MBR: Reviewer's Choice
MWBOOKREVW
Skin Deep
Karol Griffin
Harcourt, Brace & Company
15 East 26th Street, New York NY 10010
0151008841 $24.00 1-800-543-1918
Karol Griffin takes the myths of the West (and surrounding the outlaw image) on
faith in Skin Deep as she encounters a body art workshop in Laramie Wyoming,
only to find a new vocation on the fringes of polite society. Griffin's
newfound career as a tattoo artist leads to plenty of social insights and
commentary in this lively unusual, "reader engaging", and very highly
recommended discourse.
Our Own Devices
Edward Tenner
Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, 17th fl., NY, NY 10019
0375407227 $26.00 1-800-726-0600
Edward Tenne's Our Own Devicesr is superbly presented survey which is hard to
easily categorize but nonetheless very highly recommended reading. Our Own
Devices informatively covers inventions of everyday things that protect us,
enhance performance, and help position us. From ergomatic chairs and recliners
which moved from health resources to symbols of obesity to a keyboard which
failed because professional pianists believed difficult passages needed to stay
challenging, Our Own Devices draws some interesting parallels between
advancements, achievement, and self-preservation.
Yale University Press
Box 209040, New Haven, CT 06520-9040
1-800-987-7323 www.amazon.com
Two excellent art titles deserve ongoing mention and recommendation as standard
art library acquisitions. Lewis Carroll's photography is explored in Dreaming
In Pictures (0300091699, $39.95), a gorgeous presentation of duotones of the
writer's lesser-known art works. Before Carroll achieved fame as a writer, he
was a sophisticated photographer well known in the art world of Victorian
England. This accompanies an exhibition of his photos of young children. Linda
Baumgarten's What Clothes Reveal (0300095805, $65.00) reveals clothing in
Colonial and Federal American style. This important title blends history and
fashion in a coverage which includes formal clothing to daily garments, and
which also includes apparel of slaves and nursing apparel. The wealth of
historical background and information is complimented by color photos
throughout. Both are unusual and exceptional recommendations.
Searching For Anne Frank
Susan Goldman Rubin
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
100 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
www.abramsbooks.com
0810945142 $19.95 1-800-759-0190
Published in association with the Simon Wiesenthal Center-Museum of Tolerance
Library and Archives, Searching For Anne Frank: Letters From Amsterdam To Iowa
by Susan Goldman Rubin surveys the correspondence between Anne Frank and
ten-year-old Juanita Wagner of Danville, Iowa. Juanita chose Anne's name off of
a list provided by her teacher for a pen-pal experience; each girl was to see a
very different view of the horrific events unfolding in World War II. This
poignant look at the brief correspondence between two young girls, filled with
black-and-white and color photographs, offers unique insight into Anne Frank's
famous Diary, and is a highly recommended addition to personal, academic, and
community library 20th Century Biography collections and Holocaust Studies
reading lists.
Homespun Gifts From The Heart
Karen Ehman, et al.
Revell/Baker Book House
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
0800758706 $14.99 bakerbooks.com
The collaborative effort of Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale, and Trish Smith,
Homespun Gifts From The Heart offers 200 simple projects for personally making
beautiful and uniquely touching gifts, ranging from candy cane cappuccino, to
window gardens and bridal baskets for happily engaged female friends.
Black-and-white photographs and easy-to-follow instructions, and 250 gift tags
combine to make Homespun Gifts From The Heart a truly first-rate craft creation
guide suitable for all celebratory gift-giving occasions.
How To Stop A Stalker
Detective Mike Proctor
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Dr., Amherst, NY 14228
www.prometheusbooks.com
1591020913 $21.00 1-800-421-0351
Detective Mike Proctor teaches readers the basics of defending themselves in
How To Stop A Stalker, a guide for those coping with repeated harassment by
potentially violent individuals. From why stalkers follow their victims; to
what to do if one is being stalked; the collection of evidence; getting the
justice system on one's side; what to do in court, and so much more, How To
Stop A Stalker is an absolute "must-read", and bears the very highest
recommendation for men and women alike -- because statistical data indicates 1
out of 12 women and 1 out of every 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime. In
our troubled times of having to also deal with the threats presented by
domestic and foreign terrorism, How To Stop A Stalker is even more relevant to
the lives of ordinary citizens and could well save your life and the lives of
those dear to you.
Collector Press
PO Box 230986, Portland, OR 97281
1-800-423-1848 www.amazon.com
This publisher's gorgeous historical coverages should not be missed, and many
an art library collection will want to include them in the holdings. Arlen
Schumer's Silver Ageof Comic Book Art (188054-859, $29.95) provides the
author's pop-art tribute to mainstream comic book artists of the 1960s. This
blends text and graphic design to capture the achievements of the comics
creators who heralded the Silver Age of comics. The visual blends of classic
comic covers and full-page art make this a eye-catching volume indeed. Fans of
pin-up girls won't want to miss the latest additions to the expanding offerings
from this publisher: Playful Pin-Ups (188054-59X) provides full-page
reproductions of girls under windy conditions; Elvgren Girls II (188054344)
provides stunning art from this major pinup artist, with color so bright it
looks like it's jumping from the page; and Max Allan Collins' Calendar Girl
(188054786, $39.95) provides a narrowed focus reprinting complete calendars
well into the 1950s. All are gorgeous historical presentations.
Sanctuary
Thomas Roma
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles St., Baltimore MD 21218
0801869552 $29.95 1-800-537-5487
Sanctuary refers to a place of worship and also a state of mind. Thomas Roma
places these in visual perspective, locating sacred parts of the community
within the Brooklyn area and charting the efforts of generations to leave their
mark. Roma's excellent black and white photos are showcased in contrasting
images of different religious faiths and sanctuaries. Sanctuary is an
impressively memorable and recommended work.
The Woodworker's Handbook
Roger Horwood
The Lyons Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
1585748390 $19.95 1-800-836-0510
The Woodworker's Handbook provides a complete reference guide to woodworking,
introducing beginners to everything from assessing woods for different purposes
to choosing tools and equipment, learning basic woodworking skills, and
completing a set of sample projects. Included also are techniques for repairing
and restoring old wood. An excellent, practical guide for any newcomer wishing
entry into the world of the woodworker.
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East 7th St., New York NY 10003
1-800-777-4726 www.amazon.com
Babette Hines' Photobooth (1568983816, $19.95) is outstanding: a rare
collection of vernacular photos which focus on photo booth images. Her history
of the concept and evolution of the photo booth accompanies sets of
booth-produced images which document both changing personalities and seasons
and the uniqueness of the photobooth style. Jessica Helfand's Reinventing The
Wheel (1568983387, $24.95) covers everything from calculators to slidable
information wheels and chart wheels. The focus is on wheels which turn data
into visual information images: the result's a unique, involving coverage.
Seeing Double
J. Richard Lock
Routledge
29 West 35th St., New York NY 10001
0415934826 $19.95 1-800-634-7064
Over 200 illusions and examples of mind-bending tricks are included in Richard
Lock's Seeing Double, a fascinating guide to curious visual phenomena which
tricks the eye into seeing two different images of each selection – and never
at the same time. These are hand-drawn renderings (from both antique and
contemporary sources) taken from around the world, and providing both
well-known and unusual images from double illusions and ambiguous images to
puzzles. Seeing Double is a treasure trove of mind-challenging images.
Metrobooks
230 – 5th Avenue, New York NY 10001
www.amazon.com
Two new titles are ongoing, recommended picks for readers interested in visual
displays. Astounding and unusual is Frank Chery, Jason Miller's title
(158663674X, $12.95) which captures the architect's unique and changing styles,
from residential abodes to commercial interiors. Over twenty of his bold
buildings are displayed in full color, accompanying a text which describes
their significant architectural features and unique attributes. Robert Moore
Jr.'s America From The Air (1586-631160, $19.98) is a bargain price for a
thick, oversized coffee-table presentation. It packs in aerial shots of natural
landscapes around the country and is remarkable and notable for its striking
landscape images. Both are excellent titles of strong value.
Architects Of Peace
Michael Collopy
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
1577312317 $24.95 1-800-972-6657
Photographer Michael Collopy set out to document the visions of over seventy of
the world's great peacemakers – spiritual leaders, politicians, and artists
alike. Architects Of Peace blends art and insights alike in a volume which
blends Collopy's tritone photos of these people with essays reflecting their
beliefs. From Jean-Michael Cousteau and Elie Wiesel to Joan Baez and others,
Architects Of Peace makes for a fine repersentation of images and tributes to
peace.
Watson-Guptill
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
1-800-451-1741 www.amazon.com
This publisher's basic 'how to' guides will appeal to any with an interest in
beginning art. Fans of Japanese manga comics fans will relish Christopher
Hart's Manga Mania (0823030350, $19.95), which provides an introduction on how
to draw the popular Japanese comics. Fight scenes, flying scenes, and classic
manga characters are all displayed in a clear step-by-step set of how-to
instructions. Tom Ang's Photoshop For Photography (0823053733, $24.95) tells
how to master Photoshop to produce superior digital images. Hobbists and
professionals alike will find this an excellent guide to creating balanced,
clean images. Diane Maurer-Mathison's Art And Craft Of Handmade Cards
(0823021831, $24.95) tells how to create beautiful cards for all occasions.
Either purchase paper or make your own using a title which tells how to
stencil, batik, stamp and use other techniques to create a card. Claire Watson
Garcia's Drawing For The Absolute And Utter Beginner (0823013952, $19.95) is
based on the author's own successful workshops and provides notices with the
basics on how to draw. From using different pencils, pens and charcoal to
creating compositions and views, this is packed with basic techniques. All are
lively, excellent titles.
None Of Them Were Heroes
Chaim Rockman
Devora Publishing
40 East 78th St, Suite 16D, NY NY 10021
www.devorapublishing.com
1930143745 $21.95 1-800-232-2931
Compiled and arranged by Chaim Rockman, None Of Them Were Heroes: Letters
Between The Lines 1938-1942 is an anthology of letters written by a family
dispersed over three continents who tried to maintain contact with one another
during the dark days of World War II. Arranged with selected newspaper articles
from Europe and the United States that combine to put the terrible events of
the spread of Nazism in context, None Of Them Were Heroes shows a very personal
and unforgettable viewpoint of ordinary individuals struggling to survive and
endure during those perilous times.
Mark Twain And Medicine
K. Patrick Ober
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65201
0826215025 $47.50 1-800-828-1894
Mark Twain And Medicine: "Any Mummery Will Cure" by K. Patrick Ober (Professor
of Internal Medicine and Associate Dean for Education, Wake Forest University
School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina) is a informative and
scholarly survey and analysis of the famous and opinionated American author
Mark Twain's views of and experiences with the medical profession. Twain's
experiments with alternative care systems available in his era (partly due to
his frustration with the shortcomings of traditional medicine), and Twain's
articulate (and sometimes scathing) commentaries offer a unique perspective on
the American medical industry of his day -- and still comes alive for
contemporary readers who are keeping in mind how the author's life experience
impacted his great works of literature. Highly recommended for in-depth
American literature studies shelves, and particularly for those devoted to
Twain's immortal literary classics, Mark Twain And Medicine is a welcome
addition to academic and community library collections.
Voices Of Healing
Icy Smith, editor
East West Discovery Press
PO Box 2393, Gardena, CA 90247
0970165420 $24.95 www.eastwestdiscovery.com
A project specially assembled and presented by the Organization of Chinese
Americans, Voices Of Healing: Spirit And Unity After 9/11 In The Asian American
And Pacific Islander Community is a profound and impressive tribute to those
who perished in the September 11th attacks, including civilians, firefighters,
police officers, and emergency rescue workers. Color photography, history,
testimonials, and a moving observation of how the attacks and their aftermath
changed America forever, as well as the up swell of strength and community that
came in response to help the victims and survivors, distinguish this moving
memorial account. Most pages have a sidebar flap that can be lifted to reveal
an additional piece of insight. Highly recommended.
Sun Tzu's The Art Of War Plus Its Amazing Secrets
Gary Gagliardi
Clearbridge Publishing
Booth Media Group (publicity)
PO Box 7055, Shoreline, WA 98133
1929194072 $15.95 www.clearbridge.com
Sun Tzu's The Art Of War Plus Its Amazing Secrets is the second volume of an
outstanding three-book series by Gary Gaglardi about internalizing and
mastering the ancient wisdom of Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu. The first
book, Sun Tzu's The Art Of War Plus The Ancient Chinese Revealed dissected the
formula-like Chinese idiograms with which the original classic was written; Sun
Tzu's The Art Of War Plus Its Amazing Secrets goes further to unlock hidden
secrets of each stanza, along with key concepts carefully explained for readers
of all skill and experience levels. Each two-page spread offers a passage from
the complete, English-translated version of The Art Of War on the left-side
page, and insights into how the secrets apply to modern problems in business
and in life on the right-side page. Very highly recommended reading.
Natural Puerto Rico
Alfonso Silva Lee
Pangaea
226 Wheeler Street South, Saint Paul, MN 55105
096301806X $18.95 www.pangaea.org
Featuring beautiful color photography and a bilingual text in both Spanish and
English, Natural Puerto Rico by Alfonso Silva Lee takes the reader on a
fascinating tour of the wondrous types of life forms that can be found in
Puerto Rico, from fungi to spiders and insects to frogs, lizards, snakes, bats,
birds, and more. A fascinating exploration of wild beauty and marvels, Natural
Puerto Rico is very highly recommended for armchair travelers and nature lovers
alike.
Empowered English
Mira Panajotovic Vukelich
Graphics Management Press
10520 Ohio Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
1882383192 $39.95 1-310-475-2988 GMBOOKS.com
Empowered English is an "user friendly" interactive CD program by 20-year
veteran English teacher Mira Panajotovic Vukelich, a woman who earned her
Master's Degree in English and linguistics from UCLA and has been featured in
the Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Teaching shortcuts, tips, tricks, and
memory techniques to mastering English grammar (including its basic guidelines
and the exceptions or "booby traps" which both native and English as a second
language speakers grapple with), Empowered English is a superb self-teaching
tool and a very highly recommended supplementary resource for anyone seeking to
learn English either as their primary or secondary language.
Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook
Mike Hollywood
iUniverse.com, Inc.
2021 Pine Lake Road, #100, Lincoln, NE 68512
0595294006 $15.95 www.iuniverse.com
Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook is a fun and informative resource for
vacationers and business travelers seeking to take advantage of all thirteen
occupied islands in pursuit of what the Cook Islands chain has to offer. From
complete trip planning (whether luxury to budget style), to a complete
inter-island flight schedule, 40 maps and pictures, coverage on popular
activities on each island including diving, fishing, snorkeling, horseback
riding, surfing, tours, cultural events and more, Papa Mike's Cook Islands
Handbook excellent and recommended guide for trip planning.
Sunsets Romantico (And Other Scenery)
Cecile Marlowe
Prelude Press
PO Box 4035, Lantana, FL 33465-4035
0974496308 $24.95 www.amazon.com
Sunsets Romantico (And Other Scenery) by educator, entrepreneur, and gifted
photographer Cecile Marlowe is a stunningly beautiful photography book
featuring romantic island scenery, lush botanical gardens, exciting horse race
tracks, and much more. Classic quotes enhance the breathtaking imagery that
perfectly captures the mood of paradise abroad in this wonderfully visual
treasury.
Pulp Fictioneers
John Locke, editor
Adventure House
914 Laredo Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901
1886937834 $20.00 www.adventurehouse.com
Compiled and deftly edited by John Locke, Pulp Fictioneers: Adventures In The
Storytelling Business is a unique and riveting anthology of true tales taken
directly from the personal and professional lives of pulp fiction authors.
Directly in the words from the men and women who set pen to paper and created
the lively romance, horror, western, and science fiction tales during the
"Golden Age" of pulp fiction magazines, Pulp Fictioneers tells it like it is --
from Arthur J. Burks' warning that a freelance writer who doesn't have a stable
job is at the miserable mercy of the low-paying publishing industry
bureaucracy, to Leo Marguilies' take on the changes in the pulps in postwar
years Pulp Fictioneers is avidly enjoyable and enthusiastically recommended
reading, with insights directly applicable to aspiring free-lance writers
today.
Single Over Thirty
John D. Husband
Talywain Press
3416 Janet Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906-4048
0974194298 $19.95 www.singleover30.com
Single Over Thirty is an impressive compilation of author John D. Husband's
"Single Over Thirty" newspaper column, in which he offers wry, petit, and
engagingly humorous anecdotes and insights into the daily lives and travails of
single people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Each witty story is engagingly told
with easy friendliness, making Single Over Thirty a chuckle-inducing joy to
page through, all at once or a little at a time!
One More Horizon
Scott Zamek
Castellated Press
PO Box 4406, Warren, NJ 07059-4406
097464160X $15.95 www.castellatedpress.com
One More Horizon: Ohio To Hong Kong The Long Way is author Scott Zamek's
personal reminiscence of his 20,000 mile journey around the world by bicycle.
Spanning 35 countries and two years, the bicycle odyssey was not an easy one -
the author survived being taken prisoner by the Syrian Secret Police, was
stranded in a Pakistani immigration camp, and suffered a hepatitis affliction
in China among his several trip-related traumas. Yet Zamek also achieved an
immeasurable breadth and depth of experience in people, customs, cultures, and
the chance to see the truly majestic beauty of nature, whether in the Sahara
and Gobi deserts, or while traversing the two largest mountain chains in the
world. One More Horizon is a powerful and involving testimonial for armchair
travelers or especially those contemplating actually setting out to see the
world the hard way.
Through The Rapids
Charles William Hitz
Sitka 2 Publishing
PO Box 2604, Kirkland, WA 98083-2604
0972025502 $19.95 1-888-346-4218 www.hitzcomm.tv
Through The Rapids: The History Of Princess Louisa Inlet by history buff
Charles William Hitz is an engaging and informative chronicle of British
Columbia's Princess Louisiana Inlet which is part of the beautiful fjord
country of Canada's west coast. From the inlet's formation; to the story behind
its name; to famous individuals who have lived in the inlet; to the tale of Tom
Hamilton and the Malibu Club that he built, and much more, Through The Rapids
is a most enjoyable and fact-filled compilation of Canadian regional history.
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BraveNewWhirl
> Reviewer's Choice
>
Well, it's clear what MBR stands for: My Book Review. Such blatent
promotion. You could at elast tart it up a bit folks so it looked just
a little like real reviews.
I can see that none of these books will sell themselves - they need
their authors to "review" them for their evidently hidden qualities.