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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 4, Number 10 October 2005 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Donovan's Bookshelf Harold's Bookshelf Kaveny's Bookshelf

Klausner's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf

Shirley's Bookshelf Vicki's Bookshelf

Donovan's Bookshelf
The Grail Bird
Tim Gallagher
Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116
0618456937 $25.00 1-800-225-3362 www.hmco.com

Since the early 20th century scientists have been trying to prove the ivory-bill woodpecker is extinct, dismissing claims of sightings despite many reports to the contrary. Author Tim Gallager journeyed to the swamps of the Mississippi Delta searching for those who claimed to have seen the birds - and following up on their sightings with his friend Bobby. THE GRAIL BIRD: HOT ON THE TRAIL OF THE IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER provides their adventures and their personal observation by two qualified observers who could verify their find.

Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02115
www.hmco.com

Kenn Kaufman's pocket-sized field "Field Guide to Birds of North America" guides are the perfect take-along tote for any field trip where bird identification is involved. These two thoroughly "user-friendly" versions of the basic "take-along" birdwatching manuals are 'must' references, especially for amateurs easily confused by more complex guides. The English version (0618574239, $18.95) offers a pictorial table of contents, color- tabbed sections, groupings by similar species, and a new introduction. Reference is quick and easy with clear color illustrations and similar groupings allowing newcomers to quickly identify passing birds. And, the Spanish version GUIA DE CAMPO A LAS AVES DE NORTEAMERICA (0618574247, $18.95) assures Latin users won't be left out. If only one introductory take-along tote were chosen, Kaufman's guide should be at the top of the list.

Ireland's Most Wanted
Brian M. Thomsen
Potomac Books
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166-2012
1574887270 $12.95 1-800-775-2518 www.potomacbooksinc.com

While IRELAND'S MOST WANTED: THE TOP 10 BOOK OF CELTIC PRIDE, FANTASTIC FOLKLORE, AND ODDIES OF THE EMERALD ISLE may sound appropriate for St. Patrick's Day alone, it's actually much more: a celebration of Irish history and culture which will prove of year-round interest. Historical facts about Ireland, biographical sketches of famous Irish personalities, cultural and social insights, and colorful tales are told in a fine guide to Ireland's best.

The Stripper's Guide To Looking Great Naked
Jennifer Axen & Leigh Phillips
Chronicle Books
85 - 2nd Street, San Francisco CA 94105
0811846474 $14.98 1-800-722-6657 www.chroniclebooks.com

Strippers do more than remove clothing; they make sure their expressions and bodies lend to flaunting sexuality. The authors of THE STRIPPER'S GUIDE TO LOOKING GREAT NAKED interviewed hundreds of strippers to learn how they highlighted their assets and hide the flaws: learn from them in a guide which covers everything from high heels to stockings and beyond.

Life's Greatest Lessons
Hal Urban
Fireside Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY, NY 10020
0743274175 $19.95 1-800-223-2336 www.simonandschuster.com

Good character and principles have a lot to do with social values and success: Hal Urban tackles the very difficult topic of cultivating personal character, discussing how to make choices that matter to lead to lives of value. Twenty basic principles are identified for building a proud life based on compassion and handling such issues as honesty, bad/good habits, and more.

Fresh Fruits
Shoichi Aoki, Photographer
Phaidon Press
180 Varick Street, 14th Fl., NY, NY 10014
0714845108 $29.95 www.phaidon.com

Japanese street fashion is gaining in popularity in America, prompting the release of FRESH FRUITS, a photo update to the prior 2000 FRUITS covering Tokyo street fashion. Over 260 photos of teens from downtown Tokyo are presented in full-page, full color by Japanese fashion photographer Shoichi Aoki. The magazine Fruits was established in 1994 to document the new street fashions within Tokyo: FRESH FRUITS advances the effort to modern times and surveys Japanese street fashion over the past five years. It could have been featured in our "Arts" section but deserves additional mention here for its many colorful Japanese cultural insights.

Prescription for a Healthy Nation
Tom Farley, MD & Deborah Cohen, MD
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108-2892
0807021164 $24.95 www.beacon.org

Here's a new approach to improving everyday life which addresses the larger issue of American health care. The leading killers in modern society come from injury and chronic diseases: while most of the latter are preventable, yet modern medicine isn't effective at combating these illness once there are in place. Health reflects how we lead our lives - and behavior and health are both shaped by daily living itself; from urban design to organizational and business structures. These important discussions link social issues to health issues and draw some important conclusions as to why health is so difficult to achieve and maintain in our rich modern society.

Second Wife
Martha Denlinger Stahl
Good Books
3510 Old Philadelpha Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534-0419
1561484830 $9.99 1-800-762-7171

Mid-life romance sounds promising, with the added value of maturity hopefully improving the odds, but Martha Stahl, herself a second wife, talks straight about the preparations needed by women marrying a widower. Stories and wisdom from her own experiences and those of others who have married widowers chart common pitfalls as well as successes.

Act III in Paragonia: People & Wildlife
William Conway
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Ave. NW #300, Washington, DC 20009
1559635185 $29.95 1-800-828-1302 www.islandpress.org

Patagonia is synonymous with wildlife and breathtaking landscape - what is less known as that it's also the stage for a drama played out between humanity and the region's wildlife - a drama which has already seen an indigenous phase followed by animal slaughter. ACT II IN PATAGONIA: PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE reveals the final process has begin, and former President of the Wildlife Conservation Society here reveals Patagonia's natural history and efforts to preserve its many wonders. Gorgeous photos peppered throughout enhance the appeal and message.

Immigration and Asylum
Matthew Gibney & Randall Hansen, eds.
ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara CA 93116-1911
1576077969 $310.00 1-800-368-6868 www.abc-clio.com

College-level reference libraries with strong holdings in social issues won't want to miss this superbly puiblished, A to Z, three-volume encyclopedia IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM: FROM 1900 TO THE PRESENT. This outstanding pick includes nearly 200 entries arranged around themes from immigration issues and major migrating groups to expulsions and the politics of migration. International experts contribute articles, detailed essays, and plenty of social and cultural insights while a separate volume of primary source documents from political treatises to speeches and UN documents show how world officials address immigration issues. An outstanding library reference for any college-level or public library strong in immigration history and social issues.

Saudi Arabia Exposed
John R. Bradley
Palgrave Macmillan
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
1403964335 $22.95 1-888-330-8477 www.palgrave.com

If you wish to understand the inner workings and true crisis of Saudi Arabia, you can't go wrong absorbing journalist John R. Bradley's reporting in SAUDI ARABIA EXPOSED: INSIDE A KINGDOM IN CRISIS. Bradley reported on the country for several years, is an Arabic speaker, and explores both the culture and the social and political crisis of a nation highly divided. His isn't just a focus on politics, however - SAUDI ARABIA EXPOSED focuses on how regular Saudis live under the Al-Saud family, how the family's rulings foster resentments among the populace, and how regional divisions are threatening the kingdom. A thoughtful probe of the heart of a divided country, SAUDI ARABIA EXPOSED is a 'must' for any who would understand the underlying sentiments of the Saudi people.

New York University Press
838 Broadway, 3rd fl., NY, NY 10003
1-800-996-6987 www.nyupress.org

Two important new guides provide excellent analysis of modern social issues. Nancy Foner's IN A NEW LAND; A COMPARATIVE VIEW OF IMMIGRATION (0814727468) uses historical and modern research to provide new insights into today's immigrants and how they are affecting societies around the world. A comparative approach contrasts different ethnic newcomers with those from Europe a century ago, and between major US cities, with an eye to viewing processes of immigrant integration. A fascinating survey. Tom DeLuca and John Buell's LIARS! CHEATERS! EVILDOERS! DEMONIZATION AND THE END OF CIVIL DEBATE IN AMERICAN POLITICS (0814719759) considers the latest tendency to attach good/evil values to international political and social issues. The rise of the 'demonization' of American politics, charted by professor Tom DeLuca and columnist John Buell, provides thought-provoking analysis of the long-term effects of such demonization, and how it can be reversed to create a more productive environment.

The Chowhound's Guide to The San Francisco Bay Area
Chowhound.com
Penguin Books
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
0143034413 $18.00 1-800-847-5515 www.penguin.com

Any who consider food a major highlight in life or to a vacation will want to be sure to pack CHOWHOUND'S GUIDE TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA: it comes from a group of experts which concentrate on undiscovered places from Chinatown's noodle shops and dim sum restaurants to Oakland's Fruitvale, a mecca for Mexican treats. Here's another difference: CHOWHOUND'S GUIDE is organized by categories - 'Bargains', 'Linguica', 'Buying Live Fish' - and mixes in Bay Area establishments to make it very easy to locate a subject and place by topic alone. Extensive notes include offerings, best days to visit, history, candid comments on food value, and more. A 'must'.

The End of Elsewhere
Taras Grescoe
Serpent's Tail
255 West 108th Street, #9D1, NY, NY 10025
1852428678 $15.99 1-800-283-3572 www.serpentstail.com

Taras Grescoe searched for tourism's adventures, stories, and attractions: THE END OF ELSEWHERE: TRAVELS AMOUNG THE TOURISTS charts this journey, covering both the history of leisure travel and how remote attractions around the world now intrigue the adventure seeker. Humor, cultural observation, and more pack a first-person travelogue perfect for armchair reading.

Benedict Le Vay
Bradt/Globe Pequot
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437-0480
1841621226 $22.95 1-800-243-0495 www.bradtguides.com

From strange pubs with unusual drinking rituals to equally strange ceremonies involving singing to apple trees and a clown-dressed church, infamous graves with deep histories, and odd British upper-class history, ECCENTRIC BRITAIN appears in its 2nd updated edition to delight audiences both armchair and destination- bound with a special affection for British life and humor. The focus here is on local eccentric color and history and there's plenty to satisfy any with the thirst for the odd, making for a fanciful - but true - reading.

Everglades National Park And the Surrounding Area
Roger L. Hammer
Falcon Publishers/Globe Pequot
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
0762734329 $12.95 1-800-582-2665 www.falcon.com

The Everglades holds over 2 million acres of countryside to enjoy, so even though other explorations by different authors have appeared, it's no overkill to add yet another. EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA: A GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS packs in all kinds of activities, from hiking and kayaking to trail descriptions local history, safety issues and more. Whether you wish to camp and hike or rent a canoe, this outdoors guide is a winner, with its many line maps and descriptions.

Whereabouts Press
1111 - 8th St. Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710-1455
www.whereaboutspress.com

Three exciting literary companion guides are perfect take-along totes for any visitor or traveler, as well as perfect armchair reads for any who would visit the country vicariously. Take Barbara Ras' COSTA RICA (1883513006, $13.95): sound and fine literary quality is the feature of all twenty-six stories, organized regionally and presenting lively insights into the country's culture, organization, wildlife, and daily life. From the Northern Zone to the Southern Pacific Coast, COSTA RICA's excellent narrative stories bring to life the underlying nuances of the country's experience as no ordinary travel guide could accomplish. Or choose Katherine Silver's CHILE (1883513138, $13.95), which charts both the natural history and the political changes the county has experienced over time. There are a little over twenty stories here - again, most available for the first time in English, so don't expect repeats of the same classics. The literary quality is outstanding, the narratives read smoothly and vigorously, and Chile's underlying passions and culture come to life. Robert Ross edits AUSTRALIA (1883513057, $13.95), which journeys a little further down history to cover the colonial period to modern Australia, capturing a good chunk of Australian historical influence in the process of using 25 tales to present the continent's evolution. From urban to rural experience Australia comes to life. These will make exceptionally solid farewell gifts for any heading overseas - or any with fond memories of a visit, who want solid literary explorations.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles New York City
Christopher & Catherine Brooks
Menasha Ridge Press
2204 - 1st St, #102, Birmingham, AL 35233
089732546X $15.95 www.menasharidge.com

Go take a hike, even if you live in the Big Apple, with the help of 60 HIKES WITHIN 60 MILES NEW YORK CITY: a guide which also covers New Jersey, SW Connecticut, and western Long Island. Plenty of hiking options are covered from short to long, hikes for kids and dogs, birders, historic hikes: just about any type needed. Trail descriptions are an essential key to a good hiker's guide, and this has 'em - from detailed maps to elevation profiles and easy directions to trailheads. Highly recommended.

Native Roads, 2nd Edition
Fran Kosik
Rio Nuevo Publishers
PO Box 5250, Tucson, AZ 85703
1887896686 $16.95 www.rionuevo.com

Any with an ongoing, avid interest in Native American reservations and travel options will want to keep close at hand NATIVE ROADS: THE COMPLETE MOTORING GUIDE TO THE NAVAJO & HOPI NATIONS, 2ND EDITION. These self-guided tours use highways to help tourists create a road map of landmarks, trading posts, museums, and more, covering Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah's finest Native lands. NATIVE LANDS doesn't come from an outsider, either: Frank Kosik has lived in and traveled through these lands for nearly thirty years, and her familiarity with the sights and cultures she's presenting is invaluable.

In Search of Mayberry
Scott Dickson
Parkway Publishers
PO Box 3678, Boone, NC 28607
1887905987 $19.95 www.parkwaypublishers.com

The price tag may sound high for a standard 116-page paperback, but any who would tour and know the small towns of North Carolina well, will find IN SEARCH OF MAYBERRY a bargain. For one thing, author Scott Dickson was born in the state, had small-town roots, and returned to them to research small towns within North Carolina. Months of research and travel led to a lovely pairing of sepia photos and commentary on the cultural aspects which make each small town unique. What evolves is more than just a travelogue or history alone: it's a celebration of small town America.

Paraglyph Press
1238 East Cambridge Avenue, Phoenix, Ax 85006
www.paraglyphpress.com

Something radically different from the usual computer how-to manual is presented in Jim Parker's title, which discusses a unique game programming opportunity in START YOUR ENGINES: DEVELOPING DRIVING AND RACING GAMES (9781933097015 $39.99). Game programmer Jim Parker tells how to design fast-action driving and racing games, one of the most popular of the computer games sold today - and one of the least explored in how-to game guides for programmers. From game construction and collision detection to good audio, cinematography, and realistic terrain developments, START YOUR ENGINES covers the process from beginning to end, culling tips from leading 3D game programmers and applying them to racing models. Joli Ballew's DEGUNKING YOUR MAC, TIGER EDITION (978-1-933097-05-3, $24.99) tells how to get the most out of Tiger, Apple's new operating system. Learn how to clean up a Mac, speed it up, streamline files and more: DEGUNKING YOUR MAC, TIGER EDITION covers all the basics which will keep your Mac's Tiger operating system at optimal levels.

Linux Made Easy
Rickford Grant
No Starch Press
555 DeHaro #250, San Francisco CA 94107
1593270577 $34.95 www.nostarch.com

Linux operating systems are usually addressed in weighty programmer's guides, as it's an operating system for those usually more advanced than Windows users - yet, beginners will find Linux just as easy as Windows with the aid of LINUX MADE EASY: THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO XANDROS 3 FOR EVERYDAY USERS. A step-by-step guide uses sample projects to link Linux operating system routines to everyday system use, covering all the basics from initial installation to web browsing, playing cds and games, and using peripherals. An excellent starting point for Linux users who have been seeking something easier than the usual programmer's advanced guides.

Osborne/McGraw-Hill
2 Penn Plaza, NY, NY 10121-2298
www.books-mcgraw-hill.com

As Ebay expands its system with seller stores and more selling opportunities, so McGraw offers a host of new Ebay "how to" titles specifically designed to help beginners take advantage of ebay's many new opportunities. Dennis L. Prince's HOW TO SELL ANYTHING ON EBAY�AND MAKE A FORTUNE! (0071426489, $14.95) provides beginners with all the basics on how to sell on ebay, going beyond the usual set-up instructions to address such issues as choosing the best time of week and month for the strongest sales, phrasing auction listings to attract attention, choosing items with the biggest price potential, and more. Dennis L. Prince and Lynn Dralle's HOW TO SELL ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES ON EBAY AND MAKE A FORTUNE! (0071445692, $14.95) narrows the subject to the popular antiques market, revealing plenty of potential in the online sales of antiques. From locating and pricing collectibles to legal issues and making ebay work for you with customization, this is the place for antiques sellers to begin. Greg Holden's HOW TO DO EVERYTHING WITH EBAY (0072254262, $24.99) does cover 'everything', from buying large, expensive items through live auctions and understanding ebay's schedule to synchronize bidding to locating resalable merchandise and protecting identity online. Both buyers and sellers will find HOW TO DO EVERYTHING WITH EBAY a winner. Once you've learned the basics of how to work on ebay, it's time for something more advanced, and John Cronan and Carole Matthews' BUILD AN EBAY BUSINESS QUICK STEPS (0072261617, $16.99) is the next logical book to turn to. A step-by-step pictorial plan shows how to run a profitable eBay business, from developing a business plan and building inventory to managing listings and sales, setting up and publicizing an eBay store, and more. The color-coded tabs and visual orientation makes this quite an easy primer. Now, it's time to market your creation - use Janelle Elms, Phil Dunn and Amy Balsbaugh's THE 7 ESSENTIAL STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL EBAY MARKETING (0072260912, $16.95) next. Proven techniquesfrom the authors, who are veteran eBay sellers and marketing experts, tell how to establish and build a strong eBay brand, use the seller's toolbox advanced features, coordinate eBay with a separate web site, and much more. These are indispensable eBay handbooks, highly recommended.

Peachpit/New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.peachpit.com www.newriders.com

These fine new computer books provide varied topics and strong presentations users will appreciate. Dan Cederholm's BULLETPROOF WEB DESIGN: IMPROVING FLEXIBILITY AND PROTECTING AGAINST WORST-CASE SCENARIOS WITH XHTML AND CSS (0321346939, $39.99) tells how to adapt a web site for all scenarios. From text sizing for optimum user control to using floats to achieve grid-like results, stripping the presentation from data tables and using CSS to optimal efficiency, XHTML and CSS programmers receive plenty of nuts-and-bolts advice. The second edition of Jack Davis and Ben Willmore's HOW TO WOW: PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PHOTOSHOP (0321357507, $39.99) comes from two Photoshop educators and authors who offer step-by-step real-world examples to help users fine-tune Photoshop quickly and efficiently. From using the new Bridge to retouch and Vanishing point to optimize an entire photoshoot automatically in Camera Raw to enhancing photos with brushes and custom shape tools and wrapping patterns, HOW TO WOW PHOTOSHOP FOR PHOTOGRAPH's second edition covers even more from the powerhouse program. Owen W. Linzmayer edits DESKTOP AND PORTABLE SYSTEMS 2ND EDN: A GUIDE TO SUPPORTING, SERVICING, AND TROUBLESHOOTING APPLE COMPUTERS (0321335465, $54.99), an Apple-certified manual for professionals who support Apples and advanced Mac users who wish to upgrade or troubleshoot their systems. From taking systems apart to upgrade components to servicing hardware, diagnostics, diagrams, lesson plans and reviews provide an Apple tech's course under one cover.

CMP Books
600 Harrison St., San Francisco CA 94107
www.cmpbooks.com

These two excellent computer references are picks for advanced users who want expert advice and in-depth detail. The second volume of Trish & Chris Meyer's CREATING MOTION GRAPHICS WITH AFTER EFFECTS V. 2: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES (1578202698, $59.95) offers an in-depth coverage revealing core concepts on audio, alpha channels, manipulating time, and much more. Video and film users will find plenty of detailed advise in blending After Effects with programs such as the popular Photoshop, and chapters covering everything from editing systems and Web tools to integrating 3D applications, motion tracking, and handling animation. Plenty of color examples throughout makes the lessons easy on the eye and visually satisfying. Ted Dinsmore and Edward O'Connor's PARTNERING WITH MICROSOFT: HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN TRUSTED PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GLOBAL SOFTWARE POWERHOUSE (1578203171, $39.95) offers the first resource to show businessmen how to work successful with Microsoft. From reseller requirements and independent software vendor requirements to leveraging a firm's connection to Microsoft at different levels and understanding Microsoft's strategy and perspective, PARTNERING WITH MICROSOFT is a 'must' for any executive who wants to form educated business relationships with Microsoft or its entities.

Super Searchers Go to School
Joyce Kasman Valenza & Reva Basch
Information Today Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055-8750
0910965706 $24.95 1-800-300-9868 www.infotoday.com

A dozen K-12 educators and educator-librarians share their strategies for helping students become more effective information users in SUPER SEARCHERS GO TO SCHOOL: SHARING ONLINE STRATEGIES WITH K-12 STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND LIBRARIANS, which is written by Joyce Kasman Valenza and edited by Reva Basch. Valenza's conversations with some of the best computer site searchers contributes to chapters which discuss how young searchers learn computer systems and search techniques. Search tools, power tips and more are revealed in the process.

Stealing The Network: How To Own An Identity
Ryan Russell, et.al., editors
Syngress Publishing
800 Hingham Street, Rockland, MA 02370
1597490067 $39.95 www.syngress.com

The prior 'Stealing the Network' titles have become popular classics in the hacker communities because of their depictions of criminal hacking strategies - but what happens when the hacker must evade detection by creating new identities? Read all about it in the latest 'Stealing the Network' guide HOW TO OWN AN IDENTITY: YOU ARE WHO THE COMPUTER SAYS YOU ARE. Here the hacker crew finds themselves fleeing authority and must learn how to survive by vanishing online.

101 Ways to Boost Your Web Traffic
Thomas Wong
Intesync
PO Box 950, Union City, CA 94587
0963834975 $25.95 www.intesync.com

Many web site creators and owners think it's enough to just put a site on the web - but a web site is passive until it's actively marketed, which Thomas Wong tells of in 101 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR WEB TRAFFIC: INTERNET MARKETING MADE EASIER, now in its 3rd edition. From understanding how web promotion works to targeting audiences, getting others to buy ideas and services, and taking good care of site users, technology analyst and consultant Thomas Wong, MS, provides all the insights needed.

Signposts in Cyberspace
Committee on Internet Navigation
National Academies Press
500 - 5th St. NW, Lockbox 285, Washington, DC 20055
0309096405 $51.00 www.nap.edu

The domain name system was developed in the 1980s to help associate alphanumeric names with the number addresses which the Internet uses as pointers to locations, making it easier for users to memorize and navigate. SIGNPOSTS IN CYBERSPACE: THE DOMAIN NAME SYSTEM AND INTERNET NAVIGATION surveys the institutional, government and social impact of internet navigation choices and systems, with chapters compiling technical reports of zones, symbols, domain name rules, and more. The result is a scholarly, college-level technical discussion of the issues, history and future of domain names and Net navigation systems.

Nail The Resume!
Ron & Caryl Krannich
Impact Publications
9103-N Manassas Drive, Manassas Park VA 20111-5211
1570232334 $17.95 1-703-361-7300 www.impactpublications.com

Most resume books are examples of model resumes which users can utilize as boilerplates, substituting their own information: not so NAIL THE RESUME! GREAT TIPS FOR CREATING DYNAMITE RESUMES. This is a tutorial on writing, evaluating and distributing these different types of resumes, providing examples but encouraging readers to produce their own. Through such a process a resume may be tailored to career plans - and NAIL THE RESUME gets the job done by providing the tools to create not the carbon copy resume, but something entirely unique - and even more effective.

Climate Crash
John D. Cox
Joseph Henry Press
c/o National Academies Press
500 - 5th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
0309093120 $27.95 1-888-624-7654 www.jhpress.org

Despite political arguments back and forth, one scientific fact remains on recent climate research: the Earth has undergone abrupt climate changes many times in the past and is likely to do so in the future. New clues in astronomy, geology, and more are helping scientists chart the history of storms and seasonal weather changes, with new evidence suggesting that quick climate change is as much a part of Earth's history as slow changes. Scientists are revising their notions of how the climate behaves - and CLIMATE CRASH: ABRUPT CLIMATE CHANGE AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR OUR FUTURE reveals this new way of thinking.

PI Press
1185 Avenue of Americas, 26th Floor, New York NY, 10036
www.pipress.net

Number have become a science, and much has already been written about him - but Tobias Dantzig 's NUMBER; THE LANGUAGE OF SCIENCE (0131856278 $23.95) was a major masterpiece classic on the topic and is back in print under PI Press's 'Masterpiece Science' series which returns science writing classics to modern eyes. Dantzig's history tells how numbers evolved over time, including discussions of their properties and puzzles associated with numbers. Let's hope this excellent classic survey doesn't readily go out of print again! Mark Norell's UNEARTING THE DRAGON: THE GREAT FEATHERED DINOSAUR DISCOVERY (0131862669, $30.00) is the first book to chart the latest change in our ideas about dinosaurs, based on new fossil discoveries in China made by author Mark Norell himself. Both a personal account of his adventures and discoveries in China and a survey of dinosaur theory which now seems to link them to birds, UNEARTHING THE DRAGON provides both a personal story of investigation in a very different culture, and a scientific expose backed by photos and drawings by Mick Ellison.

The Science of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Michael Hanlon
Macmillan
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
1403945772 $24.95 1-888-330-8477 www.macmillanscience.com

What does the end of the universe look like, and could time travel really change history as we know it? These and other questions of science brought on by the new movie version of Douglas Adams' classic novel HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY receive intriguing scientific coverage here in THE SCIENCE OF THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. Once you've read the novel or viewed the movie, turn here for the scientific answers and foundations to science fiction concepts: it's a fascinating survey.

Pandora's Keepers
Brian Vandemark
Back Bay Books/Little, Brown
1271 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10020
0316160512 $16.95 1-800-759-0190 www.twbookmark.com

Nine men believed in science, saw the potentials of atomic energy, and agreed to embark on a clandestine avenue of research during World War II which was to change the nature of not just the war, but science and ethics as well. PANDORA'S KEEPERS: NINE MEN AND THE ATOMIC BOMB provides a new look at these nine key researchers, examining how they dealt with the legacy of their creation, and how they handled the moral implications. A different expose of how the bomb affected the nine scientists charged with creating it.

Dictionary of Mathematics, 4th Edn
John Daintith & Richard Rennie
Facts on File
132 West 31st Street, New York NY 10001
0816056528 $17.95 1-800-322-8755 www.factsonfile.com

Why update a popular math dictionary? To keep current more than 2,000 cross-referenced entries which explain some of the most frequently used terms in math, and to add more than 300 new entries to reflect changes in the six years since the last edition's appearance. Included in the latest: pronunciation keys, a usage guide, explanations of the entries, and topics ranging from calculus of variations to palindromes. Add line drawings and an extensive bibliography and you have a math dictionary certain to receive repeat attention.

Environmental Science Demystified
Linda Williams
McGraw-Hill
2 Penn Plaza, NY, NY 10121-2298
0071453199 $19.95 1-877-833-5524 www.books.mcgraw-hill.com

You don't have to be a college-level student to understand the foundations of environmental science: not with ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DEMYSTIFIED: A SELF-TEACHING GUIDE in hand, with its real-world examples, eye-catching and interesting format, and blend of science news and insights on trends and new developments in the field. Plenty of diagrams and charts add illustrative examples, there are tests for self-knowledge and understanding, and topics organized by theme - oceans and fisheries, weathering and erosion, global warming - make it easy to partake of an orderly progression of information.

Relics
Mary Anna Evans
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. First Avenue, #103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
1590581199 $24.95 1-800-421-3976 www.poisonedpenpress.com

Faye Longchamp has long dreamed of becoming an archaeologist and is asked to run a project when she's barely seasoned. Her assignment seems simple - to uncover the origins of a mysterious ethnic group of people - but a house on fire is only the first of a mysterious stream of accidents and dangers which threaten her project. Can her archaeology skills help her solve two deaths and save her own life?

Perseverance Press
c/o John Daniel & Company
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
www.danielpublishing.com

Solid mystery and intrigue mark Perseverance Press's titles and two new releases are no exception. Taffy Cannon's PARADISE LOST (1880284804, $13.95) tells of a strange ransom request for park funding which accompanies an actress' kidnapping. While two victims form unusual bonds with each other and their captors, the rest of the world tries to uncover the identity of their kidnappers before it's too late. Good police intrigue and high drama. Jeanne M. Dams' CRIMSON SNOW (1880284790, $13.95) presents a Hilda Johansson mystery revolving around a schoolteacher's murder. Hilda is reluctant to look into the murder of her brother's six-grade teacher - she's living a demanding life as a housemaid at an Indiana mansion and doesn't need more work - but the involvement of a close friend draws her into an investigation which leads her directly into a dangerous scandal. Both are excellent reads.

Stretching
Suzanne Martin, PT, DPT
DK Publishing
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
0756609526 $15.00 www.dk.com

Stretching is a stress-free way of exercising and can help produce fitness in as little as three weeks - yet there are many kinds of stretches geared for different purposes, from sports and athletics to stretches for long drives, computer use, and more. Competing guides often focus on stretches for one purpose: STRETCHING covers them all, including stretches easily incorporated into a busy daily routine. Add a wealth of color photos on every page and you have a real winner.

Healing Lyme
Stephen Harrod Buhner
Raven Press
Chelsea Green, dist
595 Flint Road, Randolph, VT 05060
0970869630 $19.95 1-800-639-4099 www.chelseagreen.com

Here's the first comprehensive book on the herbal treatment and healing of lyme disease, which affects 200,000 new sufferers each year producing symptoms from mild lethargy to incapacitation. Author Stephen Buhner is both a herbalist and a psychotherapist: HEALING LYME: NATURAL HEALING AND PREVENTION OF LYME BORRELIOSIS AND ITS COINFECTIONS examines the leading scientific research, common tests and treatments, and how potent herbal medicines and supplements can help.

Alpha Books
800 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46240
www.idiotsguides.com

There's lots of talk about fibromyalgia these days and Lynne Matallana works with Laurence Bradley PHD, Stuart Silverman MD and Muhammad Yunus, MD to present a clear survey of the disease in her COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO FIBROMYALGIA (1592573673, $18.95). Matallana herself was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1955: in 1987 she founded an association and in 2001 published the first consumer magazine to focus on it. From a symptom inventory and checklist and overlapping condition chart to advise on working with health care providers during diagnosis and treatment, and changing lifestyle, this provides the latest facts and a self-help emphasis which will empower sufferers. Jorj Morgan and Jody Whipple, RD's COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO GOOD FAT, GOOD CARB MEALS (1592573592, $18.95) packs in menu plans, advise on how and what to eat to lose weight without giving up fats or carbs totally, and comes packed with recipes such as Beef and Bean Chili and Lobster Scampi with Tomatoes and Spinach which come loaded with nutrition and include prep times, serving nutrition info, and 'good news' tips for quick preparation. These "Idiot's Guides" are some of the smartest "how to" reading anyone could ask for.

Undressing Infidelity
Diane Shader Smith
Adams Media
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322
159337481X $14.95 1-800-872-5627 www.adamsmedia.com

Why do married women, from Midwestern mothers to New York executives - cheat on their husbands? Diane Shader Smith interviewed married women from all walks of life to find out why and how infidelity happened: UNDRESSING INFIDELITY: WHY MORE WIVES ARE UNFAITHFUL gathers these interviews, reveals the real answers about what tempts women to cheat and how they handle their marriages when they do, and what the short- and long-term effects of infidelity are. An eye-opening account.

Haworth Press
10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904
www.haworthpressinc.com

Two excellent alternate health guides are fine reference recommendations. Joseph Hou PhD and Youyu Jin, MD's THE HEALING POWER OF CHINESE HERBS AND MEDICINAL RECIPES (0789022028, $69.95) packs in the reference materials in a weighty-looking guide which is actually easily followed. From the history and foundations of Chinese herbal medical practices to the therapeutic properties and use of 138 medicinal herbs and 101 herbal recipes for them, THE HEALING POWER OF CHINESE HERBS AND MEDICINAL RECIPES is packed with material - even including a bibliography, glossary and contact information for herbal dealers and Oriental medicine schools. A 'must' for any serious herbal reference collection. Zohara Yaniv, PhD and Uriel Bachrach, PhD, edit HANDBOOK OF MEDICINAL PLANTS (1560229950, $59.95), a fine reference covering the latest developments in botanical medicine's new technologies and applications in modern medicine. Experts from around the world provide recent research and knowledge on Chinese herbal medicine and the use of medicinal plants in prevention and therapies. From challenges to medicinal plant research to new trends in the industry and new cultivation developments, HANDBOOK OF MEDICINAL PLANTS is packed with important reference material.

Alzheimer's Activities
B.J. FitzRay
Rayve Productions
PO Box 726, Windsor, CA 95492
1877810800 $23.95 www.rayveproductions.com

While most patients with Alzheimer's disease benefit from activities, it's difficult to identify appropriate activities - especially given the many degrees of Alzheimer's effects. Enter ALZHEIMER'S ACTIVITIES: HUNDREDS OF ACTIVITIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DISORDERS V. 1, which comes packed with creative idea suggestions by a hospital patient representative and risk manager whose experiences with her own father prompted her research. Nearly 300 pages are packed with ideas for holidays, enjoyable family activities, and miscellaneous fun. Best of all - most of the activities are truly fun and not just 'busy work'.

Taylor Trade Publishing
4501 Forbes Blvd. #200, Lanham MD 20706

Plenty of ADD books tell how to recognize the signs of attention deficit disorder and how to consider treatment options; but few focus on turning ADD characteristics into success as does Dr. Lynn Weiss in A.D.D. ON THE JOB: MAKING YOU'RE A.D.D. WORK FOR YOU (0878339175, $13.95) and A.D.D. AND SUCCESS (0878339949, $12.95); both of which tell how to take common ADD problems and turn them into formulas for success. Interviews reveal these shared characteristics, tell personal histories, and bring success stories to print, providing a satisfying and diverse set of success stories which tell of strategies, typical hurdles, and how to overcome them. Dr. Weiss maintains, in both titles, that those with A.D.D. are creative, sensitive, and can use their 'disorder' to achieve success: these are some of the few ADD books on the market to tell how.

Addicus Books
PO Box 45327, Omaha, NE 68145
www.AddicusBooks.com

With breast cancer awareness month upon us, it's important to note some of the best publications on the topic, and Rosalind Benedet, R.N.'s AFTER MASECTOMY: HEALING PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY (1886039615, $14.95) and Rosalind Benedet with Mark C. Rounsaville MD's UNDERSTANDING LUMPECTOMY: A TREATMENT GUIDE FOR BREAST CANCER (1886039623, $14.95) remain one of the best books on their topics on the market today. Plenty of books discuss lumpectomy as an option in a larger book on cancer or breast cancer; so it's good to have a guide which just focuses on lumpectomy options, from understanding the procedure and its follow-up treatments to other options. Nutrition, exercises, and more are all discussed within the lumpectomy choices. AFTER MASTECTOMY covers everything from follow-up therapies and reconstruction options to clothing, preventing common side-effects, healing and exercises.

Trials and Tribulations
Donald C. Austin, MD
Dorrance
701 Smithfield Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3906
0805965769 $45.00

Donald Austin, MD, was a respected neurosurgeon regarded as an expert in his field - thus he was called upon to give testimony in many malpractice lawsuits. When he decided to testify for plaintiffs also, his colleagues and medical societies carried out a vendetta campaign to ruin his professional career - and succeeded. TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS recounts this campaign and its influence.

Peril at End House
Agatha Christie
Audio Editions/Audio Partners
Auburn, CA 95604
1572704632 $27.95 www.audiopartners.com

Hugh Fraser's excellent narrative style is used time after time to present a satisfying uniformity to the readings of Agatha Christie's classic Hercule Poirot mysteries, and the latest PERIL AT END HOUSE is no exceptional, pairing his winning style with the story of a Cornish vacation which introduces him to a girl who has almost been murdered. Poirot's involvement in protecting her leads to some complications which make for a gripping mystery.

All Things Austen
Kirstin Olsen
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 0688105007
0313330328 $149.95 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Any college-level student studying Jane Austin's fiction will find ALL THINGS AUSTEN: AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AUSTEN'S WORLD an essential reference, packing in over 150 entries about the objects mentioned in her novels, the social mores of her times, and the history of her era. Divided into two volumes for quicker reference and handling, these are far more than just brief listings: from clothing to dance and its importance in social functions and courtship, ALL THINGS AUSTEN is packed with period references. A fabulously detailed specialty reference.

The Eugenics Movement
Ruth Clifford Engs
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 0688105007
0313327912 $75.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Eugenics is the theory of selective breeding to improve human populations - it was one of the most controversial movements of the early 20th century and has been tied to racist believes and desires to limit both immigration and procreation between races. THE EUGENICS MOVEMENT: AN ENCYCLOPEDIA reviews almost 200 years of history and packs in reference entries on different eugenics movement theories, history, and laws around the world. An intriguing health and social issues title which college-level collections won't want to miss.

Companion to American Children's Picture Books
Connie Ann Kirk
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313322872 $75.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

The children's picture book has become an art form in and of itself, attracting not just kids but collectors and specialty library collections. Connie Kirk's COMPANION TO AMERICAN CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS is an invaluable reference to any who would collect or learn about these shorter books for kids, as well as picture books intended for young adults and older kids. Over 400 entries on authors, illustrators, picture book awards, and printing technology include basic publication details, summaries, and facts. Anecdotes, reviews of media used (watercolor, etchings, etc.), and subjects make it easy to locate specifics on different types of picture book offerings.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 0688105007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Two very different references will find a place on not only college-level library shelves, but many a public library reference section. Vincent Burns and Kate Dempsey Peterson's TERRORISM: A DOCUMENTARY AND REFERENCE GUIDE (0313332134, $75.00) presents both a history of modern terrorism and a survey of its roots, using speeches, policy statements, letters, and even terrorists' Web postings to consider the social, legal and historical aspects of terrorist activity around the world. Emphasis is on events leading up to 9/11 and its aftermath, with source material documents emerging from formerly classified archives or those rarely seen in English. An in-depth, revealing guide. Howard J. Langer's THE VIETNAM WAR: AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF QUOTATIONS (0313321434, $85.00) will find a home in any college-level collection strong in Vietnam War references. This encyclopedia presents the story of the war through the words of many who observed or took place in the controversy, beginning with a focus on Vietnamese history then events from France's initial war to U.S. involvement. Chapters divided chronologically by different eras of the war make it easy to absorb source material and quotes.

Firefly Books Ltd.
155 East 34th Street, #5B, New York, NY 10016
www.fireflybooks.com

Susan Quilliam's BODY LANGUAGE: LEARN TO READ AND USE THE BODY'S SECRET SIGNALS (1552979830, $19.95) shows both professionals and consumers how to use body language to gain both professional and social success. Key gestures and their meanings are broken down in a book which not only demonstrates positive gestures, but potentially confusing or conflicting body language messages. From romantic moves to workplace introductions, BODY LANGUAGE uses excellent visuals to reinforce written advice. Colin Tennant's 21 DAYS TO TRAIN YOUR DOG (1554070120, $29.95) uses step-by-step photo examples to create a 21-day easy program the entire family can follow. From puppy training basics to motivating a dog to obey, pet psychology blends with easy diagrams demonstrating exercises and ideas.

Robert Rose/Firefly Books, dist.
155 East 34th Street, #5B, New York NY 10016
www.fireflybooks.com

Two outstanding new guides stand out from the crowd with something different to offer. Judith Finlayson's 125 BEST ROTISSERIE OVEN RECIPES (0778801101, $18.95) requires a rotisserie to use, but owners of such will delight in having a cookbook devoted to using it. This isn't just a basic user's guide: it covers everything form the simplest to the gourmet rotisserie dish presenting such recipes as Salmon in Black Bean Sauce and Salt-Rubbed Pork Roast with Almond Cherry Sauce. Colleen Bartley's AMERICA'S BEST COOKBOOK FOR KIDS WITH DIABETES (0778801160, $18.95) was developed to help parents of kids with diabetes provide kid-friendly food the whole family can enjoy. Over a hundred recipes follow the standards of a supervised diabetic meal without specializing: from chili burgers and hot dog kabobs to Oven French Fries, here are dishes kids and parents alike will relish! No photos in these two, but the easy recipes don't need them.

Facial Expressions
Mark Simon
Watson Guptill
770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
0823016714 $19.95 1-800-451-1741 www.watsonguptill.com

Artists needing a powerful visual reference to facial expressions will find FACIAL EXPRESSIONS: A VISUAL REFERENCE FOR ARTISTS to be the perfect resource, whether you're working on comics or animation or fine art. Fifty male and female models represent not only different expressions, but different ages and ethnicities. A range of moods are presented from different angles, paired with art inspired from the photos, as examples. It's actually this pairing which completes the value of FACIAL EXPRESSIONS, illustrating in detail how reality translates to the art world.

Billboard Books/Watson-Guptill
770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
www.watsonguptill.com

If you're a musician interested in percussion, look no further than Rocky Maffitt's lovely RHYTHM & BEAUTY: THE ART OF PERCUSSION (0823079775 $19.95). Chris Brown's full-page, vivid color photos display close-ups of different types of percussion instruments. The sounds, shapes and background of over fifty percussion instruments around the world are surveyed in a lovely pairing of image and text. Maffitt is himself a percussionist, composer and educator who loves rhythm and has studied with drummers from Africa and Latin America: his knowledge and background lends to an unprecedented survey. Daylle Deanna Schwartz's I DON'T NEED A RECORD DEAL! YOUR SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE INDIE MUSIC REVOLUTION (0823079481, $19.95) comes from a music industry consultant and personal growth counselor who tackles a range of music topics for indie artists, from resources and creating an Indie buzz on and off-line to independent street marketing, licensing, and marketing talents. Interviews with over 150 who have connections in the music business, from major label artists who have gone independent to successful indie artists and music industry pros, make for chapters covering a range of practical topics. A 'must' for musicians who would stay independent - and still survive.

Amphoto Books/Watson-Guptill
770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
www.watsonguptill.com

Ever wonder how professional photographers achieve such dramatic results from portrait work? Lighting has a lot to do with it, and Jack Neubart's STUDIO LIGHTING SOLUTIONS: EXPERT PROFESSIONAL TECHNIQUES FOR ARTISTIC AND COMMERCIAL SUCCESS (0817459073, 29.95) holds many of the keys to understanding just how pros achieve fine lighting. It's more than another coverage of techniques: STUDIO LIGHTING SOLUTIONS tackles common challenges and shows how photographers may creatively overcome issues and use lighting to best advantage. Jack Neubart's been a professional photographer for over 25 years, so STUDIO LIGHTING SOLUTIONS comes packed not just with his color photo examples of techniques, but discussions of achieving special effects - sometimes simply by juxtaposing colors or objects. Tim Daly's THE DIGITAL COLOR PRINTING HANDBOOK: A PHOTOGRAPHER'S GUIDE TO CREATIVE COLOR MANAGEMENT AND PRINTING TECHNIQUES (0817471553, $24.95) tells how to get better results from a digital image and the software and printer. New color management tools enable photographers to achieve more from both hardware and software: Tim Daly provides techniques which discuss the most practical applications of solutions to common problems, surveying all aspects of image capture from camera shot to printer.

Simple Truths
Kent Nerburn
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
1577315154 $16.00 1-800-972-6657 www.newworldlibrary.com

There's a lot of possibilities in life, most of which are driven by personal philosophy on beliefs: SIMPLE TRUTHS: CLEAR AND SIMPLE GUIDANCE ON THE BIG ISSUES IN LIFE surveys these beliefs with an eye to considering and exposing underlying beliefs surrounding big issues, from work and parenthood ideals to responding to tragedy and suffering. From responsibility to deriving meaning from activity, SIMPLE TRUTHS offers many penetrating perceptions about life's underlying routines.

Body of Health
Francesca McCartney, Ph.D.
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
1577314883 $15.95 1-800-972-6657 www.newworldlibrary.com

The new science of 'intuition medicine' links body and mind, showing readers how to access intuitive intelligence and use self-assessment exercises on the search for wholeness. From developing psychic abilities to using chakras and auras as diagnosis and health tools, new age health readers will find BODY OF HEALTH: THE NEW SCIENCE OF INTUITION MEDICINE FOR ENERGY AND BALANCE holds plenty of food for thought.

20 Something 20 Everything
Christine Hassler
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
157731476X $14.95 1-800-972-6657 www.newworldlibrary.com

Thinking you haven't done enough in life? Wondering what's next or why life seems boring or meaningless? Turn to Christine Hassler's 20 SOMETHING 20 EVERYTHING: A QUARTER-LIFE WOMAN'S GUIDE TO BALANCE AND DIRECTION for an assessment program on how to determine personal strengths, weaknesses, and how to identify life goals. Chapters blend case history examples of women in flux with real-life techniques for improving everything from relationship quality to life objectives.

Projected Fears
Kendall R. Phillips
Praeger
88 Post Rd. West, Westport, CT 06881
0285093536 $39.95 www.praeger.com

Fans of horror and horror movies who wish an intellectual examination of links between horror films and American culture will find professor Kendall R. Phillips' PROJECTED FEARS: HORROR FILMS AND AMERICAN CULTURE to be most intriguing. Movie audiences are drawn to the horrific: ten of the most popular and influential horror films of all time are given analysis in an analysis which contrasts production history and results with audience response patterns.

On the High Wire
Robert W. Gunn & Betsy Raskin Gullickson
Praeger
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0275984877 $34.95 www.praeger.com

There are plenty of business books on the market covering how to get promoted - but what happens when you get the coveted position? Can you pull off the new job's requirements? Enter ON THE HIGH WIRE: HOW TO SURVIVE BEING PROMOTED: a manual for achievers who have reached their goal and need to transition to new responsibilities and challenges. The authors have decades of management leadership and executive coaching on their sides, and use their experience to outline common pitfalls and solutions managers face in their new position. From how to motivate people to identifying new resources and strategies, ON THE HIGH WIRE covers it all.

Scrapbooking for Profit
Rebecca Pittman
Allworth Press
10 E. 23rd St. #510, New York NY 10010
1581154062 $19.95 1-800-491-2808 www.allworth.com

Scrapbooking has evolved from a hobby to, here, a business, becoming a $3 billion-a-year industry and inviting craftspeople to turn their scrapbooking passions into a career. This is the first book to reveal how to make money in the scrapbook market, covering a range of opportunities from starting a home-based business to designing scrapbooking products or teaching classes. Take advantage of the latest marketplace trends and the tips specific to organizing a scrapbooking business, including running a retail Internet site, through SCRAPBOOKING FOR PROFIT: CASHING IN ON RETAIL, HOME-BASED AND INTERNET OPPORTUNITIES, which comes from one who has worked in the crafts field most of her life.

Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.amacombooks.org

What makes a speech memorable and lasting, versus one which is quickly forgotten when the event or presentation is over? If you are a presenter who wants your speech to be remembered long after it's over, take advice from Tony Carlson 's THE HOW OF WOW: A GUIDE TO GIVING A SPEECH THAT WILL POSITIVELY BLOW 'EM AWAY (0814472516 $14.95). Author Tony Carlson has thirty years of experience as a communications executive and educator: his background and experience lend to a tested proven method (one reader's given 3,000 speeches in 24 countries using the advice herein!) Jack Uldrich's SOLDIER STATESMAN PEACEMAKER: LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM GEORGE C. MARSHALL (0814408575, $24.95) is recommended for a wide and varied audience, from business leaders and management personnel to politicians and civil leaders alike. The importance of George Marshall to modern America often goes unrecognized: not so in SOLDIER STATESMAN PEACEMAKER, which reviews not just his accomplishments and career, but how he achieved his goals. Basic principles of management and integrity integrate with biography to make for an important, multi-faceted coverage.

Greenery Press
4200 Park Blvd., PMB 240, Oakland, CA 94602
www.greenerypress.com

Two intriguing new titles will reach alternative library collections with contemporary perspectives on sex and dating. Luna Grey's KINKY GIRL'S GUIDE TO DATING (1890159603, $16.95) departs from the usual mainstream dating rules to address the needs and approaches of women who date in the realms of dominance, fetish and kink. There's a whole different set of rules for such dating: rules which avoid common pitfalls, address safety concerns, and help the discriminating dater find just the right kind of date. Learn how, here. Jay Wiseman's EROTIC BONDAGE HANDBOOK (1890159131, $16.95) provides sensible advise on how to tie up or be tied during a sexual encounter. From washable rope and knots to racier sexual discussions, Wiseman's frank survey will appeal to those on the kinky side of sexual habits, and offers many practical considerations.

Concealed Handgun Manual
Chris Bird
Privateer Publications
519 Cleveland Street, #205, Clearwater, FL 33755
0965678415 $21.95 www.event-management.com

The updated fourth edition of THE CONCEALED HANDGUN MANUAL: HOW TO CHOOSE, CARRY, AND SHOT A GUN IN SELF DEFENSE comes from an author convinced that gun-owners should be more educated on how to own, carry and use a handgun. Prospective gun owners receive a manual on how to carry a gun for personal protection, from gunfighting tactics covering when and how to shoot to how to avoid trouble, choose an appropriate handgun, and more. From how to carry a handgun to shooting and understanding state laws, THE CONCEALED HANDGUN MANUAL should be sold with every gun.

Acquainted With the Night
Christopher Dewdney
Bloomsbury
175 - 5th Avenue, #300, NY, NY 10010
1582343969 $24.95 www.bloomsbury.com

Poets have long written of the romance of the night world, so what better person to capture its romance and natural history than poet Christopher Dewdney, whose ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT: EXCURSIONS THROUGH THE WORLD AFTER DARK probes the scientific and literary world of 6pm to 6am. From the sensations of an 'ideal' night to global nighttime customs and nature, ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT holds both human and animal celebrations, habits, and reflections.

Ian L. Allen
Midland Counties Pubns.
4 Watling Drive, Hinckley,. Lecis. LE10 3EY, YK
www.ianallenpublishing.com

Three wonderful, diverse transportation titles will appeal to a wide audience of car and rail fans, and are strongly recommended picks. Peter Swinger's MOTOR RACING CIRCUITS IN ENGLAND THEN AND NOW (0711031045, L15.99) provides a fine pairing of vintage photos and memorabilia and historical discussion of motor racing circuits in England. Most notable is the equal blend of photos to written word, making this as much a history as a photo tribute. Alan C. Butcher's RAILWAYS RESTORED 2005 (0711030537, L13.99) appears in its 26th edition to present a completely revised guide complete with timetable supplement to Britain's restored railways. Special events, memberships, museum notes, web sites, phones: everything's there to plan your trip. Hugh Longworth's BRITISH RAILWAY STEAM LOCOMOTIVES 1948-1968(0860935930, L35.00) covers the production of British rail steam locomotives from 1948-58, representing years of personal research by author/enthusiast Hugh Longworth. Don't expect coffee-table casual here: extensive technical data includes charts with names, date of construction modifications, and more, juxtaposing tables and statistics with vintage illustrations of many of the classic trains. A recommended pick for the avid enthusiast.

Sourcebooks Inc.
PO Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
www.sourcebooks.com

Two excellent wedding planners by wedding expert Sharon Naylor offer industry secrets and tips for making the most of the event. 1000 BEST WEDDING BARGAINS: INSIDER SECRETS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS (1402202989, $12.95) packs in tips on everything from tricks to cut a food bill to how to save on designer wedding gowns - and we're talking big savings here, not just a few dollars. Everything from photos to food and receptions are covered, with tips ranging from how to decorate on a budget to locating cost-saving alternatives. THE BRIDESMAID BOOK (140220356X, $10.95) provides bridesmaids with details on how to spend time, money, and proper etiquette attention to a wedding. From handling being a long-distance bridesmaid and influencing dress choice and costs to ceremony etiquette for bride and groom and rehearsal alike, THE BRIDESMAID HANDBOOK is particularly valuable because many will only be a bridemaid only once.

Packard Motor Car Company
Evan P. Ide
Arcadia
420 Wando Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
0738512087 $19.99 www.amazon.com

Author Evan Ide is curator of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum and members of other museum societies: as an active automotive historian, he's the perfect author for Packard Motor Car Company, a celebration of the Packard which packs in vintage black and white photos to accompany an overview of the Packard company's importance. Founded in 1899, Packard had a relatively short history until 1957 - it struggled during the 1930s and never recovered - but it produced some of the country's finest cars, and Packard Motor Car Company is the place to view them in all their glory. A 'must' for auto history buffs.

Baen Books
PO Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
www.baen.com

Robert Heinlein's EXPANDED UNIVERSE (0743499158, $7.99) covers a forty-year span and pairs some of his best short stories with his own comments and memoirs. This satisfying blend of fiction and nonfiction offers far more insights into Heinlein's work than fiction or memoir alone, and will attract any Heinlein fan who hunters for more of his works. Spider Robinson's NIGHT OF POWER (0743499174, $6.99) is also a winner from a prolific genre writer: set in a future New York City threatened by racial tensions, it tells of black Americans who finally have the power to take what is theirs in a night of power which will change the face of America and the lives of one interracial couple in particular. John Ringo and Linda Evans's ROAD TO DAMASCUS (0743499166, $7.99) tells of one SOL-0045, a surplus loan item who finds himself caught in a trap between duty and ethics in a mission which leads him to a dangerous civil war and a determined little boy. Taken from a story fragment by Keith Laumer, this fast-paced story is a thriller. David Weber and Steve white's THE STARS AT WAR II (0743499123, $27.00) presents space opera at its finest: the war isn't going well, the aliens are winning, and only the deadly Shiva Option might save humanity in the universe. Two novels are presented under one cover here: the first complete, uncut publication of INSURRECTION as well as SHIVA OPTION: together the saga of war and its aftermath provide excellent space opera and political science fiction. Dave Freer's A MANKIND WITCH (0743499131, $25.00) blends sword and sorcery with fantasy as it tells of one Manfred, a prince, who must brave a rugged winter world to recover a relic which is, impossibly, missing. If it's truly lost, a new Viking will be born which will destroy the Empire. David Weber's WIND RIDER'S OATH (1416508953, $8.95) tells of one Bahzell, son of the Horse Stealer's ill-favored ruler and an ambassador and champion who faces plots, wizards, and injustices as he struggles to stay alive. Swift action marks a different kind of hroic fantasy. Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis' 1634: THE GALILEO AFFAIR (0743499190, $7.99) presents a fine alternate history in which the Thirty Years War ravages 17th century Europe while a new force, the United States of Europe, is building -led by a 20th century set of time travelers who have arrived in the past by accident. A gripping tale of past-meets-future. Tom Kratman's A STATE OF DISOBEDIENCE (0743499204, $7.99) is also an excellent story set in the Second American Revolution and telling of a near-future world where America is divided by a president vying for dictatorial power and a mind-mannered governor who works against him. Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill edit BEDLAM'S EDGE (1416508937, $26.00), presenting a new collection of urban fantasy stories by such notables as Diana Paxon, Eric Flint, and even two new ones by Lackey herself, and one by Rosemary Edghill. All are set in the big city; all inject fantasy, mythology, and many times elements of the supernatural into their diverse plots. Michael Z. Williamson's THE WEAPON (1416508945, $25.00) presents Kenneth Chinran, who joined the military and was sent to infiltrate a fascistic planet - Earth - at the peak of his career. He lives on Earth undercover for years, even marrying and having a child - so when Earth forces attack his home system and force him from hiding, he questions not only his own roots but his newfound home in a fast-paced, different saga. John Ringo and Tom Kratman's WATCH ON THE RHINE (0743499182, $25.00) tells of an alien horde of invaders who have conquered all star systems and are advancing on Earth. All soldiers are called to the forefront and all forces may be used to survive - even rejuvenation. This adds a new chapter in the Posleen War series, telling of the days after the initial Posleen attack before the primary invasion, where Germany faces a dangerous decision�All are excellent fantasy and sci fi reads.

NESFA
PO Box 809, Framingham, MA 01701
www.nesfapress.com

Two outstanding new reads are highly recommended picks. Robert Sheckley's THE MASQUE OF MANANA (1886778604, $29.00) holds over forty works of selected short fiction by the award-winning Sheckley, including a Nebula winner, a Retro-Hugo nominee, and numerous others. Fans of hard science and strong characterization will find Sheckley a master at both; while prior fans will discover many gems packed under one cover that were scattered previously. Jane Yolen's ONCE UPON A TIME (SHE SAID) (1886778612, $26.00) gathers not just stories but poems and articles by Yolen - most about or consisting of fairy tales. Whether it was originally written for kids or adults, each story holds a compelling, fresh theme which fans of fantasy will relish.

Financial Security & Personal Wealth
Lewis D. Solomon
Transaction Books
35 Berrue Circle, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
0765802910 $49.95 1-888-999-6778 www.transactionpub.com

As this country's main population ages, new challenges are presenting themselves to policy-makers and society alike affecting every aspect of financial life, from retirement income and money management to the social security system, company pension plans, and more. The politics of social security, presidential influences, and new realities are the focus of "Financial Security & Personal Wealth", which blends a history of the social security system with insights on social policy and public finance. A scholarly, reflective study recommended for college-level students of finance and social issues.

Cracking The Millionaire Code
Mark Victor Hansen & Robert Allen
Harmony Books
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
1400082943 $23.00 1-800-726-0600 www.randomhouse.com

Are you ready to become a millionaire? While some folks struggle financially no matter how much or how little they make, others seem to enjoy prosperity - and with the help of "Cracking The Millionaire Code: Your Key To Enlightened Wealth", you can, too. Chapters provide keys for unlocking the principles in leading a financially enlightened life, providing four 'wealth codes' and stories of those who have used them for success.

Live Better South Of The Border In Mexico
Mexico Mike Nelson
Fulcrum Publishing
16100 Table Mountain Parkway, #300, Golden CO 80403
1555915469 $17.95 1-800-992-2908 www.fulcrum-books.com

If you've been to Mexico numerous times and are beginning to dream of a wealthier lifestyle south of the border, then this newly updated and expanded fourth edition of "Live Better South Of The Border In Mexico: A Practical Guide For Living And Working", is for you. It's been the most authoritative guide on the market for nearly a decade, using both humor and practical considerations to help readers determine if a Mexico lifestyle is for you. Pros and cons of different towns, areas, and Mexican habits are reviewed in chapters covering everything from services to prices and costs.

Avalon Travel
1400 - 65th Street, #250, Emeryville, CA 94608
www.avalonpub.com

Four excellent new travel guides provide destination-oriented readers with new insights and information. Andrew Hempstead's MOON HANDBOOKS: CANADIAN ROCKIES (1566916992, $17.95) appears in its fourth updated edition and includes Banff and Jasper National Parks as it packs in maps, small black and white photos, and travel details throughout the Canadian Rockies. From history to wildlife, outdoors activities and accommodations and shopping, CANADIAN ROCKIES is a 'must' for planning any trip to the region. Wayne Bernhardson's MOON HANDBOOKS: ARGENTINA (1566915090, $19.95) appears in its first edition to provide an important exploration of Argentina's wonders. From Buenos Aires to Patagonia, Argentina's many different regions receive in-depth coverage, maps, black and white photos, and a satisfying blend of outdoor versus shopping info. Choose Gary McKechnie's GREAT AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE TOURS (1566914485, $19.95) if you're an independent-minded motorcycle rider who wants to experience the best motorcycle routes in the country. In this update of his best-seller guide, McKechnie covers not just major trips, but side trips, what equipment to bring, and motorcycle clubs and web sites. Simply invaluable for the motorcycle traveler. Asia society's lovely ASIA IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAT AREA: A CULTURAL TRAVEL GUIDE (1566917433, $17.95) uses local writers to gain details on Asian history and local cultural offerings. From restaurants and art to religion, alternative medicine and even nightlife, all things Asian are exposed.

Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor

Harold's Bookshelf
Our Fathers Who Art In Heaven
Gerry Murak
WAIH Publishing
PO Box 502, Getzville, NY 14068
ISBN: 0975905716, $17.95 183 p.

Unfortunately this is another excellent book that many people will pass over without even opening the cover because of the title. After reading the book I found it very enjoyable but not at all what I had expected. I had expected it to be a New Age book about various fatherly spirits. A quick check with others to see what they thought the book would be about based solely on the title and everyone came up with similar comments. Noone was even close. Notwithstanding the poor title (which does make sense once you read the book), if you miss it you will miss an excellent read. Author Gerry Murak has put together the stories of several people who share specific incidents in their lives where their father taught them an important life skills lesson. The stories provide insight into some of the best examples of excellent fathering and nurturing that I have ever read. If you've had a great father in your life you will find stories here to remind you of him. If you didn't then here is your chance to learn what makes a good father and how good a father you can be. Our Fathers Who Art In Heaven is highly recommended and an excellent gift for a new father or anyone missing theirs.

After the New Testament
Bart D. Ehrman
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, Video, DVD, Audio Tape
Lectures: 24

To better understand the church of today it is very insightful to understand where it came from, how it has changed over the years, how cultural and other influences affected it, the various forms of the early church, and their variations in belief and structure. To this purpose nothing is better than reading the writings of the early church fathers. These lectures examine several of these early writings and how the church worked through various issues. One of the more interesting observations I had of these lectures is how so many of the various issues of the early church are still around today but only in a slightly different form. From the letter of 1 Clement dealing with an uprising in the church at Corinth to Ignatius and others dealing with false teachers and doctrines, to problems when a leader is involved in an unethical act, and apocalyptic writings like The Shepherd of Hermas, this is a fascinating series of lectures. This is a particularly interesting and period of time in the formation and practices of the church and Professor Bart D. Ehrman does an excellent job of bringing it clearly to life. After the New Testament is highly recommended.

Caring for Your Aging Parents
Raeann Berman, Bernard H. Shulman, M.D.
Champion Press, Ltd.
4308 Blueberry Road, Fredonia, WI 53021
ISBN: 1932783466, $16.00 246 p. plus appendix and bibliography

One of the challenges of life that many of us will have to face at some point is dealing with our aging parents. This is a very difficult time with many specialized problems. This book walks the reader through some of the most important problems they will have to deal with including gaining perspective, discovering when your parents have a hidden agenda, and dealing with problems of communication. It even includes information on the very difficult problems of transferring authority from the parent to the child, changing living arrangements, driving, remarriage and planning for death. Of course all of this is very helpful information but the one thing books like this tend to overlook is the importance of taking care of yourself as well as your parent. The authors here do not miss that detail but emphasize it's importance as an integral part of your planning.

Some of the issues discussed in this section include how to deal with the problems in a caring and yet professional manner, dealing with guilt, anxiety, non-appreciative parents, getting other family members to help, health issues, finances, and emotional struggles. Even the appendix is unusually helpful and contains many resources for the elderly as well as for children dealing with elderly parents. This is required reading for anyone caring for the elderly in addition to people who will have to care for their parents at some point. Read it and be prepared for what will be one of the most emotionally gratifying and emotionally trying times of your life. Caring for Your Aging Parents is highly recommended.

Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography
Professor: Sherwin B. Nuland
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, DVD, Audio Cassette
Lectures: 12

By looking at the biographies of prominent people in the world of medicine this course takes you through medical history in a unique and very interesting way. Instead of just hearing that something was developed at a particular time you learn the problems and how they were solved by the individuals discussed. For example, I loved the story of Rene Laennec and the invention of the stethoscope. At a time when doctors placed their ear on a person's chest to hear the heart he wasn't able to do so on a particularly buxom young woman. So, after watching children playing a game where sound is transmitted along a piece of wood he went back to the hospital, rolled up a notebook and used it to hear the heart. Putting the history in terms of real people not only brings them to life but brings the progression of medical knowledge to life. Some of the biographies included are Hippocrates, Galen, Morgagni, Laennec, Morton, Virchow, Lister, Halsted, and Taussig. A unique way of looking at the history of medicine, Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography is highly recommended, entertaining, and educational.

Kidnapped
Daniel S. Acuff, PhD, Robert H. Reiher, PhD
Dearborn Trade Publishing
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606-7481
ISBN: 1419505033, $18.95 241 plus index

There is no shortage of marketers using irresponsible and unethical techniques to make a buck off our children. These people and companies take advantage of the child's age and innocence to mold their minds. The problem is not only that this is unethical but that over time it creates permanent changes in the child and alters their personality as well as their health. The bottom line here is that marketers will always target our children as yet another tool to be used to sell product. As such it is the responsibility of the parents to control the factors that influence their children for good and bad. The authors separate the sections of the book to include what is appropriate for birth to age three, three to seven, eight to twelve, thirteen to fifteen, and sixteen to nineteen. For each of these age groups they cover developmental issues, areas to watch and areas where you can expand their exposure to the world and difficult issues. You may disagree, as I did, with some of the detail but overall it is an insightful and interesting read. Even if you don't agree with all of it you are sure to find the greatest part of Kidnapped highly informative and helpful for raising children. As such it is a recommended read.

The Forgotten Half of Change
Luc De Brabandere
Dearborn Trade Publishing
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606-7481
ISBN: 1419502751, $20.00 161 p.

Change is a normal part of life and as such it is also a normal part of business and the need to adapt. The problem is that the change is only the first step and there is more to change than change by itself. Dealing with the other half of change - a change of perception is what this book is about. The author challenges the reader to examine such things as thinking about how you think and inspiring creativity so that you can change perception.

With a light writing style that is at times humorous Mr. Brabandere leads the reader to an enlightening view of the human mind and how it traps us into particular ways of thinking. Escaping from this trap by changing our perception is what this book is all about. A lesson in creative thinking and getting out of the stereotypes that we have learned and handicap our thinking, The Forgotten Half of Change is highly recommended and fun to read.

Money Without Matrimony
Sheryl Garrett, CFP, Debra A. Neiman, CFP, MBA
Dearborn Trade Publishing
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606-7481
ISBN: 1419506889, $21.95, 235 plus glossary and index

A long overdue book, Money Without Matrimony discusses the myriad of financial considerations when two people are living together as a couple but are not married. In this situation there are many potential problems that can interfere with your planning for your future. The authors walk the reader down a solid pathway for financial advice by first examining why financial planning is important, determining goals and objectives, dealing with what assets belong to each person and which assets are jointly owned, dealing with insurance, taxes, estate planning, and retirement. And, of course, children raises another entirely different problem that needs to be examined in detail. The authors follow a well organized path that leads the reader from thinking about their goals through devising a total plan. The coverage is excellent and thorough and includes a discussion of such things as common-law marriage states and what to do about it. Other areas with surprises that are covered in detail include credit cards, life insurance, insurance proceeds, and inheritance. This is a complex field with many potential pitfalls and problems but also ripe with planning opportunities so that your wishes are met and assets protected. Money Without Matrimony is highly recommended for all unmarried couples.

Raising Money Smart Kids
Janet Bodnar
Dearborn Trade Publishing
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606-7481
ISBN: 1419505165, $17.95 347 p.

With each generation the children seem to have more money available to them than their parents. With this should come responsibility and learning how to spend or save wisely. The problem is that most just learn to spend as soon as they get it, get it by begging parents or an allowance with no responsibilities involved or similar. Enter Janet Bodnar, deputy-editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, mother of three, and writer of the Money Smart Kids column in Kiplinger Magazine. This is not a collection of hard and fast rules to force good finance habits onto kids but a framework within which parents can use good common sense to handle any situation. The book starts with a quiz to test your money smarts. This quiz is excellent and presents most of the potential situations you are likely to encounter with children and money. The author even includes examples of questions kids ask and how to answer them. One of the insightful sections is one on how kids think about money and how to deal with these concepts from preschool to teenager. Ms. Bodnar even includes a fascinating chapter on questions and answers about money's history, composition, and dozens of other miscellaneous facts. Prepare your children to know how to deal with money when they are grown. Raising Money Smart Kids is highly recommended.

Light Their Fire
Susan M. Drake, Michelle J. Gulman, Sara M. Roberts
Dearborn Trade Publishing
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606-7481
ISBN: 1419502522, $23.00 215 p.

Companies pay a lot of attention to a strong marketing plan for consumers but often don't pay much attention to internal marketing. One of the most powerful marketing forces you have is your employees. When they are excited about your product then they tell others. The authors of this book provide step-by-step guidance on how to get your employees to become your best marketing source by being your most dedicated consumer. They even include details on how to do things like break bad news to employees in such as way that it does not demoralize others.

Starting with Chapter 4 the authors take you on a detailed method for setting a course for action, setting goals, and then achieving those goals. Chapter 5 follows up with communicating good and bad news, choosing the right vehicle for communicating your message, and making the most of that communication vehicle. Other chapters include training as a marketing tool and using rewards and recognition. Easy to understand and apply, Light Their Fire is highly recommended.

Tillie, the Ticklish Horse
Joe Cyr, editor
Xlibris Corporation
International Plaza II, Suite 340, Philadelphia, PA 19113-1513
ISBN: 1413442366, $14.95 25 p.

Just about every child delights in being tickled. But what if there was a horse that not only gets tickled but when it is tickled it changes colors? Tillie, the Ticklish Horse is a delightful read and sets the stage for imaginative play with children. Written in a rhyming style, at times the text seems awkward as the author struggles to get a line to rhyme, but that notwithstanding the story is still fun and an imaginative read for children. Tillie, the Ticklish Horse is a recommended read.

Detox and Revitalize
Susana L. Belen
Vital Health Publishing
34 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811
ISBN: 1890612464, $14.95, 139 plus index

This is one of the better books on detoxification. Most others give various recipes and regimens to accomplish some form of detoxification without providing sufficient background information to understand how it is supposed to work and why. The author of this book starts with why you should detoxify, the five principles of balanced health, and the seven most important steps. People are much more likely to follow through when they know what to expect and understand why they are doing it. Written in an easy-to-read style the author explains concepts very clearly without introducing any unnecessary complications. Detox and Revitalize is highly recommended and especially so for those new to detoxification who want to gain a broad understanding of the purpose and process.

Pro MySQL
Michael Kruckenberg, Jay Pipes
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219, Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 159059505X, $49.99 698 plus index

Written for those who already have some familiarity with MySQL and want a deeper understanding of the database system the authors take them on a detailed tour of MySQL Server version 5.0. They include many techniques that are not found in most other texts and that by itself makes this a valuable book. The authors do make the assumption that the reader already has some knowledge of relational databases and how they should work.

The book starts by examining business requirements and how software is developed from an initial requirements assessment through object and data modeling, diagramming, and completing the design of the database. The second chapter details indexing and how to use it efficiently to increase data lookup speed. The third chapter provides a detailed discussion of transaction processing. These three chapters form the foundation on which the deeper discussions in later chapters are all based.

One of the areas that I have not found discussed in any significant detail in other books is the internal system architecture of MySQL. In chapters 4 and 5 the authors examine the internal structure and the different storage engines and data types MySQL uses with a concentration on the InnoDB and MyISAM storage engines. The rest of the book covers more traditional fare such as subqueries and derived tables, benchmarking and profiling, writing SQL queries that are efficient and produce the information you want, stored procedures, stored functions, views, and triggers.

Of course they go over installation and configuration in detail as well as security, backup and restoration, replication, clustering, and troubleshooting. The authors have included lots of illustrations, tables, and examples that really help make complex MySQL concepts easy to understand. Pro MySQL is highly recommended for readers who already have a good understanding of MySQL past the beginners level and into the intermediate level.

Pro Perl Parsing
Christopher M. Frenz
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219, Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590595041, $39.99 241 plus index

Wow! I do a lot of data parsing and this book is one of the best finds I have ever made. I should point out, however, that it is not for the average reader. This book is very technical in nature but absolutely fabulous if you are technically inclined or already proficient in Perl or have some experience parsing using another language. It seems that I am always finding strange problems that create a need to parse large amounts of data to extract only the relevant information and present it in a usable form. Author Christopher M. Frenz covers the whole gamut of parsing and does so in a very logical progressive manner. First he starts with the use of regular expressions and does a great job including some complex example of just what can be done. From there he moves to generative grammars and how they can be used to determine relevant data of interest within a text, XML or similar file. Then from there he builds on your understanding by discussing specialized modules that can be added to your Perl implementation and how they are used. And, of course, he discusses data mining and how to efficiently use this information. This is an excellent technical book that is a required resource for anyone using Perl to parse documents. Pro Perl Parsing is highly recommended.

The Official Samba-3 Howto and Reference Guide, 2e
John H. Terpstra, Jelmer R. Vernooij, editors
Prentice Hall PTR
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131882228, $54.99 822 p.

This is not an introduction to Samba but a technical reference written by those who know it best - the Samba Team. If you already know something about Samba then this is the place you will find very detailed explanations of all the internal and external capabilities of Samba-3.0.11 and higher. While it is easy enough to find information on how to set Samba up as a file and print server, how to use its other features is harder information to come by. This book details setting up Samba as a domain controller, backup domain controller, or domain member, network browsing, access controls, record locking, securing Samba, interdomain trusts, printing support, user profiles, administration, monitoring, and tuning. A voluminous tome, most people will not be inclined to read through it but would more likely read the sections relevant to their current needs and the book is organized so that it is easy to use that way. A true technical reference it has everything you are likely to ever want to know about Samba-3 and how to set it up correctly as well as how to resolve common problems. This is a reference that I will be keeping close at hand and you will want to too if you use Samba-3. The Official Samba-3 Howto and Reference Guide, Second Edition is highly recommended.

Samba-3 by Example
John H. Terpstra
Prentice Hall/PTR
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 013188221X, $44.99 430 p.

Using Linux in a Windows desktop environment requires the use of Samba for file and print sharing via the Windows explorer. But Samba has grown up as a full-fledged package for communicating between Linux and Windows over the last few years. Installing Samba as a Primary Domain Controller, implementing ldap for easy directory integration, or just installing it as a file and print server are all easy to do with the help of this book. The author takes a much easier to follow approach than most other writers on this subject. Instead of trying to go through each of the features and discuss them in detail he organizes the book by the type of installation and then walks you through a correct setup for that situation. For example some of the sections are: No-frills Samba Servers, Small Office Networking, Secure Office Networking, The 500-User Office, A Distributed 2000-User Network, Migrating NT4 Domain to Samba-3, and Migrating Netware Server to Samba-3. For each one of these situations the author dissects the technical issues, discusses each one, and then walks the reader through the implementing. The author also includes sections on things like performance, reliability, LDAP, and updating Samba. Nothing is left unexplained but each time you are told to check something or do something the exact syntax for doing it is given. Even with only very little or no Linux experience you can walk through this book and install a correctly functioning Samba server. Samba-3 by Example is highly recommended.

A Practical Guide to Linux
Mark G. Sobell
Prentice Hall/PTR
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131478230, $39.99 823 p.

For some people knowing how to do something through a graphical interface is akin to knowing how to drive without knowing how an engine, transmission, etc. work together to make the car run. For them knowing how to get down to the command line and get things done that either the graphical interface does not allow or does not do the way you want it done is a matter of pride and represents the dividing line between a user and a power user. If you want to become a real Linux guru and know how to work the command line to do whatever you want including commands, editing, shell programming, and scripting this is one of the better books available. Readable, straight-forward, educational, it is a one-of-kind reference that blends the educational aspect of a typical book on learning Linux with a typical book of command line references. A Practical Guide to Linux is highly recommended.

Peter van der Linden's Guide to Linux
Peter van der Linden
Prentice Hall PTR
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131872842, $39.99 495 p.

This book is one of the best guides to desktop Linux for the complete novice. It includes the Linspire Live CD bundled with the book so the reader can gain experience with the Linux desktop without sacrificing their current system. The author does a really good job of discussing why Linux has become so popular, why people are choosing it over Windows, and the advantages as well as disadvantages of Linux. Getting down to the details he covers the KDE desktop and how to use the File Manager as well as configure the desktop. And, of course, the reader can follow along by booting up the Linspire CD. He also covers the most common tasks for the desktop user including setting up an Internet connection, a network connection, browsing with the included Firefox browser, setting up email with Mozilla, working with OpenOffice, using GAIM, burning CDs, playing music, downloading Linux distributions, and installing Linux (in case you want it permanently installed onto your system).

While the average desktop user will probably not care, the author does include several appendixes for the more advanced user who really wants to know how to do more advanced things. This book is devoted to the graphical user interface of a desktop version of Linux. As such it does not get into the powerful use of Linux as a server other than at a cursory level. This is a great introduction to Linux that will make you comfortable with it before making any switch. Peter van der Linden's Guide to Linux is highly recommended.

Rotten School: The Big Blueberry Barf-Off
R. L. Stine
HarperCollins Children's Books
Parachute Publishing, LLC imprint
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019
ISBN: 0060785861, $6.99 109 p.

This is the first in a new series from beloved children's author R. L. Stine of Goosebumps fame. Bernie Bridges wants Sherman Oaks' fancy new watch. How will he get it? He challenges the residents of Sherman's residential home to a pie eating contest. They will pick a representative for them and Bernie's group will choose a person to represent them. Of course, Bernie has a secret plan. Will it work? You will have to read the book to find out. The Big Blueberry Barf-Off will appeal to most school kids between 8 and 12 years of age. A departure from the Goosebumps style it is a good read filled with descriptions of the gross and messy stuff children that age like to read about while still providing an interesting story with plenty of twists and turns. This series should appeal to boys where other titles often fail.

Rotten School: The Great Smelling Bee
R. L. Stine
HarperCollins Children's Books
Parachute Publishing, LLC imprint
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019
ISBN: 0060785896, $6.99 109 p.

This is the second book in a new series from beloved children's author R. L. Stine of Goosebumps fame. Bernie Bridges has a problem. His residential school does not allow any pets and his dog and parrot have arrived. How will he keep them hidden from view? A quick thinker, Bernie enrolls his dog in school. But the dog received his nickname of Gassy for a good reason and this causes all kinds of problems. The Great Smelling Bee will appeal to most school kids between 8 and 12 years of age. A departure from the Goosebumps style it is a good read filled with descriptions of the gross and messy stuff children that age like to read about while still providing an interesting story with plenty of twists and turns. This book should appeal strongly to boys where other books often fail.

Scream Free Parenting
Hal Edward Runkel
Oakmont Publishing, LLC
2180 Satellite Blvd., Suite 400, Duluth, GA 30097
ISBN: 0975998110, $16.95 221 p.

Parenting is full of challenges as well as surprises both pleasant and unpleasant. Although it is understandable that sometimes dealing with children can cause a parent to lose their cool and scream at the children this is not the preferred response. Screaming is a reaction and not a purposeful and appropriate course of action. Taking control of yourself and your job as a parent is what this book is about. The author is realistic and recognizes that even the best parents struggle with the tendency to react instead of act with purpose. The difference between these scream free parents and others is that they learn to control that tendency to react and choose a more appropriate course of action. The book is delightfully realistic and insightful and points out some of the normal conundrums of raising children. Well written and engaging, a combination that is hard to find in this style of book, you will find familiar situations consistently throughout the book. Scream Free Parenting is a recommended read for parents with children of all ages.

Astronomy Hacks
Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596100604, $24.95 378 p.

If you've ever wanted to learn astronomy as a hobby or as a serious amateur you'll find everything you need to get started and well along the path in this book. In addition to the things you would expect to find in a book like this (star names, constellations, Messier objects, etc.) the authors also cover things like etiquette when observing with groups, how to choose binoculars and the right telescope for you. The tips on how to choose the right telescope and how to avoid being cheated is well worth the price of the book by itself.

Of course it is filled with information on identifying stars and constellations, using the celestial coordinate system, observing in different environments, observing shallow-space and deep-space objects, and photographing the stars. But the tips on things like eliminating astigmatism, eliminating diffraction, and tuning your telescope are some of the most interesting as well as the most likely to make your hobby really enjoyable. Astronomy Hacks is highly recommended to anyone interested in astronomy and can move you from novice to advanced amateur.

Using Moodle
Jason Cole
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596008635, $39.95 215 p.

If you want to operate an online educational course one of the most important choices you will have to make is choosing a good program to manage the course and all of its requirements. Moodle is an open source course management system that can handle anything from a single course through a university system with thousands of students and courses. The Moodle system is a complete system with a student registration and login, calendar, student forums, help system, online quiz system, the ability to upload and download files and assignments, and course content control. This book provides the reader with all the background and detail information they need to install and configure the software as well as and setup your courses. I was able to follow the book and setup a course and test it easily enough. It wasn't perfect the first time through but I did get it working correctly without having to refer to any other source of documentation.

Although installation is traditionally done on an Linux Apache system it will work on most systems that have a webserver, PHP, and SQL database. Using Moodle is highly recommended to anyone interested in learning this software or establishing an online course management system.

Perl Best Practices
Damian Conway
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596001738, $39.95 467 p.

Perl Best Practices is a book of standards and styles that if followed produce code that is much easier to maintain. In total it contains 256 guidelines for coding, layout, name selection, program decomposition, modularity, error handling, testing, and debugging among many others. The section on code formatting is extremely useful and follows the conventions taught in most degree programs in programming. If it is followed exactly then it is much easier to understand the program and what each section is doing nine months later when you have to change something and can't remember the purpose of many of the code lines. This, of course, makes the code much easier to maintain and allows the assignment of programming different sections to other people. The author ends the book with several very useful appendixes including one that lists most of the more useful modules and utilities available for Perl. Perl Best Practices is highly recommended for all Perl Programmers but especially so for new ones or ones who need to set a standard for coding.

Word Annoyances
Guy Hart-Davis
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596009542, $19.95 183 p.

When it comes to word processing programs Word is so predominant in the marketplace as to be ubiquitous. Unfortunately just because it is everywhere doesn't mean that there are not a lot of problems with it. Learning how to deal with all those annoying problems is the purpose of this book. The author covers installation problems, dealing with multiple versions, moving Word to another computer, dealing with long startup times, when it runs slowly, when it takes a long time to close, modifying the toolbar, saving all open documents at once, keeping separate versions of the same document, dealing with crashes and document corruption, transferring your auto-correct entries to another computer, the myriad problems of working with styles and layouts, printing problems (and there are many of these), mail merge, and even dealing with problems specific to the Mac OS.

Written in a question and answer format it contains all the most commonly asked questions about how to get Word to work the way you want. I've worked with Word for years and still found a couple of tips in this book that I really appreciated. If you use Word for anything other than an expanded notepad you will want a copy of Word Annoyances.

Search Engine Marketing, Inc.
Mike Moran, Bill Hunt
IBM Press
c/o Pearson Education
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131852922, $49.99 525 p.

Search engine marketing is one of the most important parts of Internet marketing and also one of the most frustrating and difficult. While there are lots of people and businesses that are glad to tell you the secrets of how to get into one of the top positions on a search engine most of them are old techniques that don't work any more. In this book the authors examine the details of how a search engine really works and basic search marketing methods. One of the most interesting parts of the book is a section on understanding how a person thinks when they are issuing a search query. There is also a great graphic on the relationships between many of the search engines.

The process they outline is simple yet very powerful if followed. First you have to identify the goals of your web site. If you don't know what you are trying to accomplish then you are unlikely to accomplish it. Then you determine how to measure the success of your website. After this you develop a search marketing strategy and how you are going to measure the success of your marketing efforts. If you are in a larger company the authors even include a section on selling your search marketing proposal to your company.

The book includes a lot of the necessary details to implement your plan. This includes how to get your site indexed, choosing your target words, and attracting links to your site. This is some of the best, most detailed information that I have seen anywhere on this subject and shows that the authors are up to date in their understanding of how search engines work and how to get top rankings. Search Engine Marketing, Inc. is highly recommended to anyone trying to market their website.

Soul Cavalcade
Robert Dunn
Coral Press
530 West End Avenue #7A, New York, NY 10024
ISBN: 0970829345, $14.95 362 p.

The nineteen-sixties was a period of change for all aspects of American society. With the skyrocketing success of Motown there was tremendous potential for soul singers that had never existed before. This novel is the story of Fleur-de-Lys Records, a competitor of Motown seeking to get their first number one record. As part of their plan to get exposure on American Bandstand they send a bus full of their best groups on tour around America. With everyone crowded onto the bus it is hard to keep secrets and there are secrets to be kept. Part drama, part comedy, it is a fast moving novel that keeps the reader's interest. Welcome to the world of the sixties complete with dreams, and disasters, Soul Cavalcade is a recommended read.

Treehouse Chronicles
S. Peter Lewis, T. B. R. Walsh
TMC Books, LLC
731 Tasker Hill Rd., Conway, NH 03818
ISBN: 0972030743, $29.95 129 p.

What happens when adults decide to become kids again, fulfill their dreams, and have access to tools, lumber, and skills? This book answers that question for author S. Peter Lewis. More than just a story of how he built his ultimate treehouse it is the story of one man pulling together the resources he needs to create his dream. As he states in the prelude it is the story of a process more than a product. The story covers almost three years from planning to build his house in the trees to its ultimate completion. In short order the reader soon comes to feel they are a part of this grand scheme and a participant in its completion. With details of how the house was built, including joint techniques, exploded view diagrams, and short vignettes of the surrounding countryside that the author loves, it is a very interesting book and a memorial to the untamed spirit of childhood. Treehouse Chronicles is a highly recommended read.

Phase One After Zero
Vladimir Chernozemsky
Triumvirate Publications
497 West Avenue 44, Los Angeles, CA 90065-3917
ISBN: 1932656030, $22.95 166 p.

A skillfully crafted novel from an accomplished writer, Phase One After Zero takes the reader on a fascinating fictional journey with Greg MacPherson. Starting with the bombing of the city hall in an Oklahoma town the story is loosely based on the idea of what might have happed if Timothy McVeigh had escaped and joined the Al-Qaeda. In this story Greg MacPherson escapes to Canada and then moves to the Middle East. Joining Al-Qaeda he becomes involved in the terrorist activities and the planning of the attacks of September 11. But, when it comes time for the attack he has some second thoughts. With well-defined characters and a writing style that is fast-paced but choppy at times it examines the problem of evil fighting evil as well as how a single event can dramatically change history. A good read for people who like suspense novels Phase One After Zero is a recommended read.

Linux Made Easy
Rickford Grant
No Starch Press
555 DeHaro Street, Suite 250, San Francisco, CA 94107
ISBN: 1593270577, $34.95 431 p.

Linux Made Easy is one of the most user friendly books on working with the Linux desktop around. Part of the reason is the choice of the Xandros distribution of Linux as the included distribution. For those not familiar with Xandros it is one of the most popular of the desktop versions because the focus is on a user-friendly implementation. The author provides the details on installation and goes into much more detail than most similar books. He follows that with the basics of how to use the various included programs as well as how to download and install other popular ones. This book contains lots of good, detailed information on customizing your system, adding printers, interfacing with your PDA, using the contact manager, surfing the Internet, setting email, working with music files, working with DVDs, working with the office productivity suite (OpenOffice), and even playing games. Because of the attention to detail and very non-technical writing style this is probably one of the best choices for the completely new user who wants to install and use Linux as their primary desktop OS.

These days one of the first questions people ask about a book with a Linux distribution included is whether it is a LiveCD that can run without installing to the hard drive. That is not the case with this Linux distribution. It must be installed to the hard drive but can be installed in a dual boot configuration. In my case I had a problem installing it but contacted the publicist who was very helpful and sent another copy of the disk. Xandros provides no support for the Open Circulation edition and so it was necessary to contact the publisher. From the new disk it installed easily, found all the hardware, correctly configured everything that it should and was an absolute thing of beauty to see if you've ever worked your way through an installation of Linux from scratch before. This version of Linux found all of my Windows shares automatically, setup networking automatically, and just plain worked just like the book said it would. If you are new to Linux and want a friendly desktop version to learn how it works on the desktop then this book will provide everything you need to install and use Xandros and some of the most commonly used software programs. Linux Made Easy is highly recommended for the person new to Linux who wants to learn about Linux on the desktop and has the hard drive free space available to install it.

The Clutter-Busting Handbook
Rita Emmett
Walker Publishing Company, Inc.
104 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
ISBN: 0802777171, $10.95 183 p.

We all accumulate some amount of clutter over time but some of us gather much more than our share. This book is for those people who tend to have clutter lying about consuming any and all flat surfaces available in their home. The author takes a light-hearted look at the clutter problem while still offering good advice, specific techniques, and encouragement to help not only clean it up but change your lifestyle so it does not become a problem again. For those who have chronically cluttered homes, offices, garage, or whatever, The Clutter-Busting Handbook is a recommended read.

Big Rocks
Dr. Gary F. Russell
Lifestyle Press Publications
100 South Street, Suite 202, Sausalito, CA 94965
ISBN: 0970133111, $19.95 133 p.

This is basically a treatise on balancing life and work but with a different twist from a typical self-help book. The difference is the completely different writing style. This book is written like a novel that takes you on a trip through the main character's life and realization of the need to find balance. If you enjoy parables as a teaching method then you should really like this book. The story takes the reader on the protagonist's journey through the whole process from evaluation of his current situation all the way to a balanced and satisfying lifestyle. Good reading, smooth style, effective message and a complete procedure hidden within the story, Big Rocks is a recommended read.

Religion In the Ancient Mediterranean World
Professor: Glenn S. Holland
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, DVD, Audio Cassette
Lectures: 48

This series of lectures examines the religions of the Mediterranean area from the prehistoric era through the conversion of Constantine and the effect on the Roman empire in the fourth century. For each of the religious cultures examined Professor Holland discusses the beliefs and practices as well as how these beliefs affected the lives of everyday people within that culture. The section on Egyptian religions examines creation stories and common religious myths. From there the lectures move to Mesopotamia and the Gods that apparently did whatever they chose at any particular moment in time. This dealing with people based on the whims of the Gods caused the believers to feel uneasy with what the Gods may or may not do next. Of course Professor Holland also examines creation stories, specific deities such as Ishtar, and the Gilgamesh story. The professor then moves the lectures to the Syria-Palestine area and how the empires of Assyria and Babylon affected the religion of Israel. The Minoan and Mycenaean religious cultures are also discussed in this section. Next the Greek religious culture came to prominence in the Mediterranean world and affected a lot of other cultures with the spread of Hellenism and the rise of mystery religions. Finally he ends with examining the Roman religious culture and how it evolved by introducing religious elements from foreign cultures. Of course, this part would be incomplete without discussing Jesus and his followers and how the Roman religious culture was affected by them as well as how they influenced the Roman culture. An interesting set of lectures, Religion In the Ancient Mediterranean World is highly recommended.

The Power of Impossible Thinking
Yoram Wind, Colin Crook
Wharton School Publishing
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131425021, $25.99 237 p.

Although touted as a business book with the subtitle Transform the Business of Your Life and the Life of Your Business this is a book with tremendous value for everyone. There are many, many books on the market discuss how business leaders often get into a mental rut and as a result miss important opportunities. While this one is similar it is also very different in that it not only provides much better examples but also provides suggestions and methods on how to get out of that mode of thinking. The authors discuss how we develop models of the world around us, how they serve us, and how they can also entrap us. But that is not where the book ends. They discuss how to see the other mental model possibilities, how to know when to switch, how to deal with context so you get the appropriate picture, using cognitive experimenting to expand your ability to perceive other directions, dismantling the old way, bridging disconnects, and adapting to the world. Part of the purpose of the book is to help you develop the ability to react quickly and creatively. They provide several examples of people who have done the impossible by reframing the mental model that others were stuck in. The appendix covers the neuroscience behind mental models for those who really want to understand how we get trapped in these models. A fascinating book that does an excellent job of exposing how our thinking gets in the way of many things we do, The Power of Impossible Thinking should be required reading for all business managers and highly suggested for everyone since such mental model problems pervade all aspects of life.

Making Innovation Work
Tony Davila, Mare J. Epstein, Robert Shelton
Wharton School Publishing
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131497863, $29.99 285 p.

Innovation is a great thing to have in a company but how do you manage and plan for it? That is the question at the core of this book as the authors lead the reader through a process that measures, manages, and profits from innovation. They make the case that management of innovation depends on the right corporate culture as well as the right employees. When it becomes a part of the corporate culture then innovation can be a regular part of the planning process instead of an erratic thing that occurs occasionally and can't be planned for. Using a tried and true method they detail how to bring about this culture and the factors that defeat it as well as encourage it. Once innovation learns to thrive within your organization it can be used to differentiate your product or service and its perceived value. Insightful with lots of illustrations, sidebars, and other information that helps the reader understand the process, Making Innovation Work is recommended.

Effective First-Person Biblical Preaching
J. Kent Edwards
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310263093, $24.99 181 p.

One of many techniques available for presenting a good sermon, first-person preaching involves taking a Biblical character and presenting the gospel from their viewpoint. This can be a very powerful technique if done well. On the other hand some conservative churchgoers may have problems with a sermon where acting is an important part of it. The funny thing is that these same people will generally enjoy attending a passion play or other similar form of acting out the gospel. This book is about how to go from a text sermon to a narrative one and takes you through the process step-by-step. The author doesn't suggest that this style should be used for every sermon but provides an alternative style to add to the preaching techniques of the minister. A very instructive and useful book it makes a teaching style as well as preaching technique available to everyone. Effective First-Person Biblical Preaching is highly recommended.

Lost Women of the Bible
Carolyn Custis James
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310263905, $16.99 23 p.

Author Carolyn Custis James examines the lives of several women of the Bible and how their lesson can be applied to today's challenges. She examines how God uses women of the Bible in roles other than the traditional Biblical ones. The primary point of the book is that God can have plans for women other than as just a mother and wife. Throughout the book she selects women of perseverance, influence, courage, and strength who God used at critical points in history. Among these women are Eve, Noah's wife, Sarah, Hagar, Tamar, Hannah, Esther, Mary of Nazareth, Mary Magdelene, and the Women of Phillipi. These women had very important roles in life and in God's plans. Celebrate the God who will use everyone no matter what their sex if they are only willing to give their life to Him. Lost Women of the Bible is a recommended read.

Yahoo to the Max
Randolph Hock
CyberAge Books
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medofrd, NJ 08055
ISBN: 0910965692, $24.95 219 p.

Well I hadn't used Yahoo for the last several years because I could do whatever I wanted on Google. So, I didn't really know what I was missing until I read through this book and tried the myriad of little tricks detailed throughout. Yahoo has grown up and is a serious competitor to other search engines as well as a preferred site for some purposes. Author Randolph Hock introduces the reader to the details of various services of Yahoo including Groups, News, Mail, Messenger, GeoCities, Chat, Message Boards, Shopping, Auctions, Classifieds, and Finance. If that isn't enough he includes information on how to use Yahoo's city guides, maps, weather, people search, and lots of other useful stuff. Have you ever been to a website that did not have a search function? I've been to a lot of them. The author details how to deal with these situations using Yahoo and including site:www.sitename.com on the search line. When you do this it just searches that site! Or if you want to find all the sites that link to another site you can use the link syntax in the search box. I did that and it returned eight links. Surprisingly I did the same thing on Google and it only returned four and only one of them was the same in both engines. A couple of more searches following the instructions in the book and I was surprised to find that in several instances Yahoo returned more relevant results than my old favorite Google. With lots of details on how to use Yahoo effectively, Yahoo to the Max is a highly recommended book which has convinced me that I can often get the results I am looking for more easily from Yahoo than from competitors.

Booknotes on American Character
Brian Lamb
Public Affairs
250 West 57th Street, Suite 1321, New York, NY 10107
ISBN: 1586483420, $16.50 541 p.

The television show Booknotes has been known since its inception for excellence in nonfiction book and author interviews. A master of the interview, its host Brian Lamb has had over 750 guest authors on the program. In this book he has collected seventy selected pieces that reveal some aspect about the people, politics, and conflict of American history. Sometimes the articles contain interesting viewpoints, sometimes they fill in gaps in our education, and other times they are quite controversial. Each article is absorbing reading and covers a wide variety of topics including Benjamin Franklin, the Disputed Election of 1876, Carrie Nation, the Rise of Conservatism, Libertarianism, the Civil War, World Wars, Vietnam War, Child Molestation in the Early 1980s, Sinclair Lewis, Tupac Shakur, and Presidential Rhetoric. Absorbing and interesting reading, Booknotes on American Character is highly recommended.

Great Quotes from Feisty Women
Ava Diamond
Sage Creek Press
PO Box 8181, Fort Collins, CO 80526
ISBN: 0976096803, $13.95 155 p.

I have to admit that I love books of proverbs and other short sayings that contain an important deeper truth or strong motivational factor. Author Ava Diamond has done an excellent job of locating some of the best quotes from women, both contemporary and historical. The book is divided into five sections representing similar themes. The sections are: Living with Joy and Fulfillment, Being True to Yourself, Your Thoughts Create Your Life, It's All About Love, and Living Your Dreams. One of the most inspirational books I have read this year, Great Quotes from Feisty Women is very highly recommended to both women and men and perhaps one of the best high-school or college graduation presents I can think of for a young lady.

Glory
Mary Otting
Winepress Publishing
PO Box 428, Enumclaw, WA 98022
ISBN: 157921360X, $TBA 87 p.

Using a selection of appropriate verses from The Amplified Bible and the New King James Version of the Bible author Mary Otting shares her love of Florida sunsets with the reader. Every other page has a full color photograph of a sunset from the author's personal collection of photographs. With an excellent and carefully considered choice of verses to inspire the reader, Glory is a book that exalts the Lord while feeding the spirit of the reader.

The God's Honest Truth
Darrin Hufford
Master Press Publications
13613 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022
ISBN: 0967325021, $TBA 139 p.

This is probably the best book I have ever read on really knowing the heart of God. To really know the heart of God you have to really know what love is and is not since God is love. That is the primary focus of this text - bringing the reader a clear understanding of love in its purest form. Author Darrin Hufford shows a deep understanding of what love is, and what it means to be loved as well as to have love for one another. You may not agree with everything in the book but it is still a life-changing read that brings a depth of understanding unmatched by any other book I have read. It will challenge you, it will break down barriers, and it will build up love - for yourself and for others. Persevere through the parts that you might find difficult. You will find that you are glad you did. The God's Honest Truth is a very highly recommended read for all audiences and a book not to be missed.

Unnatural Phenomena
Jerome Clark
ABC-CLIO, Inc.
130 Cremona Drive, PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
ISBN: 1576074307, $85.00 358 p.

Not really organized like a traditional book this is really a collection of newspaper and magazine articles from the early 1800's through the mid-1900's. The original articles are repeated verbatim complete with comments, misspellings, and colloquial word usage. I found this to be one of the endearing qualities of the book. The author takes a very broad look at unnatural phenomena and includes everything from strange things falling from the sky, to strange apparitions, animals, visions, and just about anything else you can think of that has been reported over the last two hundred years. While it is interesting reading it is not a book that I would suggest if you are looking to do a serious study of strange phenomena. On the other hand, if you are just looking for some light reading and a collection of incidents as reported by the media you will probably find this an entertaining read. The articles are all arranged by state instead of by type of phenomena so it is easy to look through your state and see what has been reported over the years. Unnatural Phenomena: A Guide to the Bizarre Wonders of North America is a recommended read for anyone interested in this subject or light enough reading for the merely curious.

Labs of Deception
Gayle Marlowe
Noble House
8019 Belair Road, Suite 10, Baltimore, MD 21236
ISBN: 156167883X, $22.95 398 p.

This fast moving tale focuses on an environmental services company which provides services to the U.S. water supply. Sarge, a chemist and terrorist, has targeted the company for a heinous plan to corrupt the water supply of the nation. Kelsey Cooke, on the other hand, is the Chief Operating Officer and has become concerned with the number of accidents recently in the company. A well-woven story it is an excellent study of human nature at its best and worst as Sarge takes advantage of corporate culture, internal politics, and human desires to gain access to the company. At the same time, the internal politics and corporate culture interfere with Kelsey's investigation. Will she be able to find out about Sarge's activities before the water system is compromised? Will one of Sarge's unwitting accomplices figure it out and create a problem for him? Written in a smooth easy-reading style Labs of Deception keeps the reader interested from beginning to end.

Harold McFarland
Senior Reviewer

Kaveny's Bookshelf
Nine months have past since I submitted my last Kaveny's Bookshelf and much has changed since I did my feature on Spirituality and The Arts. I have continued my study of spirituality and the arts by formally entering a religious studies program at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. I guess the reason I am doing this is similar to what po

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