|
Book
Reviews,
Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers |
Home / Wisconsin Bookwatch |
Wisconsin Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Let Me Tell You About Wine
Oz Clarke
Sterling Epicure
c/o Sterling Publishing
387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016-8610
9781402771231, $19.95, www.sterlingpublishing.com
Wine has evolved past being a widely drank and historical beverage. "Let Me Tell You About
Wine: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Wine" explains the details that one
needs to know about the complexities of wine tasting and why it has gained such a following in
today's world. Wine has been tweaked and customized that there is a wine for almost any dish
and any food for it to accompany, and Oz Clarke explains everything one needs to know about
the art of wine. With plenty of charts, graphs, information, and full color photography, "Let Me
Tell You About Wine" is a choice pick and very highly recommended read for anyone who wants
to know wine better.
The Potential of Poetry
Eric Greinke
Presa Press
PO Box 792, Rockford, MI 49341
9780983125112, $11.95, www.presapress.com
Poetry's presence in the mainstream has been waning in recent years, but there is still much in its
purpose. "The Potential of Poetry" is a collection of essays from Eric Greinke, discuss the role
and purpose of poetry in today's world as an art form and in the world as whole. Simple and
profound work with plenty to muse on literature and art in general, "The Potential of Poetry" is a
choice addition to literary studies collections.
The Interior Design Shelf
Arts & Crafts Houses
Steven Paul Whitsitt & Tina Skinner
Schiffer Publishing
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764336706, $45.00, www.schifferbooks.com
Arts & Crafts can meet interior design and they meet together quite well. "Arts & Crafts Houses"
is a photograph tour of sixteen houses which have embraced the handmade style in much of their
aesthetic. In full color, this book is designed to inspire other handcrafts to take the sights they see
within and apply it to their homes to create their own elements of their own, unlike any found
elsewhere. "Arts & Crafts Houses" is a fascinating coffee table book and will bring much in the
way of inspiration.
The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Best of the Britcoms
Garry Berman
Taylor Trade
c/o Rowman & Littlefield
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781589795662, $16.95, www.rlpgtrade.com
There is a different sort of humor that Brits don't share with some Americans, but for those who
understand it, looking to the other side of the pond makes for quite the entertainment. "Best of
the Britcoms: From Fawlty Towers to the Office" looks at the best one can expect from British
Television. Tracing each of the shows, stating their premise, their stars, how many episodes, and
more, Garry Berman lets his love of British television ring true. "Best of the Britcoms" is a must
for anyone who wants to get into British comedy and its unique humor.
Hitchcock's British Films, second edition
Maurice Yacowar
Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814334942, $24.95, www.wsupress.wayne.edu
California isn't the sole place where films are born. "Hitchcock's British Films" is a study of
Hitchcock's earlier work on a film by film basis showing how his style and brilliance developed
early in his career and how he earned a bit of notoriety and fame in his native England before
becoming a film icon in America. "Hitchcock's British Films" is a choice pick for fans of his
work looking for a more comprehensive study of the first parts of his career. Also recommended
in the subject of Film from Wayne State University Press is "The Collapse of The Conventional:
German Film and Its Politics at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century" (9780814333778, $39.95)
which studies the ever changing social attitudes in the conflicted Germany and how its native
films reflect this.
The Science/Technology Shelf
Mixing Races
Paul Lawrence Farber
John Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
9780801898136, $19.95, www.press.jhu.edu
One hundred years ago, it was viewed as heresy for a person of English descent to marry a person
of German descent. Now, no one seems to bat an eye to a mixture of white, black, Asian, and
whatever couples. "Mixing Races: From Scientific Racism to Modern Evolutionary Ideas"
analyzes the shift opinions in both the scientific community as well as the social community on
the attitudes towards race. Once it was scientifically believed that a mix raced child would face
genetic problems, to the modern era where evolution seems to decree that race mixing will
promote a better species. "Mixing Races" is a fascinating look at how evolutionary science has
changed alongside social beliefs.
Designing Interfaces
Jenifer Tidwell
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9781449379704, $49.99, www.oreilly.com
A good interface can be the deciding factor to if someone can use your program or if they return
it. "Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design" is a technological design
guide from Jennifer Tidwell as she gives readers a comprehensive course in what a user interface
should be. UIs need to communicate what the program can do well to the user and teach them
everything they need to know to make the most of their program. Tidwell explains how the eye
catches some things before others, and designers need to understand this to make a more
effective user interface. With plenty of tips and tricks and clarifying what's a good UI from a bad
UI, "Designing Interfaces" is a sage and very useful guidebook sure to assist design students
excellently.
Design and Implementation of Reliable and High Performance Software Systems
Yuri K. Shestopaloff
AKVY Press
142 Kennard Ave, North York, NY ON M3H 4M5
9780981380049, $39.95, www.shestopaloff.ca
It's not as simple as making one gear of the greater machine work; it's about making it so it all
works. "Design and Implementation of Reliable and High Performance Software Systems" is a
design guide from Yuri K. Shestopaloff and AKVY press as Yuri gives many examples of how
to make technology work greater with one another and businesses. More than ever, keeping the
machine running can prove difficult with all of these interdependent systems, and Shestopaloff
explains well throughout the book. "Design and Implementation of Reliable and High
Performance Software Systems" is a thoughtful and insightful resource, well to be at hand for any
software designer.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
The God Tube
James Lawler
Open Court
70 East Lake Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812696486, $25.95, www.opencourtbooks.com
Faith has its own strong place in entertainment, whether we are realizing it or not. "The God
Tube: Uncovering the Hidden Spiritual Message in Pop Culture" delves into religion and faith in
the wider picture of entertainment. Everything from simple comedies to the Simpsons, to the
overall meaning of the force, and more, James Lawler hopes to fully explore the meaning and
greater message that dwell in our mind numbing entertainment. "The God Tube" is thoughtful
and endlessly intriguing, highly recommended.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Changing Problem Behavior
James O'Heare
BehaveTech Publishing
c/o Dogwise Publishing
403 S Mission St. Wenatchee, WA 98801
9780973836967, $26.95, www.behavetech.com
Understanding the mind of an animal is key to training it. "Changing Problem Behavior: A
Systematic & Comprehensive Approach To Behavior Change Project Management" is a
veterinary psychology manual from James O'Heare, detailing analytical approach to training
behaviors out of animals that is causing issues for the owner and pet union. With the
fundamentals that can apply to all species, O'Heare provides a solid and very highly
recommended guide for those who must train animals. "Changing Problem Behavior" is a core
addition to any veterinary psychology collection.
The Self-Help Shelf
Opportunism
Shraga F. Biran
Farrar, Straus, Giroux
18 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9780374175788, $25.00, www.fsgbooks.com
Taking advantage of things isn't an easy way to success; it's making the most of what has
happened. "Opportunism: How to Change the World - One Idea at a Time" is a guide to creating
those opportunities in life and to create a revolution of their own, be it of ideas or economy or
something else. Too often it has been frowned upon that the opportunist swoops in to prosper,
Shraga F. Biran urges people to shy away from such an idea and comes with plenty of wisdom
maintaining his position. "Opportunism" is full of wisdom on opportunity, recommended
reading.
Teen Esteem
Pat Palmer
Impact Publishers
PO Box 6016, Atascadero, CA 93423-6016
9781886230873, $11.95, www.impactpublishers.com
The weight of the world comes crashing down on your shoulders as soon as those hormones start
to stir. "Teen Esteem: A Self-Direction Manual for Young Adults" is a guide aimed at teens for
confronting this new wave of pressure in their life and meeting it head on. Answering questions
about sexuality, substance abuse, interpersonal relations and the internet, and much more, "Teen
Esteem" is a thoughtful guide and excellent gift for anyone about to join the ranks of
teenagerdom.
Lucid Dreaming
Robert Waggoner
Moment Point Press
PO Box 920287, Needham, MA 02492
Red Wheel, Weiser, Conari (distributor)
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781930491144, $18.95, www.redwheelweiser.com
The subconscious can tell people much about themselves. "Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the
Inner Self" is a guide to the lucid dream and how anyone can access it. Lucid dreaming is a state
of being 'awake' in one's own dreams, to have a conscious awareness of what exactly your mind
is trying to tell you and what you could really want out of your life. Thoughtful, useful, and a
fascinating window to quite the experience, "Lucid Dreaming" is a must for anyone who wants to
experiment with the practice.
The Christian Studies Shelf
On This Day in Christian History
Robert J. Morgan
Thomas Nelson
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
9780785231899, $12.99, www.thomasnelson.com
In two thousand years, a baby by faith's standard, Christianity has amassed quite the history. "On
This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs, and
Heroes" looks at the history of Christianity and breaks down the history into 365 chunks, one for
each day of the year. Endlessly fascinating, discussing the more well known and obscure facets of
history, "On This Day in Christian History" is a fun and choice pick, not to be missed.
The Healing Christ
Robert Winterhalter
Ozark Mountain Publishing
PO Box 754, Huntsville, AR 72740
9781886940697, $14.00, www.ozarkmt.com
The healing nature of Christ is a central principle of the faith. "The Healing Christ" discusses
Christ's healing power and the nature that connects this and its metaphysical nature. Drawing on
the many stories of his healing, Robert Winterhalter states that through these stories, one can
learn that healing isn't for Christ alone, that we all have this power as well. "The Healing Christ"
is a thoughtful read for Christian and metaphysical readers.
A Maryknoll Book of Inspiration
Michael Leach & Doris Goodnough
Orbis Books
PO Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302
9781570759017, $25.00, www.orbisbooks.com
There can be days where there is no love in the world. "A Maryknoll Book of Inspiration:
Readings for Every Day of the Year" is a book of affirmations from an assortment of writers as
they provide a collection of wisdom designed to be soaked in daily. "A Maryknoll Book of
Inspiration" is a choice collection for anyone who seeks a bit of spiritual upheaval to help them
keep their chin up and remember the good things about life through the worst of it.
Explore Your Bible
Barbour
1810 Barbour Drive, PO Box 819, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
9781602608337, $1.99, www.barbourbooks.com
The Bible is by no means a short book, and most publishers haven't seemed to embrace the index
format. "Explore Your Bible: 199 Bible Topics with References" serves as an index for readers to
quickly assist readers in finding what the Bible has to say on various topics, arranged
alphabetically. "Explore Your Bible" is a useful resource, very highly recommended.
A Carpenter's View of the Bible
Charlie March
Pleasant Word
c/o Wine Press
PO Box 428, Enumclaw, WA 98022
9781414117638, $17.99, www.winepresspublishing.com
A carpenter takes after God in their drive to create. "A Carpenter's View of the Bible" are
musings of Charlie March, as he draws a connection between Biblical narrative and the way of
the carpenter. With a bit of humor and drawing on many Biblical stories and their connection to
Carpentry, Charlie March speaks on everything from the ark to the Tower of Babel. "A
Carpenter's View of the Bible" is thoughtful and recommended reading.
The KJV Study Bible
Barbour
P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
9781616260361, $19.99, www.barbourbooks.com
Perhaps the most important book in western civilization, The Bible is well worth studying. "The
KJV Study Bible" is a study guide for the most famous English translation of the bible, The King
James Version. Discussing the history of this version's creation, with plenty of notes to explain
the cultural gap that has formed throughout the centuries, and encouraging readers to do their
own study, "The KJV Study Bible" is a strong pick for any student of Christianity who wants
more comprehensive understanding of the Holy Bible.
A Way to Pray
Matthew Henry
The Banner of Truth Trust
PO Box 621, Carlisle, PA 17013
9781848710870, $24.00, www.banneroftruth.co.uk
The Holy Bible is not just something to look towards for guidance, it can empower the daily
prayer. "A Way to Pray" is a guidebook for Christians who want to use scripture more effectively
in their work. First published by Matthew Henry three hundred years ago, O. Palmer Robertson
has updated it for the modern day to help Christians blend its principles into their faith. "A Way
to Pray" is a fine pick for Christians and a driven and spiritual read.
Remember the Poor
Bruce W. Longenecker
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
2140 Oak Industrial Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
9780802863737, $25.00, www.eerdmans.com
All too often Christians forget about caring for the poor as one of their virtues. "Remember the
Poor: Paul, Poverty, and the Greco-Roman World" looks the disciple Paul and his relation to the
economic conditions of Rome in his day, and the vital role that the poor played in Early
Christianity. A work of Christian economics, author Bruce Longenecker offers challenge to both
economics and theologians with his studies. "Remember the Poor" is an engaging and highly
recommended read for history, economics, and Christianity collections.
This Sacred Moment
Albert Haase
IVP
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830835430, $15.00, www.ivpress.com
Divinity doesn't mean you have to be a superstar. "This Sacred Moment: Becoming Holy Right
Where You Are" is an inspirational guide for Christians on becoming holy and living a life more
worthy of the title. Encouraging readers to follow Christ's path, author Albert Haase gives simple
and profound inspiration to finding your way in his footsteps and with memoirs of others who
have chosen his path. "This Sacred Moment" is a charming and driven read for those who want a
bit of divinity in their own lives.
Untold Sisters
Electa Arenal & Stacey Schlau, editors
University of New Mexico Press
MSC05 3185, 1 University of New Mexico, AL, NM 87131-0001
9780826347381, $35.00, www.unmpress.com
What drives a woman to devote herself wholly to God? "Untold Sisters: Hispanic Nuns in Their
Own works" is a study of these nuns in order to gain a greater understanding of convent life in
Latin America and Spain. Presented in both languages, blending them throughout, editors Electa
Arenal and Stacey Schlau present a compendium of information that should educate and
enlighten on the subject. With photographs reproducing relative artwork throughout,
bibliographies, and more, "Untold Sisters" is a vital addition to any Christian or Hispanic driven
history collection, enthusiastically recommended.
Daily Reflections for Lent
Robert F. Morneau
Liturgical Press
St. John's Abbey, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814633090, $2.00, www.litpress.org
The time of Lent is meant to be a time of spiritual reassessment for Catholics. "Daily Reflections
for Lent" is a short collection of thoughts, affirmations, and wisdom for Catholics to absorb
during the spiritual time of Lent to help them assess their place as a Christian. "Daily Reflections
for Lent" is a strong pick for those who have much to ponder for the upcoming season of
Lent.
Reboot
Peggy Kendall
Judson Press
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
9780817015657, $14.00, www.judsonpress.com
The world grows smaller, and new ideas whiz all over the planet. "Reboot: Refreshing Your
Faith in a High-Tech World" is a guide to being a Christian in today's world when the stories of
the Bible seem like the furthest thing from modern reality. With plenty of thought for keeping
God relevant in today's world including keeping in touch with other Christians and applications
of technology for faith, "Reboot" is a fine read and very highly recommended for any
technology-minded Christian.
How to Rise Above Abuse
June Hunt
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736923330, $14.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com
Abuse can wreck lives and derail dreams. "How to Rise Above Abuse: Victory for Victims of
Five Types of Abuse" is an inspirational Christian guide to help readers to overcome the
challenges of abuse in their lives. From the tragedy of childhood sexual abuse to being a battered
spouse, all of these shatter your lives and make it seem like it's impossible to put one's life back
together. With a bit of faith, June Hunt wants to reassure readers that the impossible is possible.
"How to Rise Above Abuse" is thoughtful and a choice pick for victims of abuse.
The Economics Shelf
The Political Economy of Taxation
Paola Profeta & Simona Sacabrosetti
Edward Elgar
9 Dewey Court, Northampton, MA 01060
9781848440715, $105.00, www.e-elgar.com
Taxation is the main source of income for governments, but too much crushes the people they are
trying to govern. "The Political Economy of Taxation: Lessons from Developing Countries"
discusses the importance of balancing taxation in developing countries where the government
needs the money the most but the people aren't in the best position to be providing that money.
Drawing on studies from Asia and Latin America where many countries are quickly becoming
international economic powers, as well as Europe where the European Union has shifted the way
the continent's economy works. Providing light to a subject that is not often enough discussed,
"The Political Economy of Taxation" packed cover to cover with thoughtful information, and a
core addition to any international economic studies collection.
The Business Shelf
Money Games
David M. Carter
Stanford Business Books
c/o Stanford University Press
1450 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1124
9780804759557, $29.95, www.sup.org
Sports hasn't just been for the good of the game for a long time. "Money Games: Profiting from
the Convergence of Sports and Entertainment" looks at the financial mating of Sports and
Entertainment in the name of business and profits. Drawing on many examples in today's culture
and explaining how it all works, and just how much business is behind today's sports, "Money
Games" proves to be an excellent read for the future business man diving into the realm of sports
or those simply curious about the methods behind March Madness.
The Art Shelf
One Hundred Portraits
Barry Moser
Godine
PO Box 450, Jaffrey, NH 03452
9781567923667, $35.00, www.godine.com
A good portrait speaks louder than a simple picture of a person, it speaks soul. "One Hundred
Portraits" is a collection of woodcuts by Barry Moser, who has embraced the woodcut as his
artistic method. He looked through history and draws on old drawings, paintings, photographs to
demonstrate a grasp of what one can do with wood. Thoughtful and driven labor, "One Hundred
Portraits" is well worth considering as a coffee table book or as a solid addition to any
community library art collection.
Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Geral F. Brommer, consultant
Crystal Productions
PO Box 2159, 1812 Johns Drive, Glenview, IL 60025
9781562906658, $19.95
What is the story behind the many design decisions that we all so often fall back to, even when
we don't realize it? "Elements of Art and Principles of Design: Hands-On Activities, Full-Color
Reproductions, Descriptions of Each Concept" discusses the many ideas behind modern design
and art, showing how these elements come together in artistic works and how to understand them
better to use in one's own work. With worksheets and plenty of activities, "Elements of Art and
Principles of Design" is a fine resource for art teachers and their students.
Art of Our Time
Patricia McDonnell & Emily Stamey
University of Washington Press
PO box 50096, Seattle, WA 98145-5096
9780295990255, $29.95, www.washington.edu
The past hundred years have constantly redefined the term of art. "Art of Our Time: Selections
From the Ulrich Museum of Art, Wichita State University" looks at the past one hundred years of
art. Drawing on fifty seven works from the museum's holdings to tell the history of international
art, taking pieces from around the world, and showing them here in full color with narration of
their purpose and meaning. "Art of Our Time" is a fine collection of artwork, a choice pick for
coffee table book or art book collections in general.
You Can Draw in 30 Days
Mark Kistler
Da Capo
c/o Perseus Book Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738212418, $19.00, www.dacapopress.com
Artists are made, not born. "You Can Draw in 30 Days: The Fun, Easy Way, to Learn to Draw in
One Month or Less" is a guide to unlocking the artist that waits in us all, as famous art instructor
Mark Kistler, host of Mark Kistler's Imagination Station, as he helps readers get started in
learning the basics on how to draw, and to advance beyond that to using their drawing as another
aspect of artistic expression. "You Can Draw in 30 Days" is a must for anyone who wants to
pursue art but doesn't know where to start.
A History of American Tonalism
David A. Cleveland
Hudson Hill
PO Box 205, 3556 Main Street, Manchester, VT 05254
9781555953027, $85.00, www.hudsonhills.com
At the turn of the century, American art shifted with its culture. "A History of American
Tonalism 1880-1920" is an art history guide tracing this period of artistic style where color was
used in graduality to apply an emotion and mood to the art, reflecting on the culture of the time,
defying the rapid change of the world, clashing with the previous style of art in the decades
leading to the period. Looking at the work of some of the greatest artists of the period and
reflecting how they changed the discipline, "A History of American Tonalism" is a fine coffee
table book and study of American art history.
The Photography Shelf
Carnivals of the World
Marcelo Bendahan
Maestro Books
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9789080939684, $50.00
A true carnival is a celebration unlike anywhere else in the world. "Carnivals of the World" is a
colorful and lush photography book with photographs by Marcelo Bendahan as he explores the
elaborate beauty of these carnivals throughout the world, focusing on the most popular pre-Lent
carnivals such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Something truly magnificent to see in person,
much of the feeling of awe remains in these photographs. "Carnivals of the World" is an
excellent choice for coffee table book, highly recommended.
Paddle North
Greg Breining
Minnesota Historical Society Press
345 Kellogg Boulevard West, St. Paul, MN 55102
9780873517782, $29.95, www.laynekennedy.com
For some, the best way to experience nature is to meet it head on. "Paddle North: Canoeing the
Boundary Waters-Quetico Wilderness" is a combination memoir and nature photography guide
from Greg Breining with photographs from Layne Kennedy. Breining discusses the boundary
waters, the line of rivers and creeks that split the United States and Canada. Discussing not only
the river, but the forests surrounding, there is a focus on this natural beauty that the two nations
share and how throughout natural and human history, it is ever changing. "Paddle North" is a
thoughtful nature book, well worth considering for any nature lover.
Australasian Nature Photography
South Australian Museum
Csiro Publishing
c/o Stylus Publishing
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
9780643101166, $33.95, www.styluspub.com
Through ice and tropics, the southern Pacific and Indian ocean region holds some of the most
intriguing bits of nature in the world. "Australasian Nature Photography" is a collection of the
full array of nature that covers the region, as the South Australian museum presents full color
photos of icy regions, deserts, forests, grasslands, and their wildlife and fauna exemplifying the
massive range of topography that the region offers. "Australasian Nature Photography" is
beautiful and is a choice pick for anyone seeking nature photography.
The Islamic Studies Shelf
Universal Dimensions of Islam
Patrick Laude
World Wisdom
1501 E. Hillside Dr., Bloomington, IN 47401
9781935493570, $23.95, www.worldwisdom.com
Understanding is the key to a more peaceful planet. "Universal Dimensions of Islam: Studies in
Comparative Religion" serves as a fascinating look into Islam as many writers delve into their
own studies of faith, and how Islam and its culture can serve as a bridge connecting it to other
faiths for a more understanding world. Insightful and enlightening, "Universal Dimensions of
Islam" is a solid addition for any Islamic studies collection focusing on scholarly discussions of
the Muslim faith.
Pearls from Arabia
Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi
Berkshire Academic Press
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781907784026, $19.95, www.isbs.com
Good sense and wisdom transcends history, far beyond any faith or creed. "Pearls from Arabia"
looks at the spirit and wisdom of the Prophet Mohammed. Designed as not a religious book but
instead a unique study of Mohammed's words as inspiration and light for the modern life of man,
"Pearls from Arabia" is something well worth reading for its simple yet complex philosophy on
life and its challenges.
The Military Shelf
China, The United States, and 21st-Century Sea Power
Andrew S. Erickson, Lyle J. Goldstein, and Nan Li
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591142430, $49.95, www.nip.org
The United States is far from the only superpower any longer. "China, the United States, and
21st-Century Sea Power: Defining a Maritime Security Partnership" looks into the importance
and vitality of despite the growing rivalry between America and China, that working together in
matters of naval and maritime security is the best route possible for the two countries to ensure
peace for both of their interests. A fourth in a series analyzing the growing power of China's
navy, "China, the United States, and 21st-Century Sea Power" is a fine and very highly
recommended read, not to be missed.
The Biography Shelf
Ordinary Things
Christopher Pratt
Breakwater
PO Box 2188, 100 Water Street, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1C 6E6
9781550812640, $18.95, www.breakwaterbooks.com
It's how one deals with the ordinary that can make one extraordinary. "Ordinary Things: A
Different Kind of Voyage" is a collection of personal memoirs from artist Christopher Pratt as he
discusses life as an artist and living life in Newfoundland. With poignancy and much wit and
thought, Pratt's journal will prove highly entertaining and very thoughtful reading. "Ordinary
Things" is a fine pick for any memoir collection.
Sunnyside Sal
Anton Krueger
Deep South
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9780958491563, $24.95, www.isbs.com
Liberation and the changing times bring all sorts of new experience to those of the old ways.
"Sunnyside Sal" is a memoir of Anton Krueger, a South African man who looks at the world
rapidly change around him and reacts in a variety of ways. A fascinating read of the changing
times, Krueger admits to taking liberties with some of his experiences for a better story, but that
all ends up adding to the appeal of "Sunnyside Sal".
Passport Through Darkness
Kimberly L. Smith
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
The B&B Media Group (publicity)
ajennings@tbbmedia.com
9781434702128, $14.99, www.davidccook.com
With faith as her shield, she tried to stand against the worst atrocities mankind still committed.
"Passport Through Darkness: A True Story of Danger and Second Chances" follows Kimberly
Smith as she is faced with modern day slavery in the darkest depths of the modern world. Her
story is frightening and depressing in its honesty and how through the awfulness, her faith in God
allowed her to press on and try to make a difference. "Passport Through Darkness" is a riveting
pick, and very highly recommended.
The Women Behind the Roses
Tilley & Andrew Govanstone
Rosenberg
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781877058936, $49.95, www.isbs.com
Alister Clark has the title of the most famous Rosarian in Australia's history. "The Women
Behind the Roses" looks deeper into his personal project of naming his roses after real
individuals. Tilley & Andrew Govanstone trace the history of the women behind the roses,
offering a short biography on each of them, including details on the rose dedicated to them. With
a focus on Alister Clark himself and black and white photographs spread throughout the book to
help the story of the women, "The Women Behind the Roses" is a unique study of the rosa genus
of flowers as well as the women of early twentieth century Australia.
Jihad Al-Kuffar
Michael A. Rome
Dorrance Publishing
701 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
9781434907929, $28.00, www.dorrancebookstore.com
Why do terrorists so quickly resort to destruction and violence? "Jihad Al-Kuffar" tells how
Michael Rome came across a CD containing documents that are meant to spur people to violence
for their causes such as suicide bombings, murder, and other acts of terror. Hoping to gain insight
into why this has been the weapon of choice for these individuals and the weight of their
grievances, "Jihad Al-Kuffar" is a choice and thoughtful read on today's war on terror, and
terror's counterattack.
The Social Issues Shelf
Major League Winners
Mark S. Rosentraub
CRC Press
270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9781439801598, $61.95, www.crcpress.com
Sports are a spectacle that can not only provide entertainment, but much needed economic relief.
"Major League Winners: Using Sports and Cultural Centers as Tools for Economic
Development" discusses the power that sports and other large gathering places have in helping
economic recovery and development. Using the successes of many sports teams in how they help
their town blossom and succeed, Mark S. Rosentraub says that these benefits are not a one way
street, and that both the sports franchise and the city that hosts them must work together, and how
they can avoid the pitfalls and failures that he discussed in his previous book, 'Major League
Losers'. Written with much experience, "Major League Winners" will enlighten those to the
strong power that private and public partnership can bring to all those involved.
The Food Revolution
John Robbins
Red Wheel, Conari, Weiser
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781573244879, $19.95, www.redwheelweiser.com
A diet is about just improving your health, it can make a difference in our world. "The Food
Revolution: How your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and Our World" is a 10th anniversary
reprinting and update of the famed 2001 book on food politics. Discussing the impact of the
American lifestyle and diet on the world, urging people to shift towards a more animal free diet
for their own health and for the health of the world, it comes with a very pro-vegan and
vegetarian message. "The Food Revolution" is a fine pick and very highly recommended
reading.
Agriculture and Food in Crisis
Fred Magdoff & Brian Tokar
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583672266, $18.95, www.monthlyreview.org
Can the world sustain itself with the demands of its population? "Agriculture and Food in Crisis:
Conflict, Resistance, and Renewal" discusses this important problem facing the world. The
advancements in food production have not been able to meet the demands of the world's rapidly
expanding population. Discussing the problem the world faces in the future, a serious crisis that
needs to be answered, "Agriculture and Food in Crisis" asks and answers many questions, and
proves to be a thoughtful and very highly recommended read.
unPlanned
Abby Hohnson
Tyndale House
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414339399, $22.99
Certain events can radically change your world view. "unPlanned" is a memoir from Abby
Johnson telling of how she shifted her view on abortion. Formerly a leader of a Planned
Parenthood clinic, she left her position after assisting in an abortion procedure for the first time
and became firmly a part of the pro-life camp. Encouraging those on the fence in the debate and
even those staunchly pro-choice to consider her story, "unPlanned" is an intriguing addition to
social issues and memoir collections.
Twelve Angry Men
Lani Guinier
The New Press
38 Greene Street, New York, NY 10013
9781595585387, $24.95
Even with America's first black president, racial profiling still reigns strong. "Twelve Angry
Men: True Stories of Being a Black Man in America Today" draws on the crisis surrounding
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and how it revealed to many Americans a very real reality, where many
black men, regardless of their status or own culture, find themselves demonized. From attorneys
unable to walk in their own home, being arrested for visiting family, and more, "Twelve Angry
Men" analyzes a sad reality that still lives on in modern America.
The Education Shelf
Reading for Meaning
Harvey F. Silver, Susan C. Morris, & Victor Klein
ASCD
1703 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416611325, $20.95, www.ascd.org
If you're left without understanding, there is no point in reading in the first place. "Reading for
Meaning: How to Build Student's Comprehension, Reasoning, and Problem-Solving Skills" is a
guide for educators who want to push and promote reading comprehension in their classrooms
and the related solutions that come along with it. With simple advice on how to get the students
more involved and thinking during the entire reading process from before hand to reflecting on
the work, "Reading for Meaning" is a core addition to any educational resource collection.
Teaching as a Moral Practice
Peter C. Murell Jr. & Collaborators
Harvard Education Press
8 Story Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
9781934742785, $29.95, www.harvardeducationpress.org
There is something to be said of the role of the educator. "Teaching as a Moral Practice:
Defining, Developing, and assessing professional dispositions in teacher education" analyzes the
importance of imparting ethics and morality in the teaching practice, adding a philosophical
angle to education, focusing on the practice of teachers teaching teachers. "Teaching as a Moral
Practice" is a scholarly and thoughtful analysis of the responsibility of the teacher, a top pick for
college library education collections.
Setting Up Classroom Spaces That Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Susan Kabot & Christine Reeve
AAPC
PO Box 23173, Shawnee Mission, KS 66283-0173
9781934575680, $26.95, www.asperger.net
Working with autism demands a different approach. "Setting Up Classroom Spaces that Support
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders" is a guide for educators who want to best set up their
classrooms to enable their autistic students to attain the best education possible. With a checklist
of easy things to do, supplies that are needed, and much more, Susan Kabot and Christine Reeve
give no shortage of wisdom on how to make the most of the classroom. "Setting Up Classroom
Spaces that Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders" is a strong resource for teachers
and educational administrators. Also from AAPC is "Practical Solutions for Stabilizing Students
with Classic Autism to Be Ready to Learn: Getting to Go!" (9781934575758, $21.95), a guide to
helping these troubled students succeed when their disorder works against them.
The Gardening Shelf
Fast, Fresh Garden Edibles
Jane Courtier
Creative Homeowner
24 Park Way, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
9781580115124, $14.95, www.creativehomeowner.com
Your garden can be more than pretty, it can save on your grocery bill. "Fast, Fresh Garden
Edibles: Quick Crops for Small Spaces" is a guide to turning one's garden into a place where
edible crops can be grown. With a wide assortment of full color photos, Jane Courtier equips
readers with everything they need to know to succeed with their gardens, from knowing what
they can support with their space and climate to how to know when it's time to harvest. "Fast,
Fresh Garden Edibles" is a must for anyone who wants their own natural, homegrown
vegetables.
The Sustainable Rose Garden
Pat Shanley, Peter Kukielski, & Gene Waering, editors
Newbury Books
908 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083
9781935149163, $34.95
Roses, with their bright colors and sweet smell, have earned a special place among floral
enthusiasts. "The Sustainable Rose Garden" is a collection of essays written by rosarians for
fellow rose lovers. Speaking on the sustainability of roses and their surprising impact on the
environment, there is much to ponder about how roses can be improved for their future. With
nearly forty contributors, "The Sustainable Rose Garden" is a read that is very much
recommended for the environmentally conscious rose lover.
The Martial Arts Shelf
Kurikara
John Maki Evans
Blue Snake Books
c/o North Atlantic Books
PO Box 12327, Berkeley, CA 94704
9781583942444, $16.95, www.bluesnakebooks.com
The sword was the weapon of choice for the warrior class in Japan for centuries, and may
disciplines were founded. "Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent" analyzes the basic principles
that unite these principles of sword fighting, which have heavy emphasis in many faiths of the
time, such as Mikkyo and Shugendo. These principles will prove intriguing to many a fan of
swordsmanship, as author John Maki Evans, who traveled to Japan and was one of the first
foreigners to train under master Nakamura Taisaburo. Drawing on his own experience as well as
history, "Kurikara" is a fascinating read with plenty of black and white photographs spread
throughout.
The Poetry Shelf
The Secret Admirer
Kyle Flak
Adastra Press
16 Reservation Road, Easthampton, MA 01027
9780982249581, $16.00
Poetry is simply another way of telling a story. "The Secret Admirer" is a chapbook of poetry
from Kyle Flak as he uses his own love of word play to tell many a unique tale. Fun and hard to
put down, "The Secret Admirer" is not to be missed. "Attic": Remember the attic?/There were
eight hundred Halloween masks/up there. And a drum kit./Also: I kissed you square on/the nose
for some reason. You, who taught me/how to ride a horse. I could happily/comb your brown hair
all winter long/on that funky orange couch we/used to use for hearing rooftop/raindrops. It was
classic./And dusty. I wouldn't go up there/alone. Missing you is my/only hobby.
Seizing the Sun and Moon
Louis Daniel Brodsky
Time Being Books
10411 Clayton Road, Suites 201-203, Saint Louis, MO 63113
9781568091365, $15.95, www.timebeing.com
Watching one's child grow into an adult is one of the most prideful and rewarding experiences
one can have. "Seizing the Sun and Moon: Volume Three of the Seasons of Youth" is the third
collection of poetry from Louis Daniel Brodsky as he reflects on the youth of her daughter and
her young life coming to terms with what she will become. Sure to entice many a parent and
poetry lover, "Seizing the Sun and Moon" is not to be missed. "Fire": They turn in a fire,/Neither
gyrfalcons loosed, on the air,/By an impassioned Yeats/Hoping to see words mate,/Give birth to
brilliant trilling,/Nor artful phoenixes/relying on feathered intellection//But, rather, my two
precious children,/Whose twin scintillas/form a graceful, soaring shape/Against a blazing
sun./They're both Noah's dove,/Which ignites my brain, with revelation./I'm the breeze that fans
their fire.
Prophesying the Past
Noel King
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781907056468, $19.95, www.salmonpoetry.com
Through much life and time, there is much to ponder. "Prophesying the Past" is a collection of
poetry from Noel King, as he speaks on the subjects of times past with poignancy and thought to
his poetry. "Prophesying the Past" is a worthwhile addition to any poetry collection. "Sisters at
the Airport": throw arms around the years/spent on the family farm./visitor sister presents a
package,/resident sister buys tea/and butters with tears/her mother's home-made brown
bread,/fresh from Ireland.
Silver Roses
Rachel Wetzsteon
Persea Books
853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780892553648, $16.50, www.perseabooks.com
Some things are simply too good to be true. "Silver Roses" is a collection of poetry from Rachel
Wetzsteon, author of three previous volumes as she brings her own blend of philosophy and
skepticism to the table as she appreciates the life around her. Smart and riveting verse, "Silver
Roses" is not a volume to be missed. "Gold Leaves": Someone ought to write about(I
thought/and therefore do) stage three of alchemy:/not inauspicious metal turned into/a gilded
page, but that same page turned back/to basics when you step outside for air/and feel a radiance
that was not there/the day before, your sidewalks lined with gold.
The Book of Emblems
Matthew Ladd
Wayweiser
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781904130437, $15.95, www.dufoureditions.com
The most fascinating thing to the mind is the mind itself. "The Book of Emblems" is a collection
of poetry from Matthew Ladd, as he provides his own musings and way with words on the mind
and its pursuits of consciousness in its life. Offering much to think about with his poetry,
drawing its titles to the devotional titles of centuries ago, "The Book of Emblems" is a grade-A
poetry collection. "Coelcanth": Is it such a crime to stop writing?/We all could burn our
manuscripts/and not once dwell on their absence./The world would be free of poets/Then I would
be at liberty/to sit all day at the kitchen table/carving toys for my children.
Transistor Rodeo
Jon Wilkins
The University of Utah Press
295 South 1500 East, Suite 5400, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
9781607810025, $12.95, www.uofupress.com
Some poets have a drive for creativity and inspiration. "Transistor Rodeo" is a collection of
award winning poetry from Joe Wilkin, a professor formerly at the University of Utah with a
particular way for how the world rolls on in spite of our problems. "Transistor Rodeo" is a fun
and thought provoking read, highly recommended. "The Parable of the Napkin": I walked over to
you sassy/as a waitress you were/tall as a triple scoop of french//vanilla remembering what my
mother told me about/women/What does she need/that only you can provide?//I brought you a
napkin saying/ it's hot you'll be wanting this
The Travel Shelf
Route 66
Voyageur Press
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760338858, $30.00, www.voyageurpress.com
As America grew, Route 66 evolved from a pile of asphalt into a legend all its own. "Greetings
from Route 66: The Ultimate Road Trip Back Through Time Along America's Main Street" is a
photography and history book detailing the many attractions and sections of the heyday of Route
66, the highway that allowed Americans to travel from the east and west on their own power in
their own cars, something that only decades for, was a multiple month affair and was quite
dangerous. But the danger was gone, replaced by a road that made the journey just as fun as the
destination. "Greetings from Route 66" is a fascinating and fun read, presented in full color and is
enthusiastically recommended.
1000 Sacred Places
Christoph Engels
H. F. Ullman
info@ullman-publishing.com
60 Cycle Meida, 38 High Ave #1, Nyack, NY 10960
9783833154805, $29.95, www.ullman-publishing.com
The places held Sacred to the world are usually held sacred for good reason. "1000 Sacred
Places: The World's Most Extraordinary Spiritual Sites" is a guide to the most awe-inspiring
religious sites around the world. Many of these sites, even to a non-believer, are sites with a
certain historical and artistic majesty, worth seeing in one's lifetime. From cathedrals to massive
sculptures to relics of the distant past, "1000 Sacred Places" is in full color with plenty of insight
and information, making it a very highly recommended travel guide.
The Environmental Studies Shelf
Urbanism in the Age of Climate Change
Peter Calthorpe
Island Press
Suite 300, 1718 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009
9781597267205, $35.00, www.urbanismclimatechange.org
In much of the world, most of a country's population now lives in cities. "Urbanism in the Age of
Climate Change" discusses the role of cities in the climate change debate. Peter Calthorpe states
that in order for America and other nation's lifestyle to continue with the minimum of
environmental impact, we must embrace new methods and new technologies and presents plans
for the world up to the year 2050. Drawing on his expertise as an architect, he states our best
hope is through designing our own future. "Urbanism in the Age of Climate Change" is a
thoughtful and enlightening read, enthusiastically recommended.
Advancing the Science of Climate Change
National Research Council
500 Fifth Street, NW, Lockbox 285, Washington, DC 20055
9780309145886, $49.95, www.national-academies.org
Climate change is one of the most hotly debated topics in today's science. The National Research
Council has placed out a series of books discussing the issue with extra focus on each of the
major topics involved. "Advancing the Science of Climate Change" (9780309145886, $49.95)
focuses on the importance of advancing science in the continuing research into global warming.
With government intervention growing, scientific research is more vital than ever. "Informing an
Effective Response to Climate Change" (9780309145947, $49.95) focuses on reporting the facts
that have been found on the issue and making it so that the people and politicians are well
informed and are fully understanding of the issue at hand. "Limiting the Magnitude for Future
Climate Change" (9780309145978, $49.95) analyzes what can be done to reduce the impact that
climate change will have on our society and our world. Reducing the impact will be the first step
in reacting to the climate change which cannot be stopped. "Adapting to the Impacts of Climate
Change" (9780309145916, $49.95) is a guide elaborating further on how America can change to
meet what climate change has wrought for the country. Managing resources and protecting the
people and infrastructure of society are the goals within. The series as a whole provides highly
scholarly insight on the dilemma and how to answer it, making each core additions to any
environmental studies community or college library collection.
The Fiction Shelf
The Sleepwalker
Margarita Karapanou
Clockroot Books
c/o Interlink
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060
9781566568388, $16.00, www.clockrootbooks.com
To save a world not worth saving, God may not put up his peak effort. "The Sleepwalker" is a
quirky novel where Manolis, who may be the new messiah, is put on a Greek island populated by
a wide array of characters who are faced with both their own brilliance and failure of life. With
plenty to ponder as well as laugh at, "The Sleepwalker" should prove a novel that is very hard to
put down.
The Good-Bye Angel
Ignacio De Loyola Brandao
Dalkey Archive
1805 S. Wright Street, MC-011, Champaign, IL 61820
9781564785947, $14.95, www.dalkeyarchive.com
There are constant conflicts to stand out yet blend in. "The Good-Bye Angel" is a novel from
Brazilian author Ignacio De Loyola Brandao, translated from the Portuguese by Clifford E.
Landers. Telling the story of the city of Arealva, and the conflict of the community against itself,
Brandao tells a story of the drive of people for themselves and their own desires versus the city as
a whole, where everyone ends up wronged in some way. "The Good-Bye Angel" is a fascinating
dystopian novel, highly recommended.
Paradise Lost
Steven L. Layne
Pelican
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LO 70053
9781589805903, $15.99, www.pelicanpub.com
It's almost like he was a whole new person. "Paradise Lost" is a follow up to author Steven L.
Layne's previous novel 'This Side of Paradise'. Chase Maxfield returns to his high school,
changing from the somewhat loser-ish individual into a hunky jock. Former most popular kid
Troy Barrett faces this new intrusion with shock and curiosity, as the change seems unsettling to
him. When the dead start to reappear, nothing is as it seems. "Paradise Lost" is a fun read for
young adult science fiction and fantasy readers, highly recommended.
Stone Upon Stone
Wieslaw Mysliwski
Archipelago
232 Third Street #A111 Brooklyn, NY 11215
9780982624623, $20.00, www.archipelagobooks.org
No man is the same person for their entire life. "Stone Upon Stone" is a translation, excellently
done from the original Polish by Bill Johnston, of a post war tale. Wieslaw Mysliwski brings his
character Szymek Pietruszka to life and tells his story of life and the changes he faces. Szymek,
through his many careers and lives, tries to maintain his intelligence and wisdom through it all.
"Stone Upon Stone" is a riveting and moving piece of international literature, an excellent
addition to any literary fiction collection.
Cute Eats Cute
C. B Murphy
North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc.
PO Box 451, St. Cloud Minnesota, 56302
9780878393657, $14.95, www.northstarpress.com
There's no such thing as perfect, and the sooner it's realized the better. "Cute Eats Cute" tells the
story of one Sam, teenager of the Midwest as he realizes the truth of the world around him.
Caught up in a swarm of new age and environmentalism, he learns about people and what it
means to be human, and to take it in all the better. A fun coming of age tale, "Cute Eats Cute"
will have young adult readers struggling to put it down.
Wingshooters
Nina Revoyr
Akashic Books
PO Box 1456, New York, NY 10009
9781936070862, $23.95, www.akashicbooks.com
It's shocking that the simple color of one's skin can mean so much. "Wingshooters" follows Michelle, daughter of a Japanese and White couple who move into an all white town in Wisconsin. Ostracized by the town for being half-Asian, she secludes herself with little friends except for her grandfather, who hates the marriage of his American son and her Asian mother. When a black family moves into town, the racial tensions reach higher as injustice quickly enters the equation. "Wingshooters" is a riveting novel small town racial tensions, enthusiastically recommended.
One for Hell
Jada M. Davis
Stark House
2200 O Street, Eureka, CA 95501
9781933586304, $19.95, www.starkhousepress.com
When corruption runs deep, there is little limit to potential for cruelty. "One for Hell" tells the
story of a man who comes to a Texan oil town, finds himself with a badge. As the town sinks
into corruption, the man uses it to do what he deems fun, even if that is murder. A fun read of
classic noir and mystery, "One for Hell" is a choice pick for readers looking for something
pulpy.
Thera
Zeruya Shalev
Toby
PO Box 8531, New Milford, CT 06776
9781592642663, $24.95, www.tobypress.com
Building someone out of the ruins of the past is something that must always be done. "Thera"
follows closing in on middle age archaeologist Ella Miller as she struggles with her professional
discoveries as she deals with her personal challenges. As her marriage falls apart and she looks
for love anew, she finds her new lover is far from perfect, the wounds of her old marriage are still
strong, and her son she can't fully understand. From these shambles, she finds he must build
something that works. "Thera" is a fine pick and a read that will be relevant to many women
piecing together their own lives.
Face Off
Maureen Ulrich
Coteau Books
2517 Victoria Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4P 0T2
9781550504521, $12.95, www.coteaubooks.com
So much can be weighed on one wrong moment. "Face Off" is the story of young fifteen year old
Jessie as she faces the rough task of being a teenager. While everything seems to go the young
hockey player's way in most aspects of life, she soon finds that one wrong move can shatter her
pristine life. "Face Off" is a charming tale that will relate with many teens.
The Listening Tree
Celia Barker Lottirdge
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
311 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135
9781554550524, $11.95, www.fitzhenry.ca
You can't hide from the world all your life. "The Listening Tree" follows young Ellen as she
moves into the city and hides behind a tree, watching the world go by rather than participate in it.
But she soon finds she must break her vow of silence, or bad things will happen to those who
don't deserve it. A riveting read of coming out to face the world as a child who doesn't want to,
"The Listening Tree" is very highly recommended.
Looking for the King
David C. Downing
Ignatius
PO Box 1339, Fort Collins, CO 80522
9781586175146, $19.95
The search for truth unites many of the greatest mind. "Looking for the King" follows the
Inklings, a circle of scholars that contains some of the greatest authors of the twentieth century.
In 1940, two American students of Oxford find themselves searching for the items that would
connect legend and reality, evidence of King Arthur and the spear that pierced Christ on the
cross. Through their studies and search, they find much on the legend of Camelot and what lies in
the human spirit. "Looking for the King" is a riveting novel with solid connections to Tolkien
and C. S. Lewis, a very highly recommended read.
Murder & Mayhem at Old Bunbury
Clive Endive Ogive IV
Dog Ear Publishing
4010 W. 86th Street, Ste H, Indianapolis, IN 46268
9781608446827, $25.00
Being exclusive from the rest of the world isn't the best idea when you have murderers in your
ranks. "Murder & Mayhem at Old Bunbury" tells the story of exclusive private club owner Clive
Endive Ogive IV, providing his usual blend of humor in high society and the many faces of
deception that lurks everywhere around it. "Murder & Mayhem at the Old Bunbury" is an offbeat
and fun read, a choice pick.
Stars Collide
Janice Thompson
Revell Books
c/o Baker House Books
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
9780800733452, $14.99, www.revellbooks.com
It's easy to act like you love someone when you truly do. "Stars Collide" is a unique spin on
romance as Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy, two co-stars in a hot television sitcom, find their
onscreen romance becoming very real. As the secret gets out about their wedding on television
and in real life, they soon find their secret love far too public. A fun novel of love, paparazzi, and
family, "Stars Collide" is a read that won't be easily put down.
The Suspicious Spouse
Keith Jones
Salvo Press
17850 SW Bryan Way, Beaverton, OR 97007
9781609770075, $15.95, www.salvopress.com
Two identities can prove a very useful trick to have. "The Suspicious Spouse" follows
Christopher Jenson, a cross-dresser with a sharp mind. He offers loss prevention services as both
Christopher and Christina, and soon finds himself wrapped into a murder mystery and finds that
he'll need to keep crossing that line in order to save a life from a violent death. "The Suspicious
Spouse" is an intriguing novel with an even more intriguing protagonist, recommended. Also
from Salvo Press is "Memory Leak" (9781609770136, $13.95) by Trevor Schmidt, a
psychological thriller that asks many questions of present and future society.
Sherlock Holmes and the Ghosts of Bly
Donald Thomas
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004
9781605981345, $25.00, www.pegasusbooks.us
Sherlock Holmes is a mystery icon, and many new authors have taken Arthur Conan Doyle's
characters in many new paths. "Sherlock Holmes and the Ghosts of Bly: And Other New
Adventures of the Great Detective" takes the Victorian detective into new mysteries, this time
headed by Donald Thomas. As Holmes now faces things beyond the mundane, as Thomas places
him at odds with the occult and the paranormal, challenging his normal reasoning. An exciting
and riveting read that takes Holmes in a fun direction, "Sherlock Holmes and the Ghosts of Bly"
is sure to please mystery and supernatural fiction readers alike.
Nocturne
Syrie James
Vanguard Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
387 Park Avenue South, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10016
9781593156282, $19.95, www.vangaurdrpess.com
Secrets will always come out, and they can spoil the most perfect of things. "Nocturne: A
Haunting Story of Forbidden Love" tells of the tragedy of Nicole Whitcomb's brush with near
death. Rescued from a snowstorm that blew her off the road, she finds that her savior, Michael
Tyler is everything she ever dreamed of in a man, but what she doesn't know will change
everything. "Nocturne" is a gripping romantic thriller that won't let go until the story is done,
highly recommended.
The Radleys
Matt Haig
Free Press
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781439194010, $25.00, www.simonandschuster.com
To battle one's own nature is a challenge few are up to the challenge to face. "The Radleys" tells
of a family in crisis. Parents Peter and Helen have been suppressing their vampiric urges in hopes
for a better life for their children, but when the truth begins to emerge to their children who do
not know of their true nature, their family begins to fall apart. A fascinating novel that seeks the
question of family with a twist of vampirism, "The Radleys" is quite the read and shouldn't be
missed.
The Bell Ringers
Henry Porter
Grove Press
841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780802145260, $14.95, www.groveatlantic.com
There are things more important and valuable than money to have dumped on you. "The Bell
Ringers" tells the story of the burden of knowledge one Kate receives when she inherits her
former lover's estate, and the knowledge that comes with it. One woman must face an England
that is being consumed by control, and she finds that is up to her to bring freedom back to
England from the dark path it has went down. "The Bell Ringers" is an exciting thriller that
should prove hard to put down.
The Jaguar Prophecies
Phyllis Gunderson
Bonneville Books
c/o Cedar Fort
2373 W. 700 S., Springville, UT 84663
9781599554624, $14.99, www.cedarfort.com
It's hard to be a messenger with a message even you don't fully understand. "The Jaguar
Prophecies" tells the story of Matt Howard, a girl attending a Mayan festival who learns of an
unusual prophecy tied to the ancient people. She must warn the world before it's too late, but it
isn't the easiest thing in the world to make them listen. "The Jaguar Prophecies" is an exciting
thriller of the supernatural, that should prove hard to put down.
The Needlecraft Shelf
International Sun Bonnet Sue
Debra Kimball
American Quilter's Society
PO box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781574326796, $24.95, www.AmericanQuilter.com
Why limit your design to simple bonnets? "International Sun Bonnet Sue" is a guide for quilters
who want to put some international flavor when using the famous and favored quilt character
Sun Bonnet Sue and spreading some international flavor into your projects. With plenty of ideas
to form your own projects with plenty of templates and patterns, "International Sun Bonnet Sue"
is a choice pick for any quilter who is seeking new ways to brighten up their fabrics.
Circle of Nine
Janet Houts & Jean Ann Wright
Landauer Publishing,
3100 101st St. Ste A, Urbandale, IA 50322
9780982558690, $24.95, www.landauercorp.com
With plenty of thought and innovation, quilts can be quite the outlet for creative expression.
"Circle of Nine: 24 Stunning and Creative Quilts, One Unique Quilt Setting" is a guide for using
the thoughtful templates devised by Janet Honts and Jean Ann Wright to create one's own
completely unique and beautiful quilt design. The setting should prove very useful, and the pair
provide plenty of ideas. For any quilter looking for inspiration for their next projects, "Circle of
Nine" is a solid and top pick that shouldn't be missed.
The Language Studies Shelf
A Livy Reader
Mary Jaeger
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1570 Baskin Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
9780865166806, $19.00, www.bolchazy.com
The best way to understand the Roman period is to understand its literature. "A Livy Reader: Selections from Ab Urbe Condita" is a scholarly examination of Livy and his work, to give a view of the Roman world as a whole. Serving as a study guide to better understand Latin, "A Livy Reader" is an excellent pick for any student of the Latin language and culture. Also from Bolchazy-Carducci for Latin studies is "A Suetonius Reader: Selections from the Lives of the Caesars and the Life of Horace" focusing on the work of another writer of the classical times and how to better understand his works.
The American History Shelf
Tracing the Santa Fe Trail
Ronald J. Dulle
Mountain Press
1301 South Third Street West, PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
9780878425716, $22.00, www.mountain-press.com
Mexico, a new nation at the time, drew much attention and adoration even from Americans.
"Tracing the Santa Fe Trail: Today's Views, Yesterday's Voices" looks back at the historical
presence of the Santa Fe Trail, as the young city drew influence from two nations and developed
into a very unique country unlike anywhere else. With plenty of full color photos and scholarly
discussion of this historic period, "Tracing the Santa Fe Trail" is a fine addition to any history
collection and a fine pick for photography collections as well.
Notebook on Shipwrecks
H. Richard Moale
Heritage Books
100 Railroad Ave., #104, Westminster, MD 21157
9780788451713, $45.00, www.heritagebooks.com
The Chesapeake Bay has given Maryland untold prosperity, but as it gives, it also spoils with its
cruelty. "Notebook on Shipwrecks: Chesapeake Bay 1800-1977" follows nearly two hundred
years of the Bay's wrath, as H. Richard Moale puts forth decades of work as he compiles
shipwrecks in chronological and alphabetical order, listing to his research all that is known about
lost ships that have occurred throughout the region. An intriguing text with additional research
notes for those who wish to do research of their own, "Notebook on Shipwrecks" is a labor of
love from Moale, highly recommended.
The Crafts Shelf
Pro Pinstripe Techniques
East Coast Artie
Art Kulture
PO Box 223, Stillwater, MN 55082
9781929133925, $27.95, www.wolfpub.com
Pinstripes aren't just some red lines, there's a lot more available to those with the artistic drive to
make it more than that. "Pro Pinstripe Techniques" is a guide to pin-striping and how to make
something truly fun and magnificent with it. East Coast Artie, a pinstripe artist with decades of
experience brings his artistic expertise and advice from other individuals such as Nub or Orange
County Choppers, and plenty of advice on making simple yet excellent designs for everyone.
"Pro Pinstripe Techniques" is a must for anyone who wants to add pinstripes to their stuff to add
their own brand of pizzazz.
The Cookbook Shelf
1,001 Best Hot and Spicy Recipes
Dave DeWitt
Surrey Books
c/o Agate
1328 Greenleaf St. Evanston, IL 60202
9781572841130, $19.95, www.agatepublishing.com
The love of spice is something quite universal. "1,001 Best Hot and Spicy Recipes: Delicious,
Easy-to-Make, Recipes from Around the Globe" is a guide to those who are looking for the best
hot and spicy dishes from all over the planet. With the amount of dishes covering an assortment
of of types from vegetarian to meat dishes, to beverages, desserts, and much more. For anyone
looking for a wide array dishes with vastly different flavor with the united purpose of spice,
"1,001 best Hot and Spicy Recipes" is a wonderful and very highly recommended pick.
The Golden Book of Desserts
Carla Bardi and Rachel Lane
Barrons
250 Wireless Boulevard, Happauge, NY 11788
9780764163616, $29.99, www.barronseduc.com
Dessert is your most joyful meal of the day, so don't screw it up. "The Golden Book of Desserts"
is a collection of nearly three hundred recipes that can turn dessert into a sweet afterthought to
something to truly look forward to. The entire book is presented in full color, with photos of each
of the dishes as well as step-by-step instructions even novice cooks should be able to grasp.
There is no shortage of the range of the dishes, from pies and cobblers to ice creams to puddings
and custards, "The Golden Book of Desserts" is a choice and grand pick for anyone who wants to
take their dessert time to the next level.
The Kitchen Classroom
Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817
9781606130100, $29.95, www.woodbinehouse.com
Cooking is not only a useful skill; it's fun and has educational qualities. "The Kitchen Classroom:
32 Visual GFCF Recipes to Boost Developmental Skills" is a collection of recipes from
Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, as she illustrates an guides younger chefs to be through simple yet
delectable recipes that can be done by children with developmental disabilities and their teachers
and parents. From healthy fruity smoothies, to grilled cheese sandwiches, to sweets like carob
coconut cookies, and even meat dishes like chicken saute, "The Kitchen Classroom" ranks
recipes by difficulty and is the perfect pick for parents, teachers, and children with learning
disabilities who want to use the kitchen well.
Tartine Bread
Chad Robertson
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
9780811870412, $40.00, www.chroniclebooks.com
Bread is more than a companion to a meal, it can very well be the meal itself. "Tartine Bread" is
a cookbook that focuses on the bread of the Tartine Bakery in San Francisco. With plenty of tips
and tricks, Chad Robertson gives readers everything they need to know to make exquisite bread
all their own, far and beyond what they have come to expect out of it. These recipes are highly
useful and very versatile, accompanied by full color photography by Eric Wolfinger. Sandwiches,
soups, pizza, and much more, "Tartine Bread" is a fascinating pick and is very highly
recommended for those who want more out of their breads.
Out of Kentucky Kitchens
Marion Flexner
The University Press of Kentucky
663 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40508-4008
9780813193489, $19.95, www.kentuckypress.com
With a certain soul like no place else, Kentucky has plenty to offer for good cooking. "Out of
Kentucky Kitchens" is a cookbook from Marion Flexner outlining the very best of Kentucky's
cooking with a wide assortment of recipes that range from delicious deserts, sauces, meats,
breads, and so much more. With plenty of building blocks for a solid and excellent meal with
recipes detailing the components of a fine pie or bread, "Out of Kentucky Kitchens" is an
excellent and very highly recommended pick for cookbook collections.
The Psychology Shelf
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Leslie S. Greenberg
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
9781433808579, $24.95, www.apa.org
Emotions are a reflection of the mind and psyche. "Emotion-Focused Therapy" is an entry into
the American Psychological Association's 'Theories of Psychotherapy Series', this time focusing
on emotion based therapy , explaining its purpose, history, how it works and how to execute it.
Enhanced with plenty of information on the practice and the series in general, "Emotion-Focused
Therapy" is an excellent entry into any psychotherapist's collection as well as any community and
library psychology collection.
The Criminology Shelf
The Color of Night
L.C. Timmerman & John H. Timmerman
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669, Far Hills, NJ 07931
9780882823225, $24.95, www.newhorizonpressbooks.com
Some evil needs proper punishment. "The Color of Night: A Young Mother, a Missing Child,
and a Cold-Blooded Killer" is the tragic story of Rachel Timmerman, told by her father and
uncle. Two days before being scheduled to testify against a man who had raped her, she was
abducted and found dead a month later with her baby daughter missing. A true story, the authors
offer this story to strengthen their stance on the Federal Death Penalty act. "The Color of Night"
is a sad yet true story, fueled by the hope that one horrible act can push the law to make a
difference.
The Architecture Shelf
Walls
Gunter Mader & Elke Zimmermann
W. W. Norton
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393732948, $40.00, www.wwnorton.com
Walls can limit your design, but for those with focus, that are simply a part of them. "Walls:
Elements of Garden and Landscape Architecture" is an architecture and design guide that
analyzes wall in the artistic pursuit of creating a garden or landscape that uses these barriers and
limits to their fullest, instead of cursing them as hindrances. Full color photos throughout discuss
the walls, breaking down how to use different types of materials, and coming with plenty of
inspiration, "Walls" is a must for any designer who is looking for advice for their next
project.
The Hunting/Fishing Shelf
Boone and Crockett Club's 27th Big Game Awards
Boone and Crockett Club
250 Station Drive, Missoula, MT 59801-2753
9780940864719, $22.95, www.booneandcrockettclub.com
The hunt has left many American's lives, yet many keep the spirit alive. "Boone and Crockett
Club's 27th Big Game Awards 2007-2009" is a collection of hunting stories from many dedicated
hunters as they share stories of their kills and their record breaking game. With plenty of black
and white photos spread throughout, "Boone and Crockett Club's 27th Big Game Awards
2007-2009" is a must for any hunting enthusiast who wants to read about the biggest and the
best.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Allergies and Asthma, second edition
Michael J. Welch
American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
9781581104455, $14.95, www.healthychildren.org
When faced with allergies and asthma, they shouldn't stop a kid from being a kid. "Allergies and
Asthma: What Every Parent Needs to Know" is a guide for parents to help their children who
face respiratory problems live their lives to the fullest. With tips on detecting if a problem exists,
preventing attacks, choosing the right medication and treatments, and what to be aware of in
certain situations, "Allergies and Asthma" is a sage guide and powerful resource for the parent
who wants their child to live to their fullest.
Sandplay Therapy
Grace L. Hong
Routledge
270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9780415570527, $36.95, www.routledgemetnalhealth.com
There's more to sandplay than messing around in the sand. "Sandplay Therapy: Research and
Practice" delves into what Sandplay is, explaining its value to psychotherapy and its connection
to the Jungian discipline of psychology. Grace L. Hong draws on both her history in America and
Taiwan to provide a contrasting perspective on the practice and what it can teach psychologists.
A study of symbols and the subconscious, "Sandplay Therapy" is a core addition to any
psychological studies community or college library collection, or for those who want to study this
practice of psychotherapy.
Psychedelic Healing
Neal M. Goldsmith
Healing Arts Press
c/o Inner Traditions
1 Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594772504, $16.95, www.healingartspress.com
Psychedelics are quickly dismissed as the use of stoners and druggies, but could their be unseen
medicinal benefit? "Psychedelic Healing: The Promise of Entheogens for Psychotherapy and
Spiritual Development" explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in a medical situation.
Banned after the sixties, new research is showing that these drugs could help fight addictions to
other drugs, fight post traumatic disorder, and other mental problems. An analysis that looks deep
into history as well as the true medical effects of the drug, "Psychedelic Healing" is a fascinating
analysis into a taboo avenue of medicine.
Encyclopedia Of Sports Medicine
Lyle J. Micheli, M.D., editor
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218
www.sagepub.com
9781412961158, $999.95, www.amazon.com
Exhaustively compiled and knowledgeably edited by Lyle J. Micheli (O'Donnell Family
Professor of Orthopaedic Medicine, Director of the Boston Children's Hospital Sports Medicine
Division, and a Harvard Medical School clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery) the
"Encyclopedia Of Sports Medicine" is a four-volume, 1880 page, illustrated compendium
covering every aspect and facet of contemporary sports medicine superbly presented in
accessible, 'user friendly', alphabetically organized fashion. Showcasing state-of-the-art research,
the "Encyclopedia Of Sports Medicine" should be considered an essential, core addition to
general academic, medical school, community, and professional sports medicine practitioner
reference collections. It should also be noted that the "Encyclopedia Of Sports Medicine" is also
available in an electronic format (9781412961168, $1,245.00).
Influenza and Public Health
Tamara Giles-Vernick and Susan Craddock
Earthscan
c/o Stylus Publishing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781844078967, $99.99, www.earthscan.co.uk
The Influenza epidemics of the past century taught the world much about the spread of illness.
"Influenza and Public Health: Learning from Past Pandemics" is a scholarly study of pandemics
throughout the world, which prove to be a threat to millions and perhaps with the rate of
population growth, billions of people around the world. With each outbreak, we learn more about
how people react to the disease and how to stop these outbreaks before they become truly serious
illnesses. Studying each of these outbreaks, readers will learn from the Spanish Flu of 1918 to
fears of the bird flu and swine flu in the past decade. With many scholars coming together with
their own studies, "Influenza and Public Health" is a core addition to any history or health studies
collection, enthusiastically recommended.
Tai Chi Ball Qigong
Yang, Jwing-Ming
YMAA Publication
PO Box 480, Wolfeboro, NH 03894
9781594391996, $24.95, wwww.ymaa.com
Tai Chi offers much focus and meditation, but a simple ball added to the exercise has more
benefits than one would think. "Tai Chi Ball Qigong: For Health and Martial Arts" is a guide to
using Tai Chi Ball Qigong, the art of using a ball to enhance and magnify the practice. With at
first a history of Tai Chi and Ball Qigong, world renown Martial arts scholar Yang, Jwing-Ming
outlines the differing practices with Ball Qigong, and how to make the most of it in your practice
and routine. "Tai Chi Ball Qigong" is a must for any Tai chi enthusiast and practitioner.
What Nurses Know...Diabetes
Rita Girouard Mertig
Demos Health
11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002
9781932603989, $16.95, www.demoshealth.com
Diabetes requires significant lifestyle shifts. "What Nurses Know...Diabetes: The Answers You
Need from the People You Trust" is a guide to living with diabetes with tips from a registered
nurse for over four decades as she provides a thoughtful break down of everything one needs to
know to minimize the impact of diabetes and lead to a healthier life in spite of it. A strong
resource with a glossary and plenty of wisdom from healthcare professionals, "What Nurses
Know...Diabetes" is a highly recommended guide, not to be missed by those who fear Diabetes
or have been recently diagnosed. Also recommended from Demos Health, "Winning the Battle
Against Prostate Cancer" (9781936303038, $18.95) is an advisory guide for those who have been
diagnosed with prostate cancer and want to fight it the best they can, from noted urologist Dr.
Gerald Chodak.
Eating the Moment
Pavel G. Somov
New Harbinger Publications
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
9781572245433, $15.95, www.newharbinger.com
The mind is the first tool against overeating. "Eating the Moment: 141 Mindful Practices to
Overcome Eating One Meal at a Time" is a guide to combat mindless eating, which author Pavel
G. Somov believes is a major contributor to poor health and obesity. Comfort foods, bored
eating, snacking when not hungry, and much more, "Eating the Moment" is a guide designed to
help readers combat these practices by helping the mind be the first defense to the idle
mouth.
Methods in Medical Ethics
Jeremy Sugarman & Daniel P. Sulmasy
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
9781589017016, $39.95, www.press.georgetown.edu
As medicine advances further and further with technology, ethics remains a hot topic. "Methods
in Medical Ethics" is a collection of musings and essays from an assortment of medical
professionals from various schools of medical thought in their pursuit of a more thoughtful and
correct practice. Privacy concerns are of more concern than ever in today's medical field, but
often these concerns are challenged by increasing need for specialization and today's further
reaching information databases. Additionally, concerns of professional conduct and pursuit of
profit in today's more business like facilities, the pursuit of experimentation when it comes to
new techniques and drugs, and much more are discussed. "Methods in Medical Ethics" is a
thoughtful read for any professional who finds the line between right and wrong increasingly
blurred in their pursuits.
The Parenting Shelf
Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me?
Rebecca Griffin
ACER
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9780864318787, $44.95, www.isbs.com
Parenting is a job rougher than anyone ever expects. "Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me?: COllective
Wisdom on Creating a Family from Conception to Birth and Beyond" discusses the many
elements of raising children from the desire to conceive and the challenges that come along with
it, to the relationships with the spouse, to the grand challenges of child rearing. Not drawn from
experts, the tales are drawn from real parents letting out their real experiences. "Why Didn't
Anyone Tell Me?" is a fine collection of wit and wisdom from those who have taken on the job
of parenting and lived to regret it and still find pride.
When Big Issues Happen to Little Girls
Erin A. Munroe
Health Communications, Inc.
3201 SW 15th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442-8190
9780757315329, $14.95, www.hcibooks.com
No one stays a child forever. "When Big Issues Happen to Little Girls: How to Prepare, React,
and Manage Your Emotions, So You Can Best Support Your Daughter" is a guide for parents to
understanding the challenges of their own child coming into age and how to best manage these
issues pertaining to sexuality, adulthood, substance abuse, and how to remember to let one's child
be a child in this massive and scary world. "When Big Issues Happen to Little Girls" is a
thoughtful and driven read with plenty of wisdom, highly recommended.
The Sports Shelf
Contemporary Sport Management
Paul M. Pedersen & Collaborators
Human Kinetics
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
9780736081672, $89.00, www.humankinetics.com
Sports have long gone past being just a game. "Contemporary Sport Management" is a business
guide to looking at the business side of sports, describing everything that one needs to know
about how to successfully manage a sports team or organization, covering the details with great
accuracy, ranging from sociological, psychological, legal, and other aspects of the debate
completely and comprehensively. This newer addition puts a greater focus on youth and
community sports, assessing the extra elements that come when using sports as a benevolent
organization. Arranged well with plenty of useful indexes and resources reader available, as well
as access to an online study guide, "Contemporary Sport Management" is an excellent and
enthusiastically recommended addition to sports and business collections in community and
college libraries.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
The Purging of Kadillus
Gav Thorpe
Black Library
1525 Hulse Road, Unit 1, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
9781844168972, $11.99, www.blacklibrary.com
Surrounded, sometimes all a marine can do is make them pay for his death. "The Purging of
Kadillus" is another entry into the Space Marine Battles Series of novels set in the Warhammer
universe. Sergenat Aquila of the Ravenwing is surrounded by Ork forces with little hope for
survival. Facing certain death, he must do everything he can, and that just might not be enough.
"The Purging of Kadillus" is an exciting fantasy and science fiction read, highly
recommended.
Blood of the Rose
Kate Pearce
Signet Eclipse
c/o Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780451232489, $6.99, www.penguin.com
With all the spurned love that the Tudors reaped, it certainly attracted more than one breed of
bloodsucker. "Blood of the Rose" is an entry into the Tudor Vampire chronicles, an alternate take
on history where the Tudor family finds itself in clash with the vampires that seek to usurp
England from the royal family. The Llewellyns, a family of vampire hunters, find themselves the
Tudor's allies in their constant war. Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry the VIII might very well be an
agent of Rosalind Llewellyn's eternal enemy. In the hunt to find out has cursed the king, Rosalind
might be writing her own chapter in this history. "Blood of the Rose" is an exciting and fun take
on history, highly recommended.
The Nascenza Conspiracy
V. Briceland
Flux
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989
9780738718941, $9.95, www.fluxnow.com
A prince and pauper tale gone horribly wrong. "The Nascenza Conspiracy" is the third novel in
the Cassaforte Chronicles as depressed son of a ruling family Petro Divetri swaps places with his
good friend, and finds his friend kidnapped for ransom, a fate that was meant to be him. With
ambitious palace guard Emilia at his side, Petro must quickly set things right and defeat the
rebels that threaten his homeland. "The Nascenza Conspiracy" is a riveting fantasy that is fast
paced and won't let go.
Codename Prague
D Harlan Wilson
Raw Dog Screaming Press
2802 Farris Lane, Bowie, MD 20715
9781935738053, $14.95, www.rawdogscreaming.com
When technology lurks everywhere, it's all too easy to come out missing a few limbs. "Codename
Prague" follows Vincent Prague, assassin and special agent of the Ministry of Applied Pressure.
After his latest hit, he finds himself with more attention than he wants, and in the city of Prague,
he has to tread lightly in a world where technology has gone way too far and Vincent only has his
mind to save himself, with a few toys of course. Blending spy fiction with science fiction,
"Codename Prague" is a fun read that should prove hard to put down.
The World History Shelf
Time on the Ocean
Theo Dorgan
New Island
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781848400757, $17.99, www.newisland.ie
Theo Dorgan knows the south seas well, and has seen much of his life pass him there. "Time on
the Ocean: A Voyage from Cape Horn to Cape Town" is a memoir of the Southern Oceans as he
reflects on his life and unusual relationship with the oceans around South Africa, including his
deep family history and his journeys throughout the Ocean and its islands. With plenty of thought
and history, "Time on the Ocean" is a fine read and is a very highly recommended pick.
Shakespeare's Imaginary Constitution
Paul Raffield
Hart Publishing
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781841139210, $70.00, www.isbs.com
The law of Renaissance England was never written down, but it doesn't mean it wasn't observed
and ignored when needed. "Shakespeare's Imaginary Constitution: Late Elizabethan Politics and
the Theatre of Law" is an analysis of Elizabethan English Law through six of the works of
Shakespeare. The playhouses of the time served as a forum for political discourse through satire
and analysis in subtle ways. This era did much to form the basis for English law that still hangs
on to this very day. "Shakespeare's Imaginary Constitution" is a fascinating read of how art
influences life and life reflects back on to art.
Narrating War and Peace in Africa
Toyin Falola
University of Rochester Press
668 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620-2731
9781580463300, $80.00, www.urpress.com
Africa has been a place of constant conflict in the past century. "Narrating War and Peace in
Africa" is a collection of well researched essays and other writings that discuss the paths of a
broken Africa, beaten and worn down from centuries of colonialism as the people try to move on
from their tribal society into a new era. Through it all, tribal habits die hard and Africa finds
itself under constant fire, with many regions adapting quicker than others. Looking at major
events and the progression of civil rights, "Narrating War and peace in Africa" is a scholarly and
expert analysis from many different voices on the subject, both from the outside looking in and
the inside looking out. A core addition to history and international issues collections for
community and college libraries.
Berkshire Encyclopedia Of World History: Five Volume Set
William H. McNeill, et al.
Berkshire Publishing Group
120-122 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230-1506
www.berkshirepublishing.com
9780974309101, $575.00, www.amazon.com
An impressive and exhaustive collaboration of authors and editors William H. McNeill, David
Christian, Jerry Bentley, and Jerry H. Bentley, the "Berkshire Encyclopedia Of World History" is
a five volume, 2220 page compendium offering 538 informed and informative articles
descriptively laying out the high points of human history from traceable human origins down to
the present day. Replete with sidebars. Of special note is the 'Reader's Guide' showcasing 34
subject categories. Backgrounded with meticulous research and insightful commentaries, the
"Berkshire Encyclopedia Of World History" is enthusiastically recommended as a core library
reference for both academic and community library World History reference collections.
The Music Shelf
Nine Choices
Jonathan Silverman
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429, Amherst, MA 01004
9781558498273, $26.95, www.umpress.umass.edu
Johnny Cash has far surpassed being another folk singer, he's become a legend of music. "Nine
Choices: Johnny Cash and American Culture" traces the Man in Black's constant struggles
through his career, a storm of rising mainstream success, his own personal demons, and the
world that was rapidly changing faster than he could understand it. But through it all, his music
and his thought allowed him to grasp his legendary status, and "Nine Choices" explores his
legend thoroughly.
A Biographical Guide to the Great Jazz and Pop Singers
Will Friedwald
Pantheon
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780375421495, $45.00, www.pantheonbooks.com
It takes more than talent to get big, it take s a force of personality that draws people's interest in
you. "A Biographical Guide to the Great Jazz and Pop Singers" delves deeply into the lives and
careers of the biggest jazz and pop singers of the twentieth century, with his own research,
thought and style. Each entry reads like a unique story all its own and proves to be an engaging
read from one entry to the next. A heartfelt dedication to the pillars of American popular music
as well as those who have pioneered its brother genres with entries on Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan,
Hank Williams, among others, "A Biographical Guide to the Great Jazz and Pop Singers" is an
excellent and very highly recommended addition to any musical studies collection.
The Official Vintage Guitar Price Guide 2011
Alan Greenwood & Gil Hembree
Hal Leonard
7777 W. Bluemond Road, PO Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI, 53213
9781884883224, $29.95, www.appraisevintage.com
A music instrument itself is not simply a tool, but another part of your expression. Some choose
to do so with a piece of history. "The Official Vintage Guitar Price Guide 2011" is a guide from
Vintage Guitar Magazine, focusing on the best of classic instruments that surround the traditions
of rock and guitar driven music that has been the focus of the past century. Discussing everything
from amplifiers, acoustic and electric guitars, basses, and other relatives of the guitar, "The
Official Vintage Guitar Price Guide" is an absolute must for any would be connoisseur of these
classic instruments.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
The Kivas of Heaven
Gary A. David
Adventures Unlimited Press
PO Box 74, Kempton, IL 60946
9781935487098, $19.95, www.adventuresunlimitedpress.com
The spiritual nature of the Hopi people have yet to be lost. "The Kivas of Heaven" discusses the
metaphysical nature of the Native Americans of the American Southwest, as Gary A. David
discusses the tenants of these faiths and rituals and their place in the bigger picture of the world.
With an intriguing thought and plenty to fascinate the student of the metaphysical, "The Kivas of
Heaven" is a choice read with plenty to ponder.
The International Studies Shelf
Witness to Transformation
Stephan Haggard and Marcus Noland
Peterson Institute for International Economics
1750 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036-1903
9780881324389, $23.95, www.piie.com
Stories from North Korea are almost far too cruel to be true. "Witness to Transformation:
Refugee Insights Into North Korea" analyzes the growing amount of people who are escaping the
North Korean regime and the harsh challenges that face them in their attempts to find a new life.
Drawn off heavy research from China, South Korea, other Asian Countries and America, this
study provides quite the insight on refugee life for North Koreans. "Witness to Transformation"
is a vital read for those concerned about international human rights and the conflict of the
Koreas.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Copyright ©2001
Site design by Williams Writing, Editing &
Design