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Small Press Bookwatch

Volume 12, Number 5 May 2013 Home | SPBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Buddhist Studies Shelf Mythology Shelf
Relationship Shelf Sports Shelf Fiction Shelf
Memoir Shelf Christian Studies Shelf Islamic Studies Shelf
American History Shelf Military Shelf Science Shelf
Religion/Spirituality Shelf Self-Help Shelf Poetry Shelf
Travel Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Jobs/Career Shelf
Photography Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf Business Shelf Automotive Shelf
Reference Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice

The Information Society
John P. Feather
Facet Publishing
9781856048187, $85.00, www.facetpublishing.co.uk

Information is the centerpiece of modern society. "The Information Society: A Study of Continuity and Change" explores the role of information as well as the history of its advancement. More than ever information is more widely available to everyone and anyone through the use of the internet and the advent of Web 2.0 and social media has expanded it even further. Discussing the applications of this technology and what it will do the future, concerns of privacy against the state, education, and countless other topics. "The Information Society" is a must for library science and information studies collections.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

Life Between the Tigers
Kris Neely and Peter Gerardo, editors
Zen Books Worldwide
27761 Leeward Drive
Salisbury, MD 21801
9780988904811 $24.95 www.zenbooksworldwide.com

Life Between the Tigers: Zen Wisdom in Everyday English is an anthology of brief Buddhist parables and Zen koans (brief stories of paradox that challenge the listener to reevaluate his or her understanding of daily reality) adapted especially for contemporary Western readers. Many koans are difficult for those in the West to comprehend because they involve unfamiliar traditions, customs, locations, and histories; Life Between the Tigers presents these classic snippets in plain English. The result is a user-friendly way to experience the mystery of these simple stories that point the listener toward the liberation of living in the moment, rather than living inside one's head. For example, one koan is titled "The True Place", and reads, "Zen master Judy was fond of telling her students, 'Wherever you are, just take the role of host. Then that place will be a true place.'" Life Between the Tigers will confuse, perplex, amaze, and just possibly point toward the path to enlightenment, and is enthusiastically recommended especially for anyone who is intrigued by Zen Buddhism.


The Mythology Shelf

The Epic of Gilgamesh
A new adaptation by Sam Kuraishi
Metra Press
700 W. Oakton Street
Des Plaines, IL 60018
9781475024074 $18.00 www.metra-press.com

The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Oldest Documented Story in the History of Humankind is a new adaptation of the poetic legend of the king of Uruk, by Iraqi-American Sam Kuraishi. Gilgamesh's saga spans the absolute power of a ruler (whose privileges included exploiting the labor of others and sleeping with soon-to-be married women), the grief of losing a close friend, and the quest for immortality. In his search, Gilgamesh meets the immortal Utanapishtim... but is eternal life truly the be-all and end-all of human desire? An extensive introduction spanning over forty pages offers readers background information about this epic, its discovery and origins, and its main characters. The translation itself is written in free-verse English poetry, and is thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library mythology shelves.


The Relationship Shelf

Ask Avery Anything
Maro Eliot
Second City Books
2118 Plum Grove Rd. #349
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
www.windycitypublishers.com
9781935766575 $10.99 www.askaveryanything.com

A finalist of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Ask Avery Anything: A Woman's Journey Through Midlife Dating is a collection of true tales from fiftysomething author Maro Eliot's real-life dating experiences, after the abrupt end of her marriage. As her disclaimer makes clear, the stories are not specifically about the men she has dated, but rather what they represent; Ask Avery Anything is primarily self-judgmental. Oh, and "no names are used to protect the guilty." Eliot tells of online dating, speed dating, fix-ups, reuniting with high school acquaintances, and even the foolishness of straying into "forbidden territory" (a married man). "Whether the decision to see him was right or wrong - let's not kid ourselves, the right answer was wrong - I put myself through a major head trip as I seriously considered his proposal." Candid and jocular, Ask Avery Anything is an eyebrow-raising vicarious adventure, and a highly recommended whirlwind tour of the foibles of today's midlife dating scene.


The Sports Shelf

NFL's All-Time Dream Showdowns
Damalis Bryant
Write to Excite Publishing
103 Opal Dr., Newport News, VA 23602
9780985354701, $25.00, www.amazon.com

Time and age stop some of the most magnificent matches in history. "NFL's All-Time Dream Showdowns: Fantasy Matchups & Realistic Results" touches on the history of football and matching up the greatest teams against each other with simulated fantasy match ups of these teams going against each other and theories of how the games would play out, of modern teams against classical teams from 1955 to 1999. "NFL's All-Time Dream Showdowns" is a must for hardcore football fans who relish what-if scenarios.


The Fiction Shelf

Uncle Billy's Grimm but Wholesome Bedtime Stories, third edition
B. Oscar Overbeck
Charing Cross Press
PO Box 6052
Ann Arbor, Michigan
c/o RA Author Services (publicity)
10390 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 414
Los Angeles, CA 90024
9780982632031 $25.00

Now in its third edition, Uncle Billy's Grimm but Wholesome Bedtime Stories (With a Smidget of Poetry), Volume One is an original anthology of extra-short stories not exactly meant for children (there are very rare moments of foul language, among other considerations)... the tales have dark and sinister twists, but retain a tiny glimmer of light and hope sparkling in the far distance. A handful of sketches, some in color, illustrate this multifaceted, eyebrow-raising collection. One story reflects wistfully upon accepting the reality of death with, "To try to deduct a reason for things that happen reduces the actual time spent appreciating the life you have. To make oneself feel joyous, and tending to others that may be less fortunate than yourself, is the purpose to live and experience the wonderful things that this earth offers." Another tells the unfortunate fate of a black-hearted man named Richard, closing with the nasty moral, "You can not always get what you want, especially if you are a Dick." The bite-sized nature of Uncle Billy's Grimm but Wholesome Bedtime Stories suits it perfectly for reading during lunch breaks, vacations, or travel. Highly recommended.

Keeping Bedlam at Bay in the Prague Cafe
M. Henderson Ellis
New Europe Books
133 Water Street, Williamstown, MA 01267
9780982578186, $14.95, www.NewEuropeBooks.com

As the world grows smaller, your neighbors problems become your own. "Keeping Bedlam at Bay in the Prague Cafe" is a humorous novel with a strong dose of blacker comedy from M. Henderson Ellis who discusses the concepts of globalism, capitalism, touching on the satire and finding the little bit of our lives to piece together our lives in the process. "Keeping Bedlam at Bay in the Prague Cafe" is a must for any contemporary literary fiction collection, highly recommended.

Land Without Evil
Matthew J. Pallamary
Charles Publishing
1302 Stewart Street
Oceanside, CA 92054
0912880090, $23.95, www.amazon.com

A clash of faith spurs much conflict between peoples. "Land Without Evil" is a historical novel of religion, exploring the character of Ava-Tape, raised by Gurarani Indians, educated by Jesuits, and sees the aspects of both world in this rough time in South American history. Seeking a better world for his people when surrounded by bigotry, "Land Without Evil" is a riveting read, a choice read from Matthew J. Pallamary, highly recommended.

An Empty Heart
Anne Marshall Bunney
Biographical Publishing Company
95 Sycamore Drive
Prospect, CT 06712-1493
9781929882816 $24.95

Author Anne Marshall Bunney's life experience in psychotherapy to craft the characters in An Empty Heart, an original novel of complex and conflicted people. Her sense of empathy for those less fortunate, especially the homeless, shines through in this deep and thought-provoking story of ordinary people struggling to survive extraordinary hardship. An Empty Heart is a thought-provoking story with a strong message of hope for the future.

Sautee Shadows
Denise Weimer
Canterbury House Publishing
225 Ira Harmon Rd., Vilas, NC 28692
9780982905487, $15.95, www.canterburyhousepublishing.com

As the country expands, families mingle, come together, and drift apart. "Sautee Shadows" is the first novel in Denise Weimer's Georgia Gold series, a riveting interpersonal drama and romance set in 1830s Georgia. Enticing reading all the way through, "Sautee Shadows" is a strong addition to historical fiction collections, recommended.

In Search Of and Others
Will Ludwigsen
Lethe Press
118 Heritae Avenue, Maple Shade, NJ 08052-3018
9781590212707, $15.00, www.lethepressbooks.com

The world around us seems impossible to understand, because it just might be. "In Search Of and Others" is a collection of short speculative fiction from Will Ludwigsen who touches on very original stories of people facing the reality of a world that feels like should not be... taking mundane concepts and adding a whole new world of curiosity on top of it. "In Search Of and Others" is a fine addition to any short fiction collection, highly recommended.


The Memoir Shelf

Ballrooms & Ugly Poodles
Katie Schnack
Cotton Publishing
c/o Shelton Interactive
3006 Bee Caves Rd., Building A, Suite 300
Austin, TX 78746
9780615699370, $11.97, www.katieschnack.com

Behind the scenes, the rich and famous are just as disgusting as the rest of us. "Ballrooms & Ugly Poodles: Semi-Tall Tales of a Palm Beach Waitress" is a memoir from Katie Schnack who shares her time at a five-star hotel in Florida, seeing the worst of the people who would call this place their home away from home and offering a candid work at the 1%. "Ballrooms & Ugly Poodles" is a fun memoir with plenty of humorous tales, highly recommended.

Life is Short, Laundry is Eternal
Scott Benner
Spry Publishing
2500 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
9781938170157, $14.95, www.sprypub.com

The world has changed, unfortunately this means men now have to do laundry. "Life is Short, Laundry is Eternal" is a memoir from Scott Benner, who presents a humorous take on the modern stay-at-home Dad, and what such things now entail in this new world where he has to raise the kids and the changing world around us. "Life is Short, Laundry is Eternal" is a much recommended addition to any modern memoir collection focusing on shifting gender roles.

What Did You Say?
Monique E. Hammond
Two Harbors
212 3rd Ave. North, Suite 290
Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781937928162, $16.95, www.twoharborspress.com

Listening is invaluable, and when it slips away from you, it can change your life. "What Did You Say?: An Unexpected Journey Into the World of Hearing Loss" is a memoir of coping with the pain of hearing loss from Monique E. Hammond who shares her story of her right ear going deaf, her fight against losing it, and realizing how something so minor could so change her life. "What Did You Say?" is an insightful look at mid-life hearing loss, highly recommended.


The Christian Studies Shelf

The Wesley Study Bible
Common English Bible
PO Box 801, 201 Eighth Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37202-0801
9781609261108, $49.99, www.commonenglishbible.com

The Bible is an important book, understanding it key to the Christian faith. "The Wesley Study Bible" is a student's Bible for those seeking to more comprehensively study the works of the Bible and the faith within it. With annotations from many thinkers, explanations of terms, full color maps, and all well bound inside a leather binding, "The Wesley Study Bible" is a must for those seeking a Bible that will last a long time and prove an excellent teacher of itself, highly recommended.

Crucifying Morality
R W Glenn
Shepherd Press
PO Box 24, Wapwallopen, PA 18660
9781936908530, $12.99, www.shepherdpress.com

Morality and Jesus had issues, a sentence that baffles many readers. "Crucifying Morality" is a Christian analysis of morality and how the ways of Christ sought to revolutionize the ways people interpreted morality, telling a very much important story about Jesus's words and how it clashed with the traditional society that surrounded him. "Crucifying Morality" is a strong addition to any study of Jesus Christ, moralism, and Christianity, highly recommended.

God and Evolution or Evolvement
Adolfo Caso
Branden Books
PO Box 812094, Wellesley, MA 02482
9780828322027, $16.95, www.brandenbooks.com

What's the role of faith in a science driven world? "God and Evolution or Evolvement: Essays into the 21st Century" is a discussion of the role of faith in science from Adolfo Caso who discusses many issues in academia and how the lessons of history still apply to the modern day. Insightful and curious reading with plenty to think about, "God and Evolution or Evolvement" is a must for social issues and reference collections, recommended.


The Islamic Studies Shelf

Surrendering to God
Eren Tatari
Tughra Books
345 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011
9781597842709, $14.50, www.tughrabooks.com

Islam is at its core obedience to God, but it has come under much confusion in the modern age. "Surrendering to God: Understanding Islam in the Modern Age" discusses the modern place of Islam, and the meaning of Islam and being a Muslim - one who submits to the will of God. Encouraging readers of all faith to read and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the modern faith, "Surrendering to God" is a must for Islamic studies and social issues collections.


The American History Shelf

The Big Divide
Diane Eickhoff and Aaron Barnhart
Quindaro Press
3808 Genessee Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
9780976443414, $17.95, www.TheBigDivide.com

A country rifted led to states within a rift. "The Big Divide: A Travel Guide to Historic and Civil War Sites in the Missouri-Kansas Border Region" discusses this region and its place in the American Civil War conflict that led to struggles between the state of Missouri and its surrounding area and how the remnants of this history are felt even today. With guides for planning a tour of the country and getting to know the region better, "The Big Divide" is an enticing addition to any travel and American history collection.


The Military Shelf

The Red Army in Combat 1941-1945
Bob Carruthers
Pen and Sword
1781591351, $14.95, www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

The eastern front was bloody and destructive. "The Red Army in Combat 1941-1945" is an analysis of battlefield reports of the Eastern front war between the USSR and Nazi Germany throughout World War II, telling the true story of tactics used to battle the third reich and crafts a riveting account of the long standing struggle and the ingenuity to survive. "The Red Army in Combat 1941-1945" is an enticing and recommended addition to military history collections, much recommended.


The Science Shelf

Keeping the Praying Mantis
Orin A. McMonigle
Coachwhip Publications
1135 Parkway Drive
Greenville, OH 45531
9781616461669 $39.95 CoachwhipBooks.com

Keeping the Praying Mantis is both a scientific and a practical guide for the feeding, housing, care and husbandry of these extraordinary invertebrates. Full-color photographs on almost every page illustrate a wide variety of mantis species at all stages of life; chapters address biology, behavior, health issues, life cycle, and much more. Keeping the Praying Mantis is an absolute "must-have" for amateur or professional entomologists with an interest in raising mantids! "Females sometimes do eat males [during the mating process], but this is the exception rather than the rule in nature. In captivity males often get eaten if mating is tried in tiny cages where they cannot escape the female's great appetite. The female should be heavily fed to help keep her hunger from overwhelming her desire to mate. Remember that in nature the male has multiple escape routes. In captivity, if the male is placed with a hungry mate and not given numerous places to hide and escape, he will be eaten."

A Unified Theory of Information Design
Nicole Amare & Alan Manning
Baywood Publishing Company
26 Austin Avenue, PO Box 337
Amityville, NY 11701
9780895037794, $47.55, www.baywood.com

Conveying information can be done in so many ways. "A Unified Theory of Information Design: Visuals, Text, & Ethics" explores the many aspects of information and design and how they can meet to better communicate the former. Also exploring how visuals can mislead and the ideals behind that. Touching on the many mediums within, such as diagrams, charts, interactive information, web design, the science behind visual communication is explore quite comprehensively. "A Unified Theory of Information Design" is a strong addition to community and college library collections focused on artistic design and information studies.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

What To Do When You're Dead
Sondra Sneed
Rainbow Ridge Books
140 Rainbow Ridge Road, Faber, VA 22938
9781937907112, $17.95, www.sondrasneed.com

Finding God in our life is not something that ever comes easily. "What to Do When You're Dead" is a spiritual and empowering read from Sondra Sneed, who shares her own empowering tale of finding spirituality in her life after decades of having none of it. Exploring the concept of life and death, and how understanding comes to us in so many unusual ways, "What to Do When You're Dead" is a strongly recommended addition to spirituality collections.


The Self-Help Shelf

Headtrash
Tish Squillaro & Timothy I. Thomas
Emerald Book Co.
PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709
9781937110512, $21.95, www.headtrash911.com

Our heads are so completely filled with so much negativity that it's a wonder we get anything done at all. "Headtrash: Cleaning Out the Junk That Stands Between You and Success" is an inspirational guide aimed at business leaders who may be facing their own inner conflicts and struggles and how to clear one's head and push themselves to become a better leader and defeat self-doubt, as well as using this wisdom for elsewhere in one's life. "Headtrash" is a powerful and recommended read for self-help and leadership collections.

Wake Up!
Tom Owen-Towle
Aperion Books
1611A South Melrose Dr #173, Vista, CA 92081
9780985603915, $18.00, www.Aperionbooks.com

Learning to love one's life is vital for happiness. "Wake Up!: Daily Lessons for a More Liberated and Loving Life" is a spiritual and inspirational read from Tom Owen-Towle who seeks to grant the little bits of wisdom people need to piece together what they want out of life and allow themselves to flourish and bloom from anything and everything they seek out of life. Encouraging mindfulness, "Wake Up!" is a strong addition to spiritually driven self-help collections.


The Poetry Shelf

Poetry in the Age of Impurity
Thomas Sanfilip
Bigio Morato
PO Box 1202, Des Plaines, IL 60017-1202
9780962530623, $22.95, www.arapacispublishers.com

The world is ever changing, and some view it as not always for the better. "Poetry in the Age of Impurity" is literary and poetic criticism from Thomas Saniflip who discusses modern poetry and what he views as its failings, the changing values of the world and the failing nature of poetry to combat or properly reflect those values. "Poetry in the Age of Impurity" is worth considering for those seeking a very critical discussion of the modern art.

You Are Everything You Are Not
John Nigh
Talisman House
PO Box 896, Grenfield, MA 01302
9781584980957, $16.95, www.amazon.com

We search for knowledge, and often the knowledge we find is not what we seek. "You Are Everything You Are Not" is a collection of poetry from John Nigh, who presents stories of life and seeks to offer their search for answers and how they often mirror our own journeys. "You Are Everything You Are Not" is a fine addition to contemporary poetry collections, not to be missed. Also from Talisman House is "Mussoorie-Montague Miscellany" (9781584980933, $13.95) from Christopher Sawyer-Laucanno who presents his life's journey and the overarching themes that you can see no matter where you go in the world.

Mezzanines
Matthew Olzmann
Alice James Books
238 Main Street, Farmington, ME 04938
9781882295982, $15.95, www.alicejamesbooks.org

The world is often at odds with itself with its beauty and everything not. "Mezzanines" is a collection of poetry from Matthew Olzmann, an award winning poet who uses his frank yet witty nature to observe the world and offer new perspectives. "Mezzanines" is a strong addition to contemporary poetry collections, recommended. "The Days": Like a tribe of hunters with pointed spears,/the days crouch in the high grass,/slink through the shadows, tiptoe from/the tree line --/they've measured your footprints,/draw closer when you sleep. They may be slow,/but make no mistake, they are following you.


The Travel Shelf

Armenia and Karabakh, third edition
Matthew Karanian
Stone Garden Productions
PO Box 7758, Northridge, CA 91327
9780967212074, $24.95, www.armeniatravelguide.com

A quaint little area branching the Middle East and Europe in culture and environment. "Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide" is the third edition and updated travel guide from Matthew Karanian who provides much information and knowledge on how to travel to the region and see all the sights and culture that resides there. With full color maps and photography all throughout, for anyone considering a new travel destination, "Armenia and Karabakh" is a strong pick for travel collections, not to be missed.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Shades of Gray
James A. Martin
Amethyst Moon Publishing
PO Box 87885, Tucson, AZ 85754
9781938714146, $16.99, www.ampubbooks.com

Few things are ever so simple. "Shades of Gray: The Colors of Undercover" is a blend of mystery and thriller from James A. Martin as he presents an intriguing twist of police work, and an officer deep undercover with the ever strong temptation to go down the dark and twisted path of law breaking and becoming what you were meant to infiltrate. "Shades of Gray" is an enticing twist of mystery and thriller, very much recommended reading.

Sandustee
Bob Adamov
Packard Island Publishing
c/o BookMasters
PO Box 388, Ashland, OH 78735
9780978618438, $24.95, www.packardislandpublishing.com

Thousands of years of conspiracy run beneath history. "Sandustee" is a thriller that seeks to go deep into history and the search of Emerson Moore, an investigative reporter, to uncover what is buried beneath the world and the clues to a deeper and darker history that stretches from Christ to the world of the modern day. "Sandustee" is an enticing addition to thriller and contemporary fiction collections, recommended.

Deadly Politics
Jerry Labriola
Strong Books
PO Box 967, Middlebury, CT 06762
9781928782452, $24.95, www.JerryLabriola.com

One murder may lead to a deadly conspiracy that may sprawl the entire world. "Deadly Politics" is another entry in Jerry Labriola's series of books following Dr. David Brooks, a physician turned private investigator. When signed on to find out who took out Connecticut's governor, the lines of deep pockets takes him all over the world that will face him with potential romance, and threats to his own life. "Deadly Politics" is a must for those who enjoy mystery thrillers, recommended.

Dark of the Sun
Maynard Sims
DarkFuse
PO Box 338, North Webster, IN 46555
9781937771577, $16.99, www.darkfuse.com

Peace is rarely eternal. "Dark of the Sun" follows Harry Beck, whose serene life is shattered in a swarm of violence. Trying to rescue an injured girl and finding who is responsible for the violence, he struggles through leads without certainty of who he can truly trust. "Dark of the Sun" is a riveting thriller that should prove so very hard to put down, highly recommended.

Killerfind
Sharon Woods Hopkins
Deadly Writes Publishing
PO Box 1100, Marble Hill, NO 63764-1100
9780615631448, $14.95, www.amazon.com

Dark secrets can lie behind the greatest of things. "Killerfind" is a mystery novel from Sharon Woods Hopkins, who tells of Rhetta McCarter and her discovery of a lost Camaro, which seems to be a blessing... except for the sudden string of murders that seems to pop up all around her. "Killerfind" is a riveting twist of mystery with paranormal twists, much recommended reading for those who like something a little dark.

Doha 12
Lance Charnes
WGM
PO Box 17190, Anaheim, CA 92817
9780988690301, $14.95, www.wombatgroup.com

Identity theft can get you a bullseye on your head. "Doha 12" is an international thriller following Jake and Miriam, two individuals from very different walks of life, whose circumstance throws them and ten others together under the banner of targets of Hezbollah, when their identities are used to assassinate high ranking officials. Running against the world and trying to prove to the authorities that them and their fellow victims are targets, "Doha 12" is an exciting and hard to put down read of fiction, not to be overlooked.


The Jobs/Career Shelf

Choosing a Lasting Career
James B. Huntington, Ph.D.
Royal Flush Press
PO Box 190
Eldred, NY 12732-0190
9780983500674 $14.95 www.royalflushpress.com

Choosing a Lasting Career: The Job-by-Job Outlook for Work's New Age is an inexpensive yet invaluable reference guide for any high school graduate planning their future. From the very first page listing principles that point toward a long-term viable career (such as "Jobs doing extraction are bad", "Jobs doing manufacturing, except food products, are bad" and "Jobs that seem to be maximized in efficiency already are good", to the real story behind self-employment, to a realistic, in-depth analysis of the American job market's future in plain terms, Choosing a Lasting Career is an invaluable aid for preparing oneself for economic survival. An extensive amount of charts, graphs, and job-by-job quick reference tables enhances this superlative gift for prospective college students and anyone else preparing themselves to join today's workforce!

Grow
Elanor C Whitney
Cantanker Oustitles
636 SE 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97214
9781621060079, $13.95, www.cantankeroustitles.com

To do what one loves for a living is the calling we all seek. "Grow: How to Take Your DIY Project and Passion to The Next Level & Quit Your Job!" discusses how to live up to that proverb and make a living doing anything but what we consider work. With plenty of tips for DIY entrepreneurs from monetizing your dream to keeping the costs under control and everything else, "Grow" is insightful, colorful, and a must for anyone with the can do will to make it all work for them, highly recommended.


The Photography Shelf

The Art of Walking
David Evans, editor
Black Dog Publishing
10a Acton Street
London, England, WC1X 9NG
9781907317873, $24.95, www.blackdogonline.com

A simple motion we all do everyday, but can tell much about our story. "The Art of Walking: A Field Guide" is an intriguing twist of art from editor David Evans who presents a series of artistic photography that seeks to delve into the work of many artists who use the simple motion of walking to elaborate their message. Through the people walking, how they do it, or what they do while doing so, "The Art of Walking" is an enticing blend of art and photo essay, a choice and much recommended pick not to be overlooked.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Similes Dictionary
Elyse Sommer
Visible Ink Press
43311 Joy Road #414, Canton, MI 48187-2075
9781578594337, $29.95, www.visibleinkpress.com

English is a complex and varied language with plenty of things to play with. "Similes Dictionary: 16,000 Figures of Speech on More Than One Thousand Topics" collections thousands of idioms and metaphors, taken from quotes from countless figures throughout history in literature, politics, the stage, and everywhere else. A comprehensive resource to help people find creative ways of spinning language in so many ways, "Similes Dictionary" is a strongly recommended addition to any writing or language studies and reference collection, highly recommended.


The Social Issues Shelf

Living with Drugs, seventh edition
Michael Gossop
Ashgate
PO Box 2225, 82 Winter Sport Lane
Williston, VT 05495
9781409443483, $39.95, www.ashgate.com

A high, an escape is sometimes what we seek, and getting it through drugs may be the easiest way. "Living with Drugs" is the seventh and updated edition from Michael Gossop, who discusses recreational drug use and its effects in its many forms, the efforts of the United Kingdom and other nations to control the flow of these narcotics and offering a wide and insightful addition to the study of the effects of these items. "Living with Drugs" is a much recommended addition to social issues and drug studies collections, not to be overlooked.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Partners
Nan Walton
Hubble & Hattie
9781845844202, $34.95, www.hubbleandhattie.com

Man's best friend is more than just a companion, it's a coworker. "Partners: Everyday Working Dogs Being Heroes Every Day" is a collection of text and full color photography describing the many tasks dogs go down to and serve mankind, through police work, being guide dogs, or simply helpful in therapy and being the companions that they are. "Partners" is a must for dog lovers everywhere, highly recommended.


The Business Shelf

Smile, Sell More With Amazing Customer Service
Kirt Manecke
Solid Press
PO Box 145, Milford, MI 48381
9780985076238, $15.99, www.solidpressbooks.com

Feeling welcome can mean so much for the success of business. "Smile, Sell More with Amazing Customer Service" discusses the importance of service with a smile and how to better reach out to your customers to keep them coming back again and again with excellent service that they can't get anywhere else. "Smile, Sell More with Amazing Customer Service" is a strong addition to business collections, highly recommended.


The Automotive Shelf

Advanced Custom Motorcycle Wiring, revised edition
Jeff Zelinski
Wolfgang Publications
PO Box 223, Stillwater, MN 55082
c/o CarTech Inc.
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
www.cartechbooks.com
9781935828761 $27.95 www.wolfpub.com

Featuring full-color photography or diagrams on every page, the newly revised edition of Advanced Custom Motorcycle Wiring lives up to its title as a meticulous, methodical, practical, and user-friendly guide to the electrical inner workings of motorcycles. Author and motorcycle enthusiast Jeff Zelinski walks the reader through everything from the basics of DC electricity, to throttle-by-wire and CAN-bus technology, to motorcycle stereos/amps/speakers, to batteries/starters/alternators/switches and much more. A wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques about the upkeep of motorcycle electronics are sprinkled throughout. "When manufacturers state that their radios are 'marine grade' it does not mean that you can ride in a rainstorm and expect the radio to stay dry because that just doesn't happen, ever. Marine grade in my opinion, means 'splash resistant' which is good for the occasional light mist every once in a while." Amateur motorcycle enthusiasts and repair professionals alike will find Advanced Custom Motorcycle Wiring (obtainable from CarTech's website, www.cartechbooks.com) an indispensable reference and resource!


The Reference Shelf

A Dictionary of Civil, Water Resources & Environmental Engineering
Harry C. Friebel, Ph.D., P.E.
Golden Ratio Publishing
9780983908500 $69.99 www.goldenratiopublishing.com

A Dictionary of Civil, Water Resources & Environmental Engineering is a reference book created especially to help individuals trying to pass the Professional Engineering (PE) Civil licensure exam. It is designed to be brought to the exam, which allows the use of certain reference books, and is far more expansive than the typical review manual glossary. Common abbreviations (such as "xpct" for "expecting" and "trrn" for terrain") defined side-by-side along with a host of engineering words and phrases, from "activity" ("ratio of the plasticity index to the percent by dry mass of soil particles finer than 0.002 mm [2 microns] in size") to "zonal flow" ("large-scale atmospheric flow in which the east-west component [i.e. latitudinal] is dominant"). A Dictionary of Civil, Water Resources & Environmental Engineering is an absolute must-have for students seeking to pass the exam, and worthy of the highest recommendation as an easy-to-use reference and resource for practicing engineers!


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