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

The Bookwatch

Volume 15, Number 9 September 2020 Home | BW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice American History Shelf Computer Shelf
Technology Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

Firefighter Zen
Hersch Wilson
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781608686889, $16.95

https://www.amazon.com/Firefighter-Zen-Field-Guide-Thriving/dp/1608686884

Firefighter Zen: A Field Guide to Thriving in Tough Times discusses coping with life's adversity, sharing longtime volunteer firefighter Hersch Wilson's personal keys for handling danger, confrontations, and crisis. These reveal a series of techniques for tackling unexpected problems and events designed for those who would apply six key strategies for facing adversity through a blend of Wilson's lessons and applied exercises. The focus on coping with the world in a calmer, more positive way lends to readers interested in spiritual truths as well as self-help approaches, creating a survey that is particularly notable and needed in this new age of pandemic challenges.


The American History Shelf

The Notorious Life of Ned Buntline
Julia Bricklin
TwoDot Books
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.rowman.com
www.globepequot.com
9781493047536, $26.95

https://www.amazon.com/Notorious-Life-Ned-Buntline-Betrayal/dp/1493047531

The Notorious Life of Ned Buntline: A Tale of Murder, Betrayal, and the Creation of Buffalo Bill follows the life of Edward Zane Carroll Judson ("Ned Buntline"), who created a fictional image of the American West and its figures. He wrote some four hundred dime novels (or more) throughout his lifetime glorifying the figures of the West and ultimately contributed to many legends about the West and its people. His own life was one of adventure and contrasts, but seldom was in the limelight in the way that he used to portray American icons. This survey of the wild ride of his world and times is highly recommended reading for those who enjoy real stories of the American West, considerations of how legends are crafted, and the particular adventures of Judson, whose life was every bit as exciting as the fictionalizations he created. Highly recommended for its survey of American history and the creation of images and perceptions of the West.


The Computer Shelf

Flowchart and Algorithm Basics
A.B. Chaudhuri
Mercury Learning
www.merclearning.com
c/o Stylus Publishing, Inc.
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
www.styluspub.com
9781683925378, $49.95

https://www.amazon.com/Flowchart-Algorithm-Basics-Art-Programming/dp/1683925378

Flowchart and Algorithm Basics: The Art of Programming is a treatise on program logics that will benefit programmers who want to improve their flowcharting skills. This fine art of sequencing steps is supported by algorithms and applied arithmetic that lends to better computer functions and programming approaches. From common problems involving looping and arrays to task analysis and handling changing variables, chapters link flowchart approaches to supportive math routines and provide specific examples of typical issues and their resolution. The result is a programmer's guide to best practices that should ideally supplement any introductory course, serving as a refresher of approaches and applied math to programmers looking to build upon existing skills, as well.


The Technology Shelf

Basic Electronics Theory and Practice, third edition
Sean Westcott and Jean Riescher Westcott
Mercury Learning
www.merclearning.com
c/o Stylus Publishing, Inc.
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
www.styluspub.com
9781683925286, $54.95

https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Electronics-Practice-Sean-Westcott/dp/1683925289

The third updated edition of Basic Electronics Theory and Practice will appeal to students and those who dabble in electronics as a hobby, and introduces the basic theory and practice of various electronic systems. Chapters include exercises for independent study, reinforced by a disc of companion files which feature over twenty video tutorials and lessons, plus color images from the book. Theory is complimented by practical applications, from working with the latest Raspberry Pi to handling power supplies, soldering, building a robot, and understanding the rudiments of cybersecurity. Between the chapter review questions, diagrams and charts, and supporting math, this handbook is a highly recommended adjunct to classes in electronics, those looking for a basic refresher course, and students seeking a logical, progressive self-study program.

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Applications V. 2: Applications
Davide Andrea
Artech House
685 Canton Street, Norwood, MA 02062
www.artechhouse.com
9781630817695, $159.00

https://www.amazon.com/Lithium-Ion-Batteries-Applications-Comprehensive-Engineering/dp/1630817694

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Applications V. 2: Applications: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Lithium-Ion Batteries and Arrays, From Toys to Towns provides an in-depth, 2-volume resource for engineers working with battery technology, and provides a basic understanding of design, deployment, and testing that includes many applications, problems, and solutions. This volume focuses on small batteries in consumer products and power banks, residential and telecom systems, and microgrids. It is packed with charts, equations, discussions of drivers, system integration methods, different types of applications, and case studies which offer real-world problems and solutions. Black and white photos pepper these charts and visual displays in a production highly recommended for power engineers and those looking to update their knowledge.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Give Me LibertyCon
Christopher Woods & T.K.F. Weisskopf, Editors
Baen Books
PO Box 1188, Wake Forest NC 27588
www.baen.com
9781982124649, $16.00

https://www.amazon.com/Give-Me-LibertyCon-Christopher-Woods-ebook/dp/B087H4BM3R

Give Me LibertyCon features short stories by David Weber, Larry Correia, Jody Lynn Nye, and other notable sci-fi writers who have participated in LibertyCon, and offers new works that will delight readers of science fiction and nonfiction. These are diverse presentations all designed to support the concepts of the annual sci-fi convention held in Tennessee, and includes works such as Nye's 'Liberty for All' that celebrate the concepts and the enactment of LibertyCon ideals in unusual ways. Prepare for a diverse collection of adventures and insights - one that captures the heart of LibertyCon and sci-fi creativity.


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