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Internet Bookwatch

Volume 12, Number 8 August 2002 Home | IBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Artbook Shelf Military Shelf
Religion/Spirituality Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Gardening Shelf
Humor Shelf Photography Shelf Biography Shelf
Needlecraft Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf Business Shelf
Science Shelf American History Shelf Christian Studies Shelf
Environmental Studies Shelf Musicbook Shelf Literary Shelf
Buddhist Studies Shelf Interior Design Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf
Language Studies Shelf Sports Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Fantasy/Sci-Fi Shelf Audiobook Shelf Fiction Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Cookbook Shelf Women's Studies Shelf
Library Video/DVD Shelf Genealogy Shelf Nautical Shelf
Library CD Music Shelf Self-Help Shelf Anthropology Shelf
Social Issues Shelf Poetry Shelf Gaming Shelf
Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf Native American Shelf Education Shelf
International Studies Shelf Jobs/Careers Shelf Martial Arts Shelf
Travel Shelf Criminology Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf
Library Science Shelf Political Science Shelf World History Shelf
Health/Medicine Shelf Philosophy Shelf Economics Shelf
Computer Shelf Architecture Shelf Parenting Shelf
Hunting/Fishing Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice

Backroads Of Wisconsin
Martin Hintz & Bob Rashid
Voyageur Press
PO Box 338, Stillwater, MN 55082
0896585131 $19.95 voyageurpress.com

Accessibly and informatively written by travel journalist Martin Hintz, and illustrated with Bob Rashid's gorgeous color photographs of Wisconsin's natural splendor and the people proud to call the state home, Backroads Of Wisconsin: Your Guide To Wisconsin's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures is a visual narrative, and reference guide to enjoying the scenery, landmarks, and historical locations available among Wisconsin's roads. Maps and detailed descriptions complement this excellent and enthusiastically recommended guide for both day-tripping vacationers wanting to make the most of what Wisconsin has to offer, and the armchair traveler content to simply read about it.

The Lining Of Our Souls
Rolando Perez
Cool Grove Press
512 Argyle Road, Brooklyn, 11218
1887276289 $16.95 www.coolgrove.com

The Lining Of Our Souls: Excursions Into Selected Paintings Of Edward Hopper is an impressive and memorable work by Rolando Perez whose short literary vignettes enhance a showcasing of selected paintings of American artist Edward Hopper which are reproduced in full color. Perez weaves a brief prose vignette story about each work, fleshing out motives and mysteries hidden within the canvas. The art focuses largely on ordinary people doing everyday things and living their lives, making the mundane memorable in unforgettable brush strokes. The Lining Of Our Souls is very highly recommended reading, especially for admirers of Edward Hopper's artwork and Rolando Perez's literary talents.

The Everything Get Out Of Debt Book
Cheryl Kimball & Faye Kathryn Doria
Adams Media Corporation
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322
1580625886 $12.95 1-800-872-5627

Collaboratively written by author/editor Cheryl Kimball and certified financial planner Faye Kathryn Doria, The Everything Get Out Of Debt Book is a straightforward, eminently practical, do-it-yourself, "user friendly" guide to dealing with debt and specifically designed for readers of all skill and experience levels when dealing with money matters. From how to obtain and read one's credit report, to assessing one's earning power, to determining when credit counseling services are needed (and how to spot the crooked ones), coping with joint debt, filing for bankruptcy, home equity, the advantages and drawbacks to credit cards, insurance, taxes, and so much more, The Everything Get Out Of Debt Book is a first-rate and highly recommended resource -- especially for the non-specialist general reader unfamiliar with the complexities of America's financial system.

Surviving On The Street
Ace Backwords
Loompanics Unlimited
PO Box 1197, Port Townsend, WA 98368
1559502010 $14.95 1-800-380-2230

Surviving On The Street: How To Go Down Without Going Out by "street smart" author Ace Backwords is a straightforward, no-nonsense, "user friendly" guide to the rough realities of surviving without a home. From finding places to sleep, to coping with bad weather, to procuring food, to getting oneself off the street, Surviving on the Street is extremely practical. It is also an effective, informed and informative warning to the reader of the dangers to avoid, as well as offering the safe-at-home-yet-curious soul of what it really is like to be out there on the streets. With the rising numbers of homeless and "street people" in our cities and towns, Surviving On The Street is a strongly recommended addition to community library and community center reference collections.

The Limbo Silence Sketches
Joseph C. Zinker
The Analytic Press
10 Industrial Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430
0881633399 $24.95 1-800-926-6579

Sketches: An Anthology Of Essays, Art, And Poetry is a compilation of the writings of Gestalt therapist Joseph C. Zinker (co-founder of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland), whose observations offers a kind of gestalt model of cross-disciplinary creative processes in a striking compilation of inspirational life insights in the form of engaging essays, art, and poetry. A vivacious and insightful collection that embraces the love and joy of life itself, Sketches is enthusiastically recommended reading.

Why I'm Like This
Cynthia Kaplan
Morrow
10 E. 53rd St., NY, NY 10022
0688178502 $23.95 1-800-242-7737

Kaplan's personal stories blend autobiography and storytelling drama: Why I'm Like This is very highly recommended reading because the stories read like well crafted fiction and paint vivid portraits of family characters, yet the first person insights threaded through them are entirely autobiographical, exposing Kaplan's life and youth. A fine achievement, Why I'm Like This will reach a wide and appreciative audience.

In An Influential Fashion
Ann Kellogg, et.al.
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 068815007
0313312206 $49.95 1-800-225-5800

In An Influential Fashion isn't for your casual home or art library collection, but will delight collections solid in fashion history and design. Over a hundred sixty fashion designers and retailers from many countries are profiled in entries that cover the personality's lasting influence on the industry. Commercial fashion, licensing agreements, and marketing are all explored in an exciting survey.

Sketches From The Ranch
Dan Aadland
Hungry Minds
909 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022
087605078X $10.99 1-800-434-3422

Sketches From The Ranch: A Montana Memoir is an engaging compilation of the thoughtful writings of Dan Aadland. Sketches From The Ranch is about living on a western American ranch (which was founded in 1892), experiencing the turn of the seasons, rejoicing in the birth of colts and calves, embracing simple means of life even as Thoreau did at Walden. Superb black-and-white sketches by artist Nik Carpenter add a visual and emotional touch to this moving memoir.

Christian Dior: The Early Years
Princess Esmeralda de Rethy
JeanLouis Perreau
Vendome Press
1370 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10019
086565249X $60.00 1-888-330-8477

Christian Dior: The Early Years provides the inside story at the House of Dior, from its introduction of the 'New Look' to 1957, upon Dior's sudden death. When Christian Dior presented his first collection, the young designer presented clothing which featured narrow waists and beautiful evening dresses: a new look for the fashion world of the mid1940s. He drew each dress himself and his designs would change the fashion world of his times. The oversized presentation of this volume allows for full-page displays of his works accompanying a biography of his life and achievements.

Africa: An Artist's Journal
Kim Donaldson
Watson Guptill
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
0823001571 $50.00 1-800-451-1741

Africa: An Artist's Journal comes from Kim Donaldson, a renowned wildlife artist who grew up in Zimbabwe on a ranch. His lifelong passion for capturing wildlife in art lends to a journal that covers the wildlife, culture, and history of Africa as a whole. A highly recommended pick for any interested in wildlife art.

Men And Speed
G. Wayne Miller
Public Affairs
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
1586480960 $26.00 1-877-782-1234

Men And Speed is an informative survey of NASCAR racing history and is written by a journalist who had exclusive access to Roush Racing, a large motorsports operation. Miller spent a year on the NASCAR racing circuit with owner Roush and his drivers: the result is an epic of racing events.

The Bride's Etiquette Guide
Pamela A. Lach
Chicago Review Press
814 North Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610
1556522991 $6.95 1-800-888-4741

The Bride's Etiquette Guide by wedding expert Pamela A. Lach is a straightforward reader on the art of wedding etiquette. Organized by the stages of wedding planning so as to speed the process of looking up answers, The Bride's Etiquette Guide covers everything from seating stepparents to interdenominational marriages. The Bride's Etiquette Guide is an extremely useful and "user friendly" guide for hosting one's wedding in the most courteous and efficient manner possible. Also highly recommended are the author's previous wedding books: The Bride To Bride Book, The Bride's Money Book, and The Bride's Thank You Guide.

Majesty Of The Mississippi Delta
Jim Fraiser
Pelican Publishing Company
PO Box 3110, Gretna, LA 70054
1565548698 $18.95 1-800-843-1724

Majesty Of The Mississippi Delta is as much a travel account as an architectural and art history of the homes, churches, and stores on the Mississippi Delta. Color photos of both interiors and exteriors are accompanied by quotes from historical documents and descriptions of each building. A rich history for those who enjoy architectural history in general and the Mississippi area in particular.

The Horse In Magic And Myth
M. Oldfield Howey
Dover Publications
31 East 2nd Street, Mineola, NY 11501
0486421171 $12.95 1-800-223-3130

From Pegasus to the four horses of the Apocalypse, the horse figure derived from classic mythology, the Bible, folklore and literature is covered in The Horse In Magic And Myth with a series of informed chapters that focus on equine legends and myths.


The Artbook Shelf

The Impact Of Chaim Soutine
Maurice Tuchman & Esti Dunow
Hatje Cantz Publishers
c/o Distributed Art Publishers
575 Prospect St. Lakewood, NJ 08701
3775791035 $45.00 1-800-338-2665

The Impact Of Chaim Soutine is an extraordinary and unusual art book tracing how the works of Chaim Soutine (1893-1943) affected the artistic sensibilities of avant garde artists de Kooning, Pollock, Dubuffet, and Bacon. Filled cover to cover with full-color reproductions of bold painting, each image is paired with comments directly attributed to Soutine and the great artists he affected. Enhanced with artist and studio photographs, a chronology and biography, and a roster of Soutine Paintings in the Galerie Gmurzynska Exhibition, The Impact Of Chaim Soutine is a truly stunning and informative look at the influence and legacy of a notable man's abstract art and a welcome addition to personal and academic Art History collections.

Schiffer Publishing
4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310
http://www.schifferbooks.com

Three very different titles provide excellent coverages of topics libraries will find particularly inviting. Spider Webb's Butterfly Flash (0764315056, $19.95) provides hundreds of butterflies in drawings which vary in color and style. This will serve as a fine blueprint for tattoo artists, or any seeking inspiration from the butterfly form. Mary Burke Morris' The Costume Book (0764314858, $29.95) requires intermediate to advanced sewing skills and a prior interest in costume creation, but any working with theater or dance productions who regularly sew such costumes will find it an invaluable reference. Chapters come packed with photos and line drawings, overviews of basic design principles, and instructions which quickly lend to production efforts. Bunny Yeager's Pinup Girls Of The 1950s (0764314734, $24.95) tells of a woman who became one of the renowned glamour photographers of the world. This gathers her images and surveys her career and life in the process, with nearly 200 photos by Yeager including color and black and white shots. A diverse display of both nudes and semiclothed women which includes some unusual model types.

Yale University Press
Box 209040, New Haven, CT 065209040
1-800-987-7323 www.amazon.com

Elizabeth Prelinger's After The Scream (0300093438, $45.00) celebrates the late paintings of Edvard Munich: haunting paintings which also reveal quite a different side of the artist. While his images of people remain striking, he painted a range of subjects and used a brighter approach later in life, and this accompanies the first major exhibition of his works since 1978 and the first to focus on his later achievements. Sabine Rewald's Caspar David Friedrich (0300092989, $16.95) is one of the most striking discussions to evolve from recent art books: it presents the works of a major German painter who included pictures of the moon in practically every painting he produced in the 1800s. A number of his works are featured along with details about what was known of the moon in Friedrich's lifetime, and the artist's Dresden friends. A gorgeous presentation.

An American Celebration
Charles Wysocki
Workman Publishing Company
708 Broadway, New York NY 10003
0761127844 $24.95 1-800-722-7202

Over 200 paintings are reproduced in color in An American Celebration, a survey of American images done folk art style. Clambakes, quilting bees, and fairs are just some of Wysocki's subjects, celebrating the joys of early and traditional American gatherings and subjects.

Searching For The Artist Within
Karlyn Holman
Bayfield Street Publishing
116-1/2 East 5th St, Washburn, WI 54891
0967068371 $24.99 bayfieldstreet.com

Searching For The Artist Within: An Inspirational And Visual Guide For Your Journey Through Watercolor by artist and teacher Karlyn Holman is a beautifully presented, full-color exhibition of a wide variety of remarkable watercolor paintings and painting styles. The reader is offered a wealth of "tips, tricks, and techniques" along with many snippets of advice from the original artists. Searching For The Artist Within is an engaging, inspirational volume especially recommended for watercolor painters of all skill experience levels.

Pioneer Pottery
Michael Cardew
The American Ceramic Society
735 Ceramic Place, Westerville OH 43081
1574981420 $45.00 www.ceramics.org

First published 33 years ago by Michael Cardew, a respected expert in British ceramics, Pioneer Pottery is a superbly presented and classic work enhanced with excellent black/white illustrations and photography (including a new color section of previously unshown works), and a new introduction by the author's son. An extremely solid reference to the art of pottery, from the chemical composition of pottery clay to sculpting, firing, and painting, Pioneer Pottery is a first-rate guide and is strongly recommended reading for students of the art, history, and joy of pottery.

Ancestral Portraits
Frederick McDonald
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
1552380645 $29.95 1-800-565-3770

Ancestral Portraits is a retrospective of the life and art of McDonald, a Native artist, profiles one of Canada's premier First Nation artist, blending selected color images with a review of McDonald's peoples and influences. The many firstperson insights make for a fine examination of Canadian and Native arts.

Negotiating History
Jay A. Clarke, editor
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603-6110
0865591970 $15.00 artic.edu/aic/books

Volume 28, Number 1 of the Art Institute of Chicago's "Museum Studies" series, Negotiating History: German Art And The Past is a selection of five articles that investigate the work and theme of diverse German artists, and study the thread of German art through modern day. They include German Romanticism: The Search for "A Quiet Place" (Marsha Morton); Neo-Idealism, Expressionism, and the Writing of Art History (Jay A. Clarke); "A Clear and Simple Style": Tradition and Typology in New Objectivity (Maria Makela); Georg Baselitz Grounded (Richard Shiff); History by Degrees: The Place of the Past in Contemporary German Art (Stephanie D'Alessandro). Full-color illustrations of sculptures, abstract and realist style paintings, and much more exemplify this thought-provoking, critical analysis of artistic expression and the turbulent history of a nation.

The Gag Family
Julie L'Enfant
Afton Historical Society Press
PO Box 100, Afton, MN 55001
1890434507 $35.00 aftonpress.com

The Gag Family: German-Bohemian Artists In America by Julie L'Enfant (Associate Professor of Art History, College of Visual Arts, St. Paul, Minnesota) is a remarkable look at a German-Bohemian family who settled in a Minnesota frontier town in 1879. The Anton Gag family business of art and story-craft flourished among these remarkable individuals that included his daughters, Wanda and Flavia. The Gag Family is a visually pleasing and informative presentation, filled with both black-and-white and color photographs, as well as detailed text that thoroughly addresses the stories behind specific works of art. A fine addition to artist biography shelves, The Gag Family is highly recommended for inclusion into American Art History and Upper Midwest Regional History academic reference collection or supplemental reading list.


The Military Shelf

Defiant Courage
Astrid Karlsen Scott & Dr. Tore Haug
Nordic Spirit Productions, Inc.
Pete Taylor Public Relations (publicity)
Box 11043, Olympia, WA 908508-1043
0963433989 $26.95 1-800-618-0013

The collaborative effort of Astrik Karlsen Scott and Dr. Tore Haug, Defiant Courage: Norway's Longest WW II Escape is the true story of commando Jan Baalsrud, a member of an elite team of saboteurs who sought to hasten Norway's liberation from the Nazis in 1943. Yet an unsuspected betrayal killed the other team members, and left Baalsrud on his own in hostile territory. Only with the help of over 60 people was Baalsrud able to eventually escape to the safety of neutral Sweden. A welcome and much appreciated contribution to the growing library of World War II memoirs and eye-witness accounts, Defiant Courage is a compelling story of courage and triumph against incredible odds, and set against the backdrop of the war that was to forever changed the world.

War Letters Of Fallen Englishmen
Laurence Housman, editor
Pine Street Books
c/o University of Pennsylvania Press
PO Box 50370, Hampden Station, Baltimore, MD 21211
0812218159 $15.95 1-800-537-5487

Compiled and edited by Laurence Housman (Professor of History, Yale University), War Letters Of Fallen Englishmen is an emotional and compelling collection of primary sources surveying the horrors of World War I, from the writings of Englishmen and three Englishwomen who ultimately joined England's "Lost Generation". WWI casualties disproportionately wiped out the British force's officers, and those officers were usually drawn from the more educated upper class, therefore officers and the upper class are much more heavily represented in War Letters Of Fallen Englishmen than enlisted men, though there is testimony from both segments of the British population. A gripping and clear look of WWI front lines, so real as to make the reader grateful that he or she is not physically there, War Letters Of Fallen Englishmen is a unique and welcome contribution to WWI Military History supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.

Vietnam Air Losses
Chris Hobson
Specialty Press
39966 Grand Av North Branch MN 55056
1857801156 $29.95 1-800-895-4585

Vietnam Air Losses: United States Air Force Navy And Marine Corps Fixed-wing Aircraft Losses In Southeast Asia 1961-1973 by professional military librarian and historian Chris Hobson is a comprehensive reference filled with day-by-day listings of specific incidents that caused the loss of an aircraft in the Vietnam War. Each incident is listed with a paragraph or two of information about personnel, location, and cause of the loss. Compiled from the raw data of multiple sources and illustrated with black-and-white photographs, and enhanced with a list of abbreviations, glossary of code names, and a bibliography, Vietnam Air Losses is an invaluable contribution to the growing library of Vietnam War historical studies materials and references.

United States Submarines
Commander David Hinkle, Editor
Hugh Lauter Levin Assoc.
9 Burr Road, Westport, CT 06880
0883631032 $75.00 www.hlla.com

This is an outstanding, lavish history of the U.S. submarine: if only one submarine history were to be chosen as a comprehensive library reference, it should be this. A team of historians, authors and Naval experts contribute to this title, which holds over 300 pages of text and photos. Black and white and color photos embellish essays that contrast submarine history with today's modern vessels, providing a unique and lavish display. Suitable for special gifts, United States Submarines is a recommended pick for any interested in military history in general or submarine development in particular.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Ark Of The Covenant
Kelly D. Alexander, Jr.
University Press of America
4720 Boston Way, Lanham, MD 20706
076182197X $28.00 1-800-462-6420

Ark Of The Covenant: Simplified Information For Lay-Persons by Kelly D. Alexander, Jr. is a straightforward presentation of the history of the revered religious artifact known as the Ark Of The Covenant, from its origin, up through its disappearance, and offering the latest conjecture as to where the Ark might be today. Written in plain language for non-specialist general readers of all backgrounds, Ark Of The Covenant is an erudite account of Ark through the centuries and a superb history which is highly recommended for religious studies supplemental reading lists and Biblical History reference shelves.

A Monk In The World
Wayne Teasdale
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
1577311817 $22.95 1-800-972-6657

How does one cultivate a spiritual life in the modern world? In 1986 the author accepted an invitation to visit a Benedictine monk living in India: his third visit prompted an invitation to take an Indian monkhood. His experiences as a monk and mystic make for thought-provoking, important reading.

Ramakrishna And Christ: Supermystics
Paul Hourihan
Vedantic Shores Press
PO Box 493100, Redding, CA 96049
193181600X $16.00

Ramakrishna And Christ: Supermystics represents the first comprehensive study to compare the lives and spiritual beliefs of Ramakrishna, the 19th century Indian saint, and Christ, his Western version. From interpretations of Christ from an India yoga viewpoint to insights into Krishna's life, Ramakrishna And Christ: Supermystics is packed with intriguing comparisons and insights.

Interfaith Dialogue And Peacebuilding
David R. Smock, editor
United States Institute of Peace Press
1200 17th Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036-3011
1929223358 $14.95 1-800-868-8064

Capably edited by David R. Smock (Director of the Religion and Peacemaking Initiative, University States Institute of Peace), Interfaith Dialogue And Peacebuilding is an informative, insightful anthology of essays by learned Christian, Muslim, and Jewish contributors on and about the power of religion in bringing peace to troubled nations and troubled communities. Rarely, say the contributors, is religion the direct cause of open armed conflict. More often it is the forces of politics, economics, and oppression seeking a cloak of legitimacy coopting religion that is at the basis of violence as one group seeks to subjugate or resist another. Analyzing the power of the using religion as a bridge to peace between different cultures, Interfaith Dialogue And Peacebuilding contains a meaningful message of hope, strength, and love.

Questioning The Bible
Morry Sofer
Schreiber Publishing
51 Monroe St., #101, Rockville, MD 20850
http://www.schreiberpublishing.com
1887563644 $19.95 1-800-822-3213

Written by Morry Sofer, a rabbi and experienced translator of books on Jewish subjects, Questioning The Bible offers the reader concise, direct, non-sectarian, meaningful answers to the commonly asked questions about the Hebrew Bible ranging from "Who is God?" to "Is the Book of Chronicles a summary of the Bible?" Studying the Hebrew Bible as an historical and prophetic collection of writings sacred to Christians, Moslems, and Jews alike, and written in language accessible to lay readers age 13 and up, Questioning The Bible is a solid and highly recommended introduction to the sacred texts and a scholarship span of 2000 regarding it.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Tales From The Underground
David W. Wolfe
Perseus Publishing
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
0738201286 $18.00 1-800-242-7737

This natural history of subterranean life examines unexplored terrain and its unique and varied habitats, from microscopic life to small water bears. Particularly intriguing are the links made between subterranean life and its potentials for assisting mankind.

Wildlife Restoration
Michael L. Morrison
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009
1559639377 $25.00 www.islandpress.org

Wildlife Restoration: Techniques For Habitat Analysis And Animal Monitoring by Michael L. Morrison (Field Station Manager, White Mountain Research Station, University of California - Bishop and Adjunct Professor, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University) is a scholarly and authoritative look at the practical and scientific methods as well as the problems of ecological restoration. Individual chapters address sampling methods, designing a reserve, lessons of history, and much more in this fascinating and technically detailed, treatise, written for professional conservationists but completely accessible for wildlife enthusiasts and environmental activists.

Turtles And Tortoises
Vincenzo Ferri
Firefly Books
PO Box 61109, Denver, CO 80206
1552096319 $24.95 1-800-387-5085

Turtle and tortise expert Ferri provides an in-depth and colorful detailing of almost two hundred land, marine and freshwater species of turtles and tortoises, with hundreds of color photos and drawings providing a strong visual background for identification. An excellent library reference for any collection serious about natural history.

Guide To Marine Mammals Of The World
National Audubon Society
Alfred A. Knopf
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
0375411410 $26.95 1-800-726-0600

Pieter Folkens illustrates Guide To Marine Mammals Of The World, a comprehensive desk reference which blends color photos and maps with realistic drawings of marine mammals. Paintings illustrate juvenile and subspecies, photos show typical behavior and appearance in the wild, and color range maps reflect the latest information, while chapters cover all the natural history basics. Guide To Marine Mammals Of The World promises to be a lasting, important library reference.

Retriever Training For Spaniels
Pamela Owen Kadlec
Just Ducky Publishing
PO Box 129, Edgefield, SC 29824
0971710309 $19.95 boykinspaniel.com

Retriever Training For Spaniels: Working With Soft-Tempered, Hard-Headed, Intelligent Dogs by Pamela Owen Kadlec is a highly practical, "user friendly" guide to the art and science of teaching Spaniels to be effective retrievers and gun dogs, with special emphasis on the Boykin Spaniel. Individual chapters cover the difference in temperament between Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers, how to best use positive reinforcement and "clicker" training on a Spaniel puppy, things that must be taught to a puppy before it reaches six months of age, and a great deal more. Black-and-white photographs enhance and illustrate this clear, methodical, and straightforward text of this strongly recommended and specialized instruction book.

The Beagle
Diane Morgan
Doral Publishing
10451 Palmeras Drive, Suite 225 West, Sun City, AZ 85373
0944875777 $19.95 www.doralpub.com

The Beagle: An Owner's Survival Guide by Diane Morgan is a detailed and comprehensive guide to just about everything anyone would want to know about the widely beloved breed of faithful dog known as the beagle. From picking a beagle for one's home, to house training, feeding, and grooming, to correcting misbehavior, to protecting your pet from sickness and parasites, and so much more, The Beagle: An Owner's Survival Guide is written expressly and specifically for pet owners everywhere who just want to enjoy having and caring for a beagle of their own. The Beagle is a superb canine companion reference for any family with a beagle.

Love, War & Circuses
Eric Sciglioano
Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116
0618015833 $25.00 1-800-225-3362

People have adored and used elephants for hundreds of years: this provides a special focus on these elephant/human relationships, explaining how elephants may have contributed to human evolution and how the elephant's image continues to inspire popular culture. Add scientific facts about elephants and details on the author's own travels to view them and you have an intriguing, wellrounded blend of insights.


The Gardening Shelf

Robyn's Pond Book
Robyn Rhudy
1st Books Library
2511 West 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47404
0759675392 $16.95 1-888-280-7715

Robyn's Pond Book by pond development expert Robyn Rhudy is a practical, "user friendly", how-to manual for aspiring pond builders and pond keepers regardless of their previous skill and experience levels. From providing a home for types of frogs, to regulating bacteria, nitrogen, water additives, to the raising of fish, Robyn's Pond Book covers just about everything there is to know about gracing one's yard with an aquatic special touch. If you are contemplating any kind of pond to enhance the appearance of a garden, backyard or landscape, or as a personal and rewarding hobby, then begin your planning and effort by reading Robyn's Pond Book!

Carnivorous Plants Of The U.S. And Canada
Donald Schnell
Timber Press
133 S.W. Second Avenue, #450, Portland, OR 972043527
0881925403 $39.95 1-800-327-5680

This expanded second edition of Carnivorous Plants Of The U.S. And Canada is a 'must' for any reference library which specializes in botany or nature: it provides photos and comments on the natural history of a variety of carnivorous plants, from common species to rarities. It's organization and language lends to easy use by lay gardeners as well as researchers, while photos and vivid descriptions of plant biology make Carnivorous Plants Of The U.S. And Canada an excellent library reference.

The Patio Kitchen Garden
Daphne Ledward
Robson Books/Parkwest Publications
451 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304
1861053169 $29.00 parkwestpubs.com

The Patio Kitchen Garden by expert gardener Daphne Ledward (author or co-author of sixteen books on a wide range of gardening topics) is a highly practical, "user friendly" handbook to establishing and nurturing a simple patio or balcony-based fruit, herb, and vegetable garden to be personally harvested for delicious home eating. With the advice, instructions, and ideas laid out in the pages of The Patio Kitchen Garden, even a simple sunny window can provide great bounty; as clear "how to", step-by-step instructions illustrated with color photographs demonstrate how. If you would like your own little garden and are hard pressed for space in an apartment or condo setting, then carefully read through Daphne Ledward's The Patio Kitchen Garden!

Gardens Of Inspiration
Erica Hunningher
DK Publishing
95 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016
078947834X $35.00 www.dk.com

Beautifully enhanced with the photography of Vivian Russell and deftly edited by Erica Hunningher, Gardens Of Inspiration is a gorgeously illustrated showcase of lush and memorable gardens that serve as personal inspiration for fifteen of the greatest gardeners and horticulturalists from around the world. Thoughtful, informative, and occasionally inspiring narrative text, combined with insights for garden aesthetics and beauty, and truly dazzling color photography mark Gardens Of Inspiration a superb choice as a giftbook for gardening and plant enthusiasts, and an outstanding Memorial Fund acquisition selection for community libraries.

The New York/Mid-Atlantic Gardener's Book Of Lists
Bonnie Lee Appleton & Lois T. Chaplin
Taylor Publishing Company
1550 West Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235
0878332618 $17.95 1-800-275-8188

The New York/Mid-Atlantic Gardener's Book Of Lists by Bonnie Lee Appleton (Professor of Horticulture, Virginia Tech) and gardening journalist and writer Lois Trigg Chaplin contains more than two hundred lists to help regional gardeners select the very best plants for their particular interests. Ranging from plants that attract butterflies, to shrubs that offer fall color to hardy annuals for early spring bloom, The New York/Mid-Atlantic Gardener's Book Of Lists is also laced throughout with practical and insightful tips for gardeners. The New York/Mid-Atlantic Gardener's Book of Lists is a first-rate, "user friendly", highly recommended guide for tailoring a garden to suit the needs and interests of gardeners in New York and the other mid-Atlantic states.


The Humor Shelf

Zits Unzipped
Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman
Andrews McMeel
4520 Main St Kansas City MO 641117701
0740723227 $10.95 1-800-851-8923

Zits Unzipped is 'sketchbook 5' in the comic strip books and chronicles the life of adolescent Jeremy and his suffering parents, from his relationships with parents and friends to his on/off relationship with his girlfriend. Fans of the strip may find many they've missed over the years; newcomers will relish this coverage of the teen's ironies and agonies.

The Expert's Guide To Surviving Your Marriage
Sam Priest
S.P.I. Books
99 Spring Street, 3rd Fl., NY, NY 10012
1561719250 $11.95 1-212-431-5011

Enhanced with illustrations by James Angus, The Expert's Guide To Surviving Your Marriage by Sam Priest is a tongue-in-cheek title for this satirical, edgy book of humor written to extract wicked laughs at men who hate their marriages, and the miserable women who are unlucky enough to be their spouses. It's written by an author who would prefer to see the state of marriage abolished, and who in the meantime offers advice to "trade-in" one's current wife for a younger, prettier spouse. One of the more warped and heinous suggestions is to take one's current wife to an Arabic country and accuse her of adultery in a public place with lots of stones! The Expert's Guide To Surviving Your Marriage offers biting entertainment with no regard to legal, moral, or ethical constraints, and can be classified as spirited humor at its most merciless and misogynistic.


The Photography Shelf

Tir a' Mhurain
Paul Strand & Basil Davidson
Aperture
20 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
089381993X $40.00 1-800-929-2323

Tir a' Mhurain: The Outer Hebrides Of Scotland is a new and impressive edition showcasing the 105 duotone, breathtaking, sequenced photographs by Paul Strand (1890-1976) drawn from his 1954 sojourn to the untamed island of South Uist, located near the west coast of Scotland. Glorious images of landscapes and sea, personal portraits of fishermen, and wondrous natural splendor mark this volume which is a joy to leaf through as it presents captured images and memories of a truly timeless beauty. With an informative text by Basil Davidson and featuring an excellent introduction by Catherine Duncan, Tir a' Mhurain is a much appreciated contribution to the art of photography and a highly recommended acquisition for personal, professional, and academic "History of Photography" reference collections.

Yellowstone
John Juracek
Pruett Publishing Company
7464 Arapahoe Road, Suite A-9, Boulder, CO 80303
0871089165 $18.95 1-800-247-8224

Yellowstone: Photographs Of A Fly-Fishing Landscape by John Juracek is a simply awe-inspiring selection of beautiful, full-color photographs of a fisherman enjoying great and memorable fly-fishing locales in the Yellowstone National Park during day, sunset, night, and throughout all the seasons of the year. Yellowstone is entirely devoted to the photographs; the only text sections are a brief introduction, and simple captions naming the locale of each photograph - from Firehole River to Henry's Fork, Idaho. A superb giftbook for fly-fishers who treasure memories of wilderness beauty, Yellowstone is a thoroughly impressive volume of the photographer's art and could well serve as an example for similar projects by other aspiring nature photographers to emulate.

Past To Present
Joan Almond
St. Ann's Press/Davidson & Choy
4311 Wilshire Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90010
0967174481 $65.00

In Past To Present, photographer Joan Almond has documented village life in Moslem desert communities for over twenty-five years: her travels and discoveries are documented in a work that shares her photos and many cultural insights. The photos are presented as full-page images unsullied by description; the text resides in the front for a fine introduction of Almond's efforts.

Men At Sea
Jean Gaumy
Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers
100 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
0810911981 $39.95 abramsbooks.com

Men At Sea by photojournalist and world traveler Jean Gaumy is a strikingly vivid, largely pictorial presentation of the life and work of a commercial fisherman surviving and working aboard deep sea trawlers. The unforgettable imagery of black-and-white photographs is combined with reproductions of hand-written log and journal entries. A truly remarkable book, and as close a glimpse to life at sea as one can get without personally living among the waves, Men At Sea is a strongly recommended acquisition for school and community library collections.

Solu-Khumbu: The Trek To Everest
Tim Hauf
Tim Hauf Photography
13492 Bayliss Road, Los Angeles CA 90049
http://www.timhaufphotography.com
096596888X $25.00

Solu-Khumbu: The Trek To Everest is a dazzling visual panoply of full-color photographs of one man's Himalayan trek along the Solu-Khumbu trail. Author, world traveler, and professional photographer Tim Hauf cogently writes of his experiences and the stories behind his pictures of the heartrendingly beautiful natural landscape in this dazzling book. Highly recommended reading for armchair travelers, Solu-Khumbu: The Trek To Everest is a photographic travel journal that would grace any personal or community library collection.

Law In Plain English For Photographers
Leonard Duboff
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, #510, New York, NY 10010
1581152256 $19.95 1-800-491-2808

Digital imaging and the Net offer both new markets and legal challenges for photographers: Leonard Duboff's Law In Plain English For Photographers provides a survey of the rights and responsibilities of modern photographers, covering the latest rulings for copyright and trademark law, surveying contract structures and leases, and providing a host of everyday business and legal concerns. An excellent, basic survey of photographers' rights and obligations.

Faces Of Photography
Tina Ruisinger
Edition Stemmle
799 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
390816365X $65.00 stemmleusa.com

Featuring photography and interviews by Tina Ruisinger, Faces Of Photography: Encounters With 50 Master Photographers Of The 20th Century is a stunning gallery of portraits and compelling interviews of fifty great and famous 20th century photographers ranging from Ellen Auerbach, Arthur Leipzig, and Gianni Berengo Gardin, to Andreas Feininger, Robert Frank, and Sabine Weiss. Powerful and impressive black-and-white image arrays along with candid interviews straight from the heart and soul distinguish Faces Of Photography as a particularly fine coffee-table book especially recommended for photography connoisseurs.

The Olympics: A Wilderness Trilogy
Ross Hamilton & Janet Scharf
Ross Hamilton Photography, Inc.
PO Box 179, Sequim, WA 98382
hamiltonphoto@olympus.net
0970815409 $29.95 1-360-683-6595

Showcasing the spectacular photography of Ross Hamilton, The Olympics: A Wilderness Trilogy is an incredible, lavish, memorable display of full-color photographs featuring the natural splendor of the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic National Park. From individual pinecones and flowers, to the majestic expansive mountains, forests, and seas, The Olympics is a lush revelation of superlative wonder and breathtaking beauty held captive through the lens of a camera. Janet Scharf's brief verses of poetry about this untamed land complement and enhanced a truly remarkable and enthusiastically recommended photographic presentation.

Just Between Us
Greg Gorman
Arena Editions
PO Box 32101, Santa Fe, NM 87594
1892041561 $55.00 arenaeditions.com

Gorman is known for his sensuous male and female nudes: his images excel in composition and quality. Just Between Us focuses on a single model, also named Greg, and juxtaposes nudes with clothed images. Anticipate quite graphic sexual images as well as a huge range of expressions and haunting closeups and fullfigure views. A striking collection and portrait is achieved; recommended for specialty art libraries with strong collections in photography.

Amphoto/Watson-Guptill
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
1-800-451-1741 www.amazon.com

Two excellent photo guides are recommended picks for college-level art libraries. Tom Ang's Dictionary Of Photography And Digital Imaging (0817437894, $21.95) provides an important guide for students and professionals alike, surveying the basics of image manipulation and digital imaging. A superb reference, it includes definitions of terms and insights into solving common problems in photographing and digital manipulation. Alison Smith deftly edits Exposed: The Victorian Nude (0823016331, $45.00), a photographic exploration of the range of Victorian representations of both male and female figures. This concentrates on painting, sculpture and drawing, but also explores photos, popular illustration and film. An excellent history.

Twin Palms Publishers
Box 10229, Santa Fe, NM 875041022

Full-page color photos of Frank Moore's paintings are especially strong in Between Life And Death (0944092977): images of nature drawn from a folk art influence. From cameos of large insects and flowers and diminutive humans to folk art cards and a closeup of book titles, this is filled with images of species and interactions between objects and man. Albert Arthur Allen's Premiere Nudes (0944092888) is a 'must' for any collection following the history and presentation of nudes in photography: it opens with a general history of American nudism and follows Allen's contributions and many different images in particular, packing full-page black and white images throughout.


The Biography Shelf

From The Raven To The Dove
Sharon Rose Gabet
White Rose Communications
402 W. Ojai Ave. #101439, Ojai, CA 93023
0971432503 $16.95

From The Raven To The Dove is an autobiography by an actress who portrayed Raven Whitney on the soap opera Edge of Night provides plenty of involving insights that go beyond the usual actress' focus on the entertainment world to discuss her personal transformation and union with God. Angelic messages, family connections to God, and spiritual insights are the driving force of her coverage.

George Washington
Robert E. Jones
Fordham University Press
University Box L,
2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
0823221873 $20.00 1-718-817-4782

Fleshed out with an additional twenty years of meticulous, exhaustive research and newly revised by Robert E. Jones (Professor of History, Fordham University), George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is an informative biography of America's first President. Focusing especially on Washington's trials during the Revolution and his service as President, George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is a compelling look at both the legend and the man, his foibles as well as his virtues, and his legacy and contribution to both American and world history. George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is very highly recommended for academic and community library American History and Biographical Studies collections.

Facing The Lion
Simone Arnold Liebster
Grammation Press, LLC
601 Poydras Street, Suite 2650, New Orleans, LA 70130
0967936659 $29.95 1-888-423-7184

Simone Arnold and her family were devout members of the evangelical Christian movement known as Jehovah's Witnesses and living in Nazi occupied Alsace-Lorraine during World War II. Like the Jews, Gypsies, Homosexuals, Communists, and political liberals, the Jehovah Witnesses were targeted by the Nazi's for extermination. Shunned by the community at the direction of the Nazis, rounded up and imprisoned in concentration camps, starved, beaten, abused, and publicly humiliated, all that Simone and her family would have had to do to avoid arrest and persecution was to simply sign a piece of paper renouncing their religion. Facing The Lion is the compelling autobiographical account of a young girl's faith and courage, and her refusal to accept the Nazi party and remain loyal to her faith -- despite the her father's being sent to the camps and she separated from her mother and interned in a reform school for purposes of "reeducation". Facing The Lion is a compelling and highly recommended testament to both Nazi atrocity and the endurance of the human spirit, a detailed view of life during Hitler's ill-fated regime and an inspiration to future generations having to cope with overwhelming pressure to conform in violation of heartfelt beliefs.

Get Mears!
Katharine Carson Crittenden
Binford & Mort Publishing
5245-C N.E. Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124
0832305510 $19.95 1-503-844-4960

Get Mears! Frederick Mears: Builder Of The Alaska Railroad by Katharine Carson Crittenden is the eye-opening story of Colonel Frederick Mears (1878-1939), who was appointed by President Wilson in 1914 and served as chief engineer and later chairman of the Alaska Engineering Commission until 1923. It would be his mission to oversee the forging of the Alaskan Railroad, an act that would forever change the state, its wilderness, and the people who lived there. A solid chapter of Alaskan history and the amazing life of a determined and visionary man mark this incredible read, Get Mears! is especially recommended for students of railroading history. Get Mears! is also available in hardcover (0832305502, $35.00).


The Needlecraft Shelf

Fabric Picture Books
Gwen Marston
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
1574327852 $15.95 1-800-626-5420

Fabric Picture Books by quilting expert and educator Gwen Marston is a useful (and at times fascinating) guide to creating a unique, hand-crafted fabric picture book for friends or family members. From floral applique to photo transfer techniques, Fabric Picture Books covers a wide variety of means to the creation of a floral applique gift book, a foundation-pieced bird book, and more. Offering a wealth of creative ideas, and suitable for even pre-teen needlecrafters seeking to create an outstanding gift or memorial token. Fabric Picture Books is a wonderful and much appreciated addition to any needlecrafter's reference library.

Martingale & Company
20205 144th Ave. NE, Woodinville WA 980728478
1-800-426-3126

Three excellent new titles provide crafts people with a range of inspirational projects. Elizabeth Hamby Carlson's Trip To Ireland (1564774171, $16.95) takes two classic quilt patterns Irish Chain and Trip around the World and combines them for impact and innovation. From Irish Squares to an easy Irish Trip, this is filled with colorful photos and examples of blends. Carol Doak's outstanding 40 Bright & Bold Paperpieced Blocks (1564773949, $28.95) provides twelve inch designs in block style to be used as quilt foundations and inspirations. Eight projects cover wall to bed quilts, small and large. Blocks are gorgeous and provide fine examples of color-coordinated piecing. Nancie Wiseman's Knitted Sweaters For Every Season (1564774015, $29.95) uses four techniques to build sixteen very different sweaters, from light knits to warm sweaters for chilly evenings. Experienced knitters will find these patterns provide a satisfyingly diverse range of projects.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Cyber Spellbook
Sirona Knight & Patricia Telesco
New Page Books
Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
1564145824 $13.99 1-800-227-3371

The Cyber Spellbook is a "user friendly" reference for witches who use modern gadgets to harness the spells of the Internet tells how to use humor, creativity, and insights to work magic in the virtual world. From cyber sabbats to cyber tools, this is packed with spells and special links.

Plants Of The Gods
Richard Schultes, et.al.
Inner Traditions
Box 388, Rochester, VT 05767
0892819790 $29.95 1-800-246-8648

The spiritual powers of healing and hallucinogenic plants are surveyed anew in Plants Of The Gods, a revised and expanded edition of a true classic which paring color photos of the plants with a wealth of solid botanical details. This revision covers the traditions of different cultures which use the plants, uses of hallucinogens in sacred rites and prayers, and solid coverage of the rituals themselves.

Wisdom's Choice
Kathryn Adams Shapiro
Beyond Words
20827 NW Cornell Rd., Suite 500, Hillsboro, OR 971249808
1582700680 $16.98 www.amazon.com

Shapiro's spiritual experience resulted in her production of a journal transcribing the thoughts that were reaching her from beyond. Wisdom's Choice contains the messages which she received in a 40 day period, providing a series of spiritual messages average readers will easily absorb.

Children Who Have Lived Before
Trutz Hardo
C.W. Daniel
c/o National Book Network
4270 Boston Way, Lanham, MD 20706
0852073526 $19.95 1-800-462-6420

Children from England and around the world share their past life memories in Children Who Have Lived Before, a title which follows cases which not only recount past lives led, but includes some thought-provoking insights on kids who've been born with lost limbs and are able to describe when and where they lost them in a past life. The case for reincarnation moves up a notch in this absorbing, unique title, packed with case histories and reflections on how children's statements were verified.

1000 Symbols
Rowena & Rupert Shepherd
Thames & Hudson
500 5th Ave., New York NY 10110
0500283516 $24.95 1-800-233-4830

1000 Symbols could as easily have been featured in an art books section but deserves mention for Metaphysical Studies for its extensive inclusion of spiritual symbols as well. The symbols are grouped into defined categories and groups of related symbols, from Body and Actions to Egyptian and European. A fascinating, revealing reference, highly recommended.

Gemstone Feng Shui
Sandra Kynes
Llewellyn
PO Box 64383, St. Paul, MN 55164
0738702196 $14.95 llewellyn.com

Attract fortune to your home through Gemstone Feng Shui, a title that links gemstones with feng shui. Jade aids in problem-solving, amber in attracting luck: each stone is covered along with tips on balancing it to blend into a home or office environment. The details include plenty of description of all qualities and interactions.

Tarot Of Oz
David Sexton
Llewellyn Publications
PO Box 64383, St. Paul, MN 55164-0383
0738700894 $24.95 www.llewellyn.com

Sexton illustrates and provides Tarot Of Oz, a fine text for these tarot cards, based on the myth created by L. Frank Baum in his Oz books. Parallels between Dorothy's journey through Oz and the archetypes of the tarot make for an innovative set that will please a wide audience.


The Business Shelf

Business E-Mail
Lisa A. Smith
Writing & Editing at Work
PO Box 2543, San Anselmo, CA 94979
http://www.writingandeditingatwork.com
0970951329 $14.95 1-415-459-1373

Expertly and knowledgeably written by educational film maker and business communications expert Lisa A. Smith, Business E-Mail: How To Make It Professional And Effective is a solid, "user friendly" guide to making the best use and utilization of Internet email for business related purposes. From learning to phrase messages that are alert, easily understandable, direct, useful, and appropriate, to keeping one's messages within company guidelines, Business E-Mail is a superbly organized, practical, accessible "how-to" guide and very highly recommended reading for every business organization from a one-man shop to an international conglomerate with e-mail as an integral part of their daily operations in today's computer age.

Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019

Four new titles are highly recommended picks from this publisher. Businesses seeking indepth coverage and plenty of examples will appreciate the weightier AMA Handbook Of Business Letters (0814406653, $69.95) by Jeffrey Seglin and Edward Coleman. Unlike its easier competitor, this provides a series of guidelines and tutorials on the basics of writing letters and includes over 350 models for memos, faxes, emails, and business letters. The accompanying CD allows for choosing a model and quickly producing a finished result. Anita Rosen's E-Commerce Question And Answer Book (0814471544, $19.95) appears in its second edition to provide a survival guide for managers who want to assess their products or services for ecommerce potentials. From fulfillment policies for the Web to selecting service providers, this reviews the basics. Herschell Gordon Lewis' Effective Email Marketing (0814471471, $24.95) tells how to avoid the common pitfalls of the typical email marketing program to focus on massmarket messages which get results. Individualization and customization are part of the keys, as well as using techniques that grab reader attention. A fine display of choices. Edward Fields' Essentials Of Finance And Accounting For Nonfinancial Managers (0814471226, $19.95) tells how to understand the basics of a balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and annual reports. Newcomers to reading company financials will appreciate the clear explanations on investment returns, analysis ratios, and other methods of understanding business reports.

Get More Business Right Now!
Paul Tulenko
Gator Publishing
Box 66300, Albuquerque NM 87193-6300
0971536767 $16.95 gatorbooks.com

Get More Business Right Now!: Tools & Ammunition Designed To Fight Off The Alligators And Get The Business Your Need! by entrepreneur and business consultant Paul Tulenko is a dynamic, "user friendly" guide to learning practical and effective methods to attract new customers, earn more business out of current customers, and climb the ever-reaching ladder to success! Individual chapters address give-and-take, using blitzes for maximum effect, time management, and a great deal more. Get More Business Right Now! is highly recommended supplemental reading for anyone trying to get more out of their own business, regardless of the produce produced or the service provided.

Capitalizing On Conflict
Kirk Blackard & James W. Gibson
Davies-Black Publishing
3803 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
0891061649 $36.95 1-800-624-1765

Collaboratively written by consultant and conflict resolution practitioner Kirk Blackard and attorney, mediator, and educator James W. Gibson, Capitalizing On Conflict: Strategies And Practices For Turning Conflict To Synergy In Organizations is a practical, "user friendly", managerial handbook to implementing dynamic and effective conflict resolution practices. From mastering mediation between disputing parties, to fostering an environment of trust, Capitalizing On Conflict is a first-rate guide to turning conflicting energies into a positive force for successful business problem solving, policy development, issues resolution, workforce morale, and corporate bottom lines.

Why People Buy Things They Don't Need
Pamela N. Danziger
Paramount Market Publishing, Inc.
301 S. Geneva St., #109, Ithaca NY 14850
0967143993 $34.95 1-888-787-8100

Why People Buy Things They Don't Need by marketing expert Pamela N. Danziger offers truly fascinating insights into the psychology of impulse purchases and rampant consumerism, as well as why people are so quick to buy new stuff they don't use, especially before the old stuff is worn out! Motives such as "improving the quality of life", stress relief, compulsive shopping, and a great deal more are scrutinized in depth. Why People Buy Things They Don't Need is very strongly recommended as a solid and informative treatise delving into the conflicts and the hidden depths of the credit-card happy human psyche -- and how to use it to advantage in the marketplace of goods and services.

Business Letters For Busy People
John Carey, Editor
Career Press
PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
156414612X $19.99 1-800-227-3371

From sales and goodwill letters to collections letters and those covering employment, this revised and updated fourth edition of Business Letters For Busy People which provides templates and samples which can be quickly adapted to suit virtually any kind of business venture. The accompanying CD-ROM contains the templates for all of the samples in the text, further reducing the time needed to quickly locate and utilize a professional-sounding letter.


The Science Shelf

Ghost With Trembling Wings
Scott Weidensaul
North Point Press
c/o Farrar Straus Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
0374246645 $26.00 1-800-242-7737

We're facing the worst global extinction crisis in over sixty million years; yet once in a while a species presumed lost re-emerges. In Ghost With Trembling Wings, naturalist Scott Weidensaul pursues these stories of loss and recovery, traveling around the world in pursuit of animals that have recovered against all odds. Included in the search are visits to labs attempting to recreate longextinct animals. A lively, hopeful discussion.

A Matter Of Degrees
Gino Segre
Viking Press
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
0670031011 $24.95 1-800-847-5515

A few degrees temperature difference can make or break species, change environments completely, and affects both life and inert matter. A Matter Of Degrees explores how temperatures operate both physiologically and on a global level. From thermal ocean vents to the measurement of temperature changes over eons, this blends plenty of history and science in an intriguing survey.

The Molecule Hunt
Martin Jones
Arcade Publishing
141 Fifth Ave, 8th Fl , NY, NY 10010
1559706112 $26.95 1-800-759-0190

In The Molecule Hunt, Martin Jones, an expert in bioarchaeology, provides an intriguing explanation of how the discipline has evolved and its particular worldview in dealing with discoveries on the molecular level. DNA research has affected archaeological work in identifying remains, fossils, and relics: The Molecule Hunt effectively tells how a new scientific field has evolved in recent times.

Acquiring Genomes
Lynn Margulis & Dorion Sagan
Basic Books
387 Park Avenue So., NY, NY 10016
0465043917 $28.00 1-800-242-7737

Numerous titles have explored how species evolved; but there's not a single example among them of species arising by a gradual accumulation of random gene mutations. Acquiring Genomes poses a new theory of development, maintaining that individual gene mutations are minor events and that big evolutionary changes occur when different types of organisms merge with their genomes all the genes they possess. An intriguing discussion and convincing argument emerges.

Inner Navigation
Erik Jonsson
Scribner
1230 Ave. of Americas, NY, NY 10020
0743222067 $25.00 1-800-223-2336

Erik Jonsson's lively discourse on the sense of direction comprising Inner Navigation, begins with several stories from personal and colleague experience to demonstrate the idea of cognitive maps, then moves into the science realm to explain how such 'maps' work. How humans and animals get lost, navigate, and recover from being lost makes for an intriguing discussion which should interest nonscientists as much as scientists.


The American History Shelf

Early Tejano Ranching
Andres Saenz
Texas A&M University Press
4354 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843
1585441341 $21.95 1-800-826-8911

Early Tejano Ranching: Daily Life At Ranchos San Jose And El Fresnillo by Andres Saenz (Professor of History, Austin Community College, Austin, Texas) is the story of the author's family (the Saenzes and the Lopezes) who established San Jose and El Fresnillo during the 1850s and 1860s. Drawn and composed from interviews, historical records, visits to historical sites, and more, Early Tejano Ranching presents a fascinating picture of life in the past, the daily work of ranching, the labor of self-sufficient families who struggled to surviving against drought, wild animals, and even Indian attacks. Early Tejano Ranching is solid and highly recommended representation reflecting the history and heritage of Texas. Also highly recommended is Professor Saenz's earlier work, Tejano Empire: Life On The South Texas Ranchos (0890968349, $29.95).

El Pueblo
Jean Bruce Poole & Tevvy Ball
Getty Publications
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90049-1682
0892366621 $24.95 www.getty.edu

Collaborative written by Jean Bruce Poole (Historic Museum Director, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, 1977-2001) and edited by Tevvy Ball (Getty Publications), El Pueblo: The Historic Heart Of Los Angeles is a vividly beautiful tour, illustrated cover to cover with full-color artworks and photographs, showcasing the history of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles, founded in 1781 by Mexican pioneers, a city that evolved through the centuries and became a vibrant, thriving multicultural hegemony. The fifth volume in the Getty Publications' outstanding "Conservation and Cultural Heritage" series, El Pueblo is the superbly presented story of the birth and growth of Los Angeles, California, brought to life in a lavish historic tour. Also highly recommended are the earlier titles in this exceptional series: Cave Temples Of Mogao: Art And History On The Silk Road (0892365854, $29.95); Palace Sculptures Of Abomey: History Told On Walls (0892365692, $24.95); and The Los Angeles Watts Towers (0892364912, $24.95).

Lewis & Clark
Stephen Dow Beckham, author
Robert M. Reynolds, photographer
Graphic Arts Center Publishing
PO Box 10306, Portland, Oregon 97296-0306
1558686452 $34.95 www.gacpc.com

Lewis & Clark: From The Rockies To The Pacific is a gorgeously illustrated, in-depth account of the famous explorers' journey through the American West. The stunningly beautiful, full-color photography by Robert M. Reynolds of natural landscapes that Lewis and Clark traveled through, are presented side-by-side with a detailed reconstruction by Stephen Dow Beckham of the Lewis & Clark expeditionary journey that often quotes the travelers' journals. Lewis & Clark is an attractive, highly recommended coffee-table book for home, school, and community library American History collections.

Savage Frontier
Stephen L. Moore
Republic of Texas Press
2320 Los Rios Blvd., Suite 200, Plano, TX 75074
1556229283 $19.95 1-972-423-0090

Carefully researched and accessibly written by Stephen L. Moore (himself a sixth generation Texan whose genealogical roots go back to the very beginnings of the Texas Republic), Savage Frontier: Rangers, Riflemen, And Indian Wars In Texas: Volume 1, 1835-1837 is an exhaustively documented and absolutely fascinating study of the Texas Rangers prior to the Mexican war. A thorough and documented history of the Texas Rangers, the men who led them, and the battles they fought in a time when pioneer families were struggling just to survive, make a living for themselves and their families, and guard themselves against ever-present threats that ranged from hostile Native Americans to the Mexican government. A solid and fascinating look through time into a window of Texas history, Savage Frontier is enhanced with illustrations, maps, battle casualty lists, and extensive first-person narratives.

Hard Time
Ted Genoways, editor
Minnesota Historical Society Press
345 Kellogg Bouelvard West, St. Paul, MN 55102-1906
0873514343 $22.95 1-800-647-7827

Hard Time: Voices From A State Prison, 1849-1914 is the story of the state penitentiary at Stillwater, Minnesota -- a dangerous, sometimes lethal, stone fortress erected for the purpose of exacting punishment and penance from it's inmate population. Enhanced throughout with period photography, Hard Times is a documentary history of the facility where those men deemed incorrigible were send to do "hard time" and which, over the sixty-five years of its existed, evolved to become one of the most respected penal institutions in the nation. Hard Times offers up such memorable events as the imprisonment of the Younger gang in 1876; the prison fire of 1884; the escape of Frank P. Landers and Oscar J. Carlon in 1887; the "twine shop insurrection" of 1899; the manhunt for escaped convicts Peter Juhl and Jerrfy McCarty in 1911; and a great deal more. Very highly recommended contribution to Penology Studies; Minnesota History; and American History supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections, Hard Times is also available in hardcover (0873514335, $34.95).

Building Chicago
Ann Durkin Keating
University of Illinois Press
1325 South Oak St, Champaign, IL 61820
0252070550 $15.95 press.uillinois.edu

Building Chicago: Suburban Developers And The Creation Of A Divided Metropolis by Ann Durkin Keating (Associate Professor of History, North Central College, Naperville, Illinois) is a painstakingly researched and skillfully presented history of Chicago's various suburbs, ranging from their mid-nineteenth century origins as a means to escape cholera outbreaks to their post World War II proliferation, down to the present day. A candid, accessible account filled with technical details, legal tug-of-war, and an often-overlooked piece of history about one of America's most famous cities, Building Chicago is a strongly recommended addition to American History and Urban Studies supplemental reading lists and academic reference collection.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Painting The Word
John Drury
Yale University Press
Box 209040, New Haven, CT 065209040
030092946 $16.95 1-800-987-7323

Painting The Word is a truly outstanding guide to Christian paintings and their meanings brings art and spirituality together in an inspiring coverage. More than a history of painting, this discusses how Christian images reflected and influenced Christian civilization as a whole, with a universal quality delivering balanced messages. Color reproductions of significant Christian works appear throughout.

Living Icons
Michael Plekon
University of Notre Dame
310 Flanner Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556
0268033501 $37.50 undpress.nd.edu

Living Icons: Persons Of Faith In The Eastern Church by ordained Orthodox priest Michael Plekon (Professor, Department of Sociology/Anthropology, religion and culture, Baruch College, City University of New York) is a close look at the lives of ten Eastern Orthodox Christian faithful, each of whom lived in the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. Fascinating, uplifting, and evenhanded in its study of characters, foibles, and faith, as well as highly recommended for students of Orthodox Christian History, Living Icons is a profound testimony to the path set by just a few among many amidst constantly changing and conflicting headwaters of religious belief worldwide.

When Godly People Do Ungodly Things
Beth Moore
Broadman & Holman Publishers
127 Ninth Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37234
0805424652 $19.99 1-800-251-3225

When Godly People Do Ungodly Things by writer, educator, and public speaker Beth Moore is a compelling moral, religious, and spiritual examination as to why faithful Christians fall into the ways of Satan. Individual chapters guide those who have strayed to the path of true repentance and redemption of evils. When Godly People Do Ungodly Things is highly recommended for personal and small group discussions as a powerfully written and fervent presented Christian testimony.

Know Him, Serve Him
Sean Dunn
Fleming H. Revell/Baker Book House
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
0800758196 $8.99 bakerbooks.com

Know Him, Serve Him: Discover God's Radical Plan For Your Life by Sean Dunn is a candid and revealing look at what it takes to be able to hear God and know what He is most concerned about. Individual chapters focus on building a personal relationship with God, listening to what God has to say and learning about God's heart and what it means to serve Him. A profoundly spiritual and personal guide, Know Him, Serve Him is especially recommended reading for those wanting to influence others within a Christian context and toward Christian life goals.

Mentoring
Henry A. Simon
Concordia Publishing House
3558 South Jefferson Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118-3968
0570052807 $6.99 1-800-325-3040

Mentoring by evangelist Henry A. Simon (Senior Pastor, Belleville, Illinois) is the latest volume in the Concordia Publishing House "Christian Leadership" series. Mentoring was specifically written to assist pastors and church leaders in helping their congregants to discover hidden talents while maturing in their Christian faith, service, and understanding. Offering answers regarding many mentoring dilemmas, Mentoring is a solid work, and very highly recommended for anyone entrusted with the sacred task of religious guidance within the context of a Christian community.

Jesus At The Movies
W. Barnes Tatum
Polebridge Press
PO Box 6144, Santa Rosa, CA 95406
0944344674 $17.95 polebridgepress.com

Jesus At The Movies: A Guide To The First Hundred Years by W. Barnes Tatum is a comprehensive guide to virtually all the major Hollywood films made about Jesus Christ to date. The films range from such silent era epics as Sidney Olcott's From The Manger To The Cross and D.W. Griffith's Intolerance, to Norman Jewison's Jesus Christ Superstar and David Greene's Godspell. From the seven last sayings attributed to Christ on the cross, to the story of Jesus from a Judaic as well as Christian perspective, to a comparison of plot dynamics in different films, Jesus At The Movies is a thoroughly researched, heavily annotated, broad-ranging and exhaustive guide, analysis, and review. Enhanced with a selected bibliography, filmography, and an index, Jesus At The Movies is a seminal, invaluable reference work for students of film history in general, and the movie representations of the story and person of Jesus Christ in particular.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Prairie Directory Of North America
Charlotte Adelman & Bernard Schwartz
Lawndale Enterprises
PO Box 561, Wilmette, IL 60091-0561
http://www.lawndaleenterprises.com
0971509603 $19.95 1-847-251-6726

Collaboratively written by Charlotte Adelman and Bernard L. Schwartz, Prairie Directory Of North America is an information packed, accessible, reader friendly, straightforward, ecological reference book filled cover to cover with the names, one-paragraph descriptions, and geographical locations of prairies found throughout the United States and Canada. The prairie listings are organized first by state (or Canadian province), then by county for easy reference. Telephone numbers for each prairie area's associated conservation board or similar organization are included. The Prairie Directory Of North America is an excellent, indispensable, highly recommended desktop reference for academicians, professionals, environmental activists, and non-specialist general readers needing to look up a given prairie's location or basic facts quickly.

Columbia Guide To American Environmental History
Carolyn Merchant
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd St., NY, NY 10023-7015
0231112327 $50.00 1-800-944-8648

How have Americans transformed their environment, and how have political systems handled conflicts over resources and conservation issues over the decades? Columbia Guide To American Environmental History is the only major reference to explore these themes, and deserves a place on the shelf of any college-level library with a strong collection in environmental issues and political intervention.

World Disaster Report 2002
International Federation of Red Cross
Red Crescent Societies
Kumarian Press Inc.
1294 Blue Hills Av, Bloomfield CT 06002
9291390828 $25.00 www.kpbooks.com

World Disaster Report 2002: Focus On Reducing Risk is a solid and comprehensive look at not only the natural disasters that have troubled the world, but also the crucial importance that adequate preparations can have in saving lives. From earthquakes in urban Europe and South America to cyclones in Bangladesh, World Disaster Report 2002 also analyzes trends in disaster, and human rights, duties, and accountability in the wake of environmental tragedy. A solid, meticulously researched, and highly informational presentation, World Disaster Report 2002 is a welcome and much appreciated addition to academic, governmental, and professional Environmental Studies and Emergency Preparedness Studies supplemental reading lists and reference collections.


The Musicbook Shelf

Simple Flutes
Mark Shepard
Shepard Publications
1-310-373-8667
0938497189 $8.00 markshep.com/flute

Simple Flutes by Mark Shepard, a slim (44 pages), elegantly presented, and highly practical guide to crafting simple flutes and making music with them. Flutes of bamboo, wood, claw, metal, and plastic are authoritatively discussed. Simple line drawings and easy-to-understand instructions enhanced and round out this first-rate, "user friendly" guide for anyone with a fondness toward simplicity in their own personal music. Also highly recommended is Mark Shepard's How To Love Your Flute: A Guide To Flues And Flute Playing (0938497103, $15.00).

How To Play Blues Guitar
Richard Johnston, editor
Backbeat Books
600 Harrison St., San Francisco CA 94107
0879307064 $16.95 backbeatbooks.com

Deftly edited by Richard Johnston, How To Play Blues Guitar: The Basics & Beyond is a straightforward introductory guide and reference for beginning and intermediate blues guitar players, from basic scales to classic sample songs. Blues guitar greats Art Thompson and Dan Erlewine provide expert advice on selecting gear and setting up the guitar in this simple yet eminently useful self-teaching guide. Of special interest are the comments drawn from such legendary musicians as B.B. King, Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, and others. A special bonus to the practical advice and musical excerpts is the free access to audio lessons on an exclusive web page. If you are planning to learn to play the blues guitar (or improve your present ability and performance level), then give How To Play Blues Guitar a careful and considered reading.

Top Brass
Bob Bernotas
Boptism Music Publishing
916 Union St., 2-C, Brooklyn, NY 11215
0971798303 $18.00 www.boptism.com

Top Brass: Interviews And Master Classes With Jazz's Leading Brass Players is a superb, revised and expanded compilation of historian and jazz journalist Bob Bernotas' articles about brass players and playing. Top Brass is simply filled with straight-from-the-heart interviews showcasing such famous and talented players such as Al Grey, Slide Hampton, and J. J. Johnson. Top Brass presents the reader with a truly unique and fascinating anthology, one that offers up the passions of grand musicians in their own words. A must-read for true fans of the jazz brass greats, Top Brass is a welcome and highly recommended addition to any personal, profession, academic, and community library Jazz History collection.

Jazz And The Germans
Michael J. Budds, editor
Pendragon Press
PO Box 190, Hillsdale, NY 12529
1576470725 $38.00 1-518-325-6100

Compiled and edited by Michael J. Budds, Jazz and the Germans: Essays On The Influence Of "Hot" American Idioms On 20th-Century German Music is a thoughtful and eclectic variety of scholarly opinions and commentary on how American popular music, especially jazz, has influenced the musical tradition of Germany. From European views on Ragtime, to the Third Reich's view of jazz, to the jazz culture in Frankfurt, Jazz and the Germans is a multifaceted, insightful anthology that shines a considerable light on how a rhythmic, artistic medium can grow and transcend cultural barriers. Jazz And The Germans is especially recommended for Music History supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.

Go Where You Wanna Go
Matthew Greenwald
Cooper Square Press
200 Park Avenue South, Suite 1109, New York, NY 10003-1503
0815412045 $25.95 1-800-462-6420

Go Where You Wanna Go: The Oral History Of The Mamas & The Papas by rock journalist Matthew Greenwald is the informed and informative story of "The Mamas & The Papas", one of the most widespread, popular, and successful musical acts of the twentieth century. Featuring a lengthy, rare, and never-before-published interview with Mama Cass, and including the points of view of fans, contributors, critics, friends, and colleagues of The Mamas & The Papas, Go Where You Wanna Go is a thorough and very highly recommended sourcebook for fans of this memorable group and who want to learn more about the people who helped to make the popular music of a generation.

Sergei Prokofiev
Harlow Robinson
Northeastern University Press
360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
1555535178 $24.95 nupress.neu.edu

Sergei Prokofiev: A Biography by Harlow Robinson (Professor of Modern Languages and History, Northeastern University) is an exhaustive, detailed, scholarly, and documented account of the life, times, inspiration, and personal history of acclaimed Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953). A handful of black-and-white photographs and a brand new foreword and afterword by author Harlow Robinson enhance this reprint of the most thorough Prokofiev biography to be found in the English language to date. A superbly written, insightfully informated, and ighly recommended for anyone with a keen interest in the evolution of individual musical greatness as reflected in the life and work of a seminal European composer, Sergei Prokofiev is a core addition to any Music History supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.


The Literary Shelf

Thematic Guide To The American Novel
Lynda G. Adamson
Greenwood Publishing
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313311943 $54.95 1-800-225-5800

Thematic Guide To The American Novel is a college-level reference provides a systematic guide to the central themes of over a hundred commonly taught American novels, with essays identifying, comparing, and contracting their thematic connections. Each major theme receives a host of analytical comparisons throughout American literature and culture in this excellent reference.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

The Five Wisdom Energies
Irini Rockwell
Shambhala Publications
300 Massachusetts Av, Boston, MA 02115
1570624518 $13.95 www.shambhala.com

The Five Wisdom Energies: A Buddhist Way Of Understanding Personalities, Emotions, And Relationships by Irini Rockwell (Director, Five Wisdoms Institute) is a thoughtful and informative survey of the five wisdom energies or "buddha families", and how they relate to an understanding of human personalities. Exercises in locating and engaging one's own energy sources, enlivening one's emotional intelligence, balancing the five styles of relating to others, and more are covered in this intriguing guide to incorporating the benefits of Eastern philosophy into one's life. The Five Wisdom Energies is a welcome and highly recommended contribution to the growing library of Psychology, Buddhist, and Eastern Philosophy, literature and reference materials.


The Interior Design Shelf

Bamboo Style
Gale Beth Goldberg
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton, Utah 84041
158685092X $39.95 1-800-748-5439

Bamboo Style by architect Gale Beth Goldberg is an amazing and superbly presented guide to crafting works of beauty and wonder from bamboo for the purpose of adding either a functional or an elegant touch to home decoration and interior design. Enhanced with lavish color photographs throughout, Bamboo Style offers an informed and informative history of bamboo uses the world over, as well as offering simple projects that anyone can create, this unique reference and truly beautiful book is enthusiastically recommended for the professional as well as do-it-yourself interior decorator wanting to try something fresh and vibrant.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Collector Books
Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009
1-800-626-5420

The fourth edition of Bill Edwards and Mike Carwile's Standard Encyclopedia Of Opalescent Glass (1574322842, $24.95) updates identification and values and is a recommended reference pick for any library serious about glass collecting. Color photos of the glass pieces abound and pack in plenty of detail. Helen Lester Thompson's Sewing Tools & Trinkets (1574322877, $24.95) is a collector's identification and value guide, covering everything from thimbles and needle holders to toys and trinkets. A very specific reference for the collector of sewing items.

Krause Publications
700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990
1-800-258-0929

Three excellent guides to coin collecting are essential references for any serious collector seeking to stay abreast of the latest prices. The 2002 Auction Prices Realized: Us Coins (0873493974, $75.00) may seem a weighty price for a 344-page paperback, but this contains all the auction results for 2001 and is the item of choice for any who regularly use auction results in determining coin pricing. Chapters include grades for each type of coin, catalogs, and months obtained. Allen Berman's Warman's Coins & Paper Money (0873493435, $21.95) covers both ancient and modern coins, art medals, bank checks, and commemoratives under one cover. Explanations of grades is quite handy but it's the wider-ranging coverage of this guide which sets it apart and will make it appealing for avid and dedicated collections of all kinds of money. Joel Edler and Dave Harper's 2003 Us Coin Digest (0873494075, $11.95), in contrast, presents a spiral-bound guide to average retail prices from market experts: quite a different market. Small black and white photos of the coins accompany details on their collectability. All are fine references.


The Language Studies Shelf

Let's Play Games In Chinese
Tao-Chung Yao & Scott McGinnis
Cheng & Tsui Company
25 West Street, Boston, MA 02111-1213
0887273602 $17.95 \cheng-tsui.com

Collaboratively written by Tao-Chung Yao (Chinese Language Program Coordinator, University of Hawaii at Manoa) and Scott McGinnis (Executive Director of the National Council of Organizations of Less Commonly Taught Languages, National Language Center, College Park, Maryland), Let's Play Games In Chinese is a book uniquely written to add a bit of educational fun to the difficult task of learning the Chinese language. Offering television-inspired games, card games, role-playing games, and more to help make vocabulary and grammar that much easier to internalize, Let's Play Games In Chinese is a superbly developed and presented supplement to any personal or academic Chinese language learning reference and study materials collection.


The Sports Shelf

Minority Quarterback And Other Lives In Sport
Ira Berkow
Ivan R. Dee, Inc. Publisher
1332 No, Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622
1-56663-422-9 $26.00 1-800-462-6420

Mr. Berkow has an understanding of both the sports world and its players, and here presents a range of essays on sports activities and minority experiences, from Muhammad Ali to Michael Jordan. Fans of sports and those interested in minority contributions to sports will find Minority Quarterback And Other Lives In Sport involving.


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Smith & Kraus
177 Lyme Rd., Hanover, NH 03775
1-800-895-4331 www.amazon.com

Two fine titles will appeal to drama students with their insights into productions and their plays. Julia Miles edits Women's Project & Productions: Rowing To America (1575252716, $19.95), a collection of sixteen short plays which originate from the Women's Project and Productions group. These very short plays are perfect for quick skits and projects. Four Plays (1575252643, $19.95) receives translation by Lynne Alvarez and presents the modern Mexican playwright's strongest works. These are theatrical productions, choosing situations and people uniquely Mexican, but easily understood by all cultures.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Dimensions Of Sheckley
Robert Sheckley
NESFA Press
PO Box 809, Framingham, MA 01701
1886778299 $29.00 www.nesfapress.com

Dimensions Of Sheckley is a compilation of selected novels by master science fiction author Robert Sheckley, and include several of his works which had fallen out of print. All these terrific stories are collected under one cover and newly accessible for the discriminating science fiction connoisseur. The novel and novella titles comprising Dimensions Of Sheckley include "Immortality, Inc.", "Journey Beyond Tomorrow", "Mindswap", "Dimension of Miracles", and "Minotaur Maze". An informative introduction by Mike Resnick and an informed afterword by Tom Gerencer round out this mind-bending collection of future worlds ever-so-slightly askew from the evil realities of the present. A classic compilation by one of the most gifted science fiction authors of the 20th Century, Dimensions Of Sheckley is a "must-read" for every dedicated science fiction enthusiast!

Sorcery Rising
Jude Fisher
DAW Books
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
075640083X $23.95 1-800-847-5515

Fans of fantasy epics will relish Sorcery Rising, a new beginning of another account of magical journeys, war, and romance. Katla attends an annual celebration, unwitting commits sacrilege, and attracts the attention of an idealistic nobleman. In the process of her flight she will encounter new worlds and disguises in this fast-paced, complex story of sorcery and love.

Ace Books
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
1-800-847-5515 www.amazon.com

In a world where family hierarchy counts for everything, scholar and brilliant mathematician Aeillina has spent her life at the mercy of a cruel and overbearing brother in Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's Scouts Progress (0441009271, $6.50). When a chance win lands her a starship, it's up to Aeillina to learn how to fly it and achieve the levels of training which will ultimately free her from her bonds. Blending romance and exquisite tension, this is hard to put down. Equally compelling is Jack McDevitt's Chindi (0441009387, $22.95), blending romance and action. A courageous space pilot finds herself involved in a series of alien encounters equal to none other as she follows the wishes of her ship's owner in this compelling story.

Fantasy Writer's Assistant & Other Stories
Jeffrey Ford
Golden Gryphon Press
3002 Perkins Rd., Urbana, IL 61802
193084610X $23.95

Writer Ashmolean loses touch with his new fantasy world creation and must beg an assistant's aid in finishing the plot. Humans reenact old Hollywood stars and barter movies for an alien potion, and an interview with Jules Verne reveals some unexpected twists to his writings. These are all exquisite fantasy plots which excel in the surprise ending: wonderful examples of Ford's genius.

The Xenocide Mission
Ben Jeapes
David Fickling Books
c/o Random House, Inc.
280 Park Ave., 8th fl, NY, NY 10017
0385750072 $15.95 1-800-726-0600

The Xenocide Mission appears under a Random House young adult trademark but its complexity will lend to its enjoyment by many an adult science fiction reader, as well. Joel is part of a space observation team that is attacked by the aliens they are observing. Trapped and awaiting rescue, they find fresh, new and dangerous insights on the aliens they had investigated previously from outside. Quick action and a complex plot makes The Xenocide Mission recommended for older young adults into adults.

Baen Books
PO Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
1-800-223-2336 www.amazon.com

Two excellent science fiction titles from Baen Books provide strong stories and plots for dedicated fans of the genre. Harry Turtledove continues his fascination with alternative history with Alternate Generals 2 (0743435281, $24.00), which paints some very different pictures of history as it might have been. From an alternate story of Richard de Lion, King of the English to a new view of Custer, this is packed with many surprising twists of plot. David Drake's Paying The Piper (35478, $24.00) presents a new 'Hammer's Slammers' novel centered around mercenaries and war. A young lieutenant finds himself in the middle of a hot war on an alien world in this story of war for pay.

The Art of the Fellowship of the Ring
Gary Russell
Houghton Mifflin Company
215 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
0618212906 $35.00 1-800-225-3362

Where did the design influences of the movie come from, and how did the film interpret Tolkien's classic? Gary Russell reveals the techniques, innovations, and art of the movie, with interviews from its director and designers accompanied by over 500 images from pencil sketches to paintings. A lavish, well detailed production which will prove a 'must' for both Tolkien movie fans and fantasy collectors.

Metrobooks/Friedman Fairfax
15 W. 26th St., New York NY 10010
1-800-367-9692

Fans of Tolkien's Hobbit and the new movie will relish these companion volumes by David Day. The Hobbit Companion (158663528X, $12.98) features gorgeous illustrations by Lidia Postma as it presents a history of hobbits, places, and links between Hobbit settings and mythology. Alan Lee illustrates Tolkien Ring (1586635271, $12.98), with black and white and some color drawings accompanying a literary investigation of Tolkien's inspirations and stories. Both are suitable for gifts, yet affordable enough for personal enjoyment.

ROC Books
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
1-800-847-5515 www.amazon.com

Two excellent new titles are absorbing reads. Harry Turtledove, et.al.'s Worlds That Weren't (0451458869, $21.95) provides a host of alternative history stories: new novellas which range in setting from ancient Athens to a very different Turkish empire Fans of alternate history will find these novellas striking and unusual. Marion Zimmer Bradley and Diana Paxson's Priestess Of Avalon (0451458621, $15.95) continues Bradley's Avalon stories with this latest tale of a British princess who falls in love with a Roman officer, causing both to be banished form Avalon. When Helena finds her lover must also choose between the Empire and her she finds herself at a crucial juncture between two worlds in this story of magic and Christianity.


The Audiobook Shelf

An American Story
Solomon Northrup
MasterBuy AudioBooks
20 Vesey Street, #401, NY, NY 10007
0964559331 $24.95 masterbuy@erols.com

Solomon Northup was a first generation free black man who lived in and around Saratoga, New York until 1841. Solomon was a good violin player who performed at local dances, weddings and parties. But his trusting nature betrayed hm when he agreed to go on the road with the two entertainers Merrill Brown and Abram Hamilton, who promised him work as a violinist. The traveled to Washington, D.C., where the two men drugged Solomon and he woke up in chains, and was sold into slavery through Williams's Slave Pen. From there he was taken to Richmond, Virginia and developed a deep friendship with Robert, another man who had been similarly tricked into slavery. An American Story: The Odyssey Of Solomon Northup is a faithful account of Solomon's eventual emancipation, his lawsuit against those who had kidnaped him into slavery, and his eventual return home to his family in Saratoga. Dramatically narrated by Allen Gilmore, this four cassette, abridged, six hour audiobook is welcome and highly recommended contribution to school and community African-American Studies collections.

Commuter's Library
100 Weems Lane, Winchester, VA 22601

Four excellent unabridged audio cd classics will make for exceptional listening opportunities for any who want to enjoy these classics in their entirety. James Joyce's Dubliners (1584721057, $61.00) features an excellent, lively narration by Ralph Cosham who brings to life the fifteen stories which comprise the collection. The audio brings more meaning and instills more drama into Joyce's words than the written page could enliven. Homer's Odyssey (1584721685, $115.00) features the dramatic style of John Lescault as it tells of Odysseus' dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. His encounters with mythical monsters comes to life. Charles Dickens' Tale Of Two Cities (1584721766, $115.00) receives a strong audio presentation by David Cutler, whose voice captures the underlying poetic descriptions and nuances of Dickens' long story of politics and peoples. Michael Hanson's Best Of O. Henry (1584721464, $25.00) is perhaps the most magnificent of all: Henry's New York and Western short stories include the classic Gift of Magi but bring to life and attention many lesser-known but equally appealing classics. These are packaged in sturdy plastic cases with paper inner sleeves holding the cds suitable for library lending and attractive displays.

Princess In Love
Meg Cabot
Listening Library
1540 Broadway, New York NY 10036
080720711X $25.00 1-800-726-0600

Anne Hathaway narrates Meg Cabot's Princess In Love, the third "Princess Diaries" title, lending her actress skills and voice to this story of a girl who is a princess living in New York City and preparing for entry into Genovian society. Both adults and young adults will find Princess In Love to be a fine makeover tale that tells of a princess who only wants to find romance and acceptance in life.

Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
1-800-854-7859

This company's excellent leisure audios are items of choice for any who enjoy a mix of seasoned, lively narrators and contemporary novels, mysteries, and nonfiction. Take Linda Greenlaw's Lobster Chronicles (1590861000, $19.95), narrated by the author herself: any interested in boats, seamanship or lobsters will relish this autobiographical account of her experiences as a professional lobsterman. Or Michael McGarrity's The Big Gamble (1590862155, $19.95): now here is a pairing of veteran reader Dick Hill, whose voice is dramatic and clear with the classic novel of murder and punishment telling of a missing woman found in a rural fire, and a police chief's search for the truth. Greg Iles' Spandau Phoenix (1590861248, $24.95) also benefits from narrator Hill's smooth and professional reading as it builds a web of intrigue and deception based on a buried Nazi secret. Any who've not yet experienced the whimsical mystery style of Diane Mott Davidson will relish her latest Chopping Spree (1590861434, $24.95), which veteran reader Joyce Bean's acting background spicing up the lively story of a catererturnedsleuth who faces hot water when she attempts to catch her wouldbe murderer. And J.D. Robb's Vengeance In Death (1590864364, $24.95) deserves ongoing recognition with its strong rendition by Susan Ericksen paired with the tense story of a madman/killer/genius who exports crime. Kristin Hannah's Distant Shores (1590869447, $24.95) receives newcomer Bernadette Quigley's Broadway talents which follow through in her voice as it tells of two people who've raised a family, only to drift apart until a new job offer and a death in the family changes their lives and relationship. Tami Hoag's Guilty As Sin (1590866405, $24.95) receives Joyce Bean's studied and smooth voice as it tells of a kidnapper in a small town who preys on children. And Holly Payne's The Virgin's Knot (1590861582, $19.95) also benefits from Quigley's acting drama as it tells of a Turkish weaver who must choose between spiritual and carnal love. All are excetional leisure listens.

Fly Without Fear
KRS Edstrom, M.S.
Soft Stone Publishing
3674 Barham Blvd., L315, Los Angeles, CA 90068
www.FlyWithoutFearNOW.com
1886198144 $16.95 1-323-851-8623

Fly Without Fear: Guided Meditations For A Relaxing Flight is an impressive and effective 73 minute audio program to ease the fear of flying. KRS Edstrom's guided meditations are enhanced with soothing music and empower the anxious traveler to release anxieties associated with the experience and thought of flying. Strongly recommended for anyone with air travel tensions, Fly Without Fear is organized into ten segments: Dress Rehearsal (practicing fear releasing skills in the days preceding a flight); Soothing Meditation for Boarding & Waiting (calming pre-flight nerves while awaiting takeoff); Fearless Take-Off (enjoying the freedom of flight); In-Flight Relaxation Vacation (transforming fears and anxieties into tranquility - tracks 4-9 in-flight meditations); Tension-Release Meditation (releasing fear from the mind and body); Breath Awareness Meditation (staying "grounded" in that act of breathing); Mindfulness Meditation (creating a private, personal retreat); Relaxing Visualization (an "enchanting magic carpet ride"); Loving Kindness Meditation (warming the heart and soul); Smooth Landing Meditation (arriving with a calm mind and peaceful spirit).

Mirror Image
Jeff Rovin
Books on Tape
Box 25122, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5122
0736686282 $64.00 1-800-541-5525

Jeff Rovin's Mirror Image is the unabridged, eight and a half hour, audiobook version of the second volume in the pulse-pounding Op Center series, originally created by Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik. With the Cold War coming to a close and the new Russian president struggling to create a new and democratic regime, the newly created Op-Center crisis response team must aid a troubled nation plagued with a ruthless Russian Mafia, right-wing nationalists, and re-emerging Czarists. But a repressive and brutal rival Op-Center is their opponent - a mirror of the crack team that threatens to reflect oppression and destruction for both the agents and nation. An exciting political thrill ride, Mirror Image is superbly narrated by Michael Kramer and enthusiastically recommended for all action/adventure fans.

Audio Renaissance
5858 Wilshire Blvd. #200, L.A. CA 90036
1-800-266-2834

These fine titles will appeal to readers who enjoy good mysteries and thrillers: each combines powerful readings and plots. Paul Michael's rendition of Gayle Lynds and Robert Ludlum's complex Paris Option (1559277114, $39.95) is nothing short of brilliant: dramatic flairs in audio style and plot compliment each other in this story of a dangerous computer fallen into evil hands. Janet Evanovich's Hard Eight (1559277254, $36.95) pairs Lorelei King's clear, dramatic style of reading with yet another Stephanie Plum investigative story which has the bounty hunter searching for a child and her mother. Both are filled with satisfying twists and turns, enhanced by their readers. It's astonishing to note that Walter Mosley's Easy Rawlins mystery novels are so abundant in audio format: this publisher has done an exceptional, notable job of packaging Mosley's best into a set of cd unabridged presentations. A Red Death (155927719X, $38.00) receives Stanley Bennett Clay's strong voice and studied presentation as it tells of a racist IRS agent and a spy deal and an old flame's murderous husband; Bad Boy Brawly Brown (1559277157, $42.00) receives M.E. Willis' intimate and warm voice as it tells of Easy's friend John, whose attempt to help a stepson leads to danger and murder; Devil In A Blue Dress (1559277181, $32.00) showcases distinctive G.C. Simms' calm and clear style as it presents the introductory novel to the series about a black war vet's probe of murder; White Butterfly (7203, $32.00) comes to life under Clay's smooth voice and tells of 1956 LA and the murder of a white stripper; and A Little Yellow Dog (155927722X, $38.00) benefits from Howard Weinberg's studied smooth dramatic flow as it tells of Easy's attempt to give up street life. All are excellent stories.

Time Warner
1271 Ave. of Americas, NY, NY 10020
1-800-759-0190 www.amazon.com

Seven new releases provide novels and nonfiction for leisure listeners. David Morrell's Long Lost (1586212761, $25.98) pairs the TV acting background of Neil Patrick Harris with the suspense story of a longlost brother who haunts Brad's life for Brad knows he was responsible for his brother's disappearance. A stranger could change that perception Brian Haig's Mortal Allies (1586212737, $25.98) receives John Rubinstein's narrative skills enhanced by his blossoming TV career as it presents a Sean Drummond story set in South Korea and telling of a shocking military crime. Lori Lansens' Rush Home Road (1586212788, $25.98) pairs Ruby Dee's strong acting background and avid voice with the story of an old woman who raises an abandoned child, awaking her to the good things in life past and present. Fans of Rosie O'Donnell will relish Find Me (1586213237, $23.98), blending her autobiography with the story of an unusual friendship and obsessions. The author narrates her own dramatic story. Jeffrey Fox's How To Become A Great Boss (1586270710, $18.98) gives advice on how to be an admired boss. His stories come from bosses who have worked for both profit and employee benefit alike. Fran Drescher's Cancer Schmancer (1586212753, $18.98) blends humor with candid observations on life as it tells how to laugh at the crazy things life offrs even when it's offering trouble. Jacqueline Jakes' Sister Wit (158621277X, $18.98) provides a set of devotions for women, telling how to meet life's daily challenges. All are inspirational and revealing.

Audio Editions/Audio Partners
1133 High Street, Auburn, CA 95603
http://www.audiopartners.com

Two new releases deserve continuing mention as excellent mysteries suitable for discriminating audiences; even those well steeped in the genre. Georges Simenon's Maigret Bides His Time (1572702419, $19.95) provides an unabridged Jules Maigret mystery telling of a detective plagued by jewelry store heists in the daylight. The Parisian inspector has his hands full, and Clifford Norgate's background in Shakespearean drama brings the underlying drama to life in this mystery. Rex Stout's Death Of A Doxy (1572702699, $24.95) continues the traditional of pairing actor Michael Prichard's strong narrative style with the Nero Wolfe mystery figure. Here Nero investigates a kept woman's murder, with sidekick Archie involved as a suspect.

Blackstone Audio
PO Box 969, Ashland, OR 97520
1-800-729-2665

Four new audio cd collections are strong choices for audiences seeking entertainment value. Susan Howatch's Mystical Paths (0786192232, $29.95) comes on MP3 format which makes it accessible only to those with MP3 cd players: Roe Kendall brings to life this story of an independent young Englishman whose psychic abilities results in a friend's suicide and a lifelong remorse. Also in MP3 format is Dostoevsky's Brothers Karamazov (0786192526, $39.95), spiced with Frederick Davidson's warm and clear rendition and an unabridged presentation that tells of human nature in the form of four pleasureseeking brothers. Fiona Buckley's To Ruin A Queen (0786195444, $72.00) presents an absorbing Elizabethan mystery set in a castle and revolving around a secret agent for Queen Elizabeth. Nadia May's lively rendition brings the drama and intrigue to life, as well as the historic setting. Bodie Thoene's Munish Signature (0786195436, $120.00) brings Book 3 of the Zion Convenant to life, with Susan O'Malley's warm voice telling of a close escape from Europe when Nazis close in. High drama.

Books in Motion
9922 East Montgomery, Suite 31, Spokane, WA 99206
1-800-752-3199

Three excellent new audio cd packages provide very diverse plots, satisfying unabridged presentation for full enjoyment of story and structure, and readers who know how to bring their topics to life. Jerry Sciarrio, for examples, does an excellent narrative job with William Kent Krueger's Boundary Waters (1581163975), bringing to life the story of a vanished female singer which involves an unprecedented search of millions of acres of forest and uncharted islands between the Canadian and American boundary. M.K. Wren's Oh, Bury Me Not (158113584) receives an excellent narration b Ron Varela, who brings to life this Conan Flagg mystery of a killer after a family. It's up to bookstore owner Conan Flagg to probe attacks that bring two families' histories to light. Margaret Coel's Spirit Woman (1581111387, $39.95) enjoys a spirited rendition by Stephanie Brush, whose lively voice captures the high drama of a historian who investigates the hidden life of Sacajawea, only to encounter a deadly secret. All are exceptional listens.

Oasis Audio
289 S. Main Place, Carol Steam, IL 60188
1-800-323-2500

Four excellent new audios provide a mix of practical educational value and leisure choices. The release of Bodie Thoene's Munich Signature (1589260171, $22.99) adds to the Zion Covenant classic series with a third book. Here Elisa and Leah risk all to escape Hitler's domination of Europe, heading to New York with two small boys as intrigue dodges their path. Narrator Lilly Aimee spices the drama with solid tension and a winning style. Simon Green's Deathstalker: Episode 1 Man Who Had Everything (158926018X, $9.95) receives a dramatized cast performance as it tells of a savage empire and a marked man who builds an unlikely force to topple a cruel throne. This episode marks the beginning of a series which promises ongoing action and political tension. Two excellent 'how to' audio guides are recommended picks in CD format. Goofproof Grammar (1589260066X, $19.99) tells how to review ten top common problems in speech and writing, exploring areas of common errors. The account is geared to the listener on the road, so no visual orientation is needed to learn. Same with Winning At Work (15892600678, $19.99), a bend of two cds and a pocket guide which tells how to increase productivity and achievements at work. Both are practical, educational guides geared toward the listening public.

Recorded Books
270 Skipjack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
1-800-638-1304

These nine new audio releases provide excellent unabridged recordings, sturdy library packaging, and a host of experienced, veteran narrators who know how to build up a good tale. Diane Mott Davidson's Sticks & Scones (0788753169, $78.00) pairs veteran Barbara Rosenblat's accomplished acting background with the foodoriented mystery writing of Davidson. Here Goldie the caterer finds that catering Elizabethan fare to the elite at a castle brings more of a challenge than she figured, when murder joins the party. Lilan Jackson Braun's Cat Who Went Up The Creek (0788712716, $46.00) receives veteran George Guidall's years of acting background, which spices the mystery of a haunted inn and Siamese cat sidekicks to an investigator. Nevada Barr's Hunting Season (0788707488, $78.00) benefits from Rosenblat's narrative style also, as it tells of Anna Pigeon's investigation of a corpse in a park inn. Carl Hiaasen's Basket Case (0788718153, $84.00) pairs narrator George Wilson's performance skills with the story of an exinvestigator turned obituary reporter who senses news in a death notice. Barbara Taylor Bradford's Three Weeks In Paris (0788717890, $76.00) receives Rosenblat's steady storytelling style as it tells of a friendship between four women who renew their friendships later in life. Nelson DeMille's Up Country (0788797921, $159.00) receives Scott Brick's strong style and sense of drama which carries well through a hefty set of 20 cassettes and a story which tells of an army investigator's mystery. Elizabeth Berg's Never Change (0788759612, $52.00) receives a lively recording by narrator Suzanne Toren as it tells of a loner and nurse whose childhood love becomes a health victim under her care. Iris Johansen's Body Of Lies (18145, $68.00) benefits from new narrator Cristine McMurdoWallis' lively and provocative reading style as it tells of a forensic sculptor's reconstruction of an unusually deadly crime. Mortal Prey (0788718234, $72.00) by John Sandford enjoys Richard Ferrone's brisk and strong style as it tells of awoman who must disappear in order to find a killer. All these audiobook titles are excellent, recommended picks suitable for lasting library lending.

Clipper Audio
270 Skipjack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
1-800-638-1304

Fans of Britishbased mysteries and novels that feature British narrators and plots will appreciate the new additions to this line of audios. Simon Brett's What Bloody Man Is That? (1402519443, $40.00) features veteran Simon Prebble's smooth and intriguing style as it presents a Charles Paris mystery surrounding a play turned deadly. Donald Macintosh's Travels In The White Man's Grave (1402513467, $56.00) receives Samuel Gillies' smooth voice as it tells of a man's 30year journey as a tree prospector and surveyor in West Africa. Pauline Bell's Sleeping Partners (1402513637, $47.00) is narrated by Christopher Kay, who adds a calm and revealing voice to the story of a woman who leaves to meet an old friend and turns up murdered. Jill Dawson's Fred & Edie (1402512533, $63.00) pairs Patricia Gallimore's calm and revealing style with the story of a couple tried for a husband's murder in 1922. Fay Weldon's Bulgari Connection (1402512622, $47.00) also benefits from Gallimore's voice as it probes the world of charity auctions and big business. Lindsey Davis' Ode To A Banker (140251157X, $82.00) pairs Christopher Scott's dramatic voice with the story of Roman sleuth Marcus Didius Falco, whose poetry reading leads to murder. All are well done and intriguing.


The Fiction Shelf

Regina's Song
David Eddings & Leigh Eddings
DelRey
c/o Ballantine Books
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
0345448987 $26.95 1-800-726-0600

In Regina's Song, twins Regina and Renata are so identical that they speak a secret language: their entwined lives end suddenly on the murder of one twin. The remaining is to traumatized she reverts to a cryptic childhood language and even her parents aren't sure which girl was the victim. She lives in an institution until a family friend's visit frees her from a dark world and begins to reawaken her past. Intense and dramatic.

Talk: A Novel in Dialogue
Corey Mesler
Livingston Press
c/o The University of West Alabama
Dept. of Languages and Literature, UWA Station 22, Livingston, AL 35470
0942979869 $14.00 www.uwa.edu

Talk: A Novel In Dialogue by Corey Mesler (owner of one of the country's oldest (127 years) indepdenent bookstores, Burke's Book Store, Memphis, Tennessee) is the uniquely presented and compelling tale of a bookstore owner undergoing a mid-life crisis. Spiralling fears, impulses, and out-of-control demands all weave a story in dialogue in this no-frills narrative, which reads much like an old time radio play. A singularly fascinating and unique account, Talk: A Novel In Dialogue takes the reader from beginning to end through a full-attention, literary whirlwind! Highly recommended reading.

Alfred Knopf
299 Park Avenue, NY, NY 10171
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com

These new titles provide excellent leisure reading, from wit to serious interplays of life roles. Alessandro Boffa's You're An Animal, Viskovitz! (0375405283, $18.00) provides a whimsical, unique protagonist who enjoys a variety of reincarnated selves from an ant to a Buddhist police dog and beyond. His stories are entertaining and provide quite different reflections on life and its meaning. Stephen Carter's Emperor Of Ocean Park (0375413634, $26.95) is set in two privileged worlds: uppercrust AfroAmerican families of Martha's Vineyard and an Ivy League law school. Judge Garland has just died, leading some to think of murder. His son is left with a strange message and a puzzle that leads to more murders. Mark Slouka's God's Fool (0375402160, $24.00) tells of Siamese twins Chang and Eng, whose birth condemns them to death but whose luck leads them to survive. Their journey will bring them from favor to disfavor, from ghettos to rich enclaves and back, in this absorbing story of change. Darren Williams' Angel Rock (0375414517, $23.00) tells of a small Australian outback town surrounded by wilderness, where two lost boys lead to a puzzling disappearance. Family feuds and community secrets come to the forefront in the wake of more deaths. Mike Heppner's The Egg Code (0375412905, $25.95) is high in intrigue: a hacker bent on destroying an information trafficker on the Internet, a dangerous organization which controls it, and the juxtaposition of many lives makes for a complex weave of moral and ethical issues in the computer age. All are absorbing novels.

Lord Baltimore
Stephen Doster
John F. Blair
1406 Plaza Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
0895872641 $22.95 1-800-222-9796

Stephen's Doster's Lord Baltimore is the superbly written coming-of-age novel of Ensworth Harding, an eighteen-year-old young man, given a letter by his father with strict instructions to deliver it faithfully and independently - or forfeit his sizeable inheritance! A charming saga about learning, growing up, and opening oneself to the mysteries and quirky personalities of the world, Lord Baltimore is entertaining, attention keeping, and thoroughly enjoyable reading!

Walker & Company
435 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
1-800-289-2553 www.amazon.com

Three new titles will provide readers with excellent drama and tension. Elizabeth Gunn's Seventh Inning Stretch (0802733643, $23.95) tells of a small town where a gang has hit by scam artists. When the leader of the gang turns up dead and Jake finds himself in the middle of a potential riot, it's up to Jake to learn what's happening in his small city. Irene Marcuse's Consider The Alternative (0802733778, $24.95) tackles terminal illness and euthanasia as it tells of Anita, who attempts to help those in trouble in the city, but who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. One good friend's death leads to another and Anita finds herself over her head, with too many suspects. Jeanne Dams' Silence Is Golden (0802733735, $23.95) tells of Hilda and her family, who move to the United States expecting new serenity and instead find strife. Hilda finds her new life secure, but her younger brother is increasingly troubled, and when his friend is assaulted, only Eric's silence and Hilda's investigations may save him. All are excellent mysteries.

Where the River Bends
Richard Haddaway
Southern Methodist University Press
PO Box 750415, Dallas, TX 75275-0415
0870744704 $22.50 1-800-826-8911

Set in Texas from the 1950s to the 1990s, Where The River Bends by Texas native and journalist Richard Haddaway is the compelling novel of a rich family dominated by its stern and rigid-minded patriarch. Alcoholism, despair, and the challenge to rise above one's family shadow mark this determined generational journey that captures family conflict and the essence of the human spirit. Very highly recommended reading, Where The River Bends clearly documents Richard Haddaway as a considerable literary talent.

Defining Fragments
Gary Davy
Noble House/American Literary Press
8019 Belair Rd, #10 Baltimore MD 21236
156167592X $15.95 1-800-873-2003

Defining Fragments is a debut work the author Gary Davy has appropriately described as being a "metaphoric novel" about the aches and excitements, and treasures of life itself. Revealing personal inner experience with vibrant language and an eye for detail, Defining Fragments is a compelling, engaging, and at times simply fascinating journey through intimacies of self and the external currents of an ever-changing world. Defining Fragments is highly recommended reading and documents Gary Davy as a writer of unique voice and exceptional promise.

The Origin Of The World
Pierre Michon
Mercury House
Box 192850, San Francisco, CA 94119
1562791265 $18.00 mercuryhouse.org

In Pierre Michon's The Origin Of The World, a young teacher working in a sleepy countryside town becomes bewitched by the dazzling beauty and seductive personality of one of the residents in this sensual and evocative work. Origin Of The World will aptly serve to introduce a significant French author to an appreciative audience of English readers. The Origin Of The World is skillfully translated from the original French by Wyatt Alexander Mason, and is an original work that earned Michon the "Prix Louis Guilloux" award. This comes as no surprise to those familiar with Michon's work, given the author's consistent history of literary excellence and impressive resume of prizes and awards for his novels, short stories, and essays. Highly recommended!


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

An Opening for Murder
Nageeba Davis
Berkley Prime Crime
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
0425184935 $22.95 1-800-847-5515

An Opening for Murder is the second Maggie Kean mystery and returns the character of the spunky artist/sleuth to new audiences. Here Maggie's involvement with a homicide detective brings new romance, while her professional life is enhanced by a showing of her art until a body is discovered at the opening, burned in the studio's kiln. Suddenly Maggie's back in the middle of a murder mystery in this compelling mystery.

Artifact
D. Grant Geddes
St. Crispin's Press
244 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
0971063206 $25.95 1-212-561-0797

Grant Geddes' Artifact: A Peter Grant Mystery is an intriguing tale following the sophisticated and urbane art sleuth Peter Grant, a man who becomes entangled in the politics and underground of Venice when he is summoned to track down a stolen masterpiece. A thoughtfully constructed, highly satisfying tale of intrigue, deceit, theft and murder, Artifact is enthusiastically recommended reading for anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. The first in a planned series of Peter Grant mysteries, Artifact will leave mystery buffs eagerly looking forward to another encounter with this urban and witty New Yorker.

Funny Money
James Swain
Atria Books
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0743436865 $24.00 1-800-456-6798

Funny Money by James Swain is the latest in a series of superbly written mystery novels featuring Tony Valentine, a cop specializing in casino cheats and who has seen the so much of the shady side of humanity that he is almost ready to renounce his membership in the species. When his ex-partner dies from a car bomb, Tony Valentine takes it on himself to learn just who killed his friend and why - a follows a trail that leads through $6 million dollar blackjack scams, double and triple crosses, and the dank streets of Atlantic City. Funny Money is enthusiastically recommended as a zesty, razor-edge mystery.


The Cookbook Shelf

Dining In The Smoky Mountain Mist
Junior League of Knoxville
FRP Books
2451 Atrium Way, Nashville, TN 37214
0960817425 $21.95 www.frpbooks.com

Beautifully illustrated with soft, pastel photography, Dining In The Smoky Mountain Mist offers a culinary wealth of recipes. The sections comprising this highly recommended cookbook compilation are: Tints of Spring (appetizers, breads, brunch); Shades of Summer (salads, side dishes); Harvest Hues (Entrees, Soups, Tailgating); Tones of Winter (beverages, desserts); Napkins, Knives & Knoxville (restaurants, celebrities). From Sour Cream Rolls; Cold Salmon Mousse with Cucumber Sauce; Boursin-Stuffed Chicken Breasts; and Sherried Crab Bisque; to Cajun Seafood Carbonara; Baked Brie with Elephant Garlic; Buttermilk Pie; Black Bean Soup; and Sesame Lace Cookie Bowls, Dining In The Smoky Mountain Mist is a truly elegant and highly recommended addition to any kitchen cookbook collection.

Spice And Herb Bible
Ian Hemphill
Robert Rose/Firefly Books
PO Box 61109, Denver, CO 80206
0778800474 $22.95 1-800-387-5085

Cooks use spices and herbs to enhance flavors and create new ones: Spice And Herb Bible provides a reference and a history, describing a range of global herbs and spices that can be used in modern kitchens. The a-z reference allows for quick, easy look-up of ingredients. While an index of herb and spice sources would have helped those without a shop at hand, this reference still packs in essential details and is worthy of any home library.

A Month Of Sundaes
Michael Turback
Red Rock Press
459 Columbus Ave., #114, NY, NY 10024
0966957385 $19.95 redrockpress.com

Enhanced with 150 ice cream sundae related recipes ranging from Royal George Sundae to Chocolate Jalapeno Sundae, A Month Of Sundaes also offers the answer to one of oldest questions to ever arise from the soda fountain generation -- who invented the ice cream sundae? Author Michael Turback has laced this wonderful combination of history and recipes with the folklore, mythology, and nostalgia associated with this memorable leisure time concoction. Making a great sundae is almost as much fun as eating one! If you've ever enjoyed this great American ice cream dessert, then you'll want to read Michael Turback's A Month Of Sundaes!

Let Tomatoes Save Your Life
John Tissot
Kroshka Books
c/o Nova Science Publishers
227 Main St, #100, Huntington, NY 11743
1560724994 $15.95 1-631-424-6682

Let Tomatoes Save Your Life is a specialized cookbook simply filled with dozens of low-fat, easy to prepare recipes dependent upon the use of the tomato. Exhorting the value of a food that recent research has shown to help prevent prostate cancer, due to the presence of an anti-oxidant called "lycopene", Let Tomatoes Save Your Life offers delicious ways to include more of this healthy food in one's diet. From Tomato and Pineapple Salad; Mushroom Pie; and Portuguese Soup; to Chicken in Red Wine; Cajun Casserole; and Stewed Tomatoes with a Bread Crust, Let Tomatoes Save Your Life is a perfect 67-page compendium recommended for any kitchen cookbook collection.

Incredible Edible Gluten-Free Food For Kids
Sheri L. Sanderson
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
1890627283 $18.95 1-800-843-7323

In Incredible Edible Gluten-Free Food For Kids, Sheri L. Sanderson (mother of three children, including one with gluten sensitivities and autism) showcases 150 delicious, nutritious, highly recommended recipes ideal for families who must be considerate of the needs for family members, especially children, to have a gluten free diet. In addition to a wealth of recipes ranging from such simple fare as Garlic Toast, to more substantial fare such as Pork Chops with Herb Gravy, Incredible Edible Gluten-Free Food For Kids is also enhanced for the gluten-conscious family chef with an overview of celiac disease, advice about managing meals eaten away from home, entertaining and party tips, trouble-shooting for baking projects, metric and temperature conversion tables, and a resource section listing gluten-free suppliers, manufacturers, and support groups.

The Classic Zucchini Cookbook
Andrea Chesman
Storey Books
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
1580174531 $14.95 storeybooks.com

Just in time for the annual garden squash harvests, Andrea Chesman's The Classic Zucchini Cookbook: 225 Recipes For All Kinds Of Squash offers a comprehensive and broad based collection of recipes for this classic of seasonal American garden produce: the zucchini. Here is an enthusiastically recommended multi-cultural cookbook compendium whose recipes range from Mexican Rice, Zucchini, and Chicken Salad; Fettuccine with Zucchini; and Baked Sole with Zucchini; to Ground Beef and Zucchini Italian Casserole; Zucchini Custard Pudding; and Chocolate Zucchini Bread. If you raise zucchini in your backyard garden (or have friends, relatives, or co-workers who do!), then add The Classic Zucchini Cookbook to your kitchen cookbook collection!

Joe Brown's Melange Cafe Cookbook
Joe Brown
Small Potatoes Press
1106 Stokes Avnue, Collingswoood NJ 08108
www.smallpotatoespress.com
0966120078 $14.95 1-856-869-5207

Joe Brown is the owner and chef of the Melange Cafe in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Joe Brown's Melange Cafe Cookbook is his debut effort to present his imaginative and inventive Louisiana-Italian cuisine to the American public at large. Comprised of more than one hundred recipes, Brown features easy-to-follow recipes that reflect his own casual and adventurous approach to cooking. From Curried Coconut Shrimp; Salmon and Caviar New Potatoes; Breaux Bridge Crawfish Etouffee; and Okra Soup; to Veal Franchaise with Crabmeat; Pan Crusted Salmon over Wilted Spinach with Honey Balsamic Reduction; Sweet Potato Chocolate Ravioli with Pecan Bourbon Sauce; and Chocolate Grand Marnier Cheesecake, Joe Brown's Melange Cafe Cookbook will prove an instant, "kitchen cook" favorite.

Sugar Bust For Life!
Ellen C. Brennan & Theodore M. Breenan
Shamrock Publishing Inc.
PO Box 15439, New Orleans, LA 70175
0966351908 $14.95 1-504-897-6770

Collaboratively compiled by Ellen and Theodore Breenan, Sugar Bust for Life!: Cookbook And Companion Guide is a collection specifically for those concerned with weight loss, energy levels, diabetes and cholesterol control, and wanting an easy, healthful, culinary lifestyle. From Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup; Shrimp Stuffed Artichoke Vinaigrette; Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya; and Dijon Mustard Coated Sirloin Steak; to Pistachio Parmesan Sauce; Lemon Broiled Red Snapper; Barbecue Oven Smoked Brisket; and Maude's Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie, Sugar Bust For Life! features more than 400 recipes, menus, a Red Wine List, Brand Names, and more. Also very highly recommended is the companion cookbook by Ellen and Theodore Breenan, Sugar Bust For Life! With The Brennan's: Part II (0966351924, $14.95) offering an additional 300 recipes, easy one-dish meals, an updated shopper's Brand Name Guide, and more.

Foods Of The Maya
Nancy Gerlach & Jeffrey Gerlach
University of New Mexico Press
1720 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 871311591
0826328768 $13.95 1-800-249-7737

Foods Of The Maya is a highly recommended sampler of Yucatan cuisine that will intrigue any who enjoy regional cookbooks. Foods Of The Maya focuses on local versions of Mayan cooking, from Garlic Pork with Rice and Black Beans to an orange juice/allspice seasoned Motul Chicken. No photos, but the recipes don't need them.

Vegan Deli
Joanne Stepaniak
The Book Publishing Company
PO Box 99, Summertown, TN 38483
1570671095 $15.95 1-800-695-2241

Joanne Stepaniak is an established vegan authority and an renowned recipe innovator who showcases a serious of impressive, delicious vegan recipes in Vegan Deli: Wholesome Ethnic Fast Food. From Carrot Salad with Caraway Seeds; Boneless Chickenless Chicken Salad; Tunisian Potato Salad; and Black Bean Hummus; to Moroccan Chick-Pea Soup; Scrambled Tofu and Onion; Lentils with Noodles; and Freestyle Fruit Salad, Vegan Deli recipes are quick, easy, delicious, nutritious, and will please the palate and satisfy the appetites of everyone at the dining table from the strictest of vegans to the most carnivorous of family members or guests.

Three Rivers Renaissance Cookbook
Child Health Association of Sewickley
1108 Ohio River Boulevard, Sewickley, PA 15143
0960763430 $19.95 1-800-732-0999

The fourth volume in a series of non-profit fund-raiser cookbooks produced under the auspices of the Child health Association of Sewickley (CHAOS), Three Rivers Renaissance Cookbook blends traditional and multicultural dishes drawn from the diverse culinary traditions of the Pittsburgh region. From Shrimp Soup with Crisp Tortilla Strips; Jagr's Czech Beef Rolls; and Herbed Roast Pork Loin with Mustard Sauce; to Linguini with Clams and Sun Dried Tomatoes; Zucchini Fritters; and French Apple Tart, Three Rivers Renaissance Cookbook entrees are updated and seasonally flavorful ingredients for dishes that are as accessible as any novice kitchen cook could want, and as sophisticated as any gourmet chef could desire.

The What's-For-Dinner Cookbook
Kathleen Botta & Claire Mendonca
Cumberland House Publishing
431 Harding Industrial Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
1581822790 $18.95 1-888-439-2665

The What's-For-Dinner Cookbook is a superbly presented, highly recommended kitchen planner specifically designed by Kathleen Botta and Claire Mendonca to be a "user friendly" organizers for the kitchen so that busy cooks can plan meals a week at a time, organize shopping so that the ingredients needed for every meal is available at the right time, and to have a more economically, nutritionally, and seasonally advantageous dining experience for the family. A wonderful compendium of recipes ranging from Tuna-Water Chestnut Casserole; Armenian Shish Kebabs; and Garlic Prawns; to Beefy Onion Pie; Spicy and Sweet Pork Chips; and Korean Stew, The What's-For-Dinner Cookbook is additionally enhanced with time-saving tips and seasonal menus at a glance.

Festa del Giardino
Sally Maraventano
Forum Italicum/Center for Italian Studies
State Univ. of New York at Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3358
1893127990 $20.00 1-516-632-7444

Sally Maraventano drew from her own Italian family history to showcase 125 delicious and healthy recipes for Festa del Giardino: A Harvest Of Recipes And Family Memories. All of these recipes are prepared without animal fats and are arranged in a classic Italian menu format, including antipasti, first course, main course, side dishes, and desserts. From Insalata Mista (Mixed Green Salad with Oil and Vinegar Dressing); to Pappardelle con Salsa alle Verdure (Wide Ribbon Pasta with Hearty Vegetable Sauce); to Pizza alle Melanzane (Spicy Eggplant Pizza); to Polenta alla Pizzaiola (Cornmeal Squares with Spicy Tomato Sauce), these are truly wonderful, "kitchen friendly" dishes that would grace any table and satisfy any appetite.

The Pea & Lentil Cookbook
Randall Duckworth, editor
USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council
2780 West Pullman Road, Moscow, ID 83843-4024
0970043600 $24.95 www.pea-lentil.com

Enhanced with beautiful full-color photography, The Pea & Lentil Cookbook: From Everyday To Gourmet, features more than 150 easy-to-prepare recipes suitable for appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, breads, desserts -- based on the inexpensive, nutritious pea and/or lentil. From Turkey, Rotini, and Split Pea Salad; Red Lentil Soup; Lentils-and-Cheese Stuffed Pasta; and Bountiful Burgers; to Spanish Style Chickpeas and Pasta; Split Pea Gratin; Lentil and Chocolate Chip Cookies; and Lemony Chickpea Cake, The Pea & Lentil Cookbook will prove to be a welcome and much appreciated addition to any family cookbook collection!

Icebox Pies
Lauren Chattman
Harvard Common Press
535 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
1558322132 $16.95 1-888-657-3755

Just in time for the summer season of family gatherings and backyard barbecues comes Lauren Chattman's Icebox Pies: 100 Scrumptious Recipes For No-Bake No-Fail Pies. From Coconut Cream Pie; Toasted Almond Semifreddo Pie; Rocky Road Pie; and Frozen Milky Way Pie; to Mango and Coconut Ice Cream Pie; Coffee Health Bar Ice Cream Pie; Blueberry Icebox Pie; and Chocolate-Almond Icebox Pie; these are desserts that would be the perfect topper for any warm weather dining experience, indoors or out! If you are looking for a special dessert for a special occasion, or just some extraordinary toppers to daily family dining, then check out Lauren Chattman's Icebox Pies!

Fiesta Mexicali
Kelley Coffeen
Northland Publishing
PO Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002
0873588053 $14.95 1-800-346-3257

Fiesta Mexicali showcases fresh ideas and inventive recipes with an emphasis on light and healthy eating with a very special Mexican-American zest and flavor. From Margarita Rumba; Machaca Mini-Chimichangas; and Incredible Green Chile Stew; to Grilled Carne Asada Tortas with Caramelized Onions; Baja Tacos with Chipotle Ranch Dressing; and Firebreathing Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers, Fiesta Mexicali offers highly recommended dishes that would please even the most fervent Mexican cuisine enthusiasts. In addition to an outstanding section devoted to cocktails and fiesta meal time decorating ideas, Fiesta Mexicali is additionally enhanced with a list of resources and a "user friendly" index.

Lemon Zest
Lori Longbotham
Broadway Books
1540 Broadway, NY, NY, 10036
0767906179 $15.00 1-800-726-0600

Lemon Zest: More Than 175 Recipes With A Twist is the penultimate lemon lover's cookbook offering mouthwateringly delicious recipes suitable for every meal, and every course of every meal. There's Lemongrass Lemonade for those family friendly summer picnics, as well as homemade Lemon Vodka for those special occasions when the kids are asleep! From Black Olives with Lemon and Hot Red Pepper; Lemon-and-Coriander-Cured Salmon; Asparagus with Luscious Lemon Sauce; and Grilled Eggplant with Lemon and Mint; to Chicken with Lemon, Cumin, and Mint; Lemon-Caramel Ice Cream; Moroccan-Style Lemon, Red Onion, and Parsley Salsa; and Steamed Mussels with Lemon, Cream, and Parsley, Lemon Zest will prove itself to be a popular addition to any lemon loving kitchen cook's recipe reference collection.


The Women's Studies Shelf

Women Who Could... And Did
Karma Kitaj, Ph.D.
Huckle Hill Press
PO Box 67273, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
0971595720 $16.95 hucklehillpress.com

Karma Kitaj's Women Who Could...And Did showcases the lives of 26 great and accomplished women through illustrative interviews, anecdotes, and vignettes. In these tales of successful lives, readers can find insight on how they too can doggedly pursue a favorite career, blend responsibilities of work and family, and find contentment at an advanced age. A superb collection of role models for women readers of all ages, Women Who Could...And Did is an enthusiastically recommended addition to Women's Studies, Career Development, and Women's Biography supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.

From Catharine Beecher To Martha Stewart
Sarah A. Leavitt
University of North Carolina Press
Box 2288, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2288
0807853712 $18.95 uncpress.unc.edu

From Catharine Beecher To Martha Stewart: A Cultural History Of Domestic Advice by historian Sara A. Leavitt is a thoughtful and informative overview of the history of domestic advice, gleaned from research into hundreds of manuals written throughout the past 150 years. Cultural themes, the broad appeal of domestic advice across the decades in spite of radical changes in women's rights and roles in America, and the connection between women's homes, and the world outsides the home, mark From Catharine Beecher To Martha Stewart as a fascinating, accessible, insightful, scholarly treatise. Especially recommended for personal and Women's Studies supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections, From Catharine Beecher To Martha Stewart is also available in hardcover (0807827029, $49.95).

Self-Made Millionaires Women Entrepreneurs 2002
Lausanne C. Lee
LotusQuest Publishing
PO Box 6161, Denver, CO 80206
0971763208 $19.00 1-303-780-0005

Lausanne C. Lee's Self-Made Millionaires Women Entrepreneurs 2002: 23 Empowering Interviews Of Courage And Success is comprised of an impressive selection of interviews with outstanding female entrepreneurs who have made their mark of success in today's cutthroat, male-dominated business world. Advice, anecdotes, and inspiration abound in this highly recommended motivational book which is especially written for and recommended to young women entering the business field and seeking to make their fortune.

Elderwoman
Marian Van Eyk McCain
Findhorn Press
c/o Lantern Books
One Union Square West, Suite 201, New York, NY 10003
1899171290 $15.95 findhornpress.com

Elderwoman: Reap The Wisdom, Feel The Power, Embrace The Joy by transpersonal psychotherapist and health educator Marian Van Eyk McCain is a "reader friendly" guide to enjoying the years beyond menopause, a time that more women than ever before in human history will be fortunate to see with the longer life expectancies of the modern era. Embracing a woman's relationship to the elements of earth, air, fire, and water, individual chapters cover spiritual matters of learning to enjoy the good things in life, having the courage to speak out in personal and political matters, cherishing one's body and soul, and a great deal much more. A powerful and uplifting message of strength, balance, and love, Elderwoman is strongly recommended for personal self-help reading lists and Women's Studies reference collections.


The Library Video/DVD Shelf

Hot Potatoes
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
VHS $TBA 1-800-543-3764

Before the advent of the Great Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s which killed hundreds of thousands, compelled hundreds of thousands of others to immigrate, and effectively destroyed the social fabric of Ireland for decades to come, scientists had little appreciation for the destructive power of microscopic pathogens. The science of plant pathology had it origin when researchers tried to understand and conquer the blight that had wiped out potato crops throughout Europe. More than 150 years later, potato late blight is still an immense global threat to human life and cultural stability. Potatoes have gradually become one of the world's three most important sources of nutrition, especially in developing nations. But the failure to heed the warnings of American plant geneticist Dr. John Niederhauser (who predicted in the 1950s that blight may become resistant to many chemicals available) is having dire consequences at the beginning of 21st century. Hot Potatoes tells the story of Neiderhauser's work. Along with Don McMoran, a third-generation potato farmer in Washington State who speaks with painful honesty about the expense and uncertainty of using chemical sprays, and Rebecca Nelson, winner of a MacArthur "genius grant" and a tireless resource for thousands of peasant farmers battling blight in the Peruvian Andes, birthplace of the potato. Hot Potatoes is a highly recommended addition to both school and community library video collections.

Let Freedom Ring
MPI Home Video
16101 South 108th Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60467
DVD3540 $19.98 1-800-777-2223

Let Freedom Ring is a CBS News chronological, 150 minute, documentary that highlights outstanding acts of patriotism in American history ranging from World War I through the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Vignettes, soul-stirring songs, and quintessential footage, including President George W. Bush's September 20 speech in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks, mark this powerful DVD presentation. Highly recommended for both school and community library collections, Let Freedom Ring is also available in a video cassette format (MP3540, $14.98, 70 minutes).

Crime Prevention Resources
33 North Central Avenue, Suite 219, Medford, OR 97501
1-800-867-0016 www.crimeprevent.com

We live in an age of sexual predators who target children. It is no longer enough to tell children not to talk to strangers or to depend on living in a "nice neighborhood" when the Internet is a common hunting ground where criminals and the perpetrators of evil can be brought into our lives from across the city or across the country. Crime Prevention Resources has produced a two outstanding videos that are dedicated to learning what can be done to protect ourselves and our children from Internet-based assaults on our property, our identity, and our families. Internet Safety For Parents (V0203, $59.00) is an informative, twenty-minute presentation that exposes the potential dangers of the Internet and how parents can help to keep their children safe from harm. Internet Safety For Kids! (V0202, $59.00) has young viewers following Katie, Eric, and Lillian on a school project that teaches proper Internet safety while exploring what the Internet has to offer -- both good and ill. Every school and community library should have this important and potentially life-saving video set in their collection.

Modern And Contemporary Art Of The Dominican Republic
Candee Productions, Inc.
411 Video Information (publicity)
6964 East Red Bird Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
VHS $29.95 1-800-9850-2305

Modern And Contemporary Art Of The Dominican Republic is a superbly produced and presented thirty-minute video that offers the viewer an informative survey and commentary on a body of art that reflects the diverse social, political, and artistic culture of the Dominican Republic. Highly recommended viewing by art lovers, history buffs, and students of Dominican cultural history, Modern And Contemporary Art Of The Dominican Republic is a welcome addition to any school or community Art History reference collection or International Studies video library.

The Erie Canal
Jonathan Edwards
Media Artists Inc.
4673 Brickyard Falls Road, Manlius,NY 13104
VHS/DVD $29.95 1-800-810-5458

One of the award-winning television series, "Cruising America's Waterways", The Erie Canal: Albany To Buffalo is an outstandingly informative and entertaining video that introduces America's most famous and historically important canal systems that was opened in 1825 and is still active and replete with cultural and scenic opportunities. Viewers will learn about the canal's mechanical structures, see what it is like to travel on a hired boat, survey charming canal side communities and tourist attractions, and more. Also highly recommended is the companion book, Cruising America's Waterways: The Erie Canal (0970888600, $39.95) which is replete with 225 historic and contemporary photographs and the entire canal system comprising the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca.

Discover Seiffen
Betsy Hills Bush, producer
Nutcracker Land Productions
411 Video Information (publicity)
PO Box 348 H, Scarsdale, NY 10583
www.germannutcrackers.com
VHS 0971223602 $19.95

Produced by German-speaking journalist and former public broadcaster Betsy Hills Bush, Discover Seiffen: Germany's Christmas Village is a twenty-eight minute, full color excursion of the enchanting fairytale town of Seiffen, a Christmas card land of breathtaking beauty, wonder and magic. This remarkable German village is in the Erzgebirge Mountains and before German unification in 1989 was hidden away on the border of the former Eastern Block is where those famous nutcrackers in the form of incense-burning pipe-smoking figures, and candle lit carousels so closely associated with Christmas celebrations and festivities, had their origin. Beautifully photographed, Discover Seiffen is a unique and highly recommended travelogue documentary where viewers will see how Noah's Ark animals are crafted on an historic water-powered lathe, visit the Erzgebirge peoples workshops and home, and so much more.


The Geneaology Shelf

Evidence!
Elizabeth Shown Mills
Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.
1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202-3897
0806315431 $16.95 1-800-296-6687

Evidence! Citation & Analysis For The Family Historian by experienced genealogist Elizabeth Shown Mills is a very useful and "user friendly" guide specifically written for family history researchers and genealogists regardless of their experience levels. Evidence! is about the proper form, presentation, and documentation of source citations and drawing sound conclusions from often limited evidence. An absolute "must-read" for anyone devoted to putting together a genealogical history, Evidence! is an essential, core title for personal, professional, academic, genealogical, and community library reference collections.


The Nautical Shelf

Ready For Sea!
Tor Pinney
Sheridan House
145 Palisade St., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
1574091441 $23.95 sheridanhouse.com

Tor Pinney's Ready For Sea! is a practical, thorough, "user friendly" guide to outfitting a cruising sailboat and preparing oneself for the joy of extended sail journeys, or living abroad on a cruise. Individual chapters address safety on the waves; every part of a sailboat from sails to galley; mechanical considerations; and much more. Enhanced with illustrations by Bruce Bingham, Ready For Sea! is a "must-read" for anyone seriously planning a sailing voyage, whether it be a simple day-trip excursion or an around the world adventure.


The Library CD Music Shelf

Baroque Favorites
Musical Heritage Society
1710 Highway 35, Oakhurst, NJ 07755
516572 $12.99 musicalheritage.com

Most devotees of classical music are familiar with Pachelbel's Canon in D Minor. What they might not know is that it was the Musical Heritage Society that helped this relatively unknown Baroque era composer to come to the attention of the listing public during the Baroque revival of the late 1960s and throughout the decade of the 1970s. A signature piece of the newly released Baroque Favorites, Pachelbel's classic is again a seminal feature, but is accompanied by other equally worthy and superbly performed examples of Baroque composers including: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel); Sinfonia; Air; Radinerie (Bach); Sarabande (Handel-Leppard); Rondeau (Purcell); Adagio (Albioni-Giazotto); Allegro, Andante; Largo (Vivaldi); Rondaeau (Mouret); Introduction (Marc Antoine Charpentier-Leppard); Adagio (Allesandro Marcello); and The Prince of Denmark's March (Clarke). Highly recommended for personal and community library CD music collections, all of these outstanding pieces comprising Baroque Favorites are ably performed and flawlessly recorded. Total Time 50:28.

Through The Great Smoky Mountains
Nicholas Gunn
Anagram Records
c/o The Creative Service Company
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
AR 14010 $16.98 anagramrecords.com

Nicholas Gunn is a classically trained and superbly talented flutist, keyboardist, and percussionist. In Through The Great Smoky Mountains, Gunn draws upon his native ability and obvious talent to musically conjure and reflect the spectacular scenery and breath-taking beauty of the Appalachian mountain range that straddles the boarder of Tennessee and North Carolina. The memorable and enthusiastically recommended selections comprising Through The Great Smoky Mountains include: Call of the Wild; The Highest Point; Cade's Cove; Chieftan's Song; The Place Of Blue Smoke; Azalea Sunrise; Trail of Tears; Awakening; Ramsey Cascades; Passage Through Ancient Relics; and Dance of Light.

Bahamian Ballads
Andre Tussaint
Naxos World
Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
416 Mary Lindsay Polk Drive, Suite 509, Franklin, TN 37067
#76029-2 $7.99 1-877-629-6723

Bahamian Ballads showcases the work and performance skills of Haitian emigre Andre Toussaint whose repertoire of songs in French and Spanish enjoyed considerable acclaim in his adopted island of Nassau. This distinctive calypso beat originated in Trinidad and quickly spread through the popular music culture throughout the Caribbean islands, including the Bahamas. Several of the twenty-two songs comprising Bahamian Ballads are Andre Toussaint's highly recommended original compositions, while others feature his impressive personal arrangements of traditional tunes. Included are Island Woman (2:36); Gondolier (2:40); Est Es Felicidad (2:14); Complaini D'Amour (2:29); Calypso Island (2:07); Little Nassau-Bahama Mama (3:48); School of Cha Cha Cha (1:56); C'est Si Bon (2:48); Perfida (2:37); Bambino (2:26); J'attendrai (1:38); Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma (3:57); Watermelon Spoilin (2:44); Jusque Bout Du Monde' (3:07); Come Closer To Me (2:43); Hold 'm Joe (1:26); El Reloj (2:19); Mi Yiddishe Mama (2:41); Nadie Me Ama (2:54); Marisa (1:58); Ciao Ciao Bambino (1:49); Granada (2:50). Total Time: 50:37.

An American Garden
Dave Tofani
SoloWinds
Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
PO Box 303, Washington, NJ 07882
SW 1701 $15.99 www.solowinds.com

Saxophonist and composer Dave Tofani's An American Garden showcases original jazz compositions and performances. Flawlessly recorded and enthusiastically recommended for serious jazz fans and collectors, An American Garden comprises: New York At Night (3:23); Quintetto di Flauti (4:29); High Mowing Orchestral Suite (9:14); Elizabeth's Journey (4:04); Rough Ride (5:40); Liberte (6:17); and the title piece, An American Garden (5:39).

Portals Of Grace
Azam Ali
Narada Productions, Inc.
Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
4650 North Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI 53212
724381259221 $16.98 1-800-966-3699

Portals Of Grace introduces a rich vocal ability by an impressive performing artist who is able to utilize her voice to create unforgettable impressive works that involve an intricate, melodic, and occasionally unexpected intricacies of expression that make for an engagingly exotic and richly atmospheric listening experience. Enthusiastically recommended for anyone with an interest in the unusual and multicultural, Portals Of Grace offers an eclectic and totally engaging compilation of French, Latin, Arabic, Judeo-Spanish, and Galician songs, blended with mesmerizing instrumentals from Brittany and Sweden.

Oru: The Natural Order
Gary Stroutos
Paras Recordings
826 South Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502
PRC 1123 $16.98 1-818-848-6300

Oru: The Natural Order is a masterwork of cultural ethnomusicology and the result of an impressive collaborative effort by renowned flutists Gary Stroutsos and Danilo Lozano. Showcasing a heritage of Yoruba music (each of the eight racks comprising Oru: The Natural Order is named after a Yoruba deity) positioned to reflect a progressive natural order inherent in the heart of the Yoruba and Afro-Cuban cosmology. An enthusiastically recommended addition to any Caribbean or Cuban enthomusic collection, Oru: The Natural Order includes: Eleggua (4:26); Ogun (3:39); Babalu Aye (6:12); Ochun (6:43); Yemaya (7:38); Chango (7:39); Oya (6:00); and the solo flute piece Eleggua (5:34).

Spirit Rain
Bill Miller
Paras Recordings
826 South Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502
PRC 1126 $16.98 1-818-848-6300

Singer and songwriter Bill Miller is a Mohican from northern Wisconsin and an award-winning recording artist in Native American music. Spirit Rain displays and documents his considerably and impressive talents as performer in this superbly produced and recorded selection which blends fourteen songs and instrumentals. A very highly recommended addition to any Native American music collection, Spirit Rain showcases: Approaching Thunder (2:03); You are the Rain (5:32); Rain Down Your Love (4:13); Never Too Far (4:06); Red Sky Red Heart (3:43); Face the Blues (3:58); I Believe (3:34); Love Sustained (3:17); Sun Dog (4:21); Prayers for the Truth (3:12); 1st Dream (2:47); The Promise (3:04); Little Brother (3:29); and Underneath the Blue Sky (3:32).

Still Swingin'
The Mike Longo Trio
Consolidated Artist Productions
Creative Service Company (publicity)
290 Riverside Dr., #11-D, NY, NY 10025
CAP 959 $18.98 www.jazzbeat.com

Still Swingin' from The Mike Longo Trio and featuring the musical magic of bassist Ben Brown and drummer Ray Mosca, showcases jazz -- arguably the most important and original contribution America has made to the history of music. A strongly recommended addition to any jazz enthusiast's personal collection, Still Swingin' lives up to the highest standards of jazz recorded performance and is comprised of All Or Nothing At All (6:41); How High The Moon (7:34); Trane's Blues (6:54); It Never Entered My Mind (6:14); Oleo (3:09); Wildflower (6:07); I Didn't Know What Time It Was (5:03); The Night Is Love (4:31); Without A Song (6:47); From This Moment On (3:00); Bones (7:00); and Savannah Calling (6:03). Total Time: 69:03.

Stepmother City
Sainkho Namtchylak
World Village/Ponderosa Music
c/o Rock Paper Scissors
5340 Old State Road 37 S., Suite B, Bloomington, IN 47401
CD003 $TBA www.ponderosa.it

Stepmother City showcases the uncommon talents of Sainkho Namtchylak, a female vocalist expert in Tuvan throatsinging, experimental jazz, classical music, electronica, and Buddhism. Drawing upon her skills in overtone singing, her knowledge of Siberian folklore, shamanistic ritual, and Russian folklore, Sainkho juxtaposes the traditional styles of her Tuvan ancestors with a Western avant-garde in the creation of astonishing diverse and powerfully memorable pieces. Stepmother City will admirable introduce a unique and unforgettable talent to an appreciative American audience and is comprised of an Introduction (1:45); Dance of Eagle (4:34); Like Transparent Shadow (5:08); Order to Survive (5:40); Let the Sunshine (3:40); Ritual Virtuality (4:24); Tuva Blues (5:37); Old Melodie (4:11); Lonely Soul (7:44); and Boomerang (8:43). Total Time: 51:43.


The Self-Help Shelf

It's Never Too Late To Be Happy!
Muriel James
Quill Driver Books
1831 Industrial Way #101, Sanger, CA 93657
1884956262 $12.95

It's Never Too Late To Be Happy!: Reparenting Yourself For Happiness by marriage and family therapist Muriel James, is a remarkably "reader friendly" and effective self-help guide to pursuing and achieving true happiness and contentment in one's life. From learning to listen to and love oneself; to scheduling and achieving realistic goals; to knowing when it is best to forgive; It's Never Too Late To Be Happy! offers a well-rounded and enthusiastically recommended approach to improving the quality of one's life regardless of personal circumstances or conditions.


The Anthropology Shelf

Aboriginal Sydney
Melinda Hinkson & Alana Harris
Aboriginal Studies Press/ISBS, dist.
5824 N.E. Hassalo Street, Portland, OR 97213-3644
0855753706 $30.00 1-800-944-6190

Illustrated with breathtaking color photographs by Alana Harris and accessibly written for non-specialist general readers by Melinda Hinkson, Aboriginal Sydney: A Guide To Important Places Of The Past And Present is an informative guide to the cultural heritage of Australia's native aboriginal population. Forty-five historic sites, and the stories behind them, are surveyed in this impressive survey which is as fascinating for the armchair traveler, as it is for on-site Australian travelers wanting to learn about and come to a more coherent understanding of Aboriginal history and its cultural legacy.

The Point Of Theory
Mieke Bal & Inge E. Boer, editors
Continuum Publishing Company
370 Lexington Avenue, NY, NY 10017
http://www.continuumbooks.com
0826414230 $29.95

Collaboratively edited by Mieke Bal (Professor of the Theory of Literature, University of Amsterdam) and Inge E. Boer (Associate Professor of Literary Studies, University of Amsterdam), The Point Of Theory: Practices Of Cultural Awareness is a compilation of scholarly, graduate-level essays by twenty-three different cultural theorists, presenting well thought-out views on such diverse aspects of human cultures as Kant and postmodern literature, what it means to be a female artist in history, Native American traditions, the Statue of Liberty's symbolic implications, and a great deal more. Overall, this original and eclectic collection strives to make the tangled mystery that is human culture more understandable. The Point Of Theory is a very highly recommended for Anthropology supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.


The Social Issues Shelf

Finding Jobs
David Card & Rebecca M. Blank, editors
Russell Sage Foundation
112 East 64th Street, NY, NY 10021
0871541165 $55.00 1-800-688-2877

Collaboratively edited by National Bureau of Economic Research associates David Card (Professor of Economics, University of California, Berkeley) and Rebecca M. Blank (Dean of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and Henry Carter Adams Collegiate Professor of Public Policy, University of Michigan), Finding Jobs: Work And Welfare Reform is a hard-hitting and documented examination of the nationally vital issue of how "welfare-to-work" transitional programs have affected both individual families and the nation at large. A carefully descriptive and scholarly assessed inquiry of the low-skill labor market in changing economic climates, including a projected climate of recession, Finding Jobs gives the good, the bad, and the ugly facts about welfare reform. Touting earned income tax credits, scrutinizing the costs of changing the welfare system, and written with the goal of finding ways to lower overall poverty, Finding Jobs is a highly recommended social and economic treatise, and essential reading for policy makers, social issue activists, and academia concerned with the American economy in general, and the impact of contemporary welfare reforms in particular.

Handbook Of Disability Studies
Gary L. Albrecht, editor
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks CA 91320
0761916520 $89.95 www.sagepub.com

Handbook Of Disability Studies by Gary L. Albrecht (Professor of Public Health and of Disability & Human Development, University of Chicago, Illinois) is an informed and informative survey of the growing and evolving field of disability studies. Professor Albrecht presents the reader with an accurate picture of what it's like to live with various disabilities, and then examines how this critically important social issue has been regarded in the past, as well as its somewhat uncharted future. Handbook Of Disability Studies is very highly recommended reading for anyone interested in learning more about disabilities, how they affect life, and how the disabled adapt to their circumstances and conditions.

Secret Trials And Executions
Barbara Olshansky
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York, NY 10013
1583225374 $6.95 sevenstories.com

Secret Trials And Executions: Military Tribunals And The Threat To Democracy by Barbara Olshansky (Assistant Legal Director, Center for Constitutional Rights) is a serious-minded and somewhat startling examination of the Bush administration's "Military Order" in the wake of the September 11th attacks. According to Secret Trials and Executions, this executive order and its call for secret trial proceedings in which charges, evidence, and verdicts never need be revealed to the public is a dangerous transition toward a form of totalitarian government which can tyrannize the American people at will. An eye-opening, sober, and very realistic of the dangerous path down which American justice is heading, Secret Trials And Executions is highly recommended reading for students of Political Science, Judicial Studies, and most especially, civil liberties activists.

Just Married
Kevin Bourassa & Joe Varnell
The University of Wisconsin Press
1930 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711
0299178803 $26.95 1-800-621-2736

Collaboratively written by Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell, Just Married: Gay Marriage And The Expansion Of Human Rights is an informed and informative analysis of a ground breaking event in culture and society -- the expansion of the concept of matrimony to include same sex couples. When the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto issued marriage licenses to and married two same-sex couples in January of 2001, it offered a revolutionary precedent in human rights and the power of the state to dictate who may and may not marry. Challenges to the same-sex marriage are expected to proceed to the Supreme Court of Canada, and the result could well change human history. An amazing study of political struggles, featuring an inset section of color photographs and a witty eye for detail, Just Married is a solid and eminently readable addition to Gay and Lesbian Studies supplemental reading lists and reference collections.

The U.S. Organ Procurement System
David L. Kaserman & A. H. Barnett
The AEI Press
c/o Publisher Resources, Inc.
Box 7001, La Vergne, TN 37086-7001
084474171X $20.00 www.aci.org

Collaboratively written by David L. Kaserman (Torchmark Professor and Chairman of the Department of Economics, Auburn University) and A. H. Barnett (Professor and Chairman of the Department of Economics, International Studies, and Public Administration, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates), The U.S. Organ Procurement System: A Prescription For Reform is a close and compelling look at the problems in America's current policies regarding the distribution of human organs for transplants. Extensive surveys, facts, research, and mathematical analysis of data and trends point to a very clear picture: the system as is (which relies on human altruism alone to provide needed organs), suffers from an extreme and severe shortage that would not exist if every possible donor and family were registered. The results arising from current policies are waiting lists, suffering, and death among those who need transplants the most. A wide variety of alternatives, and changes to the current system are discussed at great and detailed length, including the offering health insurance discounts to those who agree to donate their organs. A sober and thought-provoking book on a hotly-debated and emotionally charged topic, The U.S. Organ Procurement System is strongly recommended reading for health reform activists, as well as governmental and health industry policy makers.

The Crisis In America's Nursing Homes
Guy Seaton
Adverbage, Ltd.
27253 Greenhyaven Road, Hayward, CA 94542
www.nursinghomecrisis.com
0954172302 $19.95

The Crisis In America's Nursing Homes: What Are We Doing Wrong? by health care professional and nursing home owner Guy Seaton is a sober, serious, informed and informative look at a severe health care crisis facing our aging nation. Written by an experienced and thoughtful author who first started working in nursing homes more than three decades ago, The Crisis In America's Nursing Homes expertly surveys the manifold shortfalls of Medicare and Medicaid, and addresses the urgent social policy question as to why things in nursing homes are in such bad shape and what can be done about it. The Crisis In America's Nursing Homes is very highly recommended reading for health care activists, nursing home reform advocates, governmental policy makers, and anyone concerned about the quality of care they or their loved ones can expect for a nursing home environment.


The Poetry Shelf

Fresco
Luljeta Lleshanaku
New Directions
80 Eighth Avenue, NY, NY 10011
0811215113 $12.95 1-212-255-0230

Ably edited and translated into English from the Albanian by Henry Israeli and others, and enhanced with an informed and informative introduction Peter Constantine, the poetry by Luljeta Lleshanaku compiled in Fresco: Selected Poetry offers a voice that is clear, strong, and remarkably apolitical for someone who whose family were brutally oppressed during decades of Albanian communist regimes. Yearly Snow: In this city the yearly snow/leaning on sparse, lonesome trees/doesn't mean a thing./It signifies nothing more/than the meandering of a veteran/leaning on a wooden crutch.//The same war story told a hundred times/the same brand of cigarette distributed by friendly hands/and those same eyes hovering, dark and lazy./Only that. And the dry rhythmic knocking/until his silhouette disappears/amidst the shadows cast down by rooftops/their melting snow dripping/in terrible slowness...

Fabulae
Joy Katz
Southern Illinois University Press
PO Box 3697, Carbondale IL 62902-3697
080932444X $12.95 1-800-346-2680

The poetry of Joy Katz blends the art of a fabulator with the art of a sculptor to create a sensual and impressive autobiographical poetry in Fabulae. Her poetry ranges from the comedic to the philosophical and weaves a linguistic delight through her remarkable and memorable use of word rhythms and imagery. The Word Wife: When the silence between them/was a new thing--a morning in a garden--/he took a pencil and sketched her feed./He matched her ankles/in crisp lines falling like wisps/of hair from a boy's first cut./The quick strokes were moths/lighting her body, the background/white, like the word wife, first light/touching the violet's hair. The new word/husband, hush of a car up the street./Pigeons swallowing their tongues beneath the eaves.

Apparition Hill
Mary Ruefle
CavanKerry Press
6 Horizon Rd, #2901, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
0967885663 $14.00 cavankerrypress.org

Apparition Hill is Mary Ruefle's seventh published collection of poetry and showcases poems completed in 1989 (some of which first appearing in such magazines as The Kenyon Review and The Michigan Quarterly Review). A masterpiece of memorable imagery and lyrical clarity, Apparition Hill continues to document Mary Ruefle as a master poet. How It Is: Things begin to burgeon. The peas go gallivanting/in their pods. That old spring prop, birdsong, wafts/through the trees, the trees with their leaves lit/like the underside of the sea. We walk deep inside/and have a picnic there. In the filtered gloss of/the forest,. pears come out of our pockets and/lunch proceeds. All this is pleasant and I will/erase it. I will erase it because the height of insanity/demands that I do. The height of insanity says we were/in a field under a festoon of clouds. The height of insanity/says I was not there. The height of insanity says/I have not had a happy life. The height of insanity/says it was snowing, insists that I say in the heaven/of February, in a porcelain snow. I will erase it./The heaven of February knows I was there, in the woods/on the twenty-second of April, eating. My hand goes/to my mouth. There is horror in my eyes. How do I know?/The martinet in a boiled shirt says it is so./Christ, I've had a happy life! But whom am I to know?


The Gaming Shelf

Rapid Chess Improvement
Michael de la Maza
Everyman Chess
c/o Globe Pequot Press, dist.
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437-0480
1857442695 $16.95 everymanbooks.com

Rapid Chess Improvement: A Study Plan For Adult Players by chess writer and expert Michael de la Maza is a very solid and straightforward guide for anyone who wants to learn tips, tricks, and techniques to swiftly improve the competitiveness of their chess game. Individual chapters address how to organize one's thoughts, what to look for when planning a move, practical tactics, and more in this truly excellent, "user friendly" guide which is enhanced with several black-and-white diagrams to clearly illustrate sample games. Rapid Chess Improvement is a highly recommended addition to any serious chess player's reference collection and reading list.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

3X3 Eyes: Blood Of The Sacred Demon
Yuzo Takada
Dark Horse Comics
10956 SE Main St., Milwaukie, OR 97222
1569717354 $13.95 www.darkhorse.com

3X3 Eyes: Blood Of The Sacred Demon is the fourth and latest graphic novel of the popular manga (Japanese comic) series by Yuzo Takada, about an immortal three-eyed demon girl who yearns to become human and the cursed, indestructible young man with whom she shares her soul. Pai has had her memory and her third eye sealed away, and she is leading a normal life blissfully unaware of who and what she really is. Yet Yakumo is determined to reawaken her, if only because the evil forces that seek to subvert her power can never be beaten back while she remains unaware. Fans of the animated version will notice significant variations in the original source comic, including a different twist ending to the pair's battle with a ruthless marionette! Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy action-adventure, as are the previous three volumes: House Of Demons, Curse Of The Gesu, and Flight Of The Demon.

The Big O: Part 2, Issue 1
Hitoshi Ariga
Viz Comics
655 Bryant St., San Francisco, CA 94107
www.viz.com $3.50 1-800-394-3042

Deftly written and superbly drawn by Hitoshi Ariga, Part 2, issue 1 (abbreviated as 2-1) of The Big O comic book series concludes the "Sisters Dorothy" saga and tells how the suave and dapper hero of a future city, where memories are heavily guarded secrets, gained the allegiance of the android Dorothy. Intrigue, double crosses, and a moody film noir atmosphere drawing style characterize this Japanese manga comic, originally created by Hajime Yatatte. This is a world in which one upstanding, strictly honorable, yet notably eccentric man walks the balance between light and dark, good and evil, in a city where every living (and most nonliving) citizens have had their memories taken and sealed away, in the wake of a past and nameless catastrophe. The Big O series is very highly recommended for fans of Japanese science fiction manga with film noir feel.

2024
Ted Rall
NBM
555 8th Avenue, #1202, NY, NY 10018
1561632791 $16.95 nbmpublishing.com

2024 portrays a very real 21st century "neopostmodern" world run by totalitarian corporations and constant trade wars. Those who engage in the paramount crime of software piracy are punished by the state, yet there is always the threat of state-sponsored downsizing and demotion, and through that -- death. Rall's stark, simplistic drawings present the age-old human drama without cluttering or getting in the way of the compelling narrative, which is both faithful to the Orwellian plot, but presenting everything within a context that may as well be the Enron/Arthur Anderson world of today. 2024 is an absolute "must-read" for postmodern deconstructionists, as well as anyone who has every enjoyed or seriously studied George Orwell's "1984".

Sheba: Volume 3, Number 2
Walter Crane
Shanda Fantasy Arts
PO Box 545, Greenbrier, Arkansas 72058
$4.99 www.shandafantasyarts.net

Sheba: Volume 3, Number 2 is the latest black-and-white issue of the adventures of a mummified, undead cat in Egyptian and world history. The complete story of Volumes 1 and 2 of this unique and original series (which pits Sheba against the cruelty of the wily and malicious god Seth) have been collected in graphic novel form; Volume 3 finds Sheba in the middle of the Napoleonic era. A rogue doctor is grinding up mummies to create a suspect medicine for Bonaparte, and the souls in the afterlife suffer for it -- while the forgotten gods of Egypt remain indifferent and self-absorbed! As Sheba inexorably becomes involved, a glimpse into her memories as Queen Cleopatra's beloved feline companion reveals a most interesting connection between her antics and the Rosetta stone. A clever and engaging series that observes the gods of all faiths with a thought-provoking perspective (and more than a touch of humor), and with a simple yet powerful artistic style that expertly tells the story in pictures as surely as with words, Sheba is a joy to read and especially recommended for cat lovers everywhere.

The Nodwick Chronicles II: Of Gods And Henchmen
Aaron Williams
Dork Storm Press
PO Box 45063, Madison, WI 53744
1930964811 $15.95 1-608-255-1348

The Nodwick Chronicles II: Of Gods And Henchmen is a side-splittingly hilarious collection of issues 7-12 of Nodwick, a comic book satire of more traditional fantasy adventure universes and games. Four intrepid individuals form a dangerous, death-defying, yet sometimes terminally confused adventuring party. Each has his or her own burning desires: Yeagar the warrior fights for booze, bloodlust, and enough gold to pay his spiraling bar tab; Artax the wizard strives to perfect his craft, though his trivia-laden thirst for knowledge; Piffany the cleric gives herself wholeheartedly to promoting goodness, niceness, happy thoughts and fluffy kitties; while Nodwick the henchman has his hands full trying to survive the physically exhausting, casually cruel, rarely malevolent, but often very deadly labors to which Artax and Yeagar put him. Piffany has her work cut out for her, endlessly reconstituting Nodwick from dismemberment, decapitation, digestion, disintegration, and much, much more. In volume two of this uproariously funny series, our unlikely protagonists become entangled in the machinations of an evil god - a god whose vile artifacts threaten to wreak unspeakably horrific fates upon two of their parallel and future selves. Is there a cursed existence worse than the perpetual death and reanimation of a minimum wage employee? Read and find out!


The Native American Shelf

Indian Basketmakers Of The Southwest
Larry Dalrymple
Museum of New Mexico Press
PO Box 2087, Santa Fe, NM 87504
0890133387 $29.95 1-800-249-7737

Indian Basketmakers Of The Southwest by Native American arts and crafts expert Larry Dalrymple is an extensive, impressive, and memorable presentation of the artfully woven baskets of numerous Southwestern tribes, including the Yavapi, Western and Jicarilla Apache, Ute, Navajo, Hopi, and others. Filled from cover to cover with both black-and-white and color photographs of finely crafted baskets, as well as the talented Native Americans who created them, Indian Basketmakers Of The Southwest offers an informative, in-depth look at the materials, process, and history of this unforgettably striking art form. Also very highly recommended for Native American handcraft enthusiasts is Larry Dalrymple's Indian Basketmakers Of California And The Great Basin ($24.95, 88 pages, 45 halftones, 45 color images, map). Very highly recommended for Native American Studies reference collections, both Indian Basketmakers Of The Southwest and Indian Basketmakers Of California And The Great Basin Are available from the Museum of New Mexico Press in a special two-volume slip-cased edition ($60.00).


The Education Shelf

Art After School
Jane Brite & Marlene Jaglinski
Community Arts Consultants, LLC
1610 North Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
096610210X $24.95 artafterschool.com

Drawn from experiences with "Hands on", an after school program, community organizations and leaders, boards of directors, a cadre of staff, interns, volunteers and artists at the Walker's Point Center for the Arts, Art After School by Jane Brite and Marlene Jaglinski is a practical guide to establishing a community program for young people to develop their artistic skills, build self-esteem, and offer a constructive and positive experience especially for at-risk kids. Based on successful experience, Art After School is packed advice for planning the program, keeping costs down, sample art activities, and much more. Enhanced with illustrations by JoAnna Poehlmann, Art After School is a superbly presented and highly recommended reading for anyone looking to create a meaningful, art-based, after-school program open to the neighborhood youth of all ages and backgrounds.

Beyond Vocational Education
David J. Pucel
Eye on Education
6 Depot Way West, Suite 106, Larchmont, NY 10538
1930556047 $29.95 eyeoneducation.com

Beyond Vocational Education: Career Majors, Tech Prep, Schools Within Schools, Magnet Schools & Academics by David J. Pucel (Professor and Coordinator of the Office of Professional Development Outreach for the Department of Work, Community, and Family Education, University of Minnesota) is a solid and practical guide to the varied and confusing options to those interested in exploring new career-oriented and technical education programs. Chapters address how to establish career majors, gaining community-based experiences for a school-to-work track, evaluating the effectiveness of one's chosen educational route, and much more. Highly recommended for anyone planning their schooling as training for a desired career, Beyond Vocational Education is a well written and solid guide.

Money-Winning Scholarship Essays and Interviews
Gen S. Tanabe & Kelly Y. Tanabe
SuperCollege, LLC
4546 B10 El Camino Real, #281, Los Altos, CA 94022
0965755614 $17.95 supercollege.com

Collaboratively assembled and expertly written by Gen S. Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe (founders of SuperCollege and a husband/wife team who has won more than $100,000.00 in merit-bases scholarships), Money-Winning Scholarship Essays And Interviews is an invaluable, "reader friendly", practical and proven collection of 30 actual winning essays that successfully earned scholarship money for college. A wealth of tips, tricks, techniques, advice, and useful strategies drawn from judges and scholarship winners fill this how-to book from cover to cover and represent an absolute "must-read" for anyone interested in competing for scholarship funds! If you or a family member must have financial assistance to pursue a university education, then make a serious reading of Money-Winning Scholarship Essays And Interviews your personal priority.


The International Studies Shelf

Technology Transfer And International Production
Jin W. Cyhn
Edward Elgar Publishing
136 West Street, Suite 202, Northampton MA 01060
1840646047 $95.00

Technology Transfer And International Production: The Development Of The Electronics Industry In Korea is a scholarly and in-depth look at Korea's road to multinational electronics production. Three main questions are the source of discussion: 1) How was Korea able to develop its technology so successfully with such a limited influx of foreign technologies and capital? 2) What is the role of multinational firms in the process of 'teaching' technology to firms of developing countries? 3) How has Korean public policy influenced its technology development? Case studies, a careful eye for business, an analysis of the inter-business arrangement called "original equipment manufacturing" and more puts together a candid picture for answering these three key questions. An erudite study of a dynamic issue, Technology Transfer And International Production is recommended for students of the Korean electronic industry and technological innovations.


The Jobs/Careers Shelf

Best Resumes And CVs For International Jobs
Ronald L. Krannich & Wendy S. Enelow
Impact Publications
9104 Manassas Drive, Suite N, Manassas Park, VA 20111
http://www.impactpublications.com
1570231834 $24.95

Best Resumes And CVs For International Jobs: Your Passport To The Global Job Market by is a very practical guide to preparing the most attractive possible resume or curriculum vitae (CV) for the international job of one's preference. From judging what to include or exclude in a resume, to the best type of language to use when composing and presenting the resume, to whether or not to include personal information, Best Resumes And CVs For International Jobs is packed with a wealth of practical and effective tips, tricks, techniques to securing a position overseas. Completely "user friendly", Best Resumes And CVs For International Jobs details what recruiters are and are not looking for, as well as providing 86 sample resumes to use as a baseline. Highly recommended for anyone in serious pursuit of an international career, Best Resumes And CVs For International Jobs is a strongly recommended addition to any personal or professional job counseling reference collection.

International Job Finder
Daniel Lauber with Kraig Rice
Planning/Communications
7215 Oak Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305
1884587100 $19.95 1-888-366-5200

Compiled and written by Daniel Lauber with the assistance of Kraig Rice, International Job Finder: Where The Jobs Are Worldwide is a straightforward presentation with all the facts and all the dirt on jobs that involving living and working abroad. Of special merit is the advice for avoiding international job scams, adapting to the host nation's culture, and safeguarding against anti-American threats. 1,200 of the most effective online and offline resources for finding international jobs on all seven continents make International Job Finder an essential and invaluable resource and reference for anyone serious about job-hunting abroad.


The Martial Arts Shelf

Martial Arts America
Bob Orlando
Frog, Ltd./North Atlantic Books
PO Box 12327, Berkeley, CA 94712
1883319676 $14.95 1-800-337-2665

Martial Arts America: A Western Approach To Eastern Arts by Bob Orlando (martial arts expert and founder of the Je-du-to School of Martial Arts, Denver Colorado) is a solid, insightful, "user friendly" presentation of how martial arts are taught in America today ranging from self-defense, to sport, to the different challenges in training male and female students, to what a black belt really means. A superbly presented background book and very highly recommended reading for anyone contemplating a martial arts program, Martial Arts America warns seekers of self-defense about what to search for and what to look out for when seeking a suitable school. If you are contemplating learning the martial arts in a formal program of instruction, begin your search with a careful reading of Bob Orlando's Martial Arts America.

Muay Thai Kickboxing
Chad Boykin
Paladin Press
7077 Winchester Circle, Boulder, CO 80301
1581603207 $45.00 1-800-392-2400

Muay Thai Kickboxing by martial arts expert and Thai boxing coach Chad Boykin provides kickboxing students and fans with a manual of clear, instructive, photos and descriptions demonstrating conditioning exercises, elbow and knee strikes, punches, clenches, kicks, blocks, and evasion techniques. Training drills enable the reader to deliver full-force strikes and movements with accuracy and confidence born of the author's years of experience and expertise. Muay Thai Kickboxing is a welcome addition to any personal, professional, or dojo reference library, but is especially recommended reading for the novice fighter seeking information on what to expect in a match and in need of authoritative advice on kickboxing styles and strategies.


The Travel Shelf

Great Minnesota Taverns
David K. Wright & Monica G. Wright
Trails Books
PO Box 317, Black Earth, WI 53515
1931599122 $18.95 1-800-236-8088

Written by the father and daughter team of David and Monica Wright, Great Minnesota Taverns is a cheerful and informative guide to historic and entertaining taverns located all over the land of 10,000 lakes. From lists of Minnesota beer festivals and events, to beer publications, tavern web sites, tavern descriptions arranged by geography, and so much more, Great Minnesota Taverns is the ideal reference for the Minnesota vacationer or local resident looking to enjoy the best tavern ambience Minnesota has to offer.

The Hungry Traveler's Companion
Trude Brinley RD, LD
Travelsharp
PO Box 1129, Libertyville, IL 60048
0971325502 $14.95 1-847-367-2621

The Hungry Traveler's Companion: Your Personal Guide To Eating Right And Living Healthier On The Road by travel expert Trude Brinley, is a pocket-sized, health-conscious, "user friendly" guide written especially for the vacationing and/or business traveler whose hectic lifestyle is cutting into his or her plans for a healthy diet. Easy-to-look-up guidelines offer basic advice on balancing one's nutritional intake, working a regular exercise regimen into a busy schedule, how to be sure of getting healthy food when dining out, and a great deal more. A first-rate, easy-to-understand and valuable book about good nutrition on the go, The Hungry Traveler's Companion will prove invaluable for any weight and diet conscious traveler needing to eat nutritiously and wisely while on the road or in the air.

50 Hikes In The Lower Hudson Valley
Stella Green & H. Neil Zimmerman
Backcountry Guides
PO Box 748, Woodstock, VT 05091
http://www.backcountrypress.com
0881505579 $16.95

Collaboratively developed and written by Stella Green and Neil Zimmerman, 50 Hikes In The Lower Hudson Valley is a practical and thoroughly enjoyable guide for hikers and nature walkers with an interest in enjoying the very best and most scenic routes in the Lower Hudson Valley area. Maps, trail descriptions, and black-and-white photographs round out this effectively put-together, "user friendly", and very highly recommended reference.


The Criminology Shelf

Demon Doctors
Kenneth V. Iserson, M.D.
Galen Press, Ltd.
PO Box 64400, Tucson, AZ 85728-4400
1883620295 $28.95 galenpress.com

Demon Doctors: Physicians As Serial Killers by Kenneth V. Iserson (Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director of the Arizona Bioethics Program, University of Arizona College of Medicine) is an informed and informative survey and study of physicians who became serial killers. Dr. Iverson addresses such critical questions as how doctors actually killed their patients, whether they share any common characteristics, and if there have been many physician-killers in history. The first volume in a planned series, Demon Doctors profiles eight of the most heinous physician mass murderers who violated the solemn oath to "do no harm" and exploited the patient-doctor relationship for their own nefarious ends. Demon Doctors is recommended for Medical History, Medical Ethics, and True Crime supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Super Searcher, Author, Scribe
Loraine Page, author; Reva Basch, editor
CyberAge Books
c/o Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055
0910965587 $24.95 www.infotoday.com

Super Searcher, Author, Scribe: Successful Writers Share Their Internet Research Secrets is an informed and informative look at the enormous impact the Internet has had on the craft of writing, especially in its offer of a quick and easy way to search out up-to-date information on almost anything - assuming the savvy researcher knows how to weed out the genuinely useful content from the hype, errors, and disinformation! Fifteen professional journalists, book authors, writing teachers, and literary researchers share their wisdom in finding what one needs to know quickly, efficiently, and effectively. The additional Super Searchers Web Page features link to nearly 300 Internet resources that have the highest recommendations. Super Searcher, Author, Scribe is enthusiastically recommended as a superbly presented, "user friendly" reference manual for anyone eager to optimally exploit the 24 hour, 7 day a week easy-access wealth of informational resources that the Internet provides.

2002 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market
Alice Pope
Writer's Digest Books
1507 Dana Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207
1582970742 $23.99 writersdigest.com

2002 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market is a very highly useful and authoritative guide for both aspiring authors and artists to getting their work published in the specialized area of children's books. From finding the best markets, to writing effectively for the age index of one's choice, to preparing professional submissions, 2002 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market is packed from cover to cover with solid wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques on how to stand out in a highly competitive field. 2002 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market is an absolutely essential reference, especially for new writers and novice artists looking to break into the children's book market.

British Wood-Engraved Book Illustration 1904-1940
Joanna Selborne
Oak Knoll Press
310 Delaware St., New Castle, DE 19720
1584560592 $59.95 1-800-996-2556

Very highly recommended and informative reading for bibliophiles and students of publishing history, British Wood-engraved Book Illustration 1904-1940: A Break With Tradition by Joanna Selborne is a simply fascinating look at a unique graphic art and an historically important aspect of publishing history -- the art and practice wood-engraved book illustration. From the variety of methods that book illustrators used to transcend older nineteenth-century practices, to detailed publishers' and print societies' archives, British Wood-engrave Book Illustration 1904-1940 presents virtually all there is to know about this striking and specialized illustrative craft over the course of the first four decades of the 20th Century.

The Nasty Little Writing Book
Madelyne Rovenhauer & D. W. St. John
Poison Vine Books
1393 Old Homestead Drive, Second floor, Oakland, Oregon 97462-9506
0965840786 $29.95 www.amazon.com

Written by literary agent Madelyne Simone Rovenhauer, with the assistance of D.W. St. John, The Nasty Little Writing Book is a very special guide to writing your own book and getting published - with a dark, satirical twist. Not all of its sometimes cynical advice is meant to be taken literally; many an aspiring or published author will savor a well-earned chuckle from the tongue-in-cheek suggestions. Parody assertions such as that publishers do not remainder books before their time, or that the author bears no responsibility for publicity, are not to be read at face value! At the same time, many insider "dirty little secrets" in the New York dominated publishing industry are exposed for all the world to see, from an expose on sentence sophistry to writing crises as a ploy. Highly recommended as leisure reading for the experienced writer looking to enjoy a good (albeit occassionally rueful) laugh, The Nasty Little Writing Book should be required reading for anyone who aspires to be a "best selling" published author from one of the major publishing houses.


The Library Science Shelf

Powerful Public Relations
Rashelle S. Karp, editor
ALA Editions
PO Box 932501, Atlanta, GA 31193-2501
0838908187 $32.00 1-866-746-7252

Powerful Public Relations: A How-To Guide For Libraries is a straightforward, "user friendly" guide to implementing a library PR program that works. From using the World Wide Web for publicity and relations, to developing multimedia programs that effectively promote library usage, to crafting brochures on a desktop computer, to planning special events, Powerful Public Relations is filled with a wealth of practical, applicable, and effective tips, tricks, and techniques to get the word out on the what a public library has to offer the community its serves and from which it must draws support and patronage!


The Political Science Shelf

Presidential Power
From The New Deal To The New Right
Herbert S. Parmet
Krieger Publishing Company
PO Box 9542, Melbourne, FL 32902-9542
www.krieger-publishing.com
0894648373 $19.95 1-800-724-9542

Presidential Power From The New Deal To The New Right by Herbert S. Parmet (Professor Emeritus of History, City University of New York) is a informed and informative political analysis of the growth of presidential power in the twentieth century, ranging from the depression-era New Deal of Franklin Roosevelt through the administration of President Bill Clinton. Views drawn directly from the White House are expertly combined with extensive research and relevant documents to make for a solidly informational presentation and inherently fascinating reading, as Professor Parmet traces a path through history, pointing to the advantages and the pitfalls for presidential power in the future. Presidential Power From The New Deal To The New Right is highly recommended for academic Political Science supplemental reading lists and reference collections.


The World History Shelf

No Foreign Bones In China
Peter Stursberg
The University of Alberta Press
Ring House 2, Edmonton, Alberta T6G
088864387X $29.95 ualberta.ca/~uap

No Foreign Bones In China: Memoirs Of Imperialism And Its Ending is a fascinating narrative of life in China as seen through the eyes of a British colonial family, the Shaws. This was a family who witnessed the Opium Wars, the Boxer Rebellion, two world wars, and the rise of Mao. Yet eventually in a fervent and chaotic climate of fanatical Chinese nationalism, the Shaws were expelled (as were so many other foreigners). This rejection by the Chinese authorities even extended to the bones of westerners in their graves. An eye-opening, personal, and memorable look at a great land and its people, No Foreign Bones In China is compelling, informative, and highly recommended reading for students of 20th Century Chinese history.

Encyclopedia Of The Wars Of The Roses
John A. Wagner
ABC CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
1851093583 $75.00 1-800-368-6868

Very strongly recommended for both school and community library historical reference collections, Encyclopedia Of The Wars Of The Roses by historian and educator John A. Wagner is a thorough and informatively presented historical account of the grueling war of the fifteenth century between the House of York and the House of Lancaster that came to be known as the "War of the Roses". These were two factions of the British aristocracy who shed a great deal of blood in political intrigues and armed confrontations as they strove for the power to rule England. Entries are arranged in "user friendly" A-to-Z format giving detailed information on the battles, historical figures, key events, and more for a prolonged civil war that became a engaging subject for Shakespeare plays and Hollywood movies.

Understanding The Cold War
Adam B. Ulam
Transaction Publishers
390 Campus Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873
0765808854 $29.95 1-888-999-6778

Written by Adam B. Ulam (1922-2000) an erudite professor emeritus of Harvard University, Understanding The Cold War: A Historian's Personal Reflections, is both an engaging, informative examination of the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, and a an intimate, candid confession of how the world-changing effects of the Cold War personally affected his family. Vividly written and tracing a personal legacy in the post World War II world, Understanding The Cold War offers the reader a different perspective on history, embracing the microcosmic as well as the world-spanning shape of events.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Environmentally Induced Illnesses
Thomas Kerns
McFarland & Company
Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
0786408278 $39.95 1-800-253-2187

There are a growing number of illnesses which are chemically induced from long-term, low-dose exposure to toxicants around the world, and Thomas Kerns' Environmentally Induced Illnesses covers the ethical dimension of managing environmental health and such toxicants, from perfumes to solvents. The latest medical literature on chronic health effects from such exposure is presented, along with recommendations for overall public and social policy changes. Environmentally Induced Illnesses is a far-reaching guide which blends both risk assessment and human rights issues under one cover.

Taking Care Of The Change
Lennie Martin & Pam Jung
Delmar/Thomson Learning
P.O. Box 15015, Albany, NY 12212-5015
0766832767 $14.95 www.Delmar.com

Collaborative written by family nurse practitioner Lennie Martin and freelance writer and herbalist Pam Jung, Taking Care Of The Change: A Holistic Approach To The Three Phases Of Menopause covers both the physical and emotional sides of adjusting to the onset of menopause in older women. From coping with hormone changes and getting screened for ovarian cancer, to weathering stress, making a spiritual journey, and adopting a new archetype (alchemist, Queen, Wise Woman, etc.) for oneself, Taking Care Of The Change is thorough, personable, informative, and highly recommended reading that speaks directly to a universal women's health issue.


The Philosophy Shelf

Infinity
Thomas P. Ehrenzeller
Noble House
8019 Belair Road, Suite 10, Baltimore, Maryland 21236
1561677078 $24.95 1-800-873-2003

Infinity: A New Perspective On Man's Destiny In The Universe is a fascinating treatise by Thomas P. Ehrenzeller (founder of the Association to Unite the Democracies and board member of the World Federalist Association) on the philosophy of infinity and the phenomena of infinite thinking. From astrophysics and the solar system, to human government and world democracy, Infinity embraces a uniquely holistic view upon the several and diverse mysteries that embody the man and cosmos. Infinity is accessible, "reader friendly", and highly recommended for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in philosophy.

The Unity Of William James's Thought
Wesley Cooper
Vanderbilt University Press
VU Station B, 351813, Nashville, TN 37235-1813
0826513875 $39.95 1-800-627-7377

The Unity Of William James's Thought by Wesley Cooper (Professor of Philosophy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada) is a uniquely presented survey and an engaging examination of the philosophical works of eclectic personality and pioneering philosophy of William James. Professor Cooper rejects the commonly held view that James' philosophy was fragmented, countering that there is indeed a logical system and doctrine to be found in James' writings and legacy. Epistemological, religious, and pragmatic matters are analyzed and discussed in this scholarly and persuasively argued treatise. The Unity Of William James's Thought is a welcome and scholarly contribution to History of Philosophy supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.


The Economics Shelf

Economics For The Impatient
C. A. Turner
Clearwater Publishing Company
PO Box 778, Broomfield, Colorado 80038
www.clearwaterpublishing.com
0962781517 $12.95

Economics For The Impatient by C. A. Turner is a no-nonsense guide that condenses basic economics into simple, easy-to-understand terms that anyone can understand. In Turner's mind, capitalism is a kind of "ordered anarchy". Individual chapters address the various virtues and flaws of capitalism, including the free market and its problems, taxing/spending/borrowing (a.k.a. fiscal policy), governmental tinkering in the economy, and much more. Economics For The Impatient is enthusiastically recommended as a superbly written book which is highly accessible for young people just beginning to learn and move past the value of a dollar, as well as ideal for middle-aged folks struggling to remember one word of what their economics teacher said back in high school, plus anyone else in need of a quick and readily absorbed economic primer.

Government Failure
Gordon Tullock, et al.
Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20001
1930865201 $9.95 www.cato.org

Collaboratively written by American economists Gordon Tullock, Gordon Brady, and British economist Arthur Seldon, Government Failure: A Primer In Public Choice is a cold, unforgiving look at governmental economic policies, ranging from how American special interest groups lobby reap enormous and destructive favors, to the manifold disasters that have come from British governmental interventions in the economy. A caution about he concentration of power promoted by the European Union rounds out this stark, scholarly, and persuasive treatise. Also available in hardcover (193086521X, $18.95), Government Failure is strongly recommended reading for students of Economics and Political Science.


The Computer Shelf

Programming Visual Basic For Palm OS
Matthew Holmes, et al.
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
0596002009 $39.95 1-800-998-9938

Collaboratively written by computer experts Matthew Holmes, Patrick Burton, and Roger Knoell, Programming Visual Basic for Palm OS is a solid and reliable programmer's guide to designing effective applications, transferring data to the PDA, building security through data encryption, and much more. Focusing especially on using AppForge to write programs, Visual Basic for Palm OS also covers SQL databases, Piedmont, and a great deal more. Step-by-step instructions, sample programs, excellent diagrams and comprehensible flowcharts make Programming Visual Basic for Palm OS a first-class reference and a highly recommended self-teaching tool.

.NET and COM
Adam Nathan
Sams Publishing
201 W. 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290
067232170X $59.99 www.mcp.com

The focus of .NET and COM: The Complete Interoperability Guide is on COM Interoperability, and the heart of the discussion is broken down by computer expert Adam Nathan into six parts: Using COM Components In .NET Applications; Using .NET Components in COM Applications; Designing Good .NET Framework Components for COM Clients; Designing Good COM Components for .NET Framework Clients; Platform Invocation Services (P/ Invoke); COM+ and DCOM in the .NET Framework. The scope of .NET and COM includes all aspects of using "unmanaged code" in the .NET Framework. Technologies built on top of COM Interoperability are also presented including: Interoperability of Windows Forms Controls and ActiveX controls; Interoperability with COM+; and Interoperability with Distributed COM (DCOM). Although Platform Invocation Services is a separate technology from COM Interoperability, there are many areas of overlap, so including it in .NET and COM is a natural fit. All of these technologies are a core part of the Common Language Runtime and .NET Framework, and will likely be used not only as the path of migration for existing software projects, but for brand new software development for the next several years. .NET and COM is a highly recommended instructional and reference for intermediate level users. 1608pp.

SCWCD Exam Study Kit
Hanumant Deshmukh & Jignesh Malavia
Manning Publications
209 Bruce Park Av, Greenwich CT 06830
1930110596 $44.95 www.manning.com

Collaboratively developed and written by Java experts Hanumant Deshmukh and Jignesh Malavia, SCWCD Exam Study Kit is an extensive book and CD combination created especially to prepare for the Sun Certified Web Component Developer exam. All the exam topics are covered in depth, from exception handling to security, design patterns, and much more. 120 review questions and a quick prep section for a last-minute refresher round out this excellent study guide highly recommended not only for SCWCD exam takers, but for anyone intending to put their exam credentials to good use - the SCWCD Exam Study Kit doubles as a solid reference for dedicated programmers. If you are preparing for the SCWCD exam, then you need to secure a copy of the SCWCD Exam Study Kit from Manning Publications!

The Book Of SAX
W. Scott Means & Michael A. Bodie
No Starch Press
555 De Haro Street, Suite 250, San Francisco, CA 94107
1886411778 $29.95 www.nostarch.com

Collaboratively written by W. Scott Means (one of the original developers of OS/2 1.1 and Windows NT) and Michael A. Bodie (Chief Architect for Enterprise Web Machines) The Book Of SAX: The Simple API For XML is a straightforward, no-nonsense guide to the Simple API for XML or SAX - what it is, how to get it, building and using applications with it, interfacing with the error handler, namespace support, differences between SAX 1.0 and 2.0, and much more. A highly practical resource, filled with practical tips, easy-to-understand instructions and sample code for SAX users of all experience levels, The Book Of SAX will prove to be an invaluable and highly appreciated instructional reference.

Illustrator 10 Shop Manual
Steve Kurth
New Riders
201 W. 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290
0735711763, $45.00 newriders.com

Steve Kurth's Illustrator 10 Shop Manual is the only pure reference for Adobe Illustrator and it includes an exhaustive, "user friendly" cross-referencing of related functions and topics. Illustrator 10 Shop Manual comes in two parts: pure reference and extensive appendices. The main text covers every aspect of the Illustrator X interface, following the same structure established for the Photoshop 6 Shop Manual. Illustrator 10 Shop Manual is a welcome and invaluable contribution to the Adboe Illustrator reference shelf and is especially recommended for the novic.

Adobe Acrobat 5 Master Class
Pattie Belle Hastings, et al.
Peachpit Press
1249 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
0201748835 $45.00 www.peachpit.com

Collaboratively developed and written by Adobe experts Pattie Belle Hastings, Bjorn Akselsen, and Sandee Cohen, Adobe Acrobat 5 Master Class: Interactivity and Multimedia for PDF a thorough, professionally produced guide to every aspect of creating, enhancing, viewing, and using PDF work files to create high-quality, professional-looking documents on the computer using Adobe Acrobat 5. Adobe Acrobat 5 Master Class is a first-rate, comprehensive, indispensable book and CD-ROM combination and highly recommended for Adobe Acrobat users at all skill and experience levels.

Osborne/McGraw-Hill
2600 Tenth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
1-800-722-4726

Two new titles from Osborne are especially recommended for personal and professional computer instructional and reference collections. Walter Glenn's Windows XP Tips & Techniques (0072223340; 512 pages; $39.99), provides hundreds of solutions that can be put to use immediately, Windows XP Tips & Techniques includes useful, time-and-effort shortcuts and little known but invaluable navigation tips, as well as coverage of more advanced topics including networking and media creation. How To Do Everything With PowerPoint 2002 by Ellen Finkelstein (0072223979; 432 pages; $24.99), is completely "user friendly" solutions-packed guide illustrates how to create high-quality, attention-getting, impressive, PowerPoint presentations quickly and easily by effectively using text, graphics and multimedia. In addition, How To Do Everything With PowerPoint 2002 also includes useful tips on delivering any presentation like a pro!

Mac OS X
Brian Proffitt& Bill von Hagen
Premier Press
36 South Pennsylvania Street, Suite 610, Indianapolis, IN 46204
1931841446 $39.99 1-800-428-7267

Mac OS X: Power User's Guide by Macintosh computer expert Brad Miser is a highly practical and comprehensive guide to the basics of getting the most out of the Mac OS X system. Specifically covering version Mac OS X version 10.1, this invaluable instructional reference has everything from upgrading and installing Mac OS X to setting preferences, printing, Internet access, AppleScript, and much more. Black-and-white screenshots illustrate step-by-step "walk through" instructions guide users of all experience levels in the most user-friendly possible way. A first-rate basic, "user friendly" reference, Max OS X is a welcome and highly recommended addition to any Mac enthusiast's reference shelf.


The Architecture Shelf

Florence: The City And Its Architecture
Richard Goy
Phaidon Press
180 Varick St., 14th floor, NY, NY 10014
0714839116 $75.00 1-877-742-4366

Florence: The City And Its Architecture by architect and architectural historian Richard Goy is an astounding, profusely illustrated coffee table book showcasing the architectural majesty of this proud Italian city. Filled from cover to cover with superb color photographs of some of Florence's most eye-catching, stately, and historical treasures of architectural excellence, the extensive and informative text takes the reader on a memorable tour through the city as well as its architectural history. Florence: The City And Its Architecture is an enthusiastically recommended addition to any academic Architectural History collection, and would make a superb choice as a Memorial Acquisition title for public library systems as well.

Frank Lloyd Wright: Graphic Artist
Penny Fowler
Pomegranate Communications
Box 6099, Rohnert Park, CA 94927
0764920170 $30.00 pomegranate.com

Frank Lloyd Wright: Graphic Artist is an informative and memorable portrayal of Frank Lloyd Wright, the innovations in graphics and the aesthetics of his interior design work that arose out of his pioneering architectural accomplishments. Fine color illustrations and reproductions of his conceptual drawings ornament and enhance this solid, detail-filled, meticulous and "reader friendly" study. Frank Lloyd Wright: Graphic Artist is a welcome contribution to the growing library of American Architectural Studies, and is especially recommended reading for connoisseurs of Wright's artwork created in conjunction with his ground breaking architectural accomplishments.

Fences & Gates
Timothy O. Bakke
Creative Homeowner
24 Park Way, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
1580110940 $16.95 www.amazon.com

Fences & Gates: Plan, Design, Build is a straightforward, no-nonsense, "user friendly" guide to planning, designing, and building aesthetic and practical enclosures for one's own property. More than 400 full color photographs clearly illustrate step-by-step how-to instructions for eleven complete fence projects in wood, metal, and vinyl in this fine reference for do-it-yourself creators of all skill levels. Readers will learn how to layout fences on flat or sloped ground, how to install solid posts to support the fence, how to build curved fences, how to design and install the classic picket fence, how to design and build with decorative lattice, and how to finish and maintain fences. Also highly recommended "do-it-yourself" titles from Deck Designs (#277369); Creative Homeowner Is Decks (#277162); Yard & Garden Furniture: Plans & Step-By-Step Projects (#277462); Gazebos & Other Outdoor Structures (#27713); What's In Style: Decks (#277183).


The Parenting Shelf

The No-Cry Sleep Solution
Elizabeth Pantley
Contemporary Books
Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121
0071381392 $14.95 1-800-722-4726

Elizabeth Pantley's The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways To Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night is a "user friendly" ten-step program written especially for the sleepless parents of crying infants. From taking precautions against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; to avoiding linking a baby's sleep patterns; to sucking or being held; to simply balancing one's schedule to cope with the developing body and interspersed sleep habits of a newborn, The No-Cry Sleep Solution is an absolute "must" for any parent coping with an infant's restless and fussy night.

Sixteen Is Too Young To Drive
Donna Crossman & Richard Crossman
Footnote Publishing
16 Harmon Road, Scotia, NY 12302
0971862109 $15.95 1-877-557-0575

Collaborative written by Donna and Richard Crossman, Sixteen Is Too Young To Drive: Taking Control When Your Teen's Behind-The-Wheel is a sobering book, written on the reflection that teenagers today are four times as likely as adults to have a motor vehicle accident, and more teens are likely to die in a car accident than from a drug overdose. Offering a profile test to determine whether one's teenager is ready to accept the responsibility of driving, a compare and contrast of different types of driver education, handling ground rules and misbehavior when an automobile is involved, Sixteen Is Too Young To Drive is potentially life saving reading for the parents.

A Grandmother's Guide To Extended Babysitting
Ruth Meyer Brown, M.A.
Capital Books
Box 605, Herndon, Virginia 20172-0605
1892123703 $16.95 1-800-758-3756

A Grandmother's Guide To Extended Babysitting by retired teacher and school administrator Ruth Meyer Brown is a solid, practical, "reader friendly" handbook to the art and craft of looking after young ones -- and was specifically written for the older caregiver of young children. From recipes and menus, to handling emergencies, to babysitting stints that range in length from night to summer months, A Grandmother's Guide To Extended Babysitting is packed from cover to cover with useful advice, illustrative vignettes, and practical tips. If you are charged with the care and supervision of grandchildren, nieces or nephews, then you need to read Ruth Meyer Brown's A Grandmother's Guide To Extended Babysitting!


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

The World's Greatest Wingshooting Destinations
Chris Dorsey
Sycamore Island Books
7077 Winchester Cir., Boulder, CO 80301
1581602944 $74.95 sycamoreisland.com

The World's Greatest Wingshooting Destinations by Chris Dorsey (editor-in-chief of "Sports Afield", American's oldest outdoor magazine, and co-host of the "Sports Afield on Assignment" television series) is a marvelously presented, global tour of truly grand sporting locations ranging from Argentina and the Czech Republic, to Denmark and Zimbabwe. Filled from cover-to-cover with the truly beautiful, full color photography of Penny Meakin, and packed with advice, tips, experiences and more for fowl hunters everywhere, The World's Greatest Wingshooting Destinations is a superb giftbook for game bird hunters and a welcome addition to any personal or professional hunting and travel guide reference collection.

Alaska Rainbows
Larry Tullis
Frank Amato Publications
PO Box 82112, Portland, OR 97282
1571882510 $19.95 amatobooks.com

Alaska Rainbows: Fly-fishing For Trout, Salmon, & Other Alaskan Species by experienced guide and angler Larry Tullis offers a wealth of "user friendly" information about Alaskan rainbow trout, salmon, and other game fish species common to the Alaskan wilderness. Ranging from their habits and foods to optimal fly patterns and fishing tips, tricks, as well as proven techniques designed specifically to capture them for delicious feasting, the information presented is accurate, authoritative, comprehensive, and practical. Eighteen fly plates and a fly-pattern chart round out this superbly presented, tell-all guide for fly fishers interested in making the most their expeditions to Alaskan waters.

Castwork
Kirk D. Deeter & Andrew W. Steketee
Liz Steketee, photographer
Willow Creek Press
PO Box 147, Minocqua, WI 54548
157223508X $40.00 1-800-850-9453

The collaborative effort of writers Kirk Deeter, Andrew Steketee, and photographer Liz Steketee, Castwork: Reflections Of Fly Fishing Guides And The American West is a unique and remarkable book about thirteen people who intimately know the best fly-fishing for thirteen different American rivers. Wonderfully illustrated with black/white photographs throughout, and featuring candid portraits of the people who know and love fishing as a true joy in life, Castwork is a fine coffee-table book for devoted anglers that is as much fun to browse through as it is to learn from. Castwork is especially recommended for anyone setting forth to fish the waters of the Bighorn River, Colorado River, Snake River, San Juan River, Missouri River, Silver Creek, Yellowstone River, South Platte River, Green River, Beaverhead River, Roaring Fork River, or Henry's Fork of the Snake River.

Autumn Moons & Whitetail Dreams
Michael Duarte
Safari Press
15621 Chemical Lane, Bldg. B, Huntington Beach, CA 92649-1506
1571571094 $35.00 www.safaripress.com

Autumn Moons & Whitetail Dreams: Portraits Of The American Deer Hunter by hunting and trapping expert Michael Duarte is a fascinating, engaging, anecdotal, occasional humorous, and always informative chronicle of what it means to hunt the whitetail deer. Duarte ranges from the joy of experiencing nature to the hot-blooded thrill of the hunt itself. A profound and insightful compendium of reflections on the phenomena of hunting, and an emotional memoir brimming with personal experiences, Autumn Moons & Whitetail Dreams is welcome and rewarding reading for anyone who has ever taken rifle or camera and gone in search of the whitetail deer!

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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


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