Celtic Folk Soul
Jen Delyth
Amber Lotus
PO Box 11329, Portland, OR 97211-0329
9781602371163, $35.00, www.amberlotus.com
The Celts have produced wonderful art – but what does it all mean? "Celtic Folk Soul: Art, Myth, and Symbol" is a book of art and history, hoping to investigate the spiritual aspects of Celtic artworks. Going through the major pieces left behind by people who lived before Christianity reached the British Isles, and offering a look at how they interpreted both the mundane and spiritual worlds through their druids, "Celtic Folk Soul: Art, Myth, and Symbol" is a scholarly, educational, and awe-inspiring look at the Celts, highly recommended for both history and art collections.
Renewing America's Food Traditions
Gary Paul Nabhan
Chelsea Green Publishing
PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 050001
9781933392899, $35.00, www.chelseagreen.com
When the European style of cooking met the plethora of ingredients native to the Americas, a new tradition was born. "Renewing America's Food Traditions: Saving and Savoring the Continent's Most Endangered Foods" is a look at the forgotten foods of the American tradition and countless tips and articles about restoring these foods to prominence. Using the concept of if it's eaten, it will be remembered and recreated, "Renewing America's Food Traditions" is as educational as it is delicious. A top pick for chefs looking for something historical to cook, "Renewing America's Food Traditions" is a must for any American cookbook or history collection.
Rebel Giants
David R. Contosta
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026105, $26.95, www.prometheusbooks.com
Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin, although both famous, would not be said by many to have a lot in common. David R. Contosta disagrees, and "Rebel Giants: The Revolutionary Lives of Abraham Lincoln & Charles Darwin" is his reasoning why. The two figures, hugely impactful in history, were born on the same day, disliked their fathers, lost their mothers at a young age, suffered from depression, and other eerie similarities. Hoping to give readers a more comprehensive understanding of both men by examining their similarities and differences, "Rebel Giants: The Revolutionary Lives of Abraham Lincoln & Charles Darwin" is an excellent pick for any community library collection dedicated to history.
Northern Treasure
Susan Davis Price, author
John Gregor, photographer
Afton Historical Society Press
PO Box 100, Afton, MN 55001
9781890434779, $40.00, www.aftonpress.com
It used to be thought that growing fruit trees in Minnesota was too difficult to be a successful agricultural enterprise. "Northern Treasure: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Horticultural Research Center" by Susan Davis Price is dedicated to proving that old belief wrong, and telling the story of how Minnesota became a flourishing source of fruits, vegetables and grains that help feed the nation and the world. "Northern Treasure" is filled with John Gregor's full color photography showcasing the beautiful plants of Minnesota, as well as detailed text profiling the gardens, the effort put into them, and their histories. A historical overview that gardeners, horticulturalists, nature lovers, and Minnesota historians are sure to enjoy, "Northern Treasurer" is a superbly presented work and an essential, core addition to Minnesota history and reference collections.
The 9/11 Encyclopedia, two volume set
Stephen E. Atkins
Praeger Security International
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
9780275994310, $199.95, www.prager.com/PSI
No event in the twenty first century has had anywhere near the impact of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. "The 9/11 Encyclopedia" is a complete and comprehensive two volume collection on the topic, covering each aspect of the tragedy and its aftermath, as thorough as can be seven years later. Remembering Flight 93, connections to the bombing in 1993, and explanations of conspiracy theories are all within volume one of the set. Volume two looks at Bin Laden's Jihad, and includes interviews with survivors of the attacks alongside people who conducted rescues. Many more issues are covered in incredible depth in this expertly compiled, scholarly reference worthy of community and college library politics and reference collections.
Guide To Wisconsin Vegetable Gardening
James A. Fizzell
Cool Springs Press
101 Forrest Crossing Blvd., Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37064
9781591864066, $12.95 www.coolspringspress.com
Wisconsin gardeners are long accustomed to growing vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, and berries in their garden plots. Those new to gardening in the Badger state now have available to them an invaluable instruction manual as to which food plants grow best in Wisconsin soils and under what conditions. "Guide To Wisconsin Vegetable Gardening" by gardening expert James A. Fizzell offers informed and informative advice and commentary on planning, selecting, and planting edible plants that are especially suited for Wisconsin's climate. Enhanced with helpful charts on the number of days required from planting to harvest for each item discussed and recommended, "Guide To Wisconsin Vegetable Gardening" clearly indicates when each edible plant should be planted, where it should be planting, and planting tips to insure the best possible harvest. Ideal for the novice Wisconsin gardener and an especially recommended addition to all personal, professional, as well as Wisconsin community library gardening reference collections, "Guide To Wisconsin Vegetable Gardening" also has enduring value as a reference for even the more experienced Badger State gardener from Janesville in the south to Hudson in the north.
10 Books That Screwed Up The World
Benjamin Wiker
Regnery
1 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20001
9781596980556, $27.95
Words have power. While a great book can bring joy to thousands, some books can bring pain and misery to the same amount. "10 Books That Screwed Up the World And 5 Others That Didn't Help" is a look at volumes throughout history that have allegedly done serious damage to the world – to the point where some say humanity would be better off if they were never written. From obvious inclusions such as Adolph Hitler's "Mein Kampf" to surprising inclusions like Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species", to the just plain weird in the piece on Alfred Kinsey's "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male", "10 Books That Screwed Up the World" is a witty, if a bit macabre examination of the monumental impacts of these titles.
God, Evolution, Natural Selection
Kenneth H. Nelder
Vantage Press Inc.
419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10016
9780533155569, $13.95, www.vantagepress.com
Too often books in the Creationism vs. Evolution debate are released with such a radical tilt in either direction that one knows the argument they will put forth without opening the front cover. "God, Evolution, Natural Selection" is author Kenneth H. Nelder's attempt to be a neutral moderator in the debate, and offers much food for thought. A top pick for both religion and science community library collections.
Rivers of Words
Pamel Michael (editor)
Milkweed Edtions
1011 Washington Avenue South, Open Book, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1246
9781571316851, $30.00, www.milkweed.org
Art and poetry are two things that go together like bread and butter. "River of Words: Young Poets and Artists on the Nature of Things" is exactly what its title says: an anthology of both full color art and poetry by poets and artists under the age of eighteen. Sure to bring readers face to face with the world as seen through the eyes of the young, "River of Words: Young Poets and Artists on the Nature of Things" is a must for community library poetry and art collections alike. "Water", by Helena Leech, Age 7: Water glistens on the rocks,/ flowing down to the sea,/ gurgling, splishing, splashing, crashing,/ never stopping/ for a cup of tea.
Terrorism and Global Security
Ann E. Robertson
Facts On File, Inc.
c/o Infobase Publishing
132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001
www.factsonfile.infobasepublishing.com
9780816067664, $45.00 1-800-322-8755
Terrorism and Global Security is a straightforward reference and resource concerning the definition, causes, and goals of terrorism, as well as the history of terrorism, backgrounds of perpetrators, and the complex issues surrounding the balance between security and liberty. Case studies of terrorism within the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Peru, and Columbia reveal how each nation has been affected by terrorism; chapters compare and contrast the effectiveness of measures each nation undertook in response. Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Terrorism and Global Security is a detailed introduction to this complicated, world-spanning issue. Highly recommended, especially for public library collections.
Part of a set of titles on world foods in America is LATINO FOOD CULTURE, a survey of ingredients, cultures, and important trends in Latino foods. From national holidays and special occasion celebrations to regional recipes which have made it to the U.S., LATINO FOOD CULTURE is packed with cultural, social and culinary insights and connections and is especially recommended for any college-level library strong in Latin culture and food.
I Like Food, Food Tastes Good
Kara Zuaro
Hyperion
77 W. 66th Street, New York NY 10023
1401308740, $17.95 www.hyperionbooks.com
Kara Zuaro isn't your usual chef/home cook author; she's followed rock bands from Violent Femmes to Death Cab for Cutie to find out what they cook while on the road, and I LIKE FOOD, FOOD TASTES GOOD: IN THE KITCHEN WITH YOUR FAVORITE BANDS comes packed with specialty dishes, from adaptations of standards to innovative new cuisine. No photos but the easy dishes don't need them – and the introductions packed with rock star insights are also enlightening and intriguing reads, making this a cross-pick for both music and culinary collections.
Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan
Dreena Burton
Arsenal Pulp Press
341 Water Street, Suite 200, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 1B8
9781551522241, $24.95, www.arsenalpulp.com
Experienced cookbook author Dreena Burton is back with her third book of recipes in "Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan: Everyday Vegan Recipes worth Celebrating". A compilation of well over one hundred and fifty recipes ranging from Thai Chick-Un Pizza without the Chicken and Breakfast Crepes to Five Star Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, "Eat, Drink & Be Vegan" focuses on everyday celebratory foods that one can enjoy without feeling much guilt about their diet. "Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan" is a solid pick for vegan chefs and community library cookbook collections.
Vegan Fusion
Mark Reinfeld & Bo Rinaldi
Beaufort Books
PO Box 1119, Kapa'a, HI 96746
9780825305849, $19.95, www.7minutechef.com
Who says vegetables don't taste good? "Vegan Fusion: World Cuisine" is a guide to countless vegan recipes, combined with insights of eastern wisdom. Promoting food that is good for the body, the soul, the consciousness, and the planet on which we live, "Vegan Fusion" covers everything from soups and sauces to salads and desserts. Enhanced with a forward from world renowned zoologist Jane Goodall, "Vegan Fusion: World Cuisine" is a top pick for aspiring vegan chefs, and for community library cookbook collections.
Fast Food
Gordon Ramsey
Key-Porter Books
6 Adelaide Street East, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5C 1H6
9781554700646, $35.00, www.keyporter.com
One does not need all the time in the world to eat a healthy, delicious, and nutritious meal. Gordon Ramsey, celebrated TV cook, brings readers "Fast Food", a cookbook featuring recipes that can be prepared start to finish in about fifteen minutes (none take longer than half an hour apiece), and offering advice to make cooking these dishes even quicker. Readers who want a cookbook that doesn't take hours to use need look no further than Gordon Ramsey's "Fast Food". Recommended for community library cookbook collections.
Pink Princess Tea Parties
Barbara Beery
Gibbs Smith
PO Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
9781423604167, $14.99, www.gibbs-smith.com
A childhood tea party – all little girls have thrown a make believe one, but as adults, reality is at their fingertips. "Pink Princess Tea Parties" is a cookbook filled with simple recipes for light, sweet, and delectable 'tea party' style foods and beverages sure to please a hostess living out their childhood fantasies, as well as their guests (who may or may not be in on the fantasy). Featuring dishes such as Pink Princess Smoothies, Sweetheart Shortbread, and Confetti Meringue Cookies, and full color photos of almost every recipe, "Pink Princess Tea Parties" is highly recommended for community library cookbook collections. Also highly recommended from Gibbs Smith Press is "New West Cuisine: Fresh Recipes from the Rocky Mountains" (978142360256, $29.95), another great cookbook with a focus on mountain cookery, sure to please anyone looking for a new taste sensation.
The Soul of Southern Cooking
Kathy Starr
New South Books
PO Box 1588, Montgomery, AL 36102
1588380521, $17.95, www.newsouthbooks.com
There's more to southern cooking than a lot of deep frying – there's soul. "The Soul of Southern Cooking" offers a from-the-heart explanation of what southern cooking really is, followed by countless recipes for delicious dishes that are commonly known as soul food. Giving thorough and unique directions for soul food-style renditions of dishes such as Macaroni and Cheese, Cheeseburgers, Collard Greens, and more, "The Soul of Southern Cooking" is a top pick for anyone who wants a cookbook with heart and for community library cookbook collections.
The Farmer's Wife Cookbook
Martha Engstrom, editor
Voyageur Press
380 Jackson Street, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55101
9780760334898, $14.95, www.mbipublishing.com 1-800-458-0454
In the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, "The Farmer's Wife" magazine was a staple in American homes, featuring timely topics of interest to rural women readers. Every issue showcased recipes and menus meant for farm kitchens, from the first issue in 1893 to the last issue in 1939. Now the best of those recipes and menus are reproduced in "The Farmer's Wife Cookbook: Over 400 Blue-Ribbon Recipes". Enhanced with clips of the magazine's original articles and artwork, "The Farmer's Wife Cookbook" also includes a guide to home canning and instructions for making jams, jellies, pickles, and relishes. Spiral bound and sturdy, "The Farmer's Wife Cookbook" has its recipes arranged in chapters dedicated to 'First Courses and Soups'; Beverages; Breads; Meats; Soups; Vegetables; 'Hot Supper Dishes'; Salads and Salad Dressings; Desserts and Candies; Cakes, Cookies, Doughnuts, Icings, Fillings and Dessert Sauces; Pastry and Pies; Jellies, Conserves and Jams; Pickles and Relishes. Offering nostalgic dining on farm family favorites, "The Farmer's Wife Cookbook" is thoroughly 'kitchen friendly' for modern cooks and a useful, entertaining and inspired addition to personal and community library cookbook collections.
The Diabetic Chef's Year-Round Cookbook
Chris Smith
American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311
9781580402927, $19.95 www.diabetes.org 1-800-342-2383
Just because diabetics must be careful of their diet doesn't mean they have to forego gourmet level qualities of taste, presentation, and elegance when dining at home. Chef Chris Smith has compiled a volume of outstanding recipes to grace any diabetic's meal plan in "The Diabetic Chef's Year-Round Cookbook", published by the American Diabetes Association. For the novice kitchen cook seeking to prepare 'diabetic friendly' dishes there are pragmatic tips and techniques that can accentuate the inherent tastes of healthy ingredients, advice on stocking one's kitchen to prepare such meals, tips on selecting the right kinds of ingredients or cooking foods at correct temperatures, and even how to use template cooking to make changes to one's favorite recipes. Broken down monthly throughout the spectrum of one year, each recipe showcased in "The Diabetic Chef's Year-Round Cookbook" is adjusted to the ingredients of that particular season. Enhanced with the inclusion of a sidebar identifying Exchanges/Choices and Basic Nutritional Values, the recipes include Turkey Gravy; Zucchini and Mushroom Frittatas; Baked Salmon with Mango Vinaigrette; Extra-Thick Lemon Yogurt; Roasted Corn and Red Pepper Salsa; Sweet Vadalia Onion Tart, Grilled Skirt Steak; and Tossed Mixed Greens with Grilled Chicken and Goat Cheese. A solid compendium of easy-to-prepare quality dishes that will please any palate and satisfy any appetite.
Cheese Hors d'Oeuvres
Hallie Harron
Harvard Common Press
535 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
9781558323711, $12.95 www.harvardcommonpress.com 1-888-657-3755
Cheese Hors d'Oeuvres: 50 Recipes for Crispy Canapes, Delectable Dips, Marinated Morsels, and Other Tasty Tidbits is a superb cookbook for cheese lovers and party hosts everywhere. Simple, step-by-step instructions walk the reader through how to create such tasty delights as Mini Swiss Pinwheels, Italian Cheese Torta, Grilled Shiitakes with Taleggio, Parmesan Biscotti, and many more. Gorgeous, full-color photographs of each dip, sandwich, or baked cheese snack illustrate this handy and accessible recipe guide. Especially recommended for Wisconsin cookbook shelves!
Recipe of the Week: Ice Cream
Sally Sampson
Wiley Publishers
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9780470169452, $16.95, www.wiley.com
Recipe of the Week: Ice Cream is a welcome addition to culinary writer Sally Sampson's "Recipe of the Week" series, featuring fifty-two tasty recipes for fans of frozen delights. From Banana Sorbet (the perfect dish for using up overripe bananas), to Fresh Fig Gelato with Orange and Cinnamon, to Sour Cream Brown Sugar Ice Cream and much more, Recipe of the Week: Ice Cream offers a broad assortment of classic flavors as well as unique original delights. Mouth-watering color photography illustrates this treasure for ice cream lovers everywhere, highly recommended.
Terrine
Stephane Reynaud
Phaidon
180 Varick Street, Fourteenth Floor, New York, NY 10014
9780714848488, $29.95, www.phaidon.com
One way to wow guests at one's next dinner party is with a lesser known by delicious dish – the terrine (so called because of the glazed earthenware baking dish in which it is cooked). "Terrine" takes a look at this French dish and inflects a simple and pure taste upon it, rare in this day of complex gourmet food. Covering vegetable, meat, cheese, and dessert terrines, "Terrine" is a top pick for any cookbook collection looking for something different, and for community libraries looking for a new addition.
Carluccio's Complete A-Z Of Italian Food
Antonio Carluccio & Priscilla Carluccio
Quadrille Publishing
525 South Street, #241, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9781844005291, $29.95, www.quadrilleusa.com
One of the most popular cuisines world wide, Italian cuisine is comprised of dishes and culinary styles from several different and differing regions of the country. For the benefit of the novice kitchen chef, London-based Italian chef, restauranteur and food expert Antonio Carluccio (founder of Carluccio's caffes) and his wife Priscilla have drawn upon their many years of experience and expertise in all facets of Italian cuisine to create "Carluccio's Complete A-Z Of Italian Food", a thoroughly 'user friendly' and encyclopedic compendium of detailed information and authentic recipes associated with Italy's diverse culinary accomplishments. Beginning with an informative introduction and a map of Italy, there are superbly illustrated and presented chapters on fish and shellfish; eggs, poultry and game; fresh and cured meats; vegetables and legumes; pasta; rice and grains; fungi; oils, vinegars, herbs, spices and flavorings; dairy products; fruits and nuts; breads and baking; wines and liqueurs. Enhanced with a comprehensive index for ease of use, "Carluccio's Complete A-Z Of Italian Food" is an ideal and highly prized addition to personal, professional, and community cookbook collections and reference guides.
The Economics Shelf
Aging Nation
James H. Schulz & Robert H. Binstock
The John Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
9780801888649, $25.00, www.press.jhu.edu
When the social security system was invented, few people lived past the age of seventy. But in the modern era, it's almost a given that seeing eighty is an easy feat. "Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America" is a look America's problem of the impeding retirement of its baby boomer generation. Postulating that the collapse of Social Security is not entirely unavoidable, "Aging Nation" is an in depth look at every aspect of age and its politics, not just concerning Social Security but health care and many other issues as well. Highly recommended for community library economics collections.
The Psychology Shelf
The Mother Factor
Stephen B. Poulter, Ph.D.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026075, $18.95 www.prometheusbooks.com
THE MOTHER FACTOR: HOW YOUR MOTHER'S EMOTIONAL LEGACY IMPACTS YOUR LIFE is based on the author's psychology practice and shows how a mother's influence can work either for or against us. A mother's 'style' influences adults lifelong: THE MOTHER FACTOR illustrates these common styles, from perfectionism and best friends to the 'me first' mother, and illustrates combinations of traits in showing how adults can transcend the underlying messages to achieve mental health. General-interest lending collections will find it a popular read with an eye-catching cover.
See Sam Run
Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe
Univerisity of North Texas Press
PO Box 311336, Denton, TX 76203-1336
9781574412444, $22.95, www.unt.edu/untpress
How do you raise a child diagnosed with autism? "See Sam Run: A Mother's Story of Autism" is Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe's story of dealing with it. Look at the growing number of autism spectrum diagnoses, she wonders - is the diagnosis system improving, or is there something wrong with modern health? The numbers, while important, speak of nothing of the daily troubles parents must face. As she began to come to terms with her autistic son, she wrote her story down in "See Sam Run: A Mother's Story of Autism", highly recommended for community library collections.
Bipolar Disorder, second edition
David J. Milkowitz
The Guilford Press
72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012
9781593856557, $38.00, www.guilford.com
Emotional disorders such as bipolar disorder are never the private inner conflict of one person – they affect the families of the bipolar individual a great deal as well. "Bipolar Disorder: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach" examines the disorder as a problem that the afflicted and his or her family must face together, touching on emotional resistance to treatment, distinguishing to the disorder from the person, and the importance of communication. The enhanced second edition includes a study on new treatments for the ailment, and new case studies. "Bipolar Disorder: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach" is highly recommended for community library health collections and for anyone afflicted or related to the afflicted.
Their Finest Hour
Jeffrey Kottler & Jon Carlson
Crown House Pulishing Limited
6 Trowbridge Drive, Ste. 5, Bethel, CT 06801
9781845900885, $29.95, www.chpus.com
There are those patients who make everything their psychiatrist went through worthwhile; "Their Finest Hour: Master Therapists Share Their Greater Success Stories" is a compilation of these shining cases. Filled with prose based on notes from success stories of patient recovery and breakthroughs, "Their Finest Hour" is an optimistic and refreshing view of the mental health profession in general. A top pick for community library psychology and biography collections.
Social & Emotional Development
Dave Riley & Collaborators
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
9781933653303, $24.95, www.redleafpress.com
The earlier years of a child's life make them a sponge for knowledge; being in child care centers is simply another educational experience, even when doing things that are not typically viewed as educational. "Social & Emotional Development: Connecting Science and Practice in Early Childhood Settings" is a guide for day care center educators to making every day into a day where children learn something invaluable. Valuable lessons include teaching children how to find security in trusted adults, how to form good friendships, and how to control their behavior. "Social & Emotional Development: Connecting Science and Practice in Early Childhood Settings" is a top pick for community library child psychology collections and highly recommended to child care professionals.
The Literary Shelf
The Magical Campus
Thomas Wolfe
The University of South Carolina Press
1600 Hampton Street, 5th Floor, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208
9781570037344, $22.50, www.sc.edu/uscpress
Few people are ever masters of their craft straight from the get go. "The Magical Campus: University of North Carolina Writings 1917-1920" is a compilation of the early writings of acclaimed author Thomas Wolfe. Even the best practitioners of the craft of writing bumbled many an attempt in their young age; these early works are a good sign of what's to come and an optimistic view for young writers to keep trying even if told they're not very good now. Highly recommended for community library literary collections.
The Secret of Fame
Gabriel Zaid
Paul Dry Books
1616 Walnut Street, Suite 808, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9781589880382, $14.95, www.pauldrybooks.com
Fame – to be known, and not just be another face in the crowd. "The Secret of Fame: The Literary Encounter in an Age of Distraction" is an examination of fame in the literary world through the ages, from Homer to Stephen King. Written in a mocking, sarcastic, critical tone, "The Secret of Fame" is not merely a tabloid for the writing world; it attacks many of the conventions that just seem questionable in today's world of books. A top pick for community library literary studies collections.
Travel Pictures
Heinrich Heine, author
Peter Wortsman, translator
Archipelago Books
232 Third Street, Suite A111, Brooklyn, NY 11215
9780979333033, $17.00, www.archipelagobooks.com
The works of one of Germany's most revered poets are now collected in "Travel Pictures". Excellently translated by Peter Wortsman, this excellent anthology of prose and poetry is now available to English speakers. Credited with bringing the German language into the modern mindset and style, Heinrich Heine's work is excellent reading throughout. Highly recommended for community library literature collections.
New Paths to Raymond Carver
Sandra Lee Kleppe and Robert Miltner, editors
University of South Carolina Press
718 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208
9781570037245, $39.95 www.sc.edu/uscpress 1-800-768-2500
New Paths to Raymond Carver: Critical Essays on His Life, Fiction, and Poetry is an anthology of essays by learned authors concerning Raymond Carver's body of prose and poetry. Among the authors are renowned Carver scholars Randolph Paul Runyon and Kirk Nesset, Carver's longtime friend and compatriot writer William Kittredge, and others from such diverse nations as France, Norway, Canada, and the United States. The first half of New Paths to Raymond Carver consists of six essays discussing Carver's poems throughout his career, while the second half interprets Carver's fiction. Rounding out New Paths to Raymond Carver is the very first English-language publication of the introduction to the Japanese edition of "Ultramarine" by Carver's widow, Tess Gallagher. A thoughtful, in-depth literary analysis that surveys themes stretching across the whole of Carver's works. Highly recommended, especially for college library collections and anyone seeking to better understand the nuances of Carver's literature.
Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture
Paul Goring
Continuum
4775 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
9780826485656, $19.95, www.continuumbooks.com
The Eighteenth Century was the start of the Enlightenment in Europe. "Eighteenth Century Literature and Culture" is a look at this exciting time in the world and its literature, which leads its readers to learn much about the people and society of the day. With focuses on the many writers of the era and their common techniques, enhanced with a chronology of world history's major writings, "Eighteenth Century Literature and Culture" is a top pick for anyone who wants to educate themselves on the era and for community library literary studies collections.
An Irish Literature Reader, new edition
Maureen O'Rourke Murphy & James MacKillop
Syracuse University Press
1600 Jamesville Avwenue, Syracuse, NY 13244-5160
0815630468, $29.95, www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu
Ireland has more to offer the literary world than just limericks (although those are good too). "An Irish Literature Reader: Poetry, Prose, Drama" is a complete and comprehensive look at Irish creative writing through the ages, with countless samples and examinations of their creators. Now in a brand new edition, "An Irish Literature Reader" features a larger focus on Irish women writers and their contributions to the craft. A top pick for community library world literature collections.
Approaches to Teaching Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 and Other Works
Thomas H. Schaub
Modern Language Association
26 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 1004-1789
9780873528146, $19.75, www.mla.org
While entertaining and incredibly thought provoking, the works of Thomas Pynchon can be very draining to study. "Approaches to Teaching Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 and Other Works" is a literary teacher's guide to teaching Pynchon's literature and without driving students insane over the endless complexities and references. Filled with essays explaining classroom techniques, "Approaches to Teaching Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 and Other Works" is highly recommended for college library literary studies collections.
The Political Science Shelf
The Collected Papers of Anthony de Jasay
Anthony de Jasay
Liberty Fund, Inc.
8335 Allison Pointe Trail, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46250-1684
9780865977013, $12.00, www.libertyfund.org
Does society truly need the government acting as a parental figure? "The Collected Papers of Anthony de Jasay: Social Contract, Free Ride, A Study of the Public-Goods Problem" presents several radical ideas for the reader to ponder. Arguing that through the social contract and morality inherent in Americans, voluntary contributions of the people would solve many of society's problems – because under the social system, everyone would feel urged to contribute if they had the ability to do so. The possibility that many would prefer to take the free ride is not discounted, however. Thoughtful and thought provoking throughout, "The Collected Papers of Anthony de Jasay: Social Contract, Free Ride, A Study of the Public-Goods Problem" is highly recommended for community library political collections.
The Nautical Shelf
The Book of Sailing Knots
Peter Owen
The Lyons Press
246 Goose Lane, PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
9781599213484, $14.95, www.lyonspress.com
Tying a solid knot is a skill that will be needed even as technology continues to advance. "The Book of Sailing Knots: How to Tie and Correctly Use Over 50 Essential Knots" is a complete and comprehensive guide to sailing knots and, as the title says, how to correctly use them. Going over each knot step by step and outlining when each knot is appropriate, there is no book more in depth on the subject. "The Book of Sailing Knots: How to Tie and Correctly Use Over 50 Essential Knots" is a top pick for sailors and community library nautical collections.
The Year of the Boat
Lawrence W. Cheek
Sasquatch Books
119 South Main Street, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98104
9781570615443, $23.95, www.sasquatchbooks.com
The craft of building sailboats was commonly practiced thousands of years ago; in the modern era, it is a lost art. "The Year of the Boat: Beauty, Imperfection, and the Art of Doing It Yourself" tells of author Lawrence W. Cheek's struggles as he strives to construct his own sailboat in spite of his ineptness at carpentry and even the act of sailing. A charming memoir about one man's efforts to construct a magnificent wooden vessel he could call his own (a plan that should have taken a hundred hours, but ended up taking him an entire year), "The Year of the Boat: Beauty, Imperfection, and the Art of Doing It Yourself" is a memoir that many can relate to. A top pick for community library memoir and nautical collections.
The Boating Companion
Rob Beattie
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4371
9780762431861, $19.95 www.runningpress.com 1-800-345-5359
Packaged in a water-resistant zippered slipcover for protection from stray waves, The Boating Companion: All You Need to Know for Life on the Water is an accessible step-by-step guide packed with everything one needs to know before venturing aboard a nautical vessel. From what to pack, to basic signaling and navigation, first aid, vital safety procedures, recommended troubleshooting, and much more, The Boating Companion enhances its advice with simple black-and-white line diagrams on almost every page. "If you see a tug and then a barge some way behind it, don't think you can squeeze through the gap - there may be a gap, but there may also be a submerged cable between them that you can't see. All large ships have a blind spot that can extend for a considerable distance; this won't matter if you steer clear of them. Very large ships may act as windbreaks, decreasing your speed and making it difficult for you to maneuver; they also create a large wake which can make life very uncomfortable if you are in a small boat." A solid resource highly recommended for anyone intending to spend time on a boat, whether it's thirty minutes, thirty days, or thirty years.
The Black Studies Shelf
Sing for Freedom
Guy & Candie Carawan
New South Books
PO Box 1588, Montgomery, AL 36102
9781588381934, $21.95, www.newsouthbooks.com
Music is powerful; it can bring joy, laughter, sadness, and most importantly, change. "Sing for Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Its Songs" is a look at music and its impact on the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Packed with sheet music, lyrics, and information on various major songs and how they pushed progress in history, "Sing for Freedom" is enhanced with black and white photographs. A fresh perspective on the period, "Sing for Freedom" is highly recommended for community library black studies and music collections.
Why Scouting Works for Black Boys
Justin Lewter
African American Images
PO Box 1799, Chicago Heights, IL 60412
9781934155103, $12.95, www.africanamericanimages.com
Too many young black Americans, are falling into exactly what the worst stereotypes depict. Is there a way for parents to help their children avoid this fate? "Why Scouting Works for Black Boys" is a guide focusing on young African American children and how increased enrollment in the Boy Scouts could help the country – while realistically realizing that the Boy Scouts are not a panacea for the world's ills. Pushing improved values all around, "Why Scouting Works for Black Boys" is a top pick for any community library black studies collection and for any parent who wants the best for their child.
The Social Issues Shelf
The Last Professors
Frank Donoghue
Fordham University Press
University Box L, 2546 Belmont, Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
9780823228607, $22.00, www.fordhampress.com
Today's world is full of corporations where engineering and business sense are the top values in employees. Higher Education, as such, has turned to teaching these aspects. "The Last Professors: The Corporate University and the Fate of the Humanities" is a look at the victims of this turn, the college professors. With the fall of the liberal arts and modern emphasis on efficiency, the days of the tenured professor are looking grim as the world changes too fast for a long term career as a college level instructor to be a viable option. "The Last Professors: The Corporate University and the Fate of the Humanities" is a scholarly examination of a serious academic shift, highly recommended for community and college library social issues collections.
Governance in Dark Times
Camilla Stivers
Georgetown University Press
3420 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
158901197X, $24.95, www.press.georgetown.edu
As conditions in a country get worse, trust in the government tends to dwindle. "Governance in Dark Times: Practical Philosophy for Public Service" is a guide for those in the service of a public that presumes corruption at every turn and has no faith in the system. With advice on doing the right thing in the face of adversity, and discussions on contested issues like terrorism and homeland security, "Governance in Dark Times: Practical Philosophy for Public Service" is a must for government employee and community library social issues collections.
The Coming Convergence
Stanley Schmidt, Ph.D.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591026136, $27.95 www.prometheusbooks.com
THE COMING CONVERGENCE: THE SURPRISING WAYS DIVERSE TECHNOLOGIES INTERACT TO SHAPE OUR WORLD AND CHANGE THE FUTURE comes from a physicist and writer who shows how past convergences between technologies have changed the world – and how new currents in biotechnology and information technology hold the same promise for the future. From the potentials for reduced pollution and longer lives to the issues of too much power in too few hands, THE COMING CONVERGENCE charts dangerous – and hopeful – future paths of development.
Deconstructing the Republic
Anthony A. Peacock
American Enterprise Institute
1150 Seventeenth Street, NW, Washington DC 20036
9780844742632, $25.00, www.aei.org/books
How does America stay true to its constitution in a rapidly changing world? "Deconstructing the Republic: Voting Rights, The Supreme Court, and the Founders' Republicanism Reconsidered" is a scholarly look at topics of seminal importance for modern political discussions. Written by educated professor Anthony A. Peacock, "Deconstructing the Republic" is grounded in sound arguments, and is of importance to any modern day political discussion. Highly recommended for community library social issues collections.
The Political Economy of Media
Robert W. McChesney
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583671610, $19.95, www.monthlyreview.org
When news reporters ask what the candidates are wearing, or how George W. Bush spends his spare time, is it a sign of the media's declining quality in its quest to gain ratings? "The Political Economy of the Media: Enduring Issues, Enduring Dilemmas" is a brutal and harsh critique of the current state of the media and all that impacts it such as the internet, the growing infusion of commercialism in culture, and other factors. With the pen of Professor Robert W. McChesney behind it, "The Political Economy of the Media: Enduring Issues, Enduring Dilemmas" is a top pick for community library collections dedicated to social issues and for any who wants a harsher look at the modern media.
When the Prisoners Ran Walpole
Jamie Bissonette
South End Press
7 Brookline Street #1, Cambridge, MA 02139
9780896087705, $20.00, www.southendpress.org
Is the current prison system in desperate need of reform? "When the Prisoners Ran Walpole: A True Story in the Movement For Prison Abolition" is a look at the concept of prisons and how a group of prisoners in 1973 managed to set forth change successfully, by keeping the peace within their ranks as their guards went on strike. An optimistic yet critical to both sides of the debate, "When the Prisoners Ran Walpole: A True Story in the Movement For Prison Abolition" is highly recommended for community library social issues collections and for any prison administrator.
A Choice of Enemies
Lawrence Freedman
Public Affairs Books
250 West 57th Street, Suite 1321, New York, NY 10107
9781586485184, $29.95, www.publicaffairsbooks.com
The black and white battle between good and evil is a common element of fantasy. But that's all it is – fantasy. "A Choice of Enemies: America Confronts the Middle East" is an examination of America's involvement in the growing conflicts with the middle east, conflicts which are almost as far from black and white as something can possibly be. Many of America's alleged 'enemies' are not in fact working together, and are just as antagonistic towards each other as they are America. An intriguing look at America, its enemies, and their countless interrelations with one another, "A Choice of Enemies: America Confronts the Middle East" is a top pick for community library current events collections.
The Poetry Shelf
All These Roads
Louis Dudek
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5
9781554580392, $14.95, www.wlupress.wlu.ca
The cream of an already excellent crop - "All These Roads: The Poetry of Louis Dudek" picks thirty five poems from the poet's long and illustrious sixty-year career as a major literary force in Canada. The high regard in which he is held is readily understood as readers view and enjoy his work, making "All These Roads: The Poetry of Louis Dudek" highly recommended for community library poetry collections.
The Extremities
Timothy Kelly
Oberlin College Press
50 North Professor Street, Oberlin, OH 44074-1091
9780932440334, $15.95, www.oberlin.edu/ocpress
Author of two previous collections of poetry and award winning poet Timothy Kelly returns with his third anthology of verse in "The Extremities". Contemplating the unique subject of the human body and turning the science behind it into enlightening, educational, and entertaining lyrical poetry, "The Extremities" is a read poetry lovers are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended for community library poetry collections. "Taking It In to Have it Looked At": In her voice there's Irish tracings,/ in her ear a bridgework of bones. In the bones/ small sets of shivers upon which/ everything you think you hear turns.// In the eye there's carpet receptive/ to light waved in from the star; and the tamped/ seeds, signaled, splay triggered,/ the seeds where the libraries are.// In sleep dart severs the senses,/ then incommunicado we drift our beds; and are/ mapped by lovers we never knew/ were stowed away strange in our heads.
Unmentionables
Beth Ann Fennelly
WW Norton
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393066050, $23.95, www.wwnorton.com
The word "unmentionable" does not, strictly speaking, mean something that is inappropriate; it can also mean something that words can't describe well. "Unmentionables" is a poetry collection by experienced and prolific author Beth Ann Fennelly, who tries to speak of what can't be spoken with inspired and detailed lyrical verse. The result is an enlightening and entertaining reading experience. Community library poetry collections would do well in acquiring "Unmentionables". "Colorplate 68": Eugene worsens./ At fifty I am old./ I paint en plein air no more.// April: he gives me a bunch of violets./ I crush them/ onto my pallette,/ suture my canvas/ with violets.
Azores
David Yezzi
A Shallow Press Book
c/o Ohio University Press
19 Circle Drive, The Ridges, Athens, Ohio 45701
9780804011136, $24.95, www.ohioswallow.com
Experienced poet David Yezzi returns with his third anthology of poetry in "Azores". Well-written throughout, touching on the humor and somberness found in everyday life with an intellectual tint, "Azores" is an ideal pick for poetry fans and community library collections. "Tritina for Susannah": The water off these rocks is green and cold./ The sandless coast takes the tide in its mouth,/ as a wolf brings down a deer or lifts its child.// I walked this bay before you were my child./ Your fingers stinging brightly in the cold,/ I take each one and warm it in my mouth.//Though I've known this shore for years, my mouth/ holds no charms of use to you, my child./ You will have to learn the words to ward off cold// and know them cold, child, in your open mouth.
Elegy for the Floater
Teresa Carson
CavanKerry Press
6 Horizon Road, No. 2901, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
9781933880075, $16.00, www.cavankerrypress.org
"Elegy for the Floater" explores the human elements of love, death, and life, with a primary focus on healing from psychological damage inflicted by the sudden suicide of a loved one. Deftly crafted with beautiful imagery throughout, "Elegy for the Floater" is highly recommended to any who have lost a loved one to this terrible occurrence. "Webs": my mother drew spider webs/on any paper with her reacher// my mother on the telephone/drew webs across names in our address book//my mother in her rocker/drew webs on bills and Christmas cards//my mother in my bedroom drew/webs deep in diaries//everywhere in that house I found/ink pencil crayon.
My Piece of the Puzzle
Doren Robbins
Eastern Washington University Press
534 E. Spokane Falls, Blvd. Suite 203, Spokane, WA 99202
9781597660389, $14.95, www.ewu.edu/ewupress
Highly experienced and prolific poet Doren Robbins presents his sixth full length volume of poetry in "My Piece of the Puzzle". Filled with simple yet delicate observations of the world around us, and touching on the various eccentricities of human nature be they mean, idiotic, or magnificent, Robbins' poetry is sure to move readers in one way or another. "My Piece of the Puzzle" is a top pick for poetry lovers and community library collections catering to them. "The Rains": At a hotel off the Deschutes River, recorded in Bend, Oregon, the same/night going down for ice when I found a large moth inside from the rain.//Even dead it looked vibrant, resting on the inside corner/of a louvered windowsill.//Heavy layered fur neck, buffalo thick head. I saw all the way into the pearl/ of running surf inside the moth's unshuttered eye, and the bloom in there/became clear a little piece of peel at a time.//Saw the loomed pieces stacked layers new petals lapped over a face within/the increased undergrowth, steadily withheld, unknown till then.
Two Off Q
June Nirschl, Nancy Rafal, & Judy Roy
Marsh River Edtions
M233 Marsh Road, Marshfield, WI 54449
9780977276844, $10.95, www.marshrivereditions.com
"Two Off Q: A Conversation In Poetry" is one of the most distinctive and novel approaches to the publishing of poetry. Two outstanding masters of verse, June Nirschl and Judy Roy, have a kind of off-beat collaboration in that "Two Off Q" showcases their poetry in sequence, evoking the feeling of listening to two distinctive voices communicating in the ephemeral language of poetry with another and with the reader. Organized into four major sections (Whimsy; Whispers from the Past; Among those We've Loved; Presence), we are presented with the first poem ('The Most Important Light in the County') followed by a poem by Judy Roy ('A Cook's Lament'), and this pattern with but is form of presentation principally followed throughout with but a few exceptions. The result is impressive individually, and fascinating in the collective whole. "Two Off Q" is especially recommended and rewarding reading for any and all who appreciated well crafted poetry superbly presented. 'Phoning Home': It's what we've done forever--call each other./We talked about our parents, always laughed/and shared small secrets, each convinced the other/could take away the sadness, make us laugh./And so we did. We giggled at the boys/until we double-dated, then came home/and telephoned. We shared, compared the boys,/our husbands now. Worlds apart, yet home,/we are each other's history. Through the phone/we spoke of children growing up, of loss/and hope, the awful fear of when a phone/might ring for boys grown old, the one great loss./And still we call, we speak, and sometimes weep/the quiet tears that aged women weep. (Judy Roy) 'Lullaby for My Little Sister': You were the child with colic who cried/for more than a year while Mama tried/to shush and soothe to no avail/the pain in your gut. Not this tale/or another speaks to what frayed//the mother-daughter tie, once ignited,/fanned hungry flames that putrefied/all hope. But we viewed through a veil --/you were a child.//Rest now, mischievous imp, bright-eyed/girl. Your laughter long nullified/sours like wisps on the wind, sails/sails like spirit, still hush-a-byed./Forever, child.
The Morning Will Come
Seamus Cashman
Salmon Poetry
c/o Dufour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781903392638, $21.95, www.salmonpoetry.com
Experienced and prolific author and poet Seamus Cashman returns with his third anthology, "That Morning Will Come", a focus on spirituality and musings on life drawn from Cashman's visit to the holy land and Palestine – with a side look at human rights. Cashman also touches on parenthood and other commonly faced problems of life. A deftly written and highly recommended piece of poetry, perfect for community library poetry collections. "Poised on the Edge": I would have been a pharaoh/to your Nile, a sunbeam to your cist/a button on your belly tying up ends/in my beginnings, fits, and enterprises.//I could go for days on your breathings/But to end all that I stand here/poised on the edge of waking/ready for a drought.
Controlled Decay
Gabriela Jauregui
Black Goat
c/o Akashic Books
PO Box 1456, New York, NY 10009
9781933354521, $15.95 www.akashicbooks.com
Mexican-born poet Gabriela Jauregui presents Controlled Decay, her debut poetry collection. The works range in setting from Jauregui's native Mexico City to a dance hall in East Los Angeles to a steam bath in Morocco to the quietude of the grave. Blending elements of narrative, thought processes, and open rhythm, Controlled Decay taps into the immense power of human consciousness and the eternal story that is the endless circle of life. "For Nietzsche": Between truth and fiction / a soap washes/clears ambiguity / dispels/destroys ambivalence / a vegetable soap / that leaves no trace / clean / like a button / ripped from an overcoat / on a winter morning.
Colosseum
Katie Ford
Graywolf Press
2402 University Avenue, Suite 203, Saint Paul, MN 55114
9781555975012, $15.00 www.graywolfpress.org 1-651-641-0077
Colosseum is a brief collection of free-verse poems by award-winning poet Katie Ford. Drawing upon the lessons of history embedded within historical ruins, contrasted with modern-day ruins such as the devastation of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina (an experience the author encountered firsthand), Colosseum speaks of catastrophes throughout time, emphasizing that natural disasters deliver their wrath with equal fury to all people. A singularly compelling and thought-provoking poetry experience. "Earth": Wild horses folded into their last night. / One burrowed against the dead's descending heat / as three cantered from the threadbare wood. // You must leaving everything lit / by city light and Damascus light, anything fueled / except by your eyes on these animal bodies. // Species by species, light by light. // As for the tarpan it shall be for you. / A reckoning so slow you aren't even frightened.
Unspoiled Air
Kaisa Ullsvik Miller
Fence Books
New Library 320, University at Albany,
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222
9781934200124, $15.00 www.fenceportal.org
The debut collection by 2008 Motherwell Prize winner Kaisa Ullsvik Miller, Unspoiled Air is an anthology of brief, free-verse poems winding in undulating, soothing patterns that dare to offer a glimmer of hope against the stark indifference of the universe. Encapsulating instants in time and emotion, Unspoiled Air affects the senses like a deep breath of its titular subject. "A Flower's Work": a flower's intention is / of a flower work // you are the center // of the flower, // The vivid, delicate petals / delight / and health
In the Silence of the Migrated Birds
Austin Smith
Parallel Press
372 Memorial Library, 728 State Street, Madison, WI 53575
9781893311985, $10.00 http://parallelpress.library.wisc.edu 1-800-636-0071
In the Silence of the Migrated Birds is a flat-spined chapbook of free-verse poetry expressing the transitory moment of experience - whether witnessing one's mother baking bread or observing the constellation Pleiades for the first time. Avian imagery abounds, as migratory birds are symbolic of the eternal, cyclic change that is the hallmark of life itself. In the Silence of the Migrated Birds deserves to be savored, whether in the comfort of one's own home or during a break in a nature hike. "Christmas": Winter sets like a broken / bone, painful and white. // Winter has a way / of making war seem more futile. // And when sleet riddles the angels / the children swam into the snow, // who can resist the urge / to visit the Veterans' Museum // to touch the cold bronze / faces of their grandfathers?
The Hands of Day
Pablo Neruda, author
William O'Daly, translator
Copper Canyon Press
PO Box 271, Port Townsend, Washington 98368
9781556592720, $17.00 www.coppercanyonpress.org
The Hands of Day is the seventh bilingual translation of the poetry of Chile-born diplomat and political activist Pablo Neruda (1904-1973). Sixty-seven lyric poems are presented in both their original Spanish and in English. At times the verse dips away from the mundanities of daily life and into the wonders existing just beyond the senses. A poignant collection, tinged with the depth of human emotion and a "must-have" for anyone with an interest in Neruda's classic works. "The Hands of the Days": by the accident of the rose / the hour is born, irascible / or yellow. / Thin layer of volcano, petal of hatred, / carnivorous throat, / such is a day, and the next one / is tenderly, / yes resolutely, a wedding song.
The Travel Shelf
Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers
Peter J. Barr
John F. Blair Publisher
1406 Plaza Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
9780895873569, $14.95, www.blairpub.com
Lookout towers used to be places where rangers could view the forests and spot any problems. Today, they are open to anyone who wishes to visit them. "Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers" is a guide for hikers who want to put a destination into their hikes that ends with a great view of the surrounding landscape. An ideal pick for any hiking enthusiast, "Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers" is highly recommended for community library travel collections.
Jerusalem
Chanoch Shudofsky
Devora Publishing
40 East 78th Street, Suite 16D, New York, NY 10021
Stuart Schnee PR (publicity)
9781934440254, $21.95, www.devorapublishing.com
The city of Jerusalem means so much to so many people. "Jerusalem: A Neighborhood Street Guide" is a closely personal look at the city in its modern state, studying its rich history street by street. The 2,500 streets of the city are listed in alphabetical order; none are left out, and at the end is a full color road map of the city. "Jerusalem: A Neighborhood Street Guide" is highly recommended for community library travel collections and to anyone wishing to visit the holy city.
Hour Chicago
Ann Slavick
Ivan R. Dee Publisher
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2694
9781566637435, $16.95, www.ivanrdee.com
One doesn't need an entire day to appreciate the arts and life of the great city of Chicago. "Hour Chicago: Twenty Five Self-Guided Sixty Minute Tours of Chicago's Great Architecture and Art" is a guide for tourists and residents who looking to savor full appreciation of the city's culture in conveniently bite-sized doses. Presented in a compact and portable form, Hour Chicago is the perfect guide to carry along for any trip through the city. Highly recommended for community library travel collections.
Kansas Outdoor Treasures
Julie M. Cirlincuina
Trails Books
c/o Big Earth Publishing
923 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703
9781934553114, $18.95, www.bigearthpublishing.com
Nature can be an attraction all its own. "Kansas Outdoor Treasures: A Guide to Over 60 Natural Destinations" is exactly what its title says. For nature hiking enthusiasts, it's a complete and comprehensive guide to traveling through the Midwestern state and enjoying mother nature's own tourist attractions. The guide gives tips on getting the most out of these trips, making "Kansas Outdoor Treasures: A Guide to Over 60 Natural Destinations" highly recommended for community library travel collections.
Lake Michigan Travel Guide
Nina Gadomski
Trails Books
c/o Big Earth Publishing
923 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53703
9781934553091, $19.95, www.bigearthpublishing.com
The relaxing beaches and the bustle of Chicago's lake front – Lake Michigan has much to offer as a vacation destination. "Lake Michigan Travel Guide" is a complete and comprehensive tourist guide to the area surrounding Lake Michigan, granting readers everything they need to know. Pointing out countless attractions as well as good stops for food and rest, and enhanced with detailed black and white photos throughout, "Lake Michigan Travel Guide" is an essential read for anyone heading into the area and for community library travel collections.
Particular Places
Orange Frazer Roadbooks
Orange Frazer Press
PO Box 214, 37 1/2 West Main Street, Wilmington, OH 45177
9781933197449, $16.95, www.orangefrazer.com
Unspoiled by an overwhelming burst of tourism, Ohio can be an ideal destination for one seeking a relaxing vacation. "Particular Places: A Guide to Ohio's Best Road Trips" is a complete and comprehensive guide to travelers who want to go on a vacation to the road less traveled, with fifteen destinations lied out with plenty of suggested activities, accommodations, and great food to be found. Ranging from the world's largest collection of historic lunch boxes to perambulator museums, Ohio has much to offer travelers, and "Particular Places; A Guide to Ohio's Best Road Trips" is the guide to get for it – highly recommended for community library travel collections.
Eat Smart In Sicily
Joan Peterson & Marcella Croce
Ginkgo Press
PO Box 5346, Madison, WI 53705
9780977680115, $13.95 www.ginkgopress.com
Joan Peterson has now authored and/or co-authored nine superbly crafted and incredible informative travel guides with a distinctive culinary orientation. The newest addition to her impressive roster of titles is "Eat Smart In Sicily: How To Decipher The Menu, Know The Market Foods & Embark On A Tasting Adventure" which she co-authored with Sicilian native, journalist and author Marcella Croce. Enhanced for the armchair browser with a section of color photography showcasing dishes, foods, and chefs, "Eat Smart In Sicily" truly lives up to its name and the sterling reputation of the entire 'Eat Smart' series. Along with an historical overview focused on the origins of Sicily's culinary diversity and a quick tour of local Sicilian foods and their variations, travelers are providing with invaluable tips for shopping in both the Sicilian open air food markets as well as their modern supermarkets. With the inclusion of resource lists, helpful phrases, a menu guide, recommended restaurants, and even a thoroughly 'user friendly' Menu Guide, "Eat Smart In Sicily" is a 'must' for anyone traveling there for either business or pleasure or both!
Paris
Measom Shaner
Welcome Books
6 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9781599620435, $24.95, www.welcomebooks.com
Paris - one of the most famous cities in the world. "Paris: Wish You Were Here" is an examination of the city's history and image in the eyes of the world throughout the centuries, from ancient Gaul to modern France. Enhanced with writing from countless famous authors such as Hemingway, Twain, and a guide to more traditional aspects of Paris tourism (the food, the museums, the monuments, and more), "Paris: Wish You Were Here" contains almost everything anyone would want to know about the city, and is essential reading for anyone thinking of planning a trip to Paris, or for arm chair travelers worldwide.
Twenty West
Mac Nelson
State University of New York Press
State University Plaza, Albany, NY 12246-0001
9780791474693, $25.00 www.sunypress.edu 1-800-666-2211
Twenty West: The Great Road Across America in an engaging travelogue about journeying upon America's longest road, US Route 20, a coast-to-coast road crossing twelve states as it stretches 3,300 miles from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon. Written by Mac Nelson (Distinguished Teaching Professor of English at SUNY Fredonia) and drawing heavily from his personal experience touring its length, Twenty West gives an up close and personal tour of parks (especially the "peaceable kingdom" of Yellowstone), historical landmarks, Americana and much more. "Yellowstone's famous wildlife doesn't pay much mind to artificial boundaries, so it's wise to start watching for bear and deer and moose as soon as you reach Wapiti, twenty miles west of Cody." A wonderful read for armchair travelers, and the next best thing to touring the length of US Route 20 in person.
Traveler's Advisory
Jessia Lehrer, Rick Lightstone, & Alice Murray
Mark Batty Publisher
36 W 37th St. Penthouse, New York 10018
9780979554636, $14.95, www.markbattypublisher.com
Not all trips go as planned, and being far from home invites misfortunes. "Traveler's Advisory" is a small puffy handbook of humor for those who are traveling or about to travel. The wisdom, while meant to be humorous, is very real and sound advice when attempting to expect the unexpected. Whether one is staying in the finest accommodations in the world or roughing it, "Traveler's Advisory" is a must-read. A superb giftbook for travel enthusiasts and highly recommended for both community library Travel and Humor collections.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Reinventing the Sacred
Stuart A. Kauffman
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com 1-800-242-7737
9780455003006, $27.00 www.basicbooks.com
REINVENTING THE SACRED: A NEW VIEW OF SCIENCE, REASON AND RELIGION comes from a pioneer in the field of complexity theory, and here offers a radical new world view: that of the natural universe as a ceaseless creativity which is unpredictable – and which should be considered divine in itself. This concept of 'sacred' can be recreated, Kauffman writes – and his title shows how to refine a view of God into a different kind of system entirely. Perfect for both spirituality and college-level science holdings, it offers a challenging new way of perceiving spirituality and deity.
Science and Nonbelief
Taner Edis
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591025610, $18.95 www.prometheusbooks.com
Scientists have raised religious questions since the discipline's earliest development. Today many scientists are also nonbelievers – but can scientific inquiry and religious belief coexist? Science and Nonbelief is an overview detailing the history and theories of this relationship, examining scientific and spiritual developments alike. Any collection strong in science, philosophy or religion will find Science and Nonbelief a satisfying blend of inquiry and analysis.
A Monk in the Inner City
Mary Lou Kownacki
Orbis Books
Box 308, Maryknoll, NY 10545
9781570757600, $16.00 www.orbisbooks.com
An 'urban monk' offers up meditations on dying, living, and religious sense in A MONK IN THE INNER CITY: THE ABCS OF A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. Juxtaposing spiritual insights with the input of others in society, Mary Lou Kownacki's survey is an excellent addition to any spirituality library, especially those offering meditations for change.
The Enlightenment Process, revised edition
Judith Blackstone
Paragon House
1925 Oakcrest Avenue, Suite 7, St. Paul, MN 55113-2619
9781557788733, $14.95, www.paragonhouse.com
Happiness is being at peace with oneself. "The Enlightenment Process: A Guide to Embodied Spiritual Awakening" is now in a newly revised edition to help those who are lost in the world to find themselves. With methods to help readers discover enlightenment and get in touch with their consciousness, "The Enlightenment Process" is the ideal guide for those seeking to reach the ultimate goal of spiritual oneness. Highly recommended for community library spirituality collections.
The Way It Is
Chuck Hilling
Sentient Publications
1113 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80302
9781591810711, $14.95, www.sentinentpublications.com
Improvement comes with understanding. "The Way It Is: Realizing the Truth About Everything" is a guide to using that piece of wisdom in almost every aspect of life. Combining aspects of self-discovery, eastern religion, philosophy and modern psychology, "The Way It Is" seeks to answer questions such as the existence of free will, good and evil, and how one improves themselves. An ideal book of spirituality and philosophy, highly recommended for community library spirituality collections. Also of interest from Sentient Publications is "Unplugged: How to Disconnect form the Rat Race, Have an Existential Crisis, and Find Meaning and Fulfillment" (9781591810704, $16.95), another guide to those seeking enlightenment in their lives.
Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim
Edward Hays
Forest of Peace
c/o Ave Maria Press, Inc.
PO Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556
9780939516803, $19.95, www.forestofpeace.com
Prayer is an act that can be selfish or charitable. "Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim: A Personal Manual for Prayer and Ritual" is an anthology of prayers and other spiritual rituals not specific to any one religion, focusing solely on the spiritual aspects of all religions and how their followers connect with them. Suggesting that readers pray for all people instead of solely for themselves and their family, "Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim" is an ideal gift for anyone cultivating their spiritual side. Highly recommended for community library spirituality collections.
The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita
Swami Kriyananda
Crystal Clarity Publishers
14618 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, CA 95959
9781565892262, $14.00, www.crystalclarity.com
Remembering the teachings of one's master and then explaining them to the world is the harrowing task undertaken by Swami Kriyananda in "The Essence of Bhagavad Gita", a book of 649 pages dedicated to the mindset of Yoga and its use in the modern world. Focusing on things even people who aren't followers of Yoga can appreciate, such as bringing one's soul to unite with the divine while still living life, preparing for life's final exams, and overcoming pain and suffering, "The Essence of Bhagavad Gita" is highly recommended for community library spirituality collections.
Jesus the Wicked Priest
Marvin Vining
Bear & Company
c/o Inner Traditions
1 Park Street, Rochester, Vermont 05767
9781591430810, $16.00, www.bearandcompanybooks.com
Is Jesus nothing more than a radical and charlatan from two thousand years ago? "Jesus the Wicked Priest: How Christianity Was Born of an Essene Schism" takes a hard look at the historical Jesus, referencing the dead sea scrolls that were found in 1947. Evaluating an argument that is heresy to many Christians, and seeking to reinforce it with a study of the immaculate conception and the resurrection, "Jesus the Wicked Priest: How Christianity Was Born of an Essene Schism" is a startling new look at Christianity.
Yoga Beyond Belief
Ganga White
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
9781556436468, $19.95, www.northatlanticpress.com
Yoga is not spiritual hooha; there is a scientific element to the healing it provides alongside the spiritual. "Yoga Beyond Belief: Insights to Awaken and Deepen Your Practice" is a guide for Yoga users to enhance their experiences with their meditations and rituals. Although aimed at those with some experience, "Yoga Beyond Belief" is simple enough for novices to read and learn the art. A top pick for community library spirituality collections.
Esther
Debra Reid
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-1426
9780830842131, $16.00, www.ivpbooks.com
A comprehensive guide to understanding the Bible and what it means, "Esther: Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries" offers readers a complete examination of each biblical text's authorship, date of creation, setting, and what it was meant to do. A comprehensive analysis enhanced with further notes and opinionated commentaries, "Esther: Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries" is highly recommended for community library religious collections.
The Music Shelf
River of No Return
Jeffrey Buckner Ford
Cumberland House Publishing
431 Harding Industrial Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
9781581826531, $26.95 www.cumberlandhouse.com
Any interested in the life and times of Tennessee Ernie Ford will relish this biography of his achievements in RIVER OF NO RETURN: TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD AND THE WOMAN HE LOVED. The couple's eldest son recalls family life and romance, and the high and low times of the Ford family as it coped with fame and its ultimate cost. His lively survey covers a life that produced many hits and classics fond to American memory and makes for a top pick for any library strong in music history and biographies.
Bob Dylan, second edition
John Nogowski
McFarland
PO Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
9780786435180, $39.95, www.mcfarlandpub.com
Bob Dylan is argued by some to be the most influential American musician of the twentieth century. Now in a thoroughly updated and significantly expanded second edition, "Bob Dylan: A Descriptive, Critical Discography and Filmography 1961-2007" is a biography of Dylan through his art and contributions. Covering Dylan's long career of over fifty years as well as discussing each of his songs and films with a high degree of description, "Bob Dylan: A Descriptive, Critical Discography and Filmography 1961-2007" is deftly composed, and a top pick for community library music collections.
It Was All Right
James A. Mitchell
Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814333372, $24.95, www.wsupress.wayne.edu
The rock-and-roll lifestyle of the second half of the twentieth century the was the hectic lifestyle that so many people want to live. "It Was All Right: Mitch Ryder's Life in Music" follows famed artist Mitch Ryder as he relates his life story of nearly half a century in the music industry, making over 8,000 performances. Ryder's biography is well-written and enthralling, sprinkled with great road stories, and highly recommended for community library music collections as well as to any fan of the man himself.
The Self-Help Shelf
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
www.thomasnelson.com 1-800-251-4000
Lasting success can come from as little as seven intentional decisions – and the author has spent several decades studying some of the success stories that have revolved around these decisions. Andy Andrews' Mastering the Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success (9780785261414, $19.99) blends profiles of very successful people with exercises designed to help readers translate these successes into action plans. Chapters give plenty of examples of responsible thinking, gratitude, and more in this outstanding survey of life improvements. Andrews' THE TRAVELER'S GIFT, (9780785264286, $19.99) expands on the theme, reviewing the seven decisions that lead to personal success and emphasizing and analyzing the difference between failure and success. David Ponder was a successful executive once, but feels like a total failure now: once an executive, he works a part-time, minimum-wage job and faces many crises. A life-threatening situation sends him on a journey of discovery in this inspirational saga.
Your Perfect Right, ninth edition
Robert Alberti & Michael Emmons
Impact Publishers
PO Box 6016, Atascadero, CA 93423-6016
9781886230859, $17.95, www.impactpublishers.com
Assertiveness means a lot in life, and can be the line between happiness and misery for many people. Now in its ninth edition, "Your Perfect Right: Assertiveness and Equality In Your Life and Relationships" gives advice to readers that can help them improve their attitude and personality, and indirectly help them deal with life's many challenges. A seminal guide to those who have let themselves be trod upon for too long, "Your Perfect Right: Assertiveness and Equality In Your Life and Relationships" is a must have for community library collections dedicated to self-help.
Find a Great Guy
Kristin Kuhns Alexandre
Arbor Books Inc.
19 Spear Road, Suite 301, Ramsey, NJ 07446
9780977668717, $19.99, www.thenewgentleman.com
Are all men pigs? It's something many women may say after a long string of failed relationships. "Find a Great Guy: Now & Forever" encourages women not to give up; good men are out there, and with the advice given, women may be able to find the right one for themselves. Author Kristin Kuhns Alexandre is a veteran of two failed marriages and has done her research on which men truly are pigs, and which are the right types to spend one's life with. "Find a Great Guy: Now & Forever" is a must for any woman sick of being burned, and for community library relationship collections.
Speak with Success
Susan J. Benjamin
Good Year Books
PO Box 91858, Tucson, AZ 85752-1858
9781596471276, $14.95, www.goodyearbooks.com
Public speaking – the key is not imagine everyone in their underwear, as pop culture often suggests. "Speak with Success: A Student's Step-by-Step Guide to Fearless Public Speaking" is a complete and comprehensive guide to overcoming stage fright and speaking in front of a crowd as if it were second nature. Covering how to give a proper speech depending on the speech's purpose, how to avoid having a nervous breakdown on stage, and much more, "Speak with Success: A Student's Step-by-Step Guide to Fearless Public Speaking" is a top pick for anyone facing the microphone and dreading it, and for community library self-help collections.
Hypnotize Yourself Out of Pain Now!
Bruce N. Eimer
Crown House Publishing
6 Trowbridge Drive, Suite 5, Bethel, CT 06801
9781845900878, $24.95, www.crownhouse.co.uk
The mind is what tells one that the body is in pain; but one can tell the mind what to do at the same time. "Hypnotize Yourself Out of Pain Now! A Powerful, User-Friendly Program for Anyone Searching for Immediate Pain Relief" is a guide to using the skill of self-hypnosis to make one's mind ignore the pain of the body, so that one can get on with life. Claiming to be tried, tested, and proven by medical professionals, "Hypnotize Yourself Out of Pain Now! A Powerful, User-Friendly Program for Anyone Searching for Immediate Pain Relief" is highly recommended to anyone willing to attempt a new approach to their chronic pain management, and for community library self-help collections.
I'll Stop Tomorrow
Paul Campell
Mercier Press
c/o Dufour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781856355384, $19.95, www.dufoureditions.com
"I'll Stop Tomorrow: Alcoholism and the Journey to Recovery" - the titular words are a common excuse, uttered by those who want to quit but simply can't. Paul Campbell was one of those people; he had it all and lost it due to his demons. "I'll Stop Tomorrow: Alcoholism and the Journey to Recovery" covers his journey back to sobriety, and puts forward step by step guides, along with countless tips for stopping the drinking. Highly recommended for community library self-help collections.
A Cancer Patient's Guide to Overcoming Depression & Anxiety
Derek R. Hopko & Carl W. Lejuez
New Harbinger Publications
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
9781572245044, $19.95, www.newharbinger.com
Sheer force of will can do wonders for the psyche, and can help versus anything. If one lets something beat them mentally, they will also be beaten physically. "A Cancer Patient's Guide to Overcoming Depression & Anxiety: Getting Through Treatment & Getting Back to Your Life" is a guide to training one's mind and spirit to overcome cancer, one of the most soul-crushing things a person can be diagnosed with. Packed with non-stop tips to help one overcome the negative emotions that a cancer diagnosis generates, "A Cancer Patient's Guide to Overcoming Depression & Anxiety" offers an upbeat and optimistic outlook that will help readers steady their mind to fight alongside their body and defeat the cancer. "A Cancer Patient's Guide to Overcoming Depression & Anxiety" is a must for any cancer patient, and recommended for community library health & self-help shelves everywhere.
I Created The Life of My Wildest Dreams – You Can Too!
Krista Kay Carlton
Vantage Press
419 Park Avenue, South, New York, NY 10016
9780533157518, $8.95, www.vantagepress.com
The edge of pulling the trigger and taking one's own life – is there a point of no return – a point where happiness is impossible? Not so, claims author Krista Kay Carlton in "I Created The Life of My Wildest Dreams – You Can Too! Simple Steps You Can Take to Create a Magnificent Life". In this quick, to the point handbook, she explains how she dragged herself out of that pit of misery and turned herself around using her own free will, determination, and faith in God. Saying everyone is a master of their own destiny, "I Created The Life of My Wildest Dreams – You Can Too! Simple Steps You Can Take to Create a Magnificent Life" is an uplifting tale, highly recommended to anyone who may be nearing that edge, and for community library self-help collections.
Journey from Head to Heart
Nancy Oelklaus
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
9781932690439, $21.95, www.headtoheart.info
Getting one's head on straight is something highly underrated in today's society. "Journey from Head to Heart: Living and Working Authentically" is a guide to doing just that - living life while putting one's A-game and heart into it. The goal is to live one's life with personal gravitas and gusto, rather than the half-hearted shambling of someone living as an automaton. Designed to avoid being too touchy-feely (a common pitfall of many self-help guides), "Journey from Head to Heart" is highly recommended for community library collections.
Fishing in Heaven
Janet Childress
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd – 515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432719418, $9.95, www.outskirtspress.com
To be alongside a parent faced with a terminal illness is a horrifying prospect. "Fishing in Heaven" is author Janet Childress's memoir of being faced with her father's inevitable death. An inspirational recollection of Janet's final days with her father and how she prayed to God for a miracle, and then praying for her father's soul as he passed on, "Fishing in Heaven" is an ideal gift for anyone with a parent nearing their last hours. An ideal pick for community library self-help collections.
How to Hit a Curve Ball, Grill the Perfect Steak, and Become a Real Man
Stephen James & David Thomas
Tyndale
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414318622, $12.99, www.tyndale.com
What is a man? What is expected of an adult male in today's society? "How to Hit a Curve Ball, Grill the Perfect Steak, and Become a Real Man: Learning What Our Fathers Never Taught Us" is a handbook acknowledging that no father is a perfect father, just as no human is a perfect human. Tackling countless little tidbits of conventional male wisdom such as campfire building, fixing the toilet, and more, "How to Hit a Curve Ball, Grill the Perfect Steak, and Become a Real Man" is charming in its writing. A great pick for any man, and for community library self-help collections.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Exploring the Old Testament, Volume Four
J. Gordon McConville
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830825448, $27.00, www.ivpress.com
The Old Testament of the Bible is a major historical document from an era where not much history has been recorded. "Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets" is not a strictly Christian book looking to spread the gospel, but rather a text looking critically at the Bible within a historical context. Examining the roots of the prophets' books and their secular and theological contributions to the old world, "Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets" is highly recommended for community library theology collections.
This is my body, this is my blood – the rite of Eucharist. "Our Daily Bread: Glimpsing The Eucharist Through the Centuries" is a look at over two millennia of writings inspired by the Eucharist, from the earliest days of Christianity to letters Benedict XVI. A long, thorough, inspired and inspiring collection of poems and hymns written to strike the love of Christ within all who read them, "Our Daily Bread: Glimpsing The Eucharist Through the Centuries" is highly recommended for community library Christian studies collections.
The Mystery We Celebrate, The Song We Sing
Kathleen Harmon
Liturgical Press
St. John's Abbey, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814661901, $29.95, www.liturgicalpress.com
Music has been a part of religion for as long as both existed. "The Mystery We Celebrate, The Song We Sing: A Theology of Liturgical Music" is a study of liturgical music and the relationship of the two through the ages. It also touches upon liturgical music's spiritual relevance and its contributions to religion as a whole. A scholarly examination from first page to last, enhanced with an index, "The Mystery We Celebrate, The Song We Sing: A Theology of Liturgical Music" is highly recommended for community library Christian collections.
A Chronology of World Christianity
John Bowden
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 704, New York, NY 10038
9780826496331, $70.00, www.continuumbooks.com
Christianity – one of the most influential forces in the history of the western world. "A Chronology of World Christianity" is a long historical look at this world-changing concept started by a Jewish carpenter two thousand years ago. From the fall of Jerusalem to the election of Pope Benedict XVI, "A Chronology of World Christianity" is a complete and comprehensive coverage of the subject. It also tackles the subject of what precisely Christianity is in a scholarly manner. Enhanced with glossaries, indexes, a time line, and appendixes, "A Chronology of World Christianity" is a top pick for community library collections focusing on Christianity or World History, as well as general reference collections.
No Other Gods
Kelly Minter
David C. Cook
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
9780781448970, $13.99, www.davidccook.com
Idol worship is not strictly the territory of ancient pagan villages. "No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols" is a look at the human over-pursuit – where the desire becomes too great and rolls over into the arena of worship. A look into a woman's mind who was affected by this frenzy of materialism, "No Other Gods" is a spiritual guide about setting one's life's priorities in the right order. Highly recommended for community library Christian studies collections.
Prophetic Fishing
Jean Krisle Blasi
Chosen
c/o Baker Publishing Group
11400 Hampshire Avenue, South Bloomington, MN 55438
9780800794439, $12.99, www.chosenbooks.com
Anyone can be a messenger of God; one doesn't have to be a pastor or a priest. "Prophetic Fishing: Evangelism in the Power of the Spirit" is a guide to those who want to speak the word of Christ to their peers and anyone who needs it. With tips on overcoming one's under-confidence, "Prophetic Fishing" covers the challenges of evangelism thoroughly and completely. Highly recommended for community library Christian studies collections.
Finding Our Way Again
Brian McLaren
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
Helmers Literacy Agency (publicity)
PO Box 50737, Colorado Springs, CO 80949-0737
9780849901140, $17.99, www.thomasnelson.com 1-800-251-4000
Very few people are devout Christians in the modern era; modernity erodes faith. "Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices" is a guide to finding one's faith through looking to the past and the older methods of faith. With advice on following ancient practices of early Christians to restore one's faith in today's world, suggesting disciplines such as fixed hour prayer, sacred meals, pilgrimage, fasting and other concepts, "Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices" is highly recommended for community library Christian studies collections.
Conviction without Compromise
Norman Geisler & Ron Rhodes
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736922203, $14.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com
Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Unitarian – so many denominations, how could Christianity be really united? "Conviction without Compromise: Standing Strong in the Core Beliefs of the Christian Faith" is a guide to unify Christianity as a whole through the essential beliefs of the religion, striving to cut down on the squabbles between people who all hold that Jesus is the son of God. Outlining the essential and nonessential teachings of the religion, "Conviction without Compromise: Standing Strong in the Core Beliefs of the Christian Faith" is highly recommended for community library Christian collections.
Lost Women of the Bible
Carolyn Custis James
Zondervan
5300 Patterson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310285250, $14.99, www.zondervan.com
The Bible's words in the realm of feminism are not one of strict antagonism; there are positive messages as well. "Lost Women of the Bible: The Women We Thought We Knew" is a look at the iconic women of the Bible and their message to the women of today. A book of solid encouragement for women who still hold their faith dear, "Lost Women of the Bible: The Women We Thought We Knew" is a top pick for both Christian and women's studies community library collections.
Jesus, Engaging Theology
Gerard S. Sloyan
Liturgical Press
Saint John's Abbey, 31802 County Rd. 159, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814659915, $19.95, www.litpress.org
Though Jesus Christ is one of the most famous men to ever walk the earth, his life is constantly disputed. "Engaging Theology: Catholic Perspectives" tries to view Jesus in a more historical nature during his life, examining the impact of his deeds on the Christian world following his death and supposed resurrection. "Engaging Theology: Catholic Perspectives" is a deftly written examination, and a top pick for Christian studies collections.
The Formation of Christian Doctrine
Malcolm B. Yarnell III
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37234-0143
9780805440461, $19.99 www.bhpublishinggroup.com 1-800-251-3225
Theology is a funny but frank conversation. In "The Formation of Christian Doctrine", author and assistant dean for Theological Studies at Oxford University Malcolm B. Yarnell III demonstrates what is at stake, attempting to speak of truth and love to the broader Christian community. Possibly the most important book in Baptist theology in the past fifty years, "The Formation of Christian Doctrine" has the highest recommendation to college Christian study shelves and for anyone seeking a more in depth understanding of Christianity's doctrine.
Too Busy Not to Pray, revised edition
Bill Hybels
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830834747, $20.00, www.ivpress.com
The numbers of people attending church on Sunday is dwindling year after year. "Too Busy Not to Pray" urges Christians around the globe to reconsider this act of cutting God's time when their own world is too busy. "Too Busy Not to Pray" also offers insightful advice on how to squeeze time into one's life to pray once more, enhancing one's relationship with God and finding one's own happiness in the process. Now in a special revised and enhanced twentieth anniversary edition, "Too Busy Not to Pray" is highly recommended for community library Christianity collections.
Walking on a Rolling Deck
Kathleen C. Berken
The Liturgical Press
St. John's Abbey, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814618615, $14.95 www.litpress.org 1-800-858-5450
Walking on a Rolling Deck: Life on the Ark is the true-life memoir of author Kathleen C. Berken, of her life-changing choice to work as a live-in assistant in a L'Arche community in Clinton, Iowa, aiding men with developmental disabilities. A deeply spiritual testimony, Walking on a Rolling Deck tells of the inevitable difficulties of adjusting to change, confronting the specter of breast cancer, but most of all, of the benevolent power of God's love - a power all too often ignored, neglected, or obscured in today's world. Ultimately a simple story of Christian life and the resonance of faith, illustrated with a handful of black-and-white photographs, Walking on a Rolling Deck is highly recommended for Christian readers and anyone seeking to quietly contemplate the mystery of God that permeates even the most mundane aspects of daily life.
Engaging with the Holy Spirit
Graham A. Cole
Crossway
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
9781581349726, $12.99, www.crossway.org
God is always around us, and one's relationship with Him depends on one's actions. "Engaging With the Holy Spirit: Real Questions, Practical Answers" is a book dedicated to helping those who have lost their way to return to the path of wholeness and stop blaspheming. Answering questions on prayer, just what blasphemy is, why some resist God's love, and more, "Engaging with the Holy Spirit: Real Questions: Practical Answers" is a essential pick for any Christian and for community library Christian studies collections.
Compelled By Love
Ed Stetzer & PhilipNation
New Hope Publishers
Post Office Box 12065, Birmingham, AL 35202-2065
9781596692275, $14.99, www.newhopepublishers.com
Love for one's neighbor was one of the core teachings of Jesus Christ. "Compelled by Love: The Most Excellent Way to Missional Living" is a handbook for Christians to find the love of God, use it to complete themselves, and spread it to others as well. Also included is a crash course in basic theology, enhanced with biblical texts and advice on applying what one learns. "Compelled by Love: The Most Excellent Way to Missional Living" is a top pick for community library Christian studies collections.
Calling Your Angel
Ann B. Martin
Paja Books
c/o Sterling House
7436 Washington Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218
1585011134, $18.95, www.pajabooks.com
The spiritual guidance one needs to get through life is always there – it just needs to be found. "Calling Your Angel: Getting In Touch With Your Angel Self" is a guide to improving one's own connection to faith and spirituality, the better to draw oneself closer to God and prepare to deal with the myriad problems of life. Quoting the Bible and other great written pieces, "Calling Your Angel: Getting In Touch With Your Angel Self" is a top pick for anyone looking to restore their faith, and for community library Christian collections.
The Fiction Shelf
Shadows of Mulberry
Gwendolyn Nebelsick Mahler
Leathers Publishing
4500 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66211
9781585974610, $14.95, www.leatherspublishing.com
A government agent, a cousin of Jefferson Davis, spoiled brats – all are characters sure to intrigue readers in "Shadows of Mulberry", a chronicle following four generations of a family with a noble Southern lineage in the state of Kentucky, from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s. The characters of this family are well-formed, sure to keep readers glued to the page. "Shadows of Mulberry" is a good pick for community library fiction collections, and anyone who enjoys a set of solid stories.
The Legend of Mickey Tussler
Frank Nappi
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780312381097, $24.95, www.stmartins.com
Autism wasn't always known as autism, or even diagnosed. Some people were just seen as slow. "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" is the fictional story of one of these people with autism before autism was recognized. In this tale, Arthur Murphy discovers Mickey Tussler, a ball player who might just save the Milwaukee Brewers from their abysmal record. Mickey, however, doesn't seem to be all there, and faces adversity from both his teammates and the fans in the stands. A touching story of finding one's dream even when the cards dealt to one are poor, "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" is highly recommended for community library literary fiction collections.
Dearest Anne
Judith Katzir
The Feminist Press
365 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5406, New York, NY 10016
9781558615755, $15.95, www.feministpress.org
Finely translated into English by Dalya Bilu, "Dearest Anne: A Tale of Impossible Love" is the story of Rivi, many decades after a lesbian love affair with her teacher. The teacher, Michaela, has passed on, and Rivi returns to Israel to pay her condolences and mourn a relationship that could never be. Faced with the results of her decision in life, she turns to her notebooks addressed to Anne Frank to help her reflect. An original tale, "Dearest Anne: A Tale of Impossible Love" is highly recommended for community library world fiction collections.
Madam President and the Admiral
Carl Nelson
New Century Press
1055 Bay Blvd Ste C, Chula Vista, CA 91911
9781890035662, $16.95, www.newcenturypress.com
Conflict is brewing on the other side of the world as China and Russia grit their teeth at one another, and President Abigail Cass Steele must decide the fate of the United States. "Madam President and the Admiral" is a delightful mix of genres, acting as both a political and a military thriller; as President Cass faces the personal element of having to send the man she loves to a potential death, an element of romance is stirred in. "Madam President and the Admiral" is highly recommended for community library romance collections and for anyone who enjoys a mix of genre.
Wild Mulberries
Iman Humaydan Younes
Interlink Publishing Group
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060-1804
9781566567008, $13.95, www.interlinkbooks.com
With the verge of adulthood comes the pressure of being responsible for oneself and not shaming one's family. Sarah must deal with all this in "Wild Mulberries". Her Lebanese village is on the verge of collapse financially, and her life seems to be falling apart. She must confront difficult choices in this seminal picture of life in small town Lebanon. Highly recommended for community library world fiction collections.
The Front Porch Prophet
Raymond L. Atkins
Medallion Press
1020 Cedar Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
9781933836386, $25.95, www.medallionpress.com
Sequoyah, Georgia is home to the entertaining cast of characters of "The Front Porch Prophet". A.J. Longstreet is faced with his own mortality as he's diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He contemplates the possibility of circumventing his suffering with a mercy killing. As he ponders his life and death, he runs into countless characters, all odd and unique, who teach him something about life. This leaves his question open concerning what to do with his life, or what's left of it. "The Front Porch Prophet" is an intriguing and clever tale, highly recommended for community library fiction collections.
Waiting for the Light to Change
Annette Haws
Cedar Fort
2373 West 700 South, Springville, UT, 84663
MKL Public Relations (publicity)
8 East Broadway, Suite 611, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
9781599551562, $19.99, www.cedarfort.com
Bitter feelings die hard. "Waiting for the Light to Change" follows Sarah when her hated ex-husband re-emerges into her life. It doesn't help that the students in the high school class she teaches are undermining her authority, and her daughter has problems as well. "Waiting for the Light to Change" is ultimately the charming story of a woman trying to find happiness when everything is against her, something many women will relate to. A top pick for community library fiction collections.
Powers
Deborah Lynn Jacobs
Square Fish
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780312377564, $6.99, www.squarefishbooks.com
What if you met someone who brought out your latent psychic powers – but you simply could not stand them? "Powers" follows Gwen and Adrian as they deal with this supernatural situation, and end up being at each other's throats, using one another and abusing one another's power. A story of destructive manipulation and control, "Powers" is intriguing from first page to last, and highly recommended for community library science fiction collections.
Daughter of War
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
311 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135
9781554550449, $14.95, www.fitzhenry.ca
Who's real and who's hiding? "Daughter of War" follows Marta as she must hide her true nature, disguising herself as a Muslim woman during the genocide of the Armenian people. Separating from her friends and family, she hopes they have hidden from their oppressors as well – but if they are hiding, how on earth will she find them once more? "Daughter of War" is a deftly written historical fiction novel, sure to enthrall readers with a story set amid events that truly happened. A top pick for community library literary collections.
Life goes on – it always goes on, and one has to keep up with it to survive. "Chicken Foot Farm" is the story of a Mexican American family, set just after World War II has begun in Europe. They deal with random events that life throws at them – consuming fires, the senility of old age, sibling rivalry, approval of one's parents, and the omnipresent influence of a world war. Though all these things are horrible, it is heartwarming to see how the family copes with each of them. "Chicken Foot Farm" is a deftly written literary novel, highly recommended for community library collections.
The Aquarians
Eric Rankin
iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Road, Suite 100, Lincoln NE 68512
Star Treatment (publicity)
PO Box 133, Beaver Crossing, NE 68313
9780595443024, $14.95, www.iuniverse.com
2012 is the end of the Mayan calendar, and what some hold as the forthcoming apocalypse. "The Aquarians: An Ancient Mayan Prophecy – a Modern Phenomenon" tells of author Troy Wallace's research on the edge of a major scientific breakthrough in his study of the dolphins. His companion Rebecca Larson, also a student of the dolphins, believes that 2012 is when Humanity will begin to learn from the dolphins how to integrate their peaceful society, and live in harmony. As Wallace and Larson collide with a shallow Hollywood celebrity, their quest for the truth takes a surprising turn. A story which will intrigue the reader from page to page, "The Aquarians: An Ancient Mayan Prophecy – a Modern Phenomenon" is a top pick for community library fiction collections and for fans of conspiracy fiction.
Wise as a Serpent... Harmless as a Dove
Dana Mask
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd – 515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432720742, $15.95, www.outskirtspress.com
If you were responsible for something horrible, would you have the courage to confess for your sins? "Wise as a Serpent... Harmless as a Dove" follows Darrel Lavar Love as he faces an internal conflict of overwhelming guilt within himself. His secret may be responsible for rise of crime and corruption in the city of Gary, Indiana – a city that Love was suppose to be watching over as its guardian. "Wise as a Serpent... Harmless as a Dove" is a deftly written novel for Christian readers, and should find a place in every community library Christian fiction collection.
The Possessed
Ronald Dondiego
Publish America
P.O. Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705
1424139295, $16.95, www.publishamerica.com
Writer's block is when a writer simply cannot make himself come up with anything, even if a gun is held to his head. "The Possessed" follows Johnny Dove as he faces this problem and his world falls apart. With nowhere to turn, Johnny accepts a risk and buys what is promoted as a haunted antique pen. What's the worst that could happen? "The Possessed" is highly recommended to horror fans and for community library collections.
Whispers from the Bay
John Tkac
Southeast Books
PO Box 7813, Delray Beach, FL 33482
9780979445408, $22.95, www.whispersfromthebay.com
Speaking to dolphins is one thing – discovering their secret is another. "Whispers from the Bay" follows Mike Connelly as he finds he has a connection with these sea mammals, and soon develops a method of communication with them. Through his adventures with his new found aquatic friends, everything seems fine as first, but he discovers something the dolphins want him to keep secret. Can he stay true to his word when faced with such knowledge? "Whispers from the Bay" is sure to please dolphin lovers, and is a top pick for community library fiction collections.
The Islamic Studies Shelf
The Sacred Foundations of Justice in Islam
M. Ali Lakhani, editor
World Wisdom
1501 East Hillside Drive, Bloomington, IN 47401
1933316268, $21.95 www.worldwisdom.com
The Sacred Foundations of Justice in Islam: The Teachings of Ali ibn Abi Talib is an anthology of scholarly essays by learned authors (including two by prize-winning scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr) discussing the teachings of the first Shia Imam (the fourth Caliph of Sunni Islam, and one of the forefathers of Sufism) that contemplate those foundations of human governance that transcend the mundane realities of life. Issues discussed include the metaphysical questions "What is meant by Justice?", "What does it mean to be Just?" and "How is Justice related to Truth and the very structure of Reality?" The next best thing to studying Ali's writings in their original language, The Sacred Foundations of Justice in Islam is a welcome addition to philosophical discussion shelves as well as Sufi studies shelves.
Faith and Politics in Nigeria
John N. Paden
United States Institute of Peace Press
1200 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
9781601270290, $14.95, www.usip.org
When people speak of world influencing countries, Nigeria is almost never mentioned. "Faith and Politics in Nigeria: Nigeria as a Pivotal State in the Muslim World" examines Nigeria, a major oil producer and the most populous country in Africa, and already a definite major influence in its region. Yet this African country's influence could be much more; its population is split between Muslims and Christians, and they live with little conflict. Proposing a model for other Islamic countries to follow, "Faith and Politics in Nigeria: Nigeria as a Pivotal State in the Muslim World" is highly recommended for personal, academic, and community Islamic Studies and International Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Destiny Books/Bear & Company
c/o Inner Traditions
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594772085, $16.95 www.destinybooks.com
Artistic works often hold hidden occult secrets, and so Ernesto Frers's Secret Societies and the Hermetic Code (9781594772085, $16.95) offers up research ranging from the early paintings of Byzantine times to Dali, and from the Pyramids to architecture. Music also is surveyed in a powerful connection between religious societies and artistic codes, with full-color photos liberally peppered throughout for a pageant of display and visualization. Perfect not just for new age collections, but for art library holdings as well. Adrian Murdoch's THE LAST PAGAN: JULIAN THE APOSTATE AND THE DEATH OF THE ANCIENT WORLD (9781594772269, $16.95) tells of the violent death of the emperor Julian and his journey from his Christian childhood to his involvement in pagan cults and his mission to establish paganism as the dominant faith of the Roman world. An eye-opening alternate history that uses over 700 pages of Julian's original writings to provide some eye-opening new revelations on his beliefs. Sabine Lucas, Ph.D.'s PAST LIFE DREAMWORK: HEALING THE SOUL THROUGH UNDERSTANDING KARMIC PATTERNS (9781591430759, $16.00) examines 'soul bloodlines' representing successive past lives, using the results of nearly thirty years of personal and professional work to explore how past life memories help with karma work. From different kinds of past life dreams to case studies of dream therapy results, the focus in PAST LIFE DREAMWORK offers many paths for healing.
The Unknown Universe
Richard Hammond
New Page Books
3 Tice Road, PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
9781601630032, $21.99, www.newpagebooks.com
What in the Universe is going on with our universe? "The Unknown Universe: The Origin of the Universe, Quantum Gravity, Wormholes, and Other Things Science Still Can't Explain" looks at these baffling questions that humanity doesn't have the answer to and potentially never will. With a focus on the enigma of dark matter, and a sudden challenge to the almost-accepted-as-fact theory of gravity, "The Unknown Universe" is a thought provoking look at little pieces of information that completely turn everything humanity knows upside down. Highly recommended for community library metaphysical studies collections.
The Harmonic Conquest of Space
Bruce Cathie
Adventures Unlimited Press
303 Main Street, Kempton, IL 60946
0932813623, $16.95
Those who love space and its study are in for a treat with "The Harmonic Conquest of Space". Veteran author on the subject Bruce Cathie covers a wide array of topics, focusing on the harmonic qualities of astrological bodies such as the Moon. An intriguing and educational read from page one to page two hundred seven, "The Harmonic Conquest of Space" is highly recommended for community library metaphysical studies collections.
Tarot for Life
Prospero
Aeon
c/o Stylus Publishing, Inc.
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
1904658032, $25.00 www.styluspub.com 1-800-232-0223
Written by a full-time Tarot reader and teacher, Tarot for Life is a straightforward introduction to the art and practice of Tarot readings. Each chapter is centered upon a different Major Arcana or relevant Minor Arcana; ethics, affirmations, guided meditations, and the relationships of the Tarot to everyday life are discussed as well as the basics of how to properly interpret the cards. The true goal of Tarot for Life is not only to prepare the willing student to undertake Tarot readings, but also to communicate the spirit behind the Tarot itself. Black-and-white illustrations enhance this enthusiastically recommended primer. "Curses and hexes are extremely rare, not because they are difficult but because anyone who is mentally focused enough to use them effectively can usually find a way to get what they want without hurting anybody. Many people believe themselves cursed because of a run of bad luck, perhaps preceded by an argument with someone believed to have 'the power'. The best way to deal with this is to show the person how to raise their own energy level, perhaps through something like the Grounding or Shielding exercise but with a different emphasis."
Enochian Vision Magick
Lon Milo DuQuette
Red Wheel/Weiser
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950-4600
9781578633821, $19.95 www.redwheelweiser.com 1-800-423-7087
Enochian Vision Magick: An Introduction and Practical Guide to the Magick of Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley is an extensive reference to the system of Enochian Magick, as communicated to Elizabethan magus Dr. John Dee (1527-1608) and his clairvoyant associate Edward Kelley by the same angels that delivered sacred scripture to Adam, Enoch, and the patriarchs of the Old Testament. Enochian Magick became more widely known due to the 20th-century research and practice of Aleister Crowley. Now, readers have access to an intuitive, step-by-step guide to the processes of the Enochian Magick system, complete with in-depth background, black-and-white diagrams, and historical notes. Author Lon Milo DuQuette presents a solid reference grounded in experience, as he has practiced Enochian Vision Magick for over 25 years. A user-friendly guide, recommended for anyone interested in learning about this mind and soul-expanding mystical practice.
The UFO Experience Reconsidered
Robert L. Mason
Schooner Moon Books
PO Box 377, Mendocino, CA 95460
9780615190457, $19.95
"The UFO Experience Reconsidered: Science and Speculation" is not a typical UFO book. Hoping to tactfully and thoroughly attack potential concepts on all sides of the debate of 'Are We Alone?', "The UFO Experience Reconsidered" focuses on hard science, and avoids falling into the trap of simply recounting abduction stories and conspiracy theories. Highly recommended for community library metaphysical studies collections and for anyone who wants a rational look at the debate.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Time Inc. Home Entertainment Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781933405926, $24.95, www.mayoclinic.com
It is never wise to completely shun a proven method, and it's never wise to shun all alternatives as well. "Book of Alternative Medicine: The New Approach to Using The Best of Natural Therapies and Conventional Medicine" is a scholarly written and researched guidebook to alternative medicine, combining natural therapies and the conventional wisdom of modern science to find solutions when the common method fails alone. A seminal piece that should be read by all who want to keep their health up to snuff, "Book of Alternative Medicine: The New Approach to Using The Best of Natural Therapies and Conventional Medicine" is highly recommended for community library medicine collections.
Markets Without Magic
Mark V. Pauly
American Enterprise Institute
1150 Seventeenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
9780844742618, $15.00, www.aei.org
Could free market competition be what that saves medicine? "Markets Without Magic: How Competition Might Save Medicine" is an examination of the current health care epidemic with a focus on Medicare. Claiming that promoting competition between private health care companies by encouraging them to insure the uninsured could save American health care as a whole, "Markets Without Magic" is a dissenting viewpoint against America's problems that backs up what it says and offers a solution. A scholarly take on the subject, recommended for any community library collection covering the health care issue.
Fundamentals of Cancer Epidemiology, second edition
Philip C. Nasca & Harris Pastides
Jones & Bartlett Publishers
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
9780763736187, $89.95, www.jbpub.com
Cancer is something that many people fear, but what is truly known about it? "Fundamentals of Cancer Epidemiology" is a scholarly text examining this blight of mankind, and medical science's advancing knowledge of it. Now in an updated second edition, "Fundamentals of Cancer Epidemiology" includes new chapters on screening, drugs, pediatric cancers, prevention strategies, and up to date information just as the book went to press. Enhanced with glossaries and indexes, "Fundamentals of Cancer Epidemiology" is highly recommended for college medical science and health collections.
Recognizing and Surviving Heart Attacks and Strokes
Glenn O. Turner
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Blvd., Columbia, MO 65201
9780826217943, $17.95, www.press.umsystem.edu
Most deaths by heart attacks can be prevented with proper medical treatment – but all too often that treatment is not administered in time. "Recognizing and Surviving Heart Attacks and Strokes: Lifesaving Advice You Need Now" is a compilation of invaluable and vital information for those who are in serious danger of heart attack. Claiming that if one acts on the early signs of the disease, one may escape the heart attack with no long lasting damage, "Recognizing and Surviving Heart Attacks and Strokes: Lifesaving Advice You Need Now" is a must for anyone in danger and for community library health collections.
The Biography Shelf
The Man Who Loved China
Simon Winchester
HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022-5299
9780060884598, $27.95 www.harpercollins.com
THE MAN WHO LOVED CHINA: JOSEPH NEEDHAM ND THE MAKING OF A MASTERPIECE reviews the life of an eccentric who moved from being a biochemist at Cambridge to marrying a visiting Chinese student and journeying to China. His fascination with and scholarship into Chinese history and enigmas produced a 24-volume treatise on SCIENCE AND CIVILIZATION OF CHINA, which remains the longest book on China ever written in English. An outstanding survey blends Needham's life with an outline of Chinese accomplishments and history.
The Stork's Nest
Laura Lynne Williams
Fulcrum Publishing
4690 Table Mountain Drive, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80403
9781555916299, $16.96, www.fulcrumbooks.com
Love – very rarely does it happen with nothing else happening, as romance novels wrongly lead people to believe. "The Stork's Nest: Life and Love in the Russian Countryside" is the story of Laura Lynne Williams, who made a trip to the hugely expansive wilderness of Russia where she sought to work for a nature reserve, but fell in love with a photographer called Igor. She soon began to call the Russian wilderness home. "The Stork's Nest: Life and Love in the Russian Countryside" is a charming story, highly recommended for any community library memoir collection.
Westward We Came
Harold B. Kildahl, author
Erling E. Kildahl, editor
Purdue University Press
1207 South Campus Courts, Bldg. E, West Lafayette, IN 47907
9781557534712, $21.95 www.thepress.purdue.edu 1-800-933-9637
Westward We Came: A Norwegian Immigrant's Story, 1866-1898 is the first-hand memoir of Harold B. Kildahl, Sr., a Norwegian immigrant to America who came to the New World in 1866. He and his family witnessed historic events such as the notorious James-Younger gang bank raid in Northfield, Minnesota and the beginning of St. Olaf college. Westward We Came offers insight into the hardships, satisfactions, and daily routine of pioneer life. In 1888, Kildahl returned to Minnesota to gain an education at St. Olaf College and the Lutheran Seminary, where he was ordained, married, and became a pastor in the Lutheran faith. An authentic settler narrative, that virtually opens a window in time to over a hundred years ago.
Children of the Dust
Betty Grant Henshaw, author
Sandra Scofield, editor
Texas Tech University Press
PO Box 41037, Lubbock, TX 79409-1037
9780896726314, $22.95 www.ttup.ttu.edu 1-800-832-4042
A finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award, Children of the Dust: An Okie Family Story is the personal memoir of author Betty Grant Henshaw, who was born into a large family of tenant farmers in Oklahoma during the terrible time of the Dust Bowl. Her father, Bill, worked himself to exhaustion striving to provide for his wife and nine children; eventually his family had to migrate to California, where he worked in the fields in hundred-degree heat. Yet he instilled respect for hard work in his children, and kept family solidarity through trying times. Highly recommended as a powerful and profound story of salt-of-the-earth people proudly doing their best to survive.
Stone Crossings
L.L. Barkat
IVP Books
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, Illinois, 60515-1426
9780830834952, $15.00, www.books.ivpress.com
Everyone needs something to hold on to, in order to brace themselves against the oncoming storm that is life. "Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places" is L.L. Barkat's reflections on her journey through this terrible storm, finding her comfort in the words of other writers, stories of the people alongside her, and in God. A charming and inspirational story all the way through, "Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places" is a top pick for community library memoir collections and for anyone who also needs something to hold on to.
Broad is the Way
Margaret Norquay
Wilfrid Laurier Univeristy Press
75 University Avenue, West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5
9781554580200, $24.95, www.wlupress.wlu.ca
A lot can happen in seven years, even in a small town. "Broad is the Way: Stories from Mayerthorpe" is a compilation of anecdotal stories by author Margaret Norquay, about the time she spent in Mayerthorpe, a small village in Alberta in western Canada. She speaks of the toil of orphaned children, the challenges of everyday life, and encounters with Mounties investigating the church. A somber but inspiring view of small town life, "Broad is the Way: Stories from Mayerthorpe" is a virtual window small-town Canada's past, and a top pick for community library memoir collections.
Do You See What I See?
Russell Targ
Hampton Roads
1125 Stoney Ridge Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22902-9719
9781571745590, $23.95, www.hrpub.com
Blindness is a handicap – but one that, with determination, can be overcome. "Do You See What I See? Lasers and Love, ESP and the CIA, and the Meaning of Life" is the story of Russell Targ, a physicist responsible for many advances in the research of laser and optic technology. He speaks of the more questionable projects he performed over the years, only recently declassified to the knowledge of the public, as well as his relationships with other notable individuals such as Chess Champion Bobby Fisher and novelist Ayn Rand. "Do You See What I See? Lasers and Love, ESP and the CIA, and the Meaning of Life" is a remarkable tale, highly recommended for community library biography collections.
Imperial Masquerade
Grant Hayter Menzies
Hong Kong University Press
c/o University of Washington Press
PO Box 50096, Seattle, WA, 98145-5096
9789622098817, $35.00, www.washington.edu/uwpress
To truly understand a culture, one must be a part of it – Princess Der Ling has done this for more cultures than a great majority of the world. "Imperial Masquerade: The Legend of Princess Der Ling" tells of Der Ling, who lived a life that would put the most trumped up fictional character to shame. Catholicism,
