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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