News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Here are our picks of the new graphic novels this month, with two we absolutely must highlight from the late, great Harvey Pekar. Both are posthumously published — Huntington, West Virginia: On the fly, and co-authored with Heather Roberson, Macedonia: What does it take to stop a war? Both classics already. Enjoy!

A home for Mr. Easter / by Brooke A. Allen.
“Tesana has never really fit into anything before but her daydreams. But when making an attempt to connect to her peers by joining a college rally planning committee she suddenly discovers a little white rabbit that lays brightly colored eggs. Realizing that she may have found the real life Easter bunny, Tesana embarks on an epic quest in an effort to get him back to his natural habitat and into safe hands. However as she progresses on her fanciful journey she gains more and more undesired attention until the quest becomes an increasingly madcap race to stay ahead of greedy pursuers and find a safe place for her new friend, wherever that place may be.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Zahra’s paradise / story by Amir & Khalil ; written by Amir ; artwork by Khalil.
“This collected web comic resembles Persepolis in its loathing for the current Iranian regime, but these creators (anonymous for political reasons) focus their story via an urgent crisis within one family, as young Mehdi’s mother and brother search for him after he vanishes during the government’s crackdown on protests against fraudulent national elections in 2009. Now no one in authority will admit knowing what happened to him. From the testimony of the angry but fearful people Medhi’s friends encounter, from cab drivers to former aristocrats, it’s clear that Mehdi is just one of a disaffected majority whose existence the people in power must deny, since they can maintain the official version of righteousness only by rape, torture, and murder. The authors successfully generalize from one case to the dreadful condition of all Iranians.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Driver for the dead / created and written by John Heffernan ; pencils and inks by Leonardo Manco.
“Alabaster Graves is a driver for the dead. As a veteran of funeral homes, mortuaries, and coroners offices across the Deep South, Graves chauffeurs hundreds of bodies to their final resting places. But now, Alabaster must cover the distance from Shreveport to New Orleans to retrieve the remains of Mose Freeman, renowned voodoo priest, with Freeman’s sultry granddaughter riding shotgun. What he doesn’t know is that he’s being pursued by a resurrectionist named Fallow, a necromancer who gets his power from stealing body parts, and for whom the corpse of Mose Freeman would be the ultimate prize.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The mission / Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, writers ; Werther Dell’Edera, artist.
“Paul, an average working guy, finds his life upended when he’s approached by a mysterious figure who tells him he’s been chosen for a mission in the battle between good and evil — the mission is murder. Is it real or is Paul losing his mind?” (adapted from Amazon.com)

Macedonia / Harvey Pekar and Heather Roberson ; illustrated by Ed Piskor.
“For years Heather Roberson, a passionate peace activist, has argued that war can always be avoided. But she has repeatedly faced counterarguments that fighting is an inescapable consequence of world conflicts. Indeed, Heather finds proving her point to be a little tricky without examples to bolster her case. So she does something a little crazy: She sets out for far-off Macedonia, a landlocked country north of Greece and west of Bulgaria, to explore a region that has edged – repeatedly – close to the brink of violence, only to refrain. In the process, and as vividly portrayed by the talented duo of Harvey Pekar and Ed Piskor, Heather is tangled in red tape, ripped off by cabdrivers and hotel clerks, hit on by creepy guys, secretly photographed, and mistaken for a spy. She also creates unlikely friendships, learns that getting lost means seeing something new, and makes some startling discoveries.” (adapted from Amazon.com)

Huntington, West Virginia “on the fly” / Harvey Pekar ; art by Summer McClinton.
“Huntington, West Virginia ‘On the fly’ is a work of nonfiction. It is prime Pekar, recounting the irascible everyman’s on-the-road encounters with a cross section of characters, career criminal turned limo-driving entrepreneur, a toy merchant obsessed with restoring a vintage diner, comic-book archivists, indie filmmakers, and children of the sixties, all of whom have stories to tell.” (adapted from Amazon.com)

The Devil’s concubine / [created, written, drawn, and colored by Palle Schmidt].
“Set in a large European city, The Devil’s Concubine revolves around two cool, but not too clever hit men hired to retrieve a mysterious cooler by an unknown party. When the two hit men accidently shoot their contacts at the exchange without getting their money first, the mess really hits the fan. Chased by the police, a gang of dangerous Rastafaris, and an erratic crime boss out for their blood, the pair bluff and shoot their way through the seedy underworld on their way to the man who hired them, and toward their own destruction” (adapted from Amazon.com)

Eye of the majestic creature. Issues 1-4 / [Leslie Stein].
“A collection of semi-autobiographical and fantasy-based comics that combine dry humour, psychedelia and emotion to show the viewpoint of one person’s world internally and externally. The story follows a young woman, Larrybear, and her talking acoustic guitar Marshmallow on their adventures through the countryside, Chicago, San Francisco and New York.” (adapted from Amazon.co.uk)

The Green Woman / written by Peter Straub & Michael Easton ; art by John Bolton.
“Bestselling author Peter Straub resurrects his most sinister creation, Fielding “Fee” Bandolier, the unstoppable serial killer who is now preparing to end his long career of bloodshed. Bob Steele is a disillusioned New York detective out for redemption and to him redemption means a one-man crusade to stop Fielding Bandolier.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Baja : heroes, villians [sic], and everyone in between / story by Ben Wagner ; art by Nathan St John.
“In this sexy, twisting thriller, Hil and Zack, a beautiful woman and a man who knows better, must escape a stalker whose fate is tied to their own in the shadowy criminal world of Baja. St John and Wagner play with conventions, leading readers in unexpected directions with a story that deftly weaves two tales of love, sex, greed, and betrayal.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

These books are lovely to read and relish, with delightful illustrations that will charm and amuse the whole family. Have a browse!

Gem / Holly Hobbie.
“Two letters-from grandmother to granddaughter and vice versa frame this otherwise wordless story of a toad named Gem. Over a spread of a New England cottage in the midst of a snowstorm, a letter from “Gram” to her granddaughter Hope explains the book’s genesis: the girl’s discovery of a toad the previous spring (”I wanted to tell the story of Gem’s spring journey – all the way to my garden”). At the end, a thank-you note from Hope reveals her as a thoughtful, strong-spirited child (”Toads are not pets,” she writes, explaining why she let Gem go. “They want to be free, like everything does”).” (Publisher Weekly)

Laundry day / by Maurie J. Manning.
“A shoeshine boy is surprised when a piece of red silk falls from the sky. Trying to find its owner, he ventures up and down fire escapes, back and forth across clotheslines, and into the company of the colorfully diverse people who live in the tenement.” (Syndetics summary)

Boy + Bot / by Ame Dyckman ; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.
“Imaginative and sweet-natured, Dyckman’s picture-book debut centers on the relationship between a boy and a robot, whose mutual generosity embodies the very best that friendship has to offer. Scruffy haired Boy and red, bullet-shaped Bot hit it off immediately after they meet in the forest. But when a rock accidentally turns off Bot’s power switch, Boy jumps into caregiver mode, taking Bot home, feeding him applesauce, reading him a story, and tucking him in for the night. And when Bot is inadvertently reactivated and finds Boy asleep, he reciprocates the only way he knows how, giving Boy oil, reading him an instruction manual, and bringing him a spare battery. Yaccarino’s (All the Way to America) brightly colored gouache illustrations and chunky characterizations are filled with affection and create a warm and cheery environment from first page to last.” (Publisher Weekly)

The red poppy / written by David Hill ; illustrated by Fifi Colston
“Jim, a soldier on the Western Front in World War 1, is wounded while charging through No Man’s Land. He stumbles into a shell crater for shelter and finds a badly wounded German soldier. The two men try to help each other, but it’s Nipper, the messenger dog, whose gallantry gives them a chance for survival. A sophisticated picture book. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.” (Syndetics summary)

A hen for Izzy Pippik / written by Aubrey Davis ; illustrated by Marie Lafrance.
“When Shaina finds a magnificent hen, she knows that Izzy Pippik, the hen’s owner, is sure to return for her. In the meantime, Shaina decides she will care for the animal. But when dozens of eggs hatch and rowdy chickens scatter throughout the village, Shaina must fight the entire town if she has any hope of protecting the birds. Inspired by Jewish and Islamic traditional texts, this is a beautiful tale about doing the right thing, even in the face of adversity.” (Syndetics summary)

In this month’s picks of the new art books: “Growing up” (the Young British Artists at 50), “Lust” (”a documentary of unrealized projects and a traveling report of creativity from around the world; a handmade sketchbook zig-zagging across six continents, gathering steam and collecting documents” — we love this description!), and more great new art books. Have a browse:

Growing up : the Young British Artists at 50 / Jeremy Cooper.
“This book provides a personal, intimate account of the meteoric success of the young British artists and of the often painful realities of the contemporary art world… Now five of the most prominent members of the group — Anya Gallaccio, Damien Hirst, Gary Hume, Michael Landy, and Sarah Lucas — are profiled in this collective portrait. Based on personal interviews by Jeremy cooper and on his years of close observation of the London art world, this book includes his insightful commentary as well previously unpublished photographs and letters. The result is a fascinating combination of biography and art history that both traces the yBas’ collective legacy and contemplates their individual futures.” (Adapted from Syndetics summary)

Art since 1900 : modernism, antimodernism, postmodernism / Hal Foster … [et al.].
“Five art historians combined their talents to produce an art survey reference that is lively and fun owing in part to its unusual (perhaps unique) approach and organization. The first edition was published in 2004. This second edition is revised, expanded, and brought up to date.” (Adapted from Syndetics summary)

Raw + material = art : found, scavenged and upcycled / Tristan Manco.
“Tristan Manco, perhaps the worlds most influential commentator on street art, showcases the work of 38 truly innovative and inspirational artists who use low-cost, low-tech media and often totally original techniques to produce work that defies categorization and pushes the boundaries of art itself…” (Adapted from Syndetics summary)

Wilhelm Sasnal / Dominic Eichler, Andrzej Przywara, Jörg Heiser.
“Gifted and politically engaged, the painting and film of Polish artist Sasnal is well known in his home country. This beautifully produced volume introduces Sasnal to English readers, with text that includes an interview, essays on his work by the editors of Frieze, and the screenplays for two of his films, Widlik and Swineherd…” (Adapted from Syndetics summary)

Stitt : autobiographics ; a book about the graphic design work created by a sizeable group of atoms, molecules, fats, acids, proteins, cells and synapses that have come together to work in concert for a brief time span, regrettably now nearing its likely use-by date, and answering to the name of / Alexander Stitt ; edited and co-written by Paddy Stitt.
“Stitt Autobiographics is a pictorial record of the 50-year professional life of graphic designer Alex Stitt, who has been the hand behind many aspects of Australia’s culture since the 1950s, and has been described by Phillip Adams as one of the country’s most under-recognised creative talents. Though his name remains relatively unknown, millions of Australians are still familiar with Stitt’s drawings and animated films, most of which date back to the 1970s and 1980s. Stitt has created Australian icons like Norm of ‘Life. Be in it’; Hector the Cat, who taught road safety rules to school children; ICPOTA, who encouraged the use of the classified pages of the Age, and Sid, the lisping, dancing seagull from ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ for the Cancer Council…” (Adapted from Syndetics summary)

Lust : a traveling art journal of graphic designers / edited by James Victore.
“What would you do or make if you had an unlimited budget, a visionary client, and complete control? We all dream of high-paying, high-profile jobs and crave for more creativity in our work. Lust is a peek into what is possible when designers are allowed to pursue this dream. Lust is a documentary of unrealized projects and a traveling report of creativity from around the world; a handmade sketchbook zig-zagging across six continents, gathering steam and collecting documents. In it are designers, dreams, and a peek into their processes.” (Syndetics summary)

Take a look at this glorious range of fresh ideas and decorating schemes featured in this selection of craft books. Choose from modern and traditional quilt projects to timeless knitting patterns and draw inspiration from a do-it-yourself guide how to enrich the character of your home with individual panache. Have fun!

Modern minimal : 20 bold & graphic quilts / Alissa Haight Carlton.
“This book is a beautiful collection of 20 modern quilt projects. Alissa’s designs emphasize the use of solid fabrics, negative space, asymmetry, and a simplicity that allows the quilts to make entirely on a home sewing machine. I can’t wait to make at least one of these quilts! This book beautifully showcases the modern quilt aesthetic. Her instructions are clear and concise, great for my beginner/high beginner skill level, and I love how she offers more than one way to quilt each blanket. The quilts vary in size, but I think for quilters with some experience it will be easy enough to make them larger or smaller if you want. Her color choices are beautiful, and the patterns would still look great with some prints swapped in, and still maintain the modern look. I have made “mosaic,” and it turned out great, looking more complicated than it was. I look forward to working though the rest of the quilts.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

Star struck quilts : dazzling diamonds & traditional blocks : 13 skill-building projects / Barbara H. Cline.
“This book includes complete instructions for 9 wall hangings, which can then be transformed into 27 bed-sized quilts. Barbara shares many valuable life lessons and shows you how to achieve the fine workmanship found in the quilts made in her Mennonite community.” – (adapted from Publisher’s summary)

Quilting step by step / Maggi Gordon.
“Patchwork and quilting is all the rage at the moment and, with Quilting Step by Step you’ll be making perfect patchwork in no time. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned stitcher already, find out how to create over 70 inspiring block designs from ‘Lady of the Lake’ to ‘Folded Stars’.” – (adapted from Publisher’s summary)

Barn quilts and the American Quilt Trail movement / Suzi Parron with Donna Sue Groves.
“When German immigrants arrived in America, they brought with them a passion for brightly colored geometric patterns that they stitched into quilts that kept them toasty on frigid winter nights. They also decorated their otherwise plain barns with hex signs serving as talismans or as purely exuberant decoration. A decade ago, an enterprising Ohioan combined these traditions and mounted outsize quilt patterns in bright colors on old barns. Others quickly followed suit, and now many Midwestern and Eastern states have quilt trails that tourists pursue in outdoor museums of folk art. Parron and Groves have documented these trails with full-color photographs that show how imaginative many artists have become, incorporating butterflies, horses, flags, and other natural and man-made designs within the more abstract geometries of traditional barn quilts. The text profiles many of the artists whose work dazzlingly enlivens America’s farm country.” – (adapted from Booklist summary)

Feminine knits : 22 timeless designs / Lene Holme Samsøe ; [translation, Carol Huebscher Rhoades].
“Fall in love with knitting all over again with this intriguing pattern collection that blends captivating designs with flattering, feminine silhouettes. Knitters will be eager to start and delighted to finish each project that includes skirts, jackets, tank tops, pullovers, and accessories. An excellent showcase of texture, lace, and unusual pattern construction, each project is inspired by current and vintage fashion and the mathematical aspect of design. Featuring projects for every season, skill level, time commitment, and occasion, each collection is full of elegant finishing and the kind of impeccable detail that makes transforms each piece into a classic. This manual, packed to the brim with timeless yet fashionable patterns, also features beautiful photographs that highlight the detail and feminine silhouettes of each finished piece.” – (adapted from Publisher’s summary)

Knitting everyday finery : practical designs for dressing up in little ways / Mel Clark ; photography by Helen Bankers.
“This book is a comforting treat! Like a cup of tea in the afternoon – an instant pick-me-up! It’s not surprising as its author is Mel Clark. Every page is simply drenched in gorgeous visuals and the projects are little treasures, full of charmingly thought out details. Photography is uncluttered and seductive and the patterns all look to be straightforward, most easy enough for beginners. It’s a bonus that readily available yarns are used for the designs and also information is included about substitute yarns. Some of the favourite projects are: The Heroine Hood: The shape of this hood is super flattering, the pattern has sufficient detail to be interesting but easy enough to be a relaxing knit – especially in the suggested cashmere yarn. It will be perfect for winter to wear outdoors as a hood or indoors as a cowl.The Tweed Hat and Scarf: Men prefer very simple knits – this is the perfect set. Also, who doesn’t love a photo of a lovely young man holding a barnyard bird! Mrs. Lovechild Shawl: A lovely design, easy knitting, perfect size and shape – and a collar! Shiraz Slippers: At long last, felted slippers with a sexy shape. How fun!” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

Custom crocheted sweaters : make garments that really fit / Dora Ohrenstein ; [photography, Scott Jones].
“It is possible to go through the whole process of making a sweater, only to find that it doesn’t fit quite right. Ohrenstein guides readers through making sweaters that fit, deflating common fears along the way. She doesn’t just want you to follow instructions; she wants you to grasp the technique of how sweaters are constructed, with the idea that once you understand the concept, you can alter, customize, and even change the project to suit your fit and style. This is not for beginners but, rather, for crocheters who want to take their craft to the next level in combining creativity with technical construction. Included are 10 sweater designs with alterations. Each pattern includes discussion of technique and lessons, with emphasis on understanding how the garment is put together and including helpful side notes. Challenge yourself under the caring guidance of this designer, writer, teacher, and professional singer (also author of Crochet Insider’s Passion for Fashion, 2008, and Creating Crochet Fabric, 2010, and founder-editor of crochetinsider.com).” – (adapted from Booklist summary)

Super-cute pincushions : 35 adorable pincushions all stitchers will love / Kate Haxell.
“Create your own pretty and practical pincushions with step-by-step designs for the cute and quirky or the vintage and chic. A pincushion, like any other piece of equipment, should be fit for purpose and the filling is important too! A carborundum or sand-filled pincushion will keep pins sharp and bright and you’ll find a note with each project recommending the best fillings fir it. Work with a range of materials including seed beads, buttons, ticking, felt and ribbon and check out the various techniques and templates.” – (adapted from Publisher’s summary)

Living in a nutshell : posh and portable decorating ideas for small spaces / Janet Lee ; photography by Aimée Herring.
“A do-it-yourself guide to transforming the smallest of spaces into fun and functional living areas easily and economically features tips on organization, personalization, and using colors and vintage materials.” – (adapted from Publisher’s summary)

The homemade home for children : 50 thrifty and chic projects for creative parents / Sania Pell.
“Stunning and packed with really inspirational ideas for any parent to make for all age groups of children. I didn’t want to put it down but my 12 year old daughter Isabella got hold of it and ear marked her favourite projects straight away. The design work that Sania Pell has created is something so precious you would want to do if just for a special keepsake.” – (adapted from Amazon.co.uk summary)

Enjoy reading these colourful and entertaining books! Some great illustrations and entertaining stories for sharing — have a browse!

Who ate Auntie Iris? Sean Taylor
From the team who created The Grizzly Bear with the Frizzly Hair and Crocodiles are the Best Animals of All, comes a sweet story with echoes of little red riding hood. From Bookseller: “When a young chinchilla goes to stay with her Auntie Iris, she is nervous of her auntie’s neighbours; bears on the first floor, crocodiles on the second floor and wolves on the third floor. Then one day when her auntie takes out the rubbish, she doesn’t come back, and the little chinchilla bravely ventures out to try to find out who ate her” (Staff Member)

Hans and Matilda / Yokococo.
“Hans and Matilda tells the story of Hans, who is a naughty cat that makes too much noise, and Matilda, who sits quietly and cleans up. The artwork is delightfully quirky; Hans’ exploits are drawn on to a black background, while Matilda’s are presented in full colour. Children will love working out who the real mischief-maker is, especially when Hans is forced to remove his hat, mask and whiskers at the end” (Bookseller)

Oh no, George! / Chris Haughton.
This is an amusing new title from the author of A Bit Lost . From Bookseller: “George, an endearing dog, struggles to behave when left on his own. Children are invited to get involved by trying to guess what George would do, but it is the quirky, psychedelic pages that make the book so distinctive. George’s owner Harris is rather charming too.”

The little old man who looked up at the moon / Pamela Allen.
In this touching story, one of Australia’s most celebrated author-illustrators takes young readers on a journey that asks some of life’s big questions. Playful and thought-provoking by turns, The Little Old ManWho Looked Up at the Moon touches on universal themes and will spark many a conversation between young and old. (Staff Member)

Freight train / Donald Crews.
“Presented in blocks of brilliant colors, the multihued train in this Caldecott Honor book undertakes a dazzling journey before disappearing from the final page. ” (Publisher Weekly)

Where is Fred? / Edward Hardy ; illustrated by Ali Pye.
“Fred loves to hide, but finds himself having to be increasingly inventive as Gerald the Crow is intent on having him for his lunch. Children will take great delight discovering where he hides, while adults will love the increasingly frustrated Gerald, who unknowingly ends up wearing Fred as a fluffy white scarf. This is great fun, and Ali Pye’s illustrations offer plenty to look at while enhancing the humour.” (Bookseller)

The duckling gets a cookie!? / words and pictures by Mo Willems.
The Pigeon is back! – This time with an adorable duckling pal:
“Everyone’s favourite grouch of a fowl returns, though the spotlight is firmly fixed elsewhere. Never content to be merely a supporting character, The Pigeon nonetheless takes a backseat in a story in which The Duckling asks for and receives a cookie with nuts. Incensed, The Pigeon proceeds to rant about the various items and impossibilities he has asked for over the years, ignoring point blank the fact that The Duckling got her cookie by asking politely. At the end of the meltdown, the smaller bird reveals that she only got the cookie in the first place so that she could give it to The Pigeon.” (Kirkus)

With this months recent picks, you can learn to build your own time machine, make your own clone, and throughly confuse yourself with physics!!

Build your own time machine : the real science of time travel / Brian Clegg.
“In How to Build a Time Machine, Brian Clegg provides an understanding of what time is and how it can be manipulated. He explores the remarkable possibilities of real time travel that emerge from quantum entanglement, superluminal speeds, neutron star cylinders and wormholes in space. With the fascinating paradoxes of time travel echoing in our minds will we realize that travel into the future might never be possible? Or will we realize there is no limit on what can be achieved, and take on this ultimate challenge? Only time will tell.” (Library Catalogue)

Physics on the fringe : smoke rings, circlons, and alternative theories of everything / Margaret Wertheim.
“Australian science writer Wertheim has an unusual hobby that she freely admits most physicists would wince at. On her office shelves, Wertheim has amassed dozens of manuscripts from fringe engineers and mathematicians touting alternative theories of matter that sharply diverge from those endorsed by mainstream science. In this informative, often witty overview of outsider physicists, Wertheim offers an extended rumination on the role such amateur theorists play in science’s public acceptance. Readers are shown visions of a universe immersed in ether (an abandoned nineteenth-century concept), one that contracts rather than expands, and one that eliminates field theory but embraces a twisted version of quantum mechanics. The crown jewel in her menagerie of eccentric visionaries, however, is James Carter, a do-it-yourself mechanic whose theory of everything has been percolating for five decades. Insisting that physics should be comprehensible to the layman, Carter’s theory features a donut-shaped particle as matter’s fundamental building block. Yet far from belittling Carter, Wertheim uses his inspiring example as a potent reminder that today’s cranks may be deemed tomorrow’s geniuses.” (Booklist)

Masters of the planet : the search for our human origins / Ian Tattersall.
“Tattersall (The Fossil Trail), a noted expert on human evolution and an emeritus curator at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, offers a concise history of how humans became humans. He explains how the sparse skeletal remains of ancient human predecessors are studied, how the shape of a molar, the tip of a pelvis, the design of the knee or the ankle all offer clues to the genealogical maps of our past. He revisits the usual suspects: the famous three-million-year-old Lucy; the unprecedented (in 1984) hominid structure of the Turkana Boy; and the 400,000-year-old Heidelberg man. Tattersall moves through the complex fossil records effortlessly and with a welcome sense of wonder. He also consistently conveys a deep knowledge of his subject. His discussion of the origin of symbolic behavior and the many theories that seek to explain early humans’ unprecedented leap in capacity, including the acquisition of language, the development of art, and the ability to deal in the abstract, is provocative and illuminating. Tattersall’s combination of erudition and a conversational style make this is an excellent primer on human evolution.” (Publisher Weekly)

Simply Einstein : relativity demystified / Richard Wolfson.
“Einstein’s basic message is so simple that a single English sentence suffices to state it all, promises Wolfson (physics, Middlebury College). It is the implications that are disturbing and can become endlessly complicated. He does use numbers now and then when they can help illustrate an idea, but his approach is narrative.” (Syndetics summary)

Paradox : the nine greatest enigmas in science / Jim Al-Khalili.
“How can a cat be both dead and alive at the same time? Why will Achilles never beat a tortoise in a race, no matter how fast he runs? And how can a person be ten years older than their twin? Throughout history, scientists have been coming up with theories and ideas that just do not seem to make sense.” (Library Catalogue)

The handy physics answer book / Paul W. Zitzewitz.
“In a question-and-answer format, Zitzewitz (emeritus physics and science education, U. of Michigan-Dearborn) explains fundamentals about physics to general readers. Among the sections are motion and its causes, thermal physics, sound, electricity, what the world is made of, and unanswered questions. He has revised the first edition, which was written by P. Erik Gundersen. He has kept the structure and style, and some of the questions and answers, but has altered others and added new ones.” (Syndetics summary)

The velocity of honey and more science of everyday life / Jay Ingram.
“Why does the journey to a new location always take longer than the trip home? What is the science behind the theory of “six degrees of separation?” Why doesn’t honey flow out in all directions? In this delightful and amusing text, Jay Ingram explores the extraordinary science behind ordinary happenings. Ingram, host of the Discovery Channel Canada’s “Daily Planet” and best-selling author of “The Science of Everyday Life” has written an engrossing work which broadens our knowledge of the everyday world and deepens our appreciation for the mysteries of science. Addressing a diverse set of topics and reaching unorthodox conclusions, he explores the science behind proverbial expressions, delves into the uncharted territory of the connection between history and the contemporary scientific world, and highlights mysterious links between the worlds of art and science.” (Syndetics summary)

Unnatural : the heretical idea of making people / Philip Ball.
“Can we make a human being? That question has been asked for many centuries, and has produced recipes ranging from the homunculus of the medieval alchemists and the clay golem of Jewish legend to Frankenstein’s monster and the mass-produced test-tube babies in “Brave New World”. All of these efforts to create artificial people are more or less fanciful, but they have taken deep root in Western culture. They all express fears about the allegedly treacherous, Faustian nature of technology, and they all question whether any artificially created person can be truly human. Legends of people-making are tainted by suspicions of impiety and hubris, and they are regarded as the ultimate ‘unnatural’ act – a moral judgement that has its origins in religious thought. In this fascinating and highly topical study, Philip Ball delves beneath the surface of the cultural history of ‘anthropoeia’ – the creation of artificial people – to explore what it tells us about our views on life, humanity, creativity and technology, and the soul. From the legendary inventor Daedalus to Goethe’s tragic Faust, from the automata-making magicians of E.T.A Hoffmann to Mary Shelley’s Victor Frankenstein – the old tales and myths are alive and well, subtly manipulating the current debates about assisted conception, embryo research and human cloning, which have at last made the fantasy of ‘making people’ into some kind of reality.” (Amazon.com)

We have some great new history books this month from a Kiwi in Afganistan to when U-boats Attack.  Plus revolution in Egypt, a look at the Tower of London, and the assassination of Lincoln.  Enjoy!

Zen under fire : a New Zealand woman’s story of love and war in Afghanistan / Marianne Elliott.
“I am about to be left in charge of the office. I’m not sure I am ready for the responsibility, so I double-check with my boss. He reassures me. ‘You’ll be fine, Marianne. As long as no one kills Amanullah Khan, you’ll be fine.’ By midday, Amanullah Khan is dead.” In 2006 Marianne Elliott, a human rights lawyer from New Zealand, is stationed with the UN in Herat. Several months into her new role an important tribal leader is assassinated while she is in charge of the local UN office. She must try to defuse the situation before it leads to widespread bloodshed. ZEN UNDER FIRE is a vivid and deeply personal account of a young woman’s time living and working as a peacekeeper in one of the world’s most notorious battlegrounds. As well as sharing the incredible details of her UN work in and around Herat and the remote province of Ghor, Marianne tells of the shattering effects of this high-stress, high-danger environment on her and her relationships – and how, amid the turmoil, she begins to find her way back to herself.” – (adapted from Global Books In Print summary)

Tower : an epic history of the Tower of London / Nigel Jones.
“Castle, royal palace, prison, torture chamber, execution site, zoo, mint, home to the crown jewels, armory, record office, observatory, and the most visited tourist attraction in the UK: The Tower of London has been all these things and more. No building in Britain has been more intimately involved in the island’s story than this mighty, brooding stronghold in the very heart of the capital, a place which has stood at the epicenter of dramatic, bloody and frequently cruel events for almost athousand years.
Now historian Nigel Jones sets this dramatic story firmly in the context of national – and international – events. In a gripping account drawn from primary sources and lavishly illustrated with sixteen pages of stunning photographs, he captures the Tower in its many changing moods and its many diverse functions. Here, for he first time, is a thematic portrayal of the Tower of london not just as an ancient structure, but as a living symbol of the nation of Great Britain.” – (adapted from Global Books In Print summary)

Killing Lincoln : the shocking assassination that changed America forever / Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard.Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever
“O’Reilly, the popular and controversial cable news commentator, teams here with Dugard (Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone) to cover Lincoln’s assassination in a simple and morally unambiguous style. They offer no new insights into the death of Lincoln, just a sensationalist retelling of a familiar story. In pages filled with conjecture about the mental states of the protagonists, the authors succinctly describe the closing battles of the Civil War, the assassination, and its aftermath. They frequently speculate on conspiracy theories that involved secretary of war Edwin M. Stanton in the assassination plot, but they never make accusations except to say his behavior was “suspicious.” It will be interesting to see whether fans of O’Reilly’s television show will flock to his first foray into history the way they have to his books on contemporary issues. VERDICT Written from an unapologetically northern perspective, this book is not for academics but may appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced, conjectural popular history. It includes an appendix reprinting the Harper’s Weekly account of the assassination written soon after.” – (adapted from Library Journal summary)

Cairo : my city, our revolution / Ahdaf Soueif.
“They wanted me to talk to them, to tell them stories about it, to tell them how, on the 28th of January when we took the Square and The People torched the headquarters of the hated ruling National Democratic Party, The (same) People formed a human chain to protect the Antiquities Museum and demanded an official handover to the military; to tell them how, on Wednesday, February 2nd, as The People defended themselves against the invading thug militias and fought pitched battles at the entrance to the Square in the shadow of the Antiquities Museum, The (same) People at the centre of the square debated political structures and laughed at stand-up comics and distributed sandwiches and water; to tell them of the chants and the poetry and the songs, of how we danced and waved at the F16s that our President flew over us. People everywhere want to make this Revolution their own, and we in Egypt want to share it.”
Ahdaf Soueif was born and brought up in Cairo. When the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 erupted on January 25th, she, along with thousands of others, called Tahrir Square home for eighteen days. She reported for the world’s media and did – like everyone else – whatever she could.” – (adapted from Global Books In Print summary)

U-boats attack! : the Battle of the Atlantic witnessed by the Wolf Packs / Jak P. Mallman Showell.
“Jak P. Mallmann Showell is the son of a U-boat diesel mechanic, who died in action. Jak is a full-time naval historian, author and photographer. He speaks fluent German. He is considered one of the leading authorities on the Battle of the Atlantic and has produced more than forty books on naval activity during the Second World War, including Hitler’s U-boat Bunkers, Hitler’s U-boat Warriors and Companion to the German Navy (The History Press). He lives in Kent.” – (adapted from Global Books In Print summary)

Learn how to get the most out of everyday items, be inspired to decorate, collect household tips and wisdom — there’s a lot on offer this month for those interested in making a house a home. And as Luke Van Dyck of 101 Home maintenance says, “a home is the single biggest investment most people will make in a lifetime, so it is important to maintain it”. The following books can give you advice and inspiration to make your haven right for you. It’s not all about the house either. If you’re tired of waiting for someone to send you flowers, then why not grow your own? Laetitia Maklouf can help with her dummies guide to gardening. Have a browse!

Household wisdom / Shannon Lush & Jennifer Fleming.
“Household Wisdom, is a ‘mash-up’ of Shannon Lush & Jennifer Flemings’ successful books, Save and How To Be Comfy combined into one beautifully bound hardback edition. Packed with clever ideas to help you get the most from everyday household items – in the process you’ll save money, save time and save the planet! Shannon and Jen also offer tips on creating cosiness as well as advice on how to choose household goods, how to look after them and how to fix them. Just some of the things you’ll learn about, are how to fix a flyscreen, stitch a hem, replace a tile, select and store fruit and vegetables, and change a washer in your toilet cistern. Household Wisdom is your perfect guide and companion to saving money while making your house the place you want to come home to.” (Amazon)

Sweet peas for summer : how to create a garden in a year / Laetitia Maklouf ; with a foreword by Alan Titchmarsh ; photography by Jill Mead.
“For a decade Laetitia Maklouf did all her gardening in window boxes, a balcony and across every surface inside her flat. Finally, she moved into a house with her own garden. Beautifully illustrated throughout with Jill Mead’s acclaimed photographs, Sweet Peas for Summer is Laetitia’s own story of creating her first garden from scratch in a year and a bible for the gardening beginner. Irreverent, practical and funny, she sets out how to plan, plant and maintain a garden in ten easy steps. There are also over 100 plant recipes for spring, summer, autumn and winter, planting plans for every personality type and plenty of time left over for lounging on the lawn. ‘If you’re tired of waiting for someone to send you flowers, then why not grow your own? Laetitia Maklouf can help with her dummies guide to gardening … If you need to get rid of the grey, buy this book’You Magazine, Mail on Sunday.” (Fishpond)

Outdoor fix-it 101 : projects you really can do yourself / Steve Willson.
“Covers basic maintenance of the home’s exterior shell–its siding, foundation and roof–as well as maintenance and repair of driveways, walkways, fences, and other essential outdoor structures” (Publisher summary)

Home maintenance / Luke van Dyck.
“A home is the single biggest investment most people will make in a lifetime, so it is important to maintain it. This book: teaches you about your home – the different types of structures (eg. brick veneer, double brick, timber frame); tells you what basic tools you’ll need for simple jobs around the home; explains how to maintain the different rooms in your house, from the kitchen to the bathroom, floors and ceilings, doors and windows, walls, the roof, and outside; includes hints and tips on painting, energy efficiency, cost saving and water conservation.” (Fishpond)

Rooms to inspire by the sea / Annie Kelly ; photography by Tim Street-Porter.
“This is an unprecedented tour of breathtaking beach community and waterfront properties in idyllic settings such as Southern California, Florida, the Hamptons, and Puerto Vallarta is showcased in this alluring volume.” (Syndetics summary)

Fleamarket chic : the thrifty way to create a stylish home / Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell ; photography by Simon Brown.
“This hunting and foraging how-to features collections of china, jewelry, kitchenalia, frames, mirrors, fabrics and furniture arranged in innovative interiors. Mixing, not matching, is extolled and family heirlooms mingle with IKEA. Clever tricks of the design trade are plied with confidence and skill as a home’s floorboards are painted with a tile motif from the Alhambra. Even a leather sofa is painted red: “if you haven’t paid much for them in the first place, then you have much less to lose.” Investment tips are shared on vintage and modern collectibles and there is sound buyer-beware advice on Internet purchases.” (Publisher Weekly)

Chinese style : interiors, furniture, details / text by Zhu Wen ; photographs by Liu Shenghui ; [translation by Yawtsong Lee, Jingwen Zhu ; edited and designed by the editorial committee of Cultural China series].
“This book teaches one how to combine the elements of Chinese style with modern concepts to create private and public spaces with beauty, harmony, and prosperity.” (Syndetics summary)

Convert your home to solar energy / Everett M. Barber, Jr., and Joseph R. Provey.
“This colorful volume presents information on all of the major methods of harnessing solar energy for your home. Intended for home owners and designed to cover most aspects of the solar conversion, the work walks the reader through the planning, installation and maintenance of solar hot water systems, pool heating, passive solar heating and cooling and photo-voltaic systems. Numerous diagrams, photographs, equations and technical tips are provided throughout and appendices for determining solar energy savings rates are included. Barber is a solar system designer and installer and Provey is a writer on solar energy topics.” (Syndetics summary)

Small space organizing : a room-by-room guide to maximizing your space / Kathryn Bechen.
“While we may admire the spacious rooms in large homes we see in magazines or on TV, let’s face it: most of us don’t live in rambling estates. Instead, we live in homes, apartments, or condos with small rooms and even smaller closets. But you can enjoy an organized, beauty-filled life no matter what the size of your space. In this practical book, you’ll learn how to perform a room-by-room audit of your space to see if it’s functioning at its bestmake the most of existing storage space and find clever ways to add more. Find creative ways to arrange furnishings and accessories that maximize space and bring harmony and style to the home live graciously in a small space with others (especially those who aren’t organized!) Whether you’re an empty nester who’s downsizing, a newlywed setting up your first nest, or someone who just needs some creative new ideas, you’ll love these strategies, tips, and solutions to maximize space and enhance your quality of life.” (Amazon)

Architecture crossing the boundaries, shelter, and natural light and space that transcends the physical are some of the subjects explored in our current selection…

Distinct ambiguity : GRAFT / [edited by Katja Bromberg, and GRAFT].
“As its name suggests, GRAFT’s groundbreaking architecture and design crosses boundaries between disciplines and “grafts” the creative potentials and methodologies of different realities to each other. By doing so, the collective has created a pioneering architectonic and visual language that takes surprising, seemingly contrary combinations of ideas and melds them into projects that are aesthetically innovative as well as sustainable and socially meaningful. Distinct Ambiguity is the first book to present GRAFT’s comprehensive body of work. It is structured into 5 thematic chapters that reflect the fundamental aspects of the collective’s inimitable approach. Each one — Ambiguity, Curiosity, Narration, Happiness, and Courage — is illustrated by stunning visuals of the work that best illustrates the concept, from the celebrated projects of the Make It Right Foundation in New Orleans to resorts in harmony with their natural surroundings, zero-energy villas, and whimsical home furnishings. Insightful chapter introductions and project descriptions provide detailed documentation of the inspiration, context, and processes involved in creating some of the most visionary and relevant architecture and design of our time.” (Amazon)

The architecture of natural light / Henry Plummer.The Architecture of Natural Light
“Shelter and natural light are fundamental elements of architecture. The first is concerned with protection from natural elements; the second with the creative and sometimes spiritual interaction between the man-made and the natural worlds. One is solid and static, the other illuminates and animates.  Architects through the ages have preoccupied themselves with how to marry these two opposing aspects of architecture, a marriage that at its finest transforms natural light itself into a building material. Seen through the eyes of an architect and photographer, The Architecture of Natural Light is the first publication to consider the many effects of natural illumination in contemporary buildings. For all those seeking to create space that transcends the physical, The Architecture of Natural Light is a powerful and poetic yet practical survey that provides an original and timeless approach to contemporary architecture.” (Amazon)

The future of architecture : since 1889 / Jean-Louis Cohen.
“Truly far-ranging? both conceptually and geographically? “The Future of Architecture Since 1889″ is a rich, compelling history that will shape future thinking about this period for years to come. Jean-Louis Cohen, one of today’s most distinguished architectural historians and critics, gives an authoritative and compelling account of the twentieth century, tracing an arc from industrialization through computerization, and linking architecture to developments in art, technology, urbanism and critical theory. Encompassing both well-known masters and previously neglected but significant architects, this book also reflects Cohen’s deep knowledge of architecture across the globe, and in places such Eastern Europe and colonial Africa and South America that have rarely been included in histories of this period. It is richly illustrated not only with buildings, projects and plans, but also with publications, portraits, paintings, diagrams, film stills, and exhibitions, showing the immense diversity of architectural thought and production throughout the twentieth century.” (Syndetics summary)                     

Tiny homes : simple shelter : scaling back in the 21st century / Lloyd Kahn.
“From the author of Shelter, the 1973 seminal work on historical, small scale, and do-it-yourself home design and building, this utterly charming volume on tiny houses examines trends in conservation and moderation that have led to a resurgence in small, custom, and sustainable dwellings. The volume is divided into sections covering permanent homes, tiny homes on wheels, designs by architects, prefabs and kits, straw bale/cob, tree houses, mobile homes, and houseboats. Each featured home includes numerous color photographs of the project and architectural details, as well as commentary on the philosophies, motivations, and techniques of the builders.” (Syndetics summary)

Passive houses : energy efficient homes / [editor], Chris van Uffelen.
“The new Generation of Ecological Architecture Building owners today are increasingly confronted with the question of energy efficiency. Aside from mandatory national requirements and optional certificates, a general consensus of passive house has emerged. Within a few years this building standard has become widely spread. Depending on the climatic zone, passive houses require very different technologies, interventions and steps to be taken by the architects. These have meanwhile evolved from the formerly very uniform look of the passive house and are now found in buildings with very different appearances. This volume portrays approximately 60 singe family passive house homes and shows a multitude of great and at the same time sustainable architecture. Seaside in House in Grosseto, Italy (Modostudio) House in Bessancourt, France (Karawitz Architecture) House.” (Library Catalogue)

Begin with your thoughts and seize the day – whether you’re better than normal or exceptional, it’s never to late to be great!

It’s your thoughts that count : how to use your thoughts to transform your life / by Wendy Betteridge.
“”Your thoughts that count” is a voyage through Wendy’s many training experiences. It brings together the best of what she’s learned as she has taught and trained others. Her book provides great skills for leaders and managers, confidence and certainty for sportsmen and women, comfort and solutions for those who are depressed or whose self esteem is low, techniques for children and young adults who are studying, and great communication skills for everyone. It provides the tools for seeking out personal values, for avoiding procrastination, for setting goals and committing to make them a reality.” (Global Books in Print)

Better than normal : how what makes you different can make you exceptional / Dale Archer.
“What if the inattentiveness that makes school or work a challenge holds the secret to your future as an entrepreneur? What if the anxiety you often feel can actually help energize you? Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Dale Archer believes that labels for behavior like “ADHD,” “bipolar,” and “OCD” are normal human qualities–and contends that we all experience these and other psychological traits to some extent, yet fail to leverage the significant advantages they can offer. Here, Dr. Archer offers a framework for redefining what constitutes mental health. Drawing on his twenty years of clinical experience, he describes eight traits of human behavior. Each of these occurs along a continuum rather than as a simple on-off switch (where “off ” means we’re fine, and “on” means we’ve got a problem). These are the aspects of our personality that we worry about the most, but these are also the very things that make us distinctive and different.” (Syndetics summary)

Couples : how we make love last / Kate Figes.
“These days, many of us enjoy unrivalled freedom and equality when it comes to choosing and building a relationship. Yet new myths about how to live and love compromise that happiness.Kate Figes argues that, whether married or cohabiting, gay or straight, remarried or a couple living apart, the quality of our intimate relationship is fundamental to our long-term health and happiness, because our need for commitment and love hasn’t changed.This is not a handbook. There are no easy ‘Mars and Venus’ universal recipes for success, because relationships are far too complicated, individual and important for easy answers. But learning how others sustain lifelong love, and what really goes on in other people’s lives can help us to understand our own partnerships and take responsibility for making them work. Couples is an incisive and important look at how we can learn to make love endure.” (Global Books in Print)

Never too late to be great : the power of thinking long / Tom Butler-Bowden.
“It is rarely too late to begin the journey of being or doing something remarkable. ‘Never Too Late to be Great’ is about the power of thinking long. Drawing on wide research into ‘lead time’ and the ‘ten-year’ rule, personal development authority Tom Butler-Bowdon shows that, contrary to popular belief, people, companies, products and ideas invariably need time to realise their potential. And how, when we give ourselves slightly longer timeframes, anything is possible. At the age you are now, many famous and remarkable people were only just getting into their stride. Given longer lifespans, it is likely that you have more time than you think to achieve your goals. This book will show you why, in all probability, your best is yet to come.” (Book cover)

Seize the day : how the dying teach us to live / Marie de Hennezel ; translated by Carol Brown Janeway.
“Marie de Hennezel is a gifted psychologist who works as part of a remarkable team of doctors and nurses in a hospital for the terminally ill. In this eloquent book, she shares her unique perspective on what life and death really mean – and explores how talking about death, and facing up to it, can actually help us lead more abundant lives. The men and women who come to the palliative-care unit do not always know that they are dying. It is de Hennezel’s aim to bring them and their loved ones to this knowledge, and then to encourage them to live each day as fully and serenely as possible. Through insight and humanity, and the unforgettable people she helps, we learn how precious the final days of a person’s life can be and how deeply moving it is to share these moments with someone else. In an age where people hesitate to talk about dying, ‘Seize the Day’ lends us the strength to confront the mysteries of death, gives us hope and celebrates the courage of the human spirit.” (Global Books in Print)