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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Dear President Obama
Bruce Kluger & David Tabatsky
The Beckham Publications Group
PO Box 4066, Silver Spring, MD 20914
9780982387610, $19.95, www.beckhamhouse.com
Despite lacking the ability to vote, many children and pre-teens embrace the political spirit
during an election year. "Dear President Obama: Letters of Hope from Children Across America"
is a collection of letters addressed to our newest president, reflecting young people's concerns
and how they believe the new president can help. A charming collection of the hopes of children,
and a look at politics through their eyes, "Dear President Obama" is a fine read for those
interested in a new perspective and something to warm their heart.
Wheels on Fire
Michelle Zaremba
Hellgate Press
PO Box 3531, Ashland, OR 97520
9781555716561, $18.95, www.hellgatepress.com
Driving in New York traffic may be stressful, but at least it's not a warzone. "Wheels on Fire: My
Year of Driving . . . and Surviving . . . in Iraq" is the story of author Michelle Zaremba, who was
charged with leading supply envoys through Iraq. Speaking as a female soldier, she gives a
rarely-heard perspective on the war, and doesn't let the seriousness of the situation drag her
down. "Wheels on Fire" is a must-read for those who want to know what it's like in America's
current conflict.
Princes Among Men
Yaakov Cohney, editor
Feldheim Publishers
208 Airport Executvie Park, Nanuet, NY 10954
9781598262919, $27.99
Terrorism is something Americans may fear, but for many Israelites, it is a reality. "Princes
Among Men: Memoirs of Eight Young Souls" reflects on eight victims of a suicide bombing one
year ago. Focusing on the victims rather than the crime, "Princes Among Men" tells the story of
Israeli youth and how these tragedies snuff out lives that deserved to live longer. "Princes Among
Men" is something for Jewish readers to find strength in during these times of turmoil.
Between Heaven and Earth
Doug Garr
Green Point Press
426 East 58th Street, Apt. 4B, New York, NY 10022
9780975976043, $20.00, www.greenpointpress.org
You can become addicted to anything if you let yourself. "Between Heaven and Earth: An
Adventure in Free Fall" is a memoir focusing on what few people have the courage to do - leap
out of a plane tens of thousands of feet in the air. Analyzing why people would be over-the-top
crazy enough to do this, why it's fun, and why the reader should possibly give it a shot, author
Doug Garr takes readers deep into the mind of skydiving and gives them much to think about.
"Between Heaven and Earth" is an exciting dive into the world of sky diving -
recommended.
Sex, Shamanism, and Healing
Katie Weatherup
Hands Over Heart Publishing
7920 El Capitan Dr., La Mesa, CA 91941
9780977815418, $14.95
Nothing seems to be juicier than other people's sex lives, and author Katie Weatherup bares all.
"Sex, Shamanism, and Healing: My Kissing Quest" combines the spirituality book with the kiss
and tell book, using sex as a powerful tool for women's empowerment as well as a way of healing
past misuses of sex from others. Heavily sprinkling her own experiences, Weatherup seeks to
make both men and women appreciate sex and its countless benefits more. "Sex, Shamanism,
and Healing" is well worth the read for more than one reason.
The Poetry Shelf
Circus By Moonlight
Mark Van Aken Williams
Lucky Press
PO Box 754, Athens, OH 45701
books@luckypress.com
9780976057666, $12.00, www.luckypress.com
A perfect browse for poetry enthusiasts, "Circus By Moonlight" showcases the literary verse of
Mark Van Aken Williams, who has been writing poetry that addresses such diverse issues as
poverty and wealth, striving and acceptance, and more. A compilation of poems created from
1990 through 2007, "Circus By Moonlight" establishes Williams as an impressive talent and
skilled wordsmith, deserving of as wide and appreciative an audience as possible. The title poem
is an apt representation of the quality of his free verse poetry: 'Circus by Moonlight': flanked by a
quiet of night/they watch/the parade, migrating/circus figures/passing in unfamiliar/outlines of
pygmy/rotundity/and ballooning-bubble-elasticity.//limp sleepers, hanging/by moon'shooking
crescent,/space babies with/no planet, dangling/to the organ grinder's hypnotic spell,/while cotton
candy--/cocoon, envelopes them, in sticky.
Bone Light
Orlando White
Red Hen Press
PO Box 3537, Granada Hills, CA 91394
9781597091350, $15.95, www.redhen.org
Language can be an intriguing subject, and author Orlando White explores the language we speak
every day, English. "Bone Light" is his discussion through verse of the subject, exploring the
nuances and treating English as if it were a foreign language in concept. A unique idea and
excellently executed, "Bone Light" is a solid choice for a book of poetry. "Bone Milk": Write the
O/Dip Skull/Into Bleach./Press the Letter./Bones soften/inti calcium./Smear a zero./Hair
dissolves/into ink./Erase paper./Skin evaporates/into foam./Boil subject and verb;/condense/into
liquid./Fade from dark,/the shade of milk./Suck out period./Tooth hears/into fluid./Now pour
skeleton/into another skin. Also from Red Hen Press is "Saint Nobody"(9781597091428, $18.95)
a fine volume of work focusing on Down syndrome.
Work is Love Made Visible
Jeanetta Calhoun Mish
West End Press
PO Box 27334, Albuquerque, MN 87125
9780981669335, $12.95, www.unm.edu
Working for a living is not without its simple beauty and charm. In "Work is Love Made
Visible", Jeanetta Calhoun Mish explores her family's farming background through poetry.
Simple photographs of Mish's family accompany the poetry to give it a more down-to-earth
feeling. "Work is Love Made Visible" lives up to its title, and is highly recommended.
"Roughneck's Love Song": I left her, you know/right there in dust blown/West Texas.//Helluva
gal. I mean, I'm not/sure what took me over.//Just one mornin'/I woke up and she/didn't look like
any/body I knew//so I lit out.
The Tide Clock
Tanya Contos
Somerset Hall Press
416 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 612, Boston, MA 02215
0977461092, $14.95, www.somersethallpress.com
Experienced at life and at poetry, Tanya Contos brings readers her latest anthology, "The Tide
Clock". Focusing on the sea that Contos has lived nearby for much of her life, she uses humanity
and characters to imbue real meaning into her poetry. "The Tide Clock" is a fine and moving
collection, and a must for anyone looking for nautical-oriented work. "Slide Show": After the
fiftieth photo/from a trip you had long forgotten/coast of Cornwall '87/gray rocks/green sea/pink
face/the screen goes blank/the fans blows hard/the wind off Land's End lashes you/and this
uptown space you share/with someone new who asks too much/is way too bright/too dark/too
small.
To the Bone
Sebastian Agudelo
Saturnalia Books
13 E. Highland Ave., 2 Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19118
9780981859118, $14.00, www.saturnaliabooks.com
Cooking and poetry have more in common than one would think. "To the Bone" is a collection of
poems from Philadelphian Mexican-American cook Sebastian Agudelo. Blending his beloved
hobby with his extensive higher education, his work is expertly crafted and will connect with
readers, making "To the Bone" unique and enjoyable. "Expulsion": If the punishment was to
make ends meet/then they have the whole classified page,/can circle management, service, the
stage,/and suck the free-market of its sweets./If sweating's what it was really about,/the range
spewing hundred eighty thousand/BTU's combined should be plenty to amend/and still the cook
shows up, clocks in and out./If when the fruit gave in, knowledge leached/like gossip from
overripe neighbors on stoops,/why didn't the dark or dirty secrets teach/a master plan, the news of
how to reach/success, identify the breaks and loop-/holes, tell why the wayward don't get
rich?
Sunny Wednesday
Noelle-Kocot
Wave Books
1938 Fairview Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102
9781933517391, $14.00, www.wavepoetry.com
Award winning poet and woman of Brooklyn Noelle Kocot brings readers "Sunny Wednesday.".
Focusing the broad range of emotions that attack her in every aspect of life, she crafts fine verse
that readers will relish. Her fourth volume of work, "Sunny Wednesday", is the brainchild of an
expert poet. "I Am the Arm": Mortal cornflakes in an agey oven.//Pivot the small blisters.//Chain
love oft betokens so near//Braids into humid the L escaping//Sea urchin with lemon - appreciate
finality//-ied -ied -ied//Bleeds into stasis//Bleeds into stasis//Or merely bleeds.
Stranger
Laura Sims
Fence Books
Science Library 320, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12222
9781934200230 $16.00 www.fenceportal.org
Prize-winning poet and writing teacher Laura Sims presents Stranger, her second collection of
free-verse poems. The poetry weaves a complex narrative about a mother who falls ill and dies
too young; her surviving child must work through guilt. What is a mother, truly, after she has
passed on? The poetic story reaches beyond earthly life into the theme of an afterlife, in this
unforgettably poignant collection. "Wherever we went the mountains followed": You shuffled
behind / In your long pearl dress, ridiculous / Lily / Pinned to your chest / Come on / The
mountains are gaining / Have eyes / For those flimsy white curtains.
The Business Shelf
42 Rules For Driving Success With Books
Mitchell Levy
HappyAbout.info
20660 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Suite 210, Cupertino, CA 95014
9781607730125, $19.95, www.happyabout.info
Packed within its 133 pages, "42 Rules For Driving Success With Books" by Mitchell Levy
offers entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring corporate executives practical,
inventive, creative, effective, and applicable advice and instruction gleaned from a diverse
variety of 'how to' books about doing business successfully. From the fundamentals of success, to
profitably expanding a commercial enterprise; to establishing credibility with such diverse
elements as the press, the community, and the clientele; and establishing a personal and
professional 'brand' or marketing image. Of special note is the section on Marketing which
includes utilizing books to educate the staff. Replete with 'real world' examples, "42 Rules For
Driving Success With Books" is highly recommended reading for any and all aspiring
entrepreneurs -- including authors and publishers seeking to write 'how to' books for the business
community.
Business Mastery, fourth edition
Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe
Sohnen-Moe Associations, Inc.
3900 W. Costco Dr. Ste #168-367, Tucson, AZ 85741
9780962126574, $28.95, www.businessmastery.us
It's one thing to create a business. It's another to taste success. It's yet another to maintain that
success. "Business Mastery" is the newly updated and expanded fourth edition of the reference
from Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe. The result is a road map for small business owners and would-be
owners who want to establish and maintain their business niche. Filled with useful and sage
advice, "Business Mastery" is an extensive, solid reference manual that deserves to be at the right
hand of every entrepreneur.
Lead Domination
Jamie Klein
Lore Institute Publishing
3824 Vista Blanca, San Clemente, CA 92672
9780982163054, $35.00, www.loreinstitute.com
Finding a buyer is an absolutely essential step in any business. "Lead Domination: 21 Proven
Strategies for Effectively Generating Leads and Converting Leads into Sales" is a guide for
finding customers, which author Jamie Klein (and popular business lingo) refers to as leads.
Jamie Klein explains how to find appropriate leads for one's business, estimate their quality and
willingness to buy your product, and make the sale. An absolute must for any business looking to
expand and find more buyers, "Lead Domination" is very much recommended.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Boston Scream Pie
Rosemary Mild & Larry Mild
Hilliard & Harris
PO Box 275, Boonsboro, MD 21713-0275
Maryglenn McCombs (publicity)
maryglenn@maryglenn.com
9781591332640, $16.95, www.amazon.com
If you enjoy cliff-hanging, crisis-to-crisis mysteries filled with suspense, then you are going to
enjoy "Boston Scream Pie" by Rosemary and Larry Mild. Caitlin Neuman is a seventeen-year-old
high school student; she suffers from nightmares stemming from the bloody car accident on a
snowy Maryland road that killed her parents and twin sister, leaving her the sole survivor. Caitlin
feels that these are no ordinary nightmares. She enlists the aid of retired Baltimore detective Paso
LeSoto to make inquiries, which leads to the discovery of a series of unsolved deaths, mistaken
identities, and tell-tale indications that look like murder has been done. Deftly written and highly
recommended, "Boston Scream Pie" plays fair with the reader from first page to last, the result is
a riveting mystery that is engaging, entertaining, and will leave a reader new to the series eager to
seek out the previous two Paco and Molly mysteries, "Hot Grudge Sunday" and "Locks And
Cream Cheese".
Sherlock Holmes in America
Martin H. Greenberg
Skyhorse Publishing
555 Eighth Avenue, Suite 903, New York, NY 10018
9781602393523, $24.95, www.skyhorsepublishing.com
What if British fiction's greatest detective crossed the Atlantic? "Sherlock Holmes in America" is
a collection of original fiction by many authors, weaving stories of the famed detective as he
brings Dr. Watson along to solve mysteries and problems in nineteenth century America. All the
authors are Holmes fans, and their passion rings through their stories. "Sherlock Holmes in
America" stays true to Doyle's characters while providing new adventures, and is a top pick for
classical mystery fans.
The Education Shelf
Diary Of An Inner City Teacher
Tamam Tracy Moncur
Lumen-us Publications
234 Main Street, Park Forest, IL 60466
9780981535951, $19.95, www.lumen-us.com
Under the Obama Administration, public education reforms and improvements is a top priority --
especially in the long neglected inner city school systems of our major American cities. That's
just one reason why "Diary Of An Inner City Teacher" is a timely and invaluable contribution
towards our current national dialogue on this critically important issue. Author Tamam Tracy
Moncur draws upon her more than twenty years of personal experience and expertise as a teacher
and educator to reveal and illustrate from a first-hand perspective the joys and disappointments
of teaching in an inner-city school system. Underscored by her experiences in the classroom is
that the teaching of academic materials and the development of academic skills with respect to
her students simply could not be carried out in isolation or disregard from the social issues and
cultural environments in which those students (and their families) were enmeshed. "Diary Of An
Inner City Teacher" is a vivid, engaging, deftly written, 'real world' account that is very highly
recommended reading for academia, Department of Education staffers, state legislative and
congressional policy makers, as well as non-specialist general readers with an interest in
educational reforms and the current national debate over education issues and the need for
educational reforms in our public school systems.
The Science Shelf
Science of Inexact Mathematics
Yuri K. Shestopaloff
Akvy Press
142 Kennard Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada, M3H 4M5
9780980966701, $149.95, www.akvypress.com
For dedicated mathematicians, there is as much art and beauty as there is science in their
calculations, formulas, precepts, concepts, and expositions. There is also utility, practicality,
insight, and value in the application of mathematical principals to financial systems and the
economy which are complex compilations of factors that mathematicians develop models to
explain otherwise inexplicable and seemingly random phenomena. That's why Yuri
Shestopaloff's "Science of Inexact Mathematics: Investment Performance Measurement,
Mortgages and Annuities, Computing Algorithms, Attribution, Risk Valuation" is such a seminal
work in the field of applied mathematics to financial issues and economic performances with
respect to investment strategies and interpretations. Offering detailed computing algorithms
(including software implementation), the informed and informative text is enhanced with
numerical examples, graphical and tabular illustrations throughout. A work of impressive
scholarship, Yuri Shestopaloff's "Science of Inexact Mathematics" is especially recommended for
academic, governmental, and professional library collections and is a valued contribution as a
graduate level mathematics curriculum supplemental resource. Also very highly recommended
reading for advanced mathematics students and academia is Yuri Shestopaloff's 152-page
treatise, "Sums of Exponential Functions and their new Fundamental Properties, with
Applications to Natural Phenomena" (Akvy Press, 9780980966718, $49.95).
The Gardening Shelf
Growing Food In The Southwest Mountains
Lisa Rayner
Lifeweaver, LLC
PO Box 22324, Flagstaff, AZ 86002
www.LisaRayner.com
0971956502, $12.95, www.amazon.com
The agricultural concept of permaculture is what enables gardeners to grow food crops under almost all environmental circumstances including areas affected by high winds, intense sunlight, cold nights, insect infestations, water restrictions, and many other agriculturally relevant conditions. In "Growing Food In The Southwest Mountains", author and gardening expert Lisa Rayner provides expert commentary on issues and challenges gardeners can face with respect to soil conditions low in organic matter due to compositions of clay, sand, and volcanic cinder; precipitation ranges of 18 to 25 inches annual (or less under conditions of drought as now afflicts the southwestern United States); high altitudes and large day-night temperature swings; windy weather commonly encountered in spring and fall dry seasons; as well as 'pest' animals, birds and insects. Focusing on home gardening conditions common to altitudes above 6,500 feet in Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Colorado, and Southern Utah, "Growing Food In The Southwest Mountains" is an essential and very highly recommended instructional introduction to successful gardening throughout this region -- as well as invaluable for gardening efforts under similar conditions elsewhere throughout the country.
The Parenting Shelf
How To Get The Best Education For Your Child
Debra E. West
Axis Publishing Company
122 Holbrook Dr., Huntsville, AL, 35806
9780982247952, $29.95, www.amazon.com
Parents have a critically important role to play in the education of their children. "How To Get
The Best Education For Your Child - Kindergarten--6th Grade: A Parent's Handbook" is a
compendium of practical information, applicable advice, and useable strategies/techniques for
seeking that children receive the most competent instruction, appropriate educational resources,
and inductive learning climate possible. A combination instruction manual and workbook, "
"How To Get The Best Education For Your Child - Kindergarten--6th Grade: A Parent's
Handbook" begins with a section on how parents can get started with their involvement and
engagement with schools from classroom teachers, to administration, to school boards. Then
chapters are organized around grade levels from kindergarten through the sixth grade, including
grade appropriate things a child should be learning and gaining competence in, literature, and
'contractual agreements'. Enhanced with the inclusion of 'Suggested Literature', a Glossary,
References, and a section for personal notations, " "How To Get The Best Education For Your
Child - Kindergarten--6th Grade: A Parent's Handbook" is especially recommended for parents
who wish to take an active role in insuring that their child receives the very best that any
classroom and/or school district has to offer.
Sending Your Child to College, updated edition
Marie Pinak Carr, Katharine Carr, Ann Carr, and Elizabeth Carr
Dicmar Publishing
c/o KSB Promotions
55 Honey Creek, NE, Ada, MI 49301
9780933165168, $15.95, www.preparedparent.com
College seems more and more necessary to gain a foothold in the world. Now in a newly updated
and expanded edition, "Sending Your Child to College: The Prepared Parent's Operational
Manual" is intended for parents who want to make sure their children can get into college. From
dealing with massive bills, to medical and safety concerns, to saving money in a situation where
the term "poor college student" is all too often a reality, authors Marie Pinak Carr and her
daughters give a solid toolkit for parents and students. "Sending Your Child to College" is well
worth the investment for those who need all the help they can get, financial and otherwise.
Checklists for the New Dad
Joe Deyo
Sawtooth Publishing
2044 North Amber Drive, Spring Hill, TN 37174
9780981577944, $9.48, www.dadchecklists.com
Attention is rarely paid to the panicking man behind the woman giving birth. "Checklists for the
New Dad" is a guide for the dad-to-be. Composed in an easily readable tone and filled with
handy checklists to help the prospective father be as ready as possible for his new son or
daughter, "Checklists for the New Dad" covers a wide range of preparation from financial to
emotional matters. "Checklists for the New Dad" is something to consider for the Dad with nine
months (or less!) to prepare.
Caution: Men At Housework
T.J. McKenna
Grace Creek Press
3806 Bromley Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525
9780982193259, $9.95, www.greekcreekpress.books.officelive.com
Society has changed, and more than ever, women are establishing themselves with successful
careers. "Caution: Men at Housework - What Happens When Dad Stays Home with the Kids" is
a look at stay-at-home dads who take the traditional motherhood role, and the challenges they
face. Staying at home with the kids may seem like the easy job, but author T.J. McKenna reveals
that this assumption couldn't be more wrong. "Caution: Men at Housework" is a fine choice for
the stay-at-home dad or dad-to-be.
Parenting Is a Contact Sport
Joanne Stern
Greenleaf Book Group Press
PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709
Booth Media Group, Inc. (publicity)
1386 Nightshade Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
9781929774227, $14.95, www.parentingisacontactsport.com
Losing the connection to one's child as they grow older is a tragedy that happens all too often.
"Parenting is a Contact Sport: 8 Ways to Stay Connected to Your Kids for Life" is a guide to
keeping contact with one's children through their teenage years and longer. Good family bonds
are vital, and good bonds depend on trust and confidence in one another. With much advice on
strengthening trust between parent and child as well as fostering self-esteem, "Parenting is a
Contact Sport" is a top pick for parents who want to see their babies regularly for longer than
thirteen years.
The No-Diet Obesity Solution for Kids
Miriam B. Vos
Aga Institute Press
4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
9781603560047, $14.95, www.thenodietobesitysolutionforkids.com
Diets are notoriously ineffective, so why do we rely on them so much to fight obesity? "The
No-Diet Obesity Solution for Kids" offers a new approach to weight loss for children: teach them
good health habits that they will keep for the rest of their lives. Valuing exercise, moderation,
and home cooking over diet foods and crunching calories, "The No-Diet Obesity Solution for
Kids" may just be what parents need to manage their children's weight, and possibly their own
weight as well!
The Fiction Shelf
Trajan
C.R.H. Wildfeuer
Aquifer Publishing
4364 Woodland Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941
9780981846064, $26.95, www.aquiferpublishing.com
The time of Rome has been viewed with much nostalgia, but it was not without conflict. "Trajan:
Lion of Rome" is a historical novel following the fictional Roman Emperor Trajan and the
challenges he faces upon taking the throne. Barbarians threaten his empire, and the Parthians
want to claim Rome as their own; an exciting story unfolds using classical Rome as a living,
breathing setting. Classical historical fiction fans will relish "Trajan".
Episode
Robert Garner McBrearty
Pocol Press
6023 Pocol Drive, Clifton, VA 20124
9781929763429, $19.95, www.pocolpress.com
Award winning author Robert Garner McBrearty brings readers another fine collection of short
fiction in "Episode". The poignant and entertaining stories focus on characters that inhabit our
world, and the challenges they face daily. Anyone seeking moving and funny short fiction can't
go wrong with "Episode".
Ygor
Lee Murphy
Defining Moments
PO Box 7037, Van Nuys, CA 91409
9780966770407, $16.95, www.kodiakbooks.com
Why would anyone follow Dr. Frankenstein through his insane experiments? "Ygor" takes a look
at the man who stood behind the evil genius and helped him finish his work. An in-depth
portrayal of the character, "Ygor" breathes life and soul into the man who has become a icon for
the mad genius' sidekick. An intriguing and original retelling of Mary Shelley's infamous horror
novel, "Ygor"is well worth the read.
Polyglot
Wendy Marcus
Beth Am Press
Temple Beth Am, 2632, NE 80th Street, Seattle, WA 98115
9780615268040, $12.95, www.templebetham.org
Anywhere in North America, you're going to find quite the cast of characters. "Polygot: Stories of
the West's Wet Edge" focuses on two cities named Vancouver, one in Washington and the more
well-known one in British Columbia. A collection of short stories loosely related, "Polyglot"
draws quite the picture of a wide reaching community with entertaining prose that is sure to
entertain. A very human assortment of stories, "Polygot" is a top pick for those seeking literary
short fiction.
Passing Through
Tom LeClair
Drinian Press
PO Box 63, Huron, OH 44869
9780978516598, $14.95
Lies can get more and more elaborate, but soon you'll find yourself caught in one. "Passing
Through" follows con-man and generally shifty character Michael Keever as he gains a job as a
instructor to teach Creative Non-Fiction writing. Having no qualifications whatsoever, he has fun
with job, but soon finds that his fun is not without its own cost. His plots may be exposed by
other plots, and the intrigue of mastermind against mastermind makes "Passing Through" a fine
and entertaining read.
The Unknown Man
Thomas H. B. Walker
First Scribe Books
PO Box 62, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302
9780977929733, $14.95
What is race? One hundred years ago, human minds probed this question as thoroughly as they
do today. "The Unknown Man" follows young Jim, a white baby who was left in the care of a
black widow. Raised as the widow's own, Jim grows up in a very different place than other white
children - amid an early twentieth century black community. When he comes of age, he begins to
track down his roots, but only finds controversy at every turn. "The Unknown Man" was
originally published in 1915, but remains utterly fascinating to this day.
Crime Pays
Mark Small
Max the Cat Publishing
2138 East 62nd Street, Box 113, Indianapolis, IN 46220-2312
9780979840807, $15.99
Whoever said crime doesn't pay has never been paid by crime. "Crime Pays" is quite the novel
following a young man coming of age. Rather than learning the quaint values of living in
Midwestern America, this particular individual chooses to become a millionaire at the expense of
a quiet Midwestern town. "Crime Pays" is entertaining and quite the page turner.
www.queenmotorhome.com
Patt Fero
The Goldmind Company
PO Box 25693, Grenville, SC 29616
9781597122276, $16.95
What goes down when you drop it all and hit the road? "www.queenmotorhome.com" (a book
title in the style of a web address) tells the story of two golden girlfriends Leslie and Liz. When
Leslie loses her job, she takes it as a blessing, and the two embark on their lifelong dream of
hitting the open country road. The lessons they learn shine through, in this entertaining and funny
story of fifty-something women and their mid-life crisis. "www.queenmotorhome.com" is a read
that'll make many a woman smile.
Seneca Wood
Gary Clites
Casperian Books
PO Box 161026, Sacramento, CA 95816
9781934081181, $15.00, www.casperianbooks.com
Sometimes people can't leave well enough alone. "Seneca Wood" tells the story of ex-reporter
Wood Garrett, who has found his peace living in the mountains of West Virginia. But his peace
is not forever, as he finds himself accused of murder and quickly realizes the finger is being
pointed by someone who wants his quiet little hamlet in the mountains. Embarking on a long
road to clear his name and escape alive, "Seneca Wood" is a fun adventure novel with an
authentic West Virginian flavor.
Torn by God
Zoe Murdock
H.O.T. Press
1273 South Rice Road #24, Ojai, CA 93023
9780923178062, $16.99, www.hotpresspublishing.com
Every group has its fundamentalists, and Mormonism is no different. "Torn by God" is a story of
a family torn apart by fundamentalists. Beth doesn't know what to think when her father joins a
radical sect of Mormonism which holds polygamy as a vital part of Mormon doctrine. This belief
tears their family apart as Beth must fend for her mother and brother at the age of twelve, fearful
of being married off to a cult leader. "Torn by God" is a story that, although fiction, is saddening
in that similar events have likely happened many times in the past.
Craven Prayers
Trent Dotson
MontMorenci
1301 South Arlington Ridge Road, No. 309, Arlington, VA 22202
9780982202302, $13.95 www.montmorencibooks.com
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean everyone isn't out to get you. "Craven Prayers" is the
story of Catherine and Alice. When a handsome actor shows affection for Catherine, a woman
who believes her homely appearance would not attract one so beautiful, she is more concerned
about his true intentions than love, and her paranoia costs her. Alice, years later, hopes to learn
from her friend's mistakes, but it's harder than one would think.
The Wandering Heart
Mary Malloy
LeapSci Book
PO Box 2110, Teaticket, MA 02536
9780981514857, $15.95, www.leapfrogpress.com
A trip through history may be the dream of any dedicated historian. "The Wandering Heart" tells
the story of Lizzie Manning, who sees herself going back through time, starting with the
eighteenth century and eventually ending up in Medieval Europe. During her travels she finds
much history to holds on to, but she just may find something more in the heart of a Crusader.
"The Wandering Heart" is a fine exploration of history with a hint of romance, highly
recommended.
Counting the Cost
Liz Adair
Inglestone Publishing
1117 E San Pedro, Gilbert, AZ 85234
9780977881468, $17.95, www.inglestonepublishing.com
Sometimes a perfect life can be sent to hell, only to rise back up even better than before.
"Counting the Cost" is a classically inspired romance following Heck Benham, a cowhand who
thought his life had everything he could ever want. When Ruth Reynolds appears, Heck's life will
never be the same again, but will it be for better or for the worst? "Counting the Cost" is a fine
romance and will pull the heartstrings of many a reader.
Two Brothers
Robert Gover
Hopewell Publications
PO Box 11, Titusville, NJ 08560-0011
9781933435251, $18.95, www.hopepubs.com
How can two people who have such similar childhoods wind up so radically different? "Two
Brothers" is a novel of this concept, about two long lost brothers who had a very close childhood,
and who meet again decades later. One is the role model of a success story, the other isn't barely
making enough to stay alive. "Two Brothers" is an intriguing story of how one family can split
into two extremes.
Grater Life
Stephen Poleskie
Wasteland Press
PO Box 925, Shelbyville, KY 40066
Apogeeagency (publicity)
PO Box 849, Ithaca, NY 14851-0849
9781600472916, $18.95, www.stephenpoleskie.com
With no one else around, the world begins to spill out. "Grater Life" is a collection of short
fiction with the tying together premise of a dying AIDs patient and his nurse. The two share
stories as the patient has no one else to talk to, and the stories prove witty, and indicative of
author Stephen Poleskie's fine style. "Grater Life" is of high recommendation to short fiction fans
looking for some great little stories.
Children of the Lambs
Mary Glynne
Wolf Pirate Publishing
4801 SW 164 Terrace, Southwest Ranches, FL 33331
9780979837289, $16.00, www.wolf-pirate.com
Conspiracies run deep and usually end up with many dead. "Children of the Lambs" tells of a
deep-rooted Church conspiracy that goes awry, causing those in charge to order the silencing of
all who know anything about it. Agent Daniel Kelison was on the case; dragged out of it, he
begrudgingly puts it behind him, but then he finds that he will soon be forced back into it,
regardless of his superior's wishes. "Children of the Lamb" is a fine religious thriller of
conspiracy and silence, highly recommended.
The View from Frog Mountain
Rebecca Cramer
Imago Press
3710 East Edison, Tucson, AZ 85716-2912
9781935437024, $14.00
When a killer is on the loose, sometimes one has to take things into one's own hands. "The View
From Frog Mountain" is another in Rebecca Cramer's Linda Bluenight series, this time following
Linda as she is forced to deal with a killer roaming the mountain outside her friend's bread and
breakfast inn. Fearful for her friends and family, Linda must act decisively. "The View From
Frog Mountain" is a top pick for fans of other books in the series.
Honor Defended
D.H. Brown
Big River Press
PO Box 371, Clallam Bay, WA 98326
9780979874468, $14.95, www.bigriverpress.com
Does one have to be an active member of the military to fight the war on terror? "Honor
Defended" is another novel in D.H. Brown's citizen warrior series following the discharged
Major Westfall as he returns home. When a close friend meets a gruesome end and the friend's
wife gone missing, Major Westfall isn't going to let his civilian life prevent him from getting to
the heart of the matter. An action-packed thrill ride from cover to cover.
The Shanghai Gesture
Gary Indiana
Two Dollar Radio
141 East Town St., Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215
9780982015100, $15.50, www.twodollarradio.com
Narcolepsy is a strange disorder. It's stranger when it takes an entire community by storm. "The
Shanghai Gesture" is a comedic mystery thriller following Weymoth Smith and Obregon Petrie,
who are out to stop the world domination plans of one Fu Manchu. As if one madman was not
enough, they also must deal with being behind on the times, and the cravings of their own bodies.
"The Shanghai Gesture" is a fun romp that's sure to entertain many a reader.
Kevin's Quicksand
Sheila Evans
Central Oregon Writers' Co-Op
PO Box 524, Yachats, OR 97498
1888934243, $15.00
Being rational and average has its own price. "Kevin's Quicksand" is the story of a son who has
lived four decades of his life without knowing his mother. He wishes to break himself out of a
lifelong funk, but will finding his mother help, or only serve to make his life more chaotic and
problematic? "Kevin's Quicksand" is intriguing and entertaining, sure to delight many a
reader.
The Triumphant Voyage
Eduardo Garcia Aguilar
Aliform Publishing
117 Warwick Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
9780982278413, $15.95, www.aliformgroup.com
Wanderlust and the poet are not two mutually exclusive concepts. "The Triumphant Voyage" is a
novel from Colombian author Eduardo Garcia Aguilar, chronicling the travels of a fictional poet
by the name of Arnaldo Faria Utrillo. Set in the early twentieth century between the two great
wars, "The Triumphant Voyage" follows Utrillo as he wanders the world across continents and
follows the life of a self-described professional foreigner. A work of literature, "The Triumphant
Voyage" is quite the treasure of world fiction.
Confessions of a Teacher
Mary Allen Redd
Cascade Books
4271 Vintage Drive, Provo, UT 84604
9780963654861,$10.00
In public school, they're substitutes; in a university, they're part-timers. "Confessions of a
Teacher: Or How to be a Part Timer" is the fictionalized memoir of Dr. Dana Shaughnessy as she
deals with the exciting aspects of teaching part time, and how she realizes part time is (perhaps
more than) enough. An entertaining and humorous read, "Confessions of a Teacher" should
brighten anyone's day, with a special nod to educators.
Heavenly
Jennifer Laurens
Grove Creek Publishing
1404 West State Road, Suite 202, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
9781933963846, $13.96, www.grovecreekpublishing.com
When everything else is bleak, even a taste of heaven will drive one wild. "Heavenly" tells the
story of Zoe, a woman who has a whole laundry list of problems facing her life, and views rough
parties as her only solace. Her life may change forever when her sister's guardian angel brings a
bit of the divine into her sight. Swooned with love, she doesn't know how something so great
could be true. "Heavenly" is a charming story of romance, of loving and losing.
Harvest of Souls
Michael Wayne
E-Booktime Publishing
6598 Pumpkin Road, Montgomery, AL 36108
9781598249606, $14.95
The last thing you want to do when wondering about a murder is become a potential victim
yourself. "Harvest of Souls" is a murder mystery following teenage Eve Lohmiller as she joins a
seance for a two-decades dead child who died on Halloween under mysterious circumstances.
But after the seance, those circumstances become a lot less mysterious. "Harvest of Souls" is an
intriguing mystery, sure to tantalize young adult readers and mystery fans of all ages.
Piercing the Veil
Jacqueline Fullerton
AP Lee & Co.
PO Box 340292, Columbus, OH 43234
Maryglenn McCombs Book Publicist (publicity)
2817 West End Avenue, Suite 126-274, Nashville, TN 37203
9781934482032, $14.00, www.maryglenn.com
Guilt can make people do crazy things, like risking their lives. "Piercing the Veil" is a mystery
blended with the supernatural as Anne Marshall must construct a case against cutthroat and shady
businessman Tim Sherman. In the process, murder prevails over bad business ethics; Anne's own
life may be threatened, and the ghost of her father may be her only friend. "Piercing the Veil" is a
riveting thriller and is quite the read.
All the Clouds'll Roll Away
Taylor Morris
Gap Mountain Press
48 Bullard Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Blueline Publicity (publicity)
PO Box 4726, Portsmouth, NH 03802
9780979560323, $19.95, www.taylormorrisauthor.com
How does one act when one is certain that one will soon die tragically? "All the Clouds'll Roll
Away" is the story of Will, an Air Force pilot with premonitions of his own death. With his child
on the way, he has a week to contemplate his fate before he embarks on what he is certain will be
his last mission. An exploration of one man's fatalism, "All the Clouds'll Roll Away" is the
second volume and third book of a trilogy, and a fine ending to the previous stories.
Thin Threads
Gaylinda Gardner
Denim Books
26410 - 84th Street N.E., #D - Box 442, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
www.gaylindagardner.com
9780979214103, $20.00, denimbooks@lionfishcreative.com
"Thin Threads" is a complex, unique, deftly written novel whose first 355 pages present an
engaging story of memorable characters involved in a kind of psychic relationship. Author
Gaylinda Gardner interweaves bits of quantum theory and paranormal phenomena to color her
tale of commitment, self-discovery, and unexpected adventure transforming the lives of ordinary
people into something truly extraordinary. While the font-size of the text might be a bit too small
for aging eyes, "Thin Threads" is nevertheless highly recommended reading and a welcome
addition to any personal or community library contemporary fiction collection.
Desert Rats
Chinle Miller
Yellow Cat Publishing
107 S. Main St. # C 102, Coupeville, WA 98239
9780965596152, $14.95, www.yellowcatbooks.com
Just because the countryside appears to be an utterly uninteresting, barren wasteland, doesn't
mean that evaluation is true. "Desert Rats: Adventures in the American Outback" is a collection
of short fiction by author Chinle Miller, filled with adventures set in American deserts. Curses,
bombs, strange geography, indoor fires, and so much more pepper this fascinating anthology.
"Desert Rat" is a top pick for anyone who wants to truly understand how the West is still
wild.
A Margin of Error
Lani Massey Brown
The Beacon Bridge
2015 79th Street, NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
9781439206812, $15.99, www.ballotsofstraw.com
Politics is a tough career, with more knives in backs than a backstabbing convention. "A Margin
of Error: Ballots of Straw" is a political thriller following Cady Palmer as she attempts to stand
up for what she believes in the face of a corrupt governor and his deep reaching network. Not
knowing who to trust, Cady submerges herself in the webs of deceit where her next mistake may
be her last. "A Margin of Error" is an exciting read.
The Orange Blossom Express
Marlena Evangeline
Carpace Books
1450 West Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite B304, Henderson, NV 89012
9780979841002, $15.95, www.gordonsterling.com
No one has ever said that the 1960s were a quiet, serene time in America. "The Orange Blossom
Express" is a blend of memoir and fiction from Marlena Evangeline, as she reflects on her own
summer in the Age of Aquarius through the fictional story of two girls becoming women during
the tail end of one of the most turbulent times in American history. An exciting read about trying
to get by in hippie culture (which isn't as innocent as it seems), "The Orange Blossom Express" is
a good read through and through.
Pollen and the Ring of Harmony
Francis T. Perry Williams
Emerald Book Co.
PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709
9781934572993, $12.95, www.pollengreenarmy.com
Whatever power is used for, people will want it. "Pollen and the Ring of Harmony" is the story of
an ecological super hero called Pollen, who draws his power from a ring. From the far reaches of
space, he comes to save the Earth from itself and to spread his message of conservation. When he
visits with the President of the United States, it seems there are those in the shadows who would
rather push their own power than save the planet. "Pollen and the Ring of Harmony" is a fine
parable to instill love for the environment in young adult (or adult!) readers.
I Am My Own Dragon
Linda C. Thompson
Tri Publications
c/o G.W. Armstrong & Associates
6000 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77057
9780979368325, $14.95
A dragon is a powerful mythological beast that has little stopping it from its goals. "I Am My
Own Dragon" is a combination of metaphysical studies and fiction, as author Linda C. Thompson
hopes to deliver her message through the vehicle of the novel. A character-driven adventure that
is a fine read in its own right, "I Am My Own Dragon" is especially recommended for
metaphysical studies enthusiasts who are looking for a fresh message.
Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed
Marc Blatte
Schaffner Press
PO Box 41567, Tucson, AZ 85717
9780980139419, $24.95, www.schaffnerpress.com
When something goes afoul, look for someone acting unusual. That's a hard nut to crack when
everyone is so unusual to begin with. "Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed" is a story set in the
underground of New York, but with a noir twist permeating all of the seedy and strange elements
that encompass New York's counterculture. With Eastern European revenge plots, hipsters,
questionable wrestlers, and more, "Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed" is a truly unique mystery.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll, author
Adapted and illustrated by Glenn Diddit
Davenport Creative Group, LLC
1441400850 $34.95 www.createspace.com
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is the full-color, graphic novel adaptation of Lewis Carroll's
classic, fantastic adventure of a young girl who follows a white rabbit and becomes lost in a
topsy-turvy magical world. Faithful to the original novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
perfectly captures the sharp-edged wit and wisecracking of the original. Best of all, dialogue of
the original novel is completely unabridged - readers can enjoy the full literary experience! A
treasure for all ages, and a "must-have" for any collection featuring graphic novels adaptations of
works that have stood the test of time. "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is also available in a
more inexpensive black-and-white version (9781441422897, $19.95).
The Black Studies Shelf
Mother of Freedom
Ben Z. Rose
Treeline Press
PO Box 79118, Waverly, MA 02479
Enfield Distrubution Co. (distributor)
PO Box 699, 234 May Street, Enfield, NH USA 03748
9780978912314, $14.00, www.benzrosewriter.com
It was unheard of - a slave suing her master. It was more unheard of for her to win. "Mother of
Freedom" tells the story of Mum Bett, this unique woman. Suing her master for her freedom in
the late eighteenth century, she shocked the world by winning. Telling the true story of this
remarkable woman, "Mother of Freedom" is well worth the look.
The Black Man's Little Book of Encouragement
Cassandra Mack
Strategies for Empowered Living
333 Madison Street New York, NY 10002
www.blackmansbookofencouragement.com
9780981661216, $23.99, www.amazon.com
The man could be keeping you down, but it doesn't mean you can't rise up and overcome. "The
Black Man's Little Book of Encouragement: 68 Pearls of Wisdom to Manifest Your Greatness
and Keep Your Head Up When Life Beats You Down" is a guide for the black man who wants to
succeed in today's world. Written by a woman who knows what dealing with discrimination is
like, "The Black Man's Little Book of Encouragement" brings readers the reaffirmations they
need to rise up and claim what is rightfully theirs. "The Black Man's Little Book of
Encouragement" is worth consideration for any who could use a little extra push in life.
The Environmental Studies Shelf
Energy Savings for the Novice
Dennis Fijalkowski & Mary Steele
Energy Bright
4820 Leland Rd., Laingburg, MI 48848
9780982192559, $12.95, www.energybrightoptions.com
A little bit of saving can go a very long way. "Energy Savings for the Novice: Simple Ways to
Build Family Wealth and Security" is a guide to saving in more than one way. "Energy Savings
for the Novice" is an environmental manual about the many sources of energy that can be used
and are readily available to anyone willing to seek out alternative power sources for their homes
and lives. Offering plenty of tips on saving energy and money as well, "Energy Savings for the
Novice" is a solidly recommended read for the environmentally conscious citizen.
Fight Global Warming
Editors of Silverton Press
Silverton Press
PO Box 26955, Phoenix, AZ 85088
9781935092384, $14.95, www.silvertonpress.com
You don't have to spend more to be greener. In fact, it is the opposite. "Fight Global Warming
and Save a Bunch of Money" is a guide to combining an ecologically-friendly lifestyle with being
a penny pincher. These tips help reduce one's impact on the environment on the cheap, as well as
providing inexpensive alternatives for many everyday things. "Fight Global Warming" is the
perfect acquisition for anyone interested in going frugally green.
The Self-Help Shelf
The Secret to Life Transformation
Julie Chrystyn
Dove Books
9465 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 840, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Newman Communications (publicity)
20 Guest St., Suite 150, Brighton, MA 02135
9781597775816, $25.95, www.dovebooksinc.com
A revolution in one's life doesn't have to take years; it can take days or even less. "The Secret to
Life Transformation: How to Claim Your Destiny Now!" is a collection of stories of various
people who have risen past their own limits to claim what anyone would define as success.
Ranging from those who have reached the top of the legal ladder in the Supreme Court, to those
who amassed billions to their name, to entertainment icons, "The Secret to Life Transformation"
gives readers much to aspire to with the realization even the famous started from being an
unknown.
Beautiful Body, Beautiful Mind
Eric Franklin
Elysian Editions
614 Route 130, Hightstown, NJ 08520
9780871273093, $19.95, www.dancehorizons.com
You are what you think you are. "Beautiful Body, Beautiful Mind: The Power of Positive
Imagery" is a self-help and health guide that encourages positive thinking in finding one's inner
and outer beauty. Calling for the Franklin Method, a series of lifestyle changes reinforced
through building beneficial habits, author Eric Franklin offers much advice for improving oneself
through belief. "Beautiful Body, Beautiful Mind" is the inspirational testimony many women
would do well to read.
The Guys-Only Guide to Getting Over Divorce
Sam J. Buser & Glenn F. Sternes
Bayou Publishing
2524 Nottingham, Houston, TX 77005-1412
9781886298323, $16.95, www.bayoupublishing.com
There are hundreds of guides to help women get over marriages gone wrong, but what of the not-
so-fair sex? "The Guys-Only Guide to Getting Over Divorce: And On With Life, Sex, and
Relationships" is a guide aimed at men who, despite the stereotypical image, may have issues at
dropping years-long or even decades-long relationships. With advice on starting over, seeking a
possible soulmate, and how to avoid making the same mistakes twice, "The Guys-Only Guide to
Getting Over Divorce" is something to be strongly considered by any man in need of a little extra
push to move on.
The Cookbook Shelf
Mama Down The Bayou
Yvette Scott & Collaborators
THOU Management
PO Box 913, Conley, GA 30288
9780982008003, $14.95
True creole cooking is something hard to perfectly emulate. "Mama Down the Bayou: Recipes
with Shopping Lists" is a guide from women who have been lovingly crafting these dishes for
very much of their life, and who offer their sage-like wisdom on the topic of Cajun cooking. The
recipes include sure to be favorites such as dirty rice, stewed mirliton, and others, with each
containing proper ingredient lists to shop for, detailed instructions and more. With extra sections
on turning dinner into an event rather than just a meal, "Mama Down the Bayou" is a strong pick
for anyone embracing truly soulful creole cooking.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
America's Film Vault
Phillip W. Stewart
PMS Press
PO Box 1496, Crestview, FL 32536
9780979324307, $39.95, www.pmspress.com
Archives are the world's greatest tool in preserving its own history. "America's Film Vault: A
Reference Guide to the Motion Pictures Held by the U.S. National Archives" is a look into the
deep-reaching archives of the federal government's vault, which is filled with countless films that
document the history of our country, be it from news broadcasts, military films of the 1940s,
donated films from personal libraries, and more. Each entry chronicles the date of the film, what
its purpose is, and its source. "America's Film Vault" is a fine resource to what lies deep inside
the world of public records.
The Travel Shelf
The Great Towns of America
David Vokac & Joan Vokac
West Press
PO Box 99717, San Diego, CA 92169
9780930743109, $23.95, www.greattowns.com
One doesn't have to be cliche and choose big cities or resorts for vacations. Small town America
has much to offer in the avenue of relaxation. "The Great Towns of America: All New Guide to
the 100 Best Getaways for a Vacation or a Lifetime" is a travel guide for those who want pure,
unadulterated relaxation in their getaway, or who are trying to choose a good place to move to
and live their life in peace. Covering one hundred locales with highly detailed information for
each, "The Great Towns of America" is a must for anyone who wants to find themselves in one
of America's fine towns in the near future, for whatever reason.
The Money/Finance Shelf
Moving at the Speed of Wealth
Wayde M. McKelvy
Cagan Publishing
6855 S. Havana Street, Suite 1150, Centennial, CO 80112
9780982247501, $24.95
There's a difference between being rich and being wealthy. "Moving at the Speed of Wealth:
Discover the 17 Closely Guarded Wealth-Building Secrets of the Super-Rich" is a guide to
making one's own wealth and keeping it. Focusing on how to use banking as an avenue to
gaining one's niche, "Moving at the Speed of Wealth" offers ideas for safely getting started, and
tips on slowly building one's financial nest egg. "Moving at the Speed of Wealth" is a fine choice
for anyone who wants wealth in their future.
The Losing Game
T.E. Scott
Hidden Truth Publishing
PO Box 168, Rockville, IN 47872
9780981937038, $14.95, www.losinggame.com
Legalized gambling is always slanted towards the house. "The Losing Game: Why You Can't
Beat Wall Street" is a look at how Wall Street has cost Americans millions upon millions under
the guise of 'wise investment'. A cautionary tale, "The Losing Game" tells readers to look
elsewhere to plan their financial future and their retirements. "The Losing Game" is well worth
the read for those worried about their money in Wall Street.
Not in My House!
Andre Butler
Higher Life Development Services
2342 Westminster Terrace, Oviedo, FL 32765
9780979322730, $14.99, www.ahigherlife.com
Recession is a tough time, but it's not something that has to hit everyone. "Not in My House!:
Take the 28-Day Challenge to Recession-Proof Your Future" is a guide to minimize one's debt
with a Christian approach. Religion and personal finance have more crossover than one would
think, and author Andre Butler explains matters well, giving readers the twin gifts of faith and
economic enlightenment. "Not in My House!" is a top pick filled with practical, 'real-world'
advice for worried Christians trying to cope with economic hard times.
The American History Shelf
Perfectibilists
Terry Melanson
Trine Day
PO Box 577, Walterville, OR 97489
9780977795383, $19.95, www.trineday.com
Secret societies make for great yarns or movies - but there are those secret societies that have
actually existed. "Perfectibilists: The 18th Century Bavarian Order of the Illuminati" tells the
history of one such secret society, based in Bavaria about two hundred years ago. Detailing the
group's members, its goals, and how successful it ultimately became, "Perfectibilists" is a treat
for any with an interest in secret societies, and who want to learn about one that truly existed.
"Perfectibilists" is an intriguing read of history, sure to fascinate.
The Literary Shelf
The Dashiell Hammett Tour
Don Herron
Vince Emery Productions
PO Box 460279, San Francisco, CA 94146
9780972589871, $19.95, www.emerybooks.com
Some writers become popular, and others get cult fandoms. "The Dashiell Hammett Tour:
Thirtieth Anniversary Guidebook" is a look into the life of Dashiell Hammett, author of famed
mysteries such as the 'The Maltese Falcon'. Examining locations throughout San Francisco and
their relation to both Hammett and his creations, with a focus on famed fictional detective Sam
Spade, "The Dashiell Hammett Tour" is a must-have for any fan of Hammett's work.
Popular Fiction Periodicals
Jeff Canja
Glenmoor Publishing
PO Box 4514, East Lansing, MI 48826
9780967363981, $29.95
Not everything has to be highbrow literature that's going to change the world. "Popular Fiction
Periodicals: A Collector's Guide to Vintage Pulps, Digests, and Magazines" is a collector's guide
to the old fashioned pulp fiction magazines of decades ago, that many young readers devoured
with great interest. A complete and comprehensive reference, "Popular Fiction Periodicals"
contains thousands of cover shots, indexing the authors behind these stories (in publications
where some authors were embarrassed to put their real name on their work)! "Popular Fiction
Periodicals" is a must for any enthusiast who wants a more complete collection.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
The Project
Mark Macy
Eloquent Books
c/o AEG Publishing Group
845 Third Avenue, 6th Floor - 6016, New York, NY 10022
9781606937495, $26.50, www.eloquentbooks.com
There are things out there trying to communicate with us, and they do it in the most mundane of
ways. "The Project: The Past, Present, and Future of Humanity" discusses Instrumental
Transcommunication, where researchers attempt to connect with angels and spirits through
typical communication devices such as telephones, computers, radios, and television. After
joining a group using this process, author Mark Macy began to believe. Macy relates the truths of
the world that have been presented to him. From his visions, he brings his readers thoughts and
ideas, making "The Project" a fascinating metaphysical read.
The Thinking Person's UFO Book
Gordon Chism
Avenue Design
PO Box 512, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
9781439227114, $16.99
As long as there is terrestrial human life, the existence of extraterrestrial life in the universe is a
debate that will likely rage on until humanity has fully explored the universe, or a sapient species
is finally encountered. "The Thinking Person's UFO Book" offers thoughts on the subject from
author Gordon Chism, a believer in the existence of UFOs. Pointing out that humanity's primitive
instincts predispose them to bury their heads in the sand, "The Thinking Person's UFO Book" is
worth a look for an intriguing read.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Space Sirens
Carol Hightshoe, editor
Flying Pen Press
5491 East Jewell Avenue, Denver, CO 80222
9780981895734, $17.95, www.flyingpenpress.com
The female presence in science fiction is ever growing. "Space Sirens: Full Throttle Space Tales
#2" is a compilation of science fiction from both male and female writers, focusing on female
characters dealing with traditional and not-so-traditional science fiction plots. Women bring their
own unique perspective to the genre of science fiction; anyone who's looking for a fresh
collection of sci-fi stories, especially those with a feminist touch, should consider "Space
Sirens".
The Purloined Boy
Mortimus Clay
Finster Press
PO Box 1462, Hartford, CT 06045
9780982159804, $12.95, www.finsterpress.com
What happens to those who appear on the sides of the milk cartons? "The Purloined Boy" is a
fantasy novel exploring that very question. These children are in a world they don't want to leave,
except for one Trevor, who misses his home and wants to return. If only it were really that simple
. . . To escape this mystical world, Trevor must confront bogeymen and other obstacles, which is
easier said than done. "The Purloined Boy" is a fun fantasy for young readers, sure to inspire
imagination.
Gray Apocalypse
James Murdoch
Demand Publications
2608 Second Ave., Suite 2450, Seattle, WA 98121
9780966443097, $24.95
Time is an invaluable resource; unfortunately, there is never enough of it. "Gray Apocalypse"
tells the story of Michael Kendom, a decidedly un-heroic assassin. The Grays, the aliens
presumed to have been visiting Earth for the past six decades, have been breeding hybrids since
their start, and their nefarious plot may soon come into fruition. A man whom few trust, Michael
is also the only one who knows enough and has the ability to stop the alien invasion. A science
fiction thriller that will keep genre fans reading, "Gray Apocalypse" is something to be
enjoyed.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
The Flight of the Feathered Serpent
Armando Cosani
Absolute Publishing Press
PO Box 99167, Emeryville, CA 94662-9167
9780978986414, $14.95, www.absolutepublishingpress.com
Does the man whose name is synonymous with the word 'traitor' have anything to teach us? "The Flight of the Feathered Serpent: Are These the Secret Teachings of Judas Iscariot?" is one man's true story connected to the gospel of one of Christianity's alleged villains, Judas. When a journalist discovered these writings and their purpose (perhaps a justification for the actions of Judas?), he experienced an epiphany that changed his life forever. "The Flight of the Feathered Serpent" is an expertly crafted work of spirituality, highly recommended.
When Your Spirit Calls
Warren Ziegler
Enspiriting Press
3384 S. Valentia Ct., Denver, CO 80231
9780615227672, $21.95, www.enspiritingpress.com
Before you can really understand others, you have to understand yourself. "When Your Spirit
Calls: In Search of Your Spiritual Voice" asks readers questions so that they may question
themselves and learn their own worth and value, and what they are capable of doing. Saying that
people fall into nine archetypes, author Warren Ziegler hopes to aid readers in realizing who they
are. "When Your Spirit Calls" is key to maximizing one's full potential in life.
Spiritual Survival
William Patrick Patterson
Arete Communications
773 Center Boulevard, Box 58, Fairfax, CA 94978-0058
9781879514874, $25.00, www.gurdjieff-legacy.org
In a world quickly becoming dominated by soulless machines, how does one keep one's own
soul? "Spiritual Survival: In A Radically Changing World-Time" is a guide to spirituality in a
technology driven world. Rather than shunning technology and loathing it, author William
Patrick Patterson tells readers to embrace it as part of their lives and learn to control it instead of
letting it control oneself. "Spiritual Survival" is a strong choice for the tech junkie who feels
something is missing in their lives.
The Spiritual Alchemist
Natalie Reid
River Daughter Press
PO Box 20396, Albuquerque, NM 87154-0396
9780615181967, $18.95, www.thespiritualalchemist.com
Alchemy isn't necessarily a dead psuedo-science. "The Spiritual Alchemist: Working with the
Voice of Your Soul" is a guide to the concept of spiritual alchemy, and how one can enter their
own spiritual laboratory to reinvent themselves and open up their spiritual selves for change and
improvement. Natalie Reid, a self-titled spiritual alchemist, has taught her methods throughout
the world, and they could do much to help her readers. "The Spiritual Alchemist" is a highly
recommended metaphysical self-help read.
The Non-Believer's Bible
Franklin St. John
Inkwater Press
6750 SW Franklin Street, Suite A, Portland, OR 97223-2542
9781592993970, $19.95, www.inkwaterpress.com
One doesn't need to understand everything about the universe to love and live life. "The
Non-Believer's Bible" is the atheist's guide to life without gods. Calling for logic and common
sense, author Franklin St. John gives nonbelieivers something to live by, and proves that
goodness is not something restricted to the religious. "The Non-Believer's Bible" is something to
be considered for those who have lost their faith and are looking for new answers.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Lose the Diet
Kathy Balland
Blissful Publications
3116 S. Mill Avenue #429, Tempe, AZ 85282
9780982183106, $19.95, www.losethediet.com
There's more to losing weight than just eating less. "Lose the Diet: Transform Your Body by
Connecting With Your Soul" is an exploration of the spirit and what it means in regard to losing
weight and keeping it off. A more natural weight loss is possible, and starving oneself will not
accomplish one's goals. Advocating happiness and spiritual contentment as the ultimate diet plan,
"Lose the Diet" is a refreshing approach to weight loss.
99 Practical Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs
Noel Magsino
Villa One
5925 Madison Suite 102, Morton Grove, IL 60053
9780981814872, $13.95, www.practicalpharmacist.com
Medicine is what some people need to survive, but being gouged isn't necessary. "99 Practical
Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs" is a savvy shoppers guide to something that many didn't
know they could be savvy shoppers to. Medical insurance is expected to pay for drug costs, and
that's why so many prescriptions are so high; but health insurance is not required to avoid high
payment at the pharmacy. "99 Practical Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs" is a must for those
who need their medicine, but need their money too.
Plagues Past and Present
J. H. Hacsi
Champagne Press
c/o Morris Publishing
3212 East Highway 30, Kearney, NE 68847
9780578002668, $14.00
The mind is a powerful thing, but can it really overcome vicious diseases? "Plagues Past and
Present: A Mind/Body Approach" takes a look at plagues of the past and their survivors, with a
focus on the demeanor of those who successfully overcame their ailments. Could mental
conditioning play a bigger part in survival than once thought? "Plagues Past and Present" is a
riveting read of psychology and disease.
Migraine Expressions
Betsy Baxter Blondin
Word Metro Press
PO Box 984, Carsbad, CA 92018
9780615201979, $34.95, www.migrainejourney.com
What is it like to go through life with a chronic migraine? "Migraine Expressions: A Creative
Journey Through Life with Migraine" is a look at life for those who suffer from chronic
migraines and their artistic expressions. Through the visual art, short passages, or poetry of those
afflicted with migraines, "Migraine Expressions" reveals the feelings of those who spend much
of their waking lives with constant pain, and their desire to live their lives in spite of it.
"Migraine Expressions" is a solid choice for art collections, and is an inspiration for other
migraine sufferers.
The Biography Shelf
Adam's Belle
Isabel Washington Powell
DBM Press, LC
6412 Brandon Ave., #123, Springfield, VA 22150
9780981610214, $27.95, www.dbmpress.com
At one hundred years of age, one definitely has some stories to tell. "Adam's Belle" is the
autobiography of Isabel Washington Powell, a centurion with a wealth of life experience to share
with the world. Focusing on her love story with Adam Clayton Powell, one of the most eligible
bachelors in the country during the time, "Adam's Belle" is a moving story of how the prohibition
didn't stop the roaring 20s from being fun. An utterly fascinating read of a time gone past.
Borlaug
Noel Vietmeyer
Bracing Books
9435 Lorton Market Street, Lorton, VA 22079
9780615256719, $19.95, www.sbpbooks.com
Going outside the norm can lead to great results. "Borlaug: The Mild-Mannered Maverick Who
Fed a Billion People" is the story of Norman Borlaug, a man who has revolutionized twentieth
century agriculture so that it could feed a rapidly growing world through the twentieth century
population explosion. Chronicling the man behind the miracles, author Noel Vietmeyer uses
Borlaug's life to inspire readers with the story of a truly remarkable man. "Borlaug" is a fine and
recommended biographical read.
Nobody Knew
Win Straube
The Straube Foundation
1 Straube Center Boulevard, Pennington, NJ 08534
Hamilton Books
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9780761842767, $30.00, www.hamilton-books.com
World War II destroyed so much of the land that was being fought over. "Nobody Knew" takes a
journey into the life of a less-often talked about atrocity in the firebombing of Dresden, with
casualty numbers comparable to the those one might expect in the wake of atomic bomb drops.
Author Win Straube grew up in this chaos, and had to face life in the oppressive, communist East
Germany. "Nobody Knew" is a must read for those seeking World War II and postwar
memoirs.
Tea & Bee's Milk
Karen & Ray Gilden
Artha Press
1025 Gwinn Street East, Monmouth, OR 97361
9781886922129, $14.00, www.teaandbeesmilk.com
Sometimes tranquility is a reward all its own. "Tea & Bee's Milk: One Year in a Turkish Village"
is a memoir of the Gildens, a couple who abandoned the hustle and bustle of American life to
live in a quiet and serene Turkish village, bringing little more than the clothes on their back and a
laptop computer. Detailing what it's like making such a radical change, "Tea & Bee's Milk" gives
a vivid picture of Turkish life through American eyes.
The Social Issues Shelf
The Crooked Mile
Kevin Clemens
Demontreville Press
PO Box 835, Lake Elmo, MN 55042-0835
9780978956332, $17.95, www.demontrevillepress.com
Cars, more than anything, are vital to society. But they can also be the cause of its destruction.
"The Crooked Mile: Through Peak Oil, Biofuels, Hybrid Cars, and Global Climate Change to
Reach a Brighter Future" is a discussion of the automobile and everything that fuels it, and the
resulting implications on society as a whole, with a focus on the ongoing oil and energy crises.
Author Kevin Clemens breaks down the debate and offers his own opinions, discussing how
there is hope for the future. "The Crooked Mile" is intriguing and full of invaluable
information.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Emmanuel Kolini
Mary Weeks Millard
Authentic Books
1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
9781934068656, $16.99, www.authenticpublishing.com
A savage war is the ultimate test of character. "Emmanuel Kolini: The Unlikely Archbishop of
Rwanda" tells the story of a man who has stood by his faith, and survived a vicious civil-war torn
country to become one of the key leaders of his faith in his country, and an example to his
countrymen. His story offers a glimpse into Rwanda and the lives of African Christians.
"Emmanuel Kolini" is a top pick for Christian biography collections.
Blest Atheist
Elizabeth Mahlou
MSI Press
1760-F Airline Highway, #203, Hollister, CA 95023
9781933455112, $19.95, www.blestatheist.blogspot.com
Even when the source of faith is at its most corrupt, faith itself is something to believe in. "Blest
Atheist" is the spiritual memoir of author Elizabeth Mahlou. When she was young, her church
was nothing but a place of torment for her, but in spite of this, she grew up to be a highly
successful individual. She never stopped believing, and found her faith in a way that pulls it from
a corrupt church . . . "Blest Atheist" is something that may help some find their faith, even as it
criticizes those churches that turn a blind eye to the poor conduct of their clergy.
The Last Divine Office
Geoffrey Moorhouse
BlueBridge
240 West 35th Street, Suite 500, New York, NY 10001
Meryle Zegarek Public Relations Inc.
235 West 108, Suite 9D1, New York, NY 10025
9781933346182, $24.95, www.bluebridgebooks.com
Henry VIII's formation of the Anglican church had many consequences. "The Last Divine Office:
Henry VIII and the Dissolution of the Monasteries" tells the story of the last days of English
monasteries, as the King had ordered England's severance from Rome as a Catholic power to
embrace Protestantism. This split was not an entirely religious move; Henry also sought to obtain
more funds for the kingdom rather than let money be siphoned away by the church. "The Last
Divine Office" is an intriguing story of the decline and fall of the English monastery, highly
recommended.
Christmas
Angie Mosteller
Celebrating Holidays Publishing
1473 Crystal Court, San Marcos, CA 92078
9781607910084, $24.99, www.celebratingholidays.com
Christmas is a yearly event which dominates much of American society. "Christmas: Celebrating
the Christian History of American Symbols, Songs, and Stories" tells the story of Christmas, and
is filled with many facts and details about this holiday, which is celebrated around the world.
With much interest on the origins of Christmas, including misconceptions, strange non-Christian
origins, and the weird ways in which some traditions got their start, "Christmas" offers intriguing
food for thought. "Christmas" is a solid choice for anyone who wants to know the history behind
the December mania.
The Computer Shelf
TCP/IP
Philip M. Miller
Brown Walker Press
23331 Water Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33486-8540
1599424916, $74.95, www.brownwalker.com
Knowledge of the internet is vital in today's world, and knowledge of how the internet runs is a
valuable asset as well. "TCP/IP: The Ultimate Protocol Guide" is a two volume set serving as a
complete and comprehensive guide to the Internet protocol suite. Straightforward and simple, the
books assume the reader has no previous technological knowledge lending them to be fine
educational texts for those just starting to learn this complex yet invaluable knowledge.
Understanding TCP/IP is an invaluable aspect to building a business secure network, and author
Philip Miller, a man with well over a dozen years of experience applies his expertise to the
subject with great success. Along with volume two of the series, (1599424932, $75.95), "TCP/IP:
The Ultimate Protocol Guide" should be on any business technology shelf.
The Jobs/Careers Shelf
Power Up Your Job Search
Gary W. Capone & Mark Henderson
Palladian International
105A Lew Dewitt Blvd., Ste 197, Waynesboro, VA 22980
9781441491534, $14.95, www.palladiancr.com
Finding a good job is harder than ever. "Power Up Your Job Search: A Modern Approach to
Interview Preparation" is a guide to the interview part of the job hunt, which may be the key
deciding factor determining whether one gains employment or not. A step-by-step process to
present one's best side at a job interview, packed with plenty of tips and tricks for keeping one's
cool, "Power Up Your Job Search" is a must-have for any who are facing an interview in the near
future.
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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