The age of wonder : how the romantic generation discovered the beauty and terror of science

by Richard Holmes. While Romanticism in Great Britain is known mostly as an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement, rapid and revolutionary scientific discoveries were an underlying catalyst to the era's vaunted sense of "wonder." It was also a period when remarkable individuals working alone could make major contributions to knowledge. Historian and biographer Holmes (Dr. Johnson & Mr. Savage) conveys the history of Romantic-era science through vivid biographies of a few such individuals. Notable among them are Joseph Banks, a botanist whose experiences in Tahiti were life-changing; William Herschel, the eccentric astronomer who (aided invaluably by his devoted sister, Caroline) discovered the planet Uranus; and Humphrey Davy, an intrepid chemist who conducted gas inhalation experiments on himself. These and others are depicted against the cultural tapestry of an age of idealism, which was both fueled and threatened by the advances of science. The subject makes this book most relevant for readers of general science and history of science, but its engaging narratives of the period could appeal to a broader readership. --Library Journal (Check Catalog)

Black Hills

by Nora Roberts. It's not just a sure-fire formula that's kept the crown atop the queen of romance, as this thriller proves. The gushy love-conquers-all story of South Dakota wildlife biologist Lil Chance and ex-cop/PI Coop Sullivan takes a back seat to the taut, gritty chase of a serial killer. There's never a doubt that Lil and Coop—childhood sweethearts who fall in love, drift apart and then reconnect—will help each other mend their wounded hearts: It was a good day, she thought, when you opened yourself to both the joys and the risks of love, Lil discovers. Nor is it surprising that a crazed killer will meet his match in feisty Lil. But this premier storyteller proves an ordinary love story can still win your heart, and even an inevitable confrontation may scare you silly. (Check Catalog)

Horse soldiers : the extraordinary story of a band of U.S. soldiers who rode to victory in Afghanistan /

by Doug Stanton. In the heady days immediately after the American invasion of Afghanistan, a few hardy soldiers infiltrated the country's Taliban strongholds and fought a guerrilla war. They often used horses, worked with indigenous fighters, called in air strikes, and gathered vital intelligence. Their high point was the ousting of the Taliban from Mazar-i-sharif. A lively and exciting battle chronicle that will be popular. --Library Journal (Check Catalog)

The secret

by Beverly Lewis. Popular novelist and Amish specialist Lewis (The Brethren) launches a new series with this volume. Two young women, Amish Grace Byler and graduate student Heather Nelson, stand as counterpoints in parallel plots involving two secrets. Grace's mother is troubled; Heather, whose mother has died of cancer, tells no one in her circle of her own diagnosis of terminal illness, which drives her to Pennsylvania Amish country in search of healing. Grace's mother makes a decision that painfully complicates the action and drives it forward. Grace, her family and friends and the Amish milieu are drawn with characteristically ample detail, right down to jars of preserves set out on the tables at many bountiful Amish meals. Lots of powerful emotions go characteristically unspoken in this reticent culture, though the reader won't miss them. By comparison, the emotional high-stakes Heather plot is less detailed and consequently less engrossing. Lewis lays out—and knots—many plot threads to pursue and resolve in subsequent installments in the series, ensuring readers' return. --Publisher's Weekly (Check catalog)

Philosophies of communication : implications for everyday experience

by Peter Lang. Since the time of Hammurabi, people have explored the metaphysics of what makes an action right or wrong. This collection approaches these questions in relation to communication in a postmodern world. Although the eight essays consider several advanced theories, Cook and Holba focus on a wide variety of practical applications of those theories. Accordingly, the book offers chapters on American application of schadenfreude; the effects of current persuasive methods on democracy; the need for "dialogic interaction" in the classroom; narrative memory in Morocco (a case study); how organizations deal with "women's voices"; caring across a multitude of disciplines; and ethical communication within organizations. Overall a wonderful book, this collection offers new applications of postmodern theories to real-world events. Other titles on the subject, e.g., Perspectives on Philosophy of Communication, ed. by Pat Arneson (2007), tend to focus on individual philosophers and pay less attention to postmodern theories and practical applications. And such books as Communication As--: Perspectives on Theory, ed. by Gregory Shepherd, Jeffrey St. John, and Ted Striphas (2006), are more introductions to communication than communication philosophy. --Choice (Check Catalog)

The lace makers of Glenmara : a novel

by Heather Doran Barbieri. In her second novel (after Snow in July), Barbieri puts a graceful spin on the theme of a young woman influenced and aided by a group of older female friends. Kate has been deeply shaken by the collapse of her romance with longtime boyfriend Ethan. She takes her deceased mother's advice to heart and travels to Ireland, hoping to gain a fresh perspective on her life. Stranded by rainy weather, she finds herself in a little bed-and-breakfast owned by Bernie, an older woman with a heart of gold who is dealing with the recent death of her beloved husband. As Kate settles into the small village, several members of a local lace-making guild take her under their wings. Kate's background as a fashion designer and seamstress helps her form a strong bond with the diverse group of women. VERDICT A delicately handled romantic subplot featuring a somewhat shy and emotionally wounded Irishman named Sullivan rounds out a compelling and charming story line. Readers who have enjoyed the novels of Maeve Binchy and perhaps Rosamunde Pilcher will find this book equally entertaining.—Library Journal (Check catalog)

The Twitter Book

by Tim O'Reilly. This practical, full-color guide explains how to make the most of Twitter and how to use this new technology to track news, stay connected to friends and family, or market a business.

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The Hudson Valley: A Cultural Guide

by Benjamin Swett. Outlines recommendations for exploring the contemporary cultural scene in the Hudson Valley, in a tribute to the 400th anniversary of Hudson's voyage that features county-by-county profiles of more than five hundred performing-arts centers, museums, parks, and other venues of interest.

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Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture

by Ellen Ruppel Shell. An Atlantic correspondent evaluates America's penchant for making and buying cheap products while assessing the true economic, political, and psychological costs of such goods, in a report that argues that a focus on low prices is promoting negative practices.

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Spent : sex, evolution, and consumer behavior

by Geoffrey Miller. Evolutionary psychologist Miller (The Mating Mind) digs deep into the primal past of humankind to discover the roots of…modern marketing? Actually, his focus is more on the makings of modern consumer culture—of which marketing is, he argues, a dominant force. Since evolutionary psychology seeks to examine how natural selection acts on psychological and mental traits, Miller applies this knowledge to help us understand what actually motivates us to buy. He pokes fun at popular culture and at the things we buy and flaunt to inflate our self-esteem and try to make ourselves more attractive. Personality research can inform the study of consumer behavior, and Miller shows us how having a better understanding of our own personalities will help us avoid the pitfalls of runaway consumerism. After all, millions of years of evolution have honed humans' natural abilities to win friends and mates, so why resort to expensive and ridiculous substitutes for our true identities and personalities? For both lay readers and academics, reading this book should be considered time well "spent."—Library Journal (Check Catalog)

April & Oliver

by Tess Callahan. Troubled April and cautious Oliver, former childhood friends, find themselves reconnecting after the sudden, tragic death of April's teenage brother, Buddy. April, blaming herself for Buddy's death, becomes surrounded by Oliver's family as they lend comfort and support. Oliver, who previously dreamed of a music career, is now a law student engaged to be married and seems the polar opposite of reckless April. They were inseparable as children, always compelled to look after Buddy and each other, and now, as they battle their mutual attraction, life appears quite complicated and confusing. April is aware that she should avoid the many rough, abusive men she allows in her life; Oliver acknowledges that a wonderful future awaits him. The opening chapters of this emotional whirlpool of a debut novel are gripping, owing to Callahan's sharp, savvy storytelling. Callahan spins a dark, gritty tale of love, yearning, and choices while presenting engaging characters and substantial action that packs more than a few punches. Wise beyond words. (Check Catalog)

In her own sweet time : unexpected adventures in finding love, commitment and motherhood

by Rachel Lehman-Haupt. Lehmann-Haupt, executive editor of Plum magazine and daughter of author and New York Times writer Christopher, entered her 30s feeling optimistic and in control. The accomplished journalist and world traveler had a great boyfriend, too—and fully expected to achieve her next goal: motherhood. When the relationship didn't work out, the author began to wonder if the love-marriage-baby sequence might not happen for her. Like countless 30-something American women, she didn't worry about her fertility during her 20s and 30s, thanks to advances in feminism and medical technology that have given women more options—and the feeling that the so-called biological clock moves more slowly now. Lehmann-Haupt does an excellent job chronicling the societal and medical trends that have influenced modern motherhood. She also describes her pursuit of a romance that will lead to marriage and family, and the choices she makes in an effort to give herself more options. In this informative and frank book, Lehmann-Haupt makes a compelling case for education and preparation: We have more options than ever; understanding them can empower us and, perhaps most importantly, turn panic into peace. --Publishers Weekly (Check Catalog)

Handle with care : a novel

by Jodi Picoult. Fans of popular author Picoult (My Sister's Keeper) won't be disappointed with her newest novel, which offers a glimpse into the life of a family whose daughter is born with a severe medical condition that could have been prevented, but at what cost? Sean and Charlotte O'Keefe's magical world is turned upside down when daughter Willow is born with brittle bone disease, a disease so severe that Charlotte is forced into the role of caretaker for Willow and emotionally abandoning older daughter Amelia. It's only when Charlotte decides to sue for wrongful death that the family begins to unravel—even if the reason for the lawsuit is for Willow's future. In order to win the lawsuit, Willow's parents have to claim that they would have aborted her if they had known about her condition, a claim that is so abhorrent that it literally fractures the family. Picoult's novels are like Russian nesting dolls, with each plot unveiling a subplot, leading to an ending that readers never see coming. -Library Journal (Check Catalog)

Travels in the history of architecture

by Robert Harbison. In this extraordinary interpretation of Western architecture, Harbison (architecture, London Metropolitan Univ.; Reflections on Baroque), a well-traveled and exceptionally knowledgeable English architectural historian, begins with Egyptian architecture; continues with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, medieval, Renaissance, and baroque; and ends with three chapters on 19th-century, modern, and postmodern architecture. Harbison relays his opinions, which are captivating, direct, and personal, on individual buildings. He approaches this history with the philosophy of New Criticism in mind, considering each building with an "innocent eye" and "the fresh vision of the child in [him]self." VERDICT This book could serve as a secondary survey of Western architecture for architecture students, professionals, and devotees, although more maps, plans, and pictures of individual regions and monuments would have been useful. Harbison's expression of his personal and professional views is unbelievably shattering and breathtaking; he has the capacity to alter the entire history of Western architecture for 100 years to come.—Library Journal (Check Catalog)

The Embers : a novel

by Hyatt Bass. This heart-wrenching debut novel from filmmaker Bass (Seventy-Five Degrees in July) crisscrosses 16 years of one family's life, weaving a tender tale riveting in its realism. In the fall of 2007, bride-to-be Emily Ascher should be deliriously happy but instead is coping with many doubts and dilemmas. While confident of her love for her fiancé and now enjoying an easier give-and-take with her mother, Emily still faces an uneasy relationship with her father. Joe, a once-famous playwright and actor, is still carrying the burden of guilt for the tragic death of Emily's brother, Thomas. As the nuptials approach, this struggling, splintered family picks up the pieces, and they all go on with their lives. Bass's well-paced, nuanced family saga is as engrossing as it is empathetic. Sure to appeal to readers who enjoy such family dramas as Judith Guest's Ordinary People. --Library Journal (Check catalog)

Inside jihadism : understanding jihadi movements worldwide

by Farhad Khosrokhavar. Khosrokhavar (Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, France) attempts an anatomy of Islamic Jihadism. He explores its diversity, religious foundations, intellectual basis, and social roots and also discusses the impact of state policies and economics, both domestically within the Islamic world and the external roles of the United States and other Western powers. He argues that Jihadism is caused by, in combination, reaction to Western imperialism, a recurring phenomenon within Islam in which movements arise seeking to restore its primal purity, the failure of communist and leftist radicalization in the Muslim world, and hostility to the state of Israel, which is perceived as an offshoot of Western imperialism. His central argument, however, is that Jihadism is a product of "perverse modernization," wherein traditional communities are dissolved through state action and the market economy, but without "the promotion of individual freedoms, the individual capacity to assure social and economic upward mobility by positive involvement in society, the opening up of the political system, and the creation of a new role for government as the defender of social liberty rather than the instigator of blind repression." (Check Catalog)