Return to home
page Book Reviews, Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers
Home / Library Bookwatch

Library Bookwatch

Volume 7, Number 5 May 2012 Home | LBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Women's Studies Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Nautical Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf Education Shelf
Psychology Shelf Cookbook Shelf Art Shelf
Economic Studies Shelf Biography Shelf Large Print Shelf
Political Science Shelf Parenting Shelf Fiction Shelf
Health/Medicine Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Real Estate Shelf
Photography Shelf Autism Shelf American History Shelf
Literary Studies Shelf Self-Help Shelf Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Crafts Shelf Gardening Shelf Library Science Shelf
Archaeology Shelf Memoir Shelf Graphic Novel Shelf
Library CD Shelf Library DVD Shelf Sports Shelf
Military Shelf Fashion Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Holocaust Studies Shelf Anthropology Shelf
Audiobook Shelf Needlecraft Shelf Language Studies Shelf
Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Writing/Publishing ShelfCivil War Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

The World War I Memoirs of Robert P. Patterson
J. Garry Clifford, editor
The University of Tennessee Press
293 Communications Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-0325
9781572338470 $32.00 www.utpress.org

Part of the "Legacies of War" series, The World War I Memoirs of Robert P. Patterson: A Captain in the Great War collects the firsthand testimony Robert P. Patterson, who was destined to play a major role in World War II. His formative military years and experience took place during World War I, and his own words reveal just how shocking the realities of war were to fresh recruits like himself. The World War I Memoirs of Robert P. Patterson does not focus solely upon the horrors of war, but also touches upon savoring rare luxuries such as an honest-to-goodness hot meal and the powerful bond between officers and soldiers of the 77th Division, despite their diverse ethnic and class background. Extensive, helpful notes and an index round out this superb addition to military memoir collections, highly recommended.

A Mad, Crazy River
Clyde L. Eddy
University of New Mexico Press
1312 Basehart Road SE
Albuquerque NM 87106-4363
9780826351555 $19.95 www.unmpress.com

First published in 1929 and out of print for decades, A Mad, Crazy River: Running the Grand Canyon in 1927 reprints the classic travelogue of the leader of the first expedition to successfully navigate the entire length of the Colorado River, including its treacherous Grand Canyon rapids. Author Clyde L. Eddy had no experience outside of studying the accounts of those who had tried and failed when he recruited "11 college boys, a hobo, a mongrel dog, and a cub bear" to make the eight hundred-mile journey from Green River, Utah to Needles, California. He dared to bring a motion picture camera to film parts of the voyage, and led his group to a safe arrival at their destination forty-two days later. Eddy's expedition was the first to successfully brave Colorado River through the Grand Canyon during its annual high-water phase. His book of the historic journey is a classic travelogue of taking bold (and perhaps foolhardy) risks to make history. Highly recommended.

In the Words of Frederick Douglass
John R. McKivigan & Heather L. Kaufman
Cornell University Press
512 East State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
9780801447907, $22.95, www.cornellpress.cornell.edu

Frederick Douglass made his mark on history by defying all expectation, breaking himself out from being a slave to being one of the greatest thinkers of his era. "In the Words of Frederick Douglass: Quotations from Liberty's Champion" delves into the many words of the nineteenth century intellectual and fighter for civil rights. With his vast world experience, he speaks from his heart and education. Well compiled by historians of the era, "In the Words of Frederick Douglass" is a must for community library history and biography collections focusing on the progression of civil rights.

The Five Keys to Mindful Communication
Susan Gillis Chapman
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115-4544
9781590309414, $15.95, www.shambhala.com

Understanding only can come through communication. "The Five Keys to Mindful Communication: Using Deep Listening and Mindful Speech to Strengthen Relations, Heal Conflicts, & Accomplish Your Goals" is a guide to establishing stronger communication within one's family, as psychologist Susan Gillis Chapman uses her professional experience as well as Buddhist experience to create a stronger and more comprehensive understanding of one another and create better relationships. "The Five Keys to Mindful Communication" is a strongly recommended read, not to be overlooked.


The Women's Studies Shelf

Sex & World Peace
Valerie M. Hudson, Bonnie Ballif-Spanvill, Mary Caprioli, & Chad F. Emmett
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231131827 $26.50 http://cup.columbia.edu

Sex & World Peace is a groundbreaking, scholarly study of the correlations between the security and liberties of women, and the likelihood of societies or states to be embroiled in violent conflict. The authors have engaged in an extensive study of data concerning laws protecting women, to the extent of ranking nations of the world according to how they treat women on multiple different axes: likelihood of direct violence against women and their legal protections from violence; "son preference" and cultural tendencies to abort female fetuses (which can lead to abnormal population sex ratios); the practice of polygamy; the relative equity of inheritance or divorce laws; maternal mortality rates; and more. Examining this data reveals that cultures and nations that subject women to the worst treatment tend to be the most violent and warlike. What is the connection? The authors examine the formation of patriarchal allegiances - in which men of the same kin-group or perceived as an in-group form (often highly hierarchical) alliances to control women for their own reproductive benefit, at the expense of both the women and anyone outside of their in-group. The well-being of women is inextricably linked to the well-being of the world, and Sex and World Peace goes on to promote ways in which both can be improved - from a simple "No Toilet, No Bride" meme that encourages the spread of sanitation in India, to China's outreach to paternal grandmothers (who were often the ones who pushed hardest for a male child) to help end sex-selective abortions, to an anti-domestic violence approach that involved all the women in the village going to the abuser's house to stop the abuse and demand that he leave temporarily for a "cooling-off" period. "We are not suggesting that sex is the only root of societal and inter-societal conflict... we are also not suggesting that positive change for women will immediately result in a peaceful world. What we are suggesting, and attempting to show empirically, is that we can no longer speak of achieving national and international security without speaking, in the same breath, about the security of women." Exhaustively researched, with extensive notes, Sex & World Peace is a strong voice not just for women's rights, but also for a better world for all human beings, and is worthy of the highest recommendation.


The Social Issues Shelf

Campaign It!
Alan Barnard & Chris Parker
Kogan Page USA
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100
Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749464202, $34.95, www.koganpageusa.com

Communication is the key to success in so many avenues. "Campaign It!: Achieving Success Through Communication" is a powerful read from communications experts in Alan Barnard and Chris Parker as they bring readers through how to use the power of communication to organize efforts to bring positive change to the worlds of business, politics, and culture in general. With tips on using everything from Twitter to Facebook and getting the passion out there, "Campaign It!" is a strong pick for social issues and new media focused collections.

Humane Migration
Christine G. T. Ho & James Loucky
Kumarian Press
c/o Stylus Publishing
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166
9781565493193, $24.95, www.kpbooks.com

At the end of one's rope, one will give up anything to find their place in life once more. "Humane Migration: Establishing Legitimacy and Rights for Displaced People" discusses the advances of immigration law and how they are affecting more than immigrants. Christine G. T. Ho & James Loucky provide a scholarly exploration of the impact of the anti-immigration rhetoric that is prevalent in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and that migration should be a basic human right, "Humane Migration" is a strong pick for social issues collections.

Introductions to Homeland Security
Keith Gregory Logan & James D. Ramsay
Westview Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
9780813345987, $42.00, www.perseusbooksgroup.com

Since that fateful day in 2001, the home front has been a strong military focus. "Introductions to Homeland Security" discusses the dynamics that goes into the modern processes of Homeland security that those who are to practice it. Compiled of essays from intellectuals, academics, and those involved in the homeland security process, the combined expertise of professors Keith Gregory Logan & James D. Ramsay presents a comprehensive treatise on the role of homeland security. "Introductions to Homeland Security" is a strong addition to any social issues collection, highly recommended.

The Democratic Contradictions of Multiculturalism
Jens-Martin Eriksen & Frederik-Stjernfelt
Telos Press Publishing
431 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10009
9780914386469, $24.95, www.telospress.com

A more accepting world is what we all say we want, but sometimes our actions contradict our words. "The Democratic Contradictions of Multiculturalism" as Jens-Martin Eriksen & Frederik-Stjernfelt as they discuss the implications that come with multiculturalism and the movements that have been made around the world, their words, and empty promises. From the responses of the people, the many faiths, and politics, "The Democratic Contradictions of Multiculturalism" provides a focus on Islam, but its words are valid in discussing any religious integration into society around the world.

Blue Collar Intellectuals
Daniel J. Flynn
ISI Books
3901 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19807-1938
9781610170208, $27.95, www.isibooks.org

Intellectualism is treated as a virus by some, but Daniel J. Flynn encourages it being embraced by all. "Blue Collar Intellectuals: When the Enlightened and the Everyman Elevated America" discusses how the blue collar everyman can aspire to think, using stories of twentieth century success stories of people from non-academic backgrounds rising up and presenting new developments in thought on many levels. From building oneself up from nothing using knowledge, embracing reading and using the knowledge gained even from pulp fiction novels. "Blue Collar Intellectuals" is a powerful read on the value of thinking for oneself despite the anti-intellectualism of today's society.


The Nautical Shelf

The Citizen's Guide to the U. S. Navy
Thomas J. Cutler
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591141570, $22.95, www.navalinstitute.org

The United States boasts the strongest Navy in the world today. "The Citizen's Guide to the U.S. Navy" is a comprehensive exploration of the American Navy, explaining the purpose of the Navy, its missions, its people, and a crash course in many Navy terms, as well as its long and important history. Informative and a great introduction in learning about the Navy, "The Citizen's Guide to the U.S. Navy" is a strongly recommended pick for military history collections.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Becoming Dinosaurs
David Trexler
Sweetgrass Books
c/o Farcountry Press
PO Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
9781591520924, $29.95, www.sweetgrassbooks.com

The earth, by most scientists measures, is 4 and half billion years old. And to understand its science, you have to review that science. "Becoming Dinosaurs: A Prehistoric Perspective on Climate Change Today" reviews the climate change debate, decrying the reliance on data that only focuses on the past hundred years, stating the debate they need to pay attention to is millions of years in scale. Arguing that if humanity does nothing, humanity's rule on the earth will follow the same route as the dinosaurs. "Becoming Dinosaurs" is a strong pick environmental and scientific history community library collections.


The Education Shelf

The School Leader's Guide to Social Media
Ronald Williamson & J. Howard Johnston
Eye On Education
6 Depot Way West
Larchmont, NY 10538
9781596672185, $39.95, www.eyeoneducation.com

Social media is becoming all encompassing for all ages. "The School Leader's Guide to Social media" is a school teacher and educational administrator's guide to social media and how to deal with the school problems that may arise from its use, how to embrace it, and accept it isn't going away. With plenty of wise ideas on using it as a boon instead of a curse, "The School Leader's Guide to Social Media" is a strongly recommended pick for teachers and educational professionals.

The Journey From Child to Scientist
Sharon M. Carver & Jeff Shrager, editors
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
9781433811388, $79.95, www.apa.org/books

A curiosity in science is something to be nurtured. "The Journey From Child to Scientist: Integrating Cognitive Development and the Education Sciences" explores how to spark interest in scientific curiosity and reasoning using the natural curiosity of youth to encourage an interest in scientific topics for years to come. With the new approach explained and how it works, as well as the benefits for science and other topics alike, "The Journey From Child to Scientist" is a strong addition to any educational collection focusing on science and how to encourage it, highly recommended.

Strategies for Writing
Kathleen Kopp
Maupin House Publishing
PO Box 90148
Gainesville, FL 32607
9781936700493, $19.95, www.maupinhouse.com

Writing is a skill needed not just for the Language Arts, but for any topic. "Strategies for Writing in the Social Studies Classroom" is a guide for teachers of late elementary and junior high school students on how to emphasize the art of writing in Social studies and history classes. Kathleen Kopp, an experienced teacher, encourages development of critical thinking skills and how to better assess their progress. "Strategies for Writing in the Social Studies Classroom" is a fine and strongly recommended pick for general educational studies collections and for teachers resource collections.

A Framework for K-12 Science Education
National Research Council
c/o National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
9780309217422, $39.95, www.nap.edu

Science only grows more and more important by the day. "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" discusses how to better teach the concepts of science as they will be needed for the real world as well as science careers all throughout the educational experience. As the needed skills to succeed in the workplace increase, knowledge in engineering and other scientific disciplines will allow for greater success for our children's future. "A Framework for K-12" is a strong addition to any collection focusing on science education or science in general, highly recommended.

Small Steps, Big Changes
Chris Confer & Marco Ramirez
Stenhouse Publishers
477 Congress Street, Suite 4B
Portland, ME 04101-3451
9781571108135, $21.00, www.stenhouse.com

Good mathematics is the foundation for good learning. "Small Steps, Big Changes: Eight Essential Practices for Transforming Schools Through Mathematics" discusses the importance of mathematics in education. Focusing on how to better teach it in curriculum so it may form a foundation for learning science and other topics, mathematics educators Chris Confer & Marco Ramirez come together to present a straight forward guide to teaching mathematics to elementary and middle school students. "Small Steps, Big Changes" is a strong addition to any educational reference collection, and for any teacher charged with teaching arithmetic in its many forms.

Speaking of Apraxia
Leslie A. Lindsay
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
9781606130612, $24.95, www.woodbinehouse.com

Listening and speech are different things, and some children may understand things they cannot say in response. "Speaking of Apraxia: A Parents' Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speech" discusses this disorder where a child can comprehend speech at a far higher level than they can speak it. To help children who are unable to master the oral movements of speech, Leslie A. Lindsay offers her expertise as a speech pathologist, with tips, tricks, and techniques to overcome the disability and succeed in school. "Speaking of Apraxia" is a vital addition to any childhood educational research collection, highly recommended.

Free Resources for Elementary Teachers
Colleen Kessler
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813
Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593638634, $12.95, www.prufrock.com

Teachers can often face the challenge of their ambition outweighing their pocketbooks. "Free Resources for Elementary Teachers" is a guide for the teacher whose budget is running empty, who still wants to improve on their students success. Colleen Kessler advises readers on how to extend their budgets further with free or nearly free lesson plans and ideas for their students future. "Free Resources for Elementary Teachers" is a strong pick for any teacher who cares far more than their pocketbook will allow them to.


The Psychology Shelf

PsycEssentials
Janet L. Sonne
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.apa.org/books
9781433811173, $39.95, www.amazon.com

"PsycEssentials: A Pocket Resource For Mental Health Practitioners" is a handy, accessible, spiral bound, 312-page compendium covering every aspect of situations most common the practice of psychotherapy and counseling. From an initial clinical assessment interview, to child abuse reporting, to psychopharmacotherapies, to records and record keeping, to resources for clients and their significant others, and so much more, "PsycEssentials" is thoroughly 'user friendly' and an invaluable, highly recommended addition to the working reference shelf of professional psychologists and counselors.

Asylum on the Hill
Katherine Ziff
Ohio State University Press
180 Pressey Hall, 1070 Carmack Road
Columbus, OH 43210-1002
9780821419731, $35.00, www.ohiostatepress.org

For much of America's history, mental health treatment was more akin to a prison. "Asylum on the Hill: History of a Healing Landscape" delves into this shining beacon psychiatric care in the 19th century, the Athens Lunatic Asylum. Approaching the mentally ill with care above simply locking the troubled away, they used physicians and rehabilitation with much success through the mid twentieth century. "Asylum on the Hill" is a fine documentation with photography throughout, making for a strong and recommended pick for history collections.


The Cookbook Shelf

Cooking Vegan
Vesanto Melina, MS RD
Joseph Forest, Professional Chef
Book Publishing Co.
415 Farm Road, Summertown, TN 38483
9781570672675, $19.95, www.BookPubCo.com

"Cooking Vegan" is so much more than just another excellent vegan cookbook with plenty of delicious, healthy recipes. It is an empowering. sensible guidebook to aid in choosing and incorporating more vegan alternatives in a healthy lifestyle. Fueled with specific dietary guidelines and information that pertains especially to vegans, as well as a variety of creative and delicious vegan recipes, "Cooking Vegan" is divided into two main parts. The first four chapters are informational, covering vegan nutrition, ingredients, cooking, and menus and food guide. The second part contains a wide assortment of delectable vegan recipes for breakfast, snacks, soups, salads, dressings, entrees, sauces, side dishes, and desserts. Each recipe has complete dietary analysis information including percentage of calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Printed in gentle tricolor soy-based inks, each recipe is clearly presented with ingredients and amounts listed in persimmon color ink on the left and recipe procedure instructions written in paragraph form on the right in olive green ink. Introductory notes and suggestions are highlighted at the top and the dietary information regarding nutritional content is listed at the bottom. Wonderful recipes are enclosed, including African Chickpea Stew, Cranberry Pecan Muffins, Scrambled Tofu, Lemon-Tahini Dressing, Lima Beans, Corn, and Chipotle Chile, Aloo Gobi, Coconut Saffron Rice with Cardamom and Lime, and Blueberry-Mince Tarts or Pies. Both the novice and the experienced vegan chef can find a delightful assortment of healthful, delicious, soul and body nourishing foods to prepare, tempting the palate and the mind to grow.

The James Beard Foundation's Best of the Best
Kit Wohl
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
www.chroniclebooks.com
9780811874663, $60.00, www.amazon.com

The James Beard Foundation is a New York-based national professional non-profit organization named in honor of James Beard that serves to promote the culinary arts by honoring chefs, wine professionals, journalists, and cookbook authors at annual award ceremonies and providing scholarships and educational opportunities to cooking hopefuls. The Foundation was started in 1986 by Peter Kump, a former student of James Beard and founder of the Institute of Culinary Education. At Julia Child's suggestion, Kump purchased Beard's New York brownstone at 167 West 12th Street in Greenwich Village and preserved it as a gathering place where the general public and press can appreciate the talents of established and emerging chefs. Now in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the James Beard Foundation, culinary author Kit Wohl has compiled a beautifully produced and illustrated coffee table style cookbook showcasing each of the winners of the annual James Beard Foundation 'Outstanding Chef' award. The reader is provided with an informed and informative professional biography, a page of four color photographs featuring that particular chef, and a selection of that chef's signatory recipes. Whether for a simple entertaining browse or in search of truly elegant recipes, "The James Beard Foundation's Best of the Best: A 25th Anniversary Celebration of America's Outstanding Chefs" is highly recommended for personal and community library cookbook collections. As the James Beard Foundation celebrates their 25th anniversary, this lush volume compiles the recipients of the prestigious Outstanding Chef Award, featuring a profile of each winner by author Kit Wohl, along with sumptuous recipes, photography and a foreword by Martha Stewart. From Wolfgang Puck to Tom Colicchio, discover the culinary philosophy and passion behind each prizewinner s path to the kitchen, all contained in a beautiful collector's piece. An inspiration for a generation of chefs, James Beard set the standard through his cooking, teaching, consulting, writing, and media appearances. In honor of Beard s unrivaled legacy as the father of the gourmet movement, the James Beard Foundation established the annual James Beard Awards, which recognize excellence in food, beverage, and other culinary industries.

Don't Panic -- Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family
Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell, Bonnie Garcia
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
9780800719944, $14.99, www.amazon.com

Even the busiest and time-constrained family will tire of fast-food restaurant fare. That's where "Don't Panic--Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family", deftly compiled by the culinary team of Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell, and Bonnie Garcia, will prove to be an invaluable addition to the family cookbook shelf. From quick stove top meals to nutritious crockpot dishes, "Don't Panic -- Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family" is a 288-page compendium of timely, kitchen cook friendly meals that are as palate pleasing as they appetite satisfying. From Mini Turkey Focacia Sandwiches; Chilled Strawberry Soup; Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing; and Garlic Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta; to Easy Oven Barbecued Chicken; Grilled Rib Eye Steaks with Java Rub; Spicy Shrimp Asparagus Stir-Fry; and Sour Cream Cookies, "Don't Panic -- Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family" has a recipe for every dining occasion making it enthusiastically recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.

101 Cozy Casseroles
Gooseberry Patch
2500 Farmers Drive, #110
Columbus, OH 43235
www.gooseberrypatch.com
9781612810553, $14.95, www.amazon.com

The casserole is a classic American meal and a traditional component of church dinners and family gatherings. In "101 Cozy Casseroles", Gooseberry Patch has published a spiral bound compendium of colorfully illustrated and 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes drawn from contributing family chefs willing to share their most cherished and delicious recipes for palate pleasing and appetite satisfying casseroles. From an Easy Chicken Pot Pie; Mom's Texas Hash; and a Green Bean, Ham & Potato Bake'; to a Hearty Tortilla Casserole; Turkey & Wild Rice Quiche; and a Chile Relleno Casserole, here is a culinary wealth of easy to make dishes that come complete with ingredient lists and step-by-step cooking instructions. It should be especially noted that each unique and diverse dish has its contributor identified along with a one sentence description -- along with a fabulous and mouth-watering photograph. Also very highly recommended for both personal and community library collections are two other spiral bound cookbook compendiums from Gooseberry Patch: "The Harvest Table" (9781612810539, $16.95) and "The Christmas Table" (9781612810546, $16.95).

Parents Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Meals
Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118173602 $19.99 www.wiley.com

Illustrated with full-color, full-page photographs throughout, Parents Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Meals is packed cover to cover with 125 easy-to-prepare dishes designed to appeal to the whole family. From "Beef & Bean Taco Salad" to "Tilapia Piccata", "Rainbow Coleslaw", "Cheesy Linguine with Clams", "Princess Tea Sandwiches", "Fruit & Cheese Kabobs", and much more, the dishes combine visual appeal with nutritional value and step-by-step preparation instructions accessible to cooks of all skill and experience levels. Highly recommended especially for busy parents seeking to fit the preparation of wholesome, appealing meals into their busy schedules!

The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners
Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118133262 $19.99 www.wiley.com www.bettycrocker.com

Part of the BettyCrocker line of top-quality recipe books, The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners lives up to its title with over 200 easy-to-make recipes including soups, stews, skillet meals, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, casseroles, and more. Cooking tips, shopping guidelines, and meal planning suggestions, as well as icons that highlight meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, round out the recipes themselves. Full color photographs are interspersed throughout this practical and user-friendly compendium of delectable, nutritious meals.

Hall of Fame Southern Recipes
Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley
Quail Ridge Press
PO Box 123
Brandon, MS 39043
9781934193228, $24.95, www.quailridge.com

Good southern cooking is something special. "Hall of Fame Southern Recipes" explores the best of the recipes of the south. With to the point recipes for any meal and how to make the most of them all, the authors provide easy to follow instructions with full color photographs of many of the recipes within. For those who want to bring the Southern flavor to their tables in its many forms, "Hall of Fame Southern Recipes" is a strong pick for cookbook collections, highly recommended.

Quinoa Cuisine
Jessica Harlan & Kelley Sparwasser
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440
Berkeley CA 94703-3440
9781612430201, $16.95, www.ulyssespress.com

Nutrition doesn't have to stand aside for taste. "Quinoa Cuisine: 150 Creative Recipes for Super-Nutritious, Amazingly Delicious Dishes" is a collection of recipes focused around the quinoa, a grain that can be used to create many delicious meals from burgers to sweet cafes, to breakfast foods, and much more. "Quinoa Cuisine" is a great reference for anyone, with tips to match any dietary discipline or concern.


The Art Shelf

Grete Prytz Kittelsen
Karianne Bjellas Gilje, editor
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
www.wwnorton.com
9780393733310, $55.00, www.amazon.com

The late Grete Prytz Kittelsen (born Margrethe Adelgunde Prytz) (28 June 1917, Oslo - 25 September 2010, Oslo), was a Norwegian goldsmith, enamel artist, and designer. She is one of the most well-known Norwegians in the Scandinavian Design movement. The collaborative project of Karianne Bjellas Gilje (head of program at the Foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway), curator and writer Thomas Flor, Widar Halen (director of design and decorative arts at the National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design), Jan-Lauritz Opstad (director of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Trondheim), and Astrid Skjerven (a professor in the Department of Product Design at Akershus University College), "Grete Prytz Kittelsen: The Art of Enamel Design" is the first comprehensive study of her work in the field of enamel design. This profusely and beautifully illustrated 288-page compendium is comprised of seven informed and informative essays by experts in the work of Grete Prytz Kittelsen. Enhanced with the inclusion of extensive notations, a catalog of works, a chronology, sources list, bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "Grete Prytz Kittelsen: The Art of Enamel Design" is highly recommended for personal, academic, and community library 20th Century Art History collections.

Waikiki Tiki
Phillip S. Roberts
The Bess Press
3565 Harding Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
www.besspress.com
9781573063111, $22.95, www.amazon.com

The Tiki is an iconic image of aboriginal Hawaiian culture which has become co-opted into modern society associated with Hawai'i's tourist industry from settings for luaus to gift shop memorabilia. That's why Phillip S. Roberts' profusely illustrated, 264-page compendium "Waikiki Tiki: Art, History and Photographs" is such a welcome and much appreciated insightful history of the Tiki that is both sacred and an imbedded part of Polynesian popular culture. Beginning with and extensive, informed and informative ten-page introduction, followed by illustrated chapters on 'A Modern Tiki History in Brief' and 'The Influence of Brownlee in Hawai'i', each captioned photograph presents a complete montage of images that are inherently fascinating, making "Waikiki Tiki: Art, History and Photographs" a valued and highly recommended addition to personal reading lists, as well as academic and community library "Hawai'ian Studies' reference collections.

Lines for Birds
Barry Hill & John Wolseley
UWA Press
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97213
9781921401534, $59.95, www.isbs.com

The majesty of avian kind has captivated many through the years. "Lines for Birds" is a collection of art and poetry from poet Barry Hill & painter John Wolseley as they present a unique explanation of our wonder when looking to the skies. From their curiosity of the world around them, their bold life style, and their never resting life styles. Drawing heavily from the birds of Australia, their inspiration is worldwide. "Lines for Birds" is a fine compilation of poetry and full color artwork, very much recommended for coffee tables and art collections.

The Drawing Mind
Deborah Putnoi
Trumpeter Books
c/o Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Horticultural Hall
300 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115-4544
9781590309438, $17.95, www.shambhala.com

Artistry lies in us all. "The Drawing Mind: Silence Your Inner Critic and Release Your Creative Spirit" discusses how to embrace one's own creativity and gain a more clear knowledge of one's potential, and the drive to make the most of one's own art. Deborah Putnoi encourages readers to delve into their own minds and do what they can to get their mind's artwork out onto some form of expression. "The Drawing Mind" is a fine and much recommended pick for those who want to tap into their own creative energies.


The Economic Studies Shelf

Moving Towards Sustainable Prosperity
The Worldwatch Institute
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009-1148
9781610910378, $21.95, www.islandpress.org

Prosperity and environmentalism are not enemies. "Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity" discusses how the world can encourage economic growth while staying true to the environment. Stating that the world has been abusing much of the environment and economically the world is in bad shape as well. The thinkers of the Worldwatch Institute present their own ideas on how to reverse both fronts and present a better future for both mankind's wallets and the environment. A wise read for the world's future, "Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity" is a solid and much recommended read for environmental and science collections.

The Decline in Saving
Barry P. Bosworth
Brookings Institution Press
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036-2188
9780815721352, $26.95, www.brookings.edu

The personal safety net of savings seems non-existent in the modern day. "The Decline in Saving: A Threat to America's Prosperity" discusses the fall of savings for many of Americans and how the lack of savings in America is the biggest threat to continued prosperity in America. Economist Barry P. Bosworth presents a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of finance and economics, outlining the causes and effects on the fall of savings accounts. "The Decline in Saving" is a scholarly and much needed addition to the modern economic debate.


The Biography Shelf

Jacqueline Cochran
Rhonda Smith-Daugherty
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611
Jefferson NC 28640
9780786462759 $45.00 www.mcfarlandpub.com

Jacqueline Cochran: Biography of a Pioneer Aviator is an in-depth biography of aviation pioneer Jacqueline Cochran, whose accomplishments in her field arguably surpass those of the better-known trailblazer Amelia Earhart. Cochran was the first woman to win the Bendix Air Race; fly a bomber; break the speed of sound; and participate in astronaut training. She also played a significant role in creating and leading the WASPs during World War II, as well as participating in the postwar NASA space program, and even made an unsuccessful bid for Congress in 1956. Jacqueline Cochran: Biography of a Pioneer Aviator is an in-depth profile, from Cochran's early childhood in a desperately poor Florida mill town to her career as a pilot, to her unusual reluctance to promote the advancement of women's rights. An excellent addition to biography and aviation shelves. Jacqueline Cochran: Biography of a Pioneer Aviator is especially recommended for public and college library collections.

Giant in the Shadows
Jason Emerson
Southern Illinois University Press
1915 University Press Drive
SIUC Mail Code 6806
Carbondale, IL 62901
9780809330553 $39.95 www.siupress.com

Giant in the Shadows: The Life of Robert T. Lincoln is the first scholarly biography in over forty years of Robert T. Lincoln, the oldest surviving son of President Abraham Lincoln and his wife. Robert Lincoln made his mark on history as far more than a President's son; he served as a Union soldier, was a minister to Great Britain, held the post of U.S. secretary of war, and founded a successful law practice in Chicago, among other accomplishments. Famed for his legal, business, and diplomatic expertise, Robert T. Lincoln earned recognition and acclaim in his day; Giant in the Shadows chronicles his life story in great depth, supplemented with a bibliography, an index, and exhaustive notes. Highly recommended especially for public and college library biography shelves.

Barnum Brown
Lowell Dingus & Mark A. Norell
University of California Press
2120 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720
www.ucpress.edu
9780520272613, $24.95, www.amazon.com

A man named Barnum Brown was the 'Indiana Jones' of palenotology. In "Barnum Brown: The Man Who Discovered Tyrannosaurus rex", Lowel Dingus (Research Associate in Vertebrate Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History, New York) and Mark A. Norell (Chair of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History) have co-authored an amazing biography of one of paleontology's most colorful characters. The life of Barnum Brown (1873-1963) could well serve as material for a Hollywood movie. In addition to his amazing discover of a Tyrannosaurus rex a hundred years ago, as well as his subsequent discoveries of numerous new dinosaur species, Brown's personal life was an especially colorful one beginning with his upbringing on the western frontier, his life style penchant for fine clothes and agreeable women, and even spying for the American government using the cover of his expeditions abroad. Superbly written, "Barnum Brown: The Man Who Discovered Tyrannosaurus rex" does full credit to a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life and is highly recommended reading, and a worthwhile contribution to community and academic library American Biography collections.

The Escape of Sigmund Freud
David Cohen
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012
9781590206737, $27.95, www.overlookpress.com

The wisest of us know when evil is on the rise. "The Escape of Sigmund Freud" tells the story of the elder Freud, who in 1938 at the age of 82, was faced with the march of Hitler's Nazi Germany into his home country of Austria. His fame and wealth made him and his family a target, and with a small tip off, he began his flight in the last years of his life. Presenting a lesser known chapter in the psychoanalyst's life, "The Escape of Sigmund Freud" is a strong addition to any World War II history collection, highly recommended.

Keeper of the Nuclear Conscience
Andrew Brown
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016-4314
9780199586585, $29.95, www.oup.com/us

It's too much power to be entrusted with anyone. "Keeper of the Nuclear Conscience: The Life and Works of Joseph Rotblat", a man who had seen the potential of the weapons before they were ever used on Japan in 1945. Turning his focus to world peace to kill the temptation of mass destruction, "Keeper of the Nuclear Conscience" looks into the scientist's work on many fronts, from a man who made the Manhattan Project so very possible, a very much recommended addition to any international biography collection.

General Abner M. Perrin, C.S.A.: A Biography
Ron V. Killian
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611
Jefferson NC 28640
9780786469802, $25.95, www.mcfarlandpub.com

The Civil War has many stories, many which were ended by the conflict. "General Abner M. Perrin, C. S. A.: A Biography" seeks to tell the story of a man who wasn't a legend of history, but played a major part in this historic conflict as a Brigadier General of the Confederate Army. From the heroics that gained him his rank, to his role in many conflicts, Ron V. Killian hopes to give the man his due in history. "General Abner M. Perrin" is a fine pick and very much recommended pick for Civil War biography collections.

Xavier Montsalvatge
Roger Evans
Pendragon Press
PO Box 190
Hillsdale, NY 12529
9781576472019, $42.00, www.pendragonpress.com

Journalists too have a role in advancing musical thought. "Xavier Montsalvatge: A Musical Life in Eventful Times" discusses the place of the musical journalist who showed pride in his Catalan heritage even in the face of the Francisco Franco's anti-Catalan Spaniard's stances. Throughout the twentieth century, his work in musical journalism offers insight into the world's music, making for a fascinating insight. "Xavier Montsalvatge" is a strong addition to international biography collections as well as musical journalism collections.

Thomas Hart Benton
Justin Wolff
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
18 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9780374199876, $40.00, www.fsgbooks.com

With a wide array of styles and answered the changes in the time, Thomas Hart Benton has become a legend of artistry. "Thomas Hart Benton: A Life" is a biography from Justin Wolff who covers Benton's works, telling of his upbringing, his study of arts and how he quickly gained a name for himself with murals that gained much attention. But praise was not all he received, and he would often fire back and forth with critics. A storied life enhanced with a color insert of his work, "Thomas Hart Benton" is a strong addition to any biography and art history collection.

The Kings' Mistresses
Elizabeth C. Goldsmith
Public Affairs Books
250 West 57th Street, #1321
New York, NY 10107
9781586488895, $26.99, www.publicaffairsbooks.com

In the days of Kings, a single woman wasn't enough to express your wealth. "The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin" discusses the mistresses of Louis XIV, the French King known for his extravagance. Their lives, through this privilege, gained a certain degree of freedom that was rare to women of the era. Marie and Hortense, sisters, embarked on a life of interesting times, making for a fascinating read of history and the excesses of high class life. "The Kings' Mistresses" is a strong pick for any history collection focusing on history and biographies of Louis XIV's France.


The Large Print Shelf

A Dark Legacy
Benita Brown
Magna
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230
West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
9780750534352, $35.50, www.ulverscroftusa.com

The decisions we make have life long repercussions. "A Dark Legacy" is a novel of romance and a love rectangle between Bethany, Greg, Paul, and Duncan, leaving Bethany with a hard choice... but the weight of her choice grows only heavier, as no matter where she throws her lot, she will make enemies and she may yet regret it. "A Dark Legacy" is a riveting read, a fine addition to any large print romance collection, highly recommended.


The Political Science Shelf

Beyond Great Powers And Hegemons
Kristen P. Williams, et al.
Stanford University Press
1450 Page Mill Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94304-1124
www.sup.org
9780804771641, $25.95, www.amazon.com

The word 'hegemon' means a leading or paramount power. International politics has always been a matter of stronger states forming alliances with weaker ones, and of weaker states banding together to oppose a stronger one. In "Beyond Great Powers and Hegemons: Why Secondary States Support, Follow, or Challenge", the editorial team of Kristen P. Williams (Professor of Political Science at Clark University), Steven E. Lobell (Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Utah), and Neal G. Jesse (Associate Professor of Political Science at Bowling Green State University) collaborate to deftly assemble fourteen essays by experts in their field to examine why weaker states follow more powerful global or regional states or tacitly or openly resist their goals, and how weaker states navigate their relationships with the hegemon. Informed and informative, "Beyond Great Powers And Hegemons" is highly recommended reading and a significant contribution to academic library 'International Studies' and 'Political Science' reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

State of Disrepair
Kori N. Schake
Hoover Institution Press
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6010
9780817914547, $19.95, www.hooverpress.org

The United States is not alone, and the State department must realize that. "State of Disrepair: Fixing the Culture and Practices of the State Department" discusses the importance of the United States State department rising to the challenge and reducing the use of military force throughout the world must play in acting harmoniously with the rest of the world, and that civilian agencies could do well in perpetuating trade and peace around the world. With a powerful read of the problems America faces and how to move towards a solution, "State of Disrepair" is a strong addition to any international issues and politics collection.


The Parenting Shelf

American Sign Language And Early Literacy
Kristin Snoddon
Gallaudet University Press
800 Florida Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002-3695
http://gupress.gallaudet.edu
9781563685279, $55.00, www.amazon.com

"American Sign Language and Early Literacy: A Model Parent-Child Program" by Kristin Snoddon (Fellow in the School of Early Childhood Education, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada) is a 144-page compendium deftly describing a program for developing parental 'literacy' in utilizing American Sign Language to develop a child's sense of identity, culture, and vernacular language. Informed and informative chapters include ASL and Early Intervention; Discourse and Counterdiscourse; Research as Praxis; ASL as Resource; 'A Deaf Cultural Space', and Facilitating Emergent ASL Literacy. Enhanced with the inclusion of a substantial bibliography, extensive 'author's notes', and a comprehensive index, "American Sign Language And Early Literacy" is a seminal contribution to ASL studies and highly recommended for personal, professional, and academic library reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

The Available Parent
John Duffy
Viva Editions
2246 Sixth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710-2219
9781573446570, $15.95, www.vivaeditions.com

A parent being there is sometimes the best you can do. "The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens" is a parenting guide from John Duffy with a positive message that encourages a stronger presence in the lives of children, facing teenage rebellion, keeping the self-esteem together and remembering the pressures of young adulthood. "The Available Parent" is a fine choice for community library parenting collections, highly recommended.

Parenting for Peace
Marcy Axness
Sentient Publications
1113 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80302
8671591811763, $18.95, www.sentientpublications.com

Children are our future, and the values of now are the values they will bring with them when they rule the world. "Parenting for Peace: Raising the Next Generation of Peacemakers" is Marcy Axness, parenting expert, as she advises readers on thinking for the future and encouraging kids to embrace peace and empathy for their lives now, and how to make them remember as such in the future. "Parenting for Peace" is a strong pick for parenting collections, very much recommended reading.


The Fiction Shelf

Secrets of the Swamp
Penelope Delta
Peter E. Randall Publisher
5 Greenleaf Woods Drive, Suite 102
PO Box 4726, Portsmouth, NH 03802-4726
9781931807876, $18.95, www.perpublisher.com

The struggle for independence for the Greek people was not a one on one battle. "Secrets of the Swamp" is a novel of turn of the century warfare from Penelope Delta as she crafts a story surrounding the Greek rebellion against the waning Ottoman Empire, and their clash with their neighboring Bulgarians, which teeters between a common enemy and a war of its own. Following the union of Jovan and Apostolis, Delta's novel proves to be a riveting novel of a historical conflict not often seen to western readers. Ruth Bobick translates Delta's novel from the original Greek well, ensuring "Secrets of the Swamp" is a fine addition to international fiction collections.

The Magic of Turquoise
Mai Khaled
American University in Cairo Press
420 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018-2729
9789774165047, $19.95, www.aucpress.com

The whys of the world make us ask more and more questions. "The Magic of Turquoise" is a novel from Egyptian writer Mai Khaled as she presents a tale of an Aunt and niece trying to understand how a near-death accident at sea has changed both of their lives. As her Aunt Nirvana sits in a coma, Leila tries to understand if the accident was intentional and what could be eating her aunt, as well as her role in her family in 1980s Egypt. "The Magic of Turquoise" is a thoughtful piece of historical fiction, very much recommended reading.

Malakut
Bahram Sadeqi
IBEX Publishers
PO Box 30087
Bethesda, MD 20824
9781588140845, $32.00, www.ibexpublishers.com

A touch of the absurd can quickly turn to looking in the mirror. "Malakut and Other Stories" is a collection of short fiction from Iranian author Bahram Sadeqi, who has traveled the world with his own love of the classics, crafting stories both at first absurd but quickly proving all too real. Fine reading with a style inspired by Poe, Kafka, and others but with its own tinge, "Malakut and Other Stories" is an excellent addition to community library literary short fiction collections.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Why Calories Count
Marion Nestle and Malden Nesheim
University of California Press
2120 Berkeley Way
Berkeley, CA 94720
9780520262881 $29.95 www.ucpress.edu

Intended for nutrition-conscious readers of all backgrounds, Why Calories Count: From Science to Politics is a straightforward explanation of just what calories in food are, how to effectively interpret food labels, the root causes of the modern obesity, and much more. Why Calories Count warns how aggressive food marketing trends, increased portion sizes, and even outright lies (such as the false concept of "negative calories") combine to increase pressure upon modern American waistlines. "If there is one message to take home from this book, it is this: larger portions have more calories... They are most often a problem when eating out, especially because the goal of restaurants is to get you to eat more, not less... You can insist on ordering an appetizer instead of an entree, immediately cut your entree in half and save the rest to take home, share the entree with friends, or order half portions when available." Why Calories Count is an absolute "must-read" especially for anyone trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy figure.

Johns Hopkins HIV Guide
Joel E. Gallant & Paul A. Pham, editors
Jones & Bartlett Publishers
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
www.jbpub.com
9780763785482, $34.95, www.amazon.com

HIV continues to be a major health issue in the United States and the subject of intensive medical research. Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by the team of Dr. Joel E. Gallant and pharmacist Paul A. Pham, "Johns Hopkins HIV Guide: Management Of HIV Infection And Its Complications: 2012 Edition" is a compact, 644-page compendium covering every aspect of HIV antibody testing, genotype resistant patterns, musculosketetal and neurologic complications, HIV infection and pregnancy, drug resistance mutations in HIV, and so much more. Thoroughly 'user friendly' and up-to-date, the "Johns Hopkins HIV Guide" is strongly recommended for professional, community, and academic library "Health & Medicine" reference collections.

The Future of Health-Care Delivery
Stephen C. Schimpff
Potomac Books
PO Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172-0960
9781612341569, $27.50, www.patomacbooksinc.com

Error is a killer, and one that must be brought under control. "The Future of Health-Care Delivery: Why It Must Change and How It Will Affect You" discusses the failures of the health care delivery systems that are bankrupting America and leading to deaths, stating that the corruption of the insurance companies and government systems has deteriorated care, and offers his own solution for a more effective health care system. "The Future of Health-Care Delivery" is an intriguing addition tot he modern health care debate.

What Nurses Know... HIV/AIDS
Rose Farnan & Maithe Enriquez, RNs
Demos Medical Publishing
11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10036
9781936303199, $16.95, www.demosmedpub.com

Although a cure is not yet possible, HIV and AIDS is more fight-able than ever. "What Nurses Know... HIV/AIDS: The Answers You Need from the People You Trust" is a collection of thought and wisdom from medical professionals and registered nurses Rose Farnan and Maithe Enriquez advise patients with the disorders and those who care for them in how to best deal with the condition and do what they can to live fuller and healthier lives. "What Nurses Know... HIV/AIDS" is a strong addition to any health reference collection.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Fun and Games for Cats!
Denise Seidl, author
Hubble & Hattie
Veloce House
Parkway Farm Business Park
Middle Farm Way, Poundbury
Dorchester, DT1 3AR, England
9781845843878, $29.95, www.hubbleandhattie.com

"Fun and Games for Cats!" is a physical and mental health improvement game book for cat owners everywhere. Is yours an indoor cat? It is even more important for indoor cats to have daily play with fun exercise games. Here are a variety of approaches and ideas to use for your cat or cats, whether indoor short hair older adult or outdoor "moggie" kitten. Filled with charming color photos of cats happily engaged in play and learning activities, "Fun and Games for Cats" explains just why it is so important for your cat's physical and mental health to create or allow safe play opportunities for stimulation. Included are chapters on captivating games, home alone cat, playmates and best buddies, play with me!, play ideas from everyday life, intelligence games, playful training, and useful things, which includes further reading and websites. Written by a well-known Austrian expert on cat behavior and animal psychology, "Fun and Games for Cats!" is a cat owner's trusted guide to enhancing the relationship between cat and owner with healthy games. As another plus, the photos are definitely irresistible.

A Dog is a Dog
Clarice Rutherford
Alpine Publications, Inc.
38262 Linman Road
Crawford, CO 81415
9781577791034, $14.95, www.alpinepub.com

Our bond with the canine-kind is truly something special. "A Dog is a Dog: And That's Why He's So Special" is a guide to the canine species and their special nature in relation to humans, with tips on caring for and understanding the wishes of canines on many levels. With full color photography all throughout, Clarice Rutherford gives a charming and very useful guide on many levels for readers. "A Dog is a Dog" is a fine read that shouldn't be overlooked by pets and wildlife collections.

Tortoises
E. J. Pirog
T.F.H. Publications
1 TFH Plaza, Third & Union Avenue
Neptune City, NJ 07753
9780793828630, $16.95, www.tfh.com

With a docile nature, tortoises have been kept as pets throughout history. "Tortoises" is a pet-keeping guide for those who want to keep their shelled friends happy. From creating a maintainable habitat, diet, breeding, health care, and details for nearly twenty species, "Tortoises" is a useful and practical full color read for anyone who loves tortoises and wants to keep one healthy and happy for both of their long lives.


The Real Estate Shelf

Rent vs. Own
Jane Hodges
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
9781452102535, $18.95, www.chroniclebooks.com

Amount of money on hand shouldn't be the only factor in deciding what to do for a home. "Rent vs. Own: A Real Estate Reality Check for Navigating Booms, Busts, and Bad Advice" is a guide for prospective home seekers and owners, as Jane Hodges presents a knowledgeable breakdown of elements to be considered on many levels. From understanding the future of the market, the dangers and benefits of mortgages, loans, and when to seek professional help, "Rent vs. Own" is a wise and recommended pick for anyone at the edge of making serious financial decisions.


The Photography Shelf

Art and Photography
David Campany
Phaidon Press
180 Varick Street, 14th floor
New York, NY 10014
9781714863924, $19.95, www.phaidon.com

Photography in its invention was not considered art, but the creative mind has changed all that. "Art and Photography" discusses the recent history of photography and its many styles that have made its own way by capturing the art that is innate in nature, in people, and everything in between. With countless works from many photographers throughout, for anyone fascinated with artistic photography, with color where applicable, "Art and Photography" is a fine pick and much recommended choice for coffee table collections.


The Autism Shelf

Destination Friendship
Mary Benton, et al.
AAPC Publishing
Box 23173, Shawnee Mission, KS 66283-1073
www.aapcpublishing.net
9781934575901, $26.95, www.amazon.com

One of the common symptoms of autism in children and adults is social isolation. In "Destination Friendship: Developing Social Skills For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders Or Other Social Challenges", the team of Mary Benton (retired special education consultant for the Capital Area Intermediate Unit in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), Carol Hollis (educational consultant for autism with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), Kelly Mahler (pediatric occupational therapist in the Central Pennsylvania region specializing in the development of self-regulation and social cognition skills), and Alice Womer (speech-language pathologist and educational consultant with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) draw collectively upon their many years of experience and expertise to compile a 250-page compendium thoroughly 'user friendly' and 'real world' activities, strategies, and techniques effectively supporting the development of specific and universal friendship skills in children with ASD as part of a practical, stimulating, and entertaining environment that is especially conducive to education. "Destination Friendship" is enhanced with the inclusion of forms, games, and print outs, making it very strongly recommended for parental, professional, school, and academic library Autism reference collections and supplemental reading lists, .

Be Different
John Elder Robison
Broadway
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780307884824, $14.00, www.broadwaypaperbacks.com

When a mind works differently, it's quite difficult for others to understand. "Be Different: My Adventures with Asperger's and My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families, and Teachers" is a discussion from John Elder Robison as he presents a definition of Aspergers syndrome and how to fully understand what it means, and how Aspergers isn't a disability but is simply different. "Be Different" is a strong addition to any community library psychology collection, very much recommended reading.


The American History Shelf

Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West
Matthew L. Harris and Jay H. Buckley
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780806142432 $29.95 www.oupress.com

Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West is an anthology of scholarly essays by learned authors discussing the explorations, discoveries, and life of Zebulon Montgomery Pike (1779-1813), a military officer and explorer whose achievements were destined to be overshadowed by those of Lewis & Clark. Pike's efforts as a mapmaker and as a soldier during the War of 1812 were further darkened by allegations that he was connected to Aaron Burr's conspiracy to divide the trans-Appalachian region from the United States. Historians have questioned whether Pike was truly and explorer or a spay, and whether he knew about the Burr conspiracy or was just a faithful, ordinary soldier. Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West moves beyond the retreaded arguments to examine Pike's extraordinary accomplishments, including his contributions to science and cartography; his numerous writings (especially his 1810 journals and maps) that would ultimately affect America's view of the Southwest for decades; his relationships with Native peoples and Spanish officials; and much more. Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West is an absolutely invaluable scrutiny filled with cross-perspectives of an oft-overlooked explorer, and highly recommended especially for public and college library American History collections.

Buried Lives
Michele Lise Tarter & Richard Bell
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive
Athens, GA, 30602-4901
9780820341200, $24.95, www.ugapress.org

The path from the dungeon to the modern prison system is a long one. "Buried Lives: Incarcerated in Early America" discusses imprisonment in early America, looking at the conditions faced by prisoners up until the civil war, using many sources to gain a comprehensive view. A time with no sympathy for those who broke the law, these jails were torturous, and it is especially horrifying where many of these jails were used unjustly by corruption. "Buried Lives" is a strong addition to any collection dedicated to crime and punishment throughout history.

The War of 1812 in the Old Northwest
Alec R. Gilpin
Michigan State University Press
1405 South Harrison Road, Suite 25
East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9781611860382, $24.95, www.msupress.msu.edu

America was invaded, and the fight spread all throughout its orders. "The War of 1812 in the Old Northwest" discusses the role played with the modern Midwest, where in 1812 they were the Northwestern borders. Bordering Canada, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan had their own fronts in the war, and Alec R. Gilpin hopes to capture the spirit of the era, the patriotism that remained there, and the battles that occurred. "The War of 1812 in the Old Northwest" is a strong addition to American history collections focusing on War in the Midwest.


The Literary Studies Shelf

Robin Hood
Paul Buhle
PM Press
PO Box 23912, Oakland, CA 94623
9781604863185, $15.00, www.pmpress.com

To break the law for the greater good is a trope that has its roots in the legend of a fourteenth century forest bandit. "Robin Hood: People's Outlaw and Forest Hero" chronicles the impact of the legend, looking at its historical context and its continual impact that lives on in modern media and pop culture, romanticizing the people's outlaw ideal. With plenty of art strewn about the writing, "Robin Hood" is a strong addition to any literary studies collection focusing on legends of popular culture.


The Self-Help Shelf

Healing Through Illness, Living Through Dying
Candice C. Courtney
Danton Press
7904 Chaparral Road #A110-428
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
9780985052225, $18.00, www.dantonpress.com

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger is only true if we find the strength to carry on. "Healing Through Illness, Living Through Dying: Guidance and Rituals for Patients, Families, and Friends" is an inspirational read from Candice C. Courtney as she advises readers who are caregivers on how to best face the tragedies that often come with their duty, the struggles as a loved one faces illness, and how to not let grief destroy one's life. "Healing Through Illness, Living Through Dying" is a highly recommended pick for self-help and inspirational collections.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

The Fairy Tale and Anime
Dani Cavallaro
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611
Jefferson NC 28640
9780786459469 $35.00 www.mcfarlandpub.com

Author Dani Cavallaro presents The Fairy Tale and Anime: Traditional Themes, Images and Symbols at Play on Screen, a scholarly study of how elements of traditional fairy tales have become narratively and cinematographically embedded in anime (Japanese animation). Chapters speak of different modes of storytelling, allegorical comments on cultural and historical matters, and even the portrayals of dystopia in anime as drawn from ancient fables. A filmography, bibliography, and index round out this measured, intellectual cross-examination of the interplay between old and new storytelling traditions. "...the fairy tale tradition has manifested itself practically across the entire globe in terms of recurrent, plausibly archetypal, images and themes. This realization encourages an evaluation both of that tradition per se and the particular forms it permeates and shapes in the guise of dialogues engaging diverse societies at different points in history." The Fairy Tale and Anime is an especially welcome addition to college library literary and media studies shelves. Also highly recommended is Cavallaro's meticulous pop culture analysis "Art in Anime: The Creative Quest as Theme and Metaphor" (9780786465613, $35.00).

Master Shots, second edition
Christopher Kenworthy
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111
Studio City, CA 91604
9781615930876, $26.95, www.mwp.com

The angle of a shot can impart emotion, tell a story all its own, and grant a truly professional look to any film. "Master Shots: 100 Advanced Camera Techniques to Get an Expensive Look on Your Low Budget Movie" advises readers and aspiring filmmakers to get that next level of quality into their films, discussing each of the shots in depth and how to use it effectively. With black and white demonstrations of each shot with notes from selected feature films, "Master Shots" is a strong resource for any future filmmaker.


The Crafts Shelf

Arts and Crafts of Micronesia
Barbara Wavell
The Bess Press
3565 Harding Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
9781573063098, $29.95, www.besspress.com

The way their art is expressed tells much about the culture. "Arts and Crafts of Micronesia: Trading with Tradition" discusses the art of the Oceanic islands, and how their relatively remote location has allowed them to continue and flourish free of foreign meddling, allowing their style and form to develop uniquely and interestingly. With full color photographs all throughout focusing on their sculptures, jewelry, weavings, and much more, "Arts and Crafts of Micronesia" is a strong pick for those with an interest in worldwide crafts.


The Gardening Shelf

Homegrown Harvest
Rita Pelczar, editor
American Horticultural Society
c/o Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017-0010
9781845336837, $19.99, www.hbgusa.com

A garden can do much for the world as well as the keeper of the garden. "Homegrown Harvest: A Season-by-Season Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen Garden" discusses how one can more effectively set up one's own personal garden, from setting up a lot, making sure one's fruits and vegetables grow in the best possible way, keeping it sustainable, and a seasonal guide to the freshest possible living. With full color photos and detailed tips throughout, "Homegrown Harvest" is a strong pick for gardening collections focusing on edible fruits and vegetables.


The Library Science Shelf

Disaster Response and Planning for Libraries
Miriam B. Kahn
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
9780838911518, $54.00, www.alastore.ala.org

Disasters happen, and having a plan can minimize damage. "Disaster Response and Planning for Libraries" is a guide for librarians and administrators for minimizing the damage of a bad situation. Natural disasters, power outages, maintenance problems, among others can wreak havoc on a library that isn't kept under control. Miriam B. Kahn, library consultant, advises on dealing with damage, what to do with damaged materials, technology recovery, and keeping account of what's on hand and what may have been lost. "Disaster Response and Planning for Libraries" is a strong pick for library science reference shelves.

U Content
Nicholas G. Tomaiuolo
Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055-8750
9781573874250, $49.50, www.infotoday.com

In the new generation of the web, user created content is king. "U Content: The Information Professional's Guide to User-Generated Content" discusses the impact that user created content has had on the world of information today, and how many librarians and information professionals are dealing with the sudden surge of information from many sources, and better deal with these new additions. "U Content" is a strong pick for any library science and technology collection that wants to better handle their surge of information in today's world, using real world examples of effective use of media.


The Archaeology Shelf

Making Archeology Happen
Martin Carver
Left Coast Press
1630 North Main Street #400, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
9781611320251, $29.95, www.Lcoastpress.com

Archeology tells us much about our past. "Making Archeology Happen: Design Versus Dogma" discusses the ideals of archeology as a topic between many communities. An art form, a science, and a social science, the field often argues amongst itself, and professor of Archeology Martin Carver argues that commercial procedures into the field may be sabotaging the greater goals of the science as well as the creative aspect. "Making Archeology Happen" is a strong addition to any collection focusing on the topic or history in general.


The Memoir Shelf

No One's Son
Tewodros Fekadu
Leapfrog Press
PO Box 2110
Teaticket, MA 02536
9781935248262, $19.95, www.leapfrogpress.com

The most terrifying thing as a child is to feel unwanted. "No One's Son: The Story of a Defiant Ethiopian Boy and His Bold Quest for Freedom" is the memoir of Tewodros Fekadu, or simply Teddy, who shares his rough path through life, a child of war and famine. Searching for a place to belong, he touched on many countries on many continents before finally gaining peace of mind and a life worth living on Australia's Gold Coast. "No One's Son" is a remarkable memoir for any international autobiography and memoir collection.

Look, Mom - I Can Fly!
Robert "Smoky" Vrilakas
Amethyst Moon Publishing
PO Box 87885
Tucson, AZ 85754
9781935354475 $16.95 www.ampubbooks.com

Look, Mom - I Can Fly! Memoirs of a World War II P-38 Fighter Pilot is the true story of a man drafted into the army six months prior to the Pearl Harbor attack. Author Robert "Smoky" Vrilakas tells of his grueling basic training, followed by his Army Air Corp flight training. He learned to fly the Army's best fighter of the time: the P-38 "Lightning". As a member of the famous "Hat in the Ring" squadron, he flew in 51 combat missions in the Mediterranean Theatre; German Luftwaffe and Italian Air Force nearly killed him more than once. Look, Mom - I Can Fly! is a captivating true story of determination, courage, camaraderie, and do-or-die air warfare, highly recommended.


The Graphic Novel Shelf

Giants Beware!
Jorge Aguirre, author
Rafael Rosado, artist
First Second Books
175 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010
9781596435827 $14.99 www.firstsecondbooks.com

Giants Beware! is a colorful fantasy graphic novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. Set in a remote town protected from surrounding monsters, Giants Beware! follows young Claudette, a fiery redheaded tomboy eager to prove herself against the alleged menace of giants, her shy younger brother who longs to achieve greatness in the arts of swordmaking and pastry cuisine, and her loyal would-be princess friend. When Claudette learns that a giant could return to menace her hometown, she goads her friends into making a pre-emptive strike - and causes an uproar when her father and the village learn that the children have ventured into danger! Claudette and her friends must survive confrontations with a cannibalistic apple hag, a capricious river king, and ultimately a towering giant - but will the townspeople who set out to rescue Claudette's group also survive? The cartoon-style art lends a cheerful, upbeat atmosphere to this engaging story where good and evil aren't always as sharply defined as one might think, and monsters just might be in the eye of the beholder. Highly recommended.

The Action Bible: New Testament
Sergio Cariello
David C. Cook
4050 Lee Vance View
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
9780781406086 $16.99 www.davidccook.com

The Action Bible: New Testament is a faithful, full-color graphic novel adaptation of the Christian Bible's New Testament - including the birth and life of Jesus Christ, Christ's death and resurrection, and his followers' tireless efforts to spread His teachings and share the Gospel after His ascension. Sergio Cariello brings the New Testament in life with a striking, realistic art style that vividly captures human emotions. The text adapts the stories of the New Testament into modern English, but does not stray from their core meaning. For example, one dialogue balloon relates Peter's response to the question of whether followers of Christ should be compelled to obey Jewish laws. "Brothers, God chose me to take the good news to people who aren't Jews. He gave them the same holy spirit he gave us. Why do you want to make it hard for them to believe? We are saved by the grace of God. The gentiles are saved the same way." The Action Bible: New Testament is never excessively graphic or gory, but neither does it sugar-coat the darker moments in Christ's story. The comic format makes The Action Bible: New Testament an utterly enthralling and compelling new way to experience Scripture. Regardless of whether the reader is young or old, a believer in Christ or a nonbeliever curious about His story, The Action Bible: New Testament is an extraordinarily immersive, educational, and captivating account that deserves to be read cover to cover. Highly recommended.


The Library CD Shelf

Fall of the Moon
Marcel Khalife
An homage to Mahmoud Darwish
Nagam Records
c/o Rock Paper Scissors
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$19.78 www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Lebanese master of the oud (a type of lute) Marcel Khalife presents Fall of the Moon, a poignant, 2-CD tribute to Khalife's departed friend and collaborator, the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. A fervent supporter of the Arab Spring political movement, Khalife sings in support of protesters in Tunisia, Bahrain, Egypt, and Syria, promoting a brighter future in which human rights are rightly respected. The songs experiment with elements of Western chamber music, jazz, or even rock amid the traditional cultural rhythms and Khalife's unique personal touch. Fall of the Moon is an emotionally compelling album, highly recommended especially for private and public library international music collections. The tracks are "The Pigeons Fly" (9:40), "And We Love Life" (9:43), "The Stranger's Bed" (4:50), "Oh, My Proud Wound" (3:40), "Mohammad" (9:02), "Houriyeh's Instructions" (13:07), "Jahar Kah" (2:13), "Now, in Exile" (12:13), and "Two Guitars" (5:39) on the first CD, and "Fall of the Moon" (7:23), "A Song On My Mind" (5:00), "Remember" (1:55), "Her Eyes" (7:34), "The Poem of the Land" (3:55), "Waltz for Rita's Winter" (8:35), "Palestinian Mawwal" (4:29), "The Most Beautiful Love" (6:43), and "In Damascus" (4:27) on the second CD.

Gragnani: Sonatas for Guitar and Violin
Franco Messena, violin
Massimo Scattolin, guitar
Newton Classics
c/o Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
www.naxosaudiobooks.com
B007C7FE9G, $15.26, www.amazon.com

Filippo Gragnani (3 September 1768 - 28 July 1820) was an Italian guitarist and composer.
Gragnani was born in Livorno, the son of Antonio Gragnani. Coming from a family of notable luthiers and musicians, he studied music in his home town with Giulio Maria Lucchesi, first studying the violin then later devoting himself to the guitar, becoming known as a virtuoso performer. According to church records, Filippo Gragnani is buried at the Church of St. Martino di Salviano. Gragnani first published works for guitar and chamber music in Milan around the beginning of the 19th century with the publishers Ricordi and Monzino. During these times he travelled to Germany and then eventually settling in Paris by 1810. There he befriended and became a pupil of Ferdinando Carulli, to whom he dedicated three of his guitar duets and who in turn also dedicated some duets to Gragnani. Little is known about Gragnani after 1812 although the "Registro dei Morti" (Register of Deaths) of the Church of St. Martino di Salviano in Livorno indicates he died on 28 July 1820. Naxos of America is a premier producer of inexpensive classical music and audio books. As part of their 'Newton Classics' series, "Gragnani: Sonatas for Guitar and Violin" showcases the talents of guitarist Massimo Scottolin and violinist Franco Messena as they perform Filippo Gragnani's Sonata No. 1 in D; Sonata No. 2 in C; and Sonata No. 3 in A. These superb performances are flawlessly recorded. "Gragnani: Sonatas for Guitar and Violin". An exemplary example of Early Romantic composition, and with a total running time of 45 minutes, 45 seconds, "Gragnani: Sonatas for Guitar and Violin" is very highly recommended for personal, academic, and community library CD music collections.

Heilt Nye Vel
Elin Furubotn
Ozella Music
c/o FlipSwitch (publicity)
PO Box 2207
Bloomington, IN 47404-2207
$16.26 www.flipswitchPR.com

Heilt Nye Vel is an immersive album by Norwegian singer-songwriter Elin Furubotn, with the assistance of close collaborator and talented Norwegian sax player Karl Seglem, and additional friends contributing with percussion, bass, electric guitar, piano, accordion, synth, euphonium-horns, trumpet, flugelhorn, acoustic guitar, and cello - different songs feature different medleys of instruments supporting Furubotn's melodious voice. Furubotn's dulcet singing conveys a love of life and music and that transcends language barriers, in this smooth as silk listening experience. Heilt Nye Vel is highly recommended especially for international music collections. The tracks are "Akkurat Det Som Er Na" (4:04), "Helt Nye Vel" (3:43), "Eg Ser Du Leite" (4:41), "Slepp Tvilen Fri" (2:51), "Tankane Har Fargar" (4:54), "Treet" (3:37), "Ei Stille Na" (3:42), "Malt Dagen Din" (3:39), "En Drom" (4:02), "Du Vett Godt Ka Eg E Sure For" (4:46), "Stillheten" (1:55), "New Path" (3:42), and "I See You Looking" (4:43).


The Library DVD Shelf

In the Garden of Sounds
a film by Nicola Bellucci
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213
New York, NY 10036
$27.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

In the Garden of Sounds is an extraordinary documentary following Wolfgang Fasser, who lost his sight at an early age, and the physical therapy retreat he has established for disabled children. Impressed by the healing powers of sound, Wolfgang uses sound and music to establish rapport with children, helping them learn how to communicate with others and gain greater control over their own bodies. Bonus features includes a "travels with Wolfgang" segment, a resource guide, and a filmmaker biography. Filmed in Italian and Swiss with the option of English subtitles, In the Garden of Sounds is a striking and emotionally moving portrayal of the healing powers of music and personal rapport, highly recommended. 90 min.

Garbo the Spy
A film by Edmon Roch
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213
New York, NY 10036
$27.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

Garbo the Spy is an extraordinary documentary about a double agent whose heroic actions saved thousands of Allied lives during World War II. Juan Pujol Garcia fed false information to the Nazis, inventing a network of nonexistent agents across Europe, and even misleading them about the timing and location of D-Day. Vintage propaganda footage as well as interviews with intelligence experts and crucial figures in Garbo's life, as well as Garbo himself, compose this captivating true story, highly recommended especially for public library DVD shelves. Garbo the Spy also includes a wealth of bonus features, such as an interview with espionage expert Nigel West (32 minutes) and the WW II training film "Sonic Deception" (27 minutes). 93 minutes plus bonus features.

Reuniting the Rubins
a Yoav Factor Film
Monterey Media Inc.
566 St. Charles Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-3901
$26.95 www.montereymedia.com

Reuniting the Rubins is an uproarious "dramady" movie about the reunion of a dysfunctionally diverse family. When the sick mother of stiffly formal lawyer Lenny Rubins pressures him into reuniting his estranged children, the resulting personality gathering could not be more divisive - from a control-freak capitalist to an eco-warrior, a Buddhist monk, and a born-again Rabbi! While the bickering may be fierce enough to spark an African war, Reuniting the Rubins also has a soulful side that acknowledges the true bonds of family, no matter how vehement their disagreements. Bonus features include an "on location" segment and an alternate ending! Reuniting the Rubins is rated PG, and highly recommended for family viewing and public library DVD collections. 16:9 anamorphic aspect ratio, closed captioned, 99 min.

Titanoboa: Monster Snake
Smithsonian Channel/Inception Media Group
smithsonianchannel.com
c/o Greenleaf & Associates (publicity)
$14.98 DVD / $19.98 Blu-ray www.inceptionmediagroup.com

Available in both DVD and Blu-ray formats, Titanoboa: Monster Snake is a jaw-dropping documentary about a gigantic species of boa snake that lived 60 million years ago, in the era after the mass extinction of the dinosaurs. Longer than a bus, this tremendous snake was large enough to swallow crocodiles whole! Scientists seek to reconstruct how this enormous reptile lived, what it ate, and why it was able to grow so gigantic, into this fascinating documentary, especially recommended for public library DVD collections and anyone fascinated by snakes! 92 min.

Revenge of the Electric Car
A film by Chris Paine
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
193777208X $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Chris Paine, director of the "Who Killed the Electric Car?", continues his documentary saga with "Revenge of the Electric Car", an exploration of the possible revival of the electric car after GM unceremoniously destroyed its first attempt at creating a line of them. Unlike "Who Killed the Electric Car", which focused on the cars themselves, "Revenge of the Electric Car" focuses more on the people pushing to make electric cars a modern-day reality. From Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk, who dared to start up Tesla Motors to create electric cars and compete with big, established auto industries in the US, to General Motors executive Bob Lutz (once accused of killing the electric car, now potentially responsible for its rebirth), to Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn, and even Greg "Gadget" Abott, an ordinary man who toils against the odds to realize his dream of being able to privately convert regular cars into electric cars, Revenge of the Electric Car portrays brilliant people anticipating a revolutionary future. But how close is that future, really? The Great Recession that began in 2008 was a heavy blow that nearly ended America's auto industry altogether. Tesla Motors was almost torn apart by internal lawsuits even before it barreled headlong toward bankruptcy, and just how committed are General Motors and Nissan to the Chevy Volt and the Leaf? Will electric cars be available to consumers at reasonable prices in this generation's lifetime? Revenge of the Electric Car does not have all the answers, but it does have an unparalleled degree of candid, honest testimony from car manufacturers, entrepreneurs, journalists, scientists, and much more, making it a most enjoyable ride! Bonus features include the Tribeca Film Fest post-screening discussion and brief interviews. 90 min., SDH captions.

Agatha Christie's Poirot Series 4
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598287608 $39.99 DVD / $49.99 Blu-ray www.acornonline.com

Available in both DVD and Blu-ray versions, Agatha Christie's Poirot Series 4 continues the excellent British television adaptation of Agatha Christie's beloved detective stories featuring the eccentric Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) and his associates Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser) and Chief Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson). 1930's Europe is brought to vivid life in these dramatic mysteries: "The ABC Murders", in which the killer sends Poirot letters announcing his chosen victim; "Death in the Clouds", in which a blackmailer dies aboard a plain full of potential suspects and one plucky Detective Poirot; and "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" when the shooting death of a dentist unravels a scheme of deceit, yet a simple broken shoe buckle is a key unraveling the mystery. Agatha Christie's Poirot Series 4 maintains the high quality for which the series is justly famous, and is sure to prove immensely popular among mystery buffs and for public library collections. 3 DVDs, 306 min., fullscreen, SDH subtitles.

Discoveries... America National Parks series
Bennet Watt HD Productions, Inc.
13021 - 244 Avenue SE
Issaquah, WA 98027
$24.95 each (DVD or Blu-ray), www.Bennett-Watt.com

Available on both DVD and Blu-ray (for the same affordable price!), four new additions to the Discoveries... America National Parks series offer wonderful armchair travel experiences in glorious high definition. "Arches: Canyonlands & Natural Bridges" (9781604901610) explores the striking rock formations of southern Utah, canyonlands carved by the Colorado River, natural stone bridges, and even an excursion by adventurous rock-crawling enthusiasts. "New Orleans Jazz & Acadian Culture: Jean Lafitte, Creole Natural Trail, Natchitoches & Rural Mardi Gras" (9781604901627) is the next best thing to a personal visit the National Historical Park in New Orleans' French Quarter, a rural Mardi Gras run, the Prairie Acadian Culture Center in Eunice, coastal wetlands and wildlife refuges of the Creole Nature Trail, and Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest town. "Yellowstone Dual Personalities: Spring & Winter" (9781604901597) allows the viewer to viscerally experience the magnificence of Yellowstone National Park, from its abundant wildlife to its steaming geysers, its opportunities for boating/hiking/horse riding, and its dramatic transformation in winter to an icy wonderland where the primary modes of travel are snow machine, snow coach, or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. "Dry Tortugas: Fort Jefferson & The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center" (9781604901603) explores one of America's lesser-known and geographically removed national parks, the Dry Tortugas, located just off the southernmost tip of Florida. Its strategic location made it historical site of military and piracy legends; Fort Jefferson once oversaw Spanish explorers, Gulf Coast merchants, and more people who transformed the New World. The Floriday Keys Eco-Discovery Center is also featured, with an eye-opening glimpse of the beautiful terrestrial and marine native plants and animals of the Keys. All four DVDs are as captivating as they are educational, and worthy of the highest recommendation especially for public library collections.


The Sports Shelf

The Art of Running Faster
Julian Goater & Don Melvin
Human Kinetics
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
9780736095501, $19.95, www.humankinetics.com

Speed is sometimes all some runners care about. "The Art of Running Faster: Improve Technique, Training, and Performance" discusses how to improve that aspect of speed in one's life, and how to best improve one's techniques. Taking the expertise of world class runner Julian Goater and running enthusiast and writer Don Melvin, the pair provides good knowledge for enhancing one's skills and being the best one can be at running. "The Art of Running Faster" is a strong pick for athletics and sports collection.

Northern Dancer: King of the Racetrack
Gare Joyce
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
311 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135
9781554551637, $22.95, www.fitzhenry.ca

"Northern Dancer: King of the Racetrack" is the story of an unusual Canadian horse from Oshawa, Ontario, who, despite his plain, chunky appearance, became one of the most accomplished, successful racehorses in Canadian history. Famously known as the "Adam" of today's Kentucky Derby race, Northern Dancer not only won the 1964 Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Queen's Plate, but also went on to sire the lineage of 18 out of 19 racehorse starters in the 2011 Kentucky Derby. An astonishing story, complete with historical photos and sidebars of special biographical information and anecdotes, "Northern Dancer" lives up to its subject's immense spirit and contribution as a tribute to the champion racehorse sire of this century.


The Military Shelf

Front Burner: Al Qaeda's Attack on the USS Cole
Commander Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret.)
Public Affairs Books
250 West 57th Street, #1321
New York, NY 10107
9781610391245 $27.99 www.publicaffairsbooks.com

Written bye USS Cole's former commander Kirk S. Lippold, Front Burner: Al Qaeda's Attack on the USS Cole is the true story of al Qaeda's murderous bombing. Lippold testifies in first person about the assault and his efforts as leader to save as many lives as he could; seventeen sailors died in the explosion, and thirty-seven were wounded, but due to the crew's heroic efforts, the USS Cole itself was ultimately saved. The attack on the USS Cole was a vivid warning of al Qaeda's murderous intentions, yet the United States government neglected to retaliate; politicians played the blame game, passing off the responsibility for incident until the September 11th attacks ultimately changed everything. Could 9/11 have been prevented had America recognized the true meaning of the USS Cole, and prioritized the threat of al Qaeda? Front Burner is both a gripping personal testimony of military history experienced firsthand, and a warning against the deleterious effects of complacency. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library American military history collections.

General Lewis B. Hershey and Conscientious Objection During World War II
Nicholas A. Krehbiel
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Boulevard
Columbia, MO 65201
9780826219411 $40.00 www.umsystem.edu/upress

Nicholas A. Krehbiel (Instructor of History, Kansas State University) presents General Lewis B. Hershey and Conscientious Objection During World War II, a close examination of the director of Selective Service from 1941 to 1970 and his program to assign duties to those who were conscientious objectors, particularly the 12,000 who objected to noncombatant military service. These 12,000 served their country in Hershey's Civilian Public Service program, the successes of which were overshadowed by Hershey's role in the draft during the Vietnam War. Hershey's accomplishments are even more laudable given that there was no single, unified American system to deal with conscientious objectors prior to World War II; Hershey's efforts sprang from his heartfelt belief in the American right to religious freedom, and the duty to protect religious minorities. Notes, a bibliography, and an index round out this extensively researched, thoughtfully presented, and highly recommended contribution to public and college library American military history shelves.

Electronic Warfare Target Location Methods, second edition
Richard A. Poisel
Artech House
685 Canton Street
Norwood, MA 02062
9781608075232, $139.00, www.artechhouse.com

Technology is the future of warfare, and that technology must be used skillfully. "Electronic Warfare Target Location Methods" discusses the modern military technology and the high mathematics that go into these electronic targeting systems that are more and more used by militaries around the world. Chapters within discuss the basics and advancements in the formulas, the terminology used in this hastily advancing science, dealing with outside modifiers, the 'MUSIC' algorithm, identifying likelihood of errors, position fixing methods, and countless other elements that are constantly considered and revised within the field. Composed by former chief scientist of U.S. Army Research, Richard Poisel presents a comprehensive study of the science, complete with glossary and indexes all throughout. Not meant for light reading, "Electronic Warfare Target Location Methods" is a strongly recommended addition to collegiate library collections focused on applied mathematics, engineering, and military technology.

The Sniper Anthology
Lt. Col. Tom C. McKenney
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street
Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781455616824, $29.95, www.pelicanpub.com

A solid aim has always been deadly throughout history, be it bow, musket, or rifle. "The Sniper Anthology: Snipers of the Second World War" discusses the misunderstood art of sniping as Lieutenant Colonel Tom C. McKenney offers insight of the major marksman of the second world war, who often received no fame for their efforts, written off as cowardly for killing from a distance. McKenney brings their stories to light, giving them the heroic treatment they deserve as snipers sought to end conflicts early or take out enemy snipers before they took out their allies. "The Sniper Anthology" tells the story of World War II snipers from the eyes of a veteran sniper in his own right.


The Fashion Shelf

Fashion Design Course Accessories
Jane Schaffer & Sue Saunders, authors
Lily de Gatacre, editor
Caroline Guest, art director
Moira Clinch, creative director
Barron's Educational Series. Inc.
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
9780764147548, $25.99, www.barronseduc.com

"Fashion Design Course: Accessories, Design Practice and Processes for Creating Hats, Bags, Shoes, and Other Fashion" is a head-turning, state -of- the- art creative fashion text on accessories from two of London's most distinguished millinery and footwear experts. Using the latest in advanced technologies, theory of design and the creative process is linked with specific components of sophisticated handbag, footwear, and millinery, and other fashion accessories design, creation, and marketing. Incredible color photography and artwork illustrate dazzling design examples throughout all chapters of this artistic fashion design text. In addition to the creative process, handbags, footwear, and millinery, there are sections on small leather goods design and construction and also resources and professional practice. Crucial to design development and projection are the underlying components such as portfolio presentation, creating your resume, resources such as competitions, internships, or graduate training programs, and further information about recruitment agencies and where to study more about fashion accessories design. An extensive glossary is presented for each area of handbags, footwear, millinery, and small leather goods, in addition to a general reading list. Thoroughly researched and beautifully documented, "Fashion Design Course: Accessories" is a must read text for students, interns, and practitioners of fashion accessory design as an art form.

A Guy's Guide to Style
H. F. Ullmann
c/o 60 Cycle Media Relations LLC
38 High Avenue, 4th floor office
Nyack, New York 10960
9783848000289, $19.99, www.ullmann-publishing.com

Style isn't just for women any more. "A Guy's Guide to Style" is a resource for men who want to bring themselves up to quality and style in the modern era where style is expected out of men, and t-shirts and jeans won't cut it. With advice for every situation and expectation, "A Guy's Guide to Style" is presented in full color and is a solid and very much recommended read, not to be overlooked for those who want to avoid the modern fashion faux paus.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible
James C. VanderKam
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
2140 Oak Industrial Drive, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
9780802866790, $25.00, www.eerdmans.com

Bringing new light of context to the Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls have been a constantly debated theological topic. "The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible" discusses the recent discoveries surrounding the scrolls, their applications to Biblical studies and more, James C. VanderKam, a professor of Hebrew Scriptures presents a strong and scholarly addition to the modern debates. "The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible" is a strong pick for general religious studies collection and anyone fascinated with the Dead Seas Scrolls.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and Their Families
Robert H. Albers, William H. Meller, and Steven D. Thurber
Fortress Press
P.O. Box 1209
Minneapolis, MN 55440-1209
9780800698744, $29.00, http://fortresspress.com

Mental illness brings new challenges to the table for those of faith. "Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and Their Families" discusses the challenges that ministers face when dealing with mental illness and how to best approach the situation as a concerned individual, a counselor, and as a pastor. For those with congregations that may face these problems, the contributors of faithful scholars in "Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and Their Families" is a strong pick for those pastors who want to approach the issue with grace and care, very much recommended reading.


The Holocaust Studies Shelf

Bitter Freedom
Jafa Wallach
Gihon River Press
c/o KSB Promotions
55 Honey Creek NE, Ada, MI 49301
9780981990637, $18.95, www.gihonriverpress.cm

Face to face with evil, it can be hard to scourge such events from one's mind. "Bitter Freedom" is a memoir from Jafa Wallach, as she shares her personal journey as a Polish Jew, how her tormentors were always not so far away and how the experience remains with you all of your life, even when you hang in there for seven decades after the fact. "Bitter Freedom" is a powerful read for memoir collections focusing on the Holocaust.


The Anthropology Shelf

The Metamorphoses of Kinship
Maurice Godelier
Verso
20 Jay Street, 10th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201-8346
9781844677467, $49.95, www.versobooks.com

Humanity has become far removed from the remote tribal societies. "The Metamorphoses of Kinship" discusses the evolution of friendship, romance, and family has rapidly changed in past decades and what this had done to society. Exploring the concepts of the nuclear family, the facts and myths of child rearing, the impact of modern society, and the role of homosexual couples in the role of society, Maurice Godelier provides a fascinating read for those intrigued by anthropology. "The Metamorphoses of Kinship" is a strong addition to any social issues, anthropology, or history collection.


The Audiobook Shelf

What Money Can't Buy
Michael J. Sandel, author and narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427214928 $29.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of a sharp criticism of modern society by Michael J. Sandel (Professor of Government at Harvard University). Sandel directly confronts one of the most important ethical questions of today - is it right for virtually everything to be for sale, from corporate "cap and trade" pollution privileges, to studies that pay people to test questionable new drugs, to hiring private mercenary organizations such as Blackwater to fight America's wars? What are the moral limits of markets, and how can their omnipresent reach be limited in areas where they don't belong? Is a market-driven society truly what we want to become, and if not, how can it be changed for the better? A soul-searching analysis of the role that markets can and should perform in a democratic society (as well as the roles they must not perform!), What Money Can't Buy is fascinating, thought-provoking, and worthy of the highest recommendation for both personal and public library audiobook collections. 6 CDs, 7 hours.

The Magicians' Guild
Trudi Canavan
Bolinda Publishing
186 S Long Swamp Rd., Jackson, ME 04921
www.bolinda.com
9781743111116, $24.99, www.amazon.com

The first book of 'The Black Magician Trilogy' by Trudi Canavan, "The Magicians' Guild" is set in a world where practicing magicians are required by King's Law to be members of a guild or suffer their magical abilities to be forever repressed and bound. Guild membership has become the exclusive province of magic users from the nobility or 'houses', while the common people, especially the annually displaced poor from the city, are felt to be inappropriate candidates for the privilege of guild membership. That is, until a young girl from the city slums discovers during the course of an annual protest that she has such powers. Slum dwellers or 'dwells' fear and despise the magicians. Fearing for her life and with the help of her closest friend and the 'Thieves', she seeks to hide from the magicians who are now seeking her out. The problem is that untrained and unchecked, her growing magical power will kill her. "The Magicians' Guild" is brought fully to life with the dramatic narrative skills of Richard Aspel in this complete and unabridged, 15 hour 45 minute, flawlessly produced audio book and will have listeners eagerly looking forward to the next two volumes of Trudi Canavan's 'The Black Magician Trilogy'!

Galaxy Press
7051 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 200
Hollywood, CA 90028
www.galaxypress.com

L. Ron Hubbard was a mastery storyteller and one of the most diverse and successful writers during the 'Gold Age' of pulp magazines. In addition to Galaxy Press bringing back Hubbards short stories in print editions, they have made available a steadily expanding list of Hubbards wonderfully imaginative tales as multiple-cast, special effects, musically enhanced audio books that provide a complete and flawlessly produced 'theatre of the mind' experience for the listener. Among the newest additions to the growing audio book canon of Hubbard's work are an action/adventure tale set in the wilds of Africa. "All Frontiers Are Jealous" (9781592123384, $9.95) which first appeared in the pages of 'Five Novels Monthly' in June 1937. "Killer's Law" (9781592122769, $9.95) is a hard boiled mystery originally published in the September 1947 issue of 'New Detective Magazine'. This Galaxy Press audio book also includes Hubbard's mystery stories 'They Killed Him Dead', 'The Mad Dog Murder'; and 'The Blow Torch Murder'. Published in the October 1937 issue of 'Ward Birds', this audio book production of "Red Death Over China" (9781592123346, $9.95) is one of Hubbard's signature aviation yarns and also includes 'The Crate Killer' and 'Wings Over Ethiopia'. Hubbard was an especially gifted writer of westerns. "The Magic Quirt" was first read in the pages of the June 1948 issue of 'The Rio Kid Western'. This outstanding audio book collection also features two more Hubbard westerns: 'Vengeance is Mine!' and 'Stacked Bullets'. "While Bugles Blow!" debuted in the December 1936 issue of 'Five Novels Monthly' and is set North Africa as the French Foreign Legion becomes entangled in a blood feud between two warring tribes. High quality recordings showcasing stories that engage the listener's total attention from beginning to end, all of these audio book titles are enthusiastically recommended for personal and community library audio book collections.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Lovely Knits for Little Girls
Vibe Ulrik Sondegaard
The Taunton Press
63 South Main St., PO Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470
9781600855030, $22.95, www.taunton.com

"Lovely Knits for Little Girls: 20 Just-Right Patterns Just For Girls" is a fantastic collection of 20 just-right patterns just for girls, ages toddler to 7. Here is an assortment of fanciful, decorated, knitted sweaters, cardigans, dresses and tops, skirts and wraps, and hats, scarves and accessories, all designed to appeal to little girls. Color photos illustrate each pattern, and pattern shapes can be easily sized up or down. Designed to appeal to both beginning and experienced knitters, "Lovely Knits for Little Girls" is just the ticket for grandparents and special friends and relatives of little girls with knitting aspirations.


The Language Studies Shelf

Chinese In Motion
Yi Lin
Cheng & Tsui Company
25 West Street, Boston, MA 02111-1213
www.cheng-tsui.com
9780887275029, $49.99, www.amazon.com

The value of being fluent in Chinese will only increase as the economic, political, and cultural relationship of China and America continues to build in complexity and breadth over the next few decades. For Chinese language students who have achieved competency by completing Tao-Chung Yao's "Integrated Chinese Level 2, Part 2" (Cheng & Tsui, 9780887276767, $24.99), "Chinese In Motion" focuses upon student field work as the core of a comprehensive study abroad experience and offers professional-level vocabulary and sentence structures presented in context to aid acquisition of professional language ability. Featuring targeted themes and dialogues that focus each lesson on topics relevant to contemporary China and enhanced with superbly designed in interactive lesson outlines that build on student at-home preparation for more effective in-class learning, "Chinese In Motion" is an ideal textbook and Chinese Language curriculum supplement. Also very highly recommended from Cheng & Tsui for those seeking fluency in Chinese language studies is Madeline K. Spring's "Making Connections: Enhance Your Listening Comprehension In Chinese" (9780887277672, $44.99).

Introduction To Old English, third edition
Peter S. Baker
Wiley-Blackwell
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
www.wiley.com
9780470659847, $44.95, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly revised and updated third edition, "Introduction To Old English" is a 416-page compendium specifically written to assist students with no expertise in either other languages or in traditional grammar who are grappling with Old English literature. A combination grammar and reader, "Introduction To Old English" expands the coverage of Old English manuscripts, runes, and other inscriptions from previous editions. Of special note is that individual chapters includes basic grammar reviews at their beginning and a 'minitext' feature for practicing Old English readings. Enhanced with new anthology readings, common spelling variants, phonetic symbols and terms, a glossary, references, and a comprehensive index, "Introduction To Old English" is an ideal student textbook and highly recommended addition to academic library instructional reference collections.

Vergil's Aeneid
Barbara Weiden Boyd
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1570 Baskin Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
www.bolchazy.com
9780865167643, $37.00, www.amazon.com

Vergil was is influential literary figure from Roman antiquity down to the present day. Generations of students have studied his works as a means of gaining fluency in the Latin language. In "Vergil's Aeneid: Selected Readings from Books 1, 2, 4, and 6", academician Barbara Weiden Boyd draws upon her many years of experience and expertise as the Henry Winkley Professor of Latin and Greek at Bowdoin College to produce an annotated 298-page compendium specifically designed to be a curriculum text for high school and college 'Advanced Placement' courses. Beginning with an informed and informative introduction on the life and work of Vergil, "Vergil's Aeneid: Selected Readings from Books 1, 2, 4, and 6" includes same-page vocabulary notes, a General Word List, a selected bibliography, and more. Highly recommended for academic library "Latin Language Studies" reference collections, "Vergil's Aeneid: Selected Readings from Books 1, 2, 4, and 6" is ideal for a self-study Latin Studies personal reading list.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Thunder In The Void
Henry Kuttner, author
Stephen Haffner, editor
Haffner Press
5005 Crooks Road, Suite 35
Royal Oak, MI 48073-1239
9781893887534, $40.00, www.amazon.com

An award winning author who inspired whole generations of writers, Henry Kuttner was well established as one of the most popular and successful science fiction word smiths beginning with the genre's 'Golden Age' of pulp magazines in the 1930s through the halcyon era of 1950s SciFi. Now sixteen of his best yarns have been rescued from literary obscurity through the deft editorship of Stephen Haffner and made available to an appreciative readership as a 612-page, hardbound compendium. Ranging from 'Raider of the Spaceways'; 'The Time Trap'; and 'War-Gods of the Void'; to 'Soldiers of Space'; 'Crypt-City of the Deathless One', and 'The Eyes of Thar', "Thunder In The Void is a science fiction fan's delight. Of special note is the inclusion of a recently recovered short story 'The Interplanetary Limited', which was written during the author's teenage years. Enhanced with the inclusion of a complete Henry Kuttner bibliography (which includes books which he co-authored with C. L. Moore, and another one co-authored with Arthur K. Barnes), "Thunder In The Void" is highly recommended reading for Henry Kuttner's legions of fans and a welcome addition to personal, academic, and community library science fiction collections.

The Library of America
14 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022
www.loa.org

The Library of America is a non-profit publisher dedicated to bringing into print classics of English literature and the complete works by significant authors that are so well produced and so well bound as to be ideal for personal, community, school, and academic library collections. Now they are launching a new category for an appreciative audience. One that is dedicated into publishing works that have had important impact on popular culture. To establish this new group they have selected the first two novels written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. "A Princess Of Mars" (9781598531657, $20.00) was Burroughs' original foray in 1912 as a novelist and found modest success with an appreciative public. A bit later that same year Burroughs wrote "Tarzan Of The Apes" (9781598531640, $20.00) which was to become a popular culture icon that continues to this very day. Both of these debut titles were commercial successes that led to a series of books set in the same 'worlds' and with the same protagonists. Both "A Princess Of Mars" and "Tarzan Of The Apes" have inspired movies, television shows, comic books, and legions of imitators. Of special note with both volumes is the inclusion of chronologies of the characters' cultural careers, a biographical note of the author, and brief essays on the genesis of the first editions. As with all books published by "The Library Of America", the evidence superb production values making them very highly recommended reading for the legions of Burroughs fans and ideal for introducing new generations of readers to the imaginative storytelling talents of Edgar Rice Burroughs.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Get Published Today!
Penny C. Sansevieri
Wheatmark
c/o Author Marketing Experts, Inc.
PO Box 421156, San Diego, CA 92142
www.amarketingexpert.com
9781604945591, $25.95, www.amazon.com

Penny Sansevieri is a commercially successful author, social media marketer, media relations professional, book marketing expert, a book blogger on the Huffington Post, and CEO of Author Marketing Experts. In the Spring of 2010 Penny Sansevieri taught the first ever, a six-week self-publishing class on self-publishing. She draws from her many years of experience and expertise in "Get Published Today!: An Insider's Guide to Publishing Success", a 366-page deftly written and superbly organized compendium covering every aspect of the publishing industry with respect to what aspiring authors have to do to get themselves published. A 'real world', practical, step-by-step instructional guide, "Get Published Today!" deals with everything from how to get published in 90 days (or less!), getting digitally published (ebooks), selling into overseas book markets, finding a suitable publisher, self-publishing options, traditional publishing models, and so much more. Of special note are the chapters focusing on copyright, the importance of editing, book distribution channels, and the fundamental necessity of budgeting as part of the publishing and marketing process. "Get Published Today!" should be considered mandatory reading for anyone seeking to become a successfully published author in today's every changing and volatile publishing industry.

52 Ways To Sell More Books!
Penny C. Sansevieri
Wheatmark
c/o Author Marketing Experts, Inc.
PO Box 421156, San Diego, CA 92142
www.amarketingexpert.com
9781604947182, $10.95, www.amazon.com

In "52 Ways to Sell More Books!", book marketing expert has compiled a wealth of specific tips, tricks, techniques, strategies, and ideas for successfully competing for attention in today's highly competitive book selling marketplace. "52 Ways to Sell More Books!" covers using all manner of media to raise the awareness of the reading public with respect to a new book including online promotions, radio and television, book reviews, publicizing on Amazon (the single largest on-line bookseller), book signings, building book marketing websites, ebook editions, utilizing social media tools including blogs and e-zines, and a great deal more. A 182-page compendium of thoroughly 'user friendly' and deftly presented information, "52 Ways to Sell More Books!" is enthusiastically recommended the next best thing to attending one of Penny Sansevieri's
workshops and will prove to be an invaluable and enduring resource for aspiring authors and novice publishers.


The Civil War Shelf

War Upon the Land
Lisa M. Brady
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive
Athens, GA, 30602-4901
www.ugapress.org
9780820342498 $24.95 pbk
9780820343839 $24.95 ebook
9780820329857 $59.95 hc

War Upon the Land: Military Strategy and the Transformation of Southern Landscapes During the American Civil War breaks ground as the first book-length environmental history of the American Civil War. Lisa M. Brady (associate professor of history, Boise State University) examines how both sides of the war battled the forces of nature as surely as one another, and how the North increasingly extended the war to the very landscape of the south. From digging canals to slaughtering livestock to altering the course of the Mississippi river, to wholesale agricultural destruction such as what was perpetrated during the siege of Vicksburg, the Shenandoah Valley campaign, and marches through Georgia and the Carolinas, the North's military strategy had a devastating effect upon the land. Notes, a bibliography, and an index round out this thoughtful, scholarly, and heavily researched analysis, highly recommended especially for public and college library Civil War shelves.


James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com


Copyright ©2001

Site design by Williams Writing, Editing & Design