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California Bookwatch

Volume 4, Number 9 September 2009 Home | CALBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Mathematics Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf
Music Shelf Automotive Shelf Humor Shelf
Fiction Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Business Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Computer Shelf World History Shelf International Studies Shelf
Audiobook Shelf Needlecraft Shelf Travel Shelf
Art Shelf Photography Shelf Science Shelf
Nautical Shelf Social Issues Shelf Judicial Studies Shelf
Biography Shelf Interior Design Shelf Architecture Shelf
Education Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Library DVD Shelf
Woodworking Shelf Crafts Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Metaphysical Studies Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Sports Shelf Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf Literary Shelf
California Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice

The Wild Marsh
Rick Bass
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10003
9780547055169, $26.00 www.hmhbooks.com

THE WILD MARSH: FOUR SEASONS AT HOME IN MONTANA offers a fine, revealing story of life in Montana's Yaak Valley and follows his family's seasonal experiences of nature. Their ability to survive under rugged conditions, to improvise solutions to common problems, and more makes for a powerful account of Yaak Valley nature and living close to the land, making this a pick for any collection strong in nature stories.

Milady's Standard Cosmetology
Arlene Alpert, et.al.
Cengage Learning
5 Maxwell Drive, Clifton Park, NY 12065-2919
1418049352, $100.00 www.milady.com www.cengage.com

Any college-level collection strong in cosmetology history will find MILADY'S STANDARD COSMETOLOGY is a 'must' reference. It covers everything, from general anatomy and physiology to key terms, charts of chemistry basics, procedures for hair or facials - everything covered in a professional cosmetology course. Many a college course will use this as its basic text, and any college-level collection with courses in cosmetology needs this.

The Vixen Manual
Karrine Steffans
Grand Central Publishing
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.hachettebookgroup.com
9780446582278, $25.99, www.amazon.com

THE VIXEN MANUAL: HOW TO FIND, SEDUCE AND KEEP THE MAN YOU WANT offers a fine, specific guide to the art of seduction: how to locate, seduce and keep the man you want. Women who want to know the basics about dating younger men, being single, being a single mother, and more receive lessons learned from life. Vixen 'tips' and 'recaps' keep the text interesting and lively in a highly recommended pick for any general lending library with single women as part of their audience.

A Darkening Green
Peter S. Prescott
Transaction Books
300 McGaw Dr, Raritan Center, Edison NJ 08837
1412810094, $24.95 www.transactionpub.com

A DARKENING GREEN: NOTES ON HARVARD, THE 1950S AND THE END OF INNOCENCE is drawn mostly from a diary the author kept while he was a freshman at Harvard in the 1950s, describing the experience of late adolescence and offering a narrative of freshman college experience perfect for any college library. His autobiography discusses conflicts and emotions of a single year in the life of a 1950s Harvard student in a vivid memoir today's college students will find fascinating.

The Art of Making Fermented Sausages
Stanley Marianski and Adam Marianski
Bookmagic, LLC
PO Box 7872, Seminole, Fl 33775
9780982426715, $19.95 www.book-magic.com

Most books on the topic of fermented sausages actually don't discuss the fermentation process itself. This is a book for advanced sausage makers and amateurs alike, and provides all the science and techniques behind controlling meat acidity, choosing temperatures for fermenting, controlling the process, and more. From obtaining starter cultures to translating technical processes to home use, The Art of Making Fermented Sausages is a winning presentation for any serious meat cookbook collection.


The Mathematics Shelf

Mathematics in 10 Lessons: The Grand Tour
Jerry P. King
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Dr, Amherst, NY 14228-9827
9781591026860, $18.95 www.prometheusbooks.com

Mathematics in 10 Lessons: The Grand Tour deserves ongoing recommendation as a powerful guide to math for any outside the usual field. Its ten lessons are intended for the general reader who wants to know how math is done, but has little prior math knowledge. A lively format and explanations make for a readable survey of basic math principles and aesthetics perfect for those who would appreciate an easy, lively overview. Any general lending library will want this.

Course Technology
20 Channel Center St., Boston, MA 02210
www.courseptr.com

Any high school to college-level student wishing to master the basics of math needs these comprehensive references that clarifies and explain basic math principles. Two new math studies titles by Debra Anne Ross are particularly to be recommended for math students, as well as non-specialist general readers seeking to develop a basic understanding of algebra. Master Math: Geometry (1598639846, $19.99) moves from basic topics, examples and applications to building upon basics, MASTER MATH: ALGEBRA (1598639803, $17.99) surveys algebra by itself and moves from simple algebraic equations to graphing, and her MASTER MATH: BASIC MATH & PRE-ALGEBRA (159863982X, $17.99) surveys basic arithmetic subjects and formulas. These are perfect for study, review, or supplemental learning and are recommended for high school collections on up.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Water Policy in the Netherlands
Stijn Reinhard and Henk Folmer
RFF
1616 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
9781933115733, $85.00 www.rffpress.org/water

At first glance it's hard to see why this region-specific title would have wider-ranging applicability outside of the Netherlands of its focus - but wait, there's more! WATER POLICY IN THE NETHERLANDS: INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT IN A DENSELY POPULATED AREA is a solid reference for any college-level library strong in environmental resource management. Its examples follow water resource policy developments in a low-lying delta region with a high population density, tracing a history of water governance in the country from technological developments to water management approaches blending politics, history, economics and law. A powerful, detailed survey holds many examples and solutions for similar areas in the world.


The Music Shelf

Hit Hard
Joey Kramer
HarperOne
c/o HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022
9780061566608, $26.99 www.harperone.com

The drummer of Aerosmith provides a hard-hitting autobiography of his life with the group in HIT HARD: A STORY OF HITTING ROCK BOTTOM AT THE TOP, working with William Patrick and Keith Garde to create a powerful memoir. Joey's ongoing struggles with depression made the news - and evoked responses in fans also struggling with their own depressions. The result tells of the band's rise and fall and Joey's concurrent struggles.

Marvelous Melba
Ann Blainey
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60642-2694
9781566638098, $28.95 www.ivanrdee.com

MARVELOUS MELBA: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF A GREAT DIVA offers a fine survey of opera's first international star, and is based on research in three continents. This deserves ongoing recommendation for any music library where opera is a key interest: it provides a fine survey including newly discovered letters, diaries and legal documents to create a different story of her life and achievements with lasting value to opera history as a whole.

Back to the Garden
Pete Fornatale
Touchstone
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781416591191, $24.99 www.simonsays.com

BACK TO THE GARDEN: THE STORY OF WOODSTOCK documents the rise and experience of one of the greatest music festivals in American history, and is a 'must' for any general lending library. It comes from a renowned New York City disc jockey who conducts original interviews with Joan Baez, David Crosby, Joe Cocker and dozens of Woodstock organizers and fans, documenting the counterculture and rise of rock n roll music leading to the Woodstock experience. A heady, involving read.

Don Messer: The Man Behind the Music
Johanna Bertin
Goose Lane
330-500 Beaverbrook Court, Fredericton NB Canada E3B 5X4
9780864925312, $19.95 www.gooselane.com

Any fans of old-time music or Canadian music history will find DON MESSER a fine survey, examining a family man and Calvinist and who was also a musical prodigy who built a wide audience with his TV show Don Messer's Jubilee. Anecdotes, photos and family recollections are shared in a fine biography of a complex musician's life.

The Story of Jimmie Rodgers
Jocelyn R. Neal
Indiana University Press
601 N. Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404-3797
9780253220820, $21.95 www.iupress.indiana.edu

The Story of Jimmie Rodgers is for any music collection strong in early country music pioneers. It offers an examination of the songs of Jimmie Rodgers, which have been played and appreciated by dozens of musicians over a period of nearly ninety years. Culture and history comes to life in a study offering a new perspective on Rodgers and how his music influenced the course and choices of country music as a genre, making this an indispensable reference for any serious music history library.


The Automotive Shelf

Old School Customs
Alan Mayes
Motorbooks,
c/o Quayside Publishing Group
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.motorbooks.com
9780760334577, $35.00, www.amazon.com

Some of the major players in custom car history and culture appear in a survey of dozens of chopped, sectioned, flamed and striped cars of all styles representing typical custom car design options. Archival images and contemporary images alike blend in a fine historical survey focusing on the customer car originators and builders themselves, making for a fine survey for any transportation collection.

Sirens of Chrome
Margery Krevsky
Momentum Books
2145 Crooks Rd. #208, Troy, MI 48084
1879094843, $24.95 www.momentumbooks.com

SIRENS OF CHROME: THE ENDURING ALLURE OF AUTO SHOW MODELS offers a survey of auto show history and offers dozens of photos, programs and posters capturing show vehicles and the women who modeled them. From amazingly opulent cars to bathing beauties introducing cars, SIRENS OF CHROME is an alluring pick for any collection strong in auto history and culture.


The Humor Shelf

The Argyle Sweater
Scott Hilburn
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
0740776959, $12.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Fans of Gary Larsen and 'The Far Side' single panel cartoon winners who miss Larsen's style will especially welcome Scott Hilburn's THE ARGYLE SWEATER, a collection all in color and providing single panels of animal observations and fun scenarios. Having a keepsake cartoon collection in full color is especially appealing and makes THE ARGYLE SWEATER a special recommendation.


The Fiction Shelf

The Year That Follows
Scott Lasser
Alfred A. Knopf
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780307271198, $23.95 www.aaknopf.com

Vivid, high-paced drama and intense emotional scenes make THE YEAR THAT FOLLOWS an ongoing, top pick for any library. A woman searches for her brother's lost son, orphaned by his sudden death, in this story of a single mother's changed life. The powerful plot has twists and turns compelling and vibrant: any general lending library will find it a popular lend.

The Doomsday Key
James Rollins
William Morrow
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022
9780061231407, $27.99 www.harpercollins.com

At Princeton University a famed geneticist dies inside a biohazard lab just as a U.S. senator's son is slain in Africa and a Vatican archaeologist is found dead in Rome. All three victims are marked by a Druidic pagan cross in a series of bizarre murders keeping Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force hopping. This tense thriller is a strong pick for any general lending library strong in international espionage novels.

Say You're One of Them
Uwem Akpan
Back Bay Books
c/o Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.hachettebookgroup.com
9780316113953, $14.99, www.amazon.com

Each story in this sterling collection focuses on children and their strengths, using an African setting from the author's personal experience to tell of both struggles and courage. From a Muslim boy's dangerous journey across Nigeria to a Rwandan girl's family's struggles amidst chaos and terrible brutality, SAY YOU'RE ONE OF THEM is a hard-hitting visualization of a world gone wrong and a child's ability to survive. A courageous, stunning set of stories any library would be proud to house.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop
Lee Goldberg
Obsidian Mystery
c/o The Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780451226983, $22.95 www.penguin.com

Take an obsessive compulsive detective, add a hostile police captain, and toss in dedication beyond the paycheck and you have a mystery revolving around a police captain framed for the murder of another cop. Plenty of twists and turns of plot make for a fine mystery based on the TV series created by Andy Breckman.

Dust to Dust
Beverly Connor
Obsidian Mystery
c/o The Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780451227683, $7.99 www.penguin.com

DUST TO DUST provides a fine Diane Fallon forensic investigation telling of an FBI agent turned PI who comes to Diane for help after his client's family suffers a double tragedy involving a murder and an accusation. Diane finds herself in dangerous waters when she agrees to a favor and finds her own world endangered. Mystery collections will relish the intrigue here.

Royal Flush
Rhys Bowen
Berkeley Prime Crime
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780425227886, $24.95 www.penguin.com

ROYAL FLUSH provides a satisfying 'Royal Spyness' mystery with a feisty heroine in a return of Lady Georgiana, 34th in line to the throne and a penniless heiress. Her idea to hire out as a dinner-and-theatre companion results in a change in summer plans and a secret Scotland Yard mission in this zany first-person mystery spoof.

Bundle of Trouble
Diana Orgain
Berkeley Prime Crime
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780425229248, $6.99 www.penguin.com

First-time mom Kate has found the perfect work-at-home mommy job as a private investigator where she can bring the baby along or solve crimes as she's up all night with the baby - but maternity leave isn't as intriguing or easy as she thinks, especially when a murder investigation involves her own family. A fine mystery evolves, perfect for readers seeking something different.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The God Stalker Chronicles
P.C. Hodgell
Baen Books
Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
1416555765, $24.00 www.baen.com

Jame is one of the people chosen by the Three-Faced God to battle the demon being Perimal Darkling - but when she returns from battle to find time has been different for her and everyone in her home keep is dead, except for her missing twin, she finds a new apprenticeship to a master thief thwarts her resolution to find him. Twists and turns of plot keep this fast-paced fantasy riveting: perfect for any lending collection.

Starfinder
John Marco
DAW Books
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780756405519, $24.95 www.dawbooks.com

STARFINDER provides a fine Skylords novel beginning a new fantasy adventure series for adults and teens. In a world where steam trains and electricity are changing the world. Moth of Calio is obsessed with dreams of taking to the sky, and faces the wrath of Skylords who have guarded their sky world. An outstanding story of worlds colliding evolves.

Arch Wizard
Ed Greenwood
Solaris
Willow Road, Nottingham, NG7 2WS UK
1844165884, $24.99 www.solarisbooks.com www.amazon.com

Book two of the series provides the second adventure in the 'Falconfar' saga and is a pick for any fan of the prior adventure story. Here Rod continues his struggles in a fantasy world he's created, this time pursuing dark wizard Malraun and encountering an army of evil in the process. A powerful fantasy saga, this is a pick for any strong fantasy collection.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Simon Furman
DK Publishing
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780756651725, $17.99 www.dk.com

Any fan of the Transformer movie will find TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN; THE MOVIE UNIVERSE packs in full-page color images from the Transformers universe, from presentations of weapons of Barricade and others to analysis of the Transformers in various modes. Not for the uninitiated, this is a detailed survey any Transformers fan will relish - and any public lending library will find a popular pick at all age levels.

A Drop of Red
Chris Marie Green
Ace Books
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
http://us.penguingroup.com
9780441016815, $15.00 www.penguin.com

This fantasy about a Hollywood stunts woman turned vampire hunter is a fine pick for any library where vampire fantasy novels are popular. It tells of Dawn, who has nearly single-handedly led the revolution against vampires in Los Angeles - uncovering her own dark family influences in the process. Dawn is exhausted - and facing a new vampire threat in England in this fast-paced novel of intrigue, investigation and danger.

Wireless
Charles Stross
Ace
c/o The Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780441017195, $24.95 www.penguin.com

A selection of speculative fiction brings together a range of Stross' fiction, from a time-travel novella to a secret service agent's adventure and an example of different universes and technological innovations. A new kind of future requires a new vision for humanity - and WIRELESS provides these visions in some astonishing short stories.

The Comet's Curse
Dom Testa
Starscape
c/o TOR
175 - 5th Ave, New York NY 10010
0765321076, $16.95 www.tor.com

While this is a young adult science fiction adventure, it's reviewed here for its additional interest to any adult who wants a fresh, award-winning multicultural adventure series. It's a projected six-book series of a set originally begun as a self-published venture and tells of a comet that sets off a deadly virus devastating the adult population on Earth. A scientist proposes a plan to send teens to a distant solar system to try to save humanity: two years later the teens are launched, face a saboteur's threats, and the Galahad's mission is threatened. A riveting thriller; any age will relish this exciting, vivid new title.

Cyberabad Days
Ian McDonald
Pyr Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591026990, $15.00 www.pyrsf.com

Readers of Ian McDonald will be delighted to see the future India presented in his River of Gods returns with renewed focus in CYBERBAD DAYS. Here is 2047 India, a new superpower in a world of artificial intelligences, drought, water wars, new genders and genetically-improved kids who age at half the rate of the old norm. Seven stories centered in this world form CYBERBAD DAYS, which deserves ongoing high recommendation for any serious science fiction collection.

Darkborn
Alison Sinclair
ROC Books
c/o Penguin Book Group
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780451462701, $15.00 www.penguin.com

Light is lethal to those born in darkness, and DARKBORN introduces the first in a romantic mystery/fantasy trilogy blending elements of espionage in an exciting story of Darkborn and Lightborn, who co-exist without ever interacting in the same world. Political intrigue and magical attacks blend in a powerful new story hard to put down.

SciFi in the Mind's Eye
Margret Grebowicz
Open Court
Box 300, Peru, IL 61354-0300
0812696301, $34.95 www.opencourtbooks.com

SCIFI IN THE MIND'S EYE: READING SCIENCE THROUGH SCIENCE FICTION features articles by some of the biggest names in the field - Terry Bisson, Nancy Kress, Stanislaw Clem - and offers connections between how science fiction is told and how it inspires scientific breakthroughs. Any fan of science fiction novels will appreciate the in-depth analysis of the real-world effects of imagination.


The Business Shelf

Adventures of Working Girl
Karen Burns
Running Press
2300 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19103-4371
9780762433483, $14.95 www.runningpress.com

THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF WORKING GIRL: REAL LIFE CAREER ADVICE YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE chronicles the real-life work world experience of an author who has had 59 jobs over 40 years in 22 cities and four countries, and who got fired from only one of these jobs. Her experiences and sage advice covers everything from salary negotiation to handling hellish co-workers, and is a pick for both business and general lending libraries.

The Cost of Bad Behavior
Christine Pearson and Christine Porath
Portfolio
c/o Penguin Book Group
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9781591842613, $25.95 www.penguin.com

THE COST OF BAD BEHAVIOR: HOW INCIVILITY IS DAMAGING YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT offers business leaders and libraries catering to them a fine survey on how to handle incivility. A decade of research contributes to a 'how to' guide by two business professors and consultants who attack workplace rudeness and pinpoint its economic drains and solutions.

The Female Brand
Catherine Kaputa
Davies-Black Publishing
c/o Nicholas Brealey Publishing
20 Park Plaza, #1115A, Boston MA 02116
9780891062844, $24.95 www.nicholasbrealey.com

THE FEMALE BRAND: USING THE FEMALE MINDSET TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS answers the question of why talented women have trouble succeeding in business, offering a how-to-think guide for women who want to make headway in the business world. Product branding, places, and companies are reviewed in light of the latest findings of experts in brain science and gender research, drawing together a number of loose, related ties to build a unified concept of successful strategies. Any business or women's issues library needs this.

The 30 Day MBA
Colin Barrow
Kogan Page
525 S. 4th St. #241, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9780749454128, $29.95 www.koganpage.com

Learn how to use key business concepts and tools to assess a business situation and make successful decisions using THE THIRTY-DAY MBA. It shows what an MBA student actually studies at a top business school, how that study can affect a career's progress, and discusses 12 core business disciplines and how to use them. Short of taking an MBA direction itself, this book offers a solid substitute, giving everything from business savvy on markets and competitors to research data, case studies, and free business tool downloads. Any business library - and many a general interest lending library - needs this.

The Hamster Revolution for Meetings
Mike Song, Vicki Halsey, Tim Burress
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery #650, San Francisco CA 94104
9781605090078, $19.95 www.bkconnection.com

THE HAMSTER REVOLUTION FOR MEETINGS: HOW TO MEET LESS AND GET MORE DONE provides a guide to organizing more effective meetings for modern times. A case study shows how 2,000 capital One associates cut their meeting time by 13 percent while improving results by 38 percent: this book tells how to follow that track, keeping meetings engaging and effective. A 'must' for any business library!

Free: The Future of a Radical Price
Chris Anderson
Hyperion
114 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
9781401322908, $26.99 www.hyperionbooks.com

In his best-selling THE LONG TAIL Chris Anderson showed how the online marketplace creates niche markets and allows products and consumers to connect in new ways. In FREE he shows that businesses can profit more from giving things away than by charging for them - and highlights a new business strategy embracing this concept. Different methods of applying Free are discussed.

India's Global Powerhouses
Nirmalya Kumar
Harvard Business Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163
9781422147627, $27.95 www.harvardbusiness.org/press

INDIA'S GLOBAL POWERHOUSES: HOW THEY ARE TAKING ON THE WORLD tells how innovative Indian countries are not only changing India's economy, but world markets. Names such as Hindalco, Suzlon, Tata Motors and more are surveyed by authors Nirmalya Kumar, Pradipta Mohapatra and Suj Chandrasekhar who provide analysis of their new approaches and fresh outlooks. From this new India outsourcing is outmoded and major players are emerging from the nation as customers, competitors and acquirers. Any international business library reference collection needs this informed and informative assessment of India's fast-rising status.

Green Economics
Molly Scott Cato
Earthscan
c/o Stylus Publishing
Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781844075713, $38.95 www.earthscan.co.uk

The world needs a new form of economics: one that is based on the global marketplace and a more environmentally conscious attitude. GREEN ECONOMICS tells how, introducing the concept of green economics in everything from welfare and taxes to economic development and employment. Examples of working green policies already being used around the world form templates for success in this title, highly recommended for any college-level library.

The Business of Studio Photography, third edition
Edward R. Lilley
Allworth Press
10 E. 23rd St., New York NY 10010
9781581156553, $27.50 www.allworth.com

The third updated edition of The Business of Studio Photography is a winner, telling how to start and run a successful photography studio. From basic client identification and marketing to them to organizing a studio and conducting different kinds of photography from weddings to portraits, this is a 'must' for any aspiring professional photographer and for business libraries catering to them.

The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work
Alain de Botton
Pantheon
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, NY, NY 10019
www.pantheonbooks.com
9780375424441, $26.00, www.amazon.com

We spend most of our lives at work - yet the modern workplace is fraught with perils psychological and moral. Philosophy blends with humor in this survey of occupations ranging from biscuit manufacture to accountancy, searching out what makes jobs either satisfying or soul-destroying. 'What makes work pleasurable' is only one of the discussions in a book recommended for both business and general lending libraries.

A Fine Line
Hartmut Esslinger
Jossey Bass
989 Market St., San Francisco CA 94103-1741
9780470451021, $29.95 www.josseybass.com

A FINE LINE: HOW DESIGN STRATEGIES ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS comes from a designer and founder of Frog Design Inc. and provides a series of tips of better business through better branding designs. This tells of the author's change from an industrial design genius to a global innovation powerhouse in the new global economy, telling how he and Frog blend creative design into company competitive strategies for maximum effect. A fine, and rare, step-by-step overview of the entire innovation process, from setting goals to designing to reflect the marketplace and connect with consumers. Any business library needs this.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Complete Guide to Complementary & Alternative Cancer Therapies, second edition
American Cancer Society
250 Williams St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303-1002
0944235719, $24.95 www.cancer.org

Over 200 therapies are examined in an alternative health guide based on the best medical evidence currently available. Updated for its second edition, this packs in the latest details on what works, what doesn't, and a range of therapy strategies from mind/spirit to physical touch therapies, herbs, diet and biologic therapies. It's been completely revised and expanded to reflect many industry changes and is a 'must' for any health or general lending library.

Clinical Coding Workout, 2009 Edition
AHIMA
233 North Michigan Ave, 21st Floor, Chicago IL 60601-5800
9781584252107, $95.95, www.ahima.org

CLINICAL CODING WORKOUT: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT 2009 EDITION, WITH ANSWERS offers updated code sets, new exercises, and extensive sections explaining body systems, diseases, and more. Case studies offer multiple choice and open-ended questions while special sections for beginners, intermediate and advanced coders are geared to all levels of student. Questions are mapped to the AHIMA CCA, CCS and CCS-P certification programs and offer important in-depth details simply unavailable elsewhere. Any college-level collection catering to medical coding students must have this reference: it's a key, cornerstone acquisition.

Strictly for Therapists
John Smale, DHP, BA (Hons)
Emp3Books Ltd
Kiln Workshops, Pilcot Road, Crookham Village, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 5RY, England
www.emp3books.com
9780955073694, $39.99, www.amazon.com

STRICTLY FOR THERAPISTS is an honest book that explains the causes, effects and treatments for many of the problems a therapist is asked to handle. Therapists offer an account of the author's experiences with a number of problems presented by many clients over a period of time and offers sage, tested advice to new therapists and established therapists alike. From making new associations using various therapies to handling abuse, phobias, and other patient issues, this is a powerful, important presentation.

The Japanese Skincare Revolution
Chizu Saeki
Kodansha America, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
www.kodanshaamercia.com
9784770030832, $19.95, www.amazon.com

The Japanese Skincare Revolution: How to Have the Most Beautiful Skin of Your Life - At Any Age offers a range of secrets from Japan's best-selling beauty consultant. From her unique massages for toning facial muscles to cleaning, washing, and 3-minute moisturizing - plus remedies for wrinkles, sagging, and blackheads - this packs in tips for all skin types and many common problems.

Hints & Tips for Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dion E., Betts and Nancy J. Patrick
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market St Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843108962, $19.95 www.jkp.com

Any who work with kids diagnosed on the autism spectrum will find these stories of real-life problems and successes inspiring. They cover everything from bathing to school trips and childcare providers and provides parents and caregivers real-world tools to help support a child, encourage social skills development, and more. Common problem areas are also covered in a 'toolkit' area, while chapters offer sidebars of easy reads on situations such as sleepovers or reading faces and emotions. Any library catering to parents needs this.


The Cookbook Shelf

Cooking Know-How
Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com
9780470180808, $34.95, www.amazon.com

Beginning cooks needing ALL the basics will welcome COOKING KNOW-HOW, packing easy techniques with step-by-step color photos to illustrate such basics as folding omelets, poaching fish fillets, handling ribs indoors, and more. Recipes are offered on color pages with extensive explanations of each step accompanied by clear 'how to' color photos. Any general lending library will welcome this exceptionally clear guide.

The Kerala Kitchen
Lathika George
Hippocrene Books
171 Madison, New York NY 10016
9780781811842, $32.00 www.hippocrenebooks.com

The lure of spices has long drawn travelers to Kerala on the coast of south India, and over 150 recipes and stories explore this regional Indian cuisine, packing in memoirs, tales of shops and traveling chefs, and more. From a Syrian Christian Shrimp Fry to a special Kerala technique used for a Pepper Chicken Roast, this is packed with dishes not seen in other Indian cookbooks.

In Late Winter We Ate Pears
Deirdre Heekin and Calel Barber
Chelsea Green
Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001
9781603581011, $25.00 www.chelseagreen.com

Libraries strong in 'old country' cooking memoirs will appreciate this blend of Italian recipes and memories. It takes a seasonal approach and provides 'you are there' images of Italian countryside and small village life as it explores cuisines and culture alike, adding recipes at the end of each chapter. An excellent literary and culinary read for any general-interest library strong in food and international cuisine.

Kitchen Express
Mark Bittman
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781416575665, $26.00 www.simonandschuster.com

Over four hundred seasonal dishes that can be put together in 20 minutes are less make KITCHEN EXPRESS an outstanding guide. Over four hundred dishes are presented in a seasonal presentation and offer all the basics home cooks need to produce fast, fresh results. From a grill of Gruyere Cheese and Apple to Chicken with Apples and Sage, it's an outstanding, easy presentation for home cooks 'too busy' to cook.

Living Raw Food
Sarma Melngailis
Wm. Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022
9780061458477, $35.00 www.harpercollins.com

Picking up where RAW FOOD/REAL WORLD left off, Sarma Melngailis again uses her famous restaurant to provide dozens more recipes for juices, shakes, soups, easy dishes and cocktails - preparing raw food without any fancy steps. From an Apple Crisp made of dehydrated apples tossed with vanilla gave to Mashed Root Vegetables, these require no cooking and are fine creations for any cook interested in the blossoming raw food movement.

Japanese Kitchen Knives
Hiromitsu Nozaki with Kate Klippensteen
Kodansha America, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
www.kodanshaamercia.com
9784770030764, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Japanese KITCHEN KNIVES: ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES AND RECIPES reflects booming sales in such knives and comes from a chef who shares his expertise and insights on three main traditional Japanese knives. Lessons on their use are demonstrated through step-by-step color photos and recipes. While this may be a specialty acquisition for many, any cookbook library with neo-pro cook patrons will find this a unique lend and focus.

Bottomfeeder, updated edition
Taras Grescoe
Bloomsbury
175 - 5th Ave, New York NY 10010
1596916257, $16.00 www.bloomsburyusa.com

BOTTOMFEEDER: HOW TO EAT ETHICALLY IN A WORLD OF VANISHING SEAFOOD is a powerful survey of endangered seafood and how seafood lovers can obtain a good meal without contributing to the problem. It appears in a newly updated edition to provide fats about modern fishing and farming practices and local endangered fish - and assessments of which fish are best for the environment. Any fish enthusiast must have this.

Great Chefs Cook Vegan
Linda Long
Gibbs Smith
Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
142360153X, $35.00 www.gibbs-smith.com

Recipes from 25 of the greatest chefs provide three- or four-course vegan meals complete with lovely photography of finished dishes perfect for any collection catering to vegan diners. From Artichoke Puri to Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho, this is packed with artistic displays and appealing dishes and is a top pick for any library catering to serious vegan cooks.

You Don't Have to Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook
Tom Valenti
Workman Publishing Company
225 Varick St., New York, NY 10014-4381
www.workman.com
9780761155508, $19.95, www.amazon.com

Chef and author Tom Valenti has diabetes - and provides a menu of over 200 dishes from spicy to sweet and sour, with all textures, to show that a diabetic meal need not be bland or dull. Even pastas and desserts are included - usual dishes diabetic cookbooks avoid - in a creative collection of dishes ranging from a Chicken 'Pot Pie' to Lobster Rolls and Spicy Coconut Turkey Soup. Any general lending library will relish this presentation.

Recipes from the Garden
Rosalind Creasy
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Dr, N. Clarendon VT 05859-0436
0804837686, $34.95 www.tuttlepublishing.com

Eating seasonally and locally is what RECIPES FROM THE GARDEN is all about: a cookbook that shows how to create fabulous dishes from garden bounty. From a Cream of Roasted Pimiento Soup and a Garden Fresh Chili to Wild Party Salad, each recipe comes with a color photo and is packed with flavor and easy details. Any general lending library will want this.


The Computer Shelf

Web Analytics An Hour a Day
Avinash Kaushik
Sybex, Inc.
c/o John Wiley & Sons
989 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
www.sybex.com
9780470130650, $29.99, www.amazon.com

Learn how to develop a web analytics strategy using a step-by-step guide by an expert who tells how to gain solid, useful information from data collection methods. From identifying valuable metrics and using the appropriately to quick-start solutions for blogs and small business websites, Web Analytics An Hour a Day, this is a powerful recommendation not just for computer users and programmers but for general business collections catering to any who gather and analyze web statistics. Very highly recommended!

Essential Java FX
Gail and Paul Anderson
Prentice Hall/PTR
c/o Pearson Education
801 East 96th Street, 3rd floor, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.pearsoned.com
0137042795, $39.99 www.informit.com/ph

JavaFX is a platform for building applications for desktops, browsers and mobile devices alike and any library strong in Java programming or web development should have Essential Java FX in their collection. It explains all about Java FX scripts, from basics to scenes, shapes, images and using web services, and it packs in application examples that have been tested with JavaFX 1.2. Computer libraries will find it a key acquisition.

When Search Meets Web Usability
Shari R Thurow and Nick Muscia
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.newriders.com
0321605896, $29.99, www.amazon.com

Search engine optimization and usability experts provide tips on how to bridge the gap between search engines and a web site, covering all the basics of how people use web search, what makes users click on a search listing, and how to understand user behaviors that make them choose one web site over another. A top pick for any collection strong in Internet usage and optimization methods.

IP Design for Mobile Networks
Mark Grayson, Kevin Shatzkamer, Scott Wainner
Cisco Press
800 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46240
158705826X, $60.00 www.ciscopress.com

IP DESIGN FOR MOBILE NETWORKS is a powerful recommendation discussing IP design theory and implementation for mobile networks. Standards and design theory discuss the state and ideal of mobile networks, reviewing how IP is being integrated into these systems and the technologies evolving to embrace IP systems. Any advanced programmer's library needs this.

Principles of Software Development Leadership
Ken Whitaker
Course Technology
32 Channel Center St., Boston, MA 02210
1584505869, $49.99 www.courseptr.com

The software development market grows worldwide and projects become more complicated - which is why different leadership is needed. This blends principles outline by PMI in a prior book with software leadership best practices for managers, offering a set of practices that create successful project results. From relationships between planning and people to how to run software development in a business mode, this is a powerful survey for any library catering to project managers and software development teams.

Head First Networking
Al Anderson & Ryan Benedetti
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9780596521554, $54.99 www.oreilly.com

If computer networking is providing a systems challenge and you're making the journey from junior network admin to expert, HEAD FIRST NETWORKING is for you. It covers the basics of solving real-world networking problems, from breaks in fiber networks to common mapping or switching issues that can shut down a network. As part of the 'Head First' series, this uses a visually rich format based on the latest brain research to encourage quick understanding. Highly recommended for any computer library catering to network admins.


The World History Shelf

The Illustrious Dead
Stephan Talty
Crown
c/o The Crown Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, #B1, New York, NY 10019-4305
www.crownpublishing.com
9780307394040, $27.00, www.amazon.com

THE ILLUSTRIOUS DEAD: THE TERRIFYING STORY OF HOW TYPHUS KILLED NAPOLEON'S GREATEST ARMY provides a powerful narrative telling of how Napoleon's army was crushed by disease at the height of its powers. As Napoleon saw his army vanishing - some 100,000 soldiers were struck down - his military strategies were rendered inoperative. This is more than another Napoleon biography or military history: it delves into the origins of typhus and considers its ongoing role affecting world history. An excellent choice for any collection.


The International Studies Shelf

The Miracle
Michael Schuman
Harper Business
c/o HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 1022-5299
9780061346682, $29.99 www.harpercollins.com

Six centuries of history and stories of bold decisions and historical undercurrents mark THE MIRACLE: THE EPIC STORY OF ASIA'S QUEST FOR WEALTH. From heated business negotiations and private board meetings to factory floors and presidential sessions, this offers a inside view of economic and social powerhouses tracing how Asian companies became global corporations and how these world shifts affected not only Asia but the policies and procedures of a new business environment. Very highly recommended.

Inside Central Asia
Dilip Hiro
Overlook Duckworth
c/o The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
www.overlookny.com
9781590202210, $35.00, www.amazon.com

INSIDE CENTRAL ASIA: A POLITICAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY OF UZBEKISTAN, TURKMENISTAN, KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, TAJIKISTAN, TURKEY AND IRAN is a 'must' for any library strong in Asian history and culture, especially as these regions are typically given only cursory attention in favor of Japan, Korea and others. The former Soviet republics of Central Asia represent a politically pivotal region and are essential study for any who would understanding the pressures in the region. Political writer and historian Dilip Hiro's analysis of the politics and daily lives of the peoples of these countries is detailed and essential.


The Audiobook Shelf

Still Life
Joy Fielding, author
Kymberly Dakin, narrator
Brilliance Audio
c/o Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
1423362594, $36.99 www.brillianceaudio.com

Joy Fielding's STILL LIFE offers a powerful story narrated by Kymberly Dakin, a woman with many TV and Broadway credits to her name, and tells of a happily married, successful woman content with her life - until a car accident sends her into a coma. She can hear everything even though she can't communicate; and what she hears from her friends will change her perceptions and even lead her to question the nature of her accident. Any audio library will find this a popular lend.

Gone Tomorrow
Lee Child, author
Dick Hill, narrator
Random House
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
9780739365915, $44.95 www.randomhouseaudio.com

Veteran narrator Dick Hill provides a passionate reading of a thriller based in New York City and telling of a subway passenger whose plain life proves critical to dozens of others. A fine story of terrorism and danger emerges in a tense thriller perfect for audio listeners seeking a nail-biting listen.

Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill, author
Joel Fotinos, narrator
Penguin Audio
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780143143741, $29.95 www.penguin.com

Joel Fotinos publishes and narrates the classic THINK AND GROW RICH, a work originally published in 1937 whose moneymaking secrets remain relevant today and come alive under audio treatment. Hill interviewed more than five hundred rich men and women of his time and uncovered wealth secrets that continue to influence the rich today. Any audio library will find it a recognized, attractive classic.

First Family
David Baldacci, author
Ron McLarty, narrator
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
9781600245480, $39.98 www.hachetteaudio.com

Ron McLarty provides a passionate and moving voice to accent high drama in the thriller FIRST FAMILY, revolving around a daring kidnapping of a child from Camp David. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, former secret service agents turned private investigators, find themselves embroiled in family secrets and White House politics at the highest level as a result in this powerful story.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Knit One Bead Too
Judith Durant
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCa Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603421492, $18.95 www.storey.com

Embellish knitting results with beads using the easy beading techniques in Knit One Bead Too, offering five techniques for blending beads into bags, hats, sweaters and more. Projects demonstrate different methods and offer color photos throughout, making it a cinch to follow. KNIT ONE BEAD TOO: ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES FOR KNITTING WITH BEADS is an outstanding collection for any knitting library.

Kanzashi in Bloom
Diane Gilleland
Watson Guptill Publications
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780823084814, $21.95 www.watsonguptill.com

The Japanese art of Kanzashi - flower embellishments - comes to life for modern crafters. It involves folding squares of silk into three-dimensional flower petals and uses modern flower designs as elements in fun, fashionable craft projects. From blossom earrings to hair clips and belt buckles, this is a top pick for needleworkers seeking embellishment options for quilts or jewelry projects.

Knitting and Tea
Jane Gottelier
Potter Craft
c/o The Crown Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, #B1, New York, NY 10019-4305
www.crownpublishing.com
9780307352217, $32.50 www.pottercraft.com

25 classic knits pair with teas that inspired them and photos by Patrick Gottelier in a fine survey of tearooms around the world and the connections between tea and knit designs. From a Cricket Sweater to Tea Cozies and a Cupcake Cardigan, all levels of knitter will find this an inspired presentation.

Knitting More Circles Around Socks
Antje Gillingham
Martingale & Company
20205 - 144th St NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
9781564779151, $24.99 www.martingale-pub.com

KNITTING MORE CIRCLES AROUND SOCKS offers patterns in men's, women's and children's sizes and teaches how to knit two socks at a time on two circular needles starting at either end. Knitters who already have some experience will relish a guide packed with not only color photos of finished socks, but step-by-step color instructions, but familiarity with knitting directions and terms is still a requirement, making this a pick for any library catering to knitters.

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

The design team Joined at the Hip offer a fine collection of quilts featuring large pieces and easy applique designs in Folk-Art Favorites (9781564778840, $24.99). 12 projects range from pillows and a sachet to samplers and banners and pack in full-page patterns and lovely folk art displays in full color, perfect for any quilting collection. The A TO Z OF SEWING: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR BEGINNING TO ADVANCED SEWING (9781564779205, $29.99) uses a hard binder book with lay-flat binding and spine lettering to make for easy at-machine use and quick location on a bookshelf. It is packed with over 180 sewing techniques illustrated by easy step-by-step photos and directions. From working with sewing machines and fabrics to building supplies, all beginners should start here. Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson's FOUR-PATCH FROLIC: QUILTS FROM 5" AND 10" SQUARES (9781564779038, $24.99) provides a fine building block of quilts to be made from squares and attractive fat quarters, teaching an easy technique for using these in blocks. A dozen different quilt settings plus a pillowcase, table runner and more make for easy introductions for quilters at all levels, making this book a pick for any quilting collection.

Poster Quilts with Patrick Lose
Patrick Lose
C&T Publishing
Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94549
9781571206534, $27.95 www.ctpub.com

Quick wall quilts mix the art of posters and quilting and use fused applique to make connection and construction a snap. Here are full-size, easy patterns with complete instructions for 10 wall quilts to get users started on a fun set of quilting applications different from your usual throw or lap quilt. Any quilter's library will find this a fine addition.

Willowberry Lane Gorgeous Quilts for Gracious Living
Sonja Moen and Vicki Lynn Oehlke
Landauer Corporation
3100 NW 102st St., Urbandale, IA 50322
9780980068863, $27.95 www.laudercorp.com

Whether it's a small project or a large one, GORGEOUS QUILTS provides a fine set of 24 original and home decor quilted projects, packing in color photos, diagrams, step-by-step directions, and many different options. From basic supplies to piecing and cutting instructions and color photos throughout, this is a winner and pick for any quilter's collection.

Quilt Artistry: Inspired Designs from the East
Yoshiko Jinzenji
Kodansha America, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10016
www.kodanshaamercia.com
9784770030993, $27.95, www.amazon.com

The unique quilt art of Yoshiko Jinzenji provides fine geometric shapes and designs that blend mandalas and other Asian symbols into their structure - but that's not all. Finding new work materials is part of Jinzenji's approach to producing series designs and even quilts made from fabrics and materials she's dyed herself: color photos pack a survey filled with color, cultural insight, and step-by-step how-to instruction.


The Travel Shelf

500 Things to Eat Before It's Too Late
Jane & Michael Stern
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10003
9780547059075, $19.95 www.hmhbooks.com

Any traveler in America who wants to sample cheap eats and local specialties will find 500 Things to Eat Before It's Too Late the perfect take-along tote. It covers everything from beachside stands and Texas barbecue to regional dishes that don't get much publicity outside their hometowns. Maps, color sidebars of information, unique places to shop - and recipes - make this an outstanding acquisition that stands apart from your usual travel guide.

China Underground
Zachary Mexico
Soft Skull Press
2117 - 4th St, Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781593762230, $16.95 www.softskull.com

This firsthand memoir of the author's encounter with the 'new China' and its cultures and characters makes for a key travelogue focusing on contemporary Chinese culture from the young traveler's vantage point, and is an essential acquisition for any library strong in travelogues or Chinese culture. From a punk band's struggles to Beijing's drug-fueled club scene, chapters survey the rejects and outsiders of contemporary Chinese society.

Where the Hell is Matt?
Matt Harding
Skyhorse Publishing
555 - 8th Avenue, Suite 903, New York NY 10018
1602396523, $14.95 www.skyhorsepublishing.com

Matt Harding created an Internet following with his awkward dance of joy and its translation to other peoples in the many countries he traveled around the world. His exciting world adventures and the rise of a phenomenon that began as a curbside lark for fun makes for an outstanding travelogue packed with color photos and fun adventure in WHERE THE HELL IS MATT? DANCING BADLY AROUND THE WORLD.

Not Now, Voyageur
Lynne Sharon Schwartz
Counterpoint
2117 - 4th St., Suite D, Berkeley CA 94710
9781582434285, $23.00 www.counterpointpress.com

The pros and cons of travel have persisted in society and this memoir asks many questions about travel, using the author's own travel experiences as examples. From her journey to Rome as a young woman to her worldwide observations of social and political change in third world countries to a family road trip to Montreal, this assessment of travel and its impact on many levels makes for a lively, important memoir.

Moon Handbooks: Brazil
Michael Sommers
Moon Travel Guides
1700 -4th St., Berkeley CA 94710
9781598800814, $21.95 www.moon.com

Any Brazil-bound traveler interested in independent budget travel through the country will find the Moon handbook on Brazil a wonderful travel planner and take-along tote. It packs in maps, small color photos, and details on local color, from festivals and events and historic attractions to accommodations at all price levels, food, and getting there or getting around. A wonderful guide, this packs in practical information key for any planning a trip.

Marco Polo Didn't Go There
Rolf Potts
Travelers' Tales
853 Alma St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
9781932361612, $14.95 www.travelerstales.com

For the past ten years author Rolf Potts has taken his travel passion to the corners of the earth. This collects his funniest and most dramatic stories, from being stranded without water in the Libyan Desert to learning about Tantric sex in an Indian ashram and investigating the 'real' Australia. An outstanding set of vivid travel stories from a world gypsy traveler makes for exceptional armchair reading recommended for any general lending library.


The Art Shelf

The Handy Book of Artistic Printing
Doug Clouse & Angela Voulangas
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East 7th St., New York NY 10003
9781568987057, $40.00 www.papress.com

During the late 19th century printers, engravers and lithographers challenged traditional design by introducing exotic images and quirky typefaces known as 'artistic' style. Letterpress printers grabbed it and packaging, ads and more were changes by the new commercial styles. Then it suddenly became unpopular. The rise and fall of this style is traced in a largely neglected survey of this era of design history and makes for a powerful selection for any arts collection.

Alan Gussow: A Painter's Nature
Martica Sawin
Hudson Hills Press
3556 Main St., Manchester, VT 05254
9781555953089, $70.00 www.hudsonhills.com

Alan Gussow is one of this country's top artists and this is the first book to explore his many achievements. He helped move abstract art forward by blending such with a touch of realism and his long career cultivated a unique perspective and series of contributions. This volume pairs full-page color reproductions of his works with analysis by Martica Sawin. Over 250 color plates considers oils, pastels and watercolors and includes many never before published. Very highly recommended for any definitive art library.

There's Nothing Funny About Design
David Barringer
Princeton Architectural Press
37 E. 7th Street, New York NY 10003
9781568988283, $24.95 www.apress.com

Author David Barringer receives the 2008 AIGA Winterhouse Award for design writing and his articles on design have reflected both humor and literary criticism. This first collection of his essays considers a range of design puzzles and inquiries and is an outstanding survey of a wide range of design puzzlers perfect for any general or college-level library strong in arts and design.

Bollywood Posters
Jerry Pinto & Sheena Sippy
Thames & Hudson
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780500287767, $34.95 www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

The Indian film poster does more than advertise a movie: it offers an eye into Bollywood, the world's largest film industry. Art thus blends with movie-making objectives to form a film poster genre which actually has a long history - presented here, in BOLLYWOOD POSTERS. The oversized presentation and lavish, full-page posters in full color make for a fine and highly recommended survey of an industry little covered outside of India: perfect for any arts collection.


The Photography Shelf

The Adobe Photoshop CS4 Layers Book
Richard Lynch
Focal Press
30 Corporate Dr #400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780240521558, $39.95 www.focalpress.com

Deserving of ongoing mention and recommendation is one of the most powerful, effective Photoshop 'how to' books on the market: a guide to the notoriously tricky Layers part of the program. A visual, hands- on guide comes from a digital imaging specialist who provides step-by-step directions and practical applications for image manipulation using the layers feature. Screenshots and color sidebars of information make this simply invaluable.

Travel Photography
Steve Davey
Footprint Books
6 Riverside Court, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DZ
www.footprintbooks.com www.amazon.com
9781906098421, $29.95

Steve Davey's work has taken him all over the world shooting photos and his TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY charts his path around the world - and tells others how to plan a trip, keep equipment safe when on the road, and locate inspiring photos. Tips on professional money-making opportunities blend on those about composition and structure, making for a highly recommended blend of photography manual and travelogue.

Available Light
Don Marr
Amherst Media
PO Box 586, Buffalo, NY 14226
www.amherstmedia.com
9781584282556, $34.95, www.amazon.com

Don Marr shows how to use available light to get great images in AVAILABLE LIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES FOR USING EXISTING LIGHT SOURCES. Learn how to get great images without expensive equipment and learn how to solve common problems involved in using available light with a book packed with everything from quick fixes for working in different lighting conditions to avoiding problems or turning them into creative fixes. Any neo-professional photographer must have this.


The Science Shelf

Sites of Impact
Stan Gaz
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
www.papress.com
9781568988153, $60.00, www.amazon.com

Both photography and science libraries will appreciate the full-page, full-color displays in SITES OF IMPACT, a survey of asteroid collision points around the planet. Aerial expeditions by photographer Stan Gaz offers images of the sites in black and white in an outstanding presentation.

The Age of Wonder
Richard Holmes
Pantheon
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, NY, NY 10019
www.pantheonbooks.com
9780375422225, $40.00, www.amazon.com

THE AGE OF WONDER: HOW THE ROMANTIC GENERATION DISCOVERED THE BEAUTY AND TERROR OF SCIENCE provides a riveting history of the men and women whose discoveries fostered the Romantic Age of Science. From a botanist's discoveries in 1769 to how the 'Age of Wonder' emerged from explorations and the efforts of William Herschel and sister Caroline and others, this is a powerful pick for any interested in how science and trends develop.

Moon 3-D
Jim Bell
Sterling Publishing Company
387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016-8810
www.sterlingpublishing.com
9781402765513, $19.95, www.amazon.com

MOON 3-D: THE LUNAR SURFACE COMES TO LIFE is the next best thing to actually walking on the moon: it offers photos in 3-D with special built-in lenses that offer a 3-dimensional look at the moon. These 3-D photos were taken during robotic space and human exploration missions and include photos shot by the Apollo astronauts on their Moon walks. A perfect gift for any astronomy buff who would live the lunar experience!

Why Does E=Mc2?
Brian Cox & Jeff Forshaw
DaCapo Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780306817588, $24.00 www.dacapopress.com

WHY DOES E=MC2 AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE comes from two physicists who offer basic ideas on relativity and its applicability to everyday life. Their survey of both the theory and its wider-ranging applications connects relativity to life in terms any lay reader can understand, from considering ideas of mass, energy and light to everyday examples illustrating theories. Any general lending library will find this a key acquisition.

The Geek Atlas
John Graham-Cumming
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9780596523206, $29.99 www.oreilly.com

THE GEEK ATLAS: 128 PLACES WHERE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COME ALIVE offers a history of 128 destinations around the world where breakthroughs in science, math or technology occurred or are happening right now. From science museums and examples of revolutionary theories to discussions of inventions and the people behind them, this is packed with photos, arranged geographically by country, and offers destinations certain to pique scientific interest.

Signature in the Cell
Stephen C. Meyer
HarperOne
c/o HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022
9780061472787, $28.99 www.harperone.com

SIGNATURE IN THE CELL: DNA AND THE EVIDENCE FOR INTELLIGENT DESIGN argues that Charles Darwin did not refute intelligent design, and that the case has been misrepresented by the media and local school boards. SIGNATURE IN THE CELL is the first book to make a case for intelligent design based on DNA, and offers an investigation of evolutionary theories and the evidence that led him to affirm intelligent design. It's a weighty consideration perfect for college-level science and spirituality holdings.

Unscientific America
Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Book Group
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9780465013050, $24.00 www.basicbooks.com

UNSCIENTIFIC AMERICA: HOW SCIENTIFIC ILLITERACY THREATENS OUR FUTURE offers important assessments from a journalist and author and a scientist who join forces to explain how religious ideologies and a range of influences have collaborated to create a society where science and mainstream American beliefs diverge. This is a 'must' for any concerned about the unscientific paths America is charting ahead - and who seek to remedy the breach. Both college-level and public libraries will welcome its debate.

Weather's Greatest Mysteries Solved!
Randy Cerveny
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591027201, $26.98 www.prometheusbooks.com

Climatologists and their research are presented in a lively narrative packing in facts presented by well-known climatologist author Randy Cerveny, who examines history and climate mysteries around the world. From the science of climate study and how it leads to historical discovery to discussions of forecasting challenges, WEATHER'S GREATEST MYSTERIES SOLVED! is a recommendation for both science and general collections.


The Nautical Shelf

Handbook of Offshore Cruising, second edition
Jim Howard
Sheridan House
145 Palisade St., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
9781574092790, $29.95 www.sheridanhouse.com

This first appeared in 1994 and quickly became the standard 'bible' for any planning to sail across oceans: now in a paperback, the second edition has been completely updated to reference new technology. Four parts discuss the boat, its systems, the voyage and in port, covering everything from building or buying a boat to rig, deck layout, and more. A 'must' for any cruiser or nautical library.

Cruising Guide to the Hawaiian Islands, second edition
Carolyn and Bob Mehaffy
Paradise Cay Publications
Box 29, Arcata, CA 95518-0029
0939837730, $29.95 www.paradisecay.com

Any sailor planning a trip to the Hawaiian islands will find this tip comes form a couple who spent over a year on their Hardin 45 ketch researching all anchorages and harbors on all the inhabited islands. Their research offers a updated, revised guide for any new to Hawaiian cruising and offers specific directions on locating the anchorages. Charts, photos and even a short history of each destination make for a powerful presentation.


The Social Issues Shelf

Rich
Larry Samuel
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019-7420
0814413625, $24.95 www.amacombooks.org

RICH: THE RISE AND FALL OF AMERICAN WEALTH CULTURE considers the history of America's wealthy elite class, from entrepreneurs to barons and everything in between. Financial consultant author Larry Samuel's work is based on an extensive research study on American wealth culture for JP Morgan which received media attention and is an invaluable study of how America's financial elite came to be: both business and general collections will relish this.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

Running for Judge
Matthew J. Streb, Editor
New York University Press
838 Broadway, New York NY 10003-4812
9780814740972, $22.00 www.nyupress.org

RUNNING FOR JUDGE: THE RISING POLITICAL, FINANCIAL, AND LEGAL STAKES OF JUDICIAL ELECTIONS examines contentious elections over the last quarter century and ties together the current state of the judicial elections literature with important new evidence on topics ranging from a history of elections processes to the importance of campaign financing and partisan influences. RUNNING FOR JUDGE isn't just for those considering running: it's for any interested in judicial process and law at all levels, from college to general-interest collections.


The Biography Shelf

Magnificent Desolation
Buzz Aldrin with Ken Abraham
Harmony Books
c/o The Crown Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, #B1, NY, NY 10019-4305
www.crownpublishing.com
9780307463456, $27.00, www.amazon.com

MAGNIFICENT DESOLATION: THE LONG JOURNEY HOME FROM THE MOON provides a powerful autobiography of his life, from his rise to become an astronaut on the first lunar landing mission to his view of life as one of the representatives of America's space program. From hair-raising potentials for failure to his life on earth thereafter and the evolution of depression due to grueling political and social pressures, this introduces a Buzz most of the world has never seen - and is highly recommended for any general lending collection.

Gilded Lili
Kelly DiNardo
Back Stage Books
c/o Watson-Guptill
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
0823088898, $24.95 www.watsonguptill.com

GILDED LILI: LILI ST. CYR AND THE STRIPTEASE MYSTIQUE is a top pick for any interested in the last real queen of striptease. From her poverty childhood in a small town to her eventual escape to become one of the top exotic dancers of her times, performing for famous personalities, this examination considers her life and American sexuality and values in general, in a tasteful, ongoing recommendation for any general lending library.


The Interior Design Shelf

Decorating the Professional Touch
Carol Donayre Bugg
Capital Books
Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781933102719, $40.00 www.capital-books.com

Make your decorating plans come true with the help of a personal interior decorator who brings to this book her veteran interior designing business, following her into the rooms of homes she and her decorators have changed. Ideas, decorating tips and the underlying goals of different choices and approaches in particular make this an exceptional survey, packed with colorful leads to success. Any general lending library catering to homeowners will welcome this.

Libby Langdon's Small Space Solutions
Libby Langdon
Knack
c/o Globe Pequot
Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
9781599214245, $24.95 www.knackbooks.com

Libby Langdon's design guide comes from a personal organizer and designer who offers chic solutions for any type of small space, from a cramped kitchen or bathroom to an entire apartment. SMALL SPACE SOLUTIONS: SECRETS FOR MAKING ANY ROOM LOOK ELEGANT AND FEEL SPACIOUS ON ANY BUDGET packs color photos with tips on accessories, introducing more or better lighting into the options, addressing storage needs, and more. Libraries will find this a popular lend.


The Architecture Shelf

Prefab
Allison Arieff and Bryan Burkhart
Gibbs Smith
Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1586851322, $39.95 www.gibbs-smith.com

Prefabricated houses have a reputation for being cheap and ugly, with identical structures and little character - but PREFAB offers a set of exceptions and provides proposals from architects and designers who made their prefabs different. A history of prefab's choices and paths uses the work of over twenty-five modern architects and designers to profile a range of prefab options. Any collection strong in architecture and home design will welcome the color photos, in-depth history and construction details.


The Education Shelf

Helping Kids and Teens with ADHD in School
Joanne Steer and Kate Horstmann
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market St #400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843106630, $34.95, www.jkp.com

Young people with ADHD struggle to adapt skills to new situations, and this interactive workbook is a pick for parents and kids who want to apply tested adaptations to school environments. Each chapter uses a typical key situation affecting kids with ADHD around a school topic from friendships to school scheduling, pairing a workbook with solutions. Highly recommended for any working with ADHD kids.

Play: The Pathway from Theory to Practice
Sandra Heidelmann and Deborah Hewitt
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St Paul, MN 55117
9781933653730, $29.95 www.redleafpress.org

Any library catering to early childhood educators will find Play: The Pathway from Theory to Practice a key acquisition, offering important keys connecting play skills to life skills. From a ten-item play checklist to identify where a child is encountering cooperative play problems to activities that help address a child's challenges, this set of classroom activities offers play goals for any working with children.

The New Teacher Toolbox, second edition
Scott M. Mandel
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412971355, $25.95 www.corwinpress.com

Novice teachers and libraries catering to them will find The New Teacher Toolbox provides all the details needed to get off to a solid start. From encouraging student participation and establishing fair grading to modifying curriculum for students with special needs and handling parents, it pairs the latest research and advice with solid teaching skills and uses an easy format to help teachers navigate common barriers to success.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Crow Planet
Lyanda Lynn Haupt
Little, Brown
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.hachettebookgroup.com
9780316019101, $23.99, www.amazon.com

CROW PLANET: ESSENTIAL WISDOM FROM THE URBAN WILDERNESS is for any interested in crows and their growing influence on ecology. Haupt's prose discusses crow behavior and natural history, offering a blend of crow stories and case histories and scholarly research based on crow history and mythology alike. Any library strong in natural history and birding needs this.

Maine Birding Trail
Bob Duchesne
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
www.downeastbooks.com
9780892727834, $15.95, www.amazon.com

Residents of Maine and any bound for a visit who are avid birders will welcome this official guide to over 260 accessible sites offering prime birding locales across the state. From beaches and coastlines to valleys, lakes and mountains, this explores the new Maine Birding Trail and points the way to prime observation destinations. It comes from a Maine State Representative and an avid birder who helped promote the creation of the Maine Birding Trail and is a pick for any travel or nature collection.

Best in Show
Bo Bengtson
Kennel Club Press
40 Broad St., Freehold NJ 07728
9781931993852, $34.95 www.bowtiepress.com

BEST IN SHOW: THE WORLD OF SHOW DOGS AND DOG SHOWS explores the entire industry of dog shows, bringing the author's enthusiasm for the show ring and his personal experience of judging to breeding into an examination of how to professionals work and how amateurs break into the arena. Black and white and color photos lend to an outstanding, in-depth coverage for all levels of dog enthusiasts and libraries catering to them.

Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, seventh edition
Rowen D. Frandson, et.al.
Wiley-Blackwell
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256
www.wiley.com
9780813813943, $79.99, www.amazon.com

The seventh updated edition of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals is a powerful reference revising a classic to blend in new illustrations plus a new chapter on poultry. Veterinary, animal science, agriculture and animal medicine students will find it offers clinical extracts and a glossary of terms to enhance the clarity of information, using the latest science to create an outstanding desk reference for any farm animal library.

Dachshunds
D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D.
Barron's
250 Wireless Blvd, Hauppauge, NY 11788
0764196286, $18.99, www.barronseduc.com

Joining others in the 'Barron's Dog Bibles' series is DACHSHUNDS - everything you need to know about choosing, caring for, and training a dachshund. From nutrition and health and play activities to how to understand the breed's common traits, DASCHUNDS packs in over 100 color photos and includes tips on how to train a dog. Highly recommended for any dachshund owner or potential owner.


The Library DVD Shelf

The Prehistoric Collection
A&E Entertainment
235 E. 45th St., New York NY 10017
1422938255, $59.95 www.history.com

THE PREHISTORIC COLLECTION: FROM DINOSAURS TO THE DAWN OF MAN includes four releases under one package: JURASSIC FIGHT CLUB, PREHISTORIC MEGASTORMS, JOURNEY TO 10,000 B.C. and CLASH OF THE CAVEMEN. Re-creations of prehistoric atmosphere and the latest archaeological and anthropological research lend to a collection packed with vivid scenes and real history in 8 DVDs perfect for home and lending libraries alike.

Ripped Off: Madoff and Scamming of America
A&E Home Entertainment
235 East 45th St., New York NY 10017
1422945235, $19.95 www.history.com

The 2008 collapse of the U.S. economy is still being felt today, and RIPPED OFF examines some of the causes, examining the, $65 billion Ponzi scam by a trusted investor from New York. Firsthand accounts from Madoff's victims are included in a documentary considering this and other scams throughout history.


The Woodworking Shelf

Emotions in Wood
Ann Brouwers
Linden Publishing
2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721-9875
www.woodworkerslibrary.com
9781933502168, $21.95 www.lindenpub.com

EMOTIONS IN WOOD: CARVING THE EXPRESSIVE FACE teaches master woodcarver Ann Brouwers' original style of capturing spherical, expressive faces in wood. Each chapter focuses on a different emotion and describes how to produce an imaginative, creative result in a carving guide recommended for both novice and advanced wood carvers and libraries catering to crafters.


The Crafts Shelf

Simply Gemstones
Nancy Alden
Potter Craft
c/o The Crown Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, #B1, NY, NY 10019-4305
www.crownpublishing.com
9780307451354, $22.95 www.pottercraft.com

SIMPLY GEMSTONES: DESIGNS FOR CREATING BEADED GEMSTONE JEWELRY tells how to achieve a high-end look in creating gemstone jewelry, offering a guide to creating over 50 earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Color photos of finished products accompany construction methods, materials, and tools tips on each facing page, making for a fine craft guide for any collection strong in jewelry making.

Beaded Ornaments for the Holidays and Beyond
Bead&Button and BeadStyle
Kalmbach Books
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
9780871162830, $19.95 www.kalmbachbooks.com

It's never too early to begin holiday plans when it comes to crafts, which is why Beaded Ornaments for the Holidays and Beyond is such an important pick for year-round holiday options. These ornaments can be used on the tree AND in the home year-round, making for an especially versatile crafter's book. Tools, techniques and anything beginning beaders need make for a colorful, involving guide.

Silver Clay Keepsakes
Katie Baum and Judi L. Hendricks
Kalmbach Books
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
9780871162854, $21.95 www.kalmbachbooks.com

Anyone can make great silver keepsakes using metal clay, a material perfect for producing lovely results. From understanding fire options and choosing from 24 keepsake-oriented projects such as painted piggy banks or personalized mugs, every step is in full color and packed with key details perfect for crafter's libraries.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Game Plan for Life
Joe Gibbs with Jerry B. Jenkin
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414329796, $24.99 www.tyndale.com

Successful coach Joe Gibbs has always been driven to reach for the top - of two elite competitive professions in his own lifetime: Super Bowl and NASCAR racing. Here he shares the basic ideas that have led him to success, offering a Bible-based discussion of eleven issues a national survey identified as the most important facing men today. From mastering finances and succeeding in relationships to understanding God and sin, different contributors work with Joe Gibbs for maximum impact in a title especially recommended for spirituality collections.

A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church
Rembert G. Weakland, OSV
William B. Eerdmans Publishing
2140 Oak Industrial Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
9780802863829, $35.00 www.eerdmans.com

A PILGRIM IN A PILGRIM CHURCH: MEMOIRS OF A CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP offers the life and times of Archbishop Weakland, who tells of his struggles in the priesthood and how he learned to be a leader despite his liberal beliefs in the Catholic church. His psychological, spiritual and sexual growth examine his evolution on many different levels, making for a fine survey for any spirituality collection in general and those catering to Catholic readers in particular.

It's All About Him
Denise Jackson with Ellen Vaughn
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
0785227768, $24.99 www.thomasnelson.com

An introduction by country singer Alan Jackson and an accompanying CD from Alan Jackson compliments IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM: FINDING THE LOVE OF MY LIFE but doesn't negate the fact that 'him' isn't a biography of the country singer, but refers to God as much as Alan. Denise tells of a woman who appears to have everything - a famous country music legend husband, children - but finds herself lacking in love and faith alike. Her re-awakening to life's potentials and newfound discovery of God makes for an inspirational read perfect for Christian spirituality libraries.

The Samurai and the Sacred
Stephen Turnbull
Osprey Publishing
443 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10016
www.ospreypublishing.com
9781846032158, $21.95, www.amazon.com

Both spirituality and military history collections - as well as those strong in Japanese history in particular - will welcome The Samurai and the Sacred, a fine study examining the spiritual world of the samurai from their involvement in Japanese mainstream religions to their feature in Christianity and folk religions. Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull offers a detailed look at Japanese religion and religious terrorism in a powerful study suitable for any serious Japanese spirituality shelf.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Healing Stones for the Vital Organs
Michael Gienger and Wolfgang Maier
Healing Arts
c/o Inner Traditions
Box 388, Rochester, VT 05767
www.healingartspress.com
9781594772757, $16.95, www.amazon.com

One of the main tools in the traditional Chinese doctor's toolbox is an understanding of circadian rhythms governing the body's organs, and this book builds upon that understanding, offering a self-care treatment system using gemstones paired with an understanding of these rhythms. Time frames pair with body organ purposes physical and psychic in a healing guide recommended for any new age library.

Picture Yourself Developing Your Psychic Abilities
Tiffany Johnson
Course Technology
20 Channel Center St. Boston MA 02210
1598638971, $19.99 www.courseptr.com

Any interested in developing their psychic abilities will appreciate the step-by-step guide DEVELOPING YOUR PSYCHIC ABILITIES: STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTION FOR DIVINATION, SPEAKING TO SPIRIT GUIDES, AND MUCH MORE offers tips on how to hone psychic abilities for practical applications. Chapters cover everything from divination tools to helpers and are key to any seeking to enhance their abilities.

Beyond 2012
Geoff Stray
Bear & Company
c/o Inner Traditions
Box 388, Rochester, VT 05767
9781591430971, $24.00 www.bearandcompanybooks.com

Mayan studies and new age sentiments blend in a fine survey of predictions revolving around 2012, the year the Mayan Calendar's Great Cycle will end. The ending of this cycle coincides with a rare galactic alignment, a phenomenon at the core of many wisdom teachings around the world. BEYOND 2012 represents the author's gathering of data related to the phenomena since 1982, moving beyond Maya beliefs and charts to embrace information from cultures around the world. New age libraries will find it the item of choice for considering 2012 changes and challenges.

The Three "Only" Things
Robert Moss
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781577316633, $14.95, www.amazon.com

Any who have said something was 'only' a dream, coincidence or imagination will find these 'only' incidences actually tap into powerful dreaming and imagination. Stories of how innovators and world changers have tapped into these gifts make for a fine survey of dream interpreting called Active Dreaming, which advocates using dreams to uncover humanity's path. From perception of symbols to how dreams are a secret engine of history, this is a powerful winner for any new age library.

The Atheist's Way
Eric Maisel
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781577316428, $14.00, www.amazon.com

THE ATHEIST'S WAY: LIVING WELL WITHOUT GODS teaches how to make personal meaning out of life in the absence of beneficent gods overseeing human concerns. Chapters explore the spiritual and intellectual shift from such a paradigm and address the concerns of how non-believers can live meaningful lives free of the need for a divine benefactor. A powerful survey for any general lending library.

Surfing Your Inner Sea
Raphael Cushnir
Chronicle Books
680 - 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107
9780811867283, $15.95 www.chroniclebooks.com

Lasting serenity lies not with outside influences but with inner peace, and Surfing Your Inner Sea is key to obtaining this inner serenity, examining serenity lessons to be gained from life experiences from a marriage's demise to a child's card game. These lessons show how anyone can find and achieve lasting serenity and make for a powerful, key acquisition.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Standard Catalog of Browning Firearms
Joseph M. Cornell, CMA, ASA, ISA
Gun Digest
c/o F&W Publications
700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001
0896897311, $29.99 www.gundigestbooks.com

Over three hundred seventy-five color photos accompany the latest values and descriptions in Standard Catalog of Browning Firearms, a fine survey of firearms made by the Browning company. Collectors and gun enthusiasts alike will find this a fine survey including values of firearms in several condition categories.

Antiques Investigator
Judith Miller
DK Publishing
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780756650971, $19.95 www.dk.com

Learn how to identify real antiques, learn about dating and history, and find answers to identify an original from a copy with ANTIQUES INVESTIGATOR, an invaluable guide that shows how to solve mysteries. Examples of antiques and collectibles abound in a guide for non-experts who want to learn more on a range of antiques from ceramics and glassware and furniture: any general lending library will find this a popular pick.

A Guide Book of U.S. Coins 2010
R.S. Yeoman
Whitman Publishing
3101 Clairmont Road, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30329
9780794828325, $29.95 www.whitmanbooks.com

This 63rd edition of a classic coin collector's guide is available for the first time in a large-print format complete with spiral binding for easy lay-flat reference. Because the coin pictures tend to have such small details, the large print edition is exceptionally useful for any collector, culling the expertise of over 140 professional coin dealers and receiving a fine editing job by Kenneth Bressett. Highly recommended for any coin collector seeking a useful working reference with lots of detail.


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide
Anthony Q. Artis
Focal Press
c/o Elsevier/Butterworth Heinemann
30 Corporate Drive, Burlington, MA 01803
www.focalpress.com www.elsevier.com
9780240809359, $34.95 www.amazon.com

The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide: A Down and Dirty DV production offers the basics on making documentary films, using a light yet direction conversational manner for filmmakers ready to actually shoot a production. From camerawork and lighting to gathering a crew and shooting, this packs in tips on making a high-quality production and is a 'must' for any collection catering to filmmakers.

The Art of Monsters vs. Aliens
Linda Sunshine
Newmarket Press
18 E. 48th St., New York NY 10017
9781557048240, $40.00 www.newmarketpress.com

Any fan of DreamWorks Animation or its first Tru3D film Monsters vs. Aliens will relish the fine color illustrations and accompanying story of how the movie was created. Over 400 images of concept art and design pack a survey for any fan of movie making or animation art in general or Monsters vs. Aliens in particular, making this a pick for both general lending libraries and specialty film holdings alike.


The Sports Shelf

Complete History of Surfing
Nat Young
Gibbs Smith
Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1423602668, $39.95 www.gibbs-smith.com

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF SURFING: FROM WATER TO SNOW offers a fine survey of surfing and surfing history, offering a survey of surfing's attractions and famous names from Hawaii to California and covering ancient Hawaiians to modern times. Color photos and vintage photos abound in a guide covering the evolution from surfing to snowboarding and more, blending stories with history for a lively survey any library will relish.

The Wonder Years
Rick Rickman and Donna Wares
Chronicle Books
680 - 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107
9780811868495, $35.00 www.chroniclebooks.com

THE WONDER YEARS: PORTRAITS OF ATHLETES WHO NEVER SLOW DOWN provides a fine photo essay from a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who capture images of senior athletes who are continuing to win past the usual age ranges. From a 57-year-old waitress who wins a gold medal in the 100-meter dash to a 75-year-old who performs 200 push-ups, their stories celebrate the mature athlete's achievements in a picture story any library will find inspirational.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

The Comic Book Podcast Companion
Eric Houston
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614
www.twomorrows.com
1605490180, $15.95, www.amazon.com

Comic book podcasts are the latest graphic phenomenon on the Internet, and The Comic Book Podcast Companion explores behind the scenes of ten of today's top comic book podcasts using interviews from a range of sources and blending features about podcasting and comics with major comic creators. The result is a powerful blend of interviews and podcast insights tailored to the online comics world and perfect for any avid comic book fan.

TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614
www.twomorrows.com www.amazon.com

The artwork of Chris Sprouse is hard to categorize: it's modern yet classic and provides powerful images, and is adeptly captured in Todd Dezago and Eric Nolen-Weathington's Modern Masters V. 21: Chris Sprouse (160549013X, $14.95). Black and white artwork packs an exploration of Sprouse that includes an interview and in-depth coverage of his ideas, inspiration and achievement. Any cartoon or graphic novel library needs this in-depth coverage of a master illustrator. Roy Thomas edits Volume 4 of THE ALL-STAR COMPANION (1605490040, $27.95), a fine gallery of black and white comic images and keys to the Justice Society of America and friends. Coverage of the Golden Age ALL-STAR COMICS includes an index of the solo adventures of the league and more.


The Literary Shelf

Desert
J.M.G. Le Clezio
David Godine
Box 450, Jaffrey, NH 03452
9781567923865, $25.95 www.godine.com

DESERT is an epic, literary novel spanning a century and two continents and presents alternating narratives set in counterpoint telling of the 'last free men' in a culture at the brink of World War I. It begins in the desert in 1909 and blends the story of one Nour with the modern story of Lalla, a descendant of the blue men of the desert peoples. An outstanding literary story evolves.


The California Shelf

Pinole
Joseph Mariotti, et al.
Arcadia Publishing
420 Wando Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.arcadiapublishing.com
0738570427, $21.99, www.amazon.com

Pinole began as the foundation establishment of a massive land grant nearly 200 years ago and grew to become the center of Contra Costa County in California. Today it's so large that its small beginnings are unknown - as is its foundations in commercial and farming history - so having the pictorial PINOLE, a joint project by Joseph Mariotti, George Vincent, Jeff Rubin and Pinole Historical Society, covering this early history is wonderful. Archived photos considers the prominent families of the town's history and provides photos donated by many descendants and longtime Pinole families - and not to be found elsewhere. A 'must' for any serious California history collection.

The New Viticulture
Douglas Meador
Ellem Publishing Inc.
P.O. Box 22980, Carmel, CA 93922
9780615234748, $50.00 www.ellempublishing.com

THE NEW VITICULTURE tells of the author's experiences working with Monterey, California grape-growing conditions - a very different atmosphere for development - and tells of his move from apple growing to grape vine applications. Meader eventually constructed an entirely new system for viticulture geared to Monterey's unique growing conditions and new concepts of Hormonal Control Systems - concepts foreign to conventional ideas and resisted for nearly two decades. Any serious wine library - or any agricultural collection catering to wine grape growers - must have this unique perspective.

A Bright and Guilty Place
Richard Rayner
Doubleday
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
9780385509701, $25.00 www.doubleday.com

A BRIGHT AND GUILTY PLACE: MURDER, CORRUPTION AND L.A.'S SCANDALOUS COMING OF AGE is an engrossing story of the real world behind the headlines of noir fiction greats such as Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. Author Richard Raynor, a long-time Los Angeles resident, follows the crimes and lives of a young idealistic D.A.'s investigator and a young prosecutor who becomes involved in L.A.'s darker times. Crime lords, gangs, and high drama true to real life events: it's all here, and perfect for any true crime library.

Tamalpais Walking
Tom Killion and Gary Snyder
Heyday Books
Box 9145, Berkeley, CA 94709
9781597140973, $50.00 www.heydaybooks.com

Over seventy views of Mt. Tam are presented in a combination of history, prints and poetry - a fine literary collaboration by the authors of THE HIGH SIERRA OF CALIFORNIA. It's rich in essays and art and offers any Northern California library or resident a 'must have' survey of Mt. Tamalpais' importance in California history in general and Marin County life in particular. A top-notch, outstanding survey.


James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
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

Diane C. Donovan, Editor & Senior Reviewer
12424 Mill Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
phone: 1-707-795-4629
e-mail: donovan@sonic.net


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