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Wisconsin Bookwatch

Volume 3, Number 6 June 2008 Home | WBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Fiction Shelf Parenting Shelf
Business Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf Education Shelf
Photography Shelf Poetry Shelf Christian Studies Shelf
Judicial Studies Shelf Literary Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf
World History Shelf Biography Shelf American History Shelf
Self-Help Shelf International Studies Shelf Music Shelf
Economics Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Environmental Studies Shelf Cookbook Shelf Travel Shelf
Science Shelf Anthropology Shelf Art Shelf
Woodworking Shelf Women's Studies Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Human Sexuality Shelf Criminology Shelf Gaming Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf Crafts Shelf Civil War Shelf
Psychology Shelf Journalism Shelf Architecture Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

The Wisconsin Lawn Guide
Melinda Myers
Cool Springs Press
101 Forrest Crossing Blvd., Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37064
9781591864257, $12.95 www.coolspringspress.net

Lawns are deemed an essential element for any home landscaping design. The types of grass that flourish best in Wisconsin's horticultural zone, varied soil conditions, and climate are superbly presented in depth and detail by horticulturist, gardener, and lawn specialist Melinda Myers in "The Wisconsin Lawn Guide", a 159-page compendium of information, advice, commentary, and resources. Featuring the best grass varieties to be employed in a Wisconsin environment, "The Wisconsin Lawn Guide" also features a maintenance schedule for a well kept lawn, detailed and illustrated explanations of methods for planning new lawns, renovating existing lawns, dealing with commonly encountered lawn problems ranging from weeds and diseases to insect pests, the role of fertilizers, watering, and mowing. Enthusiastically recommended for personal, professional, agricultural school, and community library collections in the Badger State, "The Wisconsin Lawn Guide" should be considered a 'must read' for anyone charged with the responsibility of lawn care for a Wisconsin property, be it urban, suburban, or rural.


The Fiction Shelf

Mortal Shield
Thomas A. Taylor
Southeast Missouri State University
MS 2650, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
9780979871412, $19.00, www6.semo.edu/universitypress

A cult has goals. Some of them are harmless- some of them are self-destructive, but some of them still have far more sinister plots. "Mortal Shield" is the tale of one of these cults, planning on eliminating the governor – and the governor's protectors know of this. The governor and his family, however, just want a normal life without agents blocking them every step of the way . "Mortal Shield" is a grand conflict of three groups of people with very different goals and how all of their intentions clash in an incredibly interesting tale with no clear outcome - "Mortal Shield" is highly recommended for any thriller fan and any library collection collecting them.

Edith and the Mysterious Stranger
Linda Weaver Clarke
Bedside Books
c/o American Book Publishing
PO Box 65624, Salt Lake City, Utah 84165
9781589824690, $22.00, www.lindaweaverclarke.com

A stressful life on top of a child that is due into one's life soon – it could be a breaking point. "Edith and the Mysterious Stranger" is Edith's story, as she moves across the globe to care for Melinda who is with child – a child who might not make it. But letters start to arrive from the far west – where Edith once called home. The stranger's thoughts intrigue Edith in this deftly written historical fiction novel with a blend of romance. "Edith and The Mysterious Stranger" is well deserving of a place in community library historical fiction collections.

The Winged and Garlanded Nike
S.G. Scott
Regent Press
2747 Regent Street, Berkeley, CA 94705
9781587901430, $22.00, www.regentpress.net

Through the 1840s, the California Gold Rush was in full force. Through the 1950s, the lesser known defense rush went into full force. "The Winged and Garlanded Nike" is a novel linking the two rushes of financial stages of money flowing out and into California. Taking a hard critical look at the era from both its height of 1955 and its aftermath thirty one years later in 1986, with a thought provoking parody on the era. Deftly written, "The Winged and Garlanded Nike" is highly recommended for community library collections dedicated to literary fiction.

The Collar and the Bracelet
Yahya Taher Abdullah
The American University in Cairo Press
420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018
International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20175-0605
9789774161452, $17.95, www.aucpress.com

One can always get a look into the culture of its people by looking to its modern stories. "The Collar and the Bracelet: Modern Arabic Stories" is a compilation of short stories by noted Arabic author Yahya Taher Abdullah. Deftly translated by Samah Selim, it tells the story of the village of Karnark, and the trials and tribulations they face through the format of a series of short stories. "The Collar and the Bracelet: Modern Arabic Stories" is highly recommended to community library collections focusing on world fiction.

West of 16W
Mark Slomiany
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd. - 515, Parker, Colorado 80134
9781432703110, $12.95, www.outskirtspress.com

The road, a truly intangible place – yet a place many turn to for inspiration. "West of 16W" is Mark's story of traveling the road in search of inspiration to make himself a better writer, to write something truly magnificent and to make himself famous. His personal desires clash with his family, he seeks out love, but somehow he has to get through the gauntlet of life to make it through. A top pick for community library literary fiction collections and for anyone who has a life of uncertainty ahead of them.

This Life, This Death
Michael P. Graham
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd – 515, Parker CO 80134
9781432719449, $13.95, www.outskirtspress.com

Peace – to have all that one wanted and to have nothing to disturb it. In "This Life, This Death", David Bridgeman thought he had attained it – only to be brought into another hostile conflict where he finds his former friend dead in a mysterious crash and an overly ambitious corrupt government agent plotting against his home country – Bridgeman must train new comrades to face off against this growing threat in this gripping novel of adventure sure to keep readers reading until it's all over. "This Life, This Death" is a must for community library fiction collections.

The Road from La Cueva
Sheila Ortego
Sunstone Press
PO Box 2321, 239 Johnson Street, Santa Fe, NM 87504
Stray Dog Media
905 Don Miguel Place, Santa Fe, NM 87505
9780865345881, $26.95, www.sunstonepress.com

A problem many people face in life – the continuing security of the way things are – or the leap for a much better existence. "The Road From La Cueva" is Ana Howland's problem of facing this – a sheltered life as a housewife under a controlling husband, or her affair with a man who seems to truly love and respect her – but would lead to problems in itself. Ana must overcome these problems and somehow find a resolution – deftly told by Sheila Ortego. "The Road from La Cueva" is highly recommended to romance fans and community library collections catering to the genre.

Come Get Some
Nane Quartay
Strebor Books International
PO Box 6505, Largo, MD 20792
Atria Books News
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781593091767, $13.00, www.streborbooks.com

The sad reality of growing up – and everyone faces different, yet similar challenges. "Come Get Some" is a look into the high school lives of urban black youth, filled with conflict – morality stops being black and white, sexual innocence is no more, and faced with the fact that some people hate them for something as frivolous as the color of their skin. Deftly written, "Come Get Some" is a harsh look at the real world that these young men and women face, highly recommended to community library urban fiction collections and for any who want something to relate to in their books.

When The Leaves Stop Falling
Kelly Moran
Lulu
860 Aviation Parkway, Suite 300, Morrisonville, NC, 27560
9781430324751, $17.99, www.lulu.com

Four lives start down their old roads, and seem to be on a collision course to intertwine once more. "When The Leaves Stop Falling" is their story – Serena seems to be on a course to a morbid outcome, Jake is conflicting with the return of his ex, Courtney deals with the horrible abuse she had experienced earlier in life, and Austin deals with the return of his sister – while having the optimistic look up of who she's bringing with her. "When The Leaves Stop Falling" is a deftly written story, sure to be a great addition to community library literary fiction collections.

Snapping the String
Robert Paul Blumenstein
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd. - 515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432715205, $15.95, www.outskirtspress.com

The thought of one's parents both dying is enough to put some people in the crazy house – but being accused of their murders is just too much. "Snapping the String" is the story of Peyton Costello being committed after his accusation of his parents murder – the string of horrific events leaves his sanity dangling by a thread. He tries to use that thread to pull himself back into reality, lest he mind breaks and stays broken forever. "Snapping the String" is a deftly written psychological thriller leaving readers glued to the page wondering what will happen next – highly recommended for community library collections dedicated to them.

Childsong
Thor Polson
Athena Press
Queen's House, 2 Holly Road, Twickenham, TW1 4EG, UK
9781844017317, $9.95, www.athenapress.com

Is the current generation of youngsters set for self-destruction? "Childsong" is the tale of a group of friends hailing in a small college in the Midwestern United States where they face the terrifying truth of adulthood where they must learn to survive and cope with the most terrifying lesson they will learn of all – that the world is not all about them. "Childsong" is a well written coming of age novel with a deft criticism of the current generation, a top pick for any community library fiction collections.

Sassy
Valerie A. Howard
Lulu
860 Aviation Parkway, Suite 300, Morrisville, NC 27560
9781435708679, $19.95, www.lulu.com

There is a certain satisfaction is watching someone get their comeuppance after being an intolerable hussy – but what about the intolerable hussy's feelings? "Sassy" is the story of Cecilia Richards, the intolerable hussy in question, whose life starts to fall apart when she is left by her boyfriend, her girlfriends want nothing to do with her any longer, and her job begins to fall apart. Cecilia tries to set her life straight and reflects on how she has acted so wrongly over the years - "Sassy" is highly recommended to community library collections focusing on Chick Lit and for fans of the genre.

Spooky Action at a Distance
Tom Noyes
Dufour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Spring, PA 19425
9780802313461, $14.95, www.dufoureditions.com

Weighing the weight of life – not something that obviously makes for a good story, but Tom Noyes makes it so in "Spooky Action at a Distance". Stories that follow truly human characters as they deal with the common problems of life, such as the death of a father and the relationship with his son, a boy struggling with illiteracy, the suicide of a loved one – all things that everyday people may deal with, but all written intriguingly to glue readers to the page. "Spooky Action at a Distance" is deftly written and highly recommended.


The Parenting Shelf

Best Things Fathers Do
Will Glennon
Conari Press
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781573243551, $14.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

It used to be that it was enough for Dad to provide for his family and that was all – but the modern era fathers are more involved than ever. "Best Things Fathers Do: Ideas and Advice From Real World Dads" is a complete and comprehensive guide for new fathers who want to be the best parent they can be to their children, raising self esteem and giving them a brighter outlook for their future. Countless essays with the experience of other fathers are sure to leave an imprint - "Best Things Fathers Do: Ideas and Advice from Real World Dads" is deftly compiled and highly recommended for community library collections for parenting.

Humanism for Parents
Sean P. Curley
Lulu
860 Aviation Parkway, Suite 300, Morrisonville, NC 27560
9781430314257, $12.95, www.lulu.com

It's wrong to assume that a child brought up without religion is doomed to be immoral and evil, yet many assume it as such. "Humanism for Parents: Parenting without Religion" is a complete and comprehensive guide for parents of agnostic and atheist faiths(or lack of) and want to raise their child without religion. Focusing on the philosophy of humanism as a replacement for religion, it seeks to give parents advice for teaching their children morality and ethics their own way. "Humanism for Parents: Parenting Without Religion" is a highly recommended book for any non-religious parent who wants to stay that way.

The Grieving Garden
Suzanne Redfern & Susan K. Gilbert
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
1125 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
9781571745811, $16.95, www.thegreivinggarden.com

The death of one's child – a crushing event no matter their age. "The Grieving Garden: Living with the Death of a Child" is a compilation of twenty two parents sharing their stories of tragic events, ranging from car accidents to suicide – and the process that they all must go through. Discovering the tragic event, seeking support from others, and finding hope after it all, all are discussed in "The Grieving Garden: Living with the Death of a Child", making it highly recommended for any parent seeking similar support for themselves.

What Angry Kids Need
Jennifer Anne Brown & Pam Provonsha Hopkins
Parenting Press
11065 Fifth Avenue NE, Suite F, Seattle, WA 98125
9781884734847, $14.95, www.parentingpress.com

The temper tantrum in a public place – something all parents have learned to fear and loathe. "What Angry Kids Need: Parenting Your Angry Child Without Going Mad" is a complete and comprehensive guide to assist parents with their kids' temper flareups and how to calm them back down while improving the parent-child bond – and teaching children better anger management skills and pointing out the line where you should seek professional help. "What Angry Kids Need: Parenting Your Angry Child Without Going Mad" is a must for any parent who fears their child's tantrums may be a problem and for community library parenting collections.

Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior
Steven E. Curtis
Lifespan Press
PO Box 11704, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Booth Media Group (publicity)
1386 Nightshade Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
9780979498206, $14.95, www.lifespanpress.com

At what point do you seek professional help when a child is acting, by his parent's standards, weird? "Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior: A Guide for Parents of Children with Behavioral, Social, and Learning Challenges" is a parent's guide to understanding a child's strange behavior and whether they should intervene or it is simply another kind of normal. Suggesting that parents never go for short term solutions, how to look at why the child acts the way they act, and when is the line to seek psychiatric assistance? "Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior: A Guide for Parents of Child with Behavioral, Social, and Learning Challenges" is essential for any concerned parent who doesn't get their child's behavior and for community library parenting collections.


The Business Shelf

Stimulated!
Andrew Pek and Jeannine McGlade
Greenleaf Book Group Press
4425 Mo Pac South, Suite 600, Austin, TX 78735
Booth Media Group (publicity)
1386 Nightshade Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
9781929774500, $21.95, www.gbgpress.com

Creativity – something that used to be ignored in the business world, but now is a necessity. Stimulated! Habits to Spark Your Creative Genius at Work is a guide to get those now required juices flowing and get everything one needs to make the most of their time. Focusing on the details of how to draw inspiration from the world, making a proper environment to facilitate one's thoughts, committing oneself, learning from one's failures, and most importantly, learning to have fun with one's job, Stimulated! is ideal for anyone in a field calling for creativity. Highly recommended for community library business collections.

Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling
Sam Richter
Adams Business & Professional
c/o Beaver Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 55439
1592982093, $34.95, www.beaverpondpress.com

Going in cold – knowing nothing about your perspective client. As they say, Knowledge is power – and having no knowledge is having no power. "Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling: Web Search Secrets for the Inside Info on Companies, Industries, and People" is a guide for using the internet as a powerful tool to gain knowledge of clients in advance – and see what they want and what they are looking for, to better apply one's company to appeal to the most clients possible. "Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling: Web Search Secrets for the Inside Info on Companies, Industries, and People" is a must for any business looking to attract more clients and for community library business collections.

Business Letters for the Construction Industry
Andrew Atkinson
BNI Building News
990 Park Center Drive, Ste E, Vista, CA 92081
Craftsman Book Company
6058 Corte Del Cedro, Carlsbad, CA 92009
9781557016096, $59.95, www.craftsman-book.com

Saying the right thing to get the right things is an invaluable asset to the construction industry, where the right things are needed to get the job done. "Business Letters for the Construction Industry: A Guide to Construction Communications" is a complete and comprehensive guide to writing letters for the business industry complete with over one hundred examples to use to get the job done. Covering letterheads, designs, record keeping tips, and more, it's enhanced with a glossary, index, and a bonus CD-ROM containing all of the example letters in Microsoft Word document format. "Business Letters for the Construction Industry: A Guide to Construction Communications" is a must for construction administrators and a good addition to community library business collections.

Adrenaline Junkies and Template Zombies
Tom Demarco & Collaborators of Principals of the Atlantic Systems Guild
Dorset House Publishing
353 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014
9780932633675, $41.95, www.dorsethouse.com

What makes a project successful or doomed – loved or hated? Those are the questions "Adrenaline Junkies and Template Zombies: Understanding Patterns of Project Behavior" hopes to answer, looking critically at the archetypes of people and engineers that people constantly fall into, whether they know they are or not. Not afraid to take a humorous look at it all, it's a comprehensive guide that offers an example of what is a good and bad behavior coming from team members in management of a project. "Adrenaline Junkies and Template Zombies: Understanding Patterns of Project Behavior" is highly recommended to anyone in charge of a group project and for community library business collections.

Groundswell
Charlene Li & Josh Bernoff
Harvard Business Press
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
9781422125007, $29.95, www.groundswell.forrester.com

No longer Is mass media only an outlet for those with money and corporations – with social sites such as Myspace, Youtube, and Wikipedia, the public has far more say against the corporate media. "Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies" is a guide on how companies can view this new surge of media not as a threat to their power, but an opportunity for greater success. Twenty five examples are laid out in this valuable guide, making "Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies" highly recommended for all businesses initially fearful of the Internet as a marketing tool.

Leadership
Sue Roberts and Jennifer Rowley
Facet Publishing
7 Ridgemount Street, London, WC1E 7AE
info@facetpublishing.co.uk
Neal-Schuman Publishers Inc.
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781856046091, $115.00, www.facetpublishing.co.uk

Leadership skills are a flat out requirement to anyone who wants to be successful over the challenges in life. "Leadership: The Challenge for the Information Profession" focuses on the information profession and how leadership is very much required in this success to lead the companies peddling this information to success. Tackling everything one needs to know about the business, challenges, one's own leadership skills, innovation, strategy, and being influential among other vital aspects, "Leadership: The Challenge for the Information Profession" is a top pick for anyone who sees themselves in this position and for community library business collections.

The Granularity of Growth
Patrick Viguerie, Sven Smit, & Mehrdad Baghai
Wiley Publishers
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Jane Weisman Public Relations, Inc. (publicity)
322 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1702, New York, NY 10001
9780470270202, $45.00, www.wiley.com

Growth is something every company needs – but how to do it efficiently? "The Granularity of Growth: How to Identify the Sources of Growth and Drive Enduring Company Performance" is an examination of growth, and a handbook for businesses that seek to do it. Analyzing companies' plans to increase their size, power, and potential profit along with tips for improvement, The Granularity of Growth leaves no stone unturned and no aspect to pure chance. An essential acquisition for business leaders and community library collections.

Information Security Management Handbook
Harold F. Tipton, CISSP and Micki Krause, CISSP
Taylor & Francis Group
270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
0849374952, $159.95 www.garlandscience.com 1-800-634-7064

Now in its sixth updated edition, Information Security Management Handbook is an in-depth reference for business executives and professionals as well as a technical resource for information management experts. Essays written by a diversity of expert authors cover complex issues of information security management: the latest laws and regulations designed to force corporations to strengthen their ethics policies, risk assessments, metrics, disaster recovery, and much more. From the many different types and uses of cryptography, to effective implementation of physical security from guard personnel to closed-circuit television, to security in computer architecture, to telecommunications and network security, Information Security Management Handbook lives up to its title. An extensive glossary and index round out this massive reference, featuring over three thousand pages of expertise distilled in terms accessible to lay readers and professionals alike. "Password cracking would include cryptographic and brute-force attacks against password files, applying massive amounts of computer power to overwhelm the cryptographic protection of the passwords, typically in a remote or offline mode. Password guessing would include users attempting to guess the passwords to specific accounts, based on analysis and conjecture, and would typically be conducted through the password interface in an online mode. Password disclosure would include users sharing password credentials, or writing down passwords such that they are discoverable by an attacker." An absolute "must-have" for information security professionals, and anyone else responsible for ensuring that trade secrets stay secret!


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Indiana Jones Off the Beaten Path
George Beahm
Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
1125 Stoney Ridge Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22902-8719
9781571745583, $15.95, www.hrpub.com

With the upcoming release of the newest movie, Indiana Jones has found himself back in the mainstream once more. "Indiana Jones Off the Beaten Path: An Unofficial Expedition" is a completely unauthorized handbook taking a complete look at the series and the phenomena behind it, with a focus on the reality that inspired the series of movies, visiting the real locations depicted in the movie. Enhanced with black and white photos, illustrations, and more. "Indiana Jones Off the Beaten Path: An Unofficial Expedition" is the perfect gift for any fanatic for the series, and a nice addition to community library collections dedicated to cinema.

Romancing The A-List
Christopher Keane
Michael Wiese Productions
3940 Laurel Canyon Bl. #1111
9781932907407, $18.95, www.mwp.com

A big star can sell a movie much more than any other aspect – someone may be a fan of Hugh Jackman, but few would be fans of David Hayter, the screenwriter responsible for one Jackman's big films in 'X-Men'. "Romancing the A-List: Writing the Script The Big Stars Want to Make" is a complete and comprehensive guide to attracting those big stars to your screenplay, for that star support in getting the script writer's movie made – and to assure it will get the attention it deserves. Deftly composed and a must for wannabe screen writers, "Romancing the A-List: Writing the Script the Big Stars Want to Make" is highly recommended for writing collections, as well as professional, academic, and community library collections dedicated to film making.


The Education Shelf

Meeting the Needs of Students and Families from Poverty
Tania N. Thomas-Presswood & Donald Presswood
Paul H Brookes Publishing Co.
PO Box 10624, Baltimore, Maryland 21285-0624
9781557668677, $29.95, www.brookespublishing.com

Poverty affects far more than just a child's home life – it has a profound effect on their schooling as well. "Meeting the Needs of Students and Families from Poverty: A Handbook for School and Mental Health Professionals" is a comprehensive guide to how to deal with children from these unfortunate households – dealing with the problems that inevitably occur that simply would not with the more fortunate children. Telling when an educator should intervene in the child's life and when they should stay off, with a special focus on those families who treat English as a second language, "Meeting the Needs of Students and Families from Poverty: A Handbook for School and Mental Health Professionals" is thoroughly researched, and well-compiled, a must have for educators in areas where this is a problem – and for community library education shelves.

Web Literacy for Educators
Alan November
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412958431, $24.95, www.corwinpress.com

The internet is a powerful tool in today's world, and for education especially – but some teachers, despite decades of wisdom and experience, are clueless still about this invention of the past twenty years. "Web Literacy for Educators" is a comprehensive guide for those types of educators who are a product of the last generation and have not taken to the internet like fish to water. Authored by Internet Technology Expert Alan November, Web Literacy for Educators addresses everything an educator needs to know in this modern era to make use of the internet for a better curriculum and how to address the problems it brings such as plagiarism. Enhanced with a glossary and index, "Web Literacy for Educators" is a must for any slow adopter of the web who values their status as an educator, and for community library education collections.

Negotiating the Special Education Maze
Winifred Anderson, Stephen Chitwood, Deidre Hayden, & Cherie Takemoto
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Rd. Bethesda, MD 20817
9781890627461, $21.95, www.woodbinehouse.com

Special Education can be a difficult thing to manage for parents – and it isn't because there's no one to help them. "Negotiating the Special Education Maze: A Guide for Parents & Teachers" is a guide to the strange problem of simply having too many options available to them. Covering each of the services available and specifying which kind of kinds are available to each of the types of ailments that would require special education, as well as looks as other alternative outlooks towards special needs children,. "Negotiating the Special Education Maze: A Guide for Parents & Teachers" is a complete and comprehensive guide for parents and teachers of special needs children and for community library education collections.

Mathematics Explorations
David B. Spangler
Good Year Books
PO Box 91858, Tucson, AZ 85752-1858
9781596471382, $24.95, www.goodyearbooks.com

Getting children excited about math is one of the hardest things for an educator to do – but "Mathematics Explorations: Detective Style Activities for the Real World" is here to help. Attempting to make math fun by using real world examples of where it will become useful in their lives using the angle of being a private investigator and detective, kids will learn how to understand math of many levels much better as they work to solve the mysteries put forth into this book. A deftly written and fun way to teach children their commonly most hated subject, "Mathematics Exploration: Detective Style Activities for the Real World" is highly recommended for school and community library education collections everywhere.

Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book
Rich Weinfeld & Michelle Davis
Prufock Press Inc.
5926 Balcones Drive, Suite 220, Austin, Texas 78731
9781593633097, $19.95, www.prufock.com

Most schools are not equipped to deal with the special educational needs of many children – and "Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book: What You Can do Now to Advocate For Your Exceptional Child's Education" is a handbook for both educators and parents to help them do everything they need to ensure that every child receives the proper education they need. With a complete and comprehensive guide to help parents and educators navigate the bureaucracy of the modern education system, and covering all topics that could come up in the process, "Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book: What You Can do Now to Advocate For Your Exceptional Child's Education" is highly recommended for community library education collections, and for anyone concerned about there child's special educational needs.

The Cluster Grouping Handbook
Susan Winebrenner & Dina Brulles
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
9781575422794, $34.95, www.freespirit.com

Students who are not challenged become bored and uninterested in the subject they're studying – they need to be challenged in some way. "The Cluster Grouping Handbook: How to Challenge Gifted Students and Improve Achievement for All" is a deftly compiled guide to doing just that. Seeking to improve all student's improvements but focusing on those who are especially gifted, and the challenges that come for educators in keeping them interested and nurturing their talents. Enhanced with a bonus CD-ROM, "The Cluster Grouping Handbook: How to Challenge Gifted Students and Improve Achievement for All" should be considered by all educational professionals and community library education collections.


The Photography Shelf

Understanding Shutter Speed
Bryan Peterson
Amphoto Books
c/o Watson Guptill Publications
770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-9535
9780817463014, $24.95 www.wgpub.com 1-800-451-1741

Professional photographer and instructor Bryan Peterson presents Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second is a handbook for intermediate to advanced photographers, focusing specifically upon the challenge of photographing subjects in motion or at low light levels. Full-color photographic examples illustrate the tips, tricks, and techniques for capturing top-quality images, while the straightforward text imparts a lifetime of expert wisdom in clear and concise terms. "You will always attain the fastest possible shutter speed at any given ISO when you use the largest possible lens opening, and you will be able to attain the slowest possible shutter speed at any given ISO by using the smallest possible lens opening... That well-known cotton candy effect you can get with [waterfall shots] doesn't start until you use apertures of f/16 or f/22." Enthusiastically recommended for expert or professional photographers seeking to refine their camera work.

Plantations & Historic Homes Of New Orleans
Laura McElroy
Voyageur Press
380 Jackson Street, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55101
9780760329740, $25.95 www.mbipublishing.com 1-800-458-0454

In 2005 New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katerina. Fortunately, many of the city's most treasured and historically important homes and mansions were spared from the French Quarter and Garden District to Uptown, Marigny, and Bayou St. John. Professional photographer Laura McElroy has created a superbly beautiful photographic guide to the best of these surviving architectural wonders, complete with their impressive columns, beautiful balconies, spacious verandas, impressive parlors, and even the historic servant quarters. Enhanced with an informed and informative text by Jan Arrigo providing context for the photographs, "Plantations & Historic Homes Of New Orleans" is highly recommended browsing, especially for students of architecture in general and devotees of New Orleans historic buildings in particular.

Luminous Mountains
Tim Palmer
Heyday Books
PO Box 9145, Berkeley, CA 94709
9781597140775, $19.95, www.heydaybooks.com

The beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains – something that doesn't get old to just stare at, even in photographic form. "Luminous Mountains: The Sierra Nevada of California" is a compilation of well over one hundred and thirty five photographs of the beautiful mountain range in various states of day, displaying a different type of beauty through each time of a day. An ideal coffee table book for lovers of beautiful scenery, "Luminous Mountains: The Sierra Nevada of California" is ideal for any community library collection focusing on nature photography.

Cadillac
Robert J. Headrick
Iconografix
PO Box 446, Hudson, WI 54016
9781583882122, $34.95, www.iconografxinc.com

The Tailfin – the relic of the fifties and what was cool during those years. "Cadillac: The Tailfin Years" is a coffee table book of photography for those who don't want to accept that time has passed and still find the tailfins cool. Filled cover to cover with full color photos and countless information on each of the models of Cadillac's during that era, it is the ideal gift for lovers of old vehicles, making "Cadillac: The Tailfin Years" highly recommended to community library photography and automotive history collections.

Time Wearing Out Memory
Steve Gross & Susan Daley
W.W. Norton and Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393066449, $49.95, www.wwnorton.com

Time marches on, but some cling to the past. "Time Wearing Out Memory: Schoharie County" is a look through countless black and white photographs through the history of a small rural county in the state of New York. The poignant photos serve as reminders to the American past and an inspiration for the future of the American dream, making "Time Wearing Out Memory: Schoharie County" a highly recommended addition to community library photography collections and anyone seeking a poignant coffee table book.


The Poetry Shelf

Mister Martini
Richard Carr
University of North Texas Press
PO Box 311336, Denton, TX 76203-1336
9781574412420, $12.95, www.unt.edu/untpress

A good poem can be compared to a good drink – both will leave you with good taste, both will leave with something to reflect on, and both will leave you the slightest bit intoxicated. "Mister Martini" follows this analogy and reflects upon the relationship between father and son, the journey from youth to facing death, all written in a beautiful style by prolific poet Richard Carr. "Mister Martini" is a grand acquisition for any community library poetry collection and for lovers of poetry as a whole – highly recommended. Organ: He wanted his eyes cryogenically preserved/in separate tanks,//his friends among the organ farmers, untrustworthy and powerful.//Martini displayed in a bell jar, the hollow pupiled olive, whitening with age.

Easy Marks
Gail White
David Robert Books
PO Box 541106, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1106
9781934999066, $17.00, www.davidrobertbooks.com

In every generation from the dawn of recorded civilization, poets have drawn upon their contemporary observations and experiences for their inspiration. "Easy Marks" by Gail White is an apt and highly recommended example of a poet using the means of rhyme and meter to examine the foibles, eccentricities, complexities, frustrations, and embedded wisdoms of contemporary life today. Crackpots: i have a friend who wants to restore the Czar./Seriously. As if this burst of love/would turn the empty streets of Petersburg/into a set for Boris Godunov.//He thinks a royalist Russia would delight/In festivals, would never drop the bomb./And you can find him on the Internet/at getaczar.com.//How to protect my friend, who might have been/a national treasure once, almost a saint?/I only wish there were an NEA/with grants for the incorrigibly quaint,//or Shelters for the Harmlessly Obsessed/(unworldly, therefore not completely sane)./Without its nest, the Great or Common Crackpot/may never breed again.

Reflections from the Heart
Larry Gudith
Vantage Press
419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10016
9780533157709, $18.95, www.vantagepress.com

Love – everyone seeks it in some form or another. "Reflections of the Heart" is the devotional creation of Larry Gudith, and explores the aspects of love and everything it does for people, and what it does to them when it is lost. A heartfelt anthology, "Reflections of the Heart" is highly recommended for community library collections dedicated to poetry. Every Time: Every time your fingers found mine/my heart races ... Every time my hand/ has touched your beautiful face my soul/has soared.//Every time our bodies have unite I know/we're living complete oneness and total/love.//For every time we have touched is imprinted/ deep within my heart and forever etched in/ my soul.


The Christian Studies Shelf

A Short World History of Christianity
Robert Bruce Mullin
WJK Books
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396
Presbyterian Publishing Corp
341 Great Circle Rd, Nashville, TN 37228-1703
9780664226862, $29.95, www.wjkbooks.com

There is no force that has had a greater impact on the world than Christianity – and "A Short World History of Christianity" is an examination of the religion's impact as a whole throughout the ages. Starting with the birth of Jesus, it covers the over two millennia that follow, discussing each of the following major topics that the religion has done to change the world. "A Short World History of Christianity" is a must for both world history collections and Christian studies shelves.

The Soul of Prince Caspian
Gene Veith
David C Cook
4050 Lee Vance View Colorado Springs, CO 80918
9780781445283, $12.99, www.davidccook.com

The Chronicles of Narnia has little veiling of its Christian roots- and author Gene Veith claims that the sequel 'Prince Caspian' has parallels to our world as well. "The Soul of Prince Caspian: Exploring Spiritual Truth in the Land of Narnia" is a look at the spiritual and religious elements found in Narnia and how they reflect into the real world, focusing on the forgotten faith that seems to go with so many lapsed American Christians. "The Soul of Prince Caspian: Exploring Spiritual Truth in the Land of Narnia" is a deftly written and through examination of faith, and highly recommended to community library Christianity collections and for fans of the franchise as well.

Reframing Your Ministry
Anthony J. Headley
Evangel Publishing House
2000 Evangel Way, PO Box 189, Nappanee, Indiana 46550
9781928915973, $16.99, www.evangelpublishing.com

Even being a messenger of God can be a job with burnout. "Reframing Your Ministry: Balancing Professional Responsibilities & Personal Needs" is a complete and comprehensive guide for anyone who is in charge of a church and wants to keep their enthusiasm for their job up – and not face the intolerable result known as burnout that dwells over them so quickly. With tips for keeping one's own spirits up as well as the spirits of others, and ideal ministry models suggested throughout, "Reframing Your Ministry: Balancing Professional Responsibilities & Personal Needs" is highly recommended for community library Christian studies collections and for any church leader.

The Arrogance of Nations
Neil Elliott
Fortress Press
c/o Augsburg Fortress Publishers
100 Fifth Street, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55402-1210
9780800638443, $29.00 www.augsburgbooks.com 1-800-328-4648

Written by Neil Elliott (adjunct faculty member in Biblical Studies, Metropolitan State University) The Arrogance of Nations: Reading Romans in the Shadow of Empire is an interpretation of the Biblical text Romans that dares to divest itself from older interpretations of Paul's theology of law and gospel. In addition, The Arrogance of Nations traces surprising parallels between ancient Roman ideology and the contemporary Western world. Refuting modern attempts to frame Paul's letter in terms of noncorporeal spirituality, The Arrogance of Nations places Paul's letter firmly in the context of Roman imperial ideology. Interpreting the letter as a confrontation between Paul and the arrogance of the Roman empire, as well as the temptation implicit in the power that gives rise to such pride, The Arrogance of Nations is a welcome addition to biblical studies shelves.3

Poets on the Psalms
Lynn Domina, editor
Trinity University Press
1 Trinity Place, San Antonio, Texas, 78212-7200
9781595340481, $19.95, www.trinity.edu/tupress

The Bible has inspired more art, literature, and other creative endeavors more than any other single thing in history. "Poets on the Psalms" focuses on the Psalms, with countless poets speaking out on countless Psalms, discussing them with vivid imagery and examining why this ancient wisdom still holds some ground in the modern era. Although some poetry is included, the book is mainly poets speaking in essay form. Deftly compiled, "Poets on the Psalms" is highly recommended to community library poetry collections with a focus on religion.

Holy Sex!
Gregory K. Popcak
Crossroad Publishing Company
16 Penn Plaza, 481 Eight Avenue, Suite 1550, New York, NY 10001
B&B Media Group (publicity)
109 South Main Street, Corsicana, TX 75110
9780824524715, $14.95, www.tbbmedia.com

Missionary – is that truly the start and end to the sexuality of catholic bed rooms? "Holy Sex!: A Catholic Guide to Toe-Curling, Mind-Blowing, Infallible Loving" claims not, discussing what many Catholics never discuss – the acts in the bedroom. Showing that having fun in the bedroom does not mean that one must be a sinful deviant, its lessons are sure to brighten the lives of any catholic couple, be they newlywed or decades old. "Holy Sex!: A Catholic Guide to Toe-Curling, Mind-Blowing, Infallible Loving" deserves a place in both human sexuality and Catholic studies collection as it offers something for any follower of either – highly recommended.

Excuse Me, Your God is Waiting
Michelle Epiphany Prosser
Hampton Roads Publishing Company Inc.
1125 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
9781571745521, $15.95, www.hrpub.com

For many Christians, God has taken a backseat to their lives, but "Excuse Me, Your God is Waiting" is here to help them fix this spiritual problem and to introduce God into each part of life, be it in solving their problems, celebrating, or just getting through the day and looking towards the next. Promoting a better life and spiritual happiness through a more complete oneness with God, "Excuse Me, Your God is Waiting" is a must for Christian studies collections and for anyone who thinks they can improve their life if their bond with God were greater.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

Getting Permission
Richard Stim
Nolo
950 Parker St., Berkeley, CA 94710
9781413305180, $34.99, www.nolo.com

Copyright law has become a matter of serious concern in recent years – so how do you use anything without getting sued? "Getting Permission: How to License & Clear Copyrighted Materials Online and Off" is a guide for anyone in a business situation where they will have to use someone else's creative license for their own. The guide covers the permission process, public domain issues, finding the copyright holder to get permission, fair use, and other issues that often crop up in this field. Enhanced with a CD-ROM which compiles the information in an easy to search format, "Getting Permission: How to License & Clear Copyrighted Materials Online and Off" is highly recommended to any business who often use other company's copyrights, and community library business collections.

Science for Lawyers
Eric York Drogin, editor
American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610
9781590319260, $129.95 www.ababooks.org 1-800-285-2221

Published by the American Bar Association, Science for Lawyers is a textbook-style anthology of essays written by experts in the field, each discussing a different discipline of science as it applies to members of the legal profession: ballistics, biology, chemistry, computer forensics, dentistry, engineering, environmental science, genetics, linguistics, medicine, physics, psychology, and statistics. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this straightforward introduction to what every lawyer needs to know. "Currently, lawyers and judges are finding many applications for linguistic concepts and theory. Since language itself is a central component of both legal writing (such as in trademarks and contacts) and criminal prosecutions involving police interrogations, court proceedings, and prison interactions, linguistic analysis is increasingly becoming a useful tool in legal fields." The clear, pragmatic text is ideal for quickly grasping the general basics of each science as well as its applications in the modern judicial system. An enthusiastically recommended reference for lawyers, paralegals, judges, and anyone in the court industry who doesn't already have multiple science degrees.


The Literary Shelf

The Newbery and Caldecott Awards 2008 Edition
Association for Library Service to Children
American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
9780838935743, $19.00, www.ala.org

Two of the most prestigious awards that a children's book author can receive – The Newbery and Caldecott awards. "The Newbery and Caldecott Awards 2008 Edition: A Guide to the Medal and Honor Books" is a comprehensive guide to the annual awards for children's book, stretching back nearly a century to 1922 and the conception of the Newbery award – and it covers both the winners and the honorable mentions for each of those years. A must have for anyone who wants to seek out the very best in children's literature through the years, "The Newbery and Caldecott Awards 2008 Edition: A Guide to the Medal and Honor Books" is highly recommended for community library literature collections.

Home Words
Mavis Reimer, editor
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554580163, $85.00, www.wlupress.wlu.ca

Children's literature – one of its purposes is to have the values of a nation available to children in book form. "Home Words: Discourses of Children's Literature in Canada" is an examination of modern Canadian children's literature and the value of the messages and themes they teach, and how they reflect on Canadians of different racial backgrounds. Complete with history, bibliographies, essays, and biographical criticism, "Home Words: Discourses of Children's Literature in Canada" is a top pick for community library literary criticism collections.

The Poetry Life
Baron Wormser
CavanKerry Press
6 Horizon Road No. 2901, Fort Lee, New Jersey, 07024
9781933880051, $18.00, cavankerry@optonline.net

The life of the poet has vastly changed over the centuries, from the starving artist of a bard of Shakespeare's time to the struggling artist of the modern era – the financial success has failed to change, but the lifestyle has. "The Poetry Life: Ten Stories" is a look at poets and poetry through the ages and how it has shifted in prominence and importance. Witty, insightful, and somewhat depressing at the same time, "The Poetry Life: Ten Stories" is deftly composed and highly recommended to any poet or poetry lover and for community library literature collections.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Winter Haven
Athol Dickson
Bethany House
1140 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
9780764201646, $18.99, www.bethanyhouse.com

Thirty years she has been separated from her brother – and now he's dead. "Winter Haven" is Vera's story of uncovering the mysteries of her brother, his death, and why he seemingly had not aged a single day in any of the three decades of separation. Further standing in her way of understanding are the dark mysteries of Winter Haven, a small island off the coast of Maine. Vera digs to find the truth in this intriguing suspense novel, sure to keep readers reading, and a must for community library fiction collections.

The Rhyme Killers
Judy Gooden with Naomi Helterbran
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd. - 515, Parker, Colorado 80134
9781432708009, $14.95, www.outskirtspress.com

A killer with a bizarre signature style and a bizarre pattern never seen before. "The Rhyme Killers" tells of Philadelphia's top homicide detective in Katie Knight with her partner Avis Rent quest to hunt down this strange murderer with his unforeseeable tactics, she also must deal with a misogynistic old police chief who wants to return the department back to an all-male force like it used to be. With an ending no one will see coming, "The Rhyme Killers" is a deftly written mystery and sure to appeal to mystery fans everywhere.

The Secret Hangman
Peter Lovesey
Soho Press
853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9781569474884, $13.00, www.sohopress.com

Some people dedicate themselves to their job as a part of grieving for their loss – Detective Peter Diamond is one of these. In "The Secret Hangman", Diamond is hot on the trail of a serial killer, who disgustingly hangs his victims in gore-ridden fashion. This is hard enough, but someone seems to be on his trail as well – and their intentions are not as crystal clear as he would like them to be. Deftly written, "The Secret Hangman" is a top pick for mystery fans and community library collections catering to the genre alike.


The World History Shelf

Grand Opportunity
Timothy G. McMahon
Syracuse University Press
1600 Jamesville Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210
www.SyracuseUniversityPress.syr.edu
9780815631842, $22.95 1-800-365-8929

Timothy G. McMahon (Assistant Professor of History, Marquette University) presents Grand Opportunity: The Gaelic Revival and Irish Society, 1893-1910, an in-depth study of the role that the Gaelic cultural revival played in transforming Ireland's national identity during the turn of the past century. Members of the Gaelic League had a reverberating effect upon Irish culture and literature through their determination to preserve Irish as a spoken language and artistic medium. Drawing upon press and police reports as well as census data and local directories, Grand Opportunity assembles the first comprehensive profile of League membership, and excerpts primary testimonies to put forward a convincing case. Recommended for college library shelves and especially for students and scholars of Irish history.

The Fire & the Word
Gloria Munoz Ramirez
City Lights Publishers
261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
9780872864887, $16.95 www.citylights.com

Black-and-white photographs and sketches on virtually every other page enhance The Fire & the Word: A History of the Zapatista Movement, a chronicle of the modern social movement in Mexico that had its origins in 1983 and became known to the world at large in 1994, in protest of globalization, corporate neoliberalism, the North American Free Trade Agreement and consequent end of Mexican crop subsidies (since Mexican crops were no longer able to financially compete with machine-driven American agribusiness), and other issues. Though the Zapatista Movement had its roots in communities of indigenous and Mayan decent, its precepts of equality (including equality for women), democracy, liberty, justice, independence, housing, health, education, and peace extend to all Mexicans. After the movement's 1994 uprising was put down by the Mexican military, the movement transformed its methodology from armed resistance to making use of the internet to garner support among nongovernmental organizations and solidarity groups. First-person testimonies are intermeshed with the historical narrative, offering a view of this revolutionary movement (not a political party, since its ideology forbids its members from running for elected office per se) that evenly blends scholarly and humanitarian perspectives. Highly recommended for college library shelves, and anyone researching the roots, direction, and future of the Zapatista movement.

Cio's Daughters
Lynette Felber, editor
University of Delaware Press
2010 Eastpark Blvd, Cranbury, NJ 08512
9780874139815, $54.50, www2.lib.udel.edu/udpress

History, for most of its existence, has been written by men – but not from any lack of trying by women. "Cio's Daughters: British Women Making History 1790-1899" tells of how lady novelists, despite being snubbed by the exclusively male historical societies of the time. Through thinly veiled fiction and other clever techniques, these women let their voices be heard, and now are being studied by modern historians, and this book is an examination of these wise women's histories. "Cio's Daughters: British Women Making History 1790-1899" is highly recommended for anyone seeking a perspective of British history from the fairer sex and for community library collections for this type of reference.


The Biography Shelf

A Missouri Railroad Pioneer
Joel P. Rhodes
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65201
9780826217981, $39.95 www.umsystem.edu/upress 1-800-828-1894

Joel P. Rhodes (Associate Professor of History, Southeast Missouri State University) presents A Missouri Railroad Pioneer: The Life of Louis Houck, an extensively researched biography of business entrepreneur and self-taught railroader Louis Houck, who not only built an enterprise, but also brought art, culture, and formal education to all social classes. Though A Missouri Railroad Pioneer is at its heart an engaging glimpse into the life of a turn-of-the-century tycoon, railroad enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the insights into the evolution of America's railroad system. Written in plain terms for lay readers and historians alike, A Missouri Railroad Pioneer is a welcome addition to biography shelves.

The Line from Here to There
Rosanna Taylor Herndon
Texas Tech University Press
PO Box 41037, Lubbock, TX 79409-1037
9780896726307, $24.95 www.ttup.ttu.edu 1-800-832-4042

The Line from Here to There: A Storyteller's Scottish West Texas collects eighteen true stories from generations of Scottish West Texans. Some tales are about the ancestors of author and award-winning storyteller Rosanna Taylor Herndon; others are about extended family and friends of the Herndon family. All are steeped in the unique brand of West Texan regional culture that celebrates determination and the will to meet all challenges. Especially recommended for Western lovers who tire of fiction and are excited by true tales of American character.

Where the Ox Does Not Plow
Manuel Pena
University of New Mexico Press
MSC04 2820, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
9780826344212, $24.95 www.unmpress.com 1-800-249-7737

Where the Ox Does Not Plow: A Mexican American Ballad is an autobiographical ethnography, collecting twenty-six episodes of award-winning author Manuel Pena's life journey from penniless migrant worker to successful academic and anthropologist. Pena reflects on problems and issues connected to the marginalized state of Mexicans and other Latinos in the United States. Vignettes of conflict between ethnicities, the difficulty of integrating into American society, family closeness, love, shock, and survival, Where the Ox Does Not Plow is a resoundingly authentic account of a rich and varied life, illustrated with a dozen black-and-white photographs.

Memoirs of a Runaway
Michael Kennon
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd – 515, Parker CO 80134
9781432719913, $10.95, www.outskirtspress.com

What makes a child flee home and opt to live on the streets in a state of homelessness? "Memoirs of a Runaway: A Story of Hope" is a combination of two true stories, author Michael Kennon's time as a teenage runaway, and his interview with a thirteen year old girl who has followed down a similar path filled with sex, drugs, and violence. Although downtrodden in theme, the book lives up to its subtitle and offers some hope that there is light at the end of the darkest of tunnels. "Memoirs of a Runaway: A Story of Hope" is a deftly compiled and highly recommended set of stories, a top pick for community library memoir shelves and for any who want to empathize with this tortured souls.

A Biographical Dictionary of People in Engineering
Carl W. Hall
Purdue University Press
30 Amberwood Parkway, PO Box 388, Ashland, OH, 44805
9781557534590, $79.95, www.purdue.edu

The people who have pushed science forward over the years usually go long without fanfare or even mention, and "A Biographical Dictionary of People in Engineering: From Earliest Records to 2000" is a comprehensive reference on engineers throughout the modern era, outlining their lifespan and accomplishments and other facts of note. Hundreds of engineers are covered, and it is enhanced with appendixes and a pack in CD-ROM. "A Biographical Dictionary of People in Engineering: From Earliest Records to 2000" is a must for college library reference collections.

Clark
Vicki Clark
Arbor Books Inc.
244 Madison Avenue, #254, New York, NY 10016
9780979411885, $9.95, www.arborbooks.com

The most tragic of occurrences – the loss of one's youngest child. "Clark" is the memoir of a mother struck with the horrible grief of the death of her son in a car accident at the age of nineteen. With little other consolation, she turns to a journal to pour out the monsoon of emotions that have overcome her. This book is a compilation of her feelings as she has no where else to pour her feelings and how she had to overcome them to deal with her life – which despite the tragedy, she still had to live. "Clark" is a must have for any grieving parent looking for a story to relate to and for community library memoir collections.


The American History Shelf

A Pocketful of History
Jim Noles
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780306815782, $25.00 www.perseusbooksgroup.com 1-800-242-7737

Written by attorney Jim Noles, A Pocketful of History: Four Hundred Years of America - One State Quarter at a Time is a treasury for history trivia buffs and coin collectors alike, as it relates how each of the fifty commemorative state quarters celebrates American history. There are fifty chapters; each one begins with a magnified, black-and-white rendition of a different state's unique quarter design, followed by the story behind the design and historical vignettes aplenty. Written in a reader-friendly narrative style, A Pocketful of History is the perfect companion book for state quarter collectors everywhere.

The United Symbolism of America
Robert Hieronimus
New Page Books
c/o The Career Press
3 Tice Road, PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Warwick Associates (publicity)
17470 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, California 95476
9781601630018, $17.99, www.newpagebooks.com

Symbolism – each and every day everyone is exposed to it and it's inescapable – it's one of the things the United States of America was founded on. "The United Symbolism of America: Deciphering Hidden Meanings in America's Most Familiar Art, Architecture, and Logos" is an examination of the rampant symbolism that is entrenched in all of America's culture, focusing mainly on the monuments of historical significance – and why they are monuments of historical significance. "The United Symbolism of America: Deciphering Hidden Meanings in America's Most Familiar Art, Architecture, and Logos" is highly recommended for community library history collections and for any who want a bit of unconventional insight on our nation's history and design.

A Picturesque Situation: Mackinac Before Photography 1615-1860
Brian Leigh Dunnigan
Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814332146, $75.00 http://wsupress.wayne.edu 1-800-978-7323

A Picturesque Situation: Mackinac Before Photography 1615-1860 is a massive, exhaustively researched history of the Straits of Mackinac, one of the first settled regions of Michigan and the primary route to Lake Michigan and the Mississippi Valley. Splendidly illustrated throughout with colorful maps, vintage artwork renditions of the land and portraits of notable historic figures, architectural plans from the era, and much more, A Picturesque Situation is a richly detailed resource, captivating to simply page through and thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Highly recommended for public library collections, history shelves, and anyone interested in the cornucopia of stories behind this crossroads of frontier America.

Twenty First Century Gateways
Audrey Singer, Susan W. Hardwick, & Caroline B. Brettel, editors
Brookings Institution Press
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
9780815779278, $26.95, www.brookings.edu

Ellis Island – the cause of such a diverse European-descended population in New York City – but the new wave of immigrants aren't entering America from any one place. "Twenty First Century Gateways: Immigrant Incorporation in Suburban America" states that this generation of immigrants are spreading all over the country, and not just in high density urban areas such as major cities like New York and Los Angeles. With the lack of Federal law, many states and local governments are taking immigration into their own hands as immigrants find their way to out of the way cities you wouldn't expect to find them in such as St. Paul, Minnesota. An examination of the issue as a whole, pulling no punches and completely weighing both sides of the debate, "Twenty First Century Gateways: Immigrant Incorporation in Suburban America" is highly recommended for community library collections on social issues.

Pioneer Press
PO Box 216, Carson City, NV 89702-0216
1-775-888-9867

World War II veteran Charles L. Convis presents two volumes in the "True Tales of the Old West" series, a delight for Western connoisseurs due to their meticulous research and engaging narration. "Californios in the Old West" (9781892156259, $11.95) is a collection of short tales about second and third generation Spanish-Americans living in what is now California, prior to the 1830s. Not only do the tales give fascinating glimpses into the lives of individuals dedicated to survival in harsh territory, they reveal how 'Californio' life changed after the state became "Americanized". "Visitors View the Old West" (9781892156266, $11.95) presents short tales out of the lives of individuals who witnessed the Old West with their own eyes, including Rudyard Kipling, George Simpson, and Catherine Weldon (a widow who met Sitting Bull in person), and many more. Both are a treat for anyone with a keen interest in the Old West; the stories are pure fun to read, whether a few at a time or all at once.

Horses That Buck
Margot Kahn
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806139128, $24.95 www.oupress.com 1-800-627-7377

Horses That Buck: The Story of Champion Bronc Rider Bill Smith is a carefully researched and engagingly presented biography of champion saddle bronc rider Bill Smith, who loved the wildness of horses that fought against being ridden. He broke more than a few bones following his passion, earning no less than thirteen trips to the national finals. When he was facing retirement in his thirties, he met schoolteacher and cowgirl Carole O'Rourke on the national rodeo circuit, and together they bought their own land upon which to raise horses. Gathering information from interviews, experience, and historical records, Margot Kahn gives an up close and personal look at the rodeo circuit in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and offers a captivating portrait of a man who truly embodied the spirit of the western frontier long after the west was won.


The Self-Help Shelf

I Hate Conflict!
Lee Raffel
McGraw Hill
2 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121
9780071484893, $16.95, www.mhprofessional.com

Very few people in the world enjoy getting in fierce arguments with their fellow man – and "I Hate Conflict!: Seven Steps to Resolving Differences with Anyone in Your Life" understands this completely. Offering many options to help people resolve their issues and strengthen their relationships with others, it's an ideal guide to anyone who wants a more peaceful resolution to their conflicts. "I Hate Conflict! Seven Steps to Resolving Differences with Anyone in Your Life" is highly recommended to community library self-help collections.

What Should I Say?
Shelly Burke, RN
Xulon Press
2180 West State Road 434, Suite 2140, Longwood, FL 32779
Shelmar Publications
42887 G. G. Road Genoa, NE 68840
9781602666825, $14.95, www.shellyburke.com

It happens all to often. One goes and speaks, and then blurts out something they shouldn't – they are shunned by their audience for their accidental blurb. "What Should I Say?: The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations" is a guide to keeping one's tongue straight and not saying something that would make others think less of them – advice on instilling confidence in oneself so that they may instill confidence in others. Deftly written and researched, "What Should I Say?: The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations" is highly recommended for anyone who has said the wrong thing before.

Sacred Grief
Leslee Tessmann
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
9781932690538, $17.95, www.sacredgrief.com

The most devastating thing in anyone's life – the death of a close loved one. "Sacred Grief: Exploring a New Dimension to Grief" is an examination of the long term psychological effects of the grieving process and if there's more to it than most people seem to see as they go through the process, an extra element that can help readers recover from their loss much quicker. "Sacred Grief: Exploring a New Dimension to Grief" is highly recommended to anyone looking deep into the effects of grief and for community library self-help collections.


The International Studies Shelf

Howling in Mesopotamia
Haider Ala Hamoudi
Beaufort Books
publicity@beaufortbooks.com
Rose Carrano Public Relations (publicity)
151 W 19 Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10011
9780825305481, $24.95, www.beaufortbooks.com

The War in Iraq rages on – but the rebuilding has already begun. "Howling in Mesopotamia: An Iraqi-American Memoir" is the story of one Haider Ala Hamoudi, one who has dedicated his life and well being to restoring the country he loves. He tells his story of rebuilding and how the events of these past few years have changed his life and the lives of the people around him. A different look at the Iraq conflict, "Howling in Mesopotamia: An Iraqi-American Memoir" is highly recommended to community library current events shelves.


The Music Shelf

The Opera Companion
George Martin
Amadeus Press
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10010
9781574671681, $19.95, www.amadeuspress.com

The ultimate guide for opera lovers, whether they be hardcore or casual, is here. "The Opera Companion" is a complete and comprehensive guide to nearly fifty of the most commonly performed operas in America, complete with synopses, descriptions of music, composers, and so much more. Examining each opera with great scrutiny, it keeps in touch that some of its readers may not be as well versed as the most devoted of opera fans. "The Opera Companion" is a must for any opera fanatic or anyone looking to get into the art form.

Bravo Fortissimo Glenn Gould
Helen Mesaros M.D.
American Literary Press
8019 Belair Rd. Suite 10, Baltimore, Maryland 21236
9781561679850, $34.95, www.americanliterarypress.com

Many performers have the talent to master their instrument and to play it well – but very few carry with them the magical power of charisma alongside that talent. "Bravo Fortissimo Glenn Gould: The Mind of a Canadian Virtuoso" is a look at, agreed to by many pianist critics, the most influential Canadian piano player in history and the power he held over crowds during his performances and the quirky and eccentric behavior that followed him off the stage. A thoroughly well researched biography and psychological examination of a mad genius to the classical music world, "Bravo Fortissimo Glenn Gould: The Mind of a Canadian Virtuoso" is a must for any collection looking at music and the people who perform it.


The Economics Shelf

Crunch
Jared Bernstein
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781576754771, $26.95, www.bkcurrents.com

Anyone can get a firm handle on the concept of economics claims "Crunch: Why Do I Feel So Squeezed (and Other Unsolved Economic Mysteries)". Speaking in plain terms, cutting away the misleading euphemisms and jargon that the modern media goes on and on with, author Jared Bernstein explains everything one would want to about America's current economic status, and makes it clear that it's all really about choices and that there is no clear cut right answer to make all the problems go away. "Crunch: Why Do I Feel So Squeezed (And Other Unsolved Economic Mysteries" is highly recommended to community library economics shelves and for anyone who wants to fully understand economics without a four year college course in the subject.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

There is a Cure for Diabetes
Gabriel Cousens, MD
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94110
9781556436918, $19.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com

Almost a third of the United States population is either suffering from Diabetes or are in severe danger. "There is a Cure for Diabetes: The Tree of Life 21-Day+ Program" counters that grim fact with a shining light of optimism, with a three week plan that can assist with reversing type-II diabetes regardless of the history of the patient. A lifestyle change is all that's needed claims MD and author Gabriel Cousens – and "There is a Cure for Diabetes: The Tree of Life 21-Day+ Program" is highly recommended for this and for anyone who fears diabetes, and for community library health collections.

The Lifestyle Fitness Program
Debi Silber
Morgan James Publishing, LLC
1225 Franklin Ave. Suite 325, Garden City, NY 11530-1693
9781600374265, $17.95 www.morganjamespublishing.com

Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer, and Whole Health Coach Debi Silber (a.k.a. "The Mojo Coach") presents The Lifestyle Fitness Program: A Six Part Plan So Every Mom Can Look, Feel and Live Her Best, a guide to looking and feeling one's best written especially for mothers, yet packed cover to cover with practical information for readers of all backgrounds. The Lifestyle Fitness Program includes guidelines for getting back on track with proper nutrition, physical fitness, emotional stability, stress control, forming and maintaining healthy relationships, and a keeping positive spiritual influence in one's life. "Mindful speaking... involves a few keyings that many people find difficult to do. The first is taking responsibility. That means saying 'I' instead of 'you.' For example, instead of saying 'You made me so angry' you say 'I feel angry.' You're not blaming, you're explaining how you feel." A sensibly written, easy-to-follow guide filled with practical advice for a healthier, happier life.

The Hidden Dangers of Soy
Dianne Gregg
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd, 515, Parker, Colorado 80134
9781432717025, $17.95, www.outskirtspress.com

Soy – the commonly promoted substitute for numerous fatty foods to improve the health and well being of its consumers – but like Olestra before it, could it have a dark side? "The Hidden Dangers of Soy" is a look at the oft unspoken downsides to the product of soy – including potential weight gain, the potential allergic reactions, among others. A truthfully and deftly written look at what some promote as a miracle food, "The Hidden Dangers of Soy" is highly recommended for community library health collections and for anyone who is suspicious of the soy bean.

Health Care Operations Management
James R. Langabeer II
Jones and Bartlett Publishers
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
9780763750510, $79.95, www.jbpub.com

Hospitals – a place for health care and healing. "Health Care Operations Management: A Quantitative Approach to Business and Logistics" however, recognizes that hospitals are organizations that employ hundreds of people that are trying to make ends meet – just like every other business out there. A complete and comprehensive guide that covers the business principals that hospitals should follow, and how to manage everything well so that the hospital can provide the best care possible in the most economic way possible. Enhanced with a glossary and indexes, "Health Care Operations Management: A Quantitative Approach to Business and Logistics" is highly recommended to anyone who's in charge of administrating a hospital and community library business shelves.


The Social Issues Shelf

The Tragedy of American Compassion
Marvin Olasky
Crossway
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL, 60187
9781433501104, $27.00, www.crossway.org

Does the way that America does charity actually makes things worse? Now in a special fifteenth anniversary edition, "The Tragedy of American Compassion" is a scholarly and meticulous examination of the American welfare system and how it may be making America's poor poorer and giving them even less chance of recovery. With fifteen years since the previous edition, author Marvin Olasky re-examines it all – and sees if in that time and some welfare reform has made the system work any better- his evaluations are intriguing indeed. "The Tragedy of America Compassion" is a must for social issues shelves and for anyone who wants an honest look at the American welfare system.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Deserts
Michael Allaby
Facts on File
c/o Infobase Publishing
132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001
9780816059294, $70.00, www.factsonfile.com

Deserts – viewed as most as an inhospitable wasteland to be avoided. Its appearance is deceiving however, as the desert in fact is an ecosystem where thousands of plants and animals live, survive, and thrive. "Deserts", part of a series on ecosystems, is in a revised edition covering everything about the desert – its plant life, its wildlife, and its value to the world as a whole (an eye-opening note to the previously ignorant). "Deserts" is a must for any educational shelf dedicated to teaching their readers about the environment or for anyone who's misunderstanding the purpose of the dry, arid plains of sand.

Trespassing Dirt Stories & Field Notes
Janet Kauffman
Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814333747, $18.95, www.wsupress.wayne.edu

The classic free range farm that is so happily depicted in children's books is not how the majority of modern farming is done – it is instead done much like a factory, and there may be some effect upon it, which "Trespassing Dirt Stories and Field Notes" looks to examine, combining essays and short fiction to discuss these farms, which while producing great amounts of meat and diary products, have other less obvious penalties to the environment. "Trespassing Dirt Stories and Field Notes" is highly recommended for anyone concerned about animal rights and a good pick for any community library environmental studies shelf.

American Earth
Bill McKibben, editor
The Library of America
14 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022
9781598530209, $40.00, www.americanearth.org

Environmental concerns are not a strictly recent development – it has been heavily discussed ever since the writings of Henry David Thoreau. "American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau" is a complete and comprehensive collection of writing covering scholarly essays and writings throughout history addressing the concerns of America, and how America should manage its relationship with the planet it sits on. Enhanced with a foreword from former Vice President and avid Environmentalist Al Gore, "American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau" is highly recommended to environmental studies collections focusing on college level discussion.


The Cookbook Shelf

Tofu Cookery, 25th anniversary edition
Louise Hagler
The Book Publishing Company
PO Box 99, Summertown, TN 38483
www.thefarm.org/businesses/bpc.html
9781570672200, $21.95 1-800-695-2241

Food writer, food stylist, and traveling culinary teacher Louise Hagler now offers her classic Tofu Cookery in a revised 25th anniversary edition; all recipes are updated for modern nutritional standards, with reduced quantities of more healthful fats and less salt. New recipes have been added to complement old favorites. From Walnut-Olive Dip to Barbecued Tofu, Focaccia with Tofu, Chinese Sweet-and-Sour Balls, and much more, these tofu dishes are undeniably appetizing - just seeing the full-color photography is enough to make one's mouth water! Highly recommended for tofu connoisseurs everywhere.

Dishing Up Vermont
Tracey Medeiros, author
Scott Dorrance, photographer
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603420259, $19.95 www.storey.com 1-800-827-8673

Dishing Up Vermont: 145 Authentic Recipes from the Green Mountain State is a compilation that unquestionably lives up to its title. Food writer and Tracey Medeiros, whose recipes have formerly appeared in "Bon Appetit", "Cooking Light", "Eating Well", and "Hampton Roads", offers easy-to-follow instructions for preparing tasty delights such as "Vermont-Style Hush Puppies", "Grilled Marinated Venison Loin", "Grilled Maple-marinated Portobello Mushrooms", "Butternut Squash Ravioli with Apples and Pears", and much more. Full-color photography and an assortment of Vermont food and eatery anecdotes round out this wonderful culinary tour de force.

Vegan Inspiration
Todd Dacey with Jia Patton
Blue Dolphin Publishing
PO Box 8, Nevada City, CA 95959-0008
www.bluedolphinpublishing.com
9781577332169, $22.95 1-800-643-0765

Vegan Chef Todd Dacey along with cooking teacher Jia Patton present Vegan Inspiration: Whole Food Recipes for Life, a compilation of healthful vegan recipes from a wide variety of cultures and culinary styles. In addition to the mouth-watering recipes such as "Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad", "Coconut Rice", "Creamy Carrot Yam Soup", and "Tahini Sesame Cookies", Vegan Inspiration also describes the advantages of vegan, organic, raw, and detox diets at length. "For soy-free diets, soaked nuts, crystal salt, and Umeboshi vinegar may be substituted for soy products in many recipes. For transition diets, the protein sources in recipes may be adjusted." A glossary of ingredients and terms rounds out this spiral-bound cookbook, enthusiastically recommended for vegan kitchens everywhere.

Eating Well For A Healthy Heart Cookbook
Philip A. Ades, M.D.
The Countryman Press
PO Box 478, Woodstock, VT 05091
9780881507249, $24.95 www.countrymanpress.com 1-800-245-4151

So much of heart disease is self-inflicted through destructive life style choices such as poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. So it follows that through a proper diet, the avoidance of tobacco smoke, and a program of reasonable daily exercise the prospect of heart disease can be minimalized -- even for those with a family history of genetic predisposition to cardio-vascular problems. That is the basic foundation underlying cardiologist Philip Ades' "Eating Well For A Healthy Heart Cookbook" which was written with the assistance of the editorial staff of 'Eating Well' magazine. Through the 150 recipes compiled in this thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' compendium of delicious and nutritious dishes suitable for any dining occasion, the risk of heart attack by be reduced by fifty percent, along with the lowering of both blood pressure and cholesterol. The first five chapters are devoted to providing up-to-date information on having a healthy heart. Then the beautifully illustrated, gourmet quality recipes run the gamut from Lebanese Fattoush Salad with Grilled Chicken; Lentil & Almond Burgers; Grilled tuna with Olive Relish; and Roast-Pork with Sweet Onion-Rhubarb Sauce; to Eating Well Waffles; Eating Well's Pepperoni Pizza; Crispy Fish Sandwich with Pineapple Slaw; and Dark Fudgy Brownies. Each recipes notes the calorie count, along with fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, protein, fiber, sodium, potassium information, cooking time and more. Scattered strategically throughout are 'Heart-Healthy' and 'Shopping' tips. The "Eating Well For A Healthy Heart Cookbook" is an ideal addition to both personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.

Cakes for All Occasions
Geraldine Kidwell
Schiffer Publishing
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764329043, $24.95, www.schifferbooks.com

Cake is a food of celebration – there is bound to be one at every birthday party, at every wedding, and countless other occasions. "Cake for All Occasions" is a guide to the delicious pastry and how to make oddly specific cakes for countless celebratory occasions or just for the fun of it all. Countless specialty cakes are outlined with chronological instructions and over three hundred photographs covering this guide, perfect for any novice baker. "Cake for All Occasions" is a must for anyone in charge of a celebratory cake and not sure of what to do and for community library cookbook collections.

Mayan Cuisine
Daniel Hoyer
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton, Utah 84041
9781423601319, $34.95, www.gibbs-smith.com

A food rich in flavor to begin with, but taking on the best traits of other traditions of cuisine – Spanish, French, Asian, Caribbean, and so many more – it's one way to describe the food of the Maya. "Mayan Cuisine: Recipes From the Yucatan Region" is a look at the delectable food of the Mayan people, with step by step guides and full color photos to help one emulate the authentic Mayan flavor in their own kitchen. With Dishes like: Meat-and-Rice Stuffed Leaves, Tamale Pie, Yucatan Breakfast Sausages, and more, "Mayan Cuisine: Recipes From the Yucatan Region" is a must for any ethnic cookbook shelf or for anyone looking for a different taste to sink their teeth into.


The Travel Shelf

Beijing
Streetwise Guide
Foreign Languages Press
24 Baiwanzhuang Road, Beijing, 100037, China
China Books & Periodicals, Inc. (distributor)
360 Swift Ave, Suite 48, South San Francisco, CA 94080
9787119046211, $16.95, www.chinabooks.com

Beijing is the capital of modern China and the first city a tourist will visit when they want to visit the cultural storm that is China. "Beijing: Streetwise Guide" is a complete and comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to experience China without it turning into a massive mis-communication headache. With money saving tips, time saving tips, and more – complete with maps and a multilingual picture guide for Chinese food menus so you don't accidentally order something you'd have rather not. "Beijing: Streetwise Guide" is highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Beijing and community library travel collections.

Hamburger America
George Motz
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9780762431021, $19.95, www.runningpress.com

More American than Pizza and the Hot Dog, is the Hamburger. "Hamburger America: A State-by-State Guide to 100 Great Burger Joints" is a guide to finding the simply the best burger one could find in any corner of the country in any state of the union. Covering these burger joints who have stood strong against the juggernauts of McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy's, on the sheer quality of their food alone. Enhanced with a full color map reflecting the locations of these burger joints across the nation and a accompanying DVD, "Hamburger America: A State-by-State Guide to 100 Great Burger Joints" is highly recommended for any lover of the hamburger who also loves traveling.


The Science Shelf

Why Science?
James Trefil
NSTA Press
c/o Teachers College Press
PO Box 30, 82 Winter Sport Lane, Williston, VT 05495
9780807748305, $19.95, www.tcpress.com

Is a scientific education needed to fully understand the world even for the lay? "Why Science?" is a call for America to increase their scientific literacy for a more perfect union – saying understanding of the fundamentals of science – natural selection, electricity, magnetism, and others – are necessary to understanding the very principles of modern society. "Why Science?" is a must for any community library science, social issues, or education shelf.

Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine
Tuan Vo-Dinh, editor
CRC Press
c/o Taylor & Francis Group
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
9780849329494, $149.95 www.crcpress.com 1-800-272-7737

Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine: Methods, Devices, and Applications is an in-depth assembly of essays concerning the practice of nanotechnology in life sciences. Individual writings include "Nanopore Methods for DNA Detection and Sequencing", "Engineering Gene Circuits: Foundations and Applications", "Nanotechnologies in Adult Stem Cell Research", and much more. "Considerable effort has been made to develop biocompatible scaffolds for tissue engineering. The principle for the design of tissue-engineering scaffolds remains clear: the scaffold should mimic the structure and biological function of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) as much as possible, both in chemical composition and physical structure." Black-and-white diagrams and photographs enhance this highly detailed resource recommended for professionals in the field - the better to stay abreast of the latest developments! - as well as for students and educators.

Bang!
Brian May, Patrick Moore, & Chris Lintott
The John Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
9780801889851, $29.95, www.press.jhu.edu

The Universe has exploded, and has been expanding and expanding for nearly fourteen billion years. "Bang!: The Complete History of the Universe" is the tale of this explosion that is completely responsible for the book itself- and everything around it that humanity holds dear. It even looks into the future, where everything will be engulfed by a Red Giant Sun billions of years from now, through time in this pull no punches look at the universe, its history, and everything about it. "Bang! The Complete History of the Universe" is highly recommended for community library astronomy collections and for anyone who wants a unbiased look at the universe itself.

NASA
Michael Gorn
Merrell Publishers
60 Cycle Media, 38 High Avenue, Office Suite #1, Nyack, NY 10960
9781858944272, $29.95, www.60cyclemedia.com

For fifty years, NASA has been exploring humanity's true final frontier – space. "NASA: The Complete Illustrated History" covers its complete history, from even before there was a NASA – its roots as The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. A through telling of NASA's stories, complete with beautiful black and white photographs in the early years to full color photographs of the later years. "NASA: The Complete Illustrated History" is a top pick for any fan of awe-inspiring photographs and astronautical history.


The Anthropology Shelf

Bisj-poles
Pauline van der Zee
KIT Publishers
Mauritskade 63, PO Box 95001, 1090 HA Amsterdam, The Netherlands, publishers@kit.nl
9789068324785, $45.00, www.kit.nl/publishers

Not everyone views a big slab of stone as a proper memorial to their departed loved ones. "Bisj-poles: Sculptures from the Rain Forest" a look at the death rituals of the Asmat, an aboriginal culture living in New Guinea, with a focus on their grave markers – beautiful wood carvings called 'Bisj-poles'. Also touching on the Asmat people as a whole and not just the art itself but what it all means, "Bisj-poles: Sculptures from the Rain Forest" is a highly recommended pick for both anthropology and photography shelves everywhere.


The Art Shelf

Fra Angelico
Diane Cole Ahl
Phaidon Press
180 Varick Street, 14th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780714848303, $39.95 www.phaidon.com

Fra Angelico is a captivating showcase of the classical creations of Fra Giovanni de Fiesole (c. 1390/95-1455), one of the great painters of the early Italian Renaissance, especially known for his Christian artwork. Nearly 200 full color illustrations take the reader on a wondrous tour of Angelico's beautiful expressions of faith, while the text spares no detail in chronicling Angelico's life, inspiration, and legacy to later masters including Raphael, the Nazarenes, and the Symbolists. A classical art lover's treasury, enthusiastically recommended for public library and private artbook collections.

Visions of Frisco
Walter Medeiros, editor
Regent Press
2747 Regent Street, Berkeley, CA 94705
9781587901409, $39.95, www.regentpress.net

The pencil drawings that so litter historical 19th century newspapers – they were many more drawings like that, and not all of them were suitable for newspapers. "Visions of Frisco: By Satty" is a pictorial history of San Francisco in the 1800s by technical artist Satty, a researcher and artist who fell in love with the style in the 1960s and looked back into history for artistic inspiration, who gives his viewers a look into the past with his realistic pencil drawings, making this coffee table book an artistic walk through the century which will both captivate and enlighten its readers to how life in San Francisco in the 19th century really was. "Visions of Frisco: By Satty" is highly recommended for community library art collections and anyone with an interest in San Francisco history.

Classical Painting Atelier
Juliette Aristides
Watson-Guptill Publications
770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780823006588, $35.00, www.watsonguptill.com

The Atelier method of art education is to take a master artist and have them instruct a student artist – the method has produced some of the greatest artists the world has ever seen and as such, some of the greatest works of art as well. "Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice" is an attempt to emulate this artistic practice in book from as author and artist Juliette Aristides seeks to pass on her skill and wisdom to her readers by going over distinct techniques and practices lesson by lesson. A book of essential advice for any painter, "Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice" is highly recommended to community library collections catering to art.


The Woodworking Shelf

The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking
James Krenov
Linden Publishing
2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721
9781933502090, $21.95, www.lindenpub.com

Some people just call it furniture – author and craftsman James Krenov, however, believes it be an art form. "The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking" is a guide to turn what's nothing more than storage space to some into a work of art that can be appreciated for something far more than just a place to put things. Going over everything readers need to make a masterpiece of a cabinet, such as wood quality, good hinges, and more, "The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking" leaves nothing to guesswork, making it highly recommended to any woodworking enthusiast and community library woodworking shelves.


The Women's Studies Shelf

From Eve to Dawn
Marilyn French
The Feminist Press
365 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5406, New York, NY 10016
9781558615656, $19.95, www.feministpress.org

Fifty percent of the population from the emergence of humanity has been women – surely, they have done something worth writing about. "From Eve to Dawn: A History of Women in the World" is a complete history spanning from prehistory forward on the state of womankind through the ages. A deftly researched look at the contributions to civilization of the fairer sex in law, society, war, and numerous other topics. Any feminist reader who wants an uplifting look at their gender's contributions to the world, "From Eve to Dawn: A History of Women in the World" is the book for them. Also available is volume two of the series, of the same title. (9781558615670, $19.95).

Women in the American West
Laura E. Woodworth-Ney
ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9781598840506, $65.00 www.abc-clio.com 1-800-368-6868

Part of the Cultures in the American West series, Women in the American West is a scholarly textbook surveying the role women had on the development and history of the western United States. Covering the early nineteenth century to the present day, Women of the American West discusses women's mobility, home life, wage labor, immigration, marriage, political participation, involvement in domestic and foreign wars, and more. Black-and-white illustrations enhance this carefully researched text, especially recommended for college courses, independent research, and anyone curious to learn more about the oft-overlooked fair sex's role in Western American history. Highly recommended for both academic and community library reference collections.

Women in Iraq
Yasmin Husein Al-Jawaheri, Ph.D.
Lynne Rienner Publishers
1800 30th Street, Suite 314, Boulder, CO 80301
9781588265746, $23.50 www.rienner.com

Iraqi-born woman scholar and writer Yasmin Husein Al-Jawaheri, Ph.D. presents Women in Iraq: The Gender Impact of International Sanctions, an in-depth study of how the United Nations' sanctions of Iraq affected Iraqi women's lives. Beginning with a historical review of women in Iraq from 1970 through 1990, Women in Iraq draws heavily on research and statistics concerning Iraqi women's employment, the deleterious consequences for female education under the UN sanctions, how economic sanctions affected gender relations within the family, shifts in marriage trends (including a comeback for polygamy given the increasingly desperate times), the threat of crime against women who were alone for any reason, and much more. The ultimate conclusion is inescapable: "The UN's sanctions injured the very same people it claimed to help, but the suffering of the weakest - women and children - under these measures was unique." A cautionary tale of the utterly destructive and harmful effects of a supposedly nonviolent measure taken against a nation.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Picture Yourself Felting Your Knitting
Sarah E. White
Course Technology Cengage Learning
25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA 02210
9781598634853, $24.99, www.courseptr.com

The fabric of felt can be one that's far more pleasing than that of wool – however it requires a bit more skill than normal knitting. "Picture Yourself Felting Your Knitting: Step-by-Step Instruction for Perfectly Felted Crafts" is a guide to assist knitting enthusiasts everywhere in the practice of felting their work. Enhanced with easily executed step-by-step guides and full color photos, it's the complete and comprehensive guide on felting. "Picture Yourself Felting Your Knitting: Step-by-Step Instruction for Perfectly Felted Crafts" is a must for anyone looking into getting into the art of felting and for community library needlecraft collections.


The Human Sexuality Shelf

The Loving Dominant
John and Libby Warren
Greenery Press
4200 Park Blvd. Pmb 420, Oakland, CA 94602
1890159727, $16.95, www.greenerypress.com

To submit your body and life to another – no, this isn't a religious thing. This is a few people's ideas of romance. Now in a new and updated edition for the new millennium, "The Loving Dominant" is a guide to the BDSM (a short hand way of abbreviating the life style meaning Bondage, Discipline, Submission, and Masochism) for any reader too timid to vocally ask the questions about the lifestyle which is more kind and loving than it seems to the people involved. Covering advice to make the best of the lifestyle to all, and with advice on toy-construction and photography, "The Loving Dominant" is an ideal addition to any human sexuality shelf and for any alternative lifestyle collection.


The Criminology Shelf

Women Street Hustlers
Barbara A. Rockell
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
9781433803338, $69.95, www.apa.org

Rates of crime among women have increased exponentially in the past decade, increasing far more than crime rates among their male counterparts. "Women Street Hustlers: Who They Are and How They Survive" is a look at these women – who they are and what has drove them into the criminal underworld of drugs, violence, and prostitution. Could It be events of an early age driving these women onto the streets – and how they develop survival instincts – street smarts. "Women Street Hustlers: Who They Are and How They Survive" is a must for any social issues or criminology collection.

Running With Dillinger
Edward Butts
The Dundurn Group
3 Church Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
9781550026832, $24.99, www.dundurn.com

No one thinks of Canada and thinks of Outlaws – it may be a testament to the country, but it would be wrong to say they are without them. "Running with Dillinger: The Story of Red Hamilton and Other Forgotten Canadian Outlaws" is the follow up to "The Desperate Ones: Forgotten Canadian Outlaws" - a look at the darker side of Canada, those who made their living opposing the law enforcement and through nefarious means. Of particular note to those who must have a link to American crime in their Canadian crime book is Red Hamilton – a long time member of the Dillinger gang, and notorious gangster in his own right. "Running with Dillinger: The Story of Red Hamilton and Other Forgotten Canadian Outlaws" is a must for any Canadian history collection who wants a look at Canada's famous lawbreakers and hoodlums – and for anyone who wants to see the Maple Leaf in a different light.


The Gaming Shelf

According to Doyle
Doyle Brunson
Cardoza Publishing
PO Box 1500, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10276
9781580422208, $14.95, www.cardozapub.com

The adventures of an old poker world champion – a look into the old days. "According to Doyle" is the story of Doyle Brunson, a 16-time World Series of Poker Champion. While providing excellent Poker throughout, "According to Doyle" focuses on Doyle's travels through the world of professional poker playing – a world filled with strange and interesting people, questionable adventures, his climb to the top of the world, and so much more. A deftly written memoir and guide for poker fans, "According to Doyle" deserves a place in any gaming or memoir collection.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Dogs: 101 Adorable Breeds
Rachael Hale
Andrews & McMeel
4520 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
9780740773426, $24.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com 1-800-851-8923

Dogs: 101 Adorable Breeds is a photographic showcase for dog breed lovers. Each two-page spread features a striking, professional-quality photograph of a breed of dog on one page, and a brief amount of text concerning the breed's history, disposition, and appearance. Dogs: 101 Adorable Breeds is not a comprehensive guide to caring for one's pet, but rather a brilliantly assembled tribute to man's best friend in all his beautiful glory. A wonderful coffee-table giftbook highly recommended for dog lovers everywhere.


The Crafts Shelf

Picture Yourself Creating Metal Clay Jewelry
Tammy Powley
Cengage Learning
27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, Mi 48331-3535
9781598635065, $29.99 www.cengage.com 1-248-699-8543

Teacher and jewelry crafter Tammy Powley presents Creating Metal Clay Jewelry, a step-by-step guide to creating one's own unique jewelry designs from metal clay components. Chapters discuss how to create original metal clay necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. Readers will learn how to roll, cut, fire and finish metal clay into beads and charms; 14 projects with variations will help novices get their feet wet in the joy of three-dimensional art. Full color photographs illustrate the methodical instructions, and a bonus DVD with two additional projects rounds out this great guide for jewelry hobbyists of all backgrounds and experience levels.


The Civil War Shelf

Southerners at Rest
Chris L. Ferguson
Angle Valley Press
PO Box 4098, Winchester, VA 22604
9780971195042, $34.95 www.AngleValleyPress.com

Compiled by Confederate records expert Chris L. Ferguson, Southerners at Rest: Confederate Dead at Hollywood Cemetery is a straightforward list of the roster of Confederate soldiers buried in Richmond's Hollywood Cemetery. The original 1869 list of the buried is riddled with inaccuracies; Ferguson has sifted through countless archival documents to piece together a definitive and thoroughly accurate reference. Arranged in alphabetical order by last name, the entries consists of the name, regiment, date of birth (when known), date of death, section, and plot of each individual, as well as a brief side comment on how they died or the reference consulted to garner information about them. A selection of black-and-white photographic portraits of the individuals and a select bibliography round out this welcome contribution civil war and genealogy reference shelves.


The Psychology Shelf

Mindworks
Anne Linden
Crown House Publishing Limited
6 Trowbridge Drive, Ste. 5, Bethel, CT 06801
9781845900861, $24.95, www.chpus.com

Everyone has the ability, says "Mindworks: An Introduction to NLP – The Secrets of Your Mind Revealed". It just needs to be unlocked and brought forward to the front of one's mind. NLP focuses on the concept that the human brain is a sort of computer, and that it can be programmed how one wants it to be – to bring the most out of one's thoughts. An intriguing and informative book from first page to last, "Mindworks: An Introduction to NLP – The Secrets of Your Mind Revealed" is highly recommended for community library psychology collections.

Promises, Oaths, and Vows
Herbert J. Schlesinger
The Analytic Press
10 Industrial Avenue, Suite 3, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2284
9780881634549, $49.95 www.analyticpress.com

Expert psychoanalytic clinician and educator Herbert J. Schlesinger presents Promises, Oaths, and Vows: On the Psychology of Promising, a thoughtful psychological study of a crucial lynchpin to modern civil society - that most people will do what they say they will do, and live up to their explicit or implicit promises. What emotional and cognitive developments occur in a child to make him or her capable of making and keeping promises? What forces compel individuals to keep a promise made with "good" intentions when there is no longer any practical reason to do so? Garnering information from sources ranging from literature on moral development in children, to psychotherapy of a patient who made and regularly broke unnecessary promises, and offering special insight for analysis in selecting which "promising" patients are most likely to benefit from treatment, Promises, Oaths, and Vows is highly recommended as a welcome addition to the body of research scrutinizing how the human minds work. "Unmodified psychoanalysis is a fine tool for helping patients to deal with self-deception but it is poorly equipped to deal with persons who intend consciously to deceive others. One tends to take for granted honesty and essential morality in those who come to us for help."

Transcending Self-Interest
Heidi A. Wayment and Jack J. Bauer, editors
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242
9781433803406, $79.95 www.apa.org/books 1-800-368-5777

In the past decades, social scientists have observed rising selfishness and callousness among Americans. Transcending Self-Interest: Psychological Explorations of the Quiet Ego is an anthology of essays by learned psychologists discussing the problems of egocentrism, and ways in which egocentrism can be overcome. The theories and research point toward two important considerations: balancing the needs of the self with others, and cultivating such traits as compassion, non-defensive self-awareness, and independent self-identity. Individual essays include "The Lure of the Noisy Ego: Narcissism as a Social Trap", "Collective Angst: How Threats to the Future Vitality of the Ingroup Shape Intergroup Emotion", "Homonegativity and the Lesbian Self: Portraits of the Ego as Either Transcender or Occluder of Negative Social Stereotypes", and much more. A welcome addition to modern sociology and psychology shelves, deserving applause and recognition for its scientific focus on what is all too commonly regarded as a spiritual social problem.


The Journalism Shelf

The Political Economy of the Media
Robert W. McChesney
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
www.monthlyreview.org
9781583671610, $19.95 1-800-670-9499

Robert W. McChesney (Professor in the Department of Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) presents The Political Economy of the Media: Enduring Issues, Emerging Dilemmas, a sharply worded critique of how journalism has decayed in today's modern, overly commercialized culture. On the bright side, an emerging media reform movement has arrived in response to the degraded ability of the modern media to be a watchdog for democracy and consumers. An in-depth social treatise concerning the crucial role the media plays in human society worldwide, The Political Economy of the Media is highly recommended especially for college library collections, as well as political science and media studies scholars.


The Architecture Shelf

Homes in the Heartland
Fred W. Peterson
University of Minnesota Press
111 Third Avenue South, Suite 290, Minneapolis, MN 55401-2520
9780816653539, $24.95 www.upress.umn.edu

Art history teacher Fred W. Peterson presents Homes in the Heartland: Balloon Frame Farmhouses of the Upper Midwest, the true story of the architectural phenomenon of balloon frame house construction that pervaded Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin from 1850 to 1920, which allowed settlers to establish affordable permanent frontier homes. Homes in the Heartland examines the social, economic, and aesthetic aspects of these homes, including their impact both on architectural history and on the lives of the people who lived in them. Enhanced with more than 150 black-and-white illustrations such as vintage photographs and house plans, as well as brand new preface for its paperback edition, Homes in the Heartland is a welcome addition to college library and American architectural history shelves.


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Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
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