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California Bookwatch

Volume 4, Number 6 June 2009 Home | CALBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Audiobook Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Travel Shelf Computer Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Philosophy Shelf Science Shelf Self-Help Shelf
Political Science Shelf Humor Shelf Art Shelf
Interior Design Shelf Architecture Shelf Education Shelf
Business Shelf Library Science Shelf Nautical Shelf
Gardening Shelf Astronomy Shelf Military Shelf
World History Shelf Biography Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Fiction Shelf Sports Shelf
Hunting/Fishing Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Crafts Shelf
Metaphysical Studies Shelf Language Studies Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf
Music Shelf Photography Shelf American History Shelf
Judaic Studies Shelf California Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

Complete Survival Manual
Michael S. Sweeney
National Geographic Society
1145 - 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-4688
9781426203893, $29.95 www.ngs.org

Survival stories from National Geographic explorers and tips form four organizations on everything from navigating by the sun to bad weather warning signs make for a fine library reference: an information-packed survivalist's guide filled with pictures and quick-read lists for safety at home and outside of it. Highly recommended for any general-interest lending library.

Vanished Smile: The Mysterious Theft of Mona Lisa
R.A. Scotti
Alfred A. Knopf
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, 17th fl, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com
9780307265807, $24.95 www.aaknopf.com

In 1911 da Vinci's Mona Lisa vanished from the Louvre, sparking years of mystery, sadness, and debate. Much has been written over the decades on the disappearance and a century later questions still remain. This story of the event adds a suspenseful account of an art world and society in flux, offering a powerful analysis of public concern and temperament of the times. General-interest collections will love it.

What We Leave Behind
Derrick Jensen and Aric McBay
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts St, New York NY 10013
9781583228678, $24.95 www.sevenstories.com

Responsible living on the planet is the theme of a reflective survey on the line of Thoreau and Mumford in scope. It offers reflections on basic beliefs leading to living clean, natural lives and it comes from an award-winning author and activist who blend history with such ecological philosophy for a title perfect for sociology, general-interest or ecology libraries.

How to Build With Grid Beam
Phil Jergensen, Richard Jergensen, Wilma Keppel
New Society Publishers
Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0 Canada
9780865716131, $29.95 www.newsociety.com

Grid Beam is a modular, reusable building system that is fast and easy to use. It requires no shop, minimal tools - only a wrench - and its projects range from furniture to electric vehicles. Hundreds of photos of real projects built over a 60-year period demonstrate the potentials of this new technology, whose pieces can be used over and again. Any general lending library will find it intriguing.

The Genius Machine
Gerald Sindell
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
9781577316503, $19.95 www.newworldlibrary.com

This step-by-step system for developing an idea or creating and innovation helps people uncover and use their own innate genius and comes from an intellectual property consultant who works with individuals and organizations alike. His 11-step process is a proven key to successfully realizing ideas and bringing them to fruition, and makes for a powerful presentation.

Worthy of Their Esteem
Iain C. Martin
Cider Mill Press Publishing
12 Port Farm Road, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
9781604330519, $14.95 www.cidermillpress.com

Abraham Lincoln's life helped define the essence of being an American and the ideals of freedom, and WORTHY OF THEIR ESTEEM offers a rich collection of the best of his sayings, grouped according to what major themes they address. Added historical and biographical background plus vintage illustrations makes this a top pick for a wide range of collections, from American history libraries to general-interest lending libraries.

Bunkhouse Built: A Guide to Making Your Own Cowboy Gear
Lief Videen
Mountain Press
Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
9780878425549, $15.00 www.mountain-press.com

Any country-oriented person interested in making cowboy gear will find BUNKHOUSE BUILT a fine treasure trove of gear construction tips. Hand-drawn illustrations and step-by-step directions cover everything from building saddlebags and bedrolls to making an antler belt buckle or tying a knot for a headstall. A fun acquisition for any rural library.


The Audiobook Shelf

A Whole New Mind
Daniel H. Pink
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887 , Grand Haven, MI 49417
1423377001, $19.99 www.brillianceaudio.com

For decades the key to surviving in the world has been left-brain thinking with careers keyed to lawyers, accountants and engineers. The future, former White House speechwriter Daniel Pink maintains, is in right-brain thinkers - designers, teachers, creative and empathic professions: A WHOLE NEW MIND tells how to stimulate and use right-brain thinking for maximum profit and achievement, and this audio receives a fine reading by author Pink himself. A top pick for business and general-interest libraries alike.

The Silent Man
Alex Berenson
Penguin Audio
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780143144137, $39.95 www.penguin.com

Veteran audio narrator George Guidall provides a vivid reading enhancing the tension and thrilling moments of this novel of espionage and radical extremism. An exhausted CIA agent has made many enemies in the course of his work and seeks respite, but faces new challenges in a new plot to kill him. A dramatic, realistic story evolves.

Run for Your Life
James Patterson
Hachette
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
9781600244407, $39.98 www.hachetteaudio.com

A murderer who calls himself The Teacher is slaughtering the powerful in New York City - ordinary people who stand out in public, and New York's rich elite. Bobby Cannavale and Dallas Roberts are film and stage stars who bring live this riveting plot of murder and a race against time, perfect for any audio lending library.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Walls of the Universe
Paul Melko
TOR Books
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
0765319977, $25.95 www.tor-forge.com

John Rayburn leads a mundane life in a rural world until his doppelganger appears and gives him a device that lets him travel across worlds and replaces him in his dull life so he can journey the stars. When the device breaks, he's unable to return home - and must live in a new universe as he tries to repair the device and return home. A gripping adventure evolves, perfect for science fiction collections.

The Laurentine Spy
Emily Gee
Solaris
Willow Road, Nottingham, NG7 2WS, UK
1844166031, $7.99 www.solarisbooks.com

For the Laurentine spies in the citadel, every day is dangerous - not the least of which for spy Saliel, who holds magic powers she keeps a deep secret. If she's discovered, she'll be burned as a witch in with a sadistic spy catcher closing in, it's up to her magic to help her survive - a magic she must disclose to her fellow spies at great risk. A gripping fantasy adventure evolves, perfect for any fantasy reader.

Blue Diablo
Ann Aguirre
ROC Books
c/o Penguin-Putnam
375 Hudson St, New York NY 10014
9780451462640, $6.99 www.penguin.com

Magic, a dose of fantasy and romance and intrigue mark a multi-faceted story perfect for any general lending library. Corine Solomon has fled her past to wind up in Mexico City: her psychic ability allows her to locate missing persons and is both a gift and a curse. Now her ex-husband has tracked her down and needs her help - but her abilities may introduce both of them to a dangerous world in this gripping saga of the paranormal.

Death's Daughter
Amber Benson
Ace Books
c/o The Berkley Publishing Group
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780441016945, $7.99 www.penguin.com

Calliope Reaper-Jones is the Devil's own business protegee - literally - and aspires to a normal glamorous career in New York City, not the family business. So when she's expected to step into the shoes of the family's devilish business she resists - until a contest involving find three objects of power - in Hell - involve her in a dangerous game. A whimsical, fun blend of fantasy, mystery and more evolves.

The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths and the Movies
Matt Hurwitz & Chris Knowles
Insight Editions
3160 Kerner Blvd Unit 108, San Rafael, CA 94901
9781933784724, $49.95 www.insighteditions.com

The X-Files is a film a TV series - and an international cultural phenomenon. Over its 9-year history the writers and producers of the series have explored all kinds of supernatural and fantasy potentials: this offers a behind-the-scenes coverage of the series, from extensive commentary by its creator to details culled from first-person interviews. The result is an outstanding presentation packed with color photos and perfect for X-File fans and libraries catering to them.

Worlds
Eric Flint
Baen Books
Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
1416591427, $25.00 www.baen.com

Known for his alternate history novels, Flint's shorter fiction works are equally impressive - as demonstrated in the collection WORLDS. Several stories and a short novel are set in his Ring of Fire alternate history universes, while two stories from his Joe's World series displays an adept hand at fantasy humor. Prior fans of Flint will find this an outstanding collection demonstrating his diverse talents.

WWW:Wake
Robert J. Sawyer
Ace Books
c/o The Berkley Publishing Group
375 Hudson St, New York NY 10014
9780441016792, $24.95 www.penguin.com

An exciting new technological development offering the gift of sight to a blind girl takes quite a different turn when the new technology awakens an Internet sentient being and involves Caitlin in its education in the riveting WWW:WAKE. Packed with twists and turns and especially satisfying characterization, WWW:WAKE is an outstanding selection for any science fiction collection.


The Travel Shelf

National Parks of the United States
National Geographic
1145 - 17th Street NW, Washington DC 20036-4688
9781426203930, $26.00 www.ngs.org

The 6th updated edition of National Parks of the United States offers advice from expert travel writers on activities, lodgings and itineraries and tours to the national parks, packing in nearly four hundred color photos on the parks and a number of maps to trails, campgrounds, and hikes. One of the best take-along totes or lending books on the topic, pairing eye-catching color with practical take-along advice.


The Computer Shelf

Simply SQL
Rudy Limeback
Sitepoint
48 Cambridge St, Collingwood VIC Australia 3066
9780980455250, $34.95 www.sitepoint.com

Teach yourself SQL the easy way, with a step-by-step guide to writing it. From the best SQL codes to discussions of standard syntax, database design best practices, and advanced operations, SIMPLY SQL is one of the best guides available for programmers new to the language and is a pick for any library catering to computer programmers and SQL designers.

Fantasy Workshop
Imagine FX
Collins & Brown/Anova Books Ltd
c/o Sterling Publishing Company
www.sterlingpublishing.com
9781843404729, $24.95 www.anovabooks.com

Both computer and science fiction libraries will find FANTASY WORKSHOP a very appealing, eye-catching and popular lend: it offers a step-by-step guide to creating digital fantasy art, comes in association with ImagineFX, the world's leading fantasy art magazine, and offers tips from a compendium of the world's best seasoned pros in the area. From creating and refining creatures to blocking in color and producing special effects, FANTASY WORKSHOP: MASTERING DIGITAL PAINTING TECHNIQUES is a top recommendation.

Search Engine Optimization for Flash
Todd Perkins
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9780596522520, $29.99 www.oreilly.com

Search engines are fully capable of indexing all content in Flash-based websites, if the site is set up properly for search engine optimization. That's where Search Engine Optimization for Flash comes in: it discusses what content in searchable, how to place HTML content in a Flash application, and how to understanding limitations and potentials. Any Flash programmer needs this.

iWork '09: Keynote, Pages, and Numbers
Richard Harrington
Peachpit Press
1249 - 8th St, Berkeley CA 94710
0321618513, $39.99 www.peachpit.com

This Apple-certified training guide packs in details on the iWork suite of tools, pairing real-world project examples with keys on how to design presentations, add animated charts and custom backgrounds, and publish on the Web using the iWork tools. Both business and computer libraries will relish a training workbook that comes with a DVD-ROM with lesson and media files attached, and tells how to use iWork to create professional, polished results.

Implementing Automated Software Testing
Elfriede Dustin, Thom Garrett, Bernie Gauf
Addison Wesley
c/o Pearson Education
801 East 96th Street, 3rd floor, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.awprofessional.com
0321580516, $49.99 www.informit.com/aw

Testing accounts for a large percentage of the time and cost of any new software development, and using AST - automated software testing - developers and testers can make the most of testing lifecycles, reducing costs. This comes from three leading experts in AST who explain the process, review its pros and cons, and use their experience in the defense and commercial world to help users make realistic business decisions. A 'must' for professionals involved in QA or project management as well as for software engineers, this is a pick for computer and business collections alike.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Bag Bazaar
Megan Avery
Potter Craft
c/o Crown Publishing Group
6 Trowbridge Dr., Suite 5, Bethel, CT 06801
9780307406491, $19.95 www.pottercraft.com

If it's designer handbags with bright materials and chic patterns you need, look no further than BAG BAZAAR. Here are patterns and details for quick, customized handbags from a designer who offers 25 stylish bags that can be sewn in an afternoon. From a bamboo handle tote to a wristlet bag, this is a top pick for any needlework library.

French Girl Knits
Kristeen Griffin-Grimes
Interweave Press
201 E. 4th St, Loveland, CO 80537-5655
9781596680692, $24.95 www.interweavebooks.com

Seattle fashion designer Kristeen Griffin-Grimes provides clothes with a custom fit in FRENCH GIRL KNITS, a series of technique overviews teaching seamless construction methods and providing fine detail for beginning and advanced knitters alike. Four vignettes influenced by French history and culture accompany unique designs and instructions on reproducing them, with outstanding photos completing a strong package recommended for any lending library catering to knitters.

Fresh and Fabulous Quilts
Cheryl Brown
Martingale & Company
20205 - 144th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
9781564778239, $24.95 www.martingale-pub.com

Bright, cheery designs provide a fine modern twist to traditional quiltmaking methods in a collection of patchwork and applique projects easy to put together and packed with big prints and bold colors. From full-page patterns to sidebars of tips and step-by-step instructions including making borders, FRESH AND FABULOUS QUILTS is a 'must' for any serious quilting library.

Flower Festival
Kim Schaefer
C&T Publishing
Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94549
9781571205292, $25.95 www.ctpub.com

FLOWER FESTIVAL: 50 APPLIQUE BLOCKS TO GROW YOUR GARDEN is a powerful collection of floral quilt projects using some 50 blocks of appliqued flowers and bugs to make 9 complete quilt projects. The 8x8 blocks allow for easy mix-and-match and offer a focus on fusible applique and easy piecing, lending to beginners and collections catering to them.

Sew What! Bags
Lexie Barnes
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCa Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603420921, $16.95 www.storey.com

Choose a project and develop personal style and customized bags using fabrics you love and pockets placed where needed with SEW WHAT! BAGS. Lexie Barnes has created a successful line of women's handbags and accessories: her SEW WHAT! BAGS offers a range of design options and modifications for customizing them: perfect for any needlework or crafts collection.


The Cookbook Shelf

Fine Cooking Fresh
Fine Cooking Editors
Taunton Press
Box 5006, Newtown, CT 06470-5506
9781600851094, $19.95 www.taunton.com

Over 350 recipes from Fine Cooking's magazine Fresh provide seasonal inspirations representing more than tested recipes. They use local ingredients and offer details on ingredient information, including tips and techniques for assuring best results every time. Color photos abound in this easy, appealing cookbook highly recommended for any general lending library.

Nile Style
Amy Riolo
Hippocrene Books
171 Madison, New York NY 10016
0781812216, $29.95 www.hippocrenebooks.com

Egyptian culture is portrayed here through its cuisine, featuring foods that have been prepared from ancient to modern times and including original recipes the author was inspired to create in Egypt. From an Apricot Pudding and Hot Cinnamon Drink to Sesame Candy and Roasted Fish with Herbs and Tomatoes, NILE STYLE; EGYPTIAN CUISINE AND CULTURE comes packed with recipes and social and cultural insights: perfect for any collection strong in ethnic cookery.

Crazy About Cherries
Laura Gosalbo and Gerard Solis
Pelican Publishing
1000 Burmaster St, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781589806085, $25.00 www.pelicanpub.com

Lovely color photos pack a fine survey of cherry recipes, from a Cherry-Mustard Chicken and Cherry Berry Salad to Cherry Burgers and cream cheese and chives enhanced Cherry Veggie Rolls. An extensive history of cherries is accompanied by tips on growing and preparing the fruit, making for a fine new edition popular in Europe and enhanced in its American form with sixteen new recipes.

EatingWell in Season: The Farmer's Market Cookbook
Jessie Price and Editors of EatingWell
Countryman Press
Box 748, Woodstock, VT 05091
088150856X, $24.95 www.countrymanpress.com

Any who would make the most of farmer's market fresh produce will relish EatingWell in Season: The Farmer's Market Cookbook. It comes from a food editor and a doctor who team up to provide an emphasis on seasonal, fresh ingredients and menus. Chapters are organized by produce type, not season, making it especially quick and easy to locate recipes such as Pecan-Crusted Turkey Tenderloin with Grilled Peach Salsa under 'Peaches', or 'Fennel & Orange Salad with Roasted Pistachios' under 'Fennel'. A 'must' for any general lending library.

Canyon Ranch: Nourish
Scott Uehlein and Canyon Ranch
Viking Studio
c/o Penguin Putnam Inc.
375 Hudson St, New York NY 10014
9780670020737, $40.00 www.penguin.com

CANYON RANCH: NOURISH comes from Executive Chef Scott Uehlein in collaboration with staff nutritionists and covers the basics of a healthy spa's cuisines. Recipes cover every meal and occasion and offer flavor-packed choices, from a Caraway Chicken Soup with Spaetzle to Spinach and Candied Pecan Salad, NOURISH is a far cut above most 'healthy cuisine' cookbooks, and an outstanding pick for any library strong in health-conscious cookbooks with pizzazz.

The Great Southern Food Festival Cookbook
Mindy B. Henderson
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
9781401603618, $24.99 www.thomasnelson.com

Over 300 dishes from 75 Southern food festivals provide a fine representation of modern Southern cooking. Georgia Pecan-Crusted French Toast, Cornmeal-breaded Fried Okra, and Moon Pie Bread Pudding are but a few of the easy dishes blending old and new approaches. Photos highlight some dishes but the majority don't need them.

Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking
Michael Ruhlman
Scribner
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1416566112, $27.00 www.simonandschuster.com

RATIO should be in every public library catering to any cook at any level. It offers a very easy formula for a ratio of ingredients guaranteed to result success, from a basic cookie dough that can be used to make a wide range of cookies to ratios of other types of dishes offering similar versatility and guaranteed results, and offers insights on over thirty ratios and their keys to being winners. Cooks will find the ratio insights unique and not covered elsewhere.

The Best Skillet Recipes
Cook's Illustrated Editors
America's Test Kitchen
17 Station Street, Brookline, MA 02445
1933615419, $35.00 www.americastestkitchen.com

All you need to use this cookbook successfully is a skillet and a desire to learn easy recipes that guarantee success. Libraries and home collections alike will want to consider THE BEST SKILLET RECIPES a mainstay, packing in over 250 foolproof recipes for one-pan dishes ranging from pot pies to Baked Ziti with Sausage and Indian Chicken Curry with Cauliflower and Peas. Color photos are scattered throughout, but the very easy dishes don't really need embellishment.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Girlfriends' Infertility Treatment Companion
Elizabeth Gordon Dellenbaugh
Lost Coast Press
155 Cypress St, Fort Bragg, CA 85437
9781882897926, $14.95 www.cypresshouse.com

The pros and cons of various infertility treatments lends to a fine advice guide on how to get through treatment while having a life. Nine girlfriends who've been through IT describe their experiences with humor and personal insights making for a fine account any general lending library will appreciate.

Movement Disorders Sourcebook
Joyce Brennfleck Shannon
Omnigraphics
Box 31-1640, Detroit, MI 48231
078080628X $87.00 www.omnigraphics.com

Movement is a key part of life but many Americans find movement impaired by neurological disorders. MOVEMENT DISORDERS SOURCEBOOK provides details about neurological movement disorders from Parkinson's to cerebral palsy and Huntington's, discussing symptoms, causes, diagnosis and the latest technology and treatments. Any health library will find this a detailed coverage packed with information and references.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Color Atlas of Small Animal Anatomy
Thomas O. McCracken and Robert A. Kainer with David Carlson
Wiley-Blackwell
350 Main St., Malden MA 02148
9780813816081 $59.99 www.wiley.com

The latest, revised edition of Color Atlas of Small Animal Anatomy is a top pick offering a basic tool for students of veterinary medicine and animal science. College-level holdings will find the powerful visuals include depictions of male and females of given species on facing pages, unique label structures, and more. A 'must' for any introductory animal science collection.

Wild Moments
Michael Engelhard
University of Alaska Press
Box 75620, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6240
160223048X, $21.95 www.uaf.edu/uapress

WILD MOMENTS: ADVENTURES WITH ANIMALS OF THE NORTH is a celebration of wild animals, presenting a series of close encounters and vignettes. Over 30 accounts by modern nature writers expose encounters with wild animals of the north, from bears to moose, and make for delightful, warm renditions perfect for any lending library strong in true life adventure and wildlife encounters.

One Nation Under Dog
Michael Schaffer
Henry Holt
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0805087117, $24.00 www.henryholt.com

ONE NATION UNDER DOG: ADVENTURES IN THE NEW WORLD OF PROZAC-POPPING PUPPIES, DOG-PARK POLITICS, AND ORGANIC PET FOOD tells of a couple who adopt a dog from an animal shelter and slowly change their philosophy of pets and pet-raising as a result. They move from a determination to not pamper to hiring a trainer, implanting the dog with a GPS chip, and placing Murphy on anti-depressants. Their survey of the new world of American pet mania makes for a hilarious yet pointed read highly recommended for any general lending library.

How to Raise Goats
Carole A. Amundson
Voyageur Press
400 1st Avenue North Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760331576, $19.95 www.voyageurpress.com

Whether you're raising goats for milk or meat or have them as pets, HOW TO RAISE GOATS provides an excellent survey covering everything from choosing among breeds to proper care, feeding, and keeping a herd healthy. Rural collections in particular will find patrons interested in these specifics, coming from a longtime goat farmer who explains all the pros and cons of goat-raising.


The Philosophy Shelf

Radiohead and Philosophy
Brandon W. Forbes and George A. Reisch
Open Court Publishing
70 East Lake Street Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812696646, $19.95 www.opencourtbooks.com

Radiohead is an influential rock group, and its many hit songs also helped influence the culture of its times. A team of Radiohead fans contribute insights to this survey of the implications of their work, blending a popular culture expose with insights into Radiohead's philosophy. Libraries strong in either philosophy or pop culture will find this an excellent, different acquisition.


The Science Shelf

Extreme Ice Now
James Balog
National Geographic
1145 17th St NW, Washington DC 20036-4688
9781426204012, $24.00 www.nationalgeographic.com

Stunning full-page color photos in a fine small book with slipcase makes EXTREME ICE NOW a fine pick for any collection strong in changing nature in the world. Accompanying sidebars of information discuss the locations of different dramatic ice structures in a survey that may someday be our only remnants of the great ice caps. Any general lending library will find it eye-catching.

The Manga Guide to Electricity
Kazuhiro Fujitaki Matsuda
No Starch Press
555 DeHaro #250, San Francisco, CA 94107
9781593271978, $19.95 www.nostarch.com

Rereko is your average high-school girl from Electopia, land of electricity, and has just failed her final electricity exam. Now she has to go to Earth summer school to pass. An illustrated collection of insights examines everyday electrical devices and how they operate, pairing real-world examples with tips on how electricity functions, voltage relationships, capacitance and more. Any library strong in visual science guides will find this a winner.


The Self-Help Shelf

Choose Them Wisely: Thoughts Become Things!
Mike Dooley
Beyond Words
20827 NW Cornell Rd, Suite 500, Hillsboro, OR 97124
158270225X, $17.00 www.beyondword.com

Thoughts draw life to you and are how dreams come true: that's the message of a spirited guide to a successful life path filed with positive choices. Mike Dooley offers admonitions to achievement, teaching readers who to embrace life and let inner impulse and intuition guide one to realizing dreams. A powerful, positive message, this will be enjoyed by many a general interest collection.


The Political Science Shelf

Lobbying in America
Ronald J. Hrebenar and Bryson B. Morgan
ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9781598841121, $55.00 www.abc-clio.com

LOBBYING IN AMERICA joins others in the 'Contemporary World Issues' series and offers an authoritative guide to the entire political lobbying process in this country, from reviews of the ideas and approaches to chronologies of events, directories of agencies and lobbying groups, biographies of lobbyists, and more. The entire history of the growth of interest groups receives in-depth attention in this excellent, key survey recommended for high school and college-level holdings strong in American politics.


The Humor Shelf

Just a Simple Wedding
Lynn Johnston
Andrews McMeel
1130 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106
0740780972, $12.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Any fan of Lynn Johnston's 'For Better or For Worse' comic strip will relish this latest collection of adventures, Just a Simple Wedding, continuing the life of the Patterson clan as it expands and changes. From grandparents who adapt to a smaller home to a romance leading to marriage between Elizabeth and high school sweetheart Anthony, this blends black and white and color comic strips for maximum effect. Any library strong in comic collections will welcome this.


The Art Shelf

What's American About American Art?
Henry Adams
Hudson Hills Press
3556 Main St, Manchester VT 05254
9781555954031, $25.00 www.hudsonhills.com

Some 60 important works of art from the collection of a major American museum are considered in this review by a prominent art historian who finds diversity and history in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. From Winslow Homer to Georgia O'Keeffe, full-page art reproductions are accompanied by extensive, in-depth text commentary to make for an outstanding guide highly recommended as a solid introduction to American art culture and masterpieces.

Art Nouveau Jewellery from Pforzheim
Fritz Falk
Arnoldsche Art Pulbishers
Liststrare 9, D-70180 Stuggart
9783897902800, $85.00 www.arnoldsche.com www.amazon.com

Art Nouveau Jewellery from Pforzheim is a top pick for any college-level art library strong in jewellery history. The Pforzheim jewellery industry saw its heyday in 1900, when nearly 500 jewellery manufacturers and studios produced thousands of pieces a day for sale around the world. New finds of original design drawings and modern sources make for an outstanding survey blending insights into a brief, intense production period for the Pforzheim industry.

The Art of Kung Fu Panda
Tracey Miller-Zarneke
Insight Editions
17 Paul Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
1933784571, $45.00 www.insighteditions.com

The Art of Kung Fu Panda is a fine companion book to the film and an excellent acquisition for any serious animation arts collection. It explores the DreamWorks Studio results, examining the making of the film and providing over 300 pieces of visual development artwork as well as behind-the-scenes stories and insights from the filmmakers themselves. From storyboarding and color theory to special effects, chapters are loaded with full-page color artwork and make for an exceptional acquisition for any film or arts collection.


The Interior Design Shelf

A History of Interior Design, third edition
John Pile
John Wiley
9780470228883, $90.00 www.wiley.com

The third updated edition of A HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN comes packed with the latest examples throughout and offers a synthesis of some 6,000 years of domestic and public interiors. Topics range from furniture and decoration to cave dwellings and temples, cathedrals and palaces, and provide a blend of architectural survey and political and social analysis to consider the extent of how interior style evolves. An accompanying CD-ROM with over 100 illustrations provides a timeline of this history. Perfect for college-level collections strong in interior design history.

Kitchens for the Rest of Us
Peter Lemos
Taunton Press
Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506
1561589519, $19.95 www.taunton.com

Any who long to transform a kitchen into a classy workspace but lack the funds will find plenty to inspire in KITCHENS FOR THE REST OF US - those on a budget. 20 remodel examples here show how to get the most for your money, pairing design with budget tips for tweaking the kitchen workspace. Color photos and diagrams abound in a fine survey recommended for any home and garden collection.

Decorate-Redecorate.com
7501 Slater Avenue Suite C, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
www.decorate-redecorate.com

This publisher's books especially of interest and recommended to the attention of those involved in interior design projects. Two excellent Barbara Jennings titles on staging homes are also perfect for any library catering to real estate agents or homeowners seeking in-depth understanding of the home staging process. STAGING LUXURIOUS HOMES (9780961802639, $34.95) is for real estate agents and home stagers seeking to attract and serve affluent clients - and for owners of affluent homes seeking to assess a sales proposal. Chapters cover making professional presentations to prospective clients, defining personal style, and more - business libraries will find this key. Her STAGING PORTFOLIO SECRETS FOR HOME STAGING AND REDESIGN (9780961802684, $29.95) tells how to create powerful home staging portfolios using visual tools and tips on streamlining a presentation. From basic rules for success to understanding prospect needs, it's a fine survey. Of course the key part of any business transition is financial benefit so GETTING PAID! FINANCIAL STRATEGIES FOR HOME STAGERS (9780916802691, $47.00) is another important key to success. From landing profitable projects to agreements, legal positioning, client conflicts and more, this is a specific, excellent survey. All together are key for any serious business collection.


The Architectural Shelf

Inspired by Nature: Animals
Alejandro Bahamon and Patricia Perez
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Ave, New York NY 10110
9780393732719, $35.00 www.wwnorton.com

Nature's influence on architectural design options is presented here in a fine survey of specific analogies in a coverage perfect for any arts library focusing on architectural design. Chapters use the works of some two dozen architects as examples, offering world-wide examples and packing in color photos. A vivid, top pick for any architectural library.


The Education Shelf

Understanding Girl Bullying
Julaine E. Field, et.al.
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412964883, $26.95 www.corwinpress.com

UNDERSTANDING GIRL BULLYING AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT is an outstanding guide to female aggression patterns. It's written for school counselors, so education libraries will find important the many tips on assessment., prevention and intervention. Chapters consider how schools can offer alternative, healthy ways of managing conflict.

Community College Transfer Guide
Don Silver
Adams-Hall Publishing
info@adams-hall.com
9780944708842, $19.99 www.adams-hall.com

THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER GUIDE offers a rare step-by-step focus on everything community college and high school students need to know to transfer to a four-year college. From guaranteed admissions to locating the best four-year college and selecting the right courses for transfer credits, this book offers everything needed to write application essays, fill out applications correctly, and find the financial resources to attend college.

Pathways to Competence, second edition
Sarah Landy
Brookes Publishing
Box 10624, Baltimore MD 21285-0624
1557668914, $59.95 www.brookespublishing.com

The second updated edition of PATHWAYS TO COMPETENCE: ENCOURAGING HEALTHY SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN covers all social-emotional aspects of young kids and is a 'must' for early childhood professionals. From understanding what emotional milestone kids should reach at different age levels to updated exercises and activities to sharpen parenting skills, many major child-rearing theories converge on a fine presentation highly recommended for any collection catering to early learning professionals.

A Guide to Special Education Advocacy
Matthew Cohen
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street #400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843108931, $24.95 www.jkp.com

A Guide to Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians and Advocates Need to Know covers disability law and its complexities and tells parents how to ensure a child with a disability receives education they are legally entitled to. From understanding services and the evaluation and re-evaluation process to gain them to different kinds of environments, this is packed with specific and detailed observations key to any special education library catering to professionals.


The Business Shelf

Eco Barons
Edward Humes
Ecco
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd St., New York, NY 10022-5299
9780061350290, $25.99 www.eccobooks.com

Deserving of ongoing recommendation is ECO BARONS: THE DREAMERS, SCHEMERS, AND MILLIONAIRES WHO ARE SAVING OUR PLANET, a unique coverage of those who have used their money to save the planet from ecological destruction. These monied barons are saving forests and wetlands, pioneering green technologies and making real changes. An outstanding presentation.

Intrinsic Motivation at Work, second edition
Kenneth W. Thomas
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery St Suite 650, San Francisco CA 94104-2916
9781576755679, $24.95 www.bkconnection.com

The second updated edition of INTRINSIC MOTION AT WORK: WHAT REALLY DRIVES EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT offers new diagnostic and assessment tools in its latest edition of a pioneering book. The latest research contributes to an adjusted framework for understanding how to engage and motivate employees by creating a system of 'ownership' for work processes. Business libraries catering to managers will find this inspiring.

Passion Brands
Kate Newlin
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026877, $24.95 www.prometheusbooks.com

PASSION BRANDS: WHY SOME BRANDS ARE JUST GOTTA HAVE, DRIVE ALL NIGHT FOR, AND TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT is for any business library strong in consumer marketing patterns. It comes from a seasoned business strategist who defines the keys to 'passion brands' that are received with nearly religious zeal by consumers. Their three common characteristics, financial impact for their makers, and overall business world influence make for a fascinating discussion business readers will appreciate.

Young Guns
Robert Tuchman
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019-7420
0814410707, $21.95 www.amacombooks.org

YOUNG GUNS: THE FEARLESS ENTREPRENEUR'S GUIDE TO CHASING YOUR DREAMS AND BREAKING OUT ON YOUR OWN shows professionals they can start and succeed in their own business even if they're young. The author abandoned his own dreams of being a sports writer to accept a position as a stockbroker trainee, and formed his own successful company out of his apartment which made the annual Inc. 500 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies. His inspirational account of how he did so with no investors and no money is perfect for any business collection.


The Library Science Shelf

You Don't Look Like a Librarian
Ruth Kneale
Information Today Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055
9781573873666, $29.50 www.infotoday.com

Librarians hold a conservative and stodgy image: You Don't Look Like a Librarian offers alternatives to this traditional stereotype, telling how to foster and grow new images in the Internet age. It comes from a blogger and pop culture librarian who offers keys to her own changing role and image and includes the results of a 1,000+ respondent survey and interviews with opinionated librarians across the country. Students of library science and practicing librarians alike will find it an eye-opening winner.

The Great Digitalization and the Quest to Know Everything
Lucien X. Polastron
Inner Traditions
One Park St, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594772436, $16.95 www.innertraditions.com

The digitalization of books is a blessing for the exchange of knowledge around the world, yet this new technology has introduced threats to literacy and libraries. The Great Digitalization and the Quest to Know Everything raises new legal challenges about the quality and verification of information, discussing virtual libraries and changes threatening knowledge credibility in an intriguing discussion perfect for all types of collections.


The Nautical Shelf

It's Your Boat Too
Suzanne Giesemann
Paradise Cay Publications
Box 29, Arcata, CA 95518-0029
0939837692, $14.95 www.paracay.com

IT'S YOUR BOAT TOO: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO GREATER ENJOYMENT ON THE WATER comes from a commander who draws on twenty years in the navy as a leadership instructor to provide women with direction on how to make the most of a boating adventure. She encourages women to take a larger role on board by addressing common fears and self-limiting attitudes, sharing nautical knowledge and covering all the basics of attitude and action. This deserves a place in any nautical collection.


The Gardening Shelf

The Winter Harvest Handbook
Eliot Coleman
Chelsea Green
Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001
9781603580816, $29.95 www.chelseagreen.com

THE WINTER HARVEST HANDBOOK: YEAR-ROUND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION USING DEEP ORGANIC TECHNIQUES AND UNHEATED GREENHOUSES is a 'must' for any library strong in organic gardening and any homeowner seeking a home garden. It provides a green focus on using unheated greenhouses and organic techniques for vegetable production comes from a gardener with over 30 years experience in all aspects of growing vegetables. Outstanding, packed with specifics gardeners need.


The Astronomy Shelf

Cambridge Double Star Atlas
James Mullaney and Wi Tirion
Cambridge University Press
32 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-2473
9780521493437, $35.00 www.cambridge.org

Any college-level collection strong in astronomy must have this atlas of double stars: it pairs a lay-flat spiral binding with spine letters for maximum library efficiency and practical use, it offers the first modern star atlas focusing on double and multiple stars, and labels near 2,000 pairs with plot points and observatory designations in a treasure trove of deep-sky observation.


The Military Shelf

US Navy A-1 Skyraider Units of the Vietnam War
Richard R. Burgess and Rosario M. Rausa
Osprey Publishing
443 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9781846034107, $22.95 www.ospreypublishing.com

Designed and built on a carrier-based attack aircraft, the A-1 never saw combat in World War II and eventually was viewed as dated. But it proved its worth during the Korean War and earned a reputation as a craft able to carry any weapon in the naval arsenal. This history comes packed with black and white photos and is a 'must' for any serious military collection.


The World History Shelf

The Mexican Wars for Independence
Timothy J. Henderson
Hill & Wang
c/o Farrar, Straus & Giroux
18 West 18th St, New York NY 10011
0809095092, $27.50 www.fsgbooks.com

Mexico's struggle for independence was a series of civil wars and failed social revolts: some Mexicans fought to bring about social change, some for revenge, others for loot. Despite the many purposes behind ten years of fighting, Mexico achieved its independence through a strange political compromise - detailed here in The Mexican Wars for Independence, a key acquisition for any library strong in American history or world military history.


The Biography Shelf

Meriwether Lewis
Thomas C. Danisi and John C. Jackson
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591027027, $28.98 www.prometheusbooks.com

Any college-level collection strong in early American history will find MERIWETHER LEWIS a powerfully detailed, in-depth study. 12 years of meticulous research into original and obscure sources and documents from the original Lewis and Clark expedition lend to a focus on what Lewis was doing just before and after his famous journey, offering a different focus on his many different roles and achievements above and beyond the expedition. Collections seeking a fuller, in-depth profile of early American figureheads can't go wrong with this one.

A Little Bit Wicked
Kristin Chenoweth with Joni Rodgers
Touchstone
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1416580557, $25.00 www.simonsays.com

Kristin Chenoweth was a Broadway star who originated the role of Galinda the Good Witch in the musical Wicked and starred in many TV series. Her hilarious autobiography traces her journey from an Oklahoma beauty queen to a Broadway leading lady, surveying the many milestones of her career and providing an entertaining, involving survey perfect for any general lending library.

Mr. America
Mark Adams
Harper
c/o HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022-5299
9780060594756, $25.99 www.harpercollins.com

MR. AMERICA: HOW MUSCULAR MILLIONAIRE BERNARR MACFADDEN TRANSFORMED THE NATION THROUGH SEX, SALAD, AND THE ULTIMATE STARVATION DIET tells of one man who did much to educate the world about healthy eating, alternative medicine, and exercise. An unlikely beginning as a tubercular orphan led to his rise in the health world. MR. AMERICA charts his influences, achievements, and the life of a man who changed society and the world. Any general lending library will appreciate this.

A Different Life
Quinn Bradlee
Public Affairs
250 West 57th St, Suite 1321, New York NY 10107
9781586481896, $24.95 www.publicaffairsbooks.com

Born with a hole in his heart and suffering from severe illnesses from birth on, author Quinn Bradlee was constantly ill for 14 years until he was finally correctly diagnosed with a rare ailment. This autobiography tells of growing up learning disabled and physically ill, and provides a story of a very different kind of life and perception of the world. General-interest libraries will find his an inspirational, compelling saga.

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist
Michael J. Fox
Hyperion
114 - 5th Ave, New York NY 10011
9781401303389, $25.99 www.hyperionbooks.com

Michael J. Fox's positive perspective helped him all his life, leading him to see challenges as opportunities: even those as troubling as his Parkinson's Disease. His memoir of his last decade and exit from a demanding public arena opened up new doors for him - and his discoveries are inspirational keys to success, making for a top pick for any lending library.

Mommywood
Tori Spelling
Simon Spotlight Entertainment
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
141659910X, $25.00 www.simonandschuster.com

Fans of Hollywood actress Tori Spelling, who has appeared on 90210 and numerous movies, will find this a powerful autobiography telling how Tori married her Hollywood career with a normal family life. Candid assessments of the trails and special challenges involved in achieving this normal family life make for an engrossing autobiography Tori fans will relish - and a top pick for any general lending library.

Jedediah Smith: No Ordinary Mountain Man
Barton H. Barbour
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806140117, $26.95 www.oupress.com

Jedediah Smith was the first Anglo-American to travel overland to California via the Southwest, and he traveled more of the West than anyone of his times. This biography surveys his journeys and tells of his early influences which included a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Barbour researches Smith's journals more than other scholars and offers insights into Smith's choices, itineraries and personality. An important pick for any who would discern Smith's inner psyche.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

An American Gospel
Erik Reece
Riverhead Books
375 Hudson St, New York NY 10014
9781594688697, $24.95 www.penguin.com

The author's grandfather was a fundamentalist Baptist preacher and a pillar of his rural Virginia community - and his life was all about denying himself pleasures in preparation for the next life. His father was also a Baptist minister - but he took his own life and Erik spent much of his childhood with his grandparents. His personal odyssey in spiritual contemplation began with his own studies that led to a journey to identify an "American gospel" in the literary world and within himself. Spirituality collection will find it a moving blend of religious observation and introspection.

American Babylon
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016-8810
9780465013678, $26.95 www.basicbooks.com

From the beginning of the Christian movement to modern times where's been arguments about what it means to say that Christians are 'in but not of the world'. AMERICAN BABYLON is the last work by theologian Richard Neuhaus and considers the sentiment, defining Christianity in modern America and considering how Christians are a people 'out of place' and alien in America. An intriguing discussion that any Christian or spirituality library will find thought-provoking.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Shadow and Light
Jonathan Rabb
Farrar Straus Giroux
18 West 18th St, New York NY 10011
0374261946, $26.00 www.fsgbooks.com

This fine mystery set in 1927 Berlin is an excellent meld of history and mystery and tells of a German studio executive found dead in his office bathtub, prompting an investigation that exposes the nation's darker secrets. Hoffner begins with a survey of the film industry's involvement but finds his investigation quickly moving into more nebulous realms of politics and danger in a fast-paced mystery perfect for any general lending library.

Warning Signs
C.J. Lyons
Jove
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780515145830, $7.99 www.penguin.com

On rotation at Pittsburgh's Angels of Mercy Medical Center and struggling to finish medical school, Amanda can't afford mistakes or mystery - but mysterious symptoms that defy diagnosis have been affecting her performance. When two patients with the same symptoms die, she must begin her own life-saving investigation in this fine medical thriller, perfect for general lending libraries.

Oolong Dead
Laura Childs
Berkeley Prime Crime
375 Hudson St, New York NY 10014
9780425225998, $24.95 www.penguin.com

Recipes and tea time tips accompany OOLONG DEAD, a powerful survey of a lavish tea which involves the dead body of Theodosia's arch nemesis Abby. A caterer's nightmare comes to life as Theodosia's investigation into Abby's murder leads her to the back rooms of high society and a dark theatre world where anything goes in a wickedly wonderful read recommended for any mystery library.

Ghouls Just Haunt to Have Fun
Victoria Laurie
Obsidian
375 Hudson St, New York NY 10014
9780451226303, $6.99 www.penguin.com

So many mysteries sound alike in tone and structure that it's refreshing to find one more contemporary in style, presentation and humor. If the title doesn't grab you, the character will: feisty young MJ who goes into business with her 'bff' (and if you don't know that, you aren't privy to the latest lingo) to use her paranormal abilities on a new TV show. The unexpected release of a demon completes many things in this zany, fun story packed with twists and turns.


The Fiction Shelf

Delia's Heart
V.C. Andrews
Pocket Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1416530851, $7.99 www.simonsays.com

This second book in the new Delia series deserves a place in any general lending collection, especially where patrons have prior enthusiasm for V.C. Andrews' dramatic characters and style. Here Delia has survived a desert crossing to protect a friend from murder charges but again must leave her tiny Mexican hometown for Palm Springs - only to face a malicious cousin and troubled Mexican-American politics and family relationships alike. A fine drama continues and needs no prior introduction to prove accessible and compelling.

Speak of the Devil
Shari Shattuck
Signet
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780451224804, $7.99 www.penguin.com

Greer Sands can see the future at times and read auras - especially those of friends. So when she has a premonition of disaster while admiring a painting, she finds herself entwined in danger that extends to her friend Jenny and her life. Add a son with similar, untrained talents and you have a gripping story any general lending library will find a popular patron pick.


The Sports Shelf

Indianapolis Motor Speedway: 100 Years of Racing
Ralph Kramer
Krause Publications
700 East State St, Iola, WI 54990-0001
0896898350, $30.00 www.krausebooks.com

Officially licensed in cooperation with the Indy Motor Speedway is this fine history of the most famous racing venue in the world. It began as a cornfield and pasture and evolved into a fine racing track with world fame: here Ralph Ramer covers the entire history of the track, from the early balloon races and motorcycle races to today's top-league car racing teams. History comes alive through an excellent blend of vintage black and white and color photos throughout. Any library strong in race car history will find it a winning acquisition.

The Athlete's Guide to Making Weight
Michele A. Macedonio, MS, RD and Marie Dunford, PhD, RD
Human Kinetics
Box 5076, Champaign IL 61825
0736075860, $17.95 www.humankinetics.com

Athletes interested in developing optimal weight for optimal performance results will relish The Athlete's Guide to Making Weight. It covers how to move either up or down in a new weight class, comes from a renowned sport dietitian pair who have analyzed top athletes and competitive trends alike, and shows readers how to self-assess for nutritional requirements and optimal results. Any library catering to athletes needs this.


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

The Big One
David Kinney
Atlantic Monthly Press
841 Broadway, New York NY 10003
9780802118905, $24.00 www.groveatlantic.com

Martha's Vineyard is a fine American destination not just for its celebrities and beaches but known for thousands of fishermen who flock there to compete in its annual Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, a contest inviting all kinds of fishermen from kids to schoolteachers, seniors to neo-pros. THE BIG ONE is journalist David Kinney's documentation of a month of his fishing experiences and makes for a vivid account of a fun event, perfect for general-interest lending libraries.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Madame Alexander 2009 Collector's Dolls Price Guide #34
Linda Crowsey
Collector Books
Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009
9781574326192, $14.95 www.collectorbooks.com

Any collector of dolls will relish Madame Alexander 2009 Collector's Dolls Price Guide #34, a fine guide to 2009 dolls and their latest values. This is the perfect guide for those who already have knowledge of identification and just needs the updated values: listings by doll type cover all the current prices.

Petretti's Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide, 13th Edn
Allan Petretti
Krause Publications
700 East State St, Iola, WI 54990-0001
0896896919, $49.99 www.krausebooks.com

If it's one big, definitive collector's 'bible' you seek on Coca- Cola collecting, make it the 13th updated edition of the classic Petretti's Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide. For over three decades it has proven its richness in providing Coca- Cola collectors with definitive details: this latest edition packs in more color photos, the latest prices, and keys to avoiding fakes and reproductions. All types of collectibles are covered, making this a 'must have'.


The Crafts Shelf

Eco Craft
Susan Wasinger
Lark Books
c/o Sterling Publishing Company
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9781600593437, $24.95 www.larkbooks.com

Over 30 green projects inspire crafters to turn 'trash' into stylish home accessories with ECO CRAFT, a survey of creative ideas, step-by-step photos, and environmentally conscious projects. From a cd-case towel rack that does double duty as a photo display to a tray made from a discarded suitcase and dresser handles, this is a winning presentation perfect for any crafter's collection.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Tao of Rejuvenation
Angelo Druda
North Atlantic Books
Box 12327, Berkeley, CA 94712
9781556437755, $16.95 www.northatlanticbooks.com

Basic guidelines for health and well-being are provided in a spiritual guide perfect for any looking for better health blended with spiritual joy. Angelo Druda blends different traditions, from Taoism to early Christian and Chinese medicine, to make for a fine survey of different life choices and results. New age libraries with a health focus will relish this approach.


The Language Studies Shelf

Lost Languages: The Enigma of the World's Undeciphered Scripts
Andrew Robinson
Thames & Hudson
500 - 5th Ave, New York NY 10110
9780500288160, $29.95 www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Stories of three great decipherings - Egyptian hieroglyphs, Minoan Linear B, and Mayan glyphs - introduce a focus on those which have thus far defied decoding, such as the Etruscan alphabet of Italy, the Indus Valley seal script, and more. The latest scholarship, obsessions of scientists, and conflicts in the world of linguistic mysteries makes for a powerful presentation indeed.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Climate Change
David Downie, Kate Brash, and Catherine Vaughan
ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116
9781598841527, $55.00 www.abc-clio.com

Most books on the topic of climate change discuss science: this offers a social and political perspective key to any understanding of climate change, considering legislation, events, politics, and more. From world-wide issues surrounding climate change specific to different countries to scientific controversies overall, this offers a key discussion essential for any high school to college-level collection!


The Music Shelf

Willie Nelson
Joe Nick Patoski
Back Bay Books
c/o Hachette Publishing Group
www.hachettebookgroup.com
9780316017794, $16.99, www.amazon.com

Fans of country singer Willie Nelson will relish the lengthy biography (over 500 pages) WILLIE NELSON, which uses over a hundred interviews with Willie and his family, band and friends to provide a full-faceted examination of his life, style, and evolving career. From his musical education in Texas to his battles with the IRS, chapters chart the upward swing of a star and will provide plenty to interest any library strong in country music biography.


The Photography Shelf

Some Afrikaners Revisited
David Goldblatt
UMAUZI/Struik Publishers
1415200254, $48.95 www.amazon.com

David Goldblatt is one of South Africa's premier award-winning photographers: perhaps it's because his black and white images tell stories and capture South African culture and concerns. Any library strong in either documentary photography examples in general or South African culture in particular needs SOME AFRIKANERS REVISITED in their collection. It offers a rare glimpse into the world of South Africa's whites, is accompanied by notes and paired with essays by Antjie Krog and Ivor Powell, and is a powerful visual treat.

Perfect Exposure
Michael Freeman
Focal Press
30 Corporate Drive #400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780240811710, $29.95 www.focalpress.com

Exposure time is at the heart of photography and used to be taught first in any basic photography school. But with so many moving to digital without benefit of lesson plans, PERFECT EXPOSURE is the next best thing: it takes a step-by-step journey through the latest developments in digital techniques that have changed ways in which exposures can be manipulated. Chapters discuss differences between old and new techniques, use workflow illustrations and visual examples to explore ideas, and provide keys to understanding. A 'must' for any serious photography collection.

Creative Photoshop CS4: Digital Illustration and Art Techniques
Derek Lea
Focal Press
30 Corporate Drive #400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780240521343, $39.95 www.focalpress.com

If you're a digital artist, designer or illustrator seeking new techniques for using Photoshop, you've come to the right place with Creative Photoshop CS4: Digital Illustration and Art Techniques. It's packed with insights on how to produce stunning images, holds chapter summaries to aid in quickly locating projects that hold specific tools of interest, and is packed with the award-winning author's own digital pictures to reinforce concepts updated throughout for CS4. A 'must' for any serious Photoshop user or collections catering to them.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 Studio Techniques
Ben Willmore and Dan Ablan
Adobe Press
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321613104, $54.99 www.adobepress.com

Any looking to master Adobe Photoshop CS4 will find this a key instructional, revised and updated for CS4 and including in-depth coverage of Adobe Bridge, Camera raw, and more. From real-world production insights to full-color camera and computer screen shot examples at nearly every step, this is an unbeatable, important guide and a 'must' for any serious Adobe Photoshop library and any taking a course on CS4.

Photoshop CS4 Photographer's Handbook
Stephen Laskevitch
Rocky Nook
26 W Mission St. Suite 3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2432
9781933952420, $39.95 www.rockynook.com

Cutting-edge developments in Photoshop lend to Photoshop CS4 Photographer's Handbook, a coverage central to nearly all photography workflows, Photoshop or not. CS4 is a milestone in the program's history, and this comes from a teacher and practitioner who creates a step-by-step guide to provide a clear workflow for editing photos in CS4 and its companions Camera Raw and Lightroom 2. A fine survey of techniques and real-world applications makes for a fine reference for any strong Photoshop collection.


The American History Shelf

The Great Depression
Lionel Robbins
Transaction Books
300 McGaw Drive-Raritan Center, Edison NJ 08837
1412810086, $34.95 www.transactionpub.com

Economics, history and business blend in a fine new survey explaining the nature and causes of the 1929 depression in a fine basic guide recommended for high school libraries as well as college and public library collections. The analysis blends all kinds of social, political and business influences to make for a solid coverage perfect for discussion.


The Judaic Studies

At the Edge of Dreamland
Barnett Zumoff
KTAV
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602800458, $24.95 www.ktav.com

Translated from the Yiddish by Barnett Zumoff is a powerful collection by a member of the last generation of Yiddish writers to have been nurtured in Eastern Europe, steeped in Yiddish culture. His short stories depict allegorical creatures and events that reflect pessimism and can be read either as literature or as references to the Jewish fate, and deserve a place in any serious Judaic studies holding.


The California Shelf

Survive the Drive!
David Rizzo
Lorikeet Express Publications
PO Box 2683, Fullerton, CA 92837-0683
0977779106, $14.95, www.drroadmap.com

Traffic is the impatient person's mortal enemy. And those stuck in traffic are always impatient. "Survive the Drive: How to Beat Freeway Traffic in Southern California" is a guide for residents of southern California who must deal with this headache daily and simply don't want to take it anymore. With plenty of tips and trips to shave minutes and perhaps even hours off of one's travel time, David Rizzo has a guide that those sick of traffic simply must read. "Survive the Drive" is aimed at Californians, but the general advice could be applied to traffic jams elsewhere as well.

This Day in San Diego History
Linda H. Pequegnat
Sunbelt Publications, Inc.
PO Box191126, San Diego, CA 92159-1126
9780932653901 $19.95

For each day of the calendar year, This Day in San Diego History presents a one-page summary of amazing, milestone events connected to the thriving city of San Diego, California. From well-known major events to obscure yet culturally relevant discoveries and achievements, This Day in San Diego History gives a mosaic of important contributions. A most enjoyable compendium simply to browse through; its format reminds the reader that any day can be a great day. "May 29, 1935: On this day in San Diego History, the California Pacific International Exposition opened in Balboa park... This 1935 exposition was especially important because it was held in the middle of the great economic depression of the 1930s, and it offered hope to San Diegans and to the rest of America that the country would soon be able to overcome its problems."

Edges of Bounty
William Emery
Heyday Books
Box 9145, Berkeley, CA 94709
9781597141086, $24.95 www.heydaybooks.com

EDGES OF BOUNTY: ADVENTURES IN THE EDIBLE VALLEY comes from photographer Scott Squire and writer William Emery's journey through the back roads of California's Central Valley in search of those producing their own food. From a jam maker advocating 'nonviolent agriculture' to roadside medicine stands, this is a fine survey of local food and those who farm, fish, hunt and change it.

Sunbelt Publications
Box 19116, San Diego, CA 92159-1126
www.sunbeltbooks.com

Leland Fetzer's THE CUYAMACAS: THE STORY OF SAN DIEGO'S HIGH COUNTRY (9780932653949, $19.95) is especially recommended for Southern California collections, offering a regional history of San Diego's mountain district tracing its roots from early 1700s settlers to modern times. From gold-mining booms to the growth of tourism and the Cedar Fire of 2003, this packs in history along with maps and illustrations perfect for any San Diego-area collection. Linda H. Pequegnat's THIS DAY IN SAN DIEGO HISTORY (9780932653901, $19.95) is also a winner, offering a detailed history of San Diego's key people and events. It adopts an unusual day-by-day calendar format to choose an event of importance for each date on the calendar, whether it be a noteworthy place, person, or event. San Diego area libraries will love these.

Arcadia Publishing
420 Wando Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.arcadiapublishing.com

Arcadia's visual treats remain important historical coverages for any library strong in visual treatments of California history and culture. San Francisco Bay Area residents now have four lovely new titles to enjoy. Lesa Tanner and the Graton Community Club's GRATON (0738569895, $21.99) covers Graton, a tiny community in Sonoma County a bit off the beaten path, discussing its early settlement by pioneers and its different evolutions. The Bernal History Project's SAN FRANCISCO'S BERNAL HEIGHTS (0738547417, $19.99) part of the city that began as a hilltop village in the southern area. Photos and images from family scrapbooks and public institutions follow its progress. Emma Bland Smith's SAN FRANCISCO'S GLEN PARK AND DIAMOND HEIGHTS (0738547514, $19.99) comes from a native who grew up only a few miles from the area, and offers a historical survey based on interviews with amateur historians and residents alike. The vintage photos come from neighbors' old basement archives and tell the story of an area where immigrant families could live peacefully. Kathleen Manning and Jim Dickson's SAN FRANCISCO'S OCEAN BEACH (0738528579, $19.99) tells of a popular tourist destination, using over 200 vintage photos from the authors' collections to explore local businesses, landmarks, and evolving features. These are outstanding local histories suitable for any California history collection.

Hot Showers, Soft Beds & Dayhikes in the Sierra, third edition
Kathy Morey
Wilderness Press
1200 - 5th St., Berkeley CA 94710-1306
9780899974354, $18.95 www.wildernesspress.com

Pair rugged backpacking or hiking days with cozy comfortable nights with the third updated edition of Hot Showers, Soft Beds & Dayhikes in the Sierra. This updated new edition features over 110 hikes in Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks, plus Lake Tahoe and other wilderness regions - each near fine accommodations ranging from cute cabins to B&Bs and full-service resorts. Details include trail descriptions, assessments of difficulty and seasonal accessibility, and more.

Radical L.A.
Erroll Wayne Stevens
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806140025, $34.95 www.oupress.com

RADICAL L.A.: FROM COXEY'S ARMY TO THE WATTS RIOTS, 1894-1965 tells of two groups of radicals in L.A. who fought for control of ideologies in a changing world. Both individual and political battles are traced in a re-creation of events that led to the Watts Riots. Any California history collection needs this survey.


James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
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

Diane C. Donovan, Editor & Senior Reviewer
12424 Mill Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
phone: 1-707-795-4629
e-mail: donovan@sonic.net


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