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Small Press Bookwatch

Volume 9, Number 7 July 2010 Home | SPBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Self-Help Shelf
Fiction Shelf Real Estate Shelf Business Shelf
Poetry Shelf Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf
Biography Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf Christian Studies Shelf
Philosophy Shelf Judicial Studies Shelf Political Science Shelf
Social Issues Shelf Photography Shelf Gaming Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Civil War Shelf
Travel Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf Automotive Shelf
Money/Finance Shelf Holocaust Studies Shelf Literary Shelf
Parenting Shelf Native American Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

We Are Here
Jane Smith Bernhardt
Burnham Press
9 Newfields Road, Exeter, NH 03833
9780615341316, $15.00

The spirit is something far greater than one's mortal body. "We Are Here: Love Never Dies" is a memoir from daughter Jane as she records the communications between her parents and their spiritual journey which went beyond the physical body. Describing the spirit that inhibits us all and how it reaches beyond what we think, "We Are Here" is a fascinating look at the spirit and what its true power is.

Women, Writing, and Soul-Making
Peggy Tabor Millin
Story Water Press
PO Box 9803, Asheville NC 28815
9780982371107, $14.95

There is no greater treasure than fully knowing yourself. "Women, Writing, and Soul-Making: Creativity and the Sacred Feminine" is a guide for women in exploring one's own soul and using creative exploration to gain a sense of self that what one truly wants out of their life. Thoughtful and empowering, "Women, Writing, and Soul-Making" is quite the treasure, highly recommended.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Assignment: Journey to the Extreme
Karl Hargestam
Yorkshire Publishing
9731 East Fifty-Fourth Street, Tulsa, OK 74146
9780881445183, $12.99, www.yorkshirepublishing.com

Life has a way of changing the rules of the game often. "The Assignment: Journey to the Extreme" tells the story of a teacher and his student. The teacher intervenes into his students life and finds that in order to lend a helping hand, he must be willing to go very far in life to make a difference. "The Assignment" is a choice and very highly recommended read for anyone looking for thought provoking fiction.

Chronos
Tom Ciolli
Robertson Publishing
59 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Suite B, Los Gatos, CA 95030
9781935125693, $13.25, www.robertsonpublishing.com

As the sights of man's universe expands, so do its battles for freedom. "Chronos" tells the story of Zach Murphy and the Wolverines as Earth's commandos are tasked with a mission to free the people, both human and alien, of Chronos from the iron grasp of an organization oppressing them. The task is never easy, and "Chronos" proves to be a fun and exciting adventure in science fiction.

The Pack
LM Preston
Phenomenal One Press
PO Box 8231, Elkridge, MD 21075-8231
9780984198979, $14.99, www.phenomenalonepress.com

Some unusual crimes require unusual solutions. "The Pack" tells of a future where the kids on Mars are being kidnapped, and it's up to Shamira to find the root of the matter, Her campaign to find them comes with many ideas, and an exciting fast-paced story, making "The Pack" a treasure for young science fiction readers.


The Self-Help Shelf

The 5 Love Languages
Gary Chapman
Northfield Publishing
820 N. LaSalle Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60610
9780802473165, $14.99, www.fivelovelanauges.com

Communication is an invaluable tool, all too often pushed aside. "The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts" is a guide for men who want to understand how and the importance of talking to one's wife. These languages are not all vocal, although words do help. It's all about what you do and how you do it, and Gary Chapman comes to men with many valuable ideas. "The Five Love Languages" is a key pick for any man who wants to keep the love strong.

Winning at Love
Martin G. Groder & Pat Webster
Bascom Hill Books
212 3rd Avenue North, Suite 390, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781935456049, $19.95, www.bascomhillbooks.com

Love is a bit of annoying game, but you can win. "Winning at Love: The Alpha Male's guide to Relationship Success" is a guide to succeeding at love, being the one to take charge, and despite the book's tag line, the advice is just as valuable to women as it is for men. Love is more than just the start, it's about keeping an existing relationship strong, understanding desires, and keeping the fire alive for years. "Winning at Love" is a must for any who have been unlucky and want to be better equipped for their next attempt.

The Language of Leadership
Louis L. Marines
Ostberg
c/o The Greenway Group
25 Technology Parkway South, Suite 101, Norcross, GA 30092
9780984084654, $29.95

Leadership is no small task to undertake. "The Language of Leadership: Stories and Studies in Courage, Wisdom, and Sacrifice" is a presentation of Louis L. Marines' experiences as he hopes the anecdotes and stories he shares will help readers embrace the stories within to help them aspire to be better leaders of people in life, and in business. Uplifting and inspirational, "The Language of Leadership" is a read that shouldn't be missed by any shouldering leadership.

Become Incredible
Jordan Wirsz
Palari Publishing
PO Box 9288, Richmond, VA 23227
9781928662846, $24.95, www.becomeincredible.com

Greatness is only as unobtainable as one puts it. "Become Incredible: More Powerful Than the Will to Win is the Courage to Begin" is an inspirational guide from Jordan Wirsz as he encourages readers to push themselves further and pursue greatness in their lives, as he shares his experiences of rising from being a mediocrity to become a multi-millionaire. His story proves that it can be done, and Wirsz wants readers to take note. "Become Incredible" is a top pick for those hunting for inspirational memoirs, highly recommended.


The Fiction Shelf

From the Dead
John Herrick
SegueBlue
17209 Chesterfield Airport Road, Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63005
9780982147016, $14.95, www.johnherrick.net

When you finally get it back together, it can fall apart all over again. "From the Dead" tells the story of Jesse Barlow who tries to put his life back together after a disastrous life in Hollywood. Faced with the son he never knew he had, he finds that as his life gets better, it can get worse all over again in the blink of an eye. "From the Dead" is a solid read with a powerful spiritual message.

An Ideal For Living
Marhsall Moore
Lethe Press
118 Heritage Ave, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
9781590212318, $155.00, www.marshallmoore.com

Love decays if you don't maintain it. "An Ideal for Living" is the story of Grace and Robert, both who are trying to get what they've lost back. Grace has lost her husband to constant affairs, while Robert has lost his gay lover James. Both find that to get what they once had back, no solution is easy as author Marshall Moore presents a story of trying to find happiness and what extent people will go. "An Ideal for Living" is an enticing and fine read, highly recommended.

Fo Sho Derrty
Tha Genarall
Willenium Publishing & Production, Inc.
PO Box 2131, St. Louis, MO 63032
9780982717691, $14.95

There are some avenues where you don't want your son to follow in your footsteps. "Fo Sho Derrty" tells the story of a father who runs the drug empire in St. Louis, Missouri. His son seems to be following in his footsteps, which is the last thing Big Ace wants him to do. A story filled with distinct St. Louis flavor and a powerful message, "Fo Sho Derty" is a fine novel, highly recommended.

All About Eve
Carol Hightshoe
Wolfsinger Publications
4260 Cassidy St, Security, CO 80911
9780981623375, $14.95, www.wolfsingerpubs.com

There is no biblical character who has inspired more from the imagination. "All About Eve" is a braintrust of many writers as they discuss the topic of the first woman, and the mythos that has developed around the world. The origin of evil, the fall of man, and the many interpretations roll these stories into one book making for a riveting read, hard to put down. "All About Eve" is a collection that simply shouldn't be missed.

Desires of the Heart
Beverly Taylor
DellArte Press
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781450100106, $13.99, www.beverlytaylorbooks.com

Love will sometimes not be realized as such until it's too late. "Desires of the Heart" tells the story of Carson and Katharine as they are split from their perfect lives as Cindy Lomax comes into their lives. Carson, strayed by Cindy's charms, soon finds himself realizing his mistakes, but the damage may already be done, and the faith of love could be irreparable. "Desires of the Heart" is a riveting romance, sure to please.

The Chat Pack
Kris Condi
Champagne Books
#35069-4604 37 ST SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7C7, Canada
9781897445976, $14.95

Someone to talk to is worth a lot in the world. "The Chat Pack" tells the story of five women, with not a lot in common but nonetheless find comfort in one another's company through instant messaging. The tale of these five women and how they soon intertwine leads to a fulfilling novel that many women will relate to. "The Chat Pack" is a volume that shouldn't be overlooked.

Revenge for Old Times' Sake
Kris Neri
Cherokee McGhee Mystery
124 Peyton Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
9780979969454, $16.95

Vengeance is something that never gets old. "Revenge for Old Times' Sake" tells the story of Tracy, a woman dealing with the fact that her husband Drew seems to be neck deep in accusations of killing his boss. But an easy case to clear seems difficult when exes, mothers, and grudges all show up to murk the once slightly clear waters. "Revenge for Old Times Sake" is a choice pick and very highly recommended read.

Dog Ears
Dog
Dangit Press
10735 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
9780982658970, $4.88

A dog's loyalty is something that cannot be matched. "Dog Ears: A Tail of Christmas Comfort" is a tale following Dog as he faces a greater mission that will test his devotion to his family and much more. A Christian tale for dog lovers, "Dog Ears" is a treasure that shouldn't be missed for either.

Dr. Hackenbush Gets a Job
Ginger Mayerson
Wapshott Press
PO Box 31513, Los Angeles, CA 90031
9780982581308, $12.00, www.wapshottpress.com

Employment is one of the most frightening things that can happen. "Dr. Hackenbush Gets a Job" is the story of Jazz singer Mabel Hackenbush as she faces her situation of being a secretary as her ideal life is derailed. Not without her adventures in spite of this delve into the status-quo, "Dr. Hackenbush Gets a Job" is a fine read that is well worth considering.

Standing in for Lana
Richard Frattali
1547 Clay Street, Apartment 110, San Francisco, CA 94109-3856
Hammonasset House Books
64 Edgecomb Street, Mystic, CN 06355
9780980189483, $15.95, www.hammonassethouse.com

Perhaps more intriguing than the stories of Hollywood is the stories behind the stories. "Standing in for Lana" is a collection of short stories focusing on the questions that lie beneath the many aspects of Hollywood's actors and people who have captivated the imaginations of millions around the world. "Standing in for Lana" is a choice pick for any want another slice of Hollywood.

Graveyard Blues
Harriet Rzetelny
Hamilton Stone Editions
PO Box 45, Maplewood, NJ
9780980178630, $14.95, www.graveyardbluesmystery.com

The effort needed to maintain the status quo can seem all the more crushing. "Graveyard Blues" is the story of Molly Lewin as she confronts the crushing environment around her. A homecare worker, she faces a client's murder, and the pending eviction of everyone at a low rent complex as big business wants to take over their land. Crushed between family issues, the murder, and the loss of home for people with few other options, "Graveyard Blues" is a fascinating and intriguing mystery not to be missed.

The Mermaid's Pendant
Leann Neal Reilly
Zephon Books
3 Billings Way, Framingham, MA 01701
9780982687505, $19.95, www.nealreilly.com

When the magic ends, you need more to make a relationship remain strong. "The Mermaid's Pendant" draws inspiration from the Little Mermaid to tell a story of the realities of marriage, and what happens when the starting magic ends and the realities of life start to sink in. A beautifully crafted fantasy that shows much symbolism and wisdom, "The Mermaid's Pendant" is a fine pick that shouldn't be missed.

The Silent
Rebecca Kenney
Journey Forth
1700 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC 29614-0060
9781606820544, $8.99

Threats are nothing to be taken lightly in today's high schools. "The Silent" is a Christian novel as Nikki struggles to deal with high school when teachers receives threatening e-mails. Working with detectives as well as the challenges of coming of age, Nikki seems stretched in all directions. "The Silent" is a fine read that many young readers will relish.

The Antiracism Trainings
David Reich
BlazeVox
303 Bedford Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
9781935402794, $22.00, www.blazevox.org

Race has always been made to made a bigger deal than it really is. "The Antiracism Tranings" tells the story of a 1990s Boton as a religious centers delves into race and encounters its own snags along the way when approaching it, as author David Reich presents a humorous and thoughtful view on the perception of race and religion in today's world. "The Antiracism Trainings" is a choice addition to literary fiction collections.

Summer Sanctuary
Laurie Gray
Luminous Books
13245 Blacktern Way, Carmel, IN 46033
MaryGlenn McCombs Book Publicist (publicity)
2817 West End Avenue, Suite 126-274
9781935462347, $11.95, www.maryglenn.com

Even when you're trying to escape the world, it can still find you. "Summer Sanctuary" tells the story of Matthew as he tries to cope with the world as it falls apart around him. Troubled by his family, he finds comfort in science, and soon finds a girl called Dinah. As Matthew tries to help Dinah, he soon realizes there's more to the world than himself and that he can make the difference. An insightful coming of age novel, "Summer Sanctuary" is a read well worth considering.

The Last Track
Sam Hilliard
Buddhapuss Ink LLC
518-7 Old Post Road, PO Box 323, Edison, NJ 08817-4683
9780984203512, $15.95, www.buddhapussink.com

The ability to find people is a powerful one, but not without its pitfalls. "The Last Track" tells the story of Mike Brody, master tracker and former special forces operative. Charged with hunting for lost young man through the wilderness of Montana, Mike is faced with his toughest challenge yet, as a killer is on the loose as well, and everything lies on Mike's talents. "The Last Track" is an exciting adventure and mystery, highly recommended.

Beauty Marks
Melissa Groeling
Aonian Press
c/o J.A. Rock & Co.
9710 Traville Gateway Drive, #305, Rockville, MD 20850
9781596635753, $14.95, www.rockpublishing.com

A hard front is not unbreakable. "Beauty Marks" tells the story of Anne martin, a bartender at the Trok, a hardcore bar where nothing is conventionally pretty and Anne has to be prepared to lay down the law if need be. But her life is on the road to change, and she may find that there's more to life than heavy metal and fighting. "Beauty Marks" is a fine tale and a romance that women in offbeat lifestyles will strongly relate to.

The Heater
John Conlee
Pale Horse Books
706 Monumental Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185
9780971036246, $13.95, www.palehorsebooks.com

The modern athlete has taken much of the place of the warrior in today's society. "The Heater" tells of Ty Duffy, a ball player faced with a truly unique set of events. John Conlee crafts a tale blending baseball and Celtic Mythology well, and gives readers a read that is riveting and entertaining, making "The Heater" a truly unique and special read.

The Journey Home
Michael Baron
The Story Plant
PO Box 4331, Stamford, CT 06907
9780981956862, $5.99, thestoryplant.com

Home is a vague term that means so much but can be so radically different. "The Journey Home" is a novel telling of three individuals as they search for what home means for them. A son wants his mother's love, a mother wants that honeymoon, and a man simply wants the place he sees in his head to be real. "The Journey Home" is an exciting poignant read, not to be missed.

Finders Weepers
Syd Carle
The Peppertree Press
1269 First Street, Suite 7, Sarasota, FL 34236
9781936051878, $19.95, www.peppertreepublishing.com

Scars take years to heal, especially mental ones. "Finders Weepers" is the story of Paula Stevens as she's trying to recover from a sexual assault in 1953. Through her life and her friends, she hopes to find true love and self-worth, but there is no such thing as a paradise without adversity. "Finders Weepers" is a poignant tale of recovery and friendship, highly recommended.

The Redesign of Tomorrowland
Bert
L.N. Smith Publishing
3818 Birch Avenue, Madison, WI 53711
9780965331623, $9.95

Could the exponential increase in scientific progress be dooming mankind? "The Redesign of Tomorrowland" is a work of speculative fiction from a man who only signs as Bert, as he presents a tale of how mankind's progress may have more negative effects than they understand. With many intriguing ideas, "The Redesign of Tomorrowland" is a read well worth considering.

The Cigar Maker
Mark Carlos McGinty
7th Avenue Productions
3353 Polk St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
9780615343402, $19.95, www.thecigarmaker.net

From one tumultuous home to another. "The Cigar Maker" tells the story of Salvador Ortiz as he leaves Cuba at the end of the nineteenth century to find a better life in America. But he finds that the streets of Tampa are just as shady as the streets of Cuba, and finds that keeping his family together and strong will be a struggle no matter where he is, as he faces off with the clashes of culture and history surrounding him. "The Cigar Maker" is a fine read, highly recommended.

Wolf Spirit
Beverly Lein
Inkwater Press
6750 SW Franklin Street, Suite A, Portland, OR 97223-2542
9781592994663, $19.95, www.inkwaterpress.com

Attunement with nature is there for everyone, it just needs to be found. "Wolf Spirit: The Story of Moon Beam" tells of a young white girl and how she comes to live in the Northern forests of Canada, where danger and death potentially lurk behind every corner. With the help of an Indian Chief, Rachel finds that the forests have much to teach her, and she has things to teach the forest. "Wolf Spirit" is a fine read that young readers will relish.

War with Pigeons
Tae Kim
aStoryTelling
109 East Hamilton Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631
9780984435937, $24.95, www.astorytelling.com

There is more to an estate than simply money. "War with Pigeons" tells the story of Peter, as he receives a collection of his friends reflections and memoirs. Through the novel, Tae Kim gives readers a vivid picture of Asian American society and how the Asian culture still remains prominent in their lives at many levels of society. "War with Pigeons" is an intriguing and fascinating novel, highly recommended.

Shhh
Raymond Federman
Starcherone Books
PO Box 303, Buffalo, NY 14201
9780984213306, $18.00, www.starcherone.com

A shattered family, and the only pieces left are fading memories. "Shhh: The Story of a Childhood" draws from Raymond Federman's own experiences as he tries to piece together the memories of his childhood the best he can, and where his mind fails, he offers his own poignant spin into the realm of fiction, as he brings readers what he believes is a snapshot of the broken lives of the Holocaust before they were broken. "Shhh" is a fascinating read, highly recommended.


The Real Estate Shelf

Flipped Out?
Mike Sanderson & Jim LeVine
Sanderson Inc
PO Box 111821, Tacoma, WA 98411
9780984290208, $34.95, www.sandersoninc.com

The best way for safe and long lasting money is to not be quick about it. "Flipped Out?: Want to Achieve Sustainable Real Estate Success?" is a guide to a safer and durable real estate management plan that values long term investments over quick flipping and fast sales. Drawing from his own experiences as well as the experiences of others, "Flipped Out?" is a fine and useful read for anyone who doesn't want to treat the real estate game like a casino.

Short Sale Rush
Marian Anthony
Grassroots Publishing Group
PO Box 235680, Encinitas, CA 92023
9781450710435, $19.99, www.shortsalerush.com

The harder nuts to crack are often the least appealing. "Short Sale Rush" discusses these short sales, one of the elements that led to the housing crisis. Marian Anthony hopes readers will read and come to understand why these situations happen and possible solutions to solve this crisis that can lead to a healthier housing situation in the future. "Short Sale Rush" is a worthwhile pick to any who want to better understand real estate.


The Business Shelf

Fast
H. James Harrington
Patron Professional
PO Box 44, Chico, CA 95927-0044
9781932828252, $24.95, www.patonprofessional.com

Speed is of the essence for many businesses. "FAST: Fast Action Solution Technique" is a guide from Dr. H. James Harrington, as he presents a method he calls FAST, a tool he suggests using for facing the challenges of business and to solve these problems quickly and efficiently for better and more excellent results. "FAST" is a choice and riveting read that shouldn't be missed for business managers.

How to Play the Game at the Top
Fenorris Pearson
B2 Books
c/o Agate
1501 Madison St., Evanston, IL 60202
9781932841527, $27.50, www.agatepublishing.com

The higher you go, the higher the stakes. "How to Play the Game at the Top: The 9 Rules for Consummate Corporate Effectiveness" is a guide to being a corporate leader at the high level with a lot on the line. Fenorris Pearson uses his own experience as a high level executive and advises readers what they need to know and be prepared for to keep their cool and be a success. "How to Play the Game at the Top" is a choice read for anyone rising in the corporate world and unsure of how to manage it.


The Poetry Shelf

Under the Influence of Lilacs
Deborah Gordon Cooper
Clover Valley Press
6286 Homestead Rd., Duluth, MN 55804
9780979488382, $14.95, www.clovervalleypress.com

Beauty inspires more beauty. "Under the Influence of Lilacs" is a collection of poetry from Deborah Gordon Cooper bringing her own unique and charming view of the world to readers everywhere. Thoughtful and thought provoking, "Under the Influence of Lilacs" is a grade-A collection of poetry. "The Benevolent Doorman": because, growing up, I'd heard you say//"Pneumonia is the old man's friend."//I recognized him/when he came for you.

The Giving of Pears
Abayomi Animashaun
Black Lawrence Press
115 Cener Ave, Aspinwall, PA 15215
9780982631850, $14.00, www.blacklawrence.com

There are so many elements to life, that understanding them all is a challenge in itself. "The Giving of Pears" is a collection of poetry from Abayomi Anmashaun, as the immigrant from Nigeria provides a unique sampling of poetry with a lot of entertainment as well as things to think about within his writing. "The Giving of Pears" is a choice collection, highly recommended. "An Ordinary Day": Nothing special. An ordinary day./Trees waving on their height./Squirrels knocking at my door./Dead friends walking in and out of walls.

Patternicitiy
Jim Johnstone
Nightwood Editions
PO Box 1779, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0, Canada
9780889712454, $17.95, www.nightwoodeditions.com

Award winning and full of thought, Jim Johnstone brings readers a fresh experience with "Patternicity". Seeking to explore language and how it often fails to truly get the message across, "Patternicity" is a read that shouldn't be missed by any poetry lover. "Cliff Diving": A fury of collage and assonance, we paw at limestone -- scale the/ mouth of Frey's rock. Acetic acid, dead weight, the lake a tarpaulin/shivering for our bodies./At thirty feet, the logic of our path is for-/saken for clean speed, a handful of rope./Climbing a series of small algorithms and muscle memory. Naked, our thin chests starve for breath, freefall, an unbroken line to black glass./Depths reserved for leaded weights and worms -- the burden of our mass, escaping.

Transporting
Kerry Shawn
Presa Press
PO Box 792, Rockford, MI 49341
9780980008180, $15.95, www.presapress.com

A man of Appalachia, Kerry Shawn has seen and experienced much around the world. "Transporting" is a collection of poetry communicating his wide reaching experience and gives readers quite the sampling and quite the read. His words will take readers on an adventure, making "Transporting" a fun and highly recommended read. "Petals in the Night": Whoever kills messenger kills the enigma/that waves in the wings of angels./Whoever kills an angel kills the birds/that sprout petals in the night.

Glow of Our Sweat
Francisco Aragon
Scapegoat
PO Box 410962, Kansas City, MO 64141
9780979129131, $12.95, www.scapegoat-press.com

No matter what one is doing, there is always a product. "Glow of Our Sweat" is a collection of works from Francisco Aragon, as he presents poetry and prose in both English and Spanish to provide insight into the mind of an artist and a man. "Glow of Our Sweat" is a fascinating and top pick for poetry collections. "Earplugs": Putty globes/thumbs press/into place;//drifting to sleep/beside you/for the first time,//trying to; your/seemingly distant/muffled snore/more than heard/--felt, at intervals;/and in between://interior sound/of my breathing, my heart.

Portrait of Colon Dash Parenthesis
Jeffrey Jullich
Litmus Press
925 Bergen Street, Suite 405, Brooklyn, NY 11238
9781933959108, $15.00, www.spdbooks.org

Prolific writer and poet Jeffrey Jullich brings readers a diverse and entertaining treat with "Portrait of Colon Dash Parenthesis", continuing to give poetry readers a treat in his work. Applying his expertise and creativity well, Jullich's poetry is sure to entertain as it is making people think. "Portrait of Colon Dash Parenthesis" is a treasure trove of poetry, highly recommended. "Sudden Onset": Waiters no longer know how to clear/tablecloths with one swift yank/while leaving the dinnerware and cutlery intact./I lost my appetite. My vision was blurry.//By first taking away every all too familiar/reference point, the effervescence of the soft drink,/its sparkling bubbles, --/by stealth gradually eliminating subliminal/Tyrannosaurus totalitarianism, to seduce/the brainwashed, the ritually purified, the cleansed//into gushing pill-over of love,/leakage of orifice--/The boxes are filled with neat checkmarks,/nerves jangled beyond repair./I have no desire to eat. I see floaters. Also recommended from Litmus Press is "Times of Sky & Castles in the Air" (9781933959085, $18.00), a collection from Japanese poet Ayane Kawata.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Curio Cabinet
John Brodowski
Secret Acres
75-22 37th Avenue, #452, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
9780979960970, $15.00

What's at first absurd can have something greater to say. "Curio Cabinet" is a collection of cartoons from John Brodowski, as he uses his own unique art style and humor to bring readers a view of the world from his eyes, proving to be both endlessly entertaining and thought provoking. "Curio Cabinet" is a choice and solidly recommended pick for anyone looking for some offbeat comics.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Modern Medicine is Killing You
Niraj Nijhawan
LEO Publishing
660 W. Washington, Ste. 304, Madison, WI 53703
9780984337200, $19.95

Technology is a powerful tool for healing, but it can be horribly ineffective applied incorrectly. "Modern Medicine is Killing You: Start Your Healthcare Revolution Now" is Niraj Nijhawan, a physician, as he grants his own interpretation of the woes and problems with modern medicine stating that while medicine has all these excellent technologies for saving lives, there is too much malpractice and lack of care abound, and that the system needs revising. With many good points and opinions, "Modern Medicine is Killing You" is a not a read to be ignored.

The Hormone Survival Guide for Perimenopause
Nisha Jackson
Larkfield Publsihing
5256 Aero Drive, Unit 3, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
9780974206707, $14.95, www.hormonesurvival.com

Menopause is a new stage in one's life, but it isn't an instant change. "The Hormone Survival Guide for Perimenopause: Balance Your Hormones Naturally" is a guide discussing the challenges that come with women transitioning to menopause. This comes in the form of depression, fatigue, loss of sex drive, and more. For any woman who wants to understand what's happening to them, "The Hormone Survival Guide for Perimenopause" is a fine and very highly recommended choice.

How I Won The Battle of the Bulge
Ronald K. Theel
Bookstand Publishing
5 Highland Drive, Marcellus, NY 13108
9781589096943, $13.95, www.bookstandpublishing.com

Weight loss is a battle that many people are constantly driven to win. "How I won the Battle of the Bulge: Weight Loss Through Food Synergy" is one writers thoughts and ideas on his own battle against weight loss, stating that diet plays a massive hand in the matter. Thoughtful with plenty of ideas, "How I Won the Battle of the Bulge" is a top pick for any dieter.

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running, second edition
Sports Workout.com
1300 W. Belmont Ave, Suite 20g, Chicago, IL 60657
1932549439, $16.95, www.sportsworkout.com

A good weight lifting routine can make one a faster runner with greater stamina. Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, "The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running" is a guide for runners who want to incorporate weight lifting into their routine. A solid routine can help runners run faster, longer, with less chance of injury. "The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running" is a powerful and highly recommended read for any serious runner.

IBD Self-Management
Sunanda V. Kane
AGA Press
4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
9781603560054, $18.95, www.gastro.org

Some things are troublesome to manage, but it doesn't mean you can't get them under control. "IBD Self-Management: The AGA Guide to Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis" is a guide for sufferers of inflammatory bowel disease, and how to live one's life to deal with the troubles that the disease throws at people. Evaluating dealing with medication, a healthy diet, surgery, and more, "IBD Self-Management" is a powerful resource for these sufferers who want a greater control over their lives.

Nutrition and Your Child's Soul
Dolev Reuven Gilmore
Mind-Opening Publications
21 Greenwood Ace., West Orange, NJ 070529
9780982516546, $22.95, www.mindopeningpublications.com

A healthy body lends itself to a healthy mind. "Nutrition and Your Child's Soul: Don Quixote's Heart Cry" is a guide emphasizing the value of a good diet and good health in a child of clean mind and soul. Author Dolev Reuven Gilmore warns parents about embracing drug treatments so freely, to shun processed foods for whole foods, that natural care and food can help a child with ailments such as ADHD and other disorders far more than drugs can. "Nutrition and Your Child's Soul" is a choice pick for any who want to embrace the natural over the unnatural.

Lose Weight, Have More Energy, & Be Happier in 10 Days
Peter Glickman
Peter Glickman, Inc.
PO Box 4984, Clearwater, FL 33758-4984
9780975572221, $16.95

There is no price tag on health and happiness. "Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days: Take Charge of Your Health with the Master Cleanse" is a guide to the master cleanse, a practice that can help people begin their trek to a more complete health experience. With instructions as well as anecdotes from others reflecting on their cleansing experience, "Lose Weight, Have More Energy, & Be Happier in 10 Days" is a pick for those who are looking for personal health treatments.

The Primal Blueprint
Mark Sisson
Primal Nutrition, Inc.
23805 Stuart Ranch Rd. Suite 145, Malibu, CA 90265
9780982207703, $26.99

Genetics is only a guideline, and guidelines can be ignored. "The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram your Genes for Effortless Weight loss, vibrant health, and boundless energy" delves into how to program one's body to better embrace weight loss and to burn a greater amount of calories through its own natural processes and maintenance. Work out plans, diet plans, and more, "The Primal Blueprint" is a choice read that shouldn't be overlooked.

Your Best Body Now!
Ashley Marriott & Marc L. Paulsen
Stance
4510 Seashore Drive, #A, Newport Beach, CA 92663
9780982104712, $21.99, www.stancepublications.com

Striving for one's best doesn't have to be a years long endeavor. "Your Best Body Now!" is a guide to realistically reaching the best one can be physically can be, as Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen come to readers with realistic goals and dreams for their readers, inspiring them to pick a realistic goal and reminding them not everyone is going to be skinny and that understanding that is the key to fitness. "Your Best Body Now!" is a helpful and encouraging diet and exercise guide, highly recommended.


The Biography Shelf

Down the Road, In Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
Tim & Cindie Travis
DowntheRoad.org Publishing
973 Sleepy Hollow Ct., Greenwood, IN 46142
9780975442760, $19.95, www.downtheroad.org

No mode of transportation other than walking is more personal than the bicycle. "Down the Road in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam: A Bicycle Tour Through War, Genocide, and Forgiveness" is a memoir from Tim & Cindie Travis as they recount their ride through Southeast Asia and their particular adventures and misadventures. An exciting story well dotted with photographs, "Down the Road in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam" is a choice read for armchair travelers, highly recommended.

Unearthing Nature's Secrets
Jurgen Klein
JK Investment
59-338 Wilinau Rd., Haleiwa, HI 96712
9780578013176, $23.95

Nature has a lot in store for everyone. "Unearthing Nature's Secrets" tells the story of Dr. Jurgen Kelin, as he tells his story traveling the world and learning much about what the world has to offer him. Full of anecdotes, thoughtful opinions about the work of medicine around the world, and the power of natural things in one's health, "Unearthing Nature's Secrets" is an exciting exploration of many things, a top pick for memoir collections.

Notes from a Prison
Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir
Social Justice Publishers
PO Box 40711, Washington, DC 20016
SJ Miller Publicity (publicity)
10 turning Mill Lane, Randolph, MA 02368
9780944997048, $20.00

Not all who are imprisoned are criminals. "Notes from a Prison: Bangladesh" is a memoir from Muhiuddin Kahn Alamgir" as he reflects on how he was faced with a corrupt political system and how he was forced into a Bangladesh prison only to escape and become a member of the country's parliament. A whirlwind tale of political corruption and turmoil, "Notes from a Prison" is a solid addition to any world political memoir collection.

Twice a Pioneer
F. H. McKay, author
Esther Stradling and Claudia McKay, editors
Birchouse Publishing
513 New Boston Rd., Norwich, VT 05055
9780982467602 $14.95 www.amazon.com

Twice a Pioneer: A Life on the Frontier is the true-life memoir writings of one of America's many dogged and determined pioneers. F. H. McKay was born in Illinois in 1867; he forged his own path to Washington State before it became a state, and survived by collecting muskrat hides, cultivating fields, teaching school, and more, eventually becoming a bank officer in Spokane, Washington. His richly detailed story is sprinkled with personal anecdotes, and offers a glimpse into the evolution of the American frontier, as told by one who lived within it. A wonderful contribution to Washington State history shelves as well as to pioneer memoir collections, Twice a Pioneer deserves the highest recommendation as a solid primary source.

Desires of the Heart
Catherine E. Freich
Cold River Studio
31 Clancy Lane Estates, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
9780984229833, $14.95, www.coldriverstudio.com

Being a daughter of missionaries gives one a whole new slew of things to grow up with. "Desires of the Heart: A Daughter Remembers Her Missionary Parents" is the reflections of Catherine E. Freich as she tells the story of her parents who worked for four decades in the modern Papua New Guinea as Lutheran missionaries. A story of Christianity and the native people of New Guinea clashing and what she and her parents learned along the way, "Desires of the Heart: A Daughter Remembers Her Missionary Parents" is a choice and very highly recommended pick for any memoir collection.

Leaving Virginia
Jennifer Herbstritt
Jennifer Herbstritt Publishing
9780615349015, $24.95, www.leavingvirginia.com

Tribute can be paid in many ways, and some go to greater lengths than others. "Leaving Virginia: A Bike Ride Across America in Memory of Jeremy" is a memoir of how Jennifer and her siblings decided to embark on an epic bike ride across America in memory of their murdered brother, who relished the outdoors. A charming and poignant read, "Leaving Virginia" is a memorable read with lots of poignancy.

Hazardous to My Health
Marcia N. Hill
Oak Ridge Publishing
PO Box 682, Lady Lake, FL 32158
9780981473574, $16.95, www.oakridgepublishing.biz

A nightmare is the worst when you can't just wake up. "Hazardous to my Health: The Marlboro Man I Knew" tells the story of Marcia N. Hill as she reflects on the horrors she faced during her relationship with Claude Hall, the third man portraying the Marlboro man. For years she lived trying to protect her children from them before she was finally able to escape. "Hazardous to my Health" is a tragic horror story that should serve as a warning to other women in abusive relationships.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Psyche Revealed Through the I Ching
Carol K. Anthony and Hanna Moog
I Ching Books
206 Gleasondale Road, Stow, Massachusetts 01775
9781890764067 $24.95 www.ichingbooks.com

The Psyche Revealed Through the I Ching delves into what the I Ching can reveal about the human psyche and personality. Paths to free oneself from mental maladies such as anxiety, depression, and stress are outlined, as are the origins of nuanced emotions, drives, wishes, and dreams. "The ego would like us to think that the psyche is helplessly subjected to its takeover and domination. However, there are venues through which Cosmic help is given to free us from the ego's control. One of these venues is dreams that warn us of imminent dangers coming either from inside ourselves or from outside. Consulting the I Ching to find inner truth of an actual problem is another." An extraordinarily thoughtful evaluation of the practical, psychological, and spiritual insight that proper application of the I Ching can bring.


The Christian Studies Shelf

It's Hard to Have a Mouse-free House
Mary Ellen Stewart
Mouse Free Publishing, LLC
6172 Clifton Oaks, St. Louis, MO 63129
9780984491605 $14.99 www.MousefreeHouse.com

Author Mary Ellen Stewart has lived for eighty-three years, and devoted herself to Bible study. It's Hard to Have a Mouse-free House offers her wisdom and insight to fellow Christians - wisdom gleaned not only from pursuing her faith throughout her life, but also from communion with the Holy Spirit. Chapters reveal the ways in which Satan seeks to subtly corrupt people's lives - just as a mouse can invade and contaminate one's home. A path to embrace God's ten disciplines and resist evil is laid out. "After meditating on the acts of forgiving and not forgiving, I received these words from the Lord: To forgive is to forget. I asked The Holy Spirit how a person could forget deep hurts... The Holy Spirit asked why I remembered some things and not others. After puzzling over this, I responded, 'I guess I remember things that are important to me.' Suddenly, the light dawned, and I realized that if I am able to remember things I choose to remember, I am also able to forget things I want to forget." A profound, spiritual self-improvement manual for Christians, grounded in faith and reverence for God's love, It's Hard to Have a Mouse-free House is highly recommended.

The Fear of Man vs. The Fear of God
Philip DelRe
Voice Publishing
9757 Squire Lane, Belvidere, IL 61008
9780967752068, $8.00, www.voice-wilderness.org

Fear is a powerful of emotion, but it can be applied in great ways. "The Fear of Man vs. The Fear of God: How to Get Out of the Wilderness Into the Promised Land" discusses that man should not let the fear of other men drive them through life, but the fear of God to drive them. With powerful advice and many quotations from scripture, "The Fear of Man vs. The Fear of God" is an inspiring read for any Christian reader.

One Touch from the Maker
Pat W. Kirk
Puckett Browne Publishing
3514 Clinton Pkway, Ste. A Box 167, Lawrence, KS 66047-2145
9780977765225, $9.95, www.makerstouch.typepad.com

Faith can make a difference in life. "One Touch from the Maker" is a collection of stories from many Christians as they share their stories of how in a desperate time, their faith in God showed up to save them from themselves and made a major difference in their lives, saving them from themselves, disease, and coping with the worst. "One Touch from the Maker" is a choice pick for anyone looking for stories to renew their faith.


The Philosophy Shelf

One Book The Whole Universe: Plato's Timaeus Today
Richard D. Mohr and Barbara M. Sattler, editors
Parmenides Publishing
3753 Howard Hughes Pkwy #200, Las Vegas, NV 89169
9781930972322 $87.00 www.parmenides.com

One Book The Whole Universe: Plato's Timaeus Today is an anthology of scholarly essays by learned authors, analyzing the ancient Greek philosopher Plato's "Timaeus" - an introspective philosophical text that surveys the meaning of and purpose of all creation. Individual essays include "The Place of Cosmology in Plato's Later Dialogues", "The Receptacle and the Primary Bodies: Something from Nothing?", "Timaeus in Tinseltown: Atlantis in Film", "Time and Change in an Eternal Universe", and many more. A handful of illustration and a general index round out this excellent companion to a classic, foundational treatise of Western Philosophy. One Book The Whole Universe is an invaluable addition to college library Philosophy collections.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

From Black Codes to Recodification
Miriam F. Williams
Baywood
26 Austin Avenue, PO Box 337, Amityville, NY 11701
9780895033765, $39.95, www.baywood.com

The laws of this country are old, perhaps from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and these laws have some artifacts which have no place in modern times. "From Black Codes to Recodification: Removing the Veil from Regulatory Writing" analyzes the wording of in today's laws, and the importance of modern writing in these laws when dealing with older texts and their impact on racial issues. Regulations change, and Miriam Williams seeks to offer a revision to these old texts to bring them up to the twenty-first century. "From Black to Recodification" is a choice and recommended addition to any law collection.

The Cyber Citizen's Guide Through the Legal Jungle
Joy R. Butler
Sashay Communications
2200 Wilson Boulevard, #102-329, Arlington, VA 22201
9780967294025, $19.95

The internet does not have a physical location, so laws can prove sketch to deal with. "The Cyber Citizen's Guide Through the Legal Jungle: Internet Law for Your Professional Online Presence" is a guide for understanding the complexities and nuances of internet law to help them avoid the minefield of copyrights, domain names, privacy, and so much more. With plenty of information and advice scattered throughout for anyone doing something more than just browsing the internet, "The Cyber Citizen's Guide Through the Legal Jungle" is a choice and very highly recommended read.


The Political Science Shelf

The Young Conservative's Field Guide
Brenton Stransky & Andrew Foy
Nimble Books
1521 Martha Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Smith Publicity (publicity)
1930 E. Marlton Pike, Suite I-46, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
9781608880140, $16.91, www.nimblebooks.com

Idealism is to dream of a perfect world, but the world is unfortunately imperfect. "The Young Conservative's Field Guide: Facts, Charts, and Figures" is a guide for young conservatives who want to be better equipped for the challenges of that conservatives face in today's political arena, especially as young people tend to be more on the liberal side of the spectrum. With plenty of thoughts and wisdom, "The Young Conservative's Field Guide" is a top pick for the young conservative who wants to defend his beliefs the best he can.


The Social Issues Shelf

Drug Subs
Robert Spalding
Spalding Publishing
1225 Taft Hwy, Signal Mtn, TN 37377
9781935803003, $TBA

The allure of profit drives many innovations. "Drug Subs: The Worldwide Invasion by the Narco-Submarine Fleet" tells the history of submarines and how the black market has embraced them for drug smuggling around the world, and what authorities have started to try to do about it. A fascinating look into the way crime will push itself for a profit, "Drug Subs" is well worth considering.


The Photography Shelf

Identity
Stewart Cohen
Stewart Cohen Pictures
2401 S. Ervay, Suite 206, Dallas, TX 75215
9780970770622, $40.00, www.stewartcohen.com

A picture is worth a thousand words, and a picture of a person is worth a thousand words about them. "Identity: A Photographic Meditation from the Inside Out" is a collection of full color photographs of various individuals from vastly different walks of life as photographer Stewart Cohen seeks to show the spirit and individuality in everyone through simple portraits and shots, with words from the subject of each. "Identity" is an ideal coffee table book for those who believe in the power of the individual, as well as a core addition to any artistic photography collection.


The Gaming Shelf

Solving Sudoku Puzzles
Roger Fortney
Yentrof Books, LLC
6421 Keelson Drive, Madison, WI 53705
9780615335094, $19.95

Sudoku provides entertainment for many, but some find themselves stumped by these brain twisters. "Solving Sudoku Puzzles: Yes, Even the Hard Ones!" is a guide to better understanding the finer points of Sudoku from Roger Fortney, as he elaborates on the nuances of the puzzle and what the player needs to understand to more efficiently understand and solve the puzzles. For any Sudoku lover, "Solving Sudoku Puzzles" proves a solid resource.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Deadly Disclosures
Julie Cave
Master Books
PO Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
9780890515846, $9.99, www.masterbooks.com

Faced with your own personal demons, one is in no conditions to deal with the other sorts of demons in the world. "Deadly Disclosures" tells the tale of FBI Agent Dinah Harris as she copes with her own inner turmoil and is tasked with finding the reasoning and those responsible for the death of a secretary of the Smithsonian. Finding herself in the cross-hairs, Dinah must work quick, and overcome everything in her life in order to find the truth. A riveting adventure, "Deadly Disclosures" is not a read to be missed.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Wonder Dogs
Jordan Taylor
Reel Dogs Press
c/o Adoxography Books
PO Box 11607, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
9780980009002, $19.95, www.reeldogspress.com

The German shepherd as a special place in people's hearts, and has made its presence known in film. "Wonder Dogs: 101 German Shepherd Dog Films" looks into one hundred notable films featuring German Shepherds in the last ninety years, with films ranging from truly remarkable to truly terrible. Any dog lover will get a kick out of this compilation, making "Wonder Dogs" a top pick for German Shepherd lovers.


The Civil War Shelf

The Confederate Alamo
John J. Fox III
Angle Valley Press
PO Box 4098, Winchester, VA 22604
9780971195004, $34.95, www.anglevalleypress.com

There were no shortage of bloody battles in the Civil War, but some were bloodier than others. "The Confederate Alamo: Bloodbath at Petersburg's Fort Gregg on April 2, 1865" tells the story of one of the final battles in the Civil War where a small group of Southerners made their last stand against the Union. Looking into the minds of these southerners who wondered if their efforts even mattered, it's a picture of the thoughts of the South at the end of the Civil War and makes for riveting reading, as well as informative history. "The Confederate Alamo" is a choice addition to any history collection, highly recommended.


The Travel Shelf

Riding with Reindeer
Robert M. Goldstein
Rivendell Publishing Northwest
7725 First Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98115-4003
9780976328810, $15.95

Bicycles put one up close and personal with the world around them, allowing a more personal view of the world around them. "Riding with Reindeer: A Bicycle Odyssey Through Finland, Lapland, and Arctic Norway" is a memoir describing the joy of biking through a portion of Scandinavia and the sights and sounds one will see along the way. Robert Goldstein gives readers a riveting and fun tale that shouldn't be missed, and makes for excellent and highly recommended reading that shouldn't be missed.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

In Search of the Great White God
Anthony T. Cluff
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Road - 515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432749415, $17.95, www.outskirtspress.com

Mormonism is one of the most controversial widely followed faiths of the modern day. "In Search of the Great White God: From Big Bang to Coba and Beyond" is a Mormon's own study and analysis of the origins of the book of Mormon, as Anthony T. Cluff presents his own findings on how the book came to be, and feels that some of what he says may turn out to be controversial. "In Search of the Great White God" is a choice and recommended read, not to be missed by those curious about the book of Mormon.

Rainbow Eyes
Mary Jo Schaffer
Heart Projects LLC
1162 Stonyridge Avenue, Troy, OH 45373
9780984263806, $14.95, www.chakramid.com

Perfection is a hopeless dream, but hope comes from realizing perfection is imperfect. "Rainbow Eyes: Chakramid Reflections" is a spiritual memoir as Mary Jo Shaffer tells her story of the Chakra pyramid and how it helped her gain an appreciation about who she was and how they helped her health immensely, helping her reach a greater potential and happiness. "Rainbow Eyes" is a choice read for metaphysical spirituality readers.

Healing Magic
Robin rose Bennett
Gaia Rose Publishing
PO Box 367, Bearfort Mountain, Hewitt, NJ 07421
9780982108222, $14.95

Magic is more than just hocus pocus. "Healing Magic: A Green Witch Guidebook to Conscious Living" is a thoughtful delve into the healing magic of the world, that magic is something intangible that one has to come to understand all its own. This magic is explained well, as Robin Rose Bennett gives readers plenty to ponder and enjoy through the natural world, and makes "Healing Magic" a key read for everyone who wants to attune themselves with nature and the world around them for greater health.

The Truth of Life from the World of Love and Spirit
Tamara Overlee
Joy of Healing, Inc.
PO Box 1283, Valrico, FL 33596
9780981756882, $28.00

Love is something everyone seeks, even if they are not certain what it is. "The Truth of Life from the World of Love and Spirit" encourages readers to find this harmony of life where they can search for their own definition of love which can mean many different things to many different people, but most importantly the love of self and a clear spirit. Hatred of oneself leads to hatred of others, and Tamara Overlee gives much to the discussion and debate. "The Truth of Life from the World of Love and Spirit" is a thoughtful and enlightened read, highly recommended.


The Automotive Shelf

Automotive Engine Performance & Driveability Simplified
Derek Wray
Gold Class Media
PO Box 21202, Roanoke, VA 24018
9780984518616, $12.95, www.autointel.net

Cars are here to stay and are going nowhere. "Automotive Engine Performance & Driveability Simplified" delves into the details of auto maintenance to serve as a reference for the auto mechanic in training who wants to understand today's cars and their eccentricities. "Automotive Engine Performance & Driveability Simplified" is a useful reference that shouldn't be missed.


The Money/Finance Shelf

The Turbo Turtle
Andras M. Nagy
Murine Communications
2796 Garrett Pl, Woodland, CA 95776
9780982499436, $6.95, www.theturboturtle.com

The value of a dollar and the value of a pound and their relation aren't static. "The Turbo Turtle: Trend Following for the Foreign Exchange Market" is a guide to trend following, also known as turtle trading. Being cautious about one's trading and being informed are key to winning in this market, and Andras M. Nagy seeks to help readers gain a greater control of their trading strategy. "The Turbo Turtle " is a treasure trove of information, highly recommended.

Good Returns
George P. Schwartz
Schwartz Investment Counsel
3707 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
9780984404209, $25.00, www.schwartzinvest.com

Good business and good person are not exclusive terms. "Good Returns: Making Money by Morally Responsible Investing" is a guide to making moral, ethical investments that can serve you as well as the world in the long run. Promoting that good investments are good public image, good for piece of mind, and tend not to cripple under scandal, author George P. Schwartz advice rings true, and makes "Good Returns" a choice pick for any cautious investor.


The Holocaust Studies Shelf

Marking Humanity
Shlomit Kriger
Soul Inscriptions Press
PO Box 984, 1 Promenade Circle, Thornhill, ON L4J 8G7
9780986477003, $27.99, www.soulinscriptionspress.com

To escape genocide is something truly remarkable. "Marking Humanity: Stories, Poems, & Essays by Holocaust Survivors" is a collection of writings to put faces and souls for those who got out of one of the worst atrocities in history alive and went on to live full and rich lives. Conveying powerful messages, "Marking Humanity" does well in its goal of making survivors more than just statistics, a solid addition to any Holocaust studies collection.


The Literary Shelf

Thumbing Through Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Tribute Books
PO Box 95, Archbald, PA 18403
9780982256541, $24.95, www.thumbingthroughthoreau.com

Some people attain legendary status for a reason. "Thumbing Through Thoreau: A Book of Quotations by Henry David Thoreau" looks at this nineteenth century American literary icon and how he came to be one of the most beloved minds and wits of all time. His thoughts on much of how the country and world worked at the time is still thoughtful and profound over one hundred years later. "Thumbing Through Thoreau" is a top pick for anyone who wants to learn the appreciate this great mind.


The Parenting Shelf

Your Family Constitution
Scott Gale
Spectrum International Press
105 Symphony, Irvine, CA 92603
9780982296134, $15.95

Family values are important, but have been fading in recent years. "Your Family Constitution: A Modern Approach to Family Values and Household Structure" is a guide to creating the household rules to encourage family unity and fairness among the family, to keep the family bonds strong in an avenue when they so easily fade away. With plenty of ideas to encourage these bonds and how to draw up one's own family constitution, "Your Family Constitution" is a choice pick for any parent who wants new ideas for their family.


The Native American Shelf

The Ghost of Chief Crazy Horse
G. J. Springer
Indian Publications
PO Box 77, New York, NY 10470
9780982335314, $20.00

Crazy Horse is a legend when one thinks of famous Native Americans, and G. J. Springer brings his legend further with "The Ghost of Chief Crazy Horse: The Saga of Chief Crazy Horse" brings forth a tale of the chief written in a poetic style with much to enjoy scattered through out. For those who love a bit of epic poetry and have an interest in Native American history, "The Ghost of Chief Crazy Horse" is for them.


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


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