinica, Taiwan) is a 416-page compendium that provides an analytically descriptive survey of the four critical decades that followed the fall of two thousand years of monarchial rule. A masterpiece of scholarship, Professor Zarrow enhances his informed and informative presentation into chapters beginning with 'Kang Youwei's Philosophy of Power and the 1898 Reform Movement', to 'Identity, History, and Revolution', to 'Founding the Republic of China'. Of special note are his chapters on 'Voices of Receding Reaction' and 'The Last Emperors'. Enhanced with a 'List of Characters', extensive notes, a bibliography, and an index, "After Empire: The Conceptual Transformation of the Chinese State, 1885-1924" is a welcome and highly recommended core addition to personal, community, and academic library Chinese History collections. "After Empire" is also available in a paperback edition (9780804778695, $27.95) and in a Kindle edition (0804778698, $15.37).

Elizabeth I and the 'Sovereign Arts'
Donald Stump, Linda Shenk, and Carole Levin, editors
ACMRS
Arizona State University
PO Box 874402
Tempe, AZ 85287-4402
9780866984553 $70.00 http://acmrs.org/publications

Elizabeth I and the 'Sovereign Arts': Essays in Literature, History, and Culture is an anthology of scholarly writings by learned authors about Queen Elizabeth as a ruler, with particular focus on how she presented herself to her people and the world at large. From her interactions with her family, to her skillful application of poetry and oratory when crafting persuasive arguments, to her interactions through others via travels, tournaments, portraits, and literary works that helped craft her image as a ruler by divine right, Elizabeth I and the 'Sovereign Arts' offers insights into the critical role of the media of the era. The essays also reveal the facets of Elizabeth I's personality that she by necessity had to keep hidden behind a queenly mask. "For years she [Elizabeth I] played at courtship and in 1566 told her Parliament 'I will marry as soon as I can conveniently.' But it does seem clear that marriage was not something she wanted, and she even questioned just what kind of children she might have. While most people expect to have children whom they will love and who will make them proud, she stated that 'such offspring as may come of me... may... become, perhaps, ungracious.'" Elizabeth I and the 'Sovereign Arts' is an excellent addition to college library world history and literary studies shelves, highly recommended.

Civilizing the Wilderness
A. A. Den Otter
University of Alberta Press
Ring House 2
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E1
9780888645463, $49.95, www.uap.ualberta.ca

The wild woods of northern Canada didn't readily accept human habitation. "Civilizing the Wilderness" is a collection of essays and history from A. A. Den Otter as he presents historical writings and essays about the push in the nineteenth century by Canada to delve into its vast forests to claim it as there own, including the aboriginal peoples of Canada and the First Nations. A pioneering study of this period of Canadian history, it presents plenty of detail and plenty to learn, making "Civilizing the Wilderness" a core and much needed addition to any Canadian History collection focusing on its expansion and dealings with the First Nation.

The Ogdoas of Alberto Alfieri
Carla P. Weinberg & E. Ann Matter, editors
ACMRS
Arizona State University
PO Box 874402
Tempe, AZ 85287-4402
9780866984133, $55.00, www.asu.edu

Education has changed and adapted over the years. "The Ogdoas of Alberto Alfieri" studies the works of this gentleman from fifteenth century Italy, otherwise unknown outside of his manuscript on the rites of education and politics of the early Renaissance era. Originally composed in Latin, it is translated into a modern language for the first time in English, as Adjunct Professor Carla Weinberg and Professor of Religious Studies E. Ann Matter come together for this intriguing study of early Modern Europe. "The Ogdoas of Alberto Alfieri" is a strong and scholarly addition to any community or college world history collection focusing on anthropology and Renaissance Europe, Italy in particular.

A History of Libya
John Wright
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231701679, $20.00, http://cup.columbia.edu

Libya has earned its place in the news recently, but the nation holds history for as long as there has been mankind. "A History of Libya" is a study of the nation and its region that goes from prehistoric times to the twilight of the Gadafi era. A crossroads in northern Africa, many empires and cultures have passed through and tried to claim it, and the people who call it home have grown battle hardened and stoic. An intriguing history that grants a comprehensive view of the Libyan people and their culture, "A History of Libya" is a core addition to any world history collection.

Aboriginal Dreaming Paths and Trading Routes
Dale Kerwin
Sussex Academic Press
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97213
9781845195298, $37.95, www.isbs.com

The aboriginal cultures of Australia has many secrets that were lost in ruthless colonization. "Aboriginal Dreaming Paths and Trading Routes: The Colonisation of the Australian Economic Landscape" explores the culture of the original cultures of Australia, often wrongfully written off as a savage hunter-gatherer society. Dale Kerwin presents evidence of an advanced culture that knew the land they called their own and used it to provide for their people. "Aboriginal Dreaming Paths and Trading Routes" is a scholarly study of aboriginal Australian history and culture, very much recommended reading.

The African Presence in Santo Domingo
Carlos Andujar
Michigan State University Press
1405 South Harrison Road, Suite 25
East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9781611860429, $19.95, www.msupress.msu.edu

The barbarism of the slave trade has left many African peoples spread through the world. "The African Presence in Santo Domingo " is an entry into the African Diaspora Series, focusing on the Dominican Republic capital Santo Domingo, author Carlos Andujar discusses the impact that the slave trade and the African descended people have had on the city and the nation it governs. "The African Presence in Santo Domingo" is a strong addition to any cultural or black studies collection.

Blood on the Snow
Graydon A. Tunstall
University Press of Kansas
2501 West 15th Street
Lawrence, KS 66049
9780700618583, $22.50, www.kansaspress.ku.edu

Winter at war brings another, uncaring side of nature to the battle, claiming casualties on both sides. "Blood on the Snow" is an in-depth study of the battle in 1915 between Austria-Hungary and Russia, costing millions of lives as the two sides battled in the snow coated mountains. Providing an insightful study of the battle, the strategies, and the pain endured on both ends, "Blood on the Snow" is a strongly recommended pick for World War I focused history collections.


The Social Issues Shelf

This Land
Anthony Flint
The Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
9781421407814, $24.95, www.press.jhu.edu

The entire east coast from Washington D.C. and north is almost one continuous city...when is a city too much? "This Land: The Battle Over Sprawl and the Future of America" explores the expansion of cities across America, and the resistance to urban sprawl. From encouraging more environmental building techniques, to the backlash against the free market, to the fall out of the housing bubble of 2008, "This Land" is an important discussion of the future of America, its cities, and what lies outside of it.

From Poverty to Power
Duncan Green
Practical Action Publishing
c/o Stylus Publishing
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
9780855985936, $37.85, www.practicalactionpublishing.com

As the twenty first century begins, its problems are readily apparent. "From Poverty to Power: How Active Citizens and Effective States Can Change the World" discusses what can be done by those stricken with poverty to better help determine their own destiny and fight for a better future in their lives. A politically active population can force a state to be more effective and lead to greater harmony for all, and deal with the modern scourges - poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. "From Poverty to Power" is a strong addition to social issues and political science collections.

Resilience Practice
Brian Walker & David Salt
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009-1148
9781597268011, $27.50, www.islandpress.org

Nature can only take so much abuse from mankind. "Resilience Practice: Building Capacity to Absorb Disturbance and Maintain Function" discusses what can be done to help nature deal with the shocks of the passing years, and how communities can create a balance of change that encourages the progress of mankind's communities with solid advancement of nature. "Resilience Practice" is a scholarly discussion of sociology and ecology together and how both topics don't have to be at odds with one another.

Caught in the Middle
Danny Quintana
The Beckham Publications Group
PO Box 4066, Silver Spring, MD 20914
9780984824380, $16.95, www.beckhamhouse.com

The immigration debate often comes with a decent dose of racism involved in it all. "Caught in the Middle: Stories of Hispanic Migration and Solutions to America's Immigration Dilemma" is a discussion of Hispanic culture and history in the context of America, as Danny Quintana explores the nature of immigration and how the vast majority of America's people are immigrants in history. "Caught in the Middle" provides some ideas for a solution and a down to earth discussion of the debate that many Hispanics often feel caught in.

Drug Effects
Lisa L. Gezon
Left Coast Press, Inc.
1630 North Main Street, #400
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
9781598744910, $32.95, www.lcoastpress.com

Many drugs of the past weren't the life destroying substances that they are displayed to be. "Drug Effects: Khat in Biocultural and Socioeconomic Perspective" explores the anthropology of many similar drugs in the form of Khat, Marijuana, and Peyote, with a focus on Khat. Discussing its impact on the history of the people who have used these drugs throughout their history, and exploring the scientific facts behind their effects, and hopes to bring the truth about psychotropic substances to light. "Drug Effects" is a must for social and international issues collections.


The Women's Studies Shelf

Khul'Divorce in Egypt
Nadia Sonneveld
American University in Cairo Press
420 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018-2729
9789774164842, $39.50, www.aucpress.com

The power of the Arabic woman is increasing. "Khul'Divorce in Egypt: Public Debates, Judicial Practices, and Everyday Life" explores the impact and political discussions that have come forth with the passage of the 'Khul'Divorce', which grants the woman in the relationship the power to break the legal bond that had previously tied her to her husband until he wished it broken. The emergence of this practice has challenged Egyptian social conservatives and has led to much debate on the aspects of social life in Egyptian culture. "Khul'Divorce" is a riveting read of the political rights of women and the evolution of cultural practices in context of the Islamic world.


The Architecture Shelf

Instant Cities
Herbert Wright
Black Dog Publishing
c/o Actar Distribution
151 Grand Street, 5th floor
New York, NY 10013
9781906155346 $65.00 www.actar-d.com

Instant Cities is a broad-ranging survey of the rise of the modern metropolis, with a focus on several themes, such as effective planning vs. unregulated growth, globalization vs. localization, and attempts to foster environmental sustainability in the wake of an increasing human population. Sumptuously illustrated with full-color photography throughout, Instant Cities tackles the modern problems besetting cities head-on, and explores the lessons of a variety of case studies including Thames Town, Dharavi, Moscow City, and Cumbernauld. "'Sprawl' is a term often used, but rarely broken down... Developments are zoned for single use (that is, housing, retail and office developments are rigidly separated) and zoning regulations require a set distance between them to be observed. This distance isn't walkable, and so walking or even cycling are not viable options... All of these factors combine to create a dependence on the automobile for all journeys... As everyone tends to have a car because of this, there is no demand for a public transport system... Developers misleadingly call their new sub-divisions 'towns' and 'villages', but don't provide the infrastructure - shops, schools, parks - that such names imply." Accessible to lay readers and urban planning professionals alike, Instant Cities is insightful, well-researched, and an invaluable contribution to the ongoing discussion of human civilization's optimal structures going forward.

Manual Of Museum Planning, third edition
Barry Lord, et al.
AltaMira Press
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200
Lanham, MD 20706
www.rlpgbooks.com
9780759121461, $79.95, www.amazon.com

From small local community history museums manned by volunteers to large metropolitan museums with international reputations, honoring the past and informing the present is the primary mission of the museum. The collaborative editorial work of Barry Lord, Gail Dexter Lord, and Lindsay Martin, this completely updated and expanded third edition of the "Manual of Museum Planning: Sustainable Space, Facilities, and Operations" is a 720-page compendium specifically designed to be a comprehensive instruction manual for any group wanting to establish, upgrade, or expand their museum. Knowledgeable contributor articles and essays are thematically organized beginning with an Introduction with advice on how to utilize the information contained in this manual; the need for planning and the development of a planning team; planning for people, collections, and operations. Of special note are the chapters on museums as social institutions; the life of collections and their cost; preventative conservation and the museum planning process; and the section devoted to museum safety and security. Informed, informative, comprehensive, and thoroughly 'user friendly', the "Manual Of Museum Planning" will prove to be indispensable and is a highly recommended addition to museum, historical society, community, and academic library reference collections.

Code Check Complete, second edition
Redwood Kardon & Douglas Hansen
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street
Newtown, CT 06470
9781600854934, $45.00, www.taunton.com

Knowing the laws comprehensively is vital to successful construction and related industries. "Code Check Complete: An Illustrated Guide to the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes" is the second edition of the building code guide from The Taunton Press, covering comprehensively with illustrations the codes surrounding building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes that are required to keep a project well within legal codes and compliant for years to come. "Code Check Complete" is a must for construction and legal collections, recommended.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

The Derrick Jensen Reader
Lierre Keith
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street
New York, NY 10013
9781609804046, $26.95, www.sevenstories.com

The world globalizes and the environment suffers in the process. "The Derrick Jensen Reader: Writings on Environmental Revolution" discusses the current crisis of environmental issues as many writers come together under activist philosopher Derrick Jensen to compile a series of essays and writings that touch on the importance of the environment in the world's future and how ignorance of the environment could lead to very serious issues in coming years. "The Derrick Jensen Reader" is a must for environmental studies and social issues collections, highly recommended.


The Cookbook Shelf

Not Just for Diabetics
Dr. James Rouse with Dr. Debra Rouse, authors
Quail Ridge Press
P.O. Box 123, Brandon, MS 39043
9781934193815, $19.95, www.quailridge.com

"Not Just for Diabetics: Naturally Delicious Recipes for Optimum Wellness" is a fabulous, fresh collection of healthy recipes and tips for a healthy lifestyle, with complete nutritional information quantified per serving listed after each recipe. Although much of the educational information is directed to those who work with controlling diabetes and prediabetes, "Not Just for Diabetics" is just what it says, not just for diabetics. In addition to optimum wellness tips for you metabolic best and further information about understanding diabetes, "Not Just for Diabetics" is a complete collection of fun, delicious foods that will make healthy eating effortless. There are beverage and appetizer recipes, breakfast, pasta, salads, vegetables and sides, sauces and dressings, soups, stews, and chili, sandwiches and wraps, poultry and meat, seafood, and desserts. Many recipes feature fresh foods and high soluble fiber ingredients. Suggestions for making vegetarian or vegan versions of recipes are included, highlighted on pretend post it stickers. Ingredients are highlighted and listed on the left of each recipe and clear, step by step instructions are written on the right. Color photographs of finished dishes adorn many pages, and different sections of the cookbook are color coded on the page edges. Some mouthwatering examples of recipes include: Chicken Ratatouille Pasta, Curried Shrimp Salad with Honeydew, Inspired Vegetarian Casserole ( a combo of beans, rice, cheese, and flavorful vegetables), Chipotle Hollandaise, Turkey Cherry Chili, Spicy Tuna Pita, Marinated Steak with Pomegranate Sauce, Coconut -Crusted Cod Fillets, and Carrot Zucchini Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting. "Not Just for Diabetics" will become the go-to cookbook for all gourmets who desire no sacrifice of flavor for nutrition.

The Fresh & Green Table
Susie Middleton, author
Annabelle Breakey, photographer
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
9781452102658, $24.95, www.chroniclebooks.com

"The Fresh & Green Table: Delicious Ideas for Bringing Vegetables Into Every Meal" continues fresh gourmet adventures of palate-pleasing veggie delights in the form of simple recipes that are easy to follow and prepare. The concept of 'Moving Veggies to the Center of the Plate' is discussed thoroughly in the introduction, summing up a philosophy of healthful, vegetable-centered eating. A handy list of twenty types of main dishes contained in "The Fresh & Green Table" can jumpstart the reader's exploration of great vegetable cookery and preparation. Some of these include different kinds of salads (warm and grilled), soups (creamy and chunky), pastas (stovetop, baked, and cool), tarts, galettes, tians, gratins, sautes, ragouts, grain and veggie combos and rice and veggie combos, and baked and grilled pizzas. This gives the reader a grasp of the variety of recipes and depth of detail included in the instructions. Within all these categories are a stunning array of exciting recipes, accompanied by delicious color photos and clear step by step instructions. A few choices include Spring Celebration Bread Pudding, Seven Treasure Roasted Winter Veggie Tart, Fall Farmers' Market Minestrone, and White Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Cremini Mushrooms. Whether you are an experienced vegetable chef or a fresh experimental cook, "The Fresh & Green Table" has something exciting and new to offer.

The Green Southwest Cookbook
Janet E. Taylor, author
Rio Nuevo Publishers
P.O. Box 3250, Tucson, AZ 85703
9781933855523, $16.95, www.rionuevo.com

"The Green Southwest Cookbook: Fresh, Zesty, Sustainable" is a chef's selects collection of tasty Southwest cuisine recipes with a core commitment to sustainability and cancer-preventive eating. The introduction contains a handy code for healthy sustainable eating, including the following maxims: "Eat a plant-based diet. Eat meat from sustainably raised livestock. Consume dairy products from sustainable small farms. Choose foods grown without chemicals. Eat vegan or vegetarian one or more days a week. Choose local and eat within seasons. Look for place-of-origin labels. Eat from your garden. Cap your sweet tooth. Steer clear of GMO foods. Prevent cancer with anti-angiogenic foods. Prepare meals and treats from scratch. Involve children in preparing food. Eat until you are 80 percent satisfied." Following these valuable healthful eating tenets are tips on fire-roasting, toasting and grilling foods, plus a list of local sustainable chefs. Recipes follow in chapters on Beverages, Appetizers, Breakfast, Vegan & Vegetarian, Fish & Seafood, Beef, Pork Lamb & Poultry, Vegetables & Sides, and Desserts. Beautiful color photographs of embellished dishes accompany each page. A few of the tempting recipes folllow: Chipotle Almond Crusted Sea Scallops, Huevos Rancheros Con Nopalitos, Winter Spinach Sweet Potato Vegan Quiche, Chile-Lime Chicken Shish Kababs, Southwest Coleslaw, Dark Chocolate Lava Cake and many more. A handy list of anti-angiogenic foods is found at the end, with a web site reference to Eattodefeat.org, which encourages people to eat foods that starve cancer. "The Green Southwest Cookbook" is not only a fresh, imaginative collection of delicious Southwest cuisine recipes, it is inspiring reading for all who desire to eat healthful foods for life.

Made with Love
Enid Borden, editor
BenBella Books
10300 N. Central Expressway, STE 400
Dallas, TX 75204
9781936661985 $29.95 www.benbellabooks.com

Featuring a full-color, full-page photograph of almost every dish, Made with Love: The Meals on Wheels Family Cookbook is a compilation of recipes from a wide diversity of professional chefs, as well as the favorite family meals of celebreties, actors, writers, and more. Some of the most prominent and beloved contributors include former First Lady Barbara Bush, Martha Stewart, Joan Rivers, Maya Angelou, and Kurt Warner. Step-by-step instructions make dishes such as Mexican Pinwheels, Cap'n Crunch Meatloaf, Bombay Chicken Salad, Colorful Low-Calorie Curry Cauliflower, Betty's Five-Flavor Cake, and more easy for cooks of all skill and experience levels to prepare. Anecdotes, quotes, and insights pepper this wonderful, browse-friendly cookbook, and a portion of its proceeds will help the Meals on Wheels Association of America continue its mission to end hunger among seniors. Highly recommended.

India: A Culinary Journey
Prem Souri Kishore
Hippocrene Books, Inc.
171 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9780781812644, $29.95, www.hippocrenebooks.com

There are countless flavors throughout Indian culture, just waiting for those who seek a culinary adventure. "India: A Culinary Journey" is a cookbook blended with cultural study from Prem Souri Kishore as she invites readers into the many flavors that are available throughout the Indian subcontinent, formed with thousands of years of culinary experimentation and success. Touching on the tools of the trade in making authentic Indian cuisine alongside plenty of easy to follow recipes, "India: A Culinary Journey" is a must for those who want to open a door to a whole new world of cooking. Also for cooking enthusiasts from Hippocrene Books is "The Iraqi Family Cookbook" (9780781812887, $19.95), providing a taste of the cultural dishes of the Iraqi people made available to cooks anywhere.

Grace's Sweet Life
Grace Massa Langlois
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440
Berkeley CA 94703-3440
9781612430249 $17.95 www.ulyssespress.com

Featuring full-color photography of many of its mouth-watering creations, Grace's Sweet Life: Homemade Italian Desserts from Cannoli, Tiramisu, and Panna Cotta to Torte, Pizzelle and Struffoli lives up to its title with a wealth of classic Italian delicacies sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions written to walk cooks of all skill and experience levels through the art of fine dessert creation make Grace's Sweet Life a "must-have" complement to Italian cookbook shelves. Highly recommended, especially for confectionary and pastry lovers everywhere.


The International Studies Shelf

Territories in Resistance
Raul Zibechi
AK Press
3500 Parkdale Avenue, Building 1, #A28
Baltimore, MD 21211
9781849351072, $19.95, www.akpress.org

Freedom is taken for granted in the western world, but in Latin America, the struggle still continues. "Territories in Resistance: A Cartography of Latin American Social Movements" discusses the fight that many Latin American nations face in trying to make a better life for their people, and how the scars of the past century still hurt these people. With a study of modern struggles alongside history, "Territories in Resistance" is a must for any international issues and history collections with a nod to political science, highly recommended.


The Literary Studies Shelf

A Haunted Mind
Bob Curran
New Page Books
c/o Career Press Inc.
PO Box 687
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
9781601632197, $19.99, www.newpagebooks.com

Unspeakable horrors that destroy the mind, the creations of H. P. Lovecraft. "A Haunted Mind: Inside the Dark, Twisted World of H. P. Lovecraft" discusses the work of the psychological horror icon and how did he create the Cthulu mythology, and exploring the potential connections that Lovecraft may have had to the paranormal world and how to piece it all together. "A Haunted Mind" is a riveting exploration of the work of Lovecraft, a sure pick for fans of his work and the paranormal.


The Psychology Shelf

APA Dictionary of Clinical Psychology
Gary R. VandenBos, Ph.D., editor
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
9781433812071, $39.95, www.apa.org/books

The human mind is a complex thing, and leaves even the most experienced psychologists unable to understand everything by heart. "APA Dictionary of Clinical Psychology" is a comprehensive reference for psychology students and professionals. 11,000 entries elaborate on every relevant psychological term and each part of the psychological process, including easy to use references to finding relevant topics to the entry. For those who need a comprehensive understanding of the far reaching nature of psychology, "APA Dictionary of Clinical Psychology" is a very much recommended addition to professional and college library reference collections.

Hearing Voices
Katherine M. Boydell & H. Bruce Ferguson
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554582631, $34.95, wlupress.wlu.ca

Hearing voices can do a number on many people as they try to get by in their lives. "Hearing Voices: Qualitative Inquiry in Early Psychosis" is a guide to advancements in treating those with psychosis and other related disorders, as health professionals Katherine M. Boydell and H. Bruce Ferguson provide a scholarly take on what those with psychosis face, and how care through the frightening episodes is very much vital and can help the person in question gain the ability to live a happier and more complete life. "Hearing Voices" is a strong addition to any psychological health collection.

The Art of Hypnotic Regression Therapy
C. Roy Hunter & Bruce N. Eimer
Crown House Publishing
6 Trowbridge Drive Suite 5
Bethel, CT 06801
9781845908515, $34.95, www.CHPUS.com

Look into the past to explain the future. "The Art of Hypnotic Regression Therapy" is a psychological clinical guide from C. Roy Hunter & Bruce N. Eimer, as they apply their psychological expertise in hypnosis to discuss the use of the therapy, its purpose, and what can be gained from the practice to help patients understand their symptoms, and avoid the pit falls that can come with it. "The Art of Hypnotic Regression Therapy" is well worth considering for psychology reference collections for psychologists who want all options to be considered for their patients.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

Faces of Compassion
Taigen Dan Leighton
Wisdom Publications
199 Elm Street
Somerville, MA 02144
9781614290148, $18.95, www.wisdompubs.org

Many aspects of Buddhism live on in the modern day, even where you do not fully understand it. "Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression: An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism" explores the Bodhisattva Archetypes and their presence in the modern day. These pieces of spiritual beings are emphasized in many people in popular culture and history, and Taigen Dan Leighton explores this ideal, and presents a fine introductory to Mahayana Buddhism. "Faces of Compassion" is a strong addition to any religious studies collection, especially those with a focus on Buddhism.


The Political Science Shelf

We Can All Do Better
Bill Bradley
www.billbradley.com
Vanguard Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
Eleven Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
9781593157296 $24.99 www.vanguardpressbooks.com

Eighteen-year New Jersey Senator and former contender for the Democratic presidential nomination Bill Bradley presents We Can All Do Better, a concise call to arms against the problems plaguing modern American society - unacceptably high unemployment, an out-of-control financial sector that brought on the Great Recession, increased money in politics to the level of near-bribery, etc. Two major reactions have arisen in response - the Tea Party and the Occupy movement; Bradley acknowledges the frustrations that drive both, but is critical of their lack of positive achievements or efficacy. Chapters stress the need for more "modernized vocational schools" to train people for a changing job market; sharply criticize the Supreme Court Citizens United decision to allow unlimited corporate funds to influence elections, debunk the right-wing mantra that government is always the problem, and more. "For those who argue that only the private sector is important, I'd say, 'Look around.' Without government, there's no economic prosperity. There are measures that benefit everyone: airports, airline safety, roads, bridges, schools sewers, dams, mass transit, power grids, ports, water systems, food safety, weather forecasts, law enforcement, disease monitoring, drug safety - and many more. These are public goods. Without them, the private sector would wither." Each chapter ends with Bradley challenging the reader, "Can we do better?" Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, "We Can All Do Better" is thought-provoking, recommends possible solutions, and above all, encourages Americans to champion the selfless and virtuous side of their human nature. Highly recommended.

The Politics of Policy Change
Daniel Beland & Alex Waddan
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
9781589018846, $29.95, www.press.georgetown.edu

Congress has not gained a reputation for swift governance. "The Politics of Policy Change: Welfare, Medicare, and Social Security Reform in the United States" discusses the uphill struggle that is changing policy in modern American politics, and the politics that both sides use to pressure the future of America, as long time students of politics and policy Daniel Beland & Alex Waddan come to allow readers to see the obstacles on both ends to change. "The Politics of Policy Change" is well worth considering for anyone who wants to understand the modern political battlefield.

The Contradictions of Real Socialism
Michael A. Lebowitz
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W
New York, NY 10001
9781583672563, $15.95, www.monthlyreview.org

Socialism and communism quickly turned to autocracy and oligarchy. "The Contradictions of Real Socialism: The Conductor and the Conducted" analyzes the many attempts to create truly socialist governments throughout the second half of the twentieth century and the problems these countries faced, and how they departed from the writings of Karl Marx, the man credited with many of the concepts behind socialism and communism. Written by a student of Marx's work and economics in Michael A. Lebowitz, "The Contradictions of Real Socialism" does well in presenting the ideas of socialism in a balanced context.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Dictionary of Veterinary Terms
Jennifer Coates
Alpine Publications
38262 Linman Rd., Crawford, CO 81415
1577790907, $22.95, www.alpinepub.com

Understanding the veterinarian is important for those who want to best care for their pet. "Dictionary of Veterinary Terms: Vet-Speak for the Non-Veterinarian" is a guide for pet owners who want to better communicate with their veterinarian as Jennifer Coates provides a comprehensive glossary on how to best understand these animal medicine terms. "Dictionary of Veterinary Terms" is well worth considering for any pet owner, highly recommended.

When Cats Reigned Like Kings
Georgie Anne Geyer
Transaction Publishers
Rutgers University
35 Berrue Circle
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
1412847346, $29.95, www.transactionpub.com

Cats were once viewed as sacred beings. "When Cats Reigned Like Kings: On the Trail of the Sacred Cats" is a study of history, as author Georgie Anne Geyer shares her own journey through feline history, visiting the sites of sacred cats to seek an understanding of the animal's close relation to humans, and their impact in their culture. An enticing read for any cat lover or just simply those fascinated by human history, "When Cats Reigned Like Kings" is a choice and much recommended addition to pet and history collections.

Wild Horse Annie
Alan J. Kania
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166
Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874178739, $26.95, www.unpress.nevada.edu

Cheapness should not allow cruelty. "Wild Horse Annie: Velma Johnston and Her Fight to Save the Mustang" tells the story of Velma Johnson, a ranch wife who rescued three badly inured wild horses from a horse trailer, and took the wanton abuse of the creatures to the United States Congress to gain them federal lands protection from the people who would capture and mistreat them. "Wild Horse Annie" is a strongly recommended pick for collections focusing on American conservation history, not to be overlooked.


The Poetry Shelf

Conquest
Zoe Brigley
Bloodaxe Books
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781852249304, $21.95, www.dufoureditions.com

Who says love and war can't coexist? "Conquest" is a collection of poetry from American poet Zoe Brigley who presents her own thought driven journeys into Europe and touches on everything violent and lovely and what's in between. Enticing and recommended, "Conquest" is a strongly recommended addition to modern poetry assortments. "I Behind Orchard Walls": A fully grown woman, I find high walls/and cloister myself as a nunning gardener./Early I wake to attack the wreckage/of brambling berries, holly under my window./My tymbled Paris orchard is richly planted/with oak, pine and orange trees that flower/to pendulous fruit; I brew them yearly to orange water tea or rich marmalade./The ancient orchard sees out today/and tomorrow, while the city outside/unwinds long cement arms, and at night-time,/it swallows the moon with its luminous mouth.

This Beautiful Place
Tankred Dorst
Hanging Loose Press
231 Wyckoff Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
9781934909294, $18.00, www.hangingloosepress.com

From an outsider, America can be a very different place. "This Beautiful Place" is a translation of the unique poetic styled prose of Tankred Dorst, winner of the first Loose Translations prize. Anne Posten translates his work from the original German, and the American influence can be felt strongly from a man who fought for the German Army in the second World War, and had a cultural love affair with his captors. "This Beautiful Place" is a strong pick for those seeking an original and historical poetic memoir.


The Library Science Shelf

Building and Managing E-Book Collections
Richard Kaplan, editor
Neal-Schuman Publishers
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038-4512
9781555707767 $75.00 www.neal-schuman.com

Part of the excellent "How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians" series, Building and Managing E-Book Collections lives up to its title as a no-nonsense, practical-minded guide to incorporating ebooks into public, high school, or college library collections. Chapters discuss how to select the best format or lending method of ebooks, how to select ebooks and understand their purchasing models, the licensing of ebooks, cataloging/locating/accessing ebooks, evaluating ebook collections, and much more. "Are there currently downloadable e-book services that will work with all these different types of e-book readers and mobile devices that your patrons may have? OverDrive (2011) is one such company that works with libraries. OverDrive e-books are accessible through its apps for computers and mobile devices. The borrowed e-book can be checked out to an e-reading device and will be automatically removed through Overdrive's DRM features at the end of the borrowing period. Adobe also provides software systems for downloadable e-books." Building and Managing E-Book Collections is an absolute must-have for libraries seeking to expand their collections to suit the needs of the digital age, highly recommended.

M-libraries 3
Mohamed Ally & Gill Needham, editors
7 Ridgmount Street, London, England, WC1E 7AE
www.facetpublishing.co.uk
9781856047760, $54.95, www.amazon.com

Library science has entered full bore into the information technological progress that has seen desktop computers augmented by new advances in communication and data retrieval as represented by iPhones, iPads, Kindles, Nooks, and other electronic devices. Community, corporate, and academic libraries are having to constantly upgrade their services and procedures to accommodate this seemingly constant state of technological advancement in behalf of the communities they serve. Compiled and co-edited by Mohamed Ally (Director of the Centre for Distance Education, Athabasca University, Canada) and Gill Needham (Associate Director, Information Management and Innovation at the Open University Library and Learning Resources Centre, UK), "M-Libraries 3: Transforming Libraries with Mobile Technology" is a 256-page compendium comprised of twenty-one essays by informed and informative experts discussing best practices on delivering resources to users through mobile technologies, the development of mobile services, mobile users and requirements, emerging technical developments including new platforms, devices, and applications, and reflections and feedback on new service models. "M-libraries 3" is a seminal contribution that is especially recommended to the attention of academic and community library directors and staff, library and governmental policy makers, library science researchers, developers, library services vendors, and LIS students. "M-libraries 3" is an essential, core contribution to Library Science reference collections and supplemental reading list.

Fundamentals of Library Instruction
Monty L. McAdoo
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
9780838911419, $49.50, www.alastore.ala.org

Libraries are a vital part of the modern educational process. "Fundamentals of Library Instruction" analyzes this intersection of librarian and teacher, as Monty L. McAdoo reviews what is required to rise to the call of being a great teacher as a librarian. Discussing the usual ventures of how it has been done over the years and how to use the best aspects of this study to reach out to learners and increase information literacy, an increasingly valuable skill in the modern world. With tips that also spin onto online classrooms, and getting the knowledge of the class's existence out there, "Fundamentals of Library Instruction" is a must for librarian's personal reference collections, especially those who moonlight as teachers.

The Embedded Librarian
David Shumaker
Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055-8750
9781573874526, $49.50, www.infotoday.com

A librarian deals in knowledge, and getting knowledge where it needs to go should always be a concept fully embraced. "The Embedded Librarian: Innovative Strategies for Taking Knowledge Where It's Needed" explores the importance of the modern librarian and how embedded librarians can be leaders in information management ideals can enhance a workplace with their mastery over finding information. With tips for the many different fields where this will apply and how to better expand the settings, "The Embedded Librarian" is a complete and comprehensive reference for anyone who calls themselves a librarian by trade and wants to expand their career options or enhance a current one.

The Library Marketing Toolkit
Ned Potter
Facet Publishing
9781856048064, $99.95, www.amazon.com

A library has to get its message out to flourish. "The Library Marketing Toolkit" is a guide for librarians who want to spread the word of their library has to offer to the world. Marketing is not just for profit-driven organizations anymore, and Ned Potter explains how a library can make marketing work for them on limited budgets and making it all work. From social media to old fashioned methods, and how to build a good brand, this scholarly and comprehensive guide will prove invaluable to any librarian who seeks to get the word out. "The Library Marketing Toolkit" is enthusiastically recommended, not to be missed. Also from Facet Publishing is "The No-Nonsense Guide to Legal Issues in Web 2.0 and Cloud Computing" (9781856048040, $49.95), as they present what one must know about legal rights and their confusing collision with intellectual property laws.


The Computer Shelf

Keyboarding and Beyond
Tehodor Richardson & Charles Thies
Mercury Books
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166
9781936420360, $79.95, www.internationalpubmarket.com

Speed and efficiency mean everything in data entry and word processing. "Keyboarding and Beyond: Introductory Typing and Word Processing" is a text reference for improving one's word processing speeds and using common word processing programs to help one excel at their word processing. Chapters allow typists to understand how to improve their techniques with hand positioning and much more. With a companion DVD that expands on web-based practice software and video instruction, as well as color images all throughout illustrating the lessons in the book. For anyone who wants to take their own typing to the next level or as an instructor's aid in teaching a typing class, "Keyboarding and Beyond" is a strong addition to computer reference college library collections.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Fountain of Age
Nancy Kress
Small Beer Press
150 Pleasant Steet, #306
Easthampton, MA 01027
9781931520454, $16.00, www.smallbeerpress.com

Age is a very important part of the human experience. "Fountain of Age" is a collection of short fiction from Nancy Kress, winner of the Hugo and Nebula awards. Exploring our future and our lives, she places forth stories that face what we face everyday our lives and even those things that we don't truly fully understand out of our lives. "Fountain of Age" is an enticing and literary collection of short fiction that shouldn't be overlooked.


The Art Shelf

Leah Chase: Paintings by Gustave Blache III
Miranda Lash, et al.
Gustave Blache III, artist
Hudson Hills Press
3556 Main St., Manchester, VT 05254
9781555953782, $40.00, www.hudsonhills.com

Enhanced with the contributions of authors Miranda Lash, Michael Quick, E. John Bullard, A.P. Tureaud, Jr., and Richard Anthony Lewis, "Leah Chase: Paintings by Gustave Blache III" is a stunning collection of New Orleans, figurative artist Gustave Blache III's paintings of the famous chef of Dooky Chase's Restaurant, done during the post Katrina rebuilding time. This fascinating collection contains many beautiful daily studies of Chef Chase busy in the creation of her famed Creole/mixed African, Spanish, Native American and French cuisine. In addition to such signature paintings as "Stirring Squash," Pouring Oysters," and "Holding Mixing Bowl, Washing Cherry Tomato," additional paintings from private collections and other sources are included. The style is that of a skilled figurative artist, influenced by artists Robert Henri (1865-1929) and John Sloan (1871-1951), resulting in a style described as contemporary American realism (from early 20th century). The use of color to define form and substance is masterful, also critically analyzed in accompanying essays, which are very informative and helpful. The sense of subject that emerges is somber, humble, yet majestic and enduring, perhaps similar to the creative contribution to cuisine and art made by Leah Chase as a daily event. No culinary secrets are revealed in these respectful paintings, but much of the vast goodness of character of the subject is undeniable. In addition to the catalogued paintings and three critical essays, the collection contains a chronology of the artist, with selected exhibitions and bibliography. "Leah Chase, Paintings by Gustave Blache III" is a fine artist's study to showcase the specific talents of Gustave Blache III, as employed to tell a story about a vast legacy of cuisine artistry and art collection embodied by Leah Chase.

Durer
Jeffrey Chipps Smith
Phaidon Press
180 Varick Street, 14th floor
New York, NY 10014
9780714845609, $29.95, www.phaidon.com

Few artists flourish in one topic alone. "Durer" analyzes the art and work of Albrecht Durer, a late fifteenth and early sixteenth century painter who gained renown for his work with paints and woodcuts throughout Europe, producing works that focused on nature, professional portraits, and one of the pioneer of landscape paintings. Jeffrey Chipps Smith brings a scholarly breakdown of Durer's work, with full color reproductions all throughout. For any art history collection or for those looking for a spark of ideas, "Durer" is a core addition to any art history and reference collection.


The Law/Justice Shelf

Legitimating the Law
John Phillip Reid
Northern Illinois University Press
2280 Bethany Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
9780875804514, $48.00, www.niupress.niu.edu

A nation of laws faces many challenges in establishing said law. "Legitimating the Law: The Struggle for Judicial Competency in Early National New Hampshire" is a historical look at early American law, as John Philip Reid focuses on New Hampshire and how the state founded its modern code of law and gave power to its judicial branch, raising standards of competence and professionalism throughout its court systems, creating a foundation for the rest of the nation to follow. A scholarly study of American legal history and the history of America in general, "Legitimating the Law" deserves a place in community and college library collections with a strong focus on American legal history.

I Talk, You Walk
Thomas P. Casselman
Avery Color Studios
c/o KSB Promotions (publicity)
9781892384638, $18.95, www.ksbpromotions.com

Criminal defense often proves a difficult challenge. "I Talk, You Walk: 40 Years of Wining Defense Strategies" is an advisory guide for young lawyers who may dare to take up the difficult task of helping potentially innocent men get the comprehensive defense they are guaranteed by law. "I Talk, You Walk" is a strong pick for any rookie lawyer, highly recommended.


The Civil War Shelf

The 36th Infantry United States Colored Troops in the Civil War
James K. Bryant, II
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611
Jefferson NC 28640
9780786468782 $45.00 www.mcfarlandpub.com

The 36th Infantry United States Colored Troops in the Civil War: A History and Roster is a scholarly, historical examination of the 36th United States Colored Troops, composed primarily from former slaves in the Union-occupied areas of eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. This unit engaged in wartime actions including efforts to liberate slaves, guarding Confederate prisoners of war, and trench battles before Petersburg and Richmond. In addition to investigating the backgrounds of these former slaves and their families, as well as the story of their recruitment, their efforts during the war, and their difficult journey to freedom. A complete regimental roster as well as extensive notes, a bibliography, and an index rounds out this solid reference and resource, highly recommended especially for public and college library Civil War shelves.

The Chattanooga Campaign
Steven E. Woodworth & Charles D. Grear, editors
Southern Illinois University Press
1915 University Press Drive
SIUC Mail Code 6806
Carbondale, IL 62901
9780809331192, $29.95, www.siupress.com

There are many turning points in a war, and Chattanooga was one of them. "The Chattanooga Campaign" focuses on this particular theater of the conflict, as the Southern Confederates were gaining momentum and ground following their victory at Chickamauga. Against the ropes, the Union were losing ground, but the emergence of Ulysses S. Grant allowed the Union to hold their ground and allowed the Union to fight back and eventually claim Atlanta, dealing a grave blow to the confederacy. "The Chattanooga Campaign" is a strong addition to any American history collection focusing on the Civil War.


The Agriculture Shelf

Kingdom's Bounty
Bethany M. Dunbar
Umbrage Editions
111 Front Street, Suite 208
Brooklyn, NY 11201
9781884167423, $25.00, www.umbragebooks.com

Those with the means have many ways to help sustain the world as we know it. "Kingdom's Bounty: A Sustainable, Eclectic, Edible Guide to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom" is a discussion of what Vermont is doing to revolutionize modern agriculture and changing the world in its own way. Bethany M. Dunbar blends full color glossy photography with ponderous text, and presents much to ponder on the topic of environmentally sustainable farming and America's future. "Kingdom's Bounty" is a strong addition to environmental studies and social issues collections, highly recommended.


The Autism Shelf

Grandparent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Nancy Mucklow
AAPC Publishing
PO Box 23173
Shawnee Mission, KS 66283
9781937473068, $21.95, www.aapcpublishing.net

Grandparents can play huge roles in their grandchildrens lives, and autism doesn't change that. "Grandparent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Making the Most of the Time at Nana's House" is a discussion of children in the Autism spectrum and the problems that are faced across generations. Nancy Mucklow directs advice at grandparents, explaining the true meaning of Autism, the issues that can emerge with it, being a good mentor and chaperone, teaching children, and bringing them into the family. "Grandparent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders" is a strong addition to Autism parenting and education collections.


The Self-Help Shelf

The Guide to Compassionate Assertiveness
Sherrie M. Vavrichek
New Harbinger Press
5674 Shattuck Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
9781608821716, $17.95, www.newharbinger.com

Being forward and clear doesn't clash with being caring. "The Guide to Compassionate Assertiveness: How to Express Your Needs & Deal with Conflict While Keeping a Kind Heart" is a guide to being an advanced and assertive person while avoiding the pitfalls that come with it- being a jerk. Sherrie M. Vavrichek writes that these concepts don't have to be against one another, and uses eastern philosophy and Buddhism to help people rise to conflict and find peaceful resolution. "The Guide to Compassionate Assertiveness" is a strong pick for anyone who wants to make a difference in the relationships of everyday life.


The Graphic Novel Shelf

Taxes, The Tea Party, and Those Revolting Rebels
Stan Mack
NBM Publishing
160 Broadway, Ste. 700, East Wing
New York, NY 10038
9781561636976 $14.99 www.nbmpublishing.com

Taxes, The Tea Party, and Those Revolting Rebels: A History in Comics of the American Revolution lives up to its title as a reader-friendly chronicle of America's war for independence, illustrated with black-and-white cartoons and caricatures on every page. Make no mistake; Taxes, The Tea Party, and Those Revolting Rebels is thoroughly researched, meticulously accurate, and makes extra effort to include the roles that African-Americans (both free and slave), women, and Native Americans played during the tumultuous conflict. Readers of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy this utterly fascinating presentation of genuine American history. Taxes, The Tea Party, and Those Revolting Rebels is worthy of the highest recommendation, especially for school and public library graphic novel or American History collections. "In the 1700's, many people still believe in the hereditary right of kings to rule. 'Our problem is with greedy parliament and its agents... but separate from the King? Oh, God, no!' Then the radicals get a break... Tom Paine knows firsthand the tyranny of the English elite and the grinding poverty of the lower classes. And he knows how to write.... Early in 1776, Tom comes out with a pamphlet he calls 'Common Sense'. It's written simply and directly without the flourishes the powerful use to obscure the truth."

Broxo
Zack Giallongo
First Second
175 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010
9781596435513 $16.99 www.firstsecondbooks.com

Broxo is the debut graphic novel of talented writer and artist Zack Giallongo, brought to life in full color. A rebellious princess has traveled to a distant land in search of the Peryton clan, but to her dismay she finds little more than wilderness... and the walking dead! The zombies might have been her end if not for the lifesaving aid of a valiant young man named Broxo, and the mysterious lightning witch Ulith. The princess, who is accustomed to a much higher-class lifestyle than hunting lizard meat and sleeping on dirt, has a difficult time adjusting to Broxo's wilderness world, but the two of them will have to cooperate with each other and with the recalcitrant Ulith to end the suffering of lost souls. A saga of tragedy, desperation, and the struggle to keep hope alive, Broxo is an engaging fantasy adventure that readers of all ages will enjoy. Highly recommended especially for fans of quality graphic novels, as well as for public and school library collections.


The Audiobook Shelf

The Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path
Urgyen Sangharakshita, author
Kulananda, narrator
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
9789626344163 $34.98 www.naxosaudiobooks.com

The Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path: An Introduction is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of the most well-known codification of the Buddha's teachings. Drawing directly upon the Buddha's first lesson, The Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path distills the core precepts of Buddhism that cover all aspects of human life. Read aloud by Kulananda, a longstanding member of the Western Buddhist Order, The Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path is a direct and immersive audio experience, highly recommended for any curious about Buddhism's teachings as well as for Buddhist practitioners. 5 CDs, 5 hours 34 min.

The Dark Age
Traci Harding
Bolinda Publishing
186 S Long Swamp Rd, Jackson, ME 04921
www.bolinda.com
9781743107751, $29.99, www.amazon.com

The first volume of 'The Ancient Future' trilogy by Traci Harding, "The Dark Age" is the story of Tory, a young woman who upon standing within a sacred British 'Ring of Stones' on a Solstice evening finds herself plunged back in time to ancient Britain where she encounters Prince Maelgwn of Gwyneed, his allies and his foes, as well as an incarnation of the fabled wizard Merlyn. A riveting novel of adventure, magic, time-travel, and true love, "The Dark Age" will leave listeners eagerly awaiting the rest of the trilogy. Ably narrated by Edwine Wren, this complete and unabridged audiobook production is technically flawless and highly recommended for personal and community library audiobook collections.

The Crime of Julian Wells
Thomas H. Cook, author
Traber Burns, narrator
Highbridge Audio Books
201 Sixth Street SE, Suite 220
Minneapolis, MN 55414
9781611747454 $32.95 www.highbridgeaudio.com

The Crime of Julian Wells is the unabridged audiobook rendition of award-winning writer Thomas H. Cook's latest dark mystery. When the body of true-crime writer Julian Wells is discovered in a drifting boat, it prompts a host of questions: who could have killed him, and why? Could such a wealthy and celebrated man have realistically chosen to take his own life? Philip Anders, one of Wells' closest friends, cannot simply let the matter go. His strongest lead is an Argentinean crime that Wells was tracing shortly before his life fell apart and finally ended. Anders' search for the missing pieces of Wells' personal tragedy gradually threatens to overtake his own life, in this dark and dangerous narrative that will hold the listener in suspense to the very end. 6 CDs, 7 1/2 hours.

Friends Forever
Danielle Steel, author
Nick Podehl, narrator
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887
Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781423388722 $38.99 www.brillianceaudio.com

Friends Forever is the unabridged audiobook rendition of widely popular novelist Danielle Steel's chronicle of the lifelong friendships formed between five children. Three boys and two girls each have their own personality and talents; as they transition from grade school to young adulthood, the shocks and storms of life begin to claim their toll. By the time they are ready for college, their future is unclear, and different destinies separate them. But despite the challenges, losses, and difficulties of forging one's own path in adulthood, is it possible for their friendships to reconnect once more? An emotional sage of life, love, turbulence, and the quintessential value of a friend in need, Friends Forever is a choice pick for simple listening pleasure, and for public library audiobook collections. 7 CDs, 8 hours 13 min.


The Library CD Shelf

Road Poem
Wahid
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$TBA www.rockpaperscissors.biz

California-based instrumental duo Wahid presents Road Poem, an expressive album showcasing their ability to balance for Eastern Mediterranean musical traditions, including Turkish classical music, with modern improvisational flair. The oud (Middle Eastern lute) and rhythmic, gliding percussion combine in the nimble complexity of these rapturous pieces. Road Poem is music to be savored while driving, working, or engaged purely in listening pleasure. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Alexander's Regrets" (6:22), "Looking for Paradhisi" (6:52), "Protoleia" (5:08), "Inside Silence" (6:34), "Indra Reclines" (9:23), "Steal the Bride" (6:13), and "The Outcast" (6:10).

Linger Longer
Laura McMillan
Privatley Published
c/o The Creative Service Company
4360 Emerald Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.thecreativeservicecompany.com
$14.99 perhapspiano.com

Linger Longer is the second album of original solo piano music by concert pianist and classical music teacher Laura McMillan. Though she enjoys inspiration from superlative historic masters such as Mozart, Beethoven, and especially Frederic Chopin, McMillan pours her own style of heart and soul into her compositions, which shift in tone from quiet remembrance to the depths of love to taking joyful flight. Linger Longer will inspire the listener to do just that, savoring the nuances of each piece, and is worthy of the highest recommendation for piano music connoisseurs. The tracks are "The Window", "December 12th", "Twirling", "With All My Heart", "Empty", "Dear Heaven", "Linger Longer", "Letting Go", "Without You", "Wings", "July Lullaby", and "Raspberry Rain".


The Library DVD Shelf

Cost Control While You Cruise
Created by Lin and Larry Pardey
Produced by TheSailingChannel
c/o Paradise Cay Publications
PO Box 29
Arcata, CA 95518-0029
9781929214242 $19.95 www.paracay.com

Part four of the "Offshore Sailing" DVD series based on successful instructional seminars, Cost Control While You Cruise is a user-friendly, DVD guide to enjoying the pleasures of boating on a reasonable budget. Hosts Lin and Larry Pardey have spent 45 years engaging in sailing voyages, in addition to interviewing sailors from dozens of different countries. They distill their accumulated wisdom in plain terms, with particular emphasis on controlling maintenance costs (one's ground tackle and dinghy are potentially critically important, and there are tips, tricks, and techniques to extending the life of one's sails), provisioning appropriately, and planning one's overall trip. Even if the viewer isn't interested in personally embarking on an ocean voyage, Cost Control While You Cruise has a wealth of striking footage to appeal to armchair travelers, including the shores of Africa, Brazil, and Ireland, even the coral atolls of the Indian Ocean. Cost Control While You Cruise is a treat for worldwide boating aficionados everywhere! 65 min. plus extras.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Scandal
Angela Senander
The Liturgical Press
St. John's Abbey, PO Box 7500
Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814634103, $14.95, www.litpress.org

The Catholic Church has faced much scandal in recent years. "Scandal: The Catholic Church in Public Life" analyzes the Catholic Church's perception in society and how it reflects with the ideas of the Good News of God's Saving Love. Scandal surrounding the church has influenced much of the hierarchies responses to various issues, and Angela Senander writes with knowledge on how this has changed and morphed many things. "Scandal" is a strong addition to any Catholic studies collection, highly recommended.


The Mathematics Shelf

Divided Spheres
Edward S. Popko
CRC Press
Suite 300
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781466504295 $69.95 www.crcpress.com

Heavily illustrated in color, Divided Spheres: Geodesics & the Orderly Subdivision of the Sphere is a solid, pedagogical text designed to teach college and graduate level readers about the mathematics of Buckminster Fuller's invention of the geodesic dome, including practical applications of geodesics from weather forecasting to agricultural fish farms. Ideal for use in conjunction with coursework or advanced self-study, Divided Spheres supplements its instructions and examples with recommended additional resources (including websites) and an index. Chapters cover distributing points of geodesic spheres, polyhedral frameworks, subdivision schemas, computer-aided design techniques, and much more - in-depth appendices go the extra mile to explain spherical trigonometry and stereographic projection. Divided Spheres is a "must-have" mathematics reference and resource for college libraries, and worthy of the highest recommendation for professionals in any field that benefits from geodesics.


The Military Shelf

Carrying the War to the Enemy
Michael R. Matheny
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780806143248 $24.95 www.oupress.com

Michael R. Matheny (Department of Military Strategy, Planning, and Operations faculty member of the U.S. Army War College) presents Carrying the War to the Enemy: American Operational Art to 1945, a close study of the evolution of "operational art", a term to describe how tactics can be applied to create strategic victories, and how battles and operations can be designed, synchronized, and conducted with goals in mind. A common viewpoint is that modern operational art did not develop until between the First and Second World Wars, between Germany and the Soviet Union. Carrying the War to the Enemy offers a persuasive counterview, postulating that the evolution of American military thinking at the operational level up through World War II has not been sufficiently appreciated or studied. Chapters especially focus upon operational art as connected to landpower, airpower, and seapower, as well as how operational art contributed to American victories in the European Theater and Pacific Theater of World War II. In today's complex wars, where operational art is more important than ever, it is invaluable to explore the roots and applications of operational art. Carrying the War to the Enemy (volume 28 in the "Campaigns and Commanders" series) is an invaluable addition to college military history and reference shelves, especially those of military colleges.


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

Elephant!
Craig Boddington
Safari Press, Inc.
15621 Chemical Lane, Bldg. B
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
9781571573919 $39.95 www.safaripress.com

Featuring striking, full-color photography on almost every page, Elephant! The Renaissance of Hunting the African Elephant is an extraordinary, in-depth guide to modern-day elephant hunting. It should be emphasized that Elephant! is expressly about legal elephant hunting, undertaken in accordance with environmental conservation laws that preserve overall elephant and wildlife populations. Chapters discuss how to evaluate ivory, tracking elephants, appropriate elephant rifles and cartridges, shooting and shot placement, and information specific to elephant hunting grounds in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Due to its reader-friendly style and peppering of true-life hunting anecdotes, Elephant! is highly recommended not only to prospective safari enthusiasts, but also armchair travelers. Browsing Elephant! is truly as close as one can come to experiencing the thrill of an African elephant hunt without traveling to Africa!


The Sports Shelf

Woody Durham: A Tar Heel Voice
Woody Durham with Adam Lucas
John F. Blair, Publisher
1406 Plaza Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
9780895875778 $26.95 www.blairpub.com

Woody Durham: A Tar Heel Voice is the true-life story of Woody Durham, who served for forty years as "the voice of the Tar Heels", that is, the play-by-play radio announcer for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, especially their football and basketball games. His exemplary skill and service earned him multiple broadcasting honors, and a place in the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame. Woody Durham: A Tar Heel Voice is part autobiography, part history of the Tar Heels, and part behind-the-scenes insight into what makes college sports tick. A handful of black-and-white photographs and an index round out this excellent read for fans of college sports.


The Journalism Shelf

The Best Business Writing 2012
Dean Starkman, Martha M. Hamilton, Ryan Chittum, and Felix Salmon, editors
Columbia Journalism Review Books
c/o Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231160735 $18.95 http://cup.columbia.edu

The Best Business Writing 2012 is the latest annual anthology of the most hard-hitting, rigorous, and game-changing journalism pieces - particularly in the wake of a devastating global economic crisis, as well as scandals involving politics, money, and cell phone hacking. Individual articles include "Phone-Hacking Crisis Shows News Corp Is No Ordinary News Company", "Curse the Geniuses Who Gave Us Bank of America", "In Norway, Start-Ups Say Ja to Socialism", "Nine Things the Rich Don't Want You to Know About Taxes", "Can the World Still Feed Itself?", "How Ford Became Last Man Standing", and much more. A vivid snapshot uncovering both nationwide and worldwide problems and conspiracies, The Best Business Writing 2012 is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking to keep their finger on the pulse of the world economy.


The Language Studies Shelf

Latin for the New Millennium Student Text Level 3
Helena Dettmer and LeaAnn A. Osburn, editors
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1570 Baskin Road
Mundelein, IL 60060
9780865167605 $75.00 www.bolchazy.com

Latin for the New Millennium Student Text Level 3 is a college-level textbook for advanced students of the Latin language. Chapters deliberately offer Latin writings by a wide variety of ancient and renowned authors: Caesar, Cicero, Vergil, Horace, Ovid, and letters of Erasmus. Exercises, short answer questions, essay questions, vocabulary-building lists, study tips, advanced grammatical instructions and more enrich this solid reference and resource, further enhanced by a Latin-to-English glossary and an index. Color illustrations of classical artworks every few pages add an appealing visual touch to this sound-minded text that lends itself well to coursework or self-study. Highly recommended.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Blocks, Borders, Quilts!
Sunny Steinkuhler, author
The Patchwork Place
c/o Martingale & Company
19021 - 120th Ave. NE, Suite 102, Bothell, WA 98011
9781604681536, $27.99 ShopMartingale.com

"Blocks, Borders, Quilts!: A Mix-And-Match Workbook for Designing Your Own Quilts" is a quilter's dream of a pattern source, block and quilting design workbook, specifically designed to allow the quilter maximum freedom of design, block, border, and color choices. In the beginning are several handy instructional pages with suggestions for how to use the book, thoughts on color and contrast, the magic turn, the medallion template, and sample quilt plans. This is followed by two chapters on blocks (12" and 6"), and four chapters on different width borders (1'', 4", 6", and 3"). finally there are specific helps with construction techniques and 50 pages of paper- foundation patterns. Throughout "Blocks, Borders, Quilts!" is filled with color coordinated illustrations of examples of quilts, borders, and blocks. Thus the 12" blocks are referenced in blue, the 3" borders are referenced in light violet, the 6" blocks chapter is illustrated in green, etc. This is very helpful for keeping track of which chapter you are working with. "Blocks, Borders, Quilts!" is a fantastic sourcebook for the creative but perhaps less experienced quilter, and also offers wonderful new ideas for the seasoned quilter, for fresh approaches. Other titles about quilt making by the same publisher that are also highly recommended include "Baltimore Blocks for Beginners (9781604681727, $19.99)," by Mimi Dietrich, and "Quilts from Grandmother's Garden (9781564776426, $24.99)," by Jaynette Huff.

Quiltings, Frolicks & Bees
Sue Reich
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road
Atglen, PA 19310
9780764340987 $29.99 www.schifferbooks.com

Featuring full-color photographs of historic quilts throughout, Quiltings, Frolicks & Bees: 100 Years of Signature Quilts is a repository of American newspaper articles written about needlework activity in the late 19th and earth 20th centuries. The text of each article is reproduced in easy-to-read font. "Signature Quilts" inscribed with the names of hundreds of dedicated needlecrafters, often kept today as historical records, are also displayed in all their glory. Quilts, Frolicks & Bees is not just a book about the history of quilting in America - it's a treasury of mementos from America's proud pioneer legacy, and an extraordinary joy for quilt-makers of all skill and experience levels to read.

Make Your Own Quilting Designs & Patterns
Judy Woodworth
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290
Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781604600353 $21.95 www.aqsquilt.com

Award-winning quilter Judy Woodworth presents Make Your Own Quilting Designs & Patterns, a guide designed to encourage intermediate to advanced quilters to make their own, striking quilting designs. Tips, tricks, and techniques for unleashing one's creativity, shrinking or enlarging any pattern, creating symmetrical or asymmetrical designs, using stencils and more fill this handy guide. Make Your Own Quilting Designs & Patterns is also packed with stunning, full-color photographs of amazingly distinct and original quilts, as well as a handful of sample stencil designs that form the basis of incredibly captivating works of cloth beauty. "You can draft any size compass or star depending on how many times you divide the 360 degrees of the protractor. Traditionally a Mariner's Compass has 16 or 32 points." Make Your Own Quilting Designs & Patterns lives up to its title as a repository of practical methods as well as inspiration, and is highly recommended especially for ambitious and creative quilters.


The Anthropology Shelf

Critical Anthropology
Stephen Nugent, editor
Left Coast Press, Inc.
1630 North Main Street, #400
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
www.LCoastPress.com
9781611321784, $36.95, www.amazon.com

Anthropology is the social science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind, the study of human beings' similarity to and divergence from other animals, as well as the science of humans and their works. Compiled and deftly edited by Stephen Nugent (Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Centre for Visual Anthropology at Goldsmith, University of London), "Critical Anthropology: Foundational Works", is a 249-page compendium comprised of essays by thirteen knowledgeable experts organized into seven parts ranging from 'Marxism in the American Anthropological Tradition' to 'Fighting Over Commodities and History'. Each individual essay is a masterpiece of investigative scholarship. The cumulative result is an outstanding contribution to the growing library of contemporary anthropological studies and a very highly recommended addition to professional and academic library Anthropology reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Sociology Shelf

Sociological Theory, second edition
John Scott
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060-3815
www.e-elgar.com
9781781003350, $39.95, www.amazon.com

Sociology is the science or study of the origin, development, organization, and functioning of human society; the science of the fundamental laws of social relations, institutions, etc. Now in a newly revised and updated second edition, "Sociological Theory: Contemporary Debates" by John Scott (Professor of Sociology and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Plymouth University, United Kingdom) is a 304-page compendium offering readers a systematic and comprehensive text presenting clear arguments on the relative merits of the different positions taken within sociological theory. John Scott has re-ordered the chapters and chapter sections to draw out a strong narrative on contention and convergence in sociological theory. This updated edition features a greater prominence for neofunctionalism in relation to earlier structural-functional theories; a discussion of the theoretical ideas of Pierre Bourdieu; expanded coverage of post-structuralist theoretical ideas in relation to structural theories, and much more. Documented, insightful, informed and informative, "Sociological Theory: Contemporary Debates" continues to be a highly recommended and core addition to academic library Contemporary Sociology reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Philosophy Shelf

Belief And Agency
David Hunter, editor
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Drive, N.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
www.uofcpress.com
9780919491359, $39.95, www.amazon.com

The 35th volume in the University of Calgary Press' outstanding 'Canadian Journal of Philosophy' series, "Belief And Agency" is a 374-page compendium of eleven scholarly essays by knowledgeable experts on diverse issues in contemporary philosophy. The essays range from Eric Schwitzgebel's 'Knowing Your Own Beliefs'; to David Hunter's 'Guidance and Belief'; to Pamela Hieronymi's 'Believing at Will'; to David Checkland's 'Beasts, Beliefs, Intentions, Norms'. Enhanced with a comprehensive Index and 'Notes on Contributors' presenting their academic credentials, "Belief And Agency" is a seminal contribution and highly recommended addition to academic library Contemporary Philosophy reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Music Shelf

Black Metal
Nathan T. Birk, et al.
Black Dog Publishing
10a Acton Street
London, England, WC1X 9NG
www.blackdogonline.com
9781907317729, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Having its origins in European heavy metal bands during the 1990s, 'Black Metal' has clearly established itself as a vehicle for musically and ideologically avant garde groups and performers. "Black Metal: Beyond The Darkness" is a 192-page compendium comprised of insightful essays on the development and evolution of this particular musical subgenre. Enhanced with illustrated testimonials that include John 'Metalion' Kristiansen, Ulver, Imperial, Trine + Kim Design Studio, Nicola Masciandaro, Jon "Thorns" Jamshid, and others, "Black Metal: Beyond The Darkness" is informed, informative, and highly recommended for personal, community, and academic library musicology reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Gaming Shelf

Kenn Warren Teaches Texas Hold'em: Volumes 1 & 2
Ken Warren
Cardoza Publishing
5473 South Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89119
www.cardozapub.com www.amazon.com
Volume 1: 9781580422383, $19.95 (pb)
Volume 2: 9781580422543, $19.95 (pb)

Texas Hold'em, in both its limit and non-limit forms, is the single most popular version of poker being played out in tournaments and online today. Ken Warren is the author of five 'how to' books on poker and a seasoned veteran of the game. The first volume of "Kenn Warren Teaches Texas Hold'em" was published in 2009 and is a 416-page compendium deftly organized into fifteen 'user friendly' chapters specifically designed for novice, non-professional players wanting to seriously improve their game, holding their own when playing with friends or in casinos, and ending up at final tables at local, regional, and even national tournaments. Beginning with the basics, aspiring players will be introduced to low-limit concepts and strategies, learn how to profit from mistakes before the game, before the flop, on the turn, on the river, and even after the game. Of special note are the two chapters devoted to answering common questions. The second volume, "Kenn Warren Teaches Texas Hold'em 2" is a 352-page compendium devoted to answering even more questions posed by poker players seeking to improve the quality of their decision making at the gaming table both in live tournaments and on-line gaming events. Taken together, these two volumes comprise a complete course of instruction on a game famously notorious as being learned in a few minutes while taking a lifetime to master. Even the pros you see playing Final Tables at the WSPO or the WPT could browse the pages of Ken Warren's two volume masterpiece to their own personal advantage in a game of Texas Hold'em!


The Reference Shelf

Demographics Of The U.S.
Cheryl Russell
New Strategist
PO Box 242, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781937737009, $120.00, www.amazon.com

Demographics are the statistical data of a population, especially those showing average age, income, education, etc. Both corporate and governmental policies are strategically based upon demographics. Now in a fully updated and expanded fourth edition, "Demographics of the U.S.: Trends and Projections" by demographer Cheryl Russell (who is also the Editorial Director of New Strategist) is a 550 page compendium of contemporary demographic and socioeconomic trends organized into ten thematic chapters: Attitudes and Behavior; Education; Health; Housing; Income; Labor Force; Living Arrangements, Population; Spending; and Wealth. It will come as no surprise that the American populace is fatter with obesity among males and females increasing. Also verified is our population's increasing diversity and our higher education levels. It will come as a complete surprise to find that despite the economic collapse of the Great Recession, we are a populace more affluent than previous generations, although spending patterns have changed as our economy has evolved. For example we spending less on food and more for housing. Informed, informative, comprehensive, and user friendly, "Demographics of the U.S.: Trends and Projections" is a highly recommended as a core addition to professional, corporate, governmental, community, and academic library reference collections. Also strongly recommended from New Strategist is their four volume series of demographic information "American Generation" (9781937737146, hc, $365.00 / 9781937737153, pb, $265.00) which consists of "Older Americans: A Changing Market, 7th Edition"; "The Baby Boom: Americans Born 1946 to 1964, 7th Edition"; "Generation X: Americans Born 1965 to 1976, 7th Edition"; "The Millennials: Americans Born 1977 to 1994: 5th Edition".


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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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