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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Wisdom From Random Acts Of Kindness
Conari Press Editors
Peter Pauper Press, Inc.
202 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
www.peterpauper.com
9781441307347, $5.95, www.amazon.com
When "Random Acts Of Kindness" was first published in 1993 it became an instant best-seller
because it struck a deep chord within the general public. Now the Peter Pauper Press has
published a small, elegant, 8-paged, gift book titled "Wisdom From Random Acts Of Kindness"
in which has been distilled a wealth of succinct stories, quotations, and 'things to do' to inspire
similar acts of kindness in the lives of the readers, acts that hold the potential for changing not
only their own lives, but the lives of those around them. Of special note is a colorful bookmark
ribbon featuring a 24K gold-plated charm suitable for detachment and use with a bracelet or a
necklace. Also highly recommended from Peter Paul Press in their mini-book series is "Sh*t My
Cat Says" (9781441307354, $5.95) by Felicia X. Katz that any and all cat lovers will enjoy from
first page to last.
Leaning Into Sharp Points
Stan Goldberg, PhD
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way
Novato, CA 94949
9781608680672, $14.95, www.newworldlibrary.com
Caring for another in the long term can be a very draining prospect for the long run. "Leaning
Into Sharp Points: Practical Guidance and Nurturing Support for Caregivers" discusses the
endeavor of caregivers to care for themselves as well as the ones they are charged with. From the
personal relationships formed, the pressure to do the right thing, Stan Goldberg does well in
advising readers to put together their holds on the world. "Leaning Into Sharp Points" is a strong
pick for any caregiver looking for inspiration to endure and embrace their lot.
Ultimate Price
Annemarie S. Kidder, editor
Orbis Books
PO Box 308
Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
9781570759550, $22.00, www.orbisbooks.com
To stand in the face of power and denounce them is often a suicidal proposition. "Ultimate Price:
Testimonies of Christians Who Resisted the Third Reich" tells the stories of these many bold
individuals and the actions they took to try to stand in the way of the Nazi Regime, routed in their
faith and human decency. For their actions, they were often met with death and imprisonment.
"Ultimate Price" is a collection of stories of those with unheard of daring and drive.
The Crafts Shelf
Zodiac Felties: 16 Compelling Astrological Characters to Craft
Nicola Tedman & Sarah Skeate
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
9781449411688, $14.99, www.andrewsmcmeel.com
"Zodiac Felties' is a creator's collection of patterns and instructions for 16 adorable zodiac felties,
appropriate for special gifts or favors for older teenagers or adults. Because of delicate beads and
sequins and small parts that are choking hazards, felties are not toys, nor suitable for children
under age three. Filled with miniature adorable charm and zest, these 16 zodiac felties are
designed to represent each of the 12 signs of the zodiac plus the sun, moon, Mars and Venus.
Beginning with clear, illustrated instructions on stitches, tools, templates, stuffing sewing and
embroidery, "Zodiac Felties" gives complete security and assurance to even the beginning feltie
crafter. Color photos of finished felties provide additional inspiration. Additionally, there is a
color illustration that can be used to create the perfect home or a card to include with your zodiac
feltie. "Zodiac Felties" is a great craft book for crafting beginners with a flair for imaginative
detail.
Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects
Diane Fitzgerald
Lark Books
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
9781600599224, $27.95, www.larkcrafts.com
The personal touch is a touch that can't be replicated. "Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading
Projects" is a full color guide to the ins and outs of personal jewelry creation, focusing on the art
of beading. She presents many of her own favorite projects, for readers to copy or use as
inspiration to their own creations. With full color photographs and easy to follow instructions
throughout, "Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects" is a much recommended pick for
jewelry enthusiasts.
Making Wire Jewelry
Martine Callaghan
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle
Waukesha, WI 53186
9780871164353, $21.95, www.kalmbachbooks.com
One's own style needs a do-it-yourself approach. "Making Wire Jewelry: Everything You Need to
Know to Get Started" is a starter guide from Martine Callaghan as she advises readers on how
piece together one's own ideals through the fundamentals of wire jewelry by forming the shapes,
spirals, and how to keep it all together. "Making Wire Jewelry" is a strongly recommended pick
for do it yourselfers and general jewelry crafting collections.
The Art Shelf
The Art of Medicine
Julie Anderson, Emm Barnes, and Emma Shackleton
University of Chicago Press
1427 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
9780226749365 $50.00 www.press.uchicago.edu/presswide
The Art of Medicine: Over 2,000 Years of Images and Imagination expressly lives up to
title with striking color vintage artwork on almost every page (except when displaying pictures
that were originally black-and-white, of course). Accompanying captions and the occasional
essay offer contextual background to this eye-catching array of images revealing how the practice
of medicine has evolved since ancient times. From reproductions of ancient paintings depicting
healing amid a diversity of cultures worldwide; to 18th-century sketches of breast cancer,
mastectomy, and associated surgical instruments; to political cartoons about cholera, and much
more, The Art of Medicine provides and unforgettable visual dimension to the storied history of
humanity struggle against disease, injury, and premature death. An incredibly captivating study,
The Art of Medicine is enthusiastically recommended especially for public and college library
reference collections.
Canada's Artist in Wool
Elizabeth, LeFort, Daniel Doucet
Cape Breton University Press
PO Box 5300
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6L2 Canada
9781897009369, $24.95
Many artists don't let something like tradition get in their way of creating their work. "Canada's
Artist in Wool" looks at the non-traditional art form and one of Canada's most unique
practitioners in Elizabeth LeFort, who used wool as her easel and paintbrush, creating countless
works that touched on many topics. With many photographs of her work as well as granting a
history of her career, "Canada's Artist in Wool" is a must for art history collections, especially on
those focusing on Canada.
Color and Gesture
Reg Down
Lightly Press
6187 Greenhaven Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831
97818468172089, $38.50, www.tiptoes-lightly.net
The way we move and live our lives is a communication all in its own. "Color and Gesture" is a
spiritual and psychological delve into the meanings and ideas behind the gestures of people,
animals, trying to gain a better understanding from an artistic perspective, presenting how an
artist can see the world can capture the image and its soul. "Color and Gesture" is well illustrated
throughout, making for a fascinating pick for any art student or enthusiast.
The Fiction Shelf
All Things Irish
Michael Loynd
Writers' Press
13321 N. Outer 40 Rd., Ste. 100
Town and County, MO 63017
9781467979764, $8.88, www.amazon.com
Bad luck may be better than no luck. "All Things Irish" follows Meg McKanna and her roller
coaster life out of and back into Door County, Wisconsin, to help her mother's fledgling Irish
cultural shop. With a unique spin of life and the Irish spirit, "All Things Irish" is a charming and
thoughtful read that should prove hard to overlook for general fiction collections.
After Annie: A Novel
Michael Tucker
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012
9781590207352, $24.95, www.overlookpress.com
Trying to put life together again after tragedy is no easy task, but it gets done. "After Annie: A
Novel" is a novel of overcoming grief from author Michael Tucker. Herbie Aaron is devastated
to lose his beloved wife Annie to cancer, but in the aftermath, he finds that bereavement and
middle age aren't anything to let one's life collapse over. "After Annie" is a charming and
humorous adventure into many of life's loves and struggles.
Song of My Heart
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55438
9780764207860, $14.99, www.bethanyhouse.com
Sometimes it's not the content of the song, but the heart of it. "Song of My Heart" is a historical
novel from Kim Vogel Sawyer, who tells the tale of Sadie Wagner, who for her family takes a
less than wholesome job as a clerk and singer in what barely passes for an 'opera house'. When
she becomes struck with a sheriff-minister hopeful, she finds herself split once more, as her
family, her career, and her love all want her going separate directions. "Song of My Heart" is a
charming and much recommended read for historical fiction and romance collections.
River's Call
Melody Carlson
Abingdon Press
PO Box 801
Nashville, TN 37202
9781426712678, $14.99, www.abingdon.org
No one goes through life without crisis, and how we face those crises is how we become better
people. "River's Call" faces the turbulent nature of Anna Larson and her daughter Lauren. In the
1960s, Lauren butts heads with her mother, seeking the guidance of other family, and soon
returns to her mother with greater problems than before. With their inn at the Shining Waters,
Lauren & Anna must work to restore the bonds of mother and daughter for the future of family.
"River's Call" is a moving read on the challenges of family and how to mend what was lost.
Kidnapping Henry Kissinger
Coleman
Peddler Creek
School for Literary and Performing Arts
Mineral Point, WI 53565
9781105507724, $19.95, www.amazon.com
The world can put one up against the wall fairly quickly. "Kidnapping Henry Kissinger" is a
novel following Joe Ball, who leaves prison and finds he hates the world on the outside. As
things build up more and more, he finds that doing nothing grows harder and harder.
"Kidnapping Henry Kissinger" is an intriguing delve into the sum of all things as the country falls
apart.
A Theory of Great Men
Daniel Greenstone
Academy Chicago Publishers
363 West Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60610
9780897336130, $17.95, www.academychicago.com
Greatness can be hard to understand and harder to overcome. "A Theory of Great Men" is a novel
in which high school history teacher George Cavaliere tries to understand the role men have in
the waves of history. Through his own relationship with his school, the man of knowledge learns
much and tries to gain a better understanding of life. "A Theory of Great Men" is a
thought-provoking read on personal impact of lives and our place in history.
Una Vida
Nicolas Bazan
Five Star Publications
PO Box 6698, Chandler, AZ 85246-6698
9781589850989, $15.95, www.unavidanovel.com
The scourge of Alzheimer's disease has cost many people much, but one woman won't let it take
music from her. "Una Vida" follows neuroscientist Alvaro Cruz, who struck with recurring
dreams hunts down a woman whose mind is wasting away, known only as Una Vida, a street
singer in New Orleans. Dr. Nicolas Bazan creates a story rich in New Orleans history to create a
fascinating tale. "Una Vida" is a fine novel that should prove very much recommended
reading.
Sweeter Than Birdsong
Rosslyn Elliot
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000
Nashville, TN 37214
9781595547866, $15.99, www.thomasnelson.com
To break away from destiny, some will take any chance. "Sweeter Than Birdsong" follows Kate
Winter, who wants to flee from the arranged marriage her family has in store for her. Joining a
local musical production, she succeeds in a way she never thought possible. But in 1855 Ohio,
the dark taint that America still holds faces her with choices with serious problems to consider.
"Sweeter Than Birdsong" is a fine blend of historical romance with a touch of faith blended
in.
The Shadow of Your Smile
Susan May Warren
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414334837, $13.99, www.tyndale.com
Realization all too often brings our hatred to the top of our minds. "The Shadow of Your Smile"
is a novel following the crumbling marriage of Noelle and Eli Hueston, already on a rocky start
and more so as Noelle is struck with memory loss. As she tries to come to term with the loss of
her dreams and where it has all come from, she also slowly realizes why she came to love Eli in
the first place. "The Shadow of Your Smile" is a fine pick for any romance fan, very much
recommended.
The Coward's Tale
Vanessa Gebbie
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781608197729, $16.00, www.bloomsbury.com
History is simply a collection of many stories all brought together. "The Coward's Tale" follows
young Laddy Merridew as he comes to a new town in Wales and forms a friendship with old man
Ianto Passchenddaele Jenkins, a beggar and town story teller. Learning about the towns history,
Laddy learns much about history and what binds us all together. "The Coward's Tale" is an
excellent and recommended addition to any general fiction collection.
The Variations
John Donatich
Henry Holt & Company
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 400
New York, NY 10010-7725
9780805094381, $25.00, www.henryholt.com
There comes times in our lives where we only have doubt. "The Variations" is the debut novel of
author John Donatich. It tells the story of Father Dominic who is struck with a conflict of his
faith as his parish seems to be falling apart and he finds himself unable to help those who come
to him in need. Facing a cross roads in his life, the author muses on all our conflicts of thought
and belief in our world. "The Variations" is a choice pick and much recommended for literary
fiction collections.
City of Slaughter
Cynthia Drew
Fithian Press
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
9781564745149, $15.95, www.danielpublishing.com
It isn't difficult for the blind pursuit of industry to destroy lives. "City of Slaughter" is a novel set
in the rough period of the very early twentieth century and the core of the Tammany Hall politics.
Teenager Carsie Akselrod works in a sweatshop, taking meager pay due to the needs of family.
Eventually winding up in what may be her undoing, "City of Slaughter" presents a personal story
of life being torn apart by poverty and the harshness of life in 1910s New York City.
Threads
Steven Schrader
Hanging Loose Press
231 Wyckoff Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
9781934909270, $18.00, www.hangingloosepress.com
Sometimes the only thing that describe our path is just simply life. "Threads: More Stories from a
New York Life" is a collection of short fiction from Steven Schrader as he reflects on life as a
teacher and writer, pondering life, and holding nothing back as he muses on the classics while
facing the modern. "Threads" is an excellent and choice read for short fiction collections,
recommended.
Bent Road
Lori Roy
Plume
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10014
9780452297593, $15.00, www.penguin.com
What we expect and seek out of life sometimes is never completely clear. "Bent Road" is a novel
from Lori Roy, following Celia Scott as she tries to piece together her life with her secretive
husband returning to his old home and bringing her and her family with him. As she faces the
many other problems on the street as well as her husband's secrets, "Bent Road" is a riveting read
that should prove hard to put down.
A Wedding to Remember
Annalisa Daughety
Barbour Publishing
P.O. Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
9781616265342, $12.99, www.barbourbooks.com
Our dreams often simply become escapes from a sad reality. "A Wedding to Remember: In
Charleston, South Carolina" is a novel telling of Summer Nelson, wedding planner, and her own
crumbling marriages. But her husband Luke doesn't want the marriage to collapse just yet. As the
two try to forge a path through their lives in the face of uncertainty, "A Wedding to Remember"
is a strongly recommended pick for romance and fiction collections.
A Time to Heal
Seye Oke
West Bow Press
1663 Liberty Dr. Suite #300
Bloomington, IN 47403
9781449714147, $13.95, www.westbowpress.com
The force of war may be more than enough to shatter the bonds of marriage. "A Time to Heal" is
the story of Chidi and Tori, a couple in danger of being torn apart by war. Struggling to find a bit
of peace, Chidi feels he must chose between his country and his home and no choice proves easy.
"A Time to Heal" is a fine read that should very much prove hard to put down, highly
recommended.
Citizen Dwyer
Sean McCarthy
New Island
c/o DuFour
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781848401228, $27.95, www.dufouredtions.com
From small town life, one can go through the many obstacles of life and find anything and
everything. "Citizen Dwyer" is a novel following Michael Dwyer, a man who Sean McCarthy
crafts a Renaissance man's of history who has done much and seen much, much like figures
throughout history. Spinning a novel of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries,
"Citizen Dwyer" is an excellent read that should prove quite hard to put down.
Unbroken
Jamie Lisa Forbes
Prong Horn Press
PO Box 707, Greybull, WY 82426
9781932636611, $19.95, www.amazon.com
In the fields of Wyoming, the struggles of life in the small towns and fields can be quite testing.
"Unbroken" is a novel from Jamie Lisa Forbes as she explores the relationship of Gwen Swan
and Meg Bareburn, two women who feel isolated from their families, and trying to get by.
Following the conflict of the families, and the extent of how much friendship can do, "Unbroken"
is a fine and much recommended pick for general fiction collections.
Very Short Stories
Sean Hill
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440
Berkeley, CA 94703-3440
9781612430164, $14.95, www.ulyssespress.com
Brevity is the soul of wit, and flash fiction carries this to its conclusion. "Very Short Stories: 300
Bite-Size Works of Fiction" is an assortment of flash fiction from Sean Hill, presenting an
intriguing delve into the human nature in two dozen words or so. Discussing many subjects with
a sort of spin of prose-poem, "Very Short Stories" is a thoughtful and humorous collection, not to
be overlooked.
The Travel Shelf
Caloosahatchee River Guidebook
Kevin M. McCarthy
Pineapple Press, Inc.
PO Box 3889, Sarasota, FL 34230
9781561645077, $14.95, www.pineapplepress.com
Mankind builds along rivers, and this attracts history to the rivers. "Caloosahatchee River
Guidebook" is a history and travel guide of the river, following the river that runs deep into
Florida and its history from the era of the Native Americans and how it runs into the modern day,
with conservation efforts taking shape. "Caloosahatchee River Guidebook" is filled with plenty
to consider for those who are planning a trip to the everglades region, complete with black and
white photography throughout.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
A Spirituality of Living
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Upper Room Books
PO Box 340003
Nashville, TN 37203-0003
9780835810883, $12.00, www.upperroom.org
No man is an island, but no man is his island either. "A Spirituality of Living" is a spiritual
discussion of the individuals role in their life, the lives of their community, and in faith and
spirituality. Henri J. M. Nouwen, late thinker and writer, presents the connections of the person,
the group, and their faith and offers much to think about in how the three should interact. "A
Spirituality of Living" is an excellent compilation that is very much worth considering for
spirituality and thought collections.
Princes & Ogres
Don Mordasini
Millennial Mind Publishing
c/o American Book Publishing
5442 So. 900 East #146, Salt Lake City, UT 84117-7204
9781589828254, $22.00, www.american-book.com
It takes catastrophe to realize what's truly important at times. "Princes & Ogres: Integration of
Psyche and Soul" discusses the journey of self-discovery Don Mordasini had as he lost his
stockbroker success and family in a short time, and with much thought, became a
psychotherapist. Sharing what he has learned about faith and life, "Princes & Ogres" is a very
interesting read of life's evolution of beliefs, very much recommended.
From Loss to Enlightenment
Corinne Beth Gravenese
Balboa Press
1663 Liberty Dr. Suite #300
Bloomington, IN 47403
9781352534213, $11.95, www.balboapress.com
The loss of a child can make one believe everything they have done is for naught. "From Loss to
Enlightenment" is a spiritual and philosophical read from Corinne Beth Gravenese, as she
reflects on the challenges of losing a child and the struggles of trying to bounce back to life. A
mother of four, she reflects her own journey in hopes it will inspire others. "From Loss to
Enlightenment" is an excellent pick for inspirational collections focusing on grief and loss.
The Memoir Shelf
The Military Orchid
Jocelyn Brooke
Little Toller Books
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781908213051, $22.95, www.dufoureditions.com
Carving out a laborious existence just isn't for some people. "The Military Orchid" is a memoir
from career military man Jocelyn Brooke, who after his grueling service in World War II, decides
to rejoin, unsatisfied with civilian life. With additions from many literary professionals reflecting
on Brooke's writing career and created many works. "The Military Orchid" is a strong addition to
any memoir and biography collection, thoughtful and recommended.
My Year of Living Fearlessly
Amber Karlins
Gollehon Books
KSB Promotions (publicity)
55 Honey Creek Ave NE
Ada, MI 49301-9768
9780914839842, $12.99, www.ksbpromotions.com
Fear isn't all that rational, so why do we let it hold us back? "My Year of Living Fearlessly: A
Comedy About Facing Your Fears" is a unique memoir from Amber Karlins, who decided to
trump her better judgment and do what she always wanted to try, from ideas as harmless as stage
fright for stand up comedy, eating fire, or going face to face with meat eating predators. "My
Year of Living Fearlessly" proves inspirational, humorous, and very much recommended
reading.
Sharing the Road
Case J. Boot
Dordt College Press
498 Fourth Avenue NE
Sioux Center, IA 51250
9780932914897, $7.00, www.dordt.edu
Parkinson's disease is certainly an inconvenience, but it should never be treated as a death
sentence. "Sharing the Road: A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease" is an inspiring memoir
from Case J. Boot as he moves readers through the plights of the disease, and how with faith, he
didn't let it cripple him in his own drive to still make a positive difference in the world. "Sharing
the Road" is a driven read that proves quite thoughtful and is much recommended reading.
It Started with Dracula
Jane Congdon
c/o SCB Distributors
15608 South New Century Drive
Gardena, CA 90248
9781936332106, $15.95, www.scbdistrubutors.com
A lifelong crush on evil's dignified face can lead to a unique sort of soul searching. "It Started
with Dracula: The Count, My Mother, and Me" is a unique memoir from Jane Congdon as she
explores her childhood memories of being fascinated with Count Dracula, that led her to a trip to
Hungary and the supposed location of these films. In her trip, she begins to reflect on her
childhood for what it really is, and comes to terms with the problems she never addressed. "It
Started with Dracula" is a humorous and touching memoir, very much recommended.
The Poetry Shelf
Between Storms
Carol V. Davis
Truman State University Press
100 East Normal Street
Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
9781612480541, $15.95, http://tsup.truman.edu
The calm periods of life are truly worth cherishing. "Between Storms" is a collection of award
winning poetry from Carol V. Davis, who brings her prolific career together with this latest
volume. With humor and a touch of appreciation, "Between Storms" is a strongly recommended
pick for general poetry collections. "Before Dark": Up the road just before/Dark the clouds
flatten/The horizon/shaped as a mattress hoarding wire/Lances the porcupine's/Quills of
branches/Piece the gunpowder sky/Cinches at the edges of/hunger the wind slapping/Night
against the valley/Walls, the clawing hunger.
Plans Deranged by Time
George Fetherling
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554586318, $16.95, wlupress.wlu.ca
Poetry is a skill that only improves with time. "Plans Deranged by Time: The Poetry of George
Fetherling" is a collection of poetry from George Fetherling, a prolific and renown Canadian
poet, offering a look at urban life with a frankness and humor that can't be touched. Put together
by A. F. Mortiz, "Plans Deranged by Time" is a fine selection of the best of Canadian poetry,
much recommended. "Mother Goddness": Just as the goddess rises dripping from the lake like a
woman on an escalator whose topmost step knows a moment of glory/on its way to being
reborn//so does the surf keep/slapping the beach like a punctured tyre going round and
round.
The Juno Charm
Nuala Ni Chonchuir
Salmon Poetry
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781907056642, $21.95, www.dufoureditions.com
The bonds we enter in may be eternal, or only ever so brief. "The Juno Charm" is a collection of
poetry from Nuala Ni Chonchuir, as she presents stories of marriage and the struggles that can
bring them closer yet drive them apart. With much to ponder, "The Juno Charm" is an excellent
assortment of heartfelt poetry, not to be overlooked. "A Cezanne Nude": I stand as still/as a fruit
on a plate.//My breasts are plums, my behind a peach.//Monsieru says if I Move,/he will pulp
me.//So I hand him/my daguerreotype//and leave the door open/on my way out.
Countdown
Carole Satyamurti
Bloodaxe
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781852249120, $21.95, www.bloodaxebooks.com
Mortality is a time limit on life, whether we are aware of it or not. "Countdown" is a collection of
poetry from Carole Satyamurti, as she explores a world that moves forward as we gain and lose
things dear to us and not so dear to us. Distinctly human, "Countdown" is a thoughtful collection
of poetry, very much worth considering. "Life on Mir": They took small fish, to observe/the
effects of weightlessness in water.//Goldfish, ordinary on earth, were now/miraculous, their
glitter precious currency,/their tiny mouths O and O a greeting.//So that when they died some
men wept,/feeling, as if for the first time,/how grave a life is. Any life at all.
Red is the Rose
O'Brien
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781847172365, $12.95, www.dufoureditions.com
Poems are an extension of love, and love is the rawest emotion. "Red is the Rose: A Book of
Irish Love Poems" is a collection of poetry from a wide range of well known Irish writers such as
W. B. Years, Thomas Moore, and Joseph Mary Plunkett, among others. "Red is the Rose" is a
choice pick for those with a love of poetry, especially with a romantic tilt. "The Lions" by Joseph
Mary Plunkett: Her hair's the canopy of heaven, Her eyes the pools of healing are,/her words wild
prophecies who seven/Thunders resound from star to star.//Her hands and feet are jewels
fine/Wrought for the edifice of all grace,/Her breath inebriates like wine -/The blinding beauty of
her face/Is lovelier than the primal light/And holds her lover's pride apart/to tame the lions of the
night/That range the wilderness of his heart.
Demarcations
Jean Follain
Host Publications
1000 East 7th Street, Suite 201
Austin, TX 78702
9780924047886, $15.00, www.hostpublications.com
Good poetry knows no age. "Demarcations" is a collection of poetry from Jean Follain, deftly
translated by Kurt Heinzelman. The French poet's work, reflects on a world pulling itself out of
conflict, reflecting on a battered people both defeated and victorious. With the original French
and English translation side by side, "Demarcations" is a fine collection of poetry, not to be
overlooked. "Medieval": A flower is seen to unfold/in slow motion/tins and nails/depleting the
clarity/a seed of torn flesh/left over on the wheel/and the naked girl/of the thirteenth century/is
struggling with her arms and breasts/against time itself/besides a rose of stone.
Married Into It
Patricia Frolander
High Plains Press
403 Cassa Road
Glendo, WY 82213
9780931271960, $12.95, www.highplainspress.com
A grand path of nature, the American West has a truly unique spirit to it. "Married Into It: Poetry
of the American West" is a collection of poetry from Patricia Frolander as she speaks on the
serene nature of the west and the clarity it can bring one's views of the world as a whole.
"Married Into It" is a choice pick for poetry collections, much recommend. "The Notice": Down
the Road/shoulders sag as he leans against the door frame,/gaze following the ridge/as trees
become velvet silhouette.//He drinks the scent of freshly cut alfalfa,/a checkerboard of bales
fading from hollow view.//Bile rising,/he wipes the moisture from his hatband/with a word that
frames his life's work - foreclosure.
The Business Shelf
The Mobile Marketing Handbook, second edition
Kim Dushinski
Cyber Age
c/o Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055-8750
9780910965903, $29.95, www.infotoday.com
More and more people are carrying mobile devices, going far beyond what was once expected of
a cell phone. "The Mobile Marketing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Dynamic
Mobile Marketing Campaigns" is a unique approach to marketing and advertising from Kim
Dushinski as she presents to technological novices the latest in marketing know how for the
connected and technologically inclined generation. From building customer relationships to
reaching new clients, "The Mobile Marketing Handbook" is a must for anyone advertising in this
high end technology era.
Risk Only Money
Jack DeBoer
Rockhill Books
c/o Kansas City Star Books
1729 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64108
9781611690118, $19.95, www.worldvision.org
Money is easy replaced, family and friends are not so much. "Risk Only Money: Success in
Business Without Risking Family, Friends, and Reputation" is an inspirational read from Jack
DeBoer as he discusses the lessons he learned as a human being, stating that while money comes
and goes, one should never gamble on personal relationships. "Risk Only Money" is a strongly
recommended pick for anyone going down life's avenues.
Superior Productivity
Paul Fogel
Health Professions Press
PO Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
1878812939, $26.95, www.healthpropress.com
Productivity is the core of any successful business. "Superior Productivity in Health Care
Organizations: How to Get It, How to Keep It" is a guide to productivity in the less clear avenue
of health care, as Paul Fogel presents a useful walk through to the health care business, how to
increase revenue, runt he business strategically and ethically, and how to grow one's business
further, and how to deal with hard times without falling back on stopgap measures. "Superior
Productivity in Health Care Organizations" is a strongly recommended pick for any manager of a
health care related business.
Seeing the Big Picture
Kevin Cope
Greenleaf Book Group Press
PO Box 91869
Austin, TX 78709
9781608322466, $21.95, www.greenleafbookgroup.com
Success is best savored instead of rushed. "Seeing the Big Picture: Business Acumen to Build
You Credibility, Career, and Company" is a guide to the fundamentals of business and how to
bring them to a higher level of understanding that can see the future of the company. Taking cues
from the most successful business leaders, Kevin Cope presents a guide that encourages business
acumen and expertise in a field joining together and leading to better numbers. "Seeing the Big
Picture" is a wise read for anyone who wants a more complete and comprehensive view of the
business world so they can best gain an understanding of it.
The Shaping of an Effective Leader
Gayle D. Beebe
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400
Downers Grove, IL 605151426
9780830838202, $16.00, www.ivpress.com
Leadership is a quality that everyone wants but few understand. "The Shaping of an Effective
Leader: Eight Formative Principles of Leadership" discusses the qualities of leadership and how
they may be embraced for greater performance in one's job, taking charge and leading one's
business to success. Written by a leader of education, business, and faith, "The Shaping of an
Effective Leader" is a read that is very much recommended to community library business
reference collections.
The Gaming Shelf
One Trick at a Time
Jim Jackson
Master Point Press
331 Douglas Avenue
Toronto, ON, Canada, M5M 1H2
9781897106846, $18.95, www.masterpointpress.com
Bridge is more than luck; it's about playing the game and playing your opponents. "One Trick at a
Time: How to Start Winning at Bridge" is a guide for gaining a greater mastery with their game,
and gaining more victories on that low personal level of bridge playing. Jim Jackson's guide is
aimed at those of intermediate skill level and want to keep improving their game. With its own
dose of humor and plenty of wisdom for making the most of their game, "One Trick a Time" is a
must for those wanting to take the next step in bridge.
The Geology Shelf
Michigan's Pictured Rocks
William L. Blewett
Wayne State University Press
The Leonard N. Simons Building
4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814334416, $22.95, http://wsupress.wayne.edu
Nature's beauty is more than green. "Michigan's Pictured Rocks: National Lakeshore and
Vicinity" reveals the geology and landscape throughout Michigan, especially that of the cliffs that
surround the great lakes. Presenting a collection of photography that emphasizes the simple
majesty of the state's geological history, William L. Blewett accompanies the photos with
scientific reflection and an appreciation of what has come to pass. "Michigan's Pictured Rocks" is
a strong pick for any collection focused on geology or nature photography.
The Computer Shelf
GPU Pro3
Wolfgang Engel, editor
CRC Press
Suite 300
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781439887820, $69.95, www.crcpress.com
The weight of graphics have only been increasing in these productions. "GPU Pro3: Advanced
Rendering Techniques" is a guide to high end computer graphics for video games and computer
animation. Discussing the latest advancements in technology and graphical artistry, taken from
fifty of the industry's best, it covers tips on creating interesting geometry, shading, illumination
shadows, optimizing 3D engines, and much more. "GPU Pro3" is presented with full color
photos of graphical examples, charts, indexes, glossaries, and much more, making it an ideal
addition to community and college collections catering to technology and artistic design.
The Cookbook Shelf
Lone Star Chefs
John DeMers, author
Julie Soefer, photographer
Bright Sky Press
2365 Rice Blvd. #202
Houston, TX 77005
9781933979809 $29.95 www.brightskypress.com
Lone Star Chefs: Texas Masters Share Their Culinary Creations is a gorgeous, full-color,
coffee-table cookbook revealing some of the most sumptuous delicacies that Texas cuisine has to
offer. From Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho with Lump Blue Crab and Thai Basil, to
Southwestern Caesar Salad with Polenta Croutons, Goat Cheese and Pine Nut-Crusted Beef
Tenderloin, and even tasty desserts such as Dublin Dr. Pepper Float with Cinnamon Bunuelo
Cookies, Lone Star Chefs explores an immense variety of memorable culinary creations. Lone
Star Chefs is also packed with far more than just recipes and photographs; author John DeMers
offers essays grounded in hours he has personally spent in the kitchen and the dining room with a
diversity of expert Texas chefs. The result is a treasury for anyone who loves good food or the
Lone Star State!
The Fresh Egg
Jennifer Trainer Thompson
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
9781603429788, $14.95, www.storey.com
The Egg is a highly versatile product. "The Fresh Egg Cookbook: From Chicken to Kitchen" is a
guide for fresh eggs, from classical recipes to the more creative ways of using the eggs, author
Jennifer Trainer Thompson provides a fascinating and diverse walk through egg based cooking
for any meal of the day. With additional wisdom on fresh products, chicken raising and more,
"The Fresh Egg Cookbook" is a solid and recommended pick for any fresh cooking
enthusiast.
Peanut Butter Sweets
Pamela Bennett
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667
Layton UT 84041
9781423624486, $19.99, www.gibbs-smith.com
Peanut butter is a fine base for any sweet tooth. "Peanut Butter Sweets" is a guide for those who
are searching for peanut butter-based delicacies and how to fully embrace them on many levels.
From cookies, sauces, cakes, and pies, Pamela Bennett presents a full color cookbook to make
plenty of fine dishes no matter what one's particular favorite sweets are. "Peanut Butter Sweets"
is a strongly recommended addition to personal and community library cookbook
collections.
The Mom 100 Cookbook
Katie Workman
Workman Publishing Company
225 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014-4381
9780761166030, $16.95, www.workman.com
The role of the traditional mother is not one with a lot of time to rest. "The Mom 100 Cookbook:
100 Recipes Every Mom Needs in Her Back Pocket" is a collection of 100 staple recipes that are
designed to deal with the countless cooking challenges that will inevitably happen to the cooking
mother, with variations to switch up to meet picky eaters, ingredient shortages, and much more.
Presented in full color with recipes ranging from the spicing up of simple vegetables to complex
Mexican casseroles, "The Mom 100 Cookbook" is a read that shouldn't be overlooked by the
busy mother who always wants the answer to any culinary situation.
Polish Touches
Jacek Nowakowski & Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret
Penfield Books
215 Brown Street
Iowa City, IA 52245-5801
9781932043754, $19.95, www.penfieldbooks.com
The culture of Poland isn't the most pronounced to the American mind, but there are many flavors
and traditions to be enjoyed. "Polish Touches: Recipes and Traditions" is a collection of Polish
culture in America, presenting organizations and sites throughout the country for those of Polish
heritage or just students of culture to look to. Also included are various Polish food recipes,
presented in to the point format. "Polish Touches" is a choice pick for anyone with an enthusiasm
for Polish culture.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Preaching in Plenty and in Want
Matthew Tennant
Judson Press
PO Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
9780817016999, $15.99, www.judsonpress.com
As times switch from plenty to tough, preachers should speak to their congregations struggles.
"Preaching in Plenty and in Want" is a guide for Christian leaders and preachers as they try to
help their people navigate through these stressful times. With tips on better understanding
economics in the fundamental sense, the scripture's thoughts on the struggles, and how the
economy affects one's congregation in general. "Preaching in Plenty and in Want" is a strong pick
for Christian collections in general.
Reading the Early Church Fathers
James L. Papandrea
Paulist Press
997 MacArthur Boulevard
Mahwah, NJ 07430
9780809147519, $24.95, www.paulistpress.com
To understand the foundation of the church, you must understand its founders. "Reading the
Early Church Fathers: From the Didache to Nicaea" explores the early days of the Christian
Church in the twilight of the New Testament era, and its rise in a Church that went from
blasphemous to holy in the eyes of the Roman Empire. "Reading the Church Fathers" is a core
addition to any church history collection that is looking to explore the earliest history more
thoroughly.
Stronger than Pain
Arlene Kauffman
Vision Publishers
PO Box 190
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
9781932676174, $8.99, www.vision-publishers.com
Faced with overwhelming chronic pain, it can be quite soul crushing. "Stronger than Pain:
Indescribable Pain, Multiple Surgeries, Repeated Setbacks: Is God Able?" is a memoir from
Arlene Kaufmann, as she shares her story of being faced with heavy pain and disability, and how
looking to faith gave her the strength to overcome. Hoping her story will inspire others to look to
faith for the ability to push themselves forwards, "Stronger than Pain" is well worth considering
for Christian and inspirational collections.
The Eastern Church
Amy Salgle
Northern Illinois University Press
2280 Bethany Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
9780875806709, $25.00, www.niupress.niu.edu
The Eastern Orthodox church is a voice often forgotten in the discussion of Christianity. "The
Eastern Church in the Spiritual Marketplace: American Conversations to Orthodox Christianity"
is a delve into the Americans who chose the Orthodox Church, the church of the Byzantine
Empire, and more recently, traditional Russian Christianity. Discussing the principles of the
church and how it is attracting American followers which are more commonly split between
Protestant and Catholic sects, "The Eastern Church in the Spiritual Marketplace" is a strong read
for anyone considering all sides to the modern theological debate.
The Ignatian Adventure
Kevin O'Brien, SJ
Loyola Press
3441 North Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
9780829435771, $14.95, www.LoyolaBooks.org
To peer deeper into faith isn't something so easily done for many Christians. "The Ignatian
Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in Daily Life" is a
comprehensive guide to the faith of St. Ignatius Loyola, as author and Jesuit priest Kevin O'
Brien present an studious exploration of faith and how to gain a better understanding of it. "The
Ignatian Adventure" is a powerful addition to any Christian studies collection and for any
Christian who is seeking a more scholarly understanding of faith and St. Ignatius.
Journey to the Heart
Kim Nataraja, editor
Orbis Books
PO Box 308
Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
9781570759383, $35.00, www.orbisbooks.com
Throughout history, many thinkers have defined what it means to be Christian. "Journey to the
Heart: Christian Contemplation Through the Centuries" studies the traditions of Christianity from
the words of Christ, those who founded the Church, through the middle ages, Renaissance, and
modern thinkers as well as it comes to furthering Christian thought and ideal. "Journey to the
Heart" is an insightful read that shouldn't be overlooked by community library Christian studies
collections.
Heart to Heart
John Henry Newman
Ave Maria Press
PO Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556
9780870612558, $15.95, www.christian-classics.com
Prayer is something personal, and should have your knowledge and focus. "Heart to Heart" is a
prayer book from priest and scholar John Henry Newman, beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in
2010, known for his sweeping conversion of followers to Catholicism. Offering perspective on
the man and his beliefs, "Heart to Heart" is a strong read for any Christian, highly
recommended.
Made to Crave
Lysa Terkeurst
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49530
97803103344705, $12.99, www.zondervan.com
In any pursuit, one must keep their faith rolling high. "Made to Crave Devotional: 60 Days to
Craving God, Not Food" is a collection of spiritual readings aimed at helping readers battle their
weight and health problems. Straight forward reading for those who can be charged by faith,
"Made to Crave Devotional" is a must have for Christian dieters.
The Martial Arts Shelf
Bagua and Tai Chi
Bruce Frantzis
Blue Snake Books
c/o North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
9781593943595, $19.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com
While Martial Arts was initially founded in self-defense, it has proved an avenue to the calm that
we all seek. "Bagua and Tai Chi: Exploring the Potential of Chi, Martial Arts, Meditation and the
I Ching" is a study of these disciplines, as Bruce Frantzis relays the teachings from Lineage
Master Liu Hung in how to use Tai Chi and Bagua to embrace greater health, clear one's mind,
find relaxation, and even how to use it for defensive purposes. "Bagua and Tai Chi" is an
intriguing pick for those who enjoy the martial arts for any self-improvement purposes.
The American History Shelf
Right Here I See My Own Books
Sarah Wadsworth & Wayne A. Wiegand
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429
Amherst, MA 01004
9781558499287 $28.95 www.umass.edu/umpress
Right Here I See My Own Books: The Woman's Building Library at the World's Columbian
Exposition chronicles the historic first effort in America to create a comprehensive library of
women's texts, as one of the marvels of the World's Columbia Exposition in Chicago. The
Women's Building was an exhibit hall of the products of women's labor, including more than
8,000 volumes of interdisciplinary writing by and for women. Right Here I See My Own Books
further examines the interplay of this landmark collection with the women's movement and the
professionalization of librarianship in late nineteenth-century America. Extensive notes and an
index round out this thoughtful examination of a turning point in American society.
West from Salt Lake
Jesse G. Petersen, editor
The Arthur H. Clark Company
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780870624070 $34.95 www.ahclark.com
The twenty-third volume of the American Trails series, West from Salt Lake: Diaries from the
Central Overland Trail gathers excerpts (many previously unpublished) from twenty-three diaries
of emigrants who traveled from Salt Lake City to California during the mid-1800's. Packed with
stories of the hardships of overland crossing, survival in the desert, encounters with Indians,
soldiers, and miners, and more make West from Salt Lake an invaluable primary testimony.
Extensive clarifying footnotes, a bibliography, and an index round out this excellent journal
collection, highly recommended especially for college library American History shelves.
Gone at 3:17
David M. Brown & Michael Wereschagin
Potomac Books, Inc.
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166-2012
9781612341538, $29.95, www.potomacbooksinc.com
The causes of an accident are hard to spot before it happens, but the reality is crystal clear after
the fact. "Gone at 3:17: The Untold Story of the Worst School Disaster in American History"
tells the history behind the hundreds of deaths that occurred at March 18th, 1937 at 3:17 p.m.,
where a gas leak in London Junior-Senior High School in London and New London, Texas lead a
vicious explosion. Looking at what lead up to the accident and how it could have been stopped,
David M. Brown and Michael Wereschagin present a scholarly analysis of the tragedy and what
can be learned. "Gone at 3:17" is a strong addition to any social issues and history
collection.
The World History Shelf
7 Tipping Points that Saved the World
Chris Stewart & Ted Stewart
Shadow Mountain
PO Box 30178
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0178
9781606419519, $28.99, www.shadowmountain.com
Freedom is a rare concept in the pages of history. "The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points that
Saved the World" is a delve into history that seeks to define freedom and look at the instances of
history that led to a greater freedom of those involved with such a conflict. From ancient
conflicts of Biblical Kingdoms and the fight of the Greek Democracy for survival, to the
discovery of the New World, and the triumph over tyranny, "The Miracle of Freedom" is a very
western-driven look at the push for freedom and its many obstacles, recommended.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Injustice for All
Robin Caroll
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37234-0143
9781433672125, $14.99, www.bhpublishinggroup.com
When those who protect the law reject it, many are conflicted on who to trust. "Injustice For All"
follows Remington Wyatt, who when her Godfather, a federal judge, is murdered, finds herself
on the run. FBI Agent Rafe Baxter years later reopens the unsolved case, and begins to seek the
truth, but only finds people who can't trust him as an authority. "Injustice for All" is a complex
story with plenty of twists and turns, and should prove hard to put down, highly
recommended.
Partners in Crime
Rolando Hinojosa
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
452 Cullen Performance Hall
Houston, TX 77204-2004
9781558857414, $16.95, www.artepublicopress.com
As violent death becomes epidemic, it can all too easy to overwhelm the law. "Partners in Crime"
is a novel from Rolando Hinojosa, following a story of Lieutenant Detective Rafe Buenrostro
covering a string of homicides and gang violence around the Texas-Mexico border. A conflict
that pushes the limits between borders and the pursuit of justice, "Partners in Crime" is a riveting
novel that will speak to readers of fast paced fiction and mystery.
The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu
Sax Rohmer
Titan Books
144 Southwark Street
London, UK SE1 0UP
9780857686039 $9.95 www.titanbooks.com
Titan Books has taken the opportunity to reprint The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu, the beginning
of Sax Rohmer's pulp mystery-action classic series set in early 1900's London. In The Mystery of
Dr. Fu-Manchu, Denis Nayland Smith must race against time to stop the devious and utterly
murderous "Devil Doctor" Fu-Manchu from murdering more victims. An "Appreciating Dr.
Fu-Manchu" post-essay by Leslie S. Klinger enhances this exciting tale of adventure, intrigue,
and horrific danger that attracted a devoted following! Also highly recommended for fans of
two-fisted struggle against implacable evil is Rohmer's second book in the long-cherished series,
"The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu" (9780857686046, $9.95).
The Sports Shelf
Bad Sports
Dave Zirin
The New Press
38 Greene Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10013
9781595587824, $17.95, www.thenewpress.com
The influence of greed is poisoning sports. "Bad Sports: How Owners Are Ruining the Games
we Love" discusses the increasing influence of owners in many major sports leagues and how
they are negatively impacting the spirit of the game. From soaring ticket prices to leeching off a
society that already broke, Dave Zirin writes on how these problems came about, where it's
going, and what can be done. "Bad Sports" is a fine and much recommended pick for any sports
fan who feels the spirit has been lost.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
The Liminal People
Ayize Jama-Everett
Small Beer Press
150 Pleasant Street #306
Easthampton, MA 01027
9781931520331, $16.00, www.smallbeerpress.com
Aiding others isn't always a simple concept. "The Liminal People" is a blend of urban fantasy and
noir from Ayize Jama-Everett, as he follows Taggert, a man with both creative and destructive
powers, as he struggles through his place in the razor neck crew, as he tries to help an old love.
Having to go against his masters, he views as worth it for the sake of family. "The Liminal
People" is a riveting read that bends genres in a fascinating way.
Body Trade
Gary E. Kraus & Paul Popp
L&L Dreamspell
376 West Quarry Road
London, TX 76854
9781603182942, $17.95, www.lldreamspell.com
Medical science has come far, with many vital organs such as heart and lungs being fully
transplanted. "Body Trade" tells of Dr. Garrett Fieldings advancements that may make the final
frontier of human transplants possible - the brain. Uncertain of the effects of such a discovery, he
pushes forward when presented with two individuals, one destined for death by internal injuries,
and one who is brain dead. Saving a life, he faces backlash for the radical nature of his
procedure, and the dark abuses that could follow. "Body Trade" is a fascinating read with original
spins on science and medical ethics.
Thief of Midnight
Catherine Butzen
Stark House Press
4720 Herron Road
Eureka, CA 95503
9781933586311, $15.95, www.starkhousepress.com
The paranormal produces a war that rages on for ages. "Thief of Midnight" is a blend of mystery
and fantasy from Catherine Butzen as she presents a story of Abby Marquise, monster hunter and
her pursuit of the disappearing children across the globe. Juggling her duties as a protector of
reality with motherhood becomes more difficult as her oblivious son begins to learn more and
more. Meanwhile, the spirit world is trying to solve problems of its own, and it may be setting
themselves up for a clash with Abby. "Thief of Midnight" proves quite riveting for those who
like a bit of modernity in their fantasy, much recommended. Also from Stark House, from their
Classics Collection, are "Wild to Possess/A Taste for Sin" (9781933586106, $19.95) and "A
Devil for O'Shaugnessy/The Three-Way Split" (9781933586205, $14.95), two omnibuses of pulp
noir writer Gil Brewer, who gained notoriety in the era with his no holds barred image of hard
boiled life and sex - and the second compilation features the print debut for both mysteries.
The Gardening Shelf
Garden Wisdom
Jerry Apps
Wisconsin Historical Society Press
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53575
9780870204944, $26.95, www.wisconsinhistory.org
The agricultural roots of America are making a return with greater and greater gardens. "Garden
Wisdom: Lessons Learned from 60 Years of Gardening" is a guide to modern gardening from
Jerry Apps, who guides readers on what he has learned spending decades gardening about life
and his own know how. With recipes and advice as well as memoir, "Garden Wisdom" is a
thoughtful walk through recent history, the love of gardening, and life in Wisconsin, highly
recommended.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Mend It Better
Kristin M. Roach
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
9781603425643 $18.95 www.storey.com
Filled cover to cover with step-by-step, user-friendly instructions and full-color photographs,
Mend It Better: Creative Patch, Darning, and Stitching lives up to its title with tips, tricks, and
techniques to mend stained or damaged clothing in creative and stylish ways. From surface
stitches like fixing a seam with torn fabric, to beautiful patches that enhance a garment, to
restoring lost buttons and fixing buttonholes, to working with beads and sequins, and much more,
Mend It Better emphasizes not how to restore clothes, but also how to improve them with
personal pizzazz! Highly recommended for any practical-minded needlework collection.
Noah's Knits: The Story of Noah's Ark With 16 Knitted Projects
Fiona Goble
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
9781449409791, $16.99, www.andrewsmcmeel.com
"Noah's Knits: The Story of Noah's Ark With 16 Knitted Projects" is a creative collection of
Bible inspired knit projects that illustrate the story of Noah and the ark. Including instructions for
knitting figures of Noah, his wife, and 14 pairs of animals, plus a cardboard fold-out ark
complete with a ramp included in a pocket on the book's back cover. Fabulous color photos of
finished ark knitted projects adorn every page. Not only are there complete, easy to follow
instructions for each knitted figure, but also "Noah's Knits" includes a helpful necessary supplies
list and handy, color-coded basic knitting stitches instructions plus extra help for putting pieces
together and adding finishing touches such as crochet and embroidery. In all, "Noah's Knits" is an
adorable complete craft manual for creating the first flood family and menagerie out of yarn.
Children will love learning the Bible story told with creations from "Noah's Knits."
Norwegian Mittens & Gloves
Annemor Sundbo
Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road
North Pomfret, VT 05033
Independent Publishers Group (distributor)
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
9781570764950, $24.95, www.trafalgarbooks.com
Norway is not a warm place - and its people have developed ways of dealing with that.
"Norwegian Mittens & Gloves: Over 25 Classic Designs for Warm Fingers and Stylish Hands" is
a guide for needleworkers who want to apply that Norwegian efficiency and style for themselves
or those they love. Taking ideas from traditional gloves and mittens, Annemor Sundbo has made
these designs a career, and shares what she has learned over the years with readers. Presented in
full color with a touch of history, "Norwegian Mittens & Gloves" is a strong addition to any
needleworking collection.
The Self-Help Shelf
Living Through Personal Crisis
Ann Kaiser Stearns
Idyll Arbor, Inc.
PO Box 720
Ravensdale, WA 98051
9781882883875, $15.00, www.idyllarbor.com
Life's crisis and problems are unavoidable, and how we handle them are how he come out ahead
of it all. "Living Through Personal Crisis" is an inspirational guide from Ann Kaiser Stearns as
she advises readers on how to face the hardships of life head on and overcome them thoughtfully
and well. "Living Through Personal Crisis" is worth considering for those facing a hard time and
are at a loss on processing the emotional deadlock.
Unchain the Pain
Bob Livingstone
NorLights Press
762 State Road 458
Bedford, IN 47421
9781935254591, $15.95, www.norlightspress.com
A little self-diagnosis can give one a pre-emptive strike on their problems. "Unchain the Pain:
How to Be Your Own Therapist" is a guide from Bob Livingstone on self-therapy, dealing with
one's own internal problems in their own way before embracing a professional. Asking readers to
question themselves always and drive themselves forward, "Unchain the Pain" is a wise read,
well worth considering.
How to Have Courage, Calmness, and Confidence
Paramhansa Yogananda
Crystal Clarity Publishers
14618 Tyler Foote Road
Nevada City, CA 95959
9781565892491, $11.95, www.crystalclarity.com
With clarity of thought comes greater efforts for peace. "How to Have Courage, Calmness, and
Confidence" is the fifth volume of Yoga and Eastern philosophy from Paramhansa Yogananda as
the thinker brings readers qualities to consider in their own route to a clearer thought in
improving their soul, conquering the anxieties of life, and use it to heal their mind and enjoy their
life at a grater level. "How to Have Courage, Calmness, and Confidence" is an excellent pick for
any follower of eastern spirituality, strongly recommended.
When You Think You're Not Enough
Daphne Rose Kingma
Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7
Newburyport, MA 01950-4600
9781573245340, $14.95, www.redwheelweiser.com
Believing in oneself is the first step to greater success in life. "When You Think You're Not
Enough: The Four Life-Changing Steps to Loving Yourself" is an inspirational guide from
Daphne Rose Kingma who advises readers to overcome their self-doubts and push themselves
forward for a more charged life and inspiration to pursue what they want to. With the message
that we all deserve the lives we think we deserve, with emphasis on the think, "When You Think
You're Not Enough" is a strongly recommended pick for inspirational collections.
Harness Your Dark Side
Al Galves
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669
Far Hills, NJ 07931
9780882823836, $14.95, www.newhorizonpressbooks.com
Anger is natural, what you do with it is what turns it bad. "Harness Your Dark Side: Mastering
Jealousy, Rage, Frustration, and Other Negative Emotions" is an inspirational book from Al
Galves, as he advises readers to piece together their negative emotions and use it to charge
themselves forward to a greater place in their lives. By understanding these feelings, one can be a
better person their life on the whole. "Harness Your Dark Side" is a strongly recommended pick
for self-help collections, highly recommended.
The Money/Finance Shelf
The Intuitive Investor
Jason Apollo Voss
Select Books
1 Union Square West, Suite 909
New York City, NY 10003
1590792068, $24.95, www.selectbooks.com
Investing is more than just crunching numbers. "The Intuitive Investor: A Radical Guide for
Manifesting Wealth" is a blend of spirituality and business sense from Jason Apollo Voss, as he
shares both his expertise in wall street matters, avoiding the decline of wall street, and also what
he has learned spiritually, and how to use them all together for a more mindful path through
business. "The Intuitive Investor" is a strongly recommended pick for personal finance
collections.
The Education Shelf
Happy Birthday, Dear Author!
Jacqueline Witter-Easley
Upstart Books
c/o Highsmith Press
PO Box 5210
Janesville, WI 53547-5210
9781602130579, $17.95, www.highsmith.com
Encouraging literacy is always a plight in need of new ideas. "Happy Birthday, Dear Author!" is
a collection of tips and advice from Jacqueline Witter-Easley as she presents ideas for
encouraging reading for young learners from grades 1 to 3. Using a focus of authors birthdays,
Easley recommends that librarians and teachers celebrate an author and encourage their works,
with suggestions of writing for relevant reading levels. "Happy Birthday, Dear Author!" is a
useful resource for teachers and librarians trying to get young people to read more.
The Philosophy Shelf
From Big Bang to Big Mystery
Brendan Purcell
New City Press
202 Cardinal Rd.
Hyde Park, NY 12538
9781565484337, $34.95, www.newcitypress.com
For some thinkers, the universe is an unanswerable question, but are the origins of humanity also
unobtainable? "From Big Bang to Big Mystery: Human Origins in the Light of Creation and
Evolution" seeks to explore the rise of humanity, from its many ancestors and from when the first
thing that could be called a human began to wander the earth. Brendan Purcell provides
intriguing thought on the big bang of human consciousness, and makes "From Big Bang to Big
Mystery" an excellent and much recommended pick for philosophy and science collections.
Unbinding the Heart
Agapi Stassinopoulos
Hay House, Inc.
PO Box 5100
Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
9781401930738, $19.95, www.hayhouse.com
Sheer joy is something that we only have briefly, as life seems to quickly oppress it. "Unbinding
the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love" is an inspirational
read from Agapi Stassinopoulos, as she presents common Greek wisdom to readers, hoping they
will adopt parts of that philosophy to their everyday lives. Drawing from her own experiences
and reflecting on what she has learned as she has traveled the world, "Unbinding the Heart" is a
thoughtful and much recommended read for inspirational and philosophical collections.
The Merging of Two Worlds
Roy E. Bourque
WestBow Press
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200
Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
9781449722951, $27.95, www.amazon.com
Those who seek knowledge seek it in any way they can. "The Merging of Two Worlds: The
Convergence of Scientific and Religious Thought" is a collection of philosophy and spirituality
from Roy Bourque who ponders his history of thought and ideal, touching on religion, the
coming events, and the general opinions of life in general. "The Merging of Two Worlds" is
thought provoking and a choice pick for those looking for another addition to the philosophical
debate.
The Biography Shelf
Bob Hines: National Wildlife Artist
John D. Juriga
Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101
Edina, MN 55439
9781592984404 $18.00 www.BeaversPondPress.com
Bob Hines: National Wildlife Artist is a solid biography of one of the greatest wildlife artists of
the twentieth century. His extraordinary talent for both beauty and accuracy, as well as his
passion for the environmental movement culminate in an extraordinary body of work that
remains every bit as inspiring today as it was generations ago. Bob Hines may be best known for
designing the 1946 Duck Stamp and managing the competition for over thirty years on behalf of
the US Fish and Wildlife Service, but his love for nature's majesty far transcended his day job. A
selection of black-and-white photographs and illustrations as well as some color plates round out
this informative, in-depth biography of Bob Hines as a consummate artist, a preserver, and a
humble human being. Highly recommended.
Check-Raising The Devil
Mike Matusow
Cardoza Publishing
5473 South Eastern Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89119
www.cardozapub.com
9781580422611, $24.95, www.amazon.com
Nick-named 'The Mouth' for his proclivity for talking (and talking a lot!) at the poker table, Mike
Matusow is a high-profile professional poker player known for the quality of his game, the
emotional eruptions he is prone to when the game goes badly for him, and for being one of the
consistently entertaining players of the game today. Well known to television audiences for his
many appearances in high stakes poker games and major poker tournaments, Mike's private life
has been as colorful as his public gaming performances which has, to date, netted him more than
seven million dollars in winnings, three WSOP gold bracelets, and an astonishing 13 final tables
at the World Series of Poker tournaments around the country. With the assistance of Amy
Calistri and Tim Lavalli, Mike has pretty much laid bare his life and soul in the pages of
"Check-Raising The Devil", a 272-page autobiography that reveals to his legions of fans in the
poker playing community the dramatic ups and downs of his life and times. For Mike's
thoughtful and thought-provoking insights into the world of the professional poker player,
"Check-Raising The Devil" should be considered 'must reading' for anyone who has ever played
the game of No-Limit Texas Hold'em!
Careless Whispers: The Life & Career of George Michael
Robert Steele
Omnibus Press
c/o Music Sales Corporation
257 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
9781780380155, $34.95, www.omnibuspress.com
A life in show business is anything but typical. "Careless Whispers: The Life & Career of George
Michael" follows the career of the musical icon, who with his rise in fame, was never shy about
who he was and his struggles with drug addiction and his openness with his homosexuality. His
recklessness got him imprisoned, his career continues, a man driven by his music above all else.
"Careless Whispers" is a strongly recommended pick for music and biography collections, highly
recommended.
A Rare Titanic Family
Julie Hedgepeth Williams
NewSouth, Inc.
PO Box 1588
Montgomery, AL 36102
9781588382825, $21.95, www.newsouthbooks.com
Women and children first was a call that invoked chivalry, but it led to countless broken families.
"A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells' Story of Survival" is Julie Hedgepeth Williams telling
her uncle and his family's story of surviving the legendary disaster of the Titanic. Presbyterian
missionaries, they left their mission in Siam for the health of Albert's wife Sylvia with their
10-month-old child. "A Rare Titanic Family" is a one-of-a-kind biography of a rarely heard story
of that sinking ship.
The Civil War Shelf
Shiloh to Durham Station
Richard L. Hamilton
Privately Published
9781456460495, $20.99, www.amazon.com
Wisconsin wasn't close to the battle lines of the civil war, but the people of Wisconsin still
fought for the Union. "Shiloh to Durham Station: 18th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, With
Captain Robert S. McMichael's Civil War Letters" is a collection of letters and a look at history
of this historic Civil War regiment, as civil war history enthusiast Richard L. Hamilton, as he
presents a history through study and letters. "Shiloh to Durham Station" is a strong addition to
any American Civil War collection, especially those with a focus on Wisconsin.
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
Natural Brilliance
Irini Rockwell
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115-4544
9781590309322, $18.95, www.shambhala.com
The potential for greatness lies in us all, but the ability to flourish must be found. "Natural
Brilliance: A Buddhist System for Uncovering Your Strengths and Letting Them Shine" is an
inspirational book from Irini Rockwell who channels Buddhist philosophy and ideal to encourage
readers, both Buddhist and people who don't identifies themselves as such. Encouraging a more
total and clear thought approach to the world as a whole, "Natural Brilliance" is a top pick for
anyone who wants to bring Buddhist thought into their life.
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Orcs: Forged for War
Story by Stan Nicholls
Adapted and Drawn by Joe Flood
:01 First Second Books
c/o Roaring Brook Press
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
9781596434554 $17.99 www.roaringbrookpress.com
Orcs: Forged for War is the first graphic novel of the popular and award-winning Orcs dark
fantasy universe. Set in a devastated land, where two factions of humans wage a bloodthirsty
conflict, Orcs: Forged for War follows the Wolverines, an elite cohort of orc warriors (and one
headstrong dwarf sergeant). The orcs are allied with the witch-empress who is at least willing to
include nonhuman races underneath her merciless, iron-fisted rule; the opposing human faction
seeks to commit genocide upon all nonhuman races in the name of its God. When the orcs are
assigned to protect a unit of goblin-sorcerers transporting a mysterious and deadly new weapon,
their mission begins with frustration and ultimately escalates into life-threatening peril! A savage
fantasy brought to vivid life in full color, Orcs: Forged for War is utterly compelling from cover
to cover and highly recommended.
The Homeland Directive
Robert Venditti, author
Mike Huddleston, illustrator
Top Shelf Productions
PO Box 15125
Portland, OR 97293-5125
9781603090247 $14.95 www.topshelfcomix.com
The Homeland Directive is a grim graphic novel about a potential bioweapon apocalypse in
America. Dr. Laura Regan, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is
shocked to find her researcher partner murdered, and herself blamed for the crime. Three rogue
federal agents know that she has been framed, and suspect that the government is behind it!
Together, the four of them must escape from mercenaries, law enforcement, and even
cyber-detectives while they hunt down the perpetrators of a plot that could ultimately unleash a
lethal and immensely contagious disease across all of America! The Homeland Directive is
vividly illustrated with gritty line artwork, and a color scheme that eschews traditional realism
for revolving background pallettes designed to reflect and intensify this edge-of-one's-seat
thriller. Highly recommended.
The Superhero Book, second edition
Gina Misiroglu
Visible Ink Press
43311 Joy Road #414
Canton, MI 48187-2075
9781578593750 $24.95 www.visibleinkpress.com
Now in a revised and updated edition, The Superhero Book is an encyclopedia of heroic icons
from comic books and Hollywood movies. Each hero or heroine has a page or two of description,
including a historical recounting of who created them and a summary of their comic or film
appearances; most are also featured in a colorful photographic image. From Alpha Flight to
Zorro, The Superhero Book is a wonderfully user-friendly pop-culture reference, and perhaps
also a great place to start when considering whether to follow a new superhero comic book line!
An extensive introduction summarizing the different "ages" of comic books, including the Silver
Age, the Golden Age, and the Modern Age rounds out this accessible reference that is just plain
fun to simply browse.
The Audiobook Shelf
End Days
Deborah Zoe Laufer, author
Dane DeHaan, Shannon Cochran, Kate Rylie, and Arye Gross, performers
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
1580818064 $25.95 www.latw.org
Performed by a full cast of expert actors, End Days is the audiobook adaptation of Deborah Zoe
Laufer's play about the spiritual crisis that grips a suburban family in the wake of the September
11th attacks. Sylvia Stein has embraced Christianity and hustles to prepare for the Rapture, as
well as save the souls of her estranged husband Arthur and her recalcitrant teenaged daughter
Rachel. But Rachel feels put upon from every direction - pressured by her devout mother,
ignored by a father who won't even change out of his pajamas, and the object the neighboring
sixteen-year-old Elvis impersonator's soul-smitten crush. With Armageddon and the Rapture
(allegedly) on the horizon, could Stephen Hawking be the only person who can save them all? A
wild blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and human drama, End Days is vividly brought to life in
the next best format to being seen on stage. Highly recommended. 2 CDs, 130 min.
When Crickets Cry
Charles Martin, author
Adam Verner, narrator
Oasis Audio
289 Main Place
Carol Stream, IL 60188
1613750757 $29.99 www.oasisaudio.com charlesmartinbooks.com
When Crickets Cry is the audiobook adaptation of a profound work of Christian literature. Set in
a quiet Southern town, When Crickets Cry tells of the chance meeting between a dispirited
surgeon and a spunky seven-year-old girl in need of a heart transplant. A freak truck accident
unexpectedly connects their destinies, in a story woven through flashbacks of tragedy interleaved
with present-day challenges and growth. When Crickets Cry is a heartwarming tale of the human
condition, highly recommended especially for public library audiobook collections. 9 CDs,
unabridged.
Obedience
Jacqueline Yallop
Highbridge Audio Books
201 Sixth Street SE, Suite 220
Minneapolis, MN 55414
9781611746631 $29.95 www.highbridgeaudio.com
Obedience is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of the tragic story of an elderly nun at long
last coming to terms with the evils of the past. Decades ago, during the Nazi occupation of
France in World War II, Sister Bernard was a nun beset by the emphatic voice of God. This
harsh, unyielding voice was only stilled when she engaged in a forbidden love affair with a young
Nazi soldier. She broke her vow of chastity, and learned to lie and hide her covert double life, but
her betrayals would culminate in a terrible, ultimate price. Obedience is the story of a woman
torn between her blind craving for love and her fear of God's wrath, and is utterly compelling to
the very end. 6 CDs, 7 3/4 hours.
The Music CD Shelf
Giving Voice - Guitar Explorations
Rich Osborn
www.richardosbornguitar.com
Free Range Raga Records
PO Box 2544, Saratoga, CA
The Creative Service Company (publicity)
4360 Emerald Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
$12.97 www.thecreativeservicecompany.com
Giving Voice - Guitar Explorations is an album of original songs composed by solo guitarist
Rich Osborn, in the "free raga style" of experimental acoustic guitar, a practice that began
roughly 50 years ago. Osborn plays through fingerpicking on an acoustic, steel-string antique
guitar nearly one hundred years ago, and his love of blending tradition with innovation shines
through his musical compositions. An evocative, soul-soothing album, Giving Voice - Guitar
Explorations is highly recommended to guitar enthusiasts everywhere. The tracks are "Into the
Silent Land" (4:58), "The Meeting Pool at Moonrise" (8:02), "Joelle's Song" (6:14), "The
Glance" (4:37), "The View from San Damiano, with Rain" (10:17), "Knights of the Interior
Castle" (7:53), "A Song of New Beginnings" (7:28) and "Hard Time" (3:28).
The DVD Shelf
I, Claudius 35th Anniversary Edition
Starring Derek Jacobi
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598287509 $59.99 www.acornonline.com
Now available in a special 35th Anniversary Edition packed with bonus features, I Claudius is
the complete, Emmy-winning British television series (rated one of the "100 Best TV Shows of
All Time" by Time magazine!) based on the novels by Robert Graves. Starring Derek Jacobi
(known for his work in "The King's Speech" and "Cadfael") as Claudius, as well as Sian Phillips,
John Hurt, Patrick Stewart, George Baker, Margaret Tyzack, and James Faulkner, I, Claudius is
an epic of historical depravity, excess, ruthlessness, and cutthroat politics set in the Roman
Empire during the reigns of emperors Augustus through Claudius. Beset by murderous intrigue
on every side, particularly during Caligula's reign of terror, Claudius the stuttering scholar
Claudius learns early on that he must play the fool in order to stay alive! Bonus features include
extended original versions of episodes one and two, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a
documentary concerning the failed film adaptation, a Derek Jacobi interview, and a booklet with
an article about the series' historical accuracy as well as a Julio-Claudian family tree. I, Claudius
is a consummate classic, and worthy of the highest recommendation for both personal and public
library DVD shelves. 12 episodes on 4 discs plus bonus disc, 668 min., fullscreen, SDH subtitles;
contains violence, nudity, and sexual content.
Tough Times on the Southern Pacific
Pentrex
2652 East Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91107
1563423278 $29.95 www.pentrex.com
Tough Times on the Southern Pacific is a DVD of authentic, archival footage of historic disasters
that beset the Southern Pacific railroad, as captured by Southern Pacific's own film crews. From
the "Christmas flood of 1964" that eradicated entire towns and swept away almost 100 miles of
rails, to the retrieval of a derailed train that crashed at the mountainside of Donner Pass, to fire,
earthquake, and even explosions that rocked a train carrying bombs and destroyed the town of
Antelope, Tough Times on the Southern Pacific is an amazing capture of not only the worst that
nature and the forces of chance had to offer, but also the resourcefulness of the people who
cleaned up in the wake of devastation. Hi-Fi sound and narration enhance this captivating
documentary, highly recommended for railroad fans everywhere. The six main segments are "Eel
River Canyon", "Recovery of the 8946", "Trestle Fire on the Great Salt Lake", "Earthquake on
the San Joaquin Division", "Flooding along the Rio Grande", and "Explosion in Roseville Yard".
54 min., standard definition, fullscreen.
Travel with Kids San Diego
Janson Media
88 Semmens Road
Harrington Park, NJ 07640
9781568394292 $14.95 www.janson.com
Part of the award-winning "Travel with Kids" series, Travel with Kids San Diego is a
family-friendly DVD guide showcasing San Diego's highlights in two half-hour episodes. From
the history of Old Town and Balboa Park to wonderful surfing, body board, and coastal
destinations to the amazing animals of San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park, Travel
with Kids San Diego lives up to its title with family-friendly sights and activities galore. Bonus
features include a trip planner with recommendations for lodging and transportation, a "San
Diego at Home" section with suggested recipes and crafts, and even a bloopers reel. Prospective
vacationers and armchair travelers alike are sure to thoroughly enjoy Travel with Kids San
Diego! 57 min.
Exhale: Core Fusion 30 Day Sculpt
With Elizabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito
Acacia
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
9781598287905 $19.99 www.acacialifestyle.com
Exhale: Core Fusion 30 Day Sculpt is a five-week fitness plan on DVD, featuring 30 segments
carefully selected from Core Fusion creators Elizabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito's most popular
exercise programs. Each week has a chosen array of six 20-minute workouts (and a rest day) that
blend body sculpting and cardio moves into a balanced total session. Motivation and nutrition
tips round out this excellent, easy-to-use fitness course, which requires no equipment other than
inexpensive light hand weights and a mat. Exhale: Core Fusion 30 Day Sculpt is an excellent
way to get in shape for the summer, especially for people with packed-full winter schedules! 180
min., widescreen.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Cinema Sex Sirens
Dave Worrall & Lee Pfeiffer
Omnibus Press
c/o Music Sales Corporation
257 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10010
www.omnibuspress.com
9781849389945, $39.95, www.amazon.com
From the world of the B Movie comes a photographic compendium serving as a kind of history
showcasing Hollywood's famous (and occasional infamous) female stars that served as sex
objects in films that ranged from the truly raunchy, to cult classics, to cinema avant garde.
Compiled with an accompanying text that is both informed and informative, "Cinema Sex
Sirens" is a 160-page visual tour of stars and starlets ranging from Raquel Welch; Ann-Margret;
Sharon Tate; and Ursula Andress; to Gina Lollobridida; Sophia Loren; Helen Mirren; and
Claudia Cardinale. "Cinema Sex Sirens" is especially recommended for personal, community,
and academic library Cinema Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Unassisted Childbirth, second edition
Laura Kaplan Shanley
Praeger Publishers
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9780313397158, $37.00, www.amazon.com
Now in a significantly updated and expanded second edition, "Unassisted Childbirth" by author
and natural childbirth consultant Laura Kaplan Shanley lays out a persuasively document case
advocating childbirth practices and approaches that do not rely on doctors and medical
technology, with the surprising result in an inherently safe and relatively painless delivery. Of
special note is the chapter devoted to 'The Case for Autonomous Birth'. Enhanced with the
inclusion of a listing of unassisted childbirth resources, an extensive bibliography, and a
comprehensive index, "Unassisted Childbirth" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' and a model of
scholarship making it especially recommended for community, academic, and medical school
reference collections, as well as informative and appropriate for the non-specialist general reader
with an interest in natural childbirth.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Embracing the Spirit of Nature
Linda Shaylor Cooper
Balboa Press
c/o Hay House, Inc.
PO Box 5100
Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
Bohlsen Group (publicity)
9781452540313 $17.45 www.hayhouse.com
Embracing the Spirit of Nature is a delightful chronicle of the author's interactions with nature
spirits, including full color photographs and dialogs. Gardeners will take especial delight in
seeing how the cultivation of flowers can place one in closer touch with majestic and fantastic
spirits, from gnomes and fairies to water spirits and even dragons. "'Flying dragon how did you
come to be caught in the red rock?' 'I am here by the grace of the fairies. They wanted you to see
the magic of my realm of transformation through fire. We exist in a dimension close to yours but
not visible to your eye. We hope that in the near future you will be able to see us again. We so
look forward to playing together. All you need do is believe that it is possible.'" Embracing the
Spirit of Nature is a beautifully delightful and inspirational testimony that lives up to its
title.
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
An Eerdmans Century 1911-2011
Larry ten Harmsel & Render Van Til
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
2140 Oak Industrial Drive, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com
9780802866585, $20.00, www.amazon.com
The Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company is one of the most prolific and respect Christian
publishing firms operating today. In 2011 they justifiable celebrated their 100th year of
producing Christian literature for a Protestant readership. "An Eerdmans Century 1911-2011" is
214-page history of their publishing efforts beginning with 10 cent specials for Dutch farmers, to
their present day catalog of more than one thousand published titles. "An Eerdmans Century
1911-2011" is also a history drawn from interviews, historical documents, and original research
by Larry ten Harmsel of the publishers, editors and authors whose contributions established
Eerdmans as an outstanding publisher of Christian books for adults and for children. Informed,
informative, and thoroughly 'reader friendly', "An Eerdmans Century 1911-2011" is highly
recommended reading for anyone who has read and been benefited by their books. Additionally,
it will prove to be of immense relevance to anyone with an interest in the American publishing
industry in general, and Christian publishing history in particular.
The Architecture Shelf
Carlo Scarpa Layers
Anne-Catrin Schultz
Edition Axel Menges
c/o National Book Network
4270 Boston Way, Suite 200
Lanham, MD 20706
9783930698141 $69.00 www.nbnbooks.com
Carlo Scarpa Layers is an in-depth architectural treatise in which author Anne-Catrin Schultz
studies how architect Carlo Scarpa uses layering in his creations. In Scarpa's work, layers define
space in multiple dimensions; layers can be used to protect from the elements, support technical
requirements, or as a means to combine disparate aspects into a unified whole. Equal parts of
practicality, functionality, and artistic statement blend into Scarpa's distinctive methodology,
vividly illustrated with full-color photography as well as black-and-white architectural diagrams.
Carlo Scarpa Layers is an excellent, thoughtful, thoroughly researched, and emotionally
captivating addition to architectural studies shelves.
The Fashion Shelf
Dressing Marilyn
Andrew Hansford with Karen Homer
Applause Books
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201
New York, NY 10010
9781557838469 $29.99 www.halleonard.com
A coffee-table book filled with black-and-white and color photographs and illustrations, Dressing
Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon was Styled by William Travilla features a wealth of previously
unpublished material concerning the fashions worn by Hollywood's classic actress and sex
symbol, including original sketches, patterns, and costume test shots. The text includes long-lost
interviews with William Travilla, one of the most in-demand designers of Hollywood's Golden
Age, and the man responsible for the unforgettable white dress blown by a subway grate in "The
Seven-Year Itch" and the captivating pink dress Marilyn wore when she sang "Diamonds Are a
Girl's Best Friend". A celebration of high fashion and of the actress herself, Dressing Marilyn is
as much a trip down memory lane as it is a study pop culture, and highly recommended.
The Wine Shelf
Been Doon So Long
Randall Grahm
University of California Press
2120 Berkeley Way
Berkeley, CA 94720
9780520272675 $29.95 www.ucpress.edu
Been Doon So Long: A Randall Grahm Vinthology is a treasure trove of writings about wine, by
the uniquely qualified Randall Grahm, a veteran California winemaker and the founder of Bonny
Doon Vineyard. Packed with everything from praise for little-known grape varieties, to literary
parodies of great masters including Joyce, Kafka, Pynchon, and Salinger, tongue-in-cheek humor,
contemplative poetry, even a vision of "Wine Hell" in the style of Dante's Inferno, Been Doon So
Long superbly marries love of fine writing to love of fine wine. A handful of black-and-white
sketches enhance this celebration of wit, wisdom, and wistfully fermented drinks. Elegently
eclectic from cover to cover, Been Doon So Long is highly recommended for literary
connoisseurs (wine aficionados and teetotalers alike) with a taste for prose jocularity!
The Political Science Shelf
Don't Take My Lemonade Stand
Janie Johnson
Bascom Hill Publishing Group
212 3rd Avenue North, Suite 290
Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781935098294 $24.95 www.bascomhillpublishing.com
Don't Take My Lemonade Stand: An American Philosophy supports conservative values with
utterly unapologetic aplomb. Written by American citizen and mother Janie Johnson, Don't Take
My Lemonade Stand distills conservative political principles into accessible terms that can be
quickly grasped, as well as providing a sharp attack against liberal and progressive principles.
Chapters discuss the foundations of the modern American conservative movement, which
prioritizes the U.S. Constitution and the principles of the founding fathers, optimism, and
personal responsibility; and further define the values of conservatism such as accountability,
strong defense, capitalism, free trade, and limited government. The origins of liberalism and
progressivism are also discussed, in unflattering terms, followed by brief, practical applications
of conservative principles to hot-button current issues such as illegal immigration (Johnson
exhorts that there should be zero tolerance for illegal felons in particular), bailouts (these are
harmful in the long term because they deny personal responsibility), global warming (without
taking an absolute stance, Johnson is extremely suspicious of those who seek to milk allegations
of the phenomenon for exorbitant profit), justices and judges (Johnson would replace lifetime
appointments with 7-10 year appointments to hold justices more accountable), and much more. A
final guideline for deciding who to vote for based on conservative principles rounds out this
user-friendly discourse on modern conservative political philosophy.
The Social Issues Shelf
Digital Detroit
Jeff Rice
Southern Illinois University Press
1915 University Press Drive
SIUC Mail Code 6806
Carbondale, IL 62901
9780809330874 $39.95 www.siu.edu/~siupress
Digital Detroit: Rhetoric and Space in the Age of the Network explores the society-transforming
effect of the network, and how electronic and physical culture affect one another. Although cities
and the institutions within them are often thought of as fixed locations on a map, electronic
networks add an interconnected dimension giving an extra layer of complexity. Chapters show
how the horizons of a geographical entity are transformed, with Detroit as a prime example, in
this scholarly, forward-looking rhetorical treatise.
The Photography Shelf
The Day in its Color
Eric Sandweiss, author
Charles Cushman, photographer
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016-4314
9780199772339 $39.95 www.oup.com/us
The Day in its Color: Charles Cushman's Photographic Journey through a Vanishing America
gathers the best full-color images from the photography archive of Charles Cushman, a part-time
businessman who captured urban people and places on film in New York, New Orleans,
Chicago, San Francisco, and much more from 1938 to 1969. The America he preserved in his
photographs is rapidly transforming, and even disappearing today, making The Day in its Color a
striking catalog of how the nation used to be. Writings and captions by Eric Sandweiss (Carmony
Associate Professor of History, Indiana University) add invaluable context to this remarkable
photographic gallery of American cities' yesteryear. The Day in its Color is a welcome addition
to photography collections, and pure delight to page through.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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