This is the month we celebrate the birth of our nation on July 4^th, but Dr. Walter M. Brasch has written a book that all Americans who treasure the protections the Constitution provides should read. Rather provocatively it is titled America’s Unpatriotic Acts: The Federal Government’s Violation of Constitutional and Civil Rights ($24.95, Peter Lang Publications, New York). Dr. Brasch has taken a serious look at the USA Patriot Act and what has transpired since it was passed, unread, by Congress in 2001, just six weeks after 9-11. What he documents throughout this book is the way the act renders at least six of the enumerated Bill of Rights null and void. He documents the many cases that demonstrate the way the implementation of the act have deprived Americans of those most basic rights and how the current administration has worked to repress our most fundamental right, freedom of speech and the right to seek redress of our grievances. Page after page of this book examines the abuses that have occurred since the passage of the Patriot Act and, anyone, be they politically conservative or liberal, will find ample cause for concern, if not outright fear.

Outsourcing America by Ron and Anil Hira ($22.00, Amacom) takes a look at a growing national crisis, the elimination of good, middle-class, high-paying jobs in various sectors of our economy to low-paid, but well-educated workers in place like China, India, and Singapore. Thanks to information technology, all kinds of work that provided a good living to American workers are being out-sourced by American companies as well as federal and state government agencies. One study estimated that one out of nine jobs that exist right now will be out-sourced by 2015. None of this bodes well for our economy and the effects are already being felt as enrollments for subjects such as computer science drop off dramatically as student realize many of these jobs will not exist here by the time they graduate. Meanwhile, nations like India and China have invested heavily in education, particularly math and science, often leaving our students behind. When you combine the loss of these jobs and the vast numbers of illegal aliens taking the lower wage jobs, the outlook for Americans does not look good. This is an important book that should be read if you have any concern for your own and the nation’s future.

If 9-11 didn’t scare the heck out of you, Rep. Curt Weldon’s book, Countdown to Terror, surely will ($27.95, Regnery Publishing, Inc). The author is vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and you would think he would have enough clout to have some impact on the way the CIA is supposed to protect us, but to his astonishment and then anger, he discovered, before 9-11 that some thirty-three separate US intelligence entities and agencies not only had little contact, but, in the case of the CIA, were so shot through with bureaucratic blindness, it was little wonder we were caught unaware. The crux of his book, however, is how an extraordinary source of intelligence, an Iranian living in France, had a pipeline into what the Iranians were doing and planning, and no one, not the CIA or others charged with intelligence responsibilities, wanted to have anything to do with him. Rep. Weldon was literally forced to gather intelligence on his own and what intelligence it was! He learned of Iranian plots to assassinate Bush41, of its plans to build nuclear weapons, of its close ties to Osama bin Laden, of its funding of the "insurgency" in Iraq, and of plans to attack US targets. The worst of this is that Iran is run by a handful of power-mad mullahs and events like the recent elections are a total farce. Moreover, they have run the nation into the ground since taking power in 1979. To truly understand the threat these lunatics represent, you must read Rep. Weldon’s book.

Ralph Peters is a retired US Army lieutenant colonel who served in infantry and intelligence units before becoming a foreign area officer and a global strategic scout for the Pentagon. The author of numerous books and articles, his latest is New Glory: Expanding America’s Global Supremacy ($24.95, Sentinel, an imprint of the Penguin Group.) This book provides a lot of insight regarding the world in which America is the only superpower and stands virtually alone in our quest to extend democracy and freedom worldwide. His views are those of one who has fought wars and views our current way of doing it as too often poorly conceived and planned. He is particularly critical of the current Secretary of Defense and of Pentagon policies, especially the military-industrial complex about which President Eisenhower warned back in the 1950s. He does offer, however, scads of provocative, useful analysis of the world and its challenges at present and into the future. Every page offers some gem of insight. He remains an optimist and offers some excellent ideas to insure a long-term victory for our national values and goals. As such, this is an excellent book to read. In case you have not yet read it, you should also read Thomas Barnett’s excellent "The Pentagon’s New Map", published last year by Putnam.

For a scary look at the world of international money laundering, read The Washing Machine: How Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Soils Us by Nick Kochan ($29.95, Thompson, Mason, OH). Few people know that much of the terrorism afflicting the world is underwritten by a huge criminal enterprise, much of it based in illegal drugs, run by al Qaeda. There are others involved as well. Money laundering schemes account for between two and five percent of the world’s gross domestic product according to the International Monetary Fund. We’re talking about obscene amounts of money that divert money from every honest person into the pockets of criminals. These schemes are quite complex and the author explores the murky world of illegal financial dealings over the past 30 years and the often-heroic attempts to combat it. Globalization and the lack of cooperation among international law enforcement often play into the hands of criminals. The bottom line is the threat of worldwide economic destabilization that could become a reality if this continues unchecked.

Lee Penn has written False Dawn: The United Religions Initiative, Globalism and the Quest for a One-World Religion ($27.95, Sophia Perennis, PO Box 611, Hillsdale, NY 12529). This hefty tome examines the interfaith moment that began in 1893 and has grown worldwide. Though largely unknown to the public, it now provides a spiritual face for globalization, the economic and political forces seeking to supercede nationalism in favor of a "One World" governmental system. Penn, an investigative reporter, exhaustively documents the history and beliefs of the United Religions Initiative, the vested interests that support these movements, and the direction they are taking. These have included people ranging from billionaire George Soros to President George W. Bush, the far-right Rev. Sun Myung Moon to the Dalai Lama. For anyone who is interested in the role religion plays in world affairs, this book is must reading.

Ben Shapiro established a reputation for himself as a young syndicated columnist and is currently studying toward a law degree. His new book is Porn Generation: How Social Liberalism is Corrupting our Future ($27,95, Regnery Publishing). I couldn’t help thinking that it would have made a good magazine article because, as a book, filled with appropriate statistics and facts, it becomes a rather distressing and depressing look at modern culture and the way it is producing a generation that lacks the moral framework and values that earlier generations had. Until the Baby Boomers came along, people were not constantly surrounded with sexually charged "entertainment", easy access to pornography, and even political figures that set terrible examples of self-indulgent choices that demean sex, leaving in their wake what Shapiro calls "a generational nihilism" passed off as personal fulfillment. For anyone who wants to get the full picture of what is at work in our society today and its effect on our children, this book fully meets that objective. One comes away wondering whether, like the Roman Empire, we are in the process of descending into decline.

Deep in the heart of the baseball season, The Last Best League: One Summer, One Season, One Dream by Jim Collins ($14.95, Da Capo Press, softcover) is the true story of the way the top college baseball players showcase their talent in ten small towns across Cape Cod in the hopes of impressing major league scouts. The Cape Cod League has produced one out of every six major league players and, in the summer of 2002, Collins, a former Dartmouth player and a magazine writer, set out to chronicle a season in the life of the Chatham A’s. For fans of the game, you will enjoy the changing fortunes of a handful of players reaching for the brass ring of fame and fortune.

For everyone with aspirations to become a published author, I recommend you first read Pat Walsh’s new softcover, 78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never be Published and 14 Reasons Why it Just Might ($14.00, Penguin Books). This is a no-nonsense look at the world of publishing today that tells would-be authors just what they are facing.

Men are dogs! That’s the contention of Alice Ockleshaw. That’s why she put together Down Boy! ($14.95, Roadside Amusements, a member of the Penguin Group). It comes in a box with, I kid you not, a fly swatter to keep his hands off of you at inappropriate times, a mini water gun to control his straying eyes, a score book to chart his progress, a dog-training clicker to make sure he pays attention, a refrigerator magnet to remind him of his do’s and don’ts, helpful stickers to teach him to "put the toilet seat down" and "put the remote away", and a hilarious 64-page book of training techniques. Naturally, I hated the whole thing! (Not really) This is the perfect bachelorette party gag-gift or a birthday gift for some gal-pal crossing an age milestone of 20, 30 or 40 something.

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The Lives of Real People

I have always enjoyed biographies and autobiographies. They provide insights into the lives of people who have made their mark on history or have contributed to our culture. Even the memoirs of those from other nations are useful to understand how their cultures shape their view of the world.

Though Soldier, Statesman, Peacemaker: Leadership Lessons from George C. Marshall ($24.95, Amacom) is written for the business community, it is also interesting reading for those of us who are old enough to recall his tremendous contributions during and after World War II. For many born well after he passed from the scene, this book about the man who served as Chief of Staff of the US Army, then as Secretary of State, Marshall, for Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, was truly the indispensable man. Jack Uldrich has written of his extraordinary career and focuses on his defining qualities as a leader. We surely need men of his stature today and were fortunate to have him at a critical time in our not-too-distant history. It was Marshall who transformed the Army from a poorly equipped and organized homeland defense of just 175,000 into an 8.3 million- person juggernaut that defeated both Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan. He was a global strategist who shaped and introduced the European Recovery Program, widely known as the Marshall Plan. He went on to serve in other important positions and became the first professional soldier to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I highly recommend this excellent book.

The Boys of Pointe du Hoc by Douglas Brinkley is a Harper Audio book ($29.95, six hours unabridged) on five CDs, unabridged. It tells the story of the US Army Rangers who took part in the D-Day invasion of Europe and of President Reagan who, forty years later, paid them homage. Pointe du Hoc was a 100-foot promontory where six big German guns had to be disabled. Based on anecdotal remembrances of the surviving Rangers, Brinkley deftly moves between the two events to tell the story of Reagan’s two uplifting 1984 speeches, considered some of the best orations the Great Communicator ever gave. True Story, written and read by Michael Finkel ($29.95, six hours, abridged) is, in fact, the true story of a former New York Times Magazine writer who, in February 2002, learned that one of the men on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List has been captured in Mexico and was using his identity. After the arrest, the only journalist to whom the accused murderer, Christian Longo, will talk is Finkel. Thus begins a truly bizarre, but fascinating story of their relationship. Once again, you will discover that truth is, indeed, stranger than fiction.

The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin by Pulitzer Prize winner, Gordon S. Wood, should be mandatory reading for our youth ($16.00, Penguin softcover) and well worth reading for anyone who loves reading about our nation’s history. He was an extraordinary man in so many ways. Truly a self-made man, a great innovator and inventor, an entrepreneur, and, of course, one of the founders of America who helped shape its national character. Heralded as one of the best books of 2004 by The New York Times and other US newspapers, Gordon shows how very different our image of Franklin as folk hero is from the man himself. This is a no-nonsense look at how successful Franklin was among Europeans as an ambassador and how successful he was negotiated the fledging nation’s acceptance by both England and France. The myths fall away in this excellent book, but what remains is a complex and utterly remarkable man. Frankly, I had never heard of him before I received The New World of Martin Cortes ($16.95, Da Capo Press). This is the story of the first "mestizo", someone who is descended from both Spanish and Amerindian ancestors. He was born in August 1521, a year after Mexico City, formerly an Aztec metropolis, surrendered to Spanish conquerors. His father was a conquistador and his mother has been his interpreter. Anna Lanyon, the author, returns the reader to the turbulent 16^th century. Cortes journeys back and forth between Mexico and Spain during the Renaissance era. His life was one of new ideas and a bridge between two cultures, the new and old world of his day.

When I was growing up, Strom Thurmond, the Senator from South Carolina, was the epitome of a politician who opposed the Civil Rights movement. Strom: The Complicated Personal and Political Life of Strom Thurmond by Jack Bass and Marilyn W. Thompson ($27.50, Public Affairs, an imprint of Perseus Books) tells his story as one of the 20^th century’s most enduring political figures. First elected to public office in 1929, Thurmond would become one of the Senate’s oldest and longest living figures, leaving it at the age of 100. He came to fame as a "Dixiecrat" who ran for president in 1948 and was one of the authors of the "Southern Manifesto" that opposed the Supreme Court decision to desegregate our nation’s schools. At a time when the issue of the filibuster has been much in the news, Thurmond holds the record for staging one opposing the 1957 Civil Rights bill. As we know now, in his youth he fathered a daughter with his family’s black maid and he quietly helped support her throughout his life. In short, his proves to be a fascinating life at the crossroads of change in America.

Another major transformation of life in America was the invention and application of the microchip, the essential element of every computer. The Man Behind the Microchip: Robert Noyce and the Invention of Silicon Valley ($30.00, Oxford University Press) tells the story of a brilliant inventor, a leading entrepreneur, and a daring risk taker who piloted his own jets and skied mountains accessible only by helicopter. Leslie Berlin, the author, has written an interesting portrait of the co-founder of Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel, a man who co-invented the integrated circuit, the electronic heart of every computer. He was a Midwestern preacher’s son who rejected organized religion and counseled employees and others to go off "and do something wonderful." This modern American success story will prove to be great reading for anyone interested in both the science and business of the information technology industry that transformed the entire world.

The Good, the Bad, and Me is a memoir written by one of America’s great actors, Eli Wallach ($25.00, Harcourt) and it is delightful reading for his many fans. It is a story of his many years dedicated to his craft that begins with his memories of growing up in Brooklyn and his college years in Texas where he dreamed of becoming an actor. He was one of the earliest members of the famed Actors Studio and earned a Tony Award for his work on Broadway. Among those he worked with were Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Marilyn Monroe, Gregory Peck and Henry Fonda. His excellent performances in films such as "Baby Doll", "The Misfits", "The Magnificent Seven", and the iconic "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly", made him one of the most outstanding supporting actors of an era of great movies. For more than fifty years, Eli Wallach was the man to whom directors turned when they needed a great performance and he tells his story with great wit, lots of anecdotes, and much insight. He remains active as an actor and his story will inspire a generation of new ones.

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More History

Many who love to read history would argue that it is war that shapes all history and much can be said for this point of view. Turning Points in Military History by William R. Weir ($15.95, Kensington Publishing) explores the way military developments from the invention of gunpowder in China to the use of submarines in World War II have changed the face of warfare and, with it, often the outcome of battles. In this book the author looks at fifty influential developments that provide an interesting insight to this aspect of history. Robert Skimin has written Footprints of Heroes: From the American Revolution to the War in Iraq ($26.00, Prometheus Books) that is most timely, given our renewed national pride and concern for yet another generation waging war. The author gave twenty years of his life to military service and his book includes, not just the well-known heroes, but also many obscure ones who served with great valor, but little acclaim. Appropriately, the book includes Sgt. 1^st Class Paul R. Smith who died defending his outnumbered soldiers from an Iraqi attack on April 4, 2003, becoming the first of this new conflict to win a Medal of Honor. This skilled writer will keep you reading to learn more.

A book gaining much acclaim is Richard Zacks’ The Pirate Coast ($25.95, Hyperion) that tells the story of how Thomas Jefferson, tried to end the pirate attacks on American shipping off the coast of Tripoli. When the USS Philadelphia accidentally ran around in Tripoli harbor, the Barbary pirates captured three hundred US sailors and marines. The Muslim leader renamed the frigate "The Gift of Allah" and held the Americans as slaves to be auctioned at his whim. Faced with this hostage crisis, President Jefferson, not only dispatched diplomats and navy squadrons to the Mediterranean, he also authorized a secret mission to overthrow the government based in Tripoli. Headed by the least likely man to pull it off and virtually abandoned by Jefferson who had second thoughts, William Eaton led the mission and, amazingly, he succeeded, finding a rival sheik and putting together a ragtag force of European mercenaries and Bedouin fighters who crossed 500 miles of brutal desert. He had borrowed eight US Marines stationed in Egypt and led them all in a successful surprise attack on Tripoli. The fact that this story is true only makes the reading of this book more interesting. And now you know why the Marine anthem speaks of "the shores of Tripoli."

If you look at a satellite photo of the United States taken when it is nighttime, you will see an entire continent filled with light from our cities and towns. Night, however, held a different message in past ages and that is the subject of At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past by A. Roger Ekirch ($25.95, W.W. Norton), that reveals how, from early times until the Industrial Revolution, nighttime held mysterious and elusive powers over mankind. Night was a time ascribed to those with supernatural powers and was filled with dangers for those who dared go out after the sunset. The book spans from the late Middle Ages to the early 19^th century. It would difficult for most of us to think of night that is not illuminated by lights from buildings or on our streets, but this book takes you back to times when night was perceived quite differently than it is today. Another unique look at something we take for granted is Marriage, A History by Stephanie Coontz ($25.95, Viking). Given all the debate about "gay" marriage and the statistical failure of half of all first marriages, this book examines the social changes that transformed marriage from an institution based on acquiring in-laws and enhancing the family’s labor force. Only in the last two hundred years has it become based on love and free choice. The author says marriage has changed more in the past thirty years than in the previous 3,000. No one and no group have been exempt from these changes. This historic perspective makes for very interesting, entertaining, and provocative reading.

Soul Made Flesh: The Discovery of the Brain and How it Changed the World ($15.00, Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, softcover) is a remarkable history of scientific revolution, told by Carl Zimmer. You will learn how the secrets of the brain were discovered initially in 17^th century England. At that point in time, no one knew how the brain worked or even what it looked like intact. A radical new vision of man, God, and the universe would emerge by the end of that century.

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Books About Business

The summertime is a good time to improve your knowledge of business topics so you can acquire that special "edge" that will keep you on the path to personal success.

The Ugly Duckling Goes to Work by Mette Norgaard ($17.95, Amacom) uses the classic tales of Hans Christian Andersen to illustrate how one can make work exciting and meaningful. It is filled with lighthearted, but practical advice. Officespeak by D.W. Martin ($12.95, Simon and Schuster) is ideal for anyone who is drowning it seemingly useless office verbiage. This is a clever, useful book about office etiquette that decodes frequently used office dialog, how to use foolproof catchphrases, and, well, brownnose your way to the top in order to get out of that cubicle. Many people do themselves some harm because of their poor writing and self-editing skills. Since written communication plays a major role, Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Self-Editing Like the Pros ($17.95, Cameo Publications) by Dawn Josephson and Lauren Hidden will prove very useful, whether one writes for fun or work, as it provides a practical five-step process for self-editing. As someone who writes a weekly commentary called "Warning Signs", the need for self-editing skills is essential to avoid the misspelled word, the poorly structured phrase, et cetera. If you slept through the lessons on grammar and usage in school, here’s your chance to redeem yourself and look good in the process.

Self Help. According to the US Department of Labor’s latest statistics, the number of working women between the ages of 45 and 54 is increasing. Some come from two income families and others are singles supporting themselves. With the future of Social Security in doubt, middle-aged women today face new challenges and opportunities. "Now What Do I Do?" The Woman’s Guide to a New Career by Jan Cannon ($18.95, Capital Books) is written specifically for those who want to know how to find a new career or start their own business. The author has gone through these transitions herself and imparts a lot of good advice. Real estate is hot these days and you may be wondering how to get into this market. For you, there’s Real Estate 101 Buying, Real Estate 102 Renting: All You Need to Know to Invest in Real Estate Successfully by Hilda Giron Erfe ($19.95, Cliff Walk Press, Lincoln, RI) who clearly explains all the basic elements of creating an independent income by the careful purchase and sale (or renting) of various kinds of properties. This is an excellent how-to book for those seeking independence and the potential of an excellent income. Sometimes we just need a little push to get started and, if that describes you, pick up a copy of Thrive! Catching the Spirit of Personal Economics, a 160-page economics self-help softcover ($14.95, Delta Vista, Davis, CA) by Dr. Emanuel A. Frenkel, Ph.D. Laying out a combination of self-improvement techniques and personal economic ideas, the author turns the cold and complicated concepts of capitalism into practical steps anyone can take to achieve their personal financial potential. The author teaches economic theory at the University of California, Davis, and for two decades was a member of the senior management team of the Bank of America, so he knows what he’s talking about. Now he’s shared that with you. And if you or someone you know is job-hunting, pick up a copy of The Ultimate Interview Book by Lynn Williams ($19.95, Kogan Page USA, Philadelphia, softcover). This book organizes common interview questions according to specific job types, so candidates can focus on the questions most relevant to their situation. These include management, sales and marketing, creative, administrative, clerical, scientific and technical. This book is filled with good advice to give you some very real advantages during a job interview.

There are always new books about management and, since events and trends are changing so rapidly, it’s probably a good idea to read some of them to stay ahead of the changes. One such book is Greg Bustin’s Take Charge! How Leaders Profit from Change ($16.95, Tapestry Press, Irving, TX). It is filled with common sense advice and, although it is directed to the head of a company, it is equally useful for anyone in the management food chain who wants to move up the ladder. This book is gaining all kinds of kudos from people who have led major companies and know the value of its advice to trumpet a company’s values to customers and employees alike. There’s lots of inspiration and motivation to be found in this excellent book. Nancy Henderson Wurst has written Able! How one company’s disable workforce became the key to extraordinary success ($16.95, BenBella Books, Dallas, TX). It is the story of Habitat International, a company led by David Morris who tapped into the productivity of disabled workers and has seen his company grow, often as the result of work outsourced by his competitors. When he and his father started their own artificial-turf company, he was approached to hire several mentally challenged workers. He discovered they were quite trainable and very happy to be independent. From that beginning, his business began to grow. This book will hopefully encourage others to consider this opportunity.

More management issues are discussed in the following books. The Loyalty Advantage by Dianne M. Durkin ($24.95, Amacom) who explores the value of being loyal to one’s employees and customers, something that should be self-evident, but we are living in a time when employees are too often simply considered "human capital." Moreover, the average US company these days loses half its customers every five years. Customer satisfaction and brand loyalty are directly connected to the passion and energy of an organization’s employees. Tapping that energy can mean the difference between success and failure. Staying competitive is every marketing executive’s challenge and Brand Clout: Maintaining Relevance & Profitability Amidst Constant Change by Dennis C. Flynn ($17.95, Cameo Publications, Hilton Head Island, SC) addresses this topic head-on. No matter what industry you’re in and regardless of your product or service, this book will show you how to maximize your company’s ability to make the changes that keep it competitive. If you’re into strategic thinking, this is the book for you. Are you in a business that hires a lot of youth? Getting Them to Give a Damn by Eric Chester ($19.95, Dearborn Trade Publishing softcover) addresses how to motivate and manage Generation Y, 16 to 24-year-olds who don’t blindly accept authority, are easily distracted, and need to be motivated in very specific ways. Since they are often the first impression a customer gets of your business, they can help or harm. This book is full of excellent, practical advice on how to find and recruit the best employees, train them, reduce costly turnovers, and to reward good performance.

An interesting audiobook is Good to Great ($39.95, Harper Audio) written and read by Jim Collins. This book has sold more than two million copies and the audiobook offers ten hours on eight CDs, unabridged, as the defining management study of the Nineties, showing how great companies triumph over time and how long-term sustained performance can be engineered into the DNA of any enterprise from the very beginning. Over five years, the author and his research team analyzed the histories of 28 companies to discover why some were able to make the leap and others did not. For anyone in management these days, listening to this book while commuting to work will provide an education worthy of an MBA degree.

For those who enjoy reading about important business-related events, they’re in for a treat with The Art of the Steal: Inside the Sotheby’s-Christie’s Auction House Scandal by Christopher Mason ($15.00, Berkley Books softcover). This is the story about one of the most fascinating big-business trials that grew out of the price-fixing scandal that rocked the art world and tore down the illustrious Sotheby’s-Christie’s monopoly. It is the story of the billionaire Alfred Taubman, the most powerful man in the art world, Dede Brooks, and British executive, Christopher Davidge, who conspired to cheat their clients out of millions of dollars. Amazingly, the author got all the players and many others to spill the beans. Since we are in the midst of the baseball season, if you’re a fan, you are likely to enjoy License to Deal by ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick ($24.95, Rodale) about a real-life Jerry Maguire. The author pierces the myths by focusing on Matt Sosnick, an agent for baseball players, providing a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at the egos involved as well as the money.

Focusing on the next-generation markets, The Mobile Revolution by Dan Steinbock ($$39.95, Kogan Page USA, Philadelphia) is about the making of mobile markets and services worldwide, with an emphasis on innovation as it examines the evolution and future prospects of mobile services in terms of maturing and emerging mobile markets. Not everyone’s cup of tea, for sure, but one of those books whose author shares their special expertise in ways that would give anyone seeking to gain an understanding of the trends a particular edge. The author is an Affiliate Researcher at Columbia Institute for Tele-Information at the Columbia Graduate School of Business. He consults for major international organizations.

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Children’s & Younger Readers’ Books

The summertime is a great time to introduce a youngster to the local library and let them loose to read anything they want. Reading is a habit that needs to be encouraged from the very earliest years. Books need to become associated, not just with learning, but also with adventure and excitement.

A good place to begin for the very youngest is Merriam-Webster’s Alphabet Book by Ruth Heller ($12.95). It provides a colorful tour of the alphabet, introducing young readers to basic reading, writing and communication skills. Every page is highlighted by an eye-catching illustration and an amusing verse that introduces the different sounds each letter makes when it is spoken. For the older reader, age 9 and up, don’t miss the opportunity to give him or her the World Almanac for Kids 2006 ($11.95), the top selling kid’s almanac with more than three million copies in print. The newest edition, just published, has been completely revised and updated, and is so full of facts, puzzles, quizzes, maps, and jokes that it will prove endlessly entertaining, while providing a world of information. It will keep any youngster intrigued through the summer months until school begins again and then it will prove to be a terrific reference.

Child & Family Press, an imprint of the Child Welfare League of America, has a "Teach Your Children Well" series and among the newest additions is Dr. Vanita Braver’s Party Princess ($8.95) that tells the story of Madison celebrating her sixth birthday with her friends, but she uses mommy’s makeup when she shouldn’t, gets some on her party dress, and learns that true beauty comes from within. It is written for children aged 4 to 8 and is intended to help children develop moral values and confidence. Another Braver book is Pinky Promise ($7.95) which is about the importance of telling the truth when Madison breaks a camera, an accident, but is afraid to admit it, since she had been told not to touch it. The author is the psychiatric medical director at Bonnie Brae, a New Jersey residential treatment center for troubled youth. With all the bad messages a child receives via television, these books provide a foundation for making good, morally correct decisions.

Illumination Arts Publishing Company of Bellevue, Washington is distinguished by the fact that its children’s books are beautifully illustrated, clever tales. Something Special, for ages three to six, ($15.95) is a perfect example. Written by Terri Cohlene and illustrated by Doug Keith, its cover shows a great, green frog looking back at you and, inside is page after dazzling page that asks what is the something special the frog discovers. It is the gift that keeps on giving. Another new book, Little Yellow Pear Tomatoes ($15.95), written by Demian Elaine Yumei and illustrated by Nicole Tamarin was inspired by Zen teachings and examines, through a young girl’s eyes, all the energy and collaboration it takes to grow her yellow pear tomatoes, providing an insight into the universal circle of life.

I first became aware of Yetti Frenkel because she illustrated "Andre the Famous Harbor Seal" for Down East Books. She recently sent me two books she has written, illustrated, and published under the company name of Snow Tree Books in Peabody, Massachusetts. They are Libby and the Cat ($16.95) and Trudy and the Captain’s Cat ($16.95). The former is a warm and cheerful story of a mischievous 3-year-old who teases the family cat until she learns how much better it is to be kind to it. This one is for children aged 3-6. Need it be said the author has two cats of her own? The latter book is the story of a pampered house cat that decides to sneak out and follow her owner. Along the way, she steals a fish and is chased down to the docks where she meets a seafaring cat. Trudy soon learns that there’s no place like home and is rescued, and returned to the safety of her perch by the window. This story is for children ages 4 and up.

Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak teamed up to produce a number of children’s books. Now these delightful collaborations are coming back. One of them is Bears ($14.95, Michael di Capua Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) and it uses only 27 words to create a charming universe while Sendak’s illustrations turn the bears into a grand troupe of players starring a boy in a wolf suit in pursuit of one of his teddy bears. Leonard and Susan-Yost Filgate have teamed as husband and wife, and as illustrator and writer of a series starring Rip Squeak, a mouse to rival Mickey for sheer fun. His latest is The Adventure ($14.95, Rip Squeak Press, San Luis Obispo, CA) in which he and his friends set sail on a local pond and encounter of mysterious "monster." The ship and crew are in plenty of danger, but the surprise ending will reveal how much or how little. I guarantee you that, once you have read one Rip Squeak book, you will want to check out Rip Squeak and his Friends along with The Treasure. The illustrations are lush and the story moves along at a brisk pace. This story is just fine for those 4 and up.

For the young reader aged 9 to 12, there’s a book based on the true story of a newsboy living in California during the Gold Rush who wound up taking an unexpected solo flight in a hot air balloon. The Balloon Boy by Dorothy Kupcha Leland ($16.95, Tomato Enterprises, Davis, CA) is set in 1853. A San Francisco newsboy, Ready Gates, is a bit too adventurous for his own good, but becomes a part of the history of that city when he takes an unexpected trip. This is a heck of a good story that is sure to please. For those in the same age range, there’s The Diary of Ma Yan: The Struggles and Hopes of a Chinese Schoolgirl ($15.95, HarperCollins). First published in France in 2002, it is the memoir of a girl living in a drought-stricken corner of rural China and her desperate efforts to secure an education that will let her escape. The book led to the creation of an international organization to helping children just like her. Aged 13-14 when she wrote her diary, Ma Yan now hopes to attend a university and become a journalist. This book provides a look into a very different life lived in a faraway place. As such, it is worth reading for that alone, but because it broadens the reader’s horizons, it has an even greater benefit. Young readers, age 8 and older, will enjoy Tutankhamen: The Mystery of the Boy King by Zahi Hawass, Director of Excavations at the Giza Pyramids and the Valley of the Golden Mummies ($17.95, National Geographic). It tells the true story of the boy who became pharaoh at age 8. King Tut has held a strong place in both history and our imaginations, as does ancient Eqypt where he lived and died at age 18. Handsomely illustrated with full color photos and art, this book will prove fascinating to anyone who opens it to briefly return to that fabled time.

American Girl of Madison, Wisconsin is a publishing dynamo whose books are for, as the name implies, American girls. Among its new titles are dozens of great games and books that will provide hours of fun and learning. There’s A Girl’s Guide to Manners: The Secrets to Grace, Confidence, and Being Your Best ($9.95, softcover) aimed at girls 8 and up. It is filled with advice on how to deal with many of life’s challenges from how to behave in a fancy restaurant to what to do when you get a hurtful instant message on the computer. How do you deal with an inconvenient cell phone call? Growing up just got a bit easier. Tear Up This Book by Keri Smith is the perfect antidote to boredom ($9.95) and is filled with mind-tickling games and other things to do while in the car or when it rains. The reader is encouraged to doodle, create a dream room, and pick from a pack of craft projects. Also for those 8 and up, as is The Pop Quiz Book ($7.95) that is filled with tons of trivia, some 450 questions about popular culture. This is all about having fun. Find out if you have a future cryptographer in the family with the Top-Secret Code Book ($5.95) that teaches 14 easy codes for sending secret messages to friends. There’s also a Card Kit complete with everything needed to create cards for every reason ($9.95). Finally, among the games that come with all kinds of items, there’s Girl Talk and Scrapbook Studio ($17.95 each) for the 8-and-up crowd, providing stickers, line stencils, ribbon and all the stuff needed to turn a rainy day into one of new-found creativity and fun, fun, fun!

Know a youngster who would rather listen to their CD player than read? Well, give them either of Beverly Cleary’s books, Ribsy, performed by Neil Patrick Harris, or Ellen Tebbits, performed by Andrea Martin ($22.00 and $17.95, Harper Audio). The first is about a lost dog on an adventure and the second is about secrets that seem embarrassing until you discover others have them too. Cleary’s books have won all sorts of awards and the two actors do a splendid job making them come alive. Barry Yourgrau is convinced that being nice is overrated. He has written and performs the Nasty Book ($17.95, Harper Audio) that is two hours of laughter.

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Novels, Novels, Novels!

Before we look at the latest in print, let’s look at a selection of Harper Audio books, all CDs, that you can listen to while at the beach or sunning yourself behind your home or, if you’re lucky, poolside at yourapartment complex like mine. If you’re a fan of C.S. Lewis or want to get a taste of his famed Chronicles of Narnia, then you’re in for a treat when you hear The Silver Chair, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and Prince Caspian, read respectively by the actors Jeremy Northam, Derek Jacobi, and Lynn Redgrave. There are, in fact, four other Narnia stories. Each story is unabridged and I think there’s a Narnia movie coming out this year that is bound to evoke a lot of interest in Lewis’ writings. For more contemporary listening, there’s Dale Brown’s Act The Devil’s Cornerof War, the story of a group of seasoned military veterans and young techies against a consortium of international terrorists who want to destabilize the global economy by attacking oil refineries. by Lisa Scottoline is a terrific thriller featuring a young federal prosecutor who risks her life to bring down the kingpin of a conspiracy responsible for murders in West Philly. Another thriller is Laura Lippman’s To the Power of Three in which one of three girls, inseparable best friends since third grade, brings a gun to school to resolve a mysterious feud. When the police arrive two of the girls are wounded and a third is dead. This story has more twists and turns than a Kansas tornado. Actress Blair Brown performs famed novelist, Isabel Allende’s Forest of Pygmies. It’s a story about a team that heads to Africa to do an article about the first elephant-led safaris, but who approached by a Catholic missionary who asks their help in finding some lost companions. In time they discover a tribe of very nasty pygmies who deal in slavery and poaching. And, for a classic tale, there’s James M. Cain’s Double Indemnity performed by James Naughton. Hard to believe it was first published in 1936! And just as good today. All of these audiobooks retail for $29.95.

As if the headlines in our newspapers and on TV news aren’t scary enough, Brad Thor, widely seen as one of the best of the new thriller writers, offers up Blowback ($25.00, Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster). His first three novels are being readied for the big screen and this one is sure to be another that will keep you on the edge of your chair. A weapon designed to decimate the Roman Empire has become the number one threat to the United States and Navy SEAL turned covert counter-terrorism agent, Scot Harvath, has been caught on video by Al Jazeera in the midst of an off-the-books operation. Despite the fact his career has been terminated, the President is forced to seek his help to save the nation from its enemies. The novel takes you on a tour of places like Cyprus, London, Paris, and Saudi Arabia as the hero strives to save the West from being thrust back into the Dark Ages. It’s a page-turner and, if you love this genre, you will love this novel.

Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden ($23.95, Viking) is an extraordinary novel about two teenaged Oji-Cree Indian boys who went off to fight the Great War and one who has returned in 1919. A medicine woman living in northern Ontario goes off to retrieve him, only to discover that the one she expected is actually the other. Xavier Bird, her sole relation, gravely wounded and addicted to morphine, hovers between the living and the dead. As she attempts to keep him alive, he shares his story with her about the horrifying years as a famed sniper on the battlefields of France and Belgium. Inspired by a real-life story, this one will prove as gripping as any narrative of war you have ever read.

Within Arm’s Reach by Ann Napolitano ($23.00, Shaye Areheart Books, an imprint of Crown Publishers/Random House) is her debut novel, drawn from her own experience growing up in a large Irish-Catholic family in New Jersey. It centers on Gracie McLaughlin, a young, single advice columnist who finds herself pregnant. Her decision to keep the baby is just one of a series of events for which the McLaughlin clan isn’t prepared. How this new life changes the family members as each confronts it and you, too, may not be prepared for the raw emotion that spills off the page despite their desire to silently persevere. Another debut novel from a woman’s point of view is Cover the Butter by Carrie Kabak ($23.95, Dutton), just published in June. It is a coming-of-age story of Kate Cadogan, a middle-aged housewife trapped in a loveless marriage who falls down an Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole to find herself back in 1965, just as she got her first bra. What follows is an emotional journey that frees her to embrace a life without rules. This is a novel about love, friendship, and family that is getting raves from other novelists.

If you love mysteries, you’re in for a summer full of them. A good place to start is The Best British Mysteries 2005 (Allison & Busby, Ltd, distributed in the US by International Publishers Marketing, Dulles, VA) with stories featuring Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse, Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus, John Mortimer’s Rumpole, and many others offering hours of fun. The 2004 edition is now available in softcover and its contributors are the best of Britain’s writers. It is titled The Best British Mysteries ($9.95). Also from this publisher, there’s M.J. Trow’s Maxwell’s Grave, a Peter Maxwell mystery, and Gerald Hammond’s Dead Letters. The former features a teacher and witty crime sleuth who has a habit of stumbling on murders and a knack for solving them. The latter features two stories with dog lover and Detective Sergeant Honoria Potterton-Phipps, the heir to a vast fortune who became a criminologist. In this novel, she discovers that an idyllic rural village is not what it seems. A body, riddled with bullets, has turned up.

From Penguin Books: Rona Jaffe was the original author of the "Sex in the City" genre of books, dating back to 1958 when The Best of Everything was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than four months and sold over a million copies. Now it’s back in print, telling the story of five ambitious working girls in Manhattan trying to make it in the publishing trade. It is every bit as readable today and when it first came out. Ms. Jaffe went on to author fifteen more novels. Today she heads a foundation that presents a national literary award to promising female writers. Also from Penguin books, there’s The Food of Love by Anthony Capella, a perfect summer beach read set in the romance capital of the world, Italy. An Italian chef is madly in love with an American student in Rome, he enlists the help of a waiter to woo her with his culinary skills. It’s a modern Cyrano de Bergerac tale that will prove very entertaining. River of Darkness by Rennie Airth is a novel of suspense set in the years just after World War in rural England where five members of a household are butchered with no explanation for the killings. Scotland Yard’s Inspector John Madden suspects a madman at work, though local police dismiss the case as a botched robbery. You will have to read this one to find out whodunit. Robert Littell is an author whose name has become associated with the best in spy fiction and he does not disappoint in An Agent in Place, a novel that will take you deep into the vastness of the Pentagon and the bowels of a massive KGB center in Moscow when old Cold Warriors refuse to give up the fight. Two people, an American assigned to the embassy and a passionate Russian poet, Aida Zavaskaya, fall in love, but become pawns in a game of international suspense. All are priced at $14.00.

There’s more mystery to be had in Boris Riskin’s Scrambled Eggs ($29.95, Five Star, Waterville, ME) which involves a cache of diamond-studded Faberge "eggs", the Russian Mafia, the KGB, and the FBI. When a retired English professor, a lover of Shakespeare, runs into trouble trying to get rid of the eggs, the action is filled with spills, double-crosses, and thrills whose life is now spinning out of control. There are suspicious deaths and abductions, and the question is whether the professor will survive. From Goose Lane, a Canadian publishing house, comes Douglas Glover’s raucous first novel, Precious, that sold out its first and only print run in just one month. Happily it is back in print ($14.95) with a new final chapter. You will love its central character, a boozy, burned-out reporter with a penchant for getting into trouble. All he yearns for now is a quiet life after three failed marriages and a stint in a Greek jail. When the town gossip winds up dead with a pair of scissors in her chest, he finds himself embroiled in a murder that will have you laughing and turning the pages as fast as you can to find out who did it.

That’s it for July! Come back next month for more great summer reading and don’t forget to visit or Featured Book section.

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