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Library Bookwatch

Volume 5, Number 10 October 2010 Home | LBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Library Science Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf
Library DVD Shelf Audiobook Shelf Library CD Music Shelf
Self-Help Shelf Military Shelf Biography Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Cookbook Shelf Fiction Shelf
Judaic Studies Shelf Business Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf
Health/Medicine Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Travel Shelf Education Shelf Judicial Studies Shelf
Science Shelf World History Shelf Poetry Shelf
Sports Shelf Parenting Shelf Islamic Studies Shelf
Literary Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf International Studies Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Crafts Shelf Art Shelf
Interior Design Shelf Architecture Shelf Photography Shelf
Music Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice

Wonders of Life
Life
135 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10020
9781603201414, $29.95

From the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, there is no shortage of sights and sounds that nature has for the viewer. "Life: Wonders of Life: The Classic Collection" is a From massive redwood, to the glory of winter, to the deepest oceans, throughout the book, there are nonstop full color photographs of the various life in the world, both plant and animal. With plenty of text flavoring the images well and offering insight into their majesty, "Wonders of Life" is educational, entertaining, and just plain gorgeous, making a choice pick for those looking for a magnificent coffee table book.

50 Money-Saving Tips For Every Landlord
Mike McLean
Square One Publishers
115 Herricks Road, Garden City Park, NY 11040
9780757003523 $16.95 www.squareonepublishers.com

A penny saved is a penny earned, and with the profit margins some landlords live on, you need those pennies. "50 Money-Saving Tips for Every Landlord: A Practical Guide to Maintaining Short-Term Rental Properties" is a guide for land lords who want to keep their holdings repaired and up to date while still keeping themselves operating in the black. Lawsuit avoidance, good communication with tenants, and more, "50 Money Saving Tips for Every Landlord' is a guide that should be at the hand of every landlord who wants to save more money.

Secrets of Mental Marksmanship
Linda K. Miller & Keith A. Cunningham
Paladin Press
7077 Winchester Circle, Boulder, CO 80301
9781581607215, $34.95, www.paladin-press.com

One shot one kill is the motto of the sniper, but how does one attain such a level of perfection? "Secrets of Mental Marksmanship: How to Fire Perfect Shots" is a guide to mentally preparing oneself as a marksman by training one's mind to quickly enter the metaphorical zone that if unprepared, will elude them when they need to be on the mark the most. For hunters, police, competitors, or military, "Secrets of Mental Marksmanship" is a strong pick for anyone who counts on being on the bulls eye.

Covering Niagara
Joan Nicks & Barry Keith Grant
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5
9781554582211, $34.95, www.wlupress.wlu.ca

Culture can be different one city to the next. "Covering Niagara: Studies in Local Popular Culture" looks to analyze the culture in the Niagara region of Canada, offering a unique analysis of culture and everything surrounding the town. Niagara has its own favorites in media, and still has some unusual quirks compared to most of western culture such as blackface minstrel shows. An intriguing discussion of anthropology and social sciences, Joan Nicks and Barry Keith Grant provide much food for thought about culture and how even when everything can seem the same, it's different. "Covering Niagara" is a solid and scholarly study, very highly recommended.


The Library Science Shelf

Crash Course In Public Library Administration
Wayne Disher
Libraries Unlimited
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781598844658, $30.00, www.amazon.com

There are two ways to learn -- from someone else's experiences or from your own mistakes. The former is much to be preferred over the latter. That's why "Crash Course In Public Library Administration", a 124-page compendium of instruction and commentary by Wayne Disher (Public Library Director, Helmet, California) will prove to be an invaluable reference for librarians called upon to provide administrative services in rural or small urban systems. Deftly organized into fifteen thoroughly 'user friendly' chapters, "Crash Course In Public Library Administration" covers all the major areas of concern ranging from library policies, to budgeting issues, facility management, general planning, and more. An ideal instructional reference, "Crash Course In Public Library Administration" strongly recommended reading for anyone called upon to library administrative duties and should be a core part of academic Library Science reference collections as well.

The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship
Amanda Gluibizzi & Paul Glassman
Facet Publishing
c/o Neal Schuman
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781856047029, $115.00, www.neal-schuman.com

Librarians aren't exclusive to rows of books. "The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship" discusses the art librarian and what is expected of this position. Many minds converge and discuss the visual arts and their presentation to the public. With chapters on how to encourage art literary, art history, art's evolution over the years, the role and uses of technology, and how communication is greatly changing the art world, this is a scholarly and comprehensive discussion of art librarianship and the aspects surrounding it. "The Handbook of Art and Design Librarianship" is a strong addition to community and college library science and art collections.

Risky Business
Linda W. Braun, Hillias J. Martin, and Connie Urquhart
ALA Editions
50 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611
9780838935965 $55.00 www.alastore.ala.org 1-866-746-7252

It may seem appealing to try to appeal to teens, but there are risks in radical transformations. "Risky Business: Taking and Managing Risks in Library Services for Teens" is a discussion of steps that can be taken to make a library appeal to young adults, and the things to consider while moving towards catering to them. From the simplest of concerns of carrying books that may prove controversial, technology integration, becoming a social center, or even shifting layouts against century old systems. Discussing these topics at great length and weighing the pros and cons of each, "Risky Business" comes with many useful appendixes, and will prove an invaluable resource for any library that wants to be on the cutting edge.

Everyone Plays at the Library
Scott Nicholson
Information Today
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NH 08055
9781573873987, $39.50

Games and play can unite generations. "Everyone Plays at the Library: Creating Great Gaming Experiences for All Ages" discusses how libraries can embrace becoming community centers by offering game playing opportunities at these facilities. Written by a man who has been a game designer, an educator, and a librarian, he comes to other librarians with tips on encouraging play and togetherness, while outlining these values. Elaborating genre with many outlets and platforms, "Everyone Plays at the Library" is a very useful read that shouldn't be overlooked by librarians trying to make their library more important to their community.

Liven Up Your Library
Jennifer A. Wetzel
Upstart Books
401 S Wright Road, Janesville, WI 53547
9781602130470, $17.95

If it's just rows and rows of books, it won't exactly be someplace people want to go. "Liven Up Your Library: Creative & Inexpensive Programming Ideas" is a guide to brightening up one's library and using these elements to attract patrons. From colorful fliers to encourage reading, to good design and art throughout the library to liven the place up, to games and activities, "Liven Up Your Library" is quite the read for anyone who wants to help encourage elementary school students to read.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals, second edition
Moria Allen
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
9781581157437, $19.95, www.allworth.com

To write to persuade is a truly powerful skill. "The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals" is a guide to writing when it counts the most, to get your idea heard, known, and sold. With tips on crafting a query letter, proposing a fiction or nonfiction book, preparing a manuscript, syndication, win grants, public speaking, and dealing with rejection, "The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals" is a very useful resource that should be at hand for any writer.

How To Be A... Writer
Barbara Baig
Writer's Digest Books
c/o F+W Media
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
9781582978055 $16.99 www.fwpublications.com

How To Be A... Writer: Building Your Creative Skills Through Practice and Play is a self-training resource for writers of all skill and experience levels. Chapters offer useful exercises to encourage one's natural talents for communication, expression, memory, creativity, and characterization. Tips, tricks, and techniques for finding one's voice as a writer, getting obligatory projects done to free up time for the writing one wants to do, understanding the nature of the relationship between writer and reader, and more fill this handy and practical volume. An invaluable supplementary skill-improvement resource for writers everywhere, How To Be A... Writer is highly recommended.

Six Pigs in a Tub
Gene Cox
Capital City Books
1 N. 5th Street, Richmond, VA
9780984288120 $12.95 www.capitalcitybooks.com

The English language can prove quite annoying at times. "Six Pigs in a Tub: A Grammar Repair Kit" seeks to help readers evade the many pitfalls and complexities that come along with English grammar and how popular culture and media are not helping. With no shortage of humor, anyone looking to command a greater mastery of English should consider "Six Pigs in a Tub".

Living Write
Kelly L. Stone
Adams Media Corporation
57 Littlefield Street, 2nd floor, Avon, MA 02322
www.adamsmedia.com
9781440506246, $16.95, www.amazon.com

Writing things down, often in a personal journal, has been a long and established psychotherapeutic tools and creative psychological exercise. This practice has also proven to be an invaluable approach for authors seeking inspiration and substance for their literary efforts. "Living Write: The Secret to Inviting Your Craft Into Your Daily Life" by Kelly L. Stone is a 224-page instructional manual that will teach anyone how to make writing a daily priority, create and maintain enthusiasm for their writing activities, gain confidence in their abilities as a writer, and establish a professionalism in their writing quite distinctive from those who simply sit down on occasion to write something. Of special note is a comprehensive program specifically constructed to overcome and eliminate negative writing habits. Enhanced with an accompanying CD, "Living Write: The Secret to Inviting Your Craft Into Your Daily Life" will prove to be useful for the novice seeking to establish good writing habits, as well as more seasoned authors seeking to tap the power of their subconscious mind and harness it to their writing agendas and projects.

New Perspectives On Technical Editing
Avon J. Murphy, editor
Baywood Publishing Company
26 Austin Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701
9780895033949, $47.95, www.amazon.com

The newest addition to the Baywood Publishing Company's 'Technical Communications Series', "New Perspectives On Technical Editing" is a collection of ten informed and informative articles by experienced and knowledgeable editors that have been compiled by Avon J. Murphy, a professional technical editor and owner of Murphy Editing and Writing Services. Murphy is also a fellow of the Society for Technical Communication and currently the book review editor for "Technical Communications", the quarterly journal of the Society for Technical Communication. With the articles providing a range of perspectives, aspiring editors will find informed and informative information on a range of editing issues such as ethics, legal issues, strategies for diverse media, electronic editing, editing technical journals, and a great deal more. Each chapter features extensive references. Enhanced with an annotated bibliography that provides an evaluated description of one hundred editing resources. A critically important read for anyone who aspires to an editorial career, "New Perspectives On Technical Editing" is an exceptional reference and highly recommended for professional and academic Writing/Publishing reference collections.

Views from the Loft
Daniel Slager
Milkweed Editions
1011 Washington Avenue South, #300, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1246
9781571313232, $20.00, www.milkweed.org

The exchange of ideas is a key factor in improving oneself to become a better writer. "Views from the Loft" discusses the importance of the writer's group and a method of constant feedback. Filled with musings from countless writers, they offer insight on how to create ideas, getting it onto paper, criticizing and being criticized, and the success and failure of publishing. "Views from the Loft" is filled with inspiration and push for the would be writer who wants to better master their craft, very highly recommended.


The Library DVD Shelf

Strong Body, Fit Body with Erin O'Brien
Acacia
8515 Georgia Avenue Suite 650, Silver Spring, MD 20910
9781598284614 $16.99 acacialifestyle.com

Strong Body, Fit Body with Erin O'Brien is an all-purpose home workout on DVD, requiring no equipment other than light hand weights. Hollywood personal trainer Erin O'Brien guides the viewer through a blend of strength training, circuit training, and multi-joint movements designed to work multiple muscle groups at the same time. An excellent choice to tone muscle and get the heart going, Strong Body, Fit Body with Erin O'Brien is an ideal workout for anyone adapting their lifestyle to lose weight and improve their overall fitness. 46 min., widescreen. Also highly recommended for personal fitness DVD libraries is Acacia's "Bollywood Party Workout" (9781598284508, $16.99, 50 min.), a toning and cardio workout invested in the energy, enthusiasm and outright fun of Bollywood dance.

10 Minute Solution: Pilates for Beginners
Lara Hudson, host
Anchor Bay Entertainment
2401 West Big Beaver road, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48084-3304
$14.98 www.anchorbayentertainment.com

Part of the excellent 10 Minute Solution series of fitness DVDs, 10 Minute Solution: Pilates for Beginners lives up to its title with an amalgam of basic Pilates workouts anyone can learn and perform. The five ten-minute segments, which can be mixed and matched to one's personal tastes, are "Core Basics", "Lower Body Basics", "Upper Body Basics", "Total Body Combo", and "Long & Limber Stretch". Hosted by Pilates Method Alliance Gold Certified Instructor Lara Hudson, 10 Minute Solution: Pilates for Beginners is easy-to-follow and a stellar choice for effective body sculpting. 56 minutes. Also highly recommended for personal fitness libraries is Anchor Bay's "Dance Off the Inches: Cardio Hip Hop" (45 min. plus 19 min. step guide, $14.98).

Travel with Kids: Caribbean Cruise
Janson Media
88 Semmens Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640
$17.98 www.janson.com www.TravelWithKids.tv

Another winning installment in the Travel with Kids series, Travel with Kids: Caribbean Cruise is a DVD family travel guide to enjoying a Caribbean cruise, including ports at Jamaica, Cozumel, Cayman Islands, Labadee, Haiti, and Miami. Following the Roberts family on an enlivening adventure, Travel with Kids: Caribbean Cruise is both a useful wealth of tips and resources for potential vacationers, and a relaxing experience that armchair travelers everywhere will enjoy. bonus features include a thirty-minute Travel with Kids Miami video, a trip planner with information on ship, route & excursions, and a bloopers reel. An excellent, practical and preparatory supplement for anyone with children interested in enjoying a Caribbean cruise. 117 minutes.

Good Fortune
PBS Home Video
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608833023 $24.99 www.shopPBS.org

PBS distribution offers another critical commentary on society in Good Fortune, a cautionary DVD documentary that questions whether international efforts to aid Africa might be doing more harm than benefit. Focusing on Jackson and Silva, two individual Kenyans seeking to protect their homes from being razed by large-scale development, Good Fortune puts a human face on larger societal consequences. In rural Kenya, an American investor hopes to soften poverty by flooding the land and creating a multi-million dollar rice farm - destroying any other incidental farms like Jackson's farm in the process. In Nairobi, Silva's home and business is being destroyed as part of a slum-upgrading project. Are the potential advantages of these large scale intrusions sufficient to justify the homes and successful livelihoods they devour? Is sufficient investment being placed in the diligence and entrepreneurial spirit of the African people themselves? Deleted scenes are included in this thought-provoking documentary, worthy of stirring informed debate. Also distributed by PBS and highly recommended for public library collections is "Lafayette the Lost Hero" (9781608832514, $24.99), a DVD biography of Gilbert de Lafayette and the critical role he played in the creation of America's democracy.

Personal Training with Jackie
Anchor Bay Entertainment
2401 West Big Beaver road, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48084-3304
$14.98 www.anchorbayentertainment.com

Personal Training with Jackie: Xtreme Timesaver Training is a fitness DVD that combines cardio and strength training into an effective 30-minute workout. Television star Jackie Warner lends her expertise as a top-dollar personal trainer in this DVD packed with moves that train multiple muscle groups at once. Personal Training with Jackie is excellent choice for anyone seeking a workout routine that promotes maximum self-improvement despite having a minimum amount of time available for exercise! 32 min.

Well: Worked Out with Tannis Kobrinsky
Stock Yard Films
c/o 411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$14.95 www.healthabitravels.com www.411videoinfo.com

Hosted by Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis instructor Tannis Kobrinsky (certified by Julius Horvath), Well: Worked Out is a fitness DVD blending Pilates, Qi Gong moves, yoga-based stretches, and balance poses to the rhythms of music from around the world. Five different segments are offered; they can be combined into a single balanced workout, or undertaken separately. The sections are "Well Within" (with a focus on core muscles), "Well Being" (movement mediation to access one's Chi), "Well Armed" (upper body tone and stretch), "Well Grounded" (lower body muscle building and joint mobility), and "Well Balanced" (enhance one's awareness and alertness in addition to balance). A choice addition to personal fitness DVD libraries.

World Food Markets: China
Learning ZoneXPress
PO Box 1022, Owatonna, MN 55060
1571758453 $49.95 www.learningzoneexpress.com 1-888-455-7003

Intended for viewers ranging in age from grade 7 to adult, World Food Markets: China is an educational DVD about food markets and food preparation in the populous nation of modern China - where freshness is so important that some Chinese housewives shop twice a day to prepare meals that are not only flavorful, but also healthy. Cookbook author and traveler Paulette Mitchell guides the viewer through Hong Kong, Shanghai, and the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, where people come to the food markets to socialize as well as shop and savor local delicacies. Printable teaching materials are available online as a companion to this brief yet enlightening cultural program. Highly recommended, especially for school and public library DVD collections. 24 minutes, closed captioned.

Agatha Christie Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598284676 $29.99 Blu-ray www.acornmedia.com

Now available on a beautifully mastered Blu-ray, Murder on the Orient Express brings Agatha Christie's classic mystery starring the inscrutable Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) to unforgettable life. While traveling from Istanbul to London by rail, Poirot is offered a large sum of money to determine who is threatening the life of a wealthy, hard-line businessman. Poirot declines at first, but when the businessman is stabbed to death, Poirot resolves to reconstruct what led to the murder and find the killer. Guest stars include Eileen Atkins, Toby Jones, Hugh Bonneville, and Barbara Hershey; Murder on the Orient Express also comes with a list of Poirot books, cast filmographies, and the bonus featurette "David Suchet on the Orient Express", offering a tour of the history of the real-life Orient Express. A "must-have" for fans of Agatha Christie's widely beloved works, Murder on the Orient Express deserves to be the centerpiece of any British mystery Blu-ray collection. 93 min. plus 47 min. bonus program, 1080p (bonus program 1080i), widescreen, SDH subtitles.

Exploring Our Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
PBS Home Video
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608833061 $49.99 www.shopPBS.org

Exploring Our Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. collects three groundbreaking films about understanding the history and origins of American people: "African-American Lives", "African-American Lives 2", and "Faces of America". Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. guides the viewer on a tour that encompasses history, genealogy to reveal the stories sagas of Americans from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Exploring Our Roots is ultimately not just a story of race or ancestry, but an exploration of American heritage and foundation. An excellent, contemplative collection that examines what it truly means to be an American, Exploring Our Roots is a top pick especially for public library DVD collections. 3 DVDs, 12 hours, widescreen.

Directors: Life Behind the Camera
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
$29.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

Assembled from over 300 hours of interviews, Directors: Life Behind the Camera is a stunning documentary featuring words of wisdom from thirty-three legendary directors. A compendium of revelations about the art, business, and craft of filmmaking, how to get things done in Hollywood, the pitfalls facing one at all steps of the process, and more, Directors: Life Behind the Camera is further enhanced with illustrative film clips and interviews with guest actors and other industry veterans. A fascinating treasure trove for movie buffs, and an absolute "must-see" for anyone interested in getting into directing as a career, Directors: Life Behind the Camera is especially recommended for public and college library DVD collections. 2 DVDs, 4 hours.


The Audiobook Shelf

The Yoga of Sleep
Rubin Naiman, PhD
Sounds True Audio
413 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
9781591799184 $19.95 www.soundstrue.com 1-800-333-9185

The Yoga of Sleep: Sacred and Scientific Practices to Heal Sleeplessness lives up to its title as a two-CD audiobook self-teaching course to relearning how to enjoy deep, healthy sleep without the use of drugs. Host Dr. Rubin Naiman offers simple techniques for calming one's mind, unwinding at the end of the day, optimizing the environment in which one sleeps, and more. The CDs include rituals and rhythms offering virtually hypnotic methods to aid a smooth transition to sleep, the value of meditation and relaxation in encouraging a mindful surrender to sleep, and even the equally sacred art of awakening. A wonderful exploration into the benefits of yoga to combat insomnia and stilted sleep patterns, The Yoga of Sleep is highly recommended for anyone with sleep problems - particularly as a first choice before ingesting medications that dull the senses and may interfere with getting a good night's rest. 2 CDs, 2 hours.

Tough Customer
Sandra Brown, author
Victor Slezak, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781449818463 $123.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Tough Customer is the unabridged audiobook adaptation on CD of Sandra Brown's suspenseful novel about Dodge Hanley, a private investigator who cares more about results than rules. When a murderous stalker seeks to kill the daughter he has never met, Dodge must unravel the madman's schemes to not only protect her, but also earn a chance at reconciliation. An absorbing saga, skillfully brought to life via the smooth narration of Victor Slezak, Tough Customer is a top pick for both library and personal audiobook collections. 12 CDs, 13.75 hours.

Fake
Eric Simonson
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
1580817556 $25.95 www.latw.org 1-800-708-8863

Oscar-winning writer and director Eric Simonson examines the most notorious archaeological hoax of history in Fake, an audiobook presentation that alternates between 1914 and 1953 while following journalists and archaeologists on their quest to learn who originally planted the alleged (and ultimately false) "missing link" of the Piltdown Man skull. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries, is a suspect! Smoothly performed by a cast of five talented people, Fake makes one of history's mysteries come vividly alive and is highly recommended, especially for public library audiobook collections. 2 CDs, 105 minutes.

Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang: A Dark Ones Novel
Katie MacAlister
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781440734762 $92.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang: A Dark Ones Novel is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of Katie MacAlister's dark fantasy about a woman caught a vampire love triangle. Pia has married the Dark One Alec, who has gone missing. Her former love, the Dark One Kristoff, is convinced that she is connected to the group seeking to eradicate his kind. An unknown evil presence menaces her, while the vampire community hunts Kristoff and her for crimes they didn't commit. An exciting web of supernatural intrigue, undeath-defying danger and passionate love connect the three for better or worse, in this nail- (or jugular-) biting adventure! 8 CDs, 9.75 hours.

Ralph Compton: Ride the Hard Trail
David Robbins, author
Kevin Orton, narrator
Lone Star Audio
c/o Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781440768019 $77.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Ride the Hard Trail is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of author David Robbins' western novel, written in tribute to the legendary legacy of the late Ralph Compton. The cowpunchers Lin and Chancy Bryce seek shelter from the long arm from the law by earning a living working as cowpunchers at a widow's ranch. But when a ruthless land baron tries to seize the widow's land, Lin and Chancy become immersed in a bitter range war with the baron and his virtual army of hired guns. Lin swore he'd never strap his weapons on again, but the threat of a blood feud may force him to compromise his own principles. Kevin Orton's narration brings to life this memorable saga of internal as well as external frontier struggle to vivid life. 7 CDs, 8.25 hours.

Kokoda
Paul Ham
Bolinda Publishing
186 S Long Swamp Rd, Jackson, ME 04921
9781742148281 $123.95 www.bolinda.com

Kokoda is the audiobook adaptation of journalist Paul Ham's chronicle of the bloody battles fought on the Papuan jungle trail during World War II. Australian forces struggled to defend their homeland; the Japanese were under strict orders to fight to the death in order to conquer "Greater East Asia". The conflict was fierce and savage, marked by acts of bravery on both sides. Kokoda is a vivid, compelling, and balanced military history chronicle, worthy of the highest recommendation. 17 CDs, 21 hours 30 minutes.

KnitKnit
Sabrina Gschwandtner
Knitting Out Loud
111 Middle Street, Stockton Springs, Maine 04981
9780979607370 $29.95 knittingoutloud.com

KnitKnit is the audiobook presentation of true stories from twenty-six men and women (and one group) who engage in modern-day knitting as an art form, or for the joy of it, or to create useful and practical items, or to test the boundaries of their skill. Regarding handcraft in the context of contemporary art, KnitKnit serves as inspiration as well as exploration into the discoveries that await one learning to combine the dexterity of their hands with the creativity of their minds for fruitful results. KnitKnit is, of course, the perfect audiobook to listen to while working on one's own knitting, and an excellent gift for knitting hobbyists everywhere. 3 CDs, 3 hours 30 minutes.


The Library CD Music Shelf

Voice Over the Bridge
Khing Zin Shwe and Shwe Shwe Khaing
EarthSync
c/o FlipSwitch (publicity)
PO Box 2207, Bloomington, IN 47404-2207
$16.98 www.flipswitchPR.com

Voice Over the Bridge is an extraordinary music CD that resurrects the Great Songs once used to praise the King of the ancient 13th century kingdoms of Myanmar. Recreated in collaboration with modern-day western musicians, the Great Songs return with captivating vocals and an evocation of past glory. Voice Over the Bridge is hauntingly beautiful and highly recommended. The tracks are "Rain Song" (6:40), "Nitoon Yanka" (6:25), "Ataing Mathy Blue" (7:26), "Mandalabon" (3:03), "Glorious Sun" (4:11), "San Way" (3:48) and "Thida" (7:28).

Baba Mo Tunde
King Sunny Ade
Mesa / Bluemoon Recordings / IndigeDisc
c/o Rock Paper Scissors
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
$16.98 www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Baba Mo Tunde is King Sunny Ade's first studio album in ten years; now with the aid of his enthusiastic band, he brings his pulse-pounding brand of Nigerian music steeped in Yoruba rhythm, culture, and lore. Baba Mo Tunde features an exciting, driving beat, energetic lyrics, and a drive to dance. Several American musicians have contributed to this exciting, high-octane album on two CDs, especially recommended for international music shelves. The tracks are (Disc 1) "Baba Feran Mi" (18:55), "Oro Yi Bale" (15:47), "Emi Won N'ile yi O" (8:55), "Baba L'oun S'ohun Gbogbo" (11:28); (Disc 2) "Baba Mo Tunde" (31:02), "Baba Mo Tunde King Britt Remix" (15:17), and "Eyi Ma Dun To" (11:00). Also highly recommended from Rock Paper Scissors is "Homes", an album of "Beach Blanket Noir" by sold-out-show popular performers Jon and Roy.


The Self-Help Shelf

Stop *Effing Yourself
Sean Kenniff
Health Communications, Inc.
3201 SW 15th Street, Deerfield beach, FL 33442
9780757314698, $14.95, www.hcibooks.com

Your biggest enemy in your life will undoubtedly be yourself. "Stop *Effing Yourself: A Survivor's Guide to Life's Biggest Screw Ups" is a book on staying resilient through all of the miserable screw ups in life. From the mistakes of health, poor choices in finance, bad romance, and so much more than that, Sean Kenniff gives plenty of advice on beating one's own bad tendencies and living your life well in spite of your self. "Stop *Effing Yourself" is a charming and much needed read for the imperfect in all of us.

Awakening the Quieter Virtues
Gregory Spencer
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830837359, $16.00, www.ivpress.com

Virtues are key to having a peaceful and successful life. "Awakening the Quieter Virtues" is an inspirational guide to finding the virtues in your life in today's world where virtue seems like some lost and forgotten concept. Character, courage, generosity, and more as the topics as Gregory Spencer seeks to inspire and drive readers. "Awakening the Quieter Virtues" is highly inspirational reading that shouldn't be missed by those who find themselves lost in life.


The Military Shelf

The American Way of War
Tom Engelhardt
Haymarket Books
PO Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
9781608460717, $16.95, www.haymarketbooks.org

When you take the highest office in the land, you get all of its problems, regardless if they are your construction or not. "The American Way of War: How Bush's War Became Obama's" is a political book discussing American politics and America's role on the world stage. Criticizing the way the wars have taken shape, 9/11 and how it happened, the flaws of Bush and Obama, and the problems of the future, "The American Way of War" provides much to think about and makes for an intriguing read, highly recommended.

Killer Rays
Mark Frankel
Specialty Press
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
9781580071550, $44.95, www.specialtypress.com

From the pages of science fiction comes America's next lethal weapon. "Killer Rays: Story of the Douglas F4D Skyray & F5D Skylancer" discusses the production of these fighters that became major players in the Navy's arsenal in the 1950s, flying off of air carriers for the first time in history and becoming the scourge of America's enemies. With plenty of artwork and photos, both color and black and white, as well as technical specs and information, "Killer Rays" is a top pick for any aviation technology fan, very highly recommended.

4 Troops
Meredith Melcher & Company
Newmarket Press
18 E. 48th Street, New York, NY 10017
9781557049476, $16.95, www.newmarketpress.com

Friendships form in the military, and like minded interests lead to unique endeavors. "4 Troops: The Mission is Music" is a collection of four soldiers uniting over their love and music and performing for the sake of their injured associates and veterans that are returning to home, raising money and awareness. Inspirational, and coming with a CD-ROM with two of their songs, "4 Troops" is a touching read, a top pick for anyone looking to support the troops in their own way.


The Biography Shelf

The Measure of Paris
Stephen Scobie
The University of Alberta Press
Ring House 2, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E1
9780888645333, $29.95, www.uap.ualberta.ca

Paris has been romanticized throughout many cultures, and this romance attracts people. "The Measure of Paris" is a memoir from Stephen Scobie, as he blends his reflections on his travels with his discussion of literature and a bit of poetry. A Canadian at heart, he reflects on the work of his contemporaries and provides a good deal to think about and plenty to ponder. "The Measure of Paris" is a fine read and not one to be overlooked for those looking for a solid blend of humor and opinion.

What's That Pig Outdoors?
Henry Kisor
University of Illinois Press
1325 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6903
9780252077395, $22.00, www.press.uillinois.edu

Hearing is a sense all too easily taken for granted. "What's That Pig Outdoors?: A Memoir of Deafness" is a memoir from Henry Kisor, an accomplished literary journalist who earned his position in spite of his nearly life long deafness. Not one to speak on deaf culture, he was trained to live among the hearing and as such has many unique viewpoints, including the impact of the Americans with Disabilities act. "What's That Pig Outdoors?" is a fine read and an excellent addition to any memoir collection.

The Road Through Wonderland
Dawn Schiller
Medallion Press
1020 Cedar Ave. Suite 216, Saint Charles, IL 60174
9781605420837, $19.95, www.medallionpress.com

What turns one not only to porn, but to fully embrace its culture? "The Road Through Wonderland: Surviving John Holmes" tells the story of Dawn Schiller, a young girl who was caught into the whirlwind of the underworld surrounding John Holmes, an infamous male porn star with many questionable ties with gang activity. From a broken home, she viewed Holmes as a father, then a lover, until she broke free of his spell. "The Road Through Wonderland" is a both saddening and uplifting memoir, very highly recommended.

Barefoot in Baghdad
Manal M. Omar
Sourcebooks
1935 Brookdale Rd, Suite 139, Naperville, IL 60563
9781402237218, $14.99, www.sourcebooks.com

More than anything, the rights of women have changed since the American invasion all those years ago. "Barefoot in Baghdad: A Story of Identity -- MY Own and What It Means to be a Woman in Chaos" is a memoir of an American woman of Iraqi descent going to Iraq as an aid worker following the fall of Saddam Hussein. Revealing a vastly changed world, Manal M. Omar gives readers a fascinating take on Iraq and what it has become, as well as the personal drama that drives her. "Barefoot in Baghdad" is a fine addition to any memoir collection tackling modern issues.

Zimbabwe Bound
Larita Killian
University of Indianapolis Press
1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
9781880938768 $19.95 www.uindy.edu/universitypress

Immigrating from America to Africa is not a common tale. "Zimbabwe Bound: A Woman's Journey Through Africa" tells the story of Anna, a Chicago nurse who traveled to South Africa to marry a rancher. Through establishing their life together, Anna had to use her nurse training to bring a better life to many in Zimbabwe. Constructed through letters, Larita Killian makes for an intriguing read with "Zimbabwe Bound", a read that will prove hard to put down.

The Last Banana
Shelby Tucker
Stacey International
c/o Interlink Publishing Group
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060-1804
9781906768218 $25.00 www.interlinkbooks.com

The relationship of the Europeans and the Africans has changed much over the years. "The Last Banana: Dancing with the Watu" is a reflection of Shelby Tucker's travels to east Africa over the course of four and a half decades, observing a changing cultural and political landscape he has seen from his own travels and the contrasts over the centuries with the missionaries who sought to bring Christianity to the African people. An intriguing analysis of the development of the African people with plenty to make readers ponder, "The Last Banana" is a fine addition to any travel memoir collection.

The Devil in Pew Number Seven
Rebecca Nichols Alonzo with Bob DeMoss
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414326597 $14.99 www.tyndale.com

Faith for some is not about faith; it's about control, and to lose that control is to deeply upset them. "The Devil in Pew Number Seven" is a memoir from Rebecca Nichols Alonzo, as she reflects on the persecution she and her father faced as they joined a church in 1969 and found themselves opposite a man who wanted complete control of the church and began to harass the family, and her father wouldn't stand down. The payment for his belief was brutal. "The Devil in Pew Number Seven" is a fascinating read of Christians faced with horror and crime and keeping their morality.

Necropolis
Boris Pahor
Dalkey Archive
1805 S. Wright Street, MC-011, Champaign, IL 61820
9781564786111, $13.95, www.dalkeyarchive.com

The awfulness of it all is never really gotten used to. "Necropolis" is a memoir from Boris Pahor, a Slovenian man who spent fourteen months in the Nazi Prison Camps at the end of World War Ii. Acting as a medic, he saw the worst that the Nazis had to offer, and never really forgetting the horrors and lack of humanity that rang through it all. Expertly translated by Michael Biggins, "Necropolis" is a haunting memoir about the guilt of a survivor facing the worst of humanity.


The Christian Studies Shelf

The Big Book of Christian Mysticism
Carl McColman
Hampton Roads
c/o Red Wheel, Weiser, Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781571746245, $21.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

Mysticism is not mutually exclusive with Christianity. "The Big Book of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality" is a guide for Christians who are seeking a greater piece of enlightenment out of their faith. Looking at the often forgotten mystical tradition that lies with Christian and the New Testament, Carl McColman gives readers an intriguing take on God, Jesus, and the search for spirituality. "The Big Book of Christian Mysticism" is a choice pick for any Christian studies collection.

Net Casters
Craig Von Buseck
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37234-0143
9780805447842, $14.99, www.BHPublishingGroup.com

If you're not online, you're going to fall behind. "Net Casters: Using the Internet to Make Fishers of Men" is an inspirational read from Dr. Craig Von Buseck as he encourages readers to use the internet and social media to better spread Christianity and its message. A fascinating and intriguing blend of faith and technology, "Net Casters" is a powerful read that shouldn't be overlooked.

Talking with the Children of God
Gordon Shepherd & Gary Shepherd
University of Illinois Press
1325 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6903
9780252077210, $28.00, www.press.uillinois.edu

What drives radical Christianity? "Talking with the Children of God: Prophecy and Transformation in a Radical Religious Group" is an analysis of the growth of the group known as the Family International, and how they took hold of many, growing out of the Jesus People movement in the 1960s. Under David Berg, they believed the end was near, and led to an organization that was corrupt and abusive of its members, offering an intriguing look at Christian cults and radicalism. "Talking with the Children of God" is a fine pick and a solid addition to any Christian studies collection focusing on extremes.

Beyond the Walls
Paul Wilkes
ACTA Publications
4848 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
9780879464295 $16.95 www.actapublications.com

Monasteries can be found in America, something that many Catholics don't know. "Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life" is an updated edition of Paul Wilkes' look at Monastic life and wisdom that he compiled ten years ago during his visit to Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina. Discussing the modern Catholic Church as well as wisdom that can be taken from the most devout of followers, "Beyond the Walls" is a thought provoking and faith assuring read, highly recommended.

The Faith Dare
Debbie Alsdorf
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
9780800733674 $12.99 www.bakerbooks.com www.revellbooks.com

Living life to the fullest can be harder than one thinks. "The Faith Dare: 30 Days to Live Your Life to the Fullest" is a faith driven challenge where author Debbie Alsdorf asks women to push themselves and make their lives fuller and more driven life where they're in control and living for themselves as well as God. Full of faith and affirmation, "The Faith Dare" is an inspiration that will drive many women to lead more driven lives.

Gotta Have It!
Gregory L. Jantz
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
97814347662443, $14.99, www.davidccook.com

Excess is a wonderful thing but it can easily consume our lives. "Gotta Have It! Freedom from Wanting Everything" is a guide to fighting the wants and go in pursuit of the needs. Letting go of one's frivolous wants proves to be a wise key in controlling one's life and attaining a greater level of happiness, and Dr. Gregory L. Jantz helps readers drop the nagging feeling. Thoughtful with plenty of wisdom, "Gotta Have It!" is a fine collection and a solidly recommended one.


The Cookbook Shelf

Sweet Carolina
Foy Allen Edelman
The University of North Carolina Press
116 S. Boundary St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3808
9780807832943, $25.00, www.uncpress.unc.edu

A sweet tooth is something universal around the country. "Sweet Carolina: Favorite Desserts and Candies form the Old North State" is a guide to the many treats that North Carolina has developed throughout its history and has made uniquely its own. With twists on vanilla ice cream, original dishes like nutty fingers and chocolate gravy, "Sweet Carolina" is an intriguing collection that shouldn't be overlooked for anyone longing for a bit of Carolina for their cravings.

Houston Classic Desserts
Erin Hicks Miller
Pelican
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LO 70053
9781589808362, $16.95, www.pelicanpub.com

Creativity knows no ends, and this holds true with desert as well. "Houston Classic Desserts: Recipes from Favorite Restaurants" is a guide who want a taste of Houston's finest restaurants at dessert time no matter where they are in the world. Drawn from the top rated restaurants and their top rated dishes, a fine assortment of deserts ranging from cakes, pudding, pies, and candy, and other delectable entrees are available for purchase and consumption. From fresh takes on traditional dishes from White Chocolate Bread Pudding, to completely original Kourambiedes, "Houston Classic Deserts" is a fine resource for any who want a more complete appreciation of the dessert.


The Fiction Shelf

A Sudden Dawn
Goran Powell
YMAA Fiction
PO Box 480, Wolfeboro, NH 03894
9781594391989, $12.95, www.ymaa.com

There's more to the art of fighting than simply violence. "A Sudden Dawn" is a historical novel following a young Indian of the warrior caste who realizes this fact and begins to search for enlightenment and find his own understanding of the world and the nature of the martial arts. Hoping to provide a possible explanation of the origins of Kung Fu, "A Sudden Dawn" is an exciting read that will prove hard to put down.

Unfinished Business
William G. Byrnes
7717 Southdown Road, Alexandria, VA 22308-1340 (author)
Durban House Press
10000 N. Central Expressway, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75231
9780981848693, $17.95, www.durbanhouse.com

Recovering old glory can lead to rough situations. "Unfinished Business" tells the story of Peter Armstrong, an investment banker who left America behind after a prolonged period of rough times. Now living in London, he may be dragged back onto the international stage as Russia seeks to build an empire of its own, and a German Chancellor wants Germany important once more. Allying himself with a CIA Ex, "Unfinished Business" is an exciting and riveting thriller that will prove hard to put down.

Cuba on my Mind
Katie Wainwright
Livingston Press
UWA Station 22, Livingston, AL 35470
9781604890631, $17.95, www.livington.uwa.edu

One generation can have such a different experience from another. "Cuba on my Mind" tells the story Catalina and her grandson Wayne. Living in Cuba, Catalina tells story of Batista's Cuba and the revolution that came, as her grandson listens and looks to have a revolution of his own, and to craft his own place in life and society. "Cuba on my Mind" is a fine take on coming of age in Cuba, highly recommended.

Bliss, Remembered
Frank Deford
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
9781590203590 $25.95 www.overlookpress.com

Love is hard to pursue when you have a heated war between you. "Bliss, Remembered" tells the story as Olympic Athlete Sydney falls in love with a German gentlemen in the 1936 Berlin games. When World War II tears them apart, Sydney is heart broken, but an American still pursues her. Caught between the safe love and wanting what seems completely lost, "Bliss, Remembered" is a riveting romance set in an unstable period, highly recommended.

Kiss Me Deadly
Trisha Telep, editor
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9780762439492, $9.95, www.runningpress.com

Love is almost like magic on its own, so it meeting the paranormal isn't much of a stretch. "Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love" is a compilation of short stories on the concept of love and the super natural. Cruel spells, pushing the limits of what's consider natural, romantic affairs with creatures who have departed humanity, and so much more, "Kiss Me Deadly" is a riveting collection that is sure to entertain well for romance and thriller fans.

Faith, Hope, & Love
Llwyd Owen
Alcemi
c/o DuFour Edtions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9780955527272, $17.95, www.alcemi.eu

Trying to figure out what to do with one's life can be one of the toughest decisions in your life. "Faith, Hope, & Love" is the tale of Alun Brady as he faces midlife and unsure what to do, and the picture of perfected in his brother isn't helping things. An urban thriller with the theme of family ties and their pros and cons, "Faith, Hope, & Love" is a remarkable and intriguing read that shouldn't be missed.

The Called
Warren Rochelle
Golden Gryphon Press
3002 Perkins Road, Urbana, IL 61802
1930846630, $24.95, www.goldengryphon.com

People fear the different, and making them understand is no easy task. "The Called" is a follow up to the novel "Harvest of Changelings" and follows four of the characters of that novel as they are pitted against the drawing Reconvergence, a potentially catastrophic event that occurs on December 21st, 2012. Facing persecution when they leave their home land, they struggle for acceptance while trying to stand off against the evil of the Fomorii. "The Called" is a fine take on the meeting of fantasy and reality, highly recommended.

The Boy Detectives
Michael G. Cornelius
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
9780786460335, $35.00, www.amazon.com

The young sleuth is a favorite model for adolescent fiction. "The Boy Detectives: Essays on the Hardy Boys and Others" is a literary discussion on the impact of boy detective stories and their impact on society. From the meaning of male camaraderie, the mysteries they solve, and the logic behind their mysteries, it provides fascinating insight to these old tales and makes for an intriguing read. "The Boy Detectives" is a core addition to any literary studies collection.

Voice from the Planet
Charles Degelman, editor
Harvard Square Editions
79 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
9780615367323, $14.95, www.harvardsquareeditions.com

All over the world, lives are changing and they change in many different ways. "Voice from the Planet: An Anthology of Living Fiction" is a collection of short fiction that goes through all genres and concerns, from the realistic to the fantastical to the coming of age to the war story. A grand variety pack of tales, Charles Degelman puts together a fascinating collection that will never stop entertaining. "Voice from the Planet" is a solid volume, not to be missed.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Mind of the Mourner
Joel B. Wolowelsky
OU Press
c/o KTAV
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602801592, $15.95, www.ktav.com

Every culture faces death differently, and Jews are no different. "The Mind of the Mourner: Individual and Community in Jewish Mourning" discusses the Jewish mindset surrounding death and mourning. An event that is faced by both the individual and the community, it discusses the trait with a psychological mindset, as well as a traditional and ritual one. For those with an interest in the many cultures of death throughout the world or are just studying Judaism in general, "The Mind of the Mourner" proves to be an intriguing and fascinating read.

Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices
Jewish Publication Society
Elliot N. Dorff & Danya Ruttenberg, editors
2100 Arch Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9780827609068, $16.00, www.jewishpub.org

Security and safety is more important than ever in today's world. "Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: War and National Security" looks into the Jewish opinion on one of today's' most important and vital topics. Voices from rabbis, activists, and scholars look at the importance of the Jewish faith in beliefs and understanding in these important aspects of today's world which leaves many questions for all Americans. "Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: War and National Security" is a must for those trying to understand the Jewish opinion in today's society.


The Business Shelf

Marketing in a Web 2.0 World
Peter Van Rhysdam
Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.
1405 SW 6th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471-0640
9781601383174, $24.95, www.atlantic-pub.com

The Internet changes so rapidly that a tactic useful in 2009 may not work in 2010. "Marketing in a Web 2.0 World: Using Social Media, Webinars, Blogs, and More to Boost Your Small Business on a Budget" looks at the possibilities of the internet has for marketing and pushing the potential of small business above and beyond what they were usually limited in attaining. A powerful and comprehensive research, "Marketing in a Web 2.0 World" is a choice pick that shouldn't be overlooked by any small business with growth aspirations.

Predictable Magic
Deepa Prahalad and Ravi Sawhney
Wharton School Publishing
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780137023486 $29.99 www.mcp.com 1-800-428-5331

What works isn't some crazy unknown formula, it can be pretty clear and standard. "Predictable Magic: Unleash the Power of Design Strategy to Transform Your Business" is a guide to making a successful product by building a strategy along with the product to make the corporation work with the product instead of aversely like many products start their lifespans on. From different strategies for different items, the importance of marketing, and how to introduce something new, "Predictable Magic" is a fine read, and a solidly recommended one.

Refocusing Focus Groups
Robert J. Morais
Paramount Market Publishing, Inc.
950 Danby Road, Suite 136, Ithaca, NY 14850
9780981986975 $19.95 www.paramountbooks.com 1-888-787-8100

Research is invaluable in any venture, especially so in business. "Refocusing Focus Groups: A Practical Guide" is a guide to maximizing the potential of focus groups, and how to get real, usable, reliable info out of them. Drawing upon decades of pre-existing research and the opinions of many experts, "Refocusing Focus Groups" should be required reading for any business seeking to use one.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Conservation by Proxy
Tim Caro
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009-1148
9781597261920, $70.00, www.islandpress.com

With so many talking heads going on about environmentalism, it can be hard to truly understanding it. "Conservation by Proxy: Indicator, Umbrella, Keystone, Flagship, and Other Surrogate Species" discusses environmentalism looking to plainly state and describe looks to define terms such as biodiversity, elaborating on the buzzwords, and seeking to give a plainly stated state of the environment address. Throughout, there are detailed diagrams supporting Tim Cairo, a professor of Wildlife at the University of California, and his facts on his opinions and thoughts on the matter. With a high attention to detail and plenty of research, "Conservation by Proxy" proves to be a complete and comprehensive look at the topic of environmentalism, a fine addition to community and college collections on studying the topic.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Syndrome W, revised edition
Harriette R. Mogul
M. Evans
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781590771617, $16.95, www.rlpgtrade.com

Losing the hour glass figure seems to come often with age. "Syndrome W: A Woman's Guide to Reversing Midlife Weight Gain" is a health guide aimed towards middle aged women to help them fight the common midlife weight gain that naturally comes when a woman ages. With recipes for lower calorie meals, advice on habits to stave off the middle age roundness, and plenty of tips on keeping life fun and keeping a positive outlook, "Syndrome W" is an ideal pick for any woman who wants to face middle age with the odds stacked in their favor.

End of Life Care
Sandra L. Friedman, David T. Helm
American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
501 3rd Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001
9781935304074, $75.00, www.aaidd.org

The final days are tough, for both the dying and those around them. "End-of-Life Care: For Children and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" is a guide for caring for a dying one who has been suffering from various disabilities. Written by a collection of experts on near death care, the authors seek to help readers and medical staff provide adequate care that respects the dignity of the dying and their families. Discussing many issues surrounding it, from medical advancements, political debates, ethics, and more, "End-of-Life Care" will prove to be a useful resource and reference for those who are professional caretakers and are not certain how to deal with caring with terminal cases.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Points
Roger Dalet
Healing Arts Press
c/o Inner Traditions
1 Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594773358, $24.95, www.healingartspress.com

There are subtle ways to help heal their own bodies. "The Encyclopedia of Healing Points: The Home Guide to Acupoint Treatment" is a guide to the healing points and what they can offer to help the healing process and help pain relief. Outlining disorders that acupressure points can help with, Roger Dalet, a renown French acupuncturist, gives a complete and comprehensive discussion of Healing points. For anyone who wants a thorough guide to this brother practice of acupuncture, "The Encyclopedia of Healing Points" is a fine resource, not to be missed.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Do Over Dogs
Pat Miller
Dogwise
403 S Mission St. Wenatchee, WA 98801
9781929242696, $17.95, www.dogwise.com

People get second chances all the time, why not dogs? "Do Over Dogs: Give Your Dog a Second Chance for a First Class Life" is a guide to taking in dogs that have had previous owners, or has been taken off of the street. These dogs may not be accustomed to better owners, and Pat Miller seeks to give these new owners how to train their dog for better habits that they may not have previously known. With plenty of training advice and techniques for teaching oneself and their dog, "Do Over Dogs" is a useful guide for those who believe in second chances for man's best friend.

Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest, second edition
Andy Lamb and Phil Edgell
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
9781550174717 $29.95 www.harbourpublishing.com

A whole unique ecostystem lies just off the coasts. "Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest" is the second edition of Andy Lamb and Phil Edgell's compendium of the diverse ecosystem that lies beneath the waves off the coast of Alaska, Canada, and Washington. With plenty of full color glossy photographs and tons of details on nearly three hundred fish, this resource will prove invaluable for any study of fish, be it a professional interest or a non-specialist general reader. "Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest" is a choice addition to any community library science collection.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Awakening to the Spirit World
Sandra Ingerman & Hank Wesselman
Publicity Department
Sounds True
413 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
9781591797500 $19.95 www.soundstrue.com 1-800-333-9185

Understanding the world around you is to see unhindered. "Awakening to the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation" discusses Shamanism and the shamanic elements that lie within us all. With chapters on ritual, artistic vision, traditional wisdom, community, and more, the authors seek to give readers a more complete understanding of modern Shamanism. With CD of meditation music and the like, "Awakening the Spirit World" is recommended for those who want to understand Shamanism.


The Travel Shelf

Your Guide to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Master Books
c/o New Leaf Publishing Group
PO Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
www.newleafpress.net
9780890515808 $15.99 www.masterbooks.net

America's natural beauty is something often forgotten and it's unfortunate that this is so. "Your Guide to Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks" is a travel guide to these two beautiful national parks as the staff at Master Books seeks to give readers a more complete guide to traveling through these parks and seeing the particularly beautiful interests of the region. With a bit of faith intertwined to encourage Christians to view God's work for themselves, "Your Guide to Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks" proves to be an intriguing and fun read, not to be missed, especially by those soon taking a vacation.

Learning the Valley
John Leland
University of South Carolina Press
718 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208
9781570039133 $24.95 www.sc.edu/uscpress 1-800-768-2500

From dinosaurs to gruesome conflict, the modern Shenandoah Valley has a special place in the hearts of South Carolina's outdoor enthusiasts. "Learning the Valley: Excursions into the Shenandoah Valley" is a travel memoir and nature appreciation read as he reflects on Shenandoah Valley as he takes a trip with his son through the valley and looks at the events that have promoted its fame, on top of its natural beauty. "Learning the Valley" is a fascinating and educational read, not to be missed.

The Creaky Knees Guide
Seabury Blair Jr
Sasquatch Books
119 South Main Street, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98104
9781570616273, $16.95, www.sasquatchbooks.com

Not every hiker is looking to push the envelope and be extreme. "The Creaky Knees Guide: The 80 Best Easy Hikes: Oregon" is a guide to finding an easy trip through the expansive wilderness in the state of Oregon. With plenty of natural sights and sounds to enjoy even through simple and easy trails, with extra information on parking, seasons, and much more to make the trip as a whole an enjoyable one. For anyone who enjoys hikes but doesn't think their knees do, "The Creaky Knees Guide" is worth checking out.


The Education Shelf

What Teachers Really Need To Know About Formative Assessment
Laura Greenstein
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416609964 $27.95 www.ascd.org

Assessing a students skills shouldn't only be done at the time of a test. "What Teachers Really Need to Know About Formative Assessment" is a guide for educators on using formative assessment, and how it can help teachers help their students before they fail a vital test. With advisories on diagnosing problems, adjusting instruction, finding out what's not working, and so much more, Laura Greenstein uses her over three and a half decades of teaching experience to create a useful read that shouldn't be missed. "What Teachers Really Need to Know about Formative Assessment" is a core addition to any educational studies collection.

How the Sun Makes Our Day
The College of William & Mary's Center for Gifted Education
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593633929, $39.95, www.prufrock.com

Without the sun, we'd have nothing. "How the Sun Makes Our Day" is a guide to a youth science curriculum for kindergarten and first graders to help them gain a more basic understanding of our solar system and why the sun is so important. With thirteen thoroughly researched lessons, how to challenge your students, and more, "How the Sun Makes Our Day" is quite the resource for those tasked with teaching this aspect of science to very young learners, a top pick for elementary education collections.

Learning by Doing, second edition
Richard DuFour & Collaborators
Solution Tree
555 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
9781935542094, $34.95, www.solution-tree.com

Learning is something that a good company should never stop doing. "Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work" is a complete and comprehension guide to PLCs, or professional learning community. Educators can provide a major aspect to effective employees if applied correctly and help companies move forward. Evaluating, establishing, and reforming these practices make "Learning by Doing" a read that should be highly considered by any business that wants to train its employees further.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

Find Info Like a Pro
Carole A. Levitt and Mark E. Rosch
c/o American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610
9781604428902 $79.95 www.ababooks.org

Having a massive resource like the internet on hand is only as useful as knowing how to use it. "Find Info Like a Pro: Mining the Internet's Publicly Available Resources for Investigative Research" is a guide for using the internet to its fullest power to research any topic more efficiently. With advice on how to begin, finding addresses and other contact information, directly finding primary sources and experts, and how to use it in the court of law, this compendium by the American Bar Association will prove to be a powerful resource to lawyers who don't yet fully understand the digital age or are simply just getting started. Compiled in an easy to use fashion and enhanced with an additional resource CD-ROM, "Find Info Like a Pro" is a guide that should be on the hand of any lawyer who has to do investigative research.


The Science Shelf

Modeling Our World, second edition
Michael Zeiler
ESRI Press
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92378-8100
9781589482784 $44.95 www.esri.com

There are many ways to project data, and maps are no different. "Modeling Our World: The ESRI Guide to Geodatabase Concepts" discusses maps and the many different versions and concepts that are used throughout their presentation throughout the world. With tips on creating geodatabases for any size of project, presenting data well, and choosing the right method for the job, one comes to realize how to present the complex Earth in many different useful ways. "Modeling Our World" is a must have resource for anyone who works with geodatabases or maps.

Introducing Geology, second edition
Graham Park
Dunedin
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781906716219, $16.99, www.isbs.com

It makes up a good chunk of the Earth and it's everywhere if you know where to look. "Introducing Geology: A Guide to the World of Rocks" is an introductory to geology to better understanding the large assortments of rocks that encompass the world. Geology can lead to a greater understanding of history, from its creatures, to the big picture of history and the dawn of the planet's life, to other worlds. With plenty to teach, "Introducing Geology" is a fine addition to any science collection, and a top pick for anyone who wants to learn about the importance of Geology.


The World History Shelf

Lenin's Final Fight
Vladimir Lenin
Pathfinder
PO Box 162767, Atlanta, GA 30321-2767
9781604880274, $20.00, www.pathfinderpress.com

Lenin's version of Soviet Communism was much different from that of what Stalin turned it into. "Lenin's Final Fight: Speeches & Writings 1922-23" looks into the waning days of the political life of Vladimir Lenin as he was fighting for his vision for Russia that he won toppling the Tsars in 1917. Told with his own documents and writings, "Lenin's Final Fight" is a fascinating read for anyone who is intrigued in studying this major power in history.

Hanoi Jane
Jerry Lembcke
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429, Amherst, MA 01004
9781558498150, $22.95, www.umass.edu

Jane Fonda's staunch positions during the Vietnam war gave birth the mythos of Hanoi Jane. "Hanoi Jane" delves into the mythology constructed around Jane Fonda, who was known for visiting North Vietnam, visiting prisoners of war during the infamous conflict. Outspoken against the war, she has gained her own infamy, and the figure Hanoi Jane is constructed as what undermined America's efforts during the war. Analyzing the mythos of Hanoi Jane, "Hanoi Jane" is an intriguing and fascinating take that shouldn't be overlooked by any history collection focusing on the Vietnam war.

Empires Apart
Brian Landers
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street,5th Floor, New York, NY 10004
9781605981062 $35.00 www.pegasusbooks.com

Empire is a concept that never truly goes away. "Empires Apart: A History of American and Russian Imperialism" looks at the concept of empire through the perspective of America and Russia. Through tis birth, America has been part of an empire or building an empire of its own, so much so that one could say the country is built on empire. Russia, one of the most massive land-wise countries in the world, has also made its identity out of manifest destiny. Looking at these two countries, their history, and their futures as super powers, "Empires Apart" proves to be a remarkable, scholarly, and educational read for world history collections.


The Poetry Shelf

Voices from the Bitter Core
Ursula Krechel, poet
Amy Kepple Strawser, translator
Host Publications
1000 East 7th Street, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78702
9780924047657 $40.00 www.hostpublications.com

Voices from around the world prove vital to more complete understanding of the world. "Voices from the Bitter Core" is a massive collection of poetry from Ursula Krechel, a German poet who reflects on the major events throughout German history and the world around her. Placing the original German across from expertly translated to English by Amy Kepple Strawser, "Voices from the Bitter Core" is an ideal collection of German poetry, highly recommended.

Free Sex Chocolate
Julian Gough
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781907056369, $19.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

Having skill for one can translate to another medium. "Free Sex Chocolate" is a collection of poems and musings from Julian Gough, as the accomplished novelists branches into poetry with an irreverent take and thoughts on the world around him. Entertaining and thoughtful, "Free Sex Chocolate" is a treasure trove, very highly recommended. "An American Haiku": Ten thousand syllables//A break//Thirty thousand syllables//A break//Basho applauds, but it's not over//We Will be back with/A hundred thousand great new/syllables, after//this break.

The Fall
Anthony Cronin
New Island
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781848400689, $19.00

For all of his long life, Anthony Cronin has been a lover of literature. "The Fall" is a collection of poetry from this life long lover of the work, providing a unique brand of humor and seriousness that twist throughout the work. "The Fall" is a fine volume, not to be missed by international poetry collections. "God is a Woman": Of Course God is a woman./God has no sense of justice or fair play./God is not logical./God never listens to what you say.

Apocalyptic Swing Poems
Gabrielle Calvocoressi
Persea
853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780892553532, $22.95, www.perseabooks.com

Individuality, for the country, rebellion and tradition, America is a country of contradiction. "Apocalyptic Swing Poems" is a collection of poetry from Gabrielle Calvocoressi, discussing this nature with much thought and variance, proving a fine take on society and its values. "Apocalypse Swing Poems" is a thoughtful and entertaining take, highly recommended. "Dear Elvis, How She Did It and When and What Music": Who knows? Not me, sitting in the dark classroom./Lincoln was president. He was president onscreen./That's all that mattered to me, a light in dark/rooms, a voice filling the night as I lay awake/and rats scratched in the walls. This was before/I learned to move my hips. When I just lay there/and thought I was dreaming. When the room spun/like roller-rink lights and I prayed you would come.

The Ache of Appetite
Rachel Hadas
Copper Beech Press
PO Box 2578, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
9780914278849 $12.00 www.copperbeechpress.com

With countless previous works of poetry, Rachel Hadas is no stronger to the party of poetry composition. "The Ache of Appetite" is a collection of poetry form Rachel Hadas, her eleventh volume published. With many awards won, "The Ache of Appetite" will give readers an understanding of why Hadas has been acclaimed by her peers. "The Pilot Light": The angers flare up suddenly, blue flames./Sometimes I can predict what sets one off,/and the dismal precision of this knowledge/angers me afresh://the innocent struck match/and what ti chances this time to ignite;/and underlying every exchange,/meek, deceptive, low, the pilot light.

The Breakfast Machine
Helen Ivory
Bloodaxe Books
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781852248734 $17.95 www.dufoureditions.com 1-800-869-5677

There's more to most things than meet the eye. "The Breakfast Machine" is a collection of poetry from Helen Ivory, who explores many concepts and ideas in mythology and the world to provide a humorous and thoughtful exploration of the world. "The Breakfast Machine" is a fine pick for those looking for lighter British poetry. "Migration": The sky's starlings/are outside her window,/bustling the branches of a tree./She didn't ask for them,/doesn't' know their names;/still they are calling hers.

We Don't Know We Don't Know
Nick Lantz
Graywolf Press
250 Third Avenue North, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781555975524 $15.00 www.graywolfpress.org

A recent award winner and author of several other collections, "We Don't Know We Don't Know" is Nick Lantz's discussion of conscience, cognition, and how we perceive the world around us. "We Don't Know We Don't Know" is poetry that will make readers think about why they see the world the way they do. "Potemkin Village: Ars Poetica": Verisimiltude requires/a homeless man's feet/protruding from a dark/vestibule. Empty huts/will fool no one. If/I say do not look there,/you will look more closely, so I say, look,/for God's sake look./The men and women:/papier-mache flesh,/one bare bulb burning/in each ribcage. From this distance, light can/resemble life. See/how they wave to you.


The Sports Shelf

Race Track Attack Guide: AutoClub Speedway
Edwin Reeser, III
Sericin Publishing Company
1979 Mar Vista Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001
9780984172436 $16.95

For the auto racer, every track is a new puzzle to attack. "Race Track Attack Guide: AutoClub Speedway" is a guide to mastering this particular motor sports course, and how to maximize one's performance on its twists and curves with a skill and finesse that only professionals typically have. For anyone who wants to master the course, the "Race Track Attack Guide: AutoClub Speedway" continues the series detailed analysis, highly recommended.

Survival Notes for Race Fans
Robert Stofel
Ambassador Books
c/o Paulist Press
997 Macarthur Boulevard, Mahwah, NJ 07430
9780809146468, $14.95, www.ambassadorbooks.com

Not everything in life can be burned through at two hundred miles per hour. "Survival Notes for Race Fans: Inspiration for the Drive Through Life" is a self-help and inspirational guide for NASCAR and other motorsports fans to using one of their favorite passions to help them drive through their own life, sprinkled with a bit of faith throughout. "Survivals Notes for Race Fans" is a strong pick for the racing fan who needs their spirits lifted.


The Parenting Shelf

Family Child Care Curriculum
Sharon Woodward
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117
9781605540122, $39.95, www.redleafpress.org

Good care does more than sustain life, it makes it flourish. "Family Child Care Curriculum: Teaching Through Quality Care" is a guide for parents and child care specialists designed to help the children under their watch not only be comfortable and happy, but learn and be stimulated for higher education above and beyond just babysitting. Analyzing young development, the importance of family, and creating a positive learning environment, Sharon Woodward promotes over two hundred exercises to help professionals. "Family Child Care Curriculum" is a powerful and useful resource that shouldn't be missed.

8 Strategies for Successful Step-Parenting
Nadir Baksh, Psy.D. & Laurie Murphy Ph.D.
Hohm Press
PO Box 2501, Prescott, AZ 86302
9781935387084 $14.95 www.hohmpress.com

It's one thing to have your own child; it's another to be dropped right into the job, already in progress. "8 Strategies for Successful Step-Parenting" discusses the job of step parenting, and how a step-parent can make a powerful difference in one's life, perhaps even more so, if they are dedicated to being a positive figure in a child's life. With notes from real life situations, "8 Strategies for Successful Step-Parenting" is a heartily recommended read for anyone about to take on the mantle of the step-parent.


The Islamic Studies Shelf

Journey into America
Akbar Ahmed
Brookings
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
9780815703877, $29.95, www.brookings.edu

America has no national language, no national religion, and was built on equality in the eyes of the law. Then why do so many citizens find themselves outcasts? "Journey into America: The Challenge of Islam" is a memoir and social issues discussion from Akbar Ahmed as he hopes to reflect on his own experiences and comes to American readers with the affirmation that American Muslims exist and are not the enemy of the American people. He also tackles issues of the challenges of being accepted as American, the divide of Jews and Muslims in America, and white people converting to Islam. "Journey into America" is an intriguing look at Islam in America, and is a fine read.

The Leadership of Muhammad
John Adair
Kogan Page USA
525 South 4th Street, #241, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9780749460761 $19.95 www.koganpageusa.com

People of any faith can be inspired by the drive of the Prophet Muhammad. "The Leadership of Muhammad: On a Journey, the leader of a People is Their Servant" looks at the Prophet Muhammad as a leader. Muhammad sought to better his people, and through his work, he served them, and his leadership and the examples he set forth led to one of the most powerful faiths in the world today. Integrity, courage, practicality, and other virtues are the focus, and makes "The Leadership of Muhammad" a certainly intriguing read.


The Literary Shelf

Animal Characters
Bruce Thomas Boehrer
University of Pennsylvania Press
3905 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4112
9780812242492 $49.95 www.upenn.edu/pennpress

The animal still plays a powerful part in literature, even as the world goes to cities. "Animal Characters: Nonhuman Beings in Early Modern Literature" analyzes the history of modern literature and the use of animals when they became less a part of everyday life starting in the Renaissance. Through five species, author Bruce Thomas Boehrer provides an intriguing look at shifting views and how events in the world has changed the opinions on the once noble horse, the amazing parrot, the tortured cat, and much more. "Animal Characters' is a fascinating analysis of early modern literature, a solid addition to any community or college literary studies collection.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Wolf of Tebron
C. S. Lakin
Living Ink Books
6815 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421
9780899578880, $14.99, www.amgpublishers.com

For a loved one, one would travel any distance. "The Wolf of Tebron" is a take on fantasy from C. S. Lakin talking of Joran, a blacksmith who had found his wife and with her everything he wanted. But when his wife is whisked away by magic, he takes up the journey to find her, with only prophecy to guide him. With the friendship of a wolf, Joran's journey may yet come to a happy end. "The Wolf of Tebron" is a fine take on the fairy tale, highly recommended.


The International Studies Shelf

Why Africa Matters
Cedric Mayson
Orbis Books
Price Bldg, Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545
9781570758690, $20.00, www.orbisbooks.com

Africa seems to be the last continent thought about in regards to today's modern world. "Why Africa Matters" discusses the importance of the African continent and people in regards to the world wide stage. Cedric Mayson, a contemporary of Nelson Mandela, seeks to explain the details of Africa today, a people who still hold onto their traditions and cultures in the face of globalization and technology. A thoughtful analysis of Africa's role in the global stage, "Why Africa Matters" is a solid addition to any social issues collection, highly recommended.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Amazing Judgment / Mr. Laxworthy's Adventures
E. Phillips Oppenheim
Stark House
2200 O St, Eureka, CA 95501
9781933586274, $19.95

A good mystery is hard to put down. "The Amazing Judgment / Mr. Laxworthy's Adventures" is a dual book of the mysteries of E. Phillips Oppenheim, providing a source of the most intriguing pulp mysteries of the early twentieth century. With nearly two hundred works to his name Oppenheim is proven writer of mystery. "The Amazing Judgment / Mr. Laxworthy's Adventures" is an exciting double dose of mystery, a very highly recommended pick.


The Crafts Shelf

Threads
Debbie Bates & Liz Kettle
Landauer
3100 101st Street, Suite A, Urbandale, IA 50322
9780982558614, $27.95, www.landauecorp.com

A bit of thread can spice up one's art by a good degree. "Threads: The Basics & Beyond: The Complete Visual Guide to Thread Techniques & Creativity" discusses thread and how to weave into the techniques of quilting, painting, and other artistic mediums. With no shortage of ideas and full color photos throughout, Debbie Bates & Liz Kettle teach readers well on using thread in many versatile ways. "Threads" is a fine addition to any crafts collection.


The Art Shelf

Faeries
Bran Froud & Alan Lee
Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9780810995864, $29.95, www.abramsbook.com

The fairy has been the icon and first step into all things fantastical. "Faeries" is a collection of art and text, providing a gorgeous exploration of faeries and their history, their varieties, and so much more. Originally published thirty years ago, this deluxe collector's edition reprinting introduces new art and essays on faeries from the original artists, and includes eight frame-able prints and pull out posters. It also includes quite a few stories spread out through the illustrations. "Faeries" is a top pick for lovers of faeries in search of a coffee table book, or those who just appreciate good fantasy art.

H. J. Ward
David Saunders
The Illustrated Press
3640 Russel Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
9780982004135, $39.95, www.theillustratedpress.com

His art style is iconic and well known by many, even if they don't know his name. "H. J. Ward" is a biography of the man who created a grand assortment of art throughout the early days of pulp magazines in the first half of the twentieth century. Looking at his life as well as his work with plenty of major comic franchises as well as early icons like the Lone Ranger and Superman. With hundreds of works, his style defined an era, and has earned a special place in the hearts of fans of the era's comic books and pulp magazines. "H. J. Ward" is a fine coffee table collection for anyone with an appreciation for the man's work, or those who enjoy comic history in general.

Processing for Visual Artists
Andrew Glassner
AK Peters
5 Commonwealth Road, Suite 2C, Natick, MA 01760
9781568817163, $69.00, www.akpeters.com

In this world of interactivity, simple art isn't enough sometimes. "Processing for Visual Artists: How to Create Expressive Images and Interactive Art" is a guide to creating powerful and useful interactive art to make the most out of this twenty first century medium. Andrew Glassner gives readers a complete and thorough guide to programming and creating programs and using it as a medium for art. Discussing many necessary techniques, with plenty of example exercises, and outlining the production of both 3D and 2D graphics, "Processing for Visual Artists" is a great resource for artists and programmers, highly recommended.


The Interior Design Shelf

Living Modern
Richard Powers
Thames & Hudson
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780500515259, $60.00, www.wwnorton.com

Modern design has become a bit of a meeting of practicality, retro, future, and something else. "Living Modern: The Sourcebook of Contemporary Interiors" analyzes modern design and how to blend it into one's own home with plenty of creative ideas. Presenting a book filled with ideas, displayed with full color photos and text explaining the various styles, Richard Powers and Phyllis Richardson provide no shortage of inspiration from the exterior and how it's built, to the many trains of thought for the interior. "Living Modern" is a must for anyone who wants their home to be the complete package of style, inside and out.


The Architecture Shelf

Construction Forms for Contractors
Karen Mitchell & Craig Savage
Craftsman
6058 Corte del Cedro, PO Box 6500, Carlsbad, CA 92018
9781572182226, $48.50, www.craftsman-book.com

Construction can prove to be a costly job, and making sure the payment is just right is vital to getting paid at all. "Construction Forms for Contractors: Construction Forms in RTF, Excel, & PDF Estimating Forms with Active Cells" is a resource for contractors frilled cover to cover with blank forms for contractors who want to create a more complete and comprehensive payment form for ease of use for them and their clients. Coupled with a CD filled with plenty of example forms for use in many computing formats, "Construction Forms for Contractors" is a solid resource and one that construction companies shouldn't be without.


The Photography Shelf

Castles of New York
Scott Ian Barry
SUNY Press
PO Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172-0960
9781438433974, $29.95, www.amazon.com

You don't have to go through Europe to experience the majesty of castles. "Castles of New York" delves into the castles one can find in the very united states, as photographer Scott Ian Barry gives readers a taste of these stone structures that sit throughout New York and its neighboring regions. Presented in full color and accompanied by a great array of history along side it, "Castles of New York" is a gorgeous coffee table book for any castle lover.


The Music Shelf

Shelter from the Storm
Sid Griffin
Jawbone
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781906002275, $19.95, www.jawbone.com

Bob Dylan is one of the most influential musicians in history, and his time with Rolling Thunder is not to be forgotten. "Shelter from the Storm: Bob Dylan' Rolling Thunder Years" discusses this turbulent period in the musician's life. Though he was working with other remarkable musicians, his life was out of control and was influencing his work. Looking at the history of this troupe of traveling musicians, "Shelter form the Storm" proves to be a remarkable and enticing read for any music history reader, and for any fan of Bob Dylan.


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Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
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