Alumni Authors

« December 2007 | Main | March 2008 »

January 16, 2008

Manly Johnson, '46

Holding Out for What Is: New & Selected Poems, 2006.

The book: This collection explores the nature of friendship and memory, the ways in which the attachments of the present and the images of the past reveal beliefs that have shaped our lives. The book interweaves more than three dozen new poems with the author's poems from previously published volumes and his archives.

The author: Manly Johnson has published poems, reviews and translations in a variety of anthologies, journals and small magazines. He has taught at U-M, Johns Hopkins, Williams College and the University of Tulsa. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his wife, Francine Leffler Ringold.

Posted by tobiaslw at 03:29 PM | Comments (0)

January 08, 2008

Alfred, '50, JD'53, and Ruth Blumrosen, '48, JD'53

Slave Nation: How Slavery United the Colonies and Sparked the American Revolution, Sourcebooks, 2005

The book: In 1772, the High Court in London brought about the conditions that would end slavery in England by freeing a black slave from Virginia named Somerset. This decision began a key facet of independence.

"Slave Nation" is a fascinating account of the role slavery played in the drawing of the United States Constitution and in shaping the United States. At the Constitutional Convention, the South feared that the Northern states would leave the Convention over the issue of slavery. In a compromise, the Southern states agreed to slavery’s prohibition north of the Ohio River, resulting in the Northwest Ordinance. This early national division would continue to escalate, eventually only reaching resolution through the Civil War.

The author: Alfred W. Blumrosen is the Thomas A. Cowan Professor of Law at Rutgers University in New Jersey, specializing in labor and employment law, and has a long history in enforcement of civil rights.

The late Ruth Gerber Blumrosen was an adjunct professor of law at Rutgers Law School and also worked in civil rights compliance.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:00 AM | Comments (0)

Holly Burrows, '95, and Katie Walter, '95

Some Like it Hot: 50 Drinks to Warm Your Spirits, Chronicle Books, 2005

The book: As the days get shorter and the nights grow colder, a nice hot drink is the next best thing to hibernating under the covers till spring. Here are 50 drink recipes—with or sans alcohol—that offer a great alternative to the usual holiday libations and are destined to spice up any gathering. Caramel Apple Sips come complete with a gooey, caramely-covered stir stick. Or instead of dessert guests can sip into something a little more comfortable–Pumpkin Potion No. 9 topped with ginger whipped cream. Sugarplum Punch packs a good-to-the-last-drop wallop while a calming Chai Spiced Tea provides the perfect complement to a book and an overstuffed chair. With equipment and ingredient tips and super ideas for fabulous garnishes, when the weather outside is frightful, the sensational sippables in Some Like It Hot are oh-so-delightful.

The author: Holly Burrows partners with Katie Walter—whom she met at the University of Michigan. The two were regulars at Zingerman's Deli. Katie resides in Chicago and Holly in San Francisco.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)

Avard T. Fairbanks, MA'33, PhD'36, and Eugene F. Fairbanks, '43, MD'45

Human Proportions for Artists, Fairbanks Arts and Books, 2005

The book: This book will be of interest to art students and serious amateurs. It discusses human proportions and includes profuse illustrations and tables of about 120 representative human measurements of both male and female figures in both inch and metric dimensions.

The author: Avard T. Fairbanks was a distinguished sculptor, anatomist and educator. During his career he created more than 100 public monuments to great characters and events in history (four are found in the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC). He studied in New York, Paris and Italy, and he attained his doctorate in Anatomy at U-M where he also was professor of Sculpture. He served on the faculties of five American universities, and he was the founding dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Utah.

Eugene, Avard's son, chose to study medicine at U-M, but he often helped his father at the University's studio and assisted with modeling and plaster casting. During his spare time from medicine and raising 10 children, Eugene also has done sculpture, composed poetry and has authored and published several other art books, including "A Sculptor's Testimony in Bronze and Stone," "A Sculpture Garden of Fantasy," Abraham Lincoln Sculpture Created by Avard Fairbanks."

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:03 AM | Comments (0)

Steven Pierce, PhD'00, and Anupama Rao, PhD'99

Discipline and the Other Body: Correction, Corporeality, Colonialism, Duke University Press, 2006

The book: "Discipline and the Other Body" reveals the intimate relationship between violence and difference underlying modern governmental power and the human rights discourses that critique it. The comparative essays brought together in this collection show how, in using physical violence to discipline and control colonial subjects, governments repeatedly found themselves enmeshed in a fundamental paradox: Colonialism was about the management of difference-the civilized ruling the uncivilized-but colonial violence seemed to many the antithesis of civility, threatening to undermine the very distinction that validated its use. Violation of the bodies of colonial subjects regularly generated scandals, and eventually led to humanitarian initiatives, ultimately changing conceptions of "the human" and helping to constitute modern forms of human rights discourse. Colonial violence and discipline also played a crucial role in hardening modern categories of difference-race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and religion.

The contributors, who include both historians and anthropologists, address instances of colonial violence from the early modern period to the twentieth century and from Asia to Africa to North America. They consider diverse topics, from the interactions of race, law, and violence in colonial Louisiana to British attempts to regulate sex and marriage in the Indian army during the early nineteenth century. They examine the political dilemmas raised by the extensive use of torture in colonial India and the ways that British colonizers flogged Nigerians based on beliefs that different ethnic and religious affiliations corresponded to different degrees of social evolution and levels of susceptibility to physical pain. An essay on how contemporary Sufi healers deploy bodily violence to maintain sexual and religious hierarchies in postcolonial northern Nigeria makes it clear that the state is not the only enforcer of disciplinary regimes based on ideas of difference.

The author: Steven Pierce is lecturer in colonial and postcolonial history at the University of Manchester. Anupama Rao is assistant professor of history at Barnard College.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)

January 02, 2008

Lois Gordon, '60

The only child of an English baronet and heir to the Cunard shipping fortune, Nancy Cunard abandoned the world of a celebrated socialite to pursue a lifelong battle against social injustice as a wartime journalist, humanitarian aid worker, and civil rights champion. Her involvement with the civil rights movement led her to be ridiculed and rejected by both family and friends. Throughout her life, she was plagued by insecurities and suffered a series of breakdowns, struggling with a sense of guilt in response to her mother's constant criticism of her as "worthless" and the sexual promiscuity she initiated as a response to the carnage of World War I. Her friend William Carlos Williams called her an "ascetic voluptuary," providing soldiers a talisman against likely maiming or death.

AAUM: What was Nancy's childhood like?
Gordon: Although she was born into great privilege, her mother made it clear that having a child was "the lowest thing" that could happen to a woman. Nancy, who was highly intelligent and sensitive, was raised by 40 servants and strict, punitive tutors. She spent an isolated childhood either reading and writing or observing her unfaithful mother entertain lovers during weekend parties. She was forever confused by the strict rules she was forced to obey while no one else followed any rules.

How was her life event-filled?
She was an iconic figure of the 1920s—the Cunard heiress who was both very beautiful and who set the fashion styles. Reporters followed her everywhere to describe her short cropped hair, dark eye makeup, long beads and short skirts. She also participated in the art circles that defined Modernism, and many called her the "Gioconda of the Age," while "lovely enough to seduce a saint." Her lovers—and all wrote extensively about her in their work—included Ezra Pound, Aldous Huxley, Louis Aragon, Tristan Tzara and the Nobel Prize winners T.S. Eliot, Pablo Neruda and Samuel Beckett. She also was sculpted many times by Brancusi, photographed by Man Ray and Cecil Beaton, and painted by Kokoshka, Wyndham Lewis and numerous others.

But didn't she want to be more than that?
Yes—to be a poet, and she did publish excellent poetry. But it was "reviewed" in terms of her wardrobe or rebellion against her class and its expectations. So she started the very successful Hours Press, publishing the first work of Samuel Beckett and Pound's "XXX Cantos." Then, on vacation in Venice, she met a black jazz pianist from America, Henry Crowder, and began a long love affair with him. This was the beginning of her education into American racism and it precipitated a lifetime commitment to social causes.

After an enormous amount of research and travel, she published "Negro" in 1934. This was an 855-page compendium of the history and achievement of Africans throughout the world. Her mother disinherited her, and they never spoke again. Her second greatest cause was the Spanish Civil War, when she reported for the Manchester Guardian from the fronts. After Franco's victory, Nancy was one of very few reporters to remain in Spain, and she described—and this is now entering the history books—France's complicity with Franco in opening concentration camps for the Spanish Republicans, camps later used by Vichy collaborationists during World War II. She reported the torture she witnessed and worked both to smuggle prisoners to her home in France and to find them refuge in Central and South America. She was jailed many times but continued her underground activities against Franco.

It sounds like you really came to admire Nancy.
I grew to love Nancy. The more I learned about her, the more I admired her. The book was truly a labor of love. I am convinced that she is one of the most remarkable women who ever lived. She gave so much, and I want her to gain the recognition she deserves.

The author: Lois Gordon, distinguished professor of English at Fairleigh Dickinson University, is internationally known for her work in drama and American culture. She is the author of the first book in the United States on Harold Pinter, and her most recent books include "Pinter at 70," "The World of Samuel Beckett, 1906-1946," "Reading Godot" and "American Chronicle: Year by Year Through the Twentieth Century," a classic reference on American culture.

Posted by tobiaslw at 01:16 PM | Comments (0)

Jean McGarry

A Bad and Stupid Girl, University of Michigan Press, 2006.

The book: Siri is a legacy admission, rich and spoiled and destined to flunk out of her freshman year at college. Esther, her roommate, is a scholarship student from humble means, brilliant and driven to succeed. Never having been forced to work hard at anything, Siri must rely on Esther to teach her to learn and attend class. But as Siri discovers the life of the mind, Esther begins shedding her rational bonds to explore the mysteries of the soul. Funny and bittersweet, this is a portrait of two friends helping each other uncover the potential splendor of their lives.

The author: Jean McGarry is the author of six previous books of fiction: "Airs of Providence," "The Very Rich Hours," "The Courage of Girls," "Home at Last," "Gallagher's Travels" and "Dream Date." She is a professor of fiction at The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University.

Posted by tobiaslw at 01:14 PM | Comments (0)

Janet R. Gilsdorf, professor of pediatrics and communicable diseases, U-M Medical School

Inside/Outside: A Physician's Journey With Cancer, University of Michigan Press, 2006.

The book: To doctors, cancer means cells growing out of control; to patients, cancer means a life spinning out of control. The author offers a glimpse, through her perspective as physician and patient, of both sides of the medical divide. The medical system delivers cures, answers and relief from pain to those who seek its help, but it can also offer misinformation, shattered expectations, horrible options and inhumane consideration of the people it is supposed to serve. "Inside/Outside" is a story of one person's courage, hope and survival in the face of terrifying odds.

The author: Janet R. Gilsdorf is a professor at the University of Michigan as well as director of pediatric infectious diseases at CS Mott Children's Hospital, director of the Cell and Molecular Biology in Pediatrics Training Program, and director of the Haemophilus influenzae Research Laboratory.

Posted by tobiaslw at 01:12 PM | Comments (0)

Sanjay Gupta, '90, MD'93

Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today, Warner Wellness, 2007.

The book: This book explains how extending healthy and active lives is possible thanks to scientific research and medical breakthroughs. Author Sanjay Gupta blends accounts of discoveries from around the world with advice on how you can apply them for health and longevity. For instance, did you know that the secret to living longer may not be about eating well, but about eating less? Gupta also predicts scientific advances, such as stem cell therapy, that will revolutionize our health.

The author: Sanjay Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon at Emory University Hospital and associate chief of service at Grady Memorial Hospital. A columnist for Time magazine and a chief medical correspondent at CNN, he lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Posted by tobiaslw at 01:11 PM | Comments (0)

Tung-Hui Hu, MFA '03

Mine, Ausable Press, 2007

The book: In "Mine," Tung-Hui Hu makes myths out of the personal. He speaks of desire and awkwardness and of the earth that contains both. Resonant and blunt, this is writing that excavates. As history unfolds over and over the same soil, these poems become, Hu writes, "practice for the living."

The author: Tung-Hui Hu lives in San Francisco, California, where he writes on film and new media. He is also the author of "The Book of Motion," and recent poems have appeared in The New Republic, Harvard Review and Prairie Schooner.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)

Scott Fox, '88

Internet Riches: The Simple Money-Making Secrets of Online Millionaires, AMACOM, 2006.

The book: These days it's easier, cheaper and safer than ever to start an Internet business using readily available technology and turnkey opportunities. This strategy-packed guide reveals the powerful but simple methods thousands have used to strike it rich on the Internet. Exclusive interviews with "mom and pop" entrepreneurs prove how easy it is to get started and build a million-dollar enterprise. This book also features an action plan for brainstorming new business ideas and exercises to help readers determine the best moves for their particular situations.

The author: Scott Fox is an e-business consultant in Hollywood, California. He is a frequent speaker on e-business and technology at universities, including the University of Southern California and UCLA, and at conferences such as Digital Hollywood and Internet World.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)

Harriet (Rita) Prince Parrish Youngquist, '50, and Eric V. Youngquist, '50

Think Kind Thoughts, Voyageur Publishing Co. Inc., 2007.

The book: The first section of this book begins with genealogies of Rita's family back and continues with stories about her grandparents and parents as well as her own life until she married Eric. A good deal of this section comes from Rita's writing, particularly the letters she wrote to her parents when she was in Japan with her sister Kay. The second section covers the couple during their time at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Oslo and Cornell University, and ends when they are ready to depart for their first Foreign Service assignment at the embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.

The author: Rita and Eric Youngquist met at the University of Michigan, married and traveled overseas to Bangkok, Thailand, and Helsinki, Finland, where they had assignments with the Foreign Service. Eric currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:08 PM | Comments (0)

James H. Walters, '55

Scoop, BookSurge Publishing, 2006.

The book: Galeazzo Ciano, Benito Mussolini's son-in law and once Italy's foreign minister, kept a diary of every important discussion of the Axis leaders during the war. After Mussolini ordered Ciano's execution, Ciano's wife, Edda, smuggled the diary to Switzerland, where the Chicago Daily News got a microfilm copy. The microfilm was carried secretly to Chicago, where it was reported by the Daily News and syndicated around the world with great success. This is the story of how it all happened.

The author: Jim Walters, who grew up in a newspaper family that valued good writing, has traveled extensively throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Recently, he has focused on Europe during World War II, with a special interest in how the people of that era dealt with their moral dilemmas.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)

Charles M. Vest, MSE'64, PhD'67

The American Research University from World War II to World Wide Web: Governments, the Private Sector, and the Emerging Meta-University, University of California Press, 2007.

The book: Forty years after Clark Kerr coined the term "multiversity," the American research university has continued to evolve into a complex force for social and economic good. Charles M. Vest, one of the leading advocates for autonomy for American higher education, offers a view of the university at the beginning of a new century. With a complex mission and funding structure, the university finds its international openness challenged by new security concerns and its ability to contribute to worldwide opportunity through sharing and collaboration expanded by the Internet.

The author: Charles M. Vest is president emeritus and professor of mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was the dean of engineering at U-M from 1986 to 1989 and also served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at U-M from January 1989 to August 1990.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:06 PM | Comments (0)

Karen Stabiner, '71, editor

The Empty Nest: 31 Parents Tell the Truth About Relationships, Love, and Freedom After the Kids Fly the Coop, Voice, 2007.

The book: In this book, Karen Stabiner has assembled essays by a wide variety of writers who have had to face an empty nest. Parents whose children left home last week join those with grandchildren to explore the ways that life changes once the offspring leave-unless, of course, they move back in again. These 31 authors represent the full range of experience, from traditional nuclear families to single parents to gay parents, and they tell their stories with humor, grace and poignancy.

The author: Karen Stabiner is the author of seven other books and is a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times opinion section as well as other major publications. She lives in Santa Monica, California, with her husband and her daughter, Sarah, who left home for college this fall.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)

Amy (Spellman) Shell-Gellasch, '89, editor

Hands on History: A Resource for Teaching Mathematics, Mathematical Association of America, 2007.

The book: This book is a compilation of articles from mathematics educators and historians of mathematics and science who use history in their teaching. This volume presents detailed descriptions of how to build or have students build and use historical models in the high school or collegiate mathematics classroom. Each model is either a replica of a historical device or a model depicting a historical mathematical or scientific concept.

The author: Amy Shell-Gellasch has edited two other volumes, "From Calculus to Computers" with Dick Jardine and the proceedings of a conference on the history of undergraduate mathematics in America. A native of Birmingham, Michigan, she currently is a faculty fellow at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:03 PM | Comments (0)

Michael B. Rubin, '94

Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck: A Conversation About Income, Wealth, and the Steps in Between, Wachtel & Martin, 2007.

The book: This book provides the personal financial planning education that today’s workers need not only to survive, but also to thrive. It shares a conversation between reader and author over the periodic interruptions of a poorly trained, commission-obsessed financial salesman. Furthermore, by tying into interactive components available at www.totalcandor.com, readers can estimate the implications of their proposed saving habits and make other critical financial calculations. Readers also can acquire a personalized toolkit, which shows that—whatever their age—the best time to start planning for the future is now.

The author: Michael B. Rubin is a certified public accountant and a certified financial planner professional. In addition to providing financial advice to clients, he speaks about and provides guidance on personal financial planning topics. He lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with his wife and daughter.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:01 PM | Comments (0)

Roy G. Phillips, PhD'71

Exodus From the Door of No Return: Journey of an American Family, AuthorHouse, 2006.

The book: As a graduate student, Roy G. Phillips heeded the advice of renowned genealogist and author Alex Haley, who encouraged the researcher to record the history and wisdom of his family elders while they were still alive. Phillips describes the story of his family as it journeyed through slavery, Reconstruction, segregation, the great migration out of the south, the World Wars, the civil rights movement and the tumultuous period of the 1960s and 1970s through the dawning of the 21st century. This is the story of how he and his family survived racism through dedication, discipline, determination, study and hard work.

The author: Roy G. Phillips and his wife live in rural Webster Parish near Minden, Louisiana, on the old family homestead. Part of the proceeds of this book will be dedicated to raising the educational and economic level of the people of Cape Coast Ghana.

Posted by tobiaslw at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)

Benjamin Orbach, '97

Live From Jordan: Letters Home From My Journey Through the Middle East, AMACOM Books, 2007.

The book: Ten months after the Sept. 11 attacks, Benjamin Orbach left his home in Pittsburgh for Jordan. He had no place to live and no one waiting to see him. Officially, the purpose of his trip was to research a Jordanian-American trade program and expand his language skills. Unofficially, he set out on a self-appointed secret diplomatic mission to confront stereotypes, correct false perceptions and find common ground between Americans and Arabs. He returned in August 2003 with fresh insights, unexpected lessons and colorful tales from 13 months of living in and traveling throughout the region.

The author: Benjamin Orbach worked as deputy regional coordinator of the Middle East Partnership Initiative at the US Department of State from 2004 to 2007. A speaker of Arabic and Hebrew, he has lived in and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and North Africa. He lives in Washington DC.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)

John Logie, '87

Peers, Pirates, and Persuasion: Rhetoric in the Peer-to-Peer Debates, Parlor Press, 2006.

The book: This book investigates the role of rhetoric in shaping public perceptions about a novel technology: peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. While broadband Internet services now allow speedy transfers of complex media files, Americans face real uncertainty about whether peer-to-peer file sharing is or should be legal. Logie analyzes the public arguments growing out of more than five years of debate sparked by the advent of Napster, the first widely adopted peer-to-peer technology. He joins the ongoing effort to challenge and change copyright law so that it fulfills its purpose of fostering creativity and innovation while protecting the rights of artists in an attention economy.

The author: John Logie, an associate professor of rhetoric at the University of Minnesota, is known for his work addressing questions of authorship and textual ownership. He has written for numerous publications and is chair of the Committee on Intellectual Property of the Conference of College Composition and Communication.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:57 AM | Comments (0)

Alan Lawson, PhD'66

A Commonwealth of Hope: The New Deal Response to Crisis, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006.

The book: Did the New Deal represent the true American way, or was it an aberration that would last only until the old order could reassert itself? This study tells the story of the New Deal, explains its origins and assesses its legacy. Alan Lawson explores how the circumstances of the Great Depression and the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt combined to bring about unprecedented economic and policy reform. Challenging conventional wisdom, he argues that the New Deal was not an improvised response to an unexpected crisis, but the realization of an opportunity to put into practice Roosevelt's long-developed progressive thought.

The author: Alan Lawson, professor emeritus of history and honors at Boston College, has been a professor of American intellectual history at the University of California, Smith College and Boston College. His writings have stressed the importance of the arts to public life and described the ways in which the public sector has responded to the arts.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)

Heather (Gordon) Huntington, '97

The Newcomer's Handbook for Moving to and Living in Boston, Third Edition, FirstBooks, 2004.

The book: This expanded edition, part of the publisher's Newcomer's Handbook city guides, contains detailed information on Boston's neighborhoods, getting settled, helpful services, child care and education, cultural life and much more. It contains nearly 500 pages of useful information to help you with your move or just get to know Boston better.

The author: Heather (Gordon) Huntington is a movie critic and entertainment writer for ReelzChannel.com. A former advertising copywriter, she has also published in The Bark magazine and placed in the 2004 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Josh, and their dog, Mr. Big.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:54 AM | Comments (0)

Grant Hildebrand, '57, MARCH'64, with Ann Eaton, '76, MA'78, and Leonard K. Eaton

Frank Lloyd Wright's Palmer House, University of Washington Press, 2007.

The book: Frank Lloyd Wright's Palmer house, built in Ann Arbor in the early 1950s, is one of Wright's last residential masterpieces. The book presents the events surrounding the selection of Wright as architect; Wright's creation of the design; the challenges and craftsmanship of its construction; the evolution of its garden and teahouse; the role of the house as a setting for the Palmers' lives; and an analysis of its formal and spatial qualities. It also offers an exploration of a living work of art and a portrait of the people who treasured its presence in their lives for half a century.

The author: Ann Eaton, '76, MA'78, lives on the Oregon coast with her husband Leonard K. Eaton, a U-M professor emeritus of architecture. Together, they recorded an extensive series of interviews with Mary and Billy Palmer and their family and collected photographs. Grant Hildebrand would eventually use this extensive set of materials to write this book.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)

Jenni (Lapidus) Ferrari-Adler, MFA'06, editor

Alone in the Kitchen With an Eggplant: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone, Riverhead Books, 2007.

The book: All of us, at some point in our lives, will eat alone. And, thanks to Jenni Ferrari-Adler, it can be an adventure. In this collection of witty, poignant and humorous essays, 26 writers and "foodies" (including author Nora Ephron and chef Marcella Hazan) invite us not only into their kitchens, but also their lives. From Thailand to New York to Michigan to Cape Cod, this collection of essays is as diverse, moving and inspiring as the recipes they provide, making it a welcome companion for anyone who is happy, sad, even just plain hungry, and dining alone.

The author: Jenni Ferrari-Adler has a literary and culinary background, having worked as a reader for The Paris Review, an assistant at a literary agency and a creative writing teacher at U-M. She also studied cooking at the French Culinary Institute and The Natural Gourmet. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)

Adrian Burgos Jr., PhD'00

Playing America's Game: Baseball, Latinos, and the Color Line, University of California Press, 2007.

The book: Although largely ignored by historians of both baseball in general and the Negro leagues in particular, Latinos have been a significant presence in organized baseball from the beginning. This benchmark study on Latinos and professional baseball from the 1880s to the present, tells a compelling story of the men who negotiated the color line at every turn—passing as "Spanish" in the major leagues or seeking respect and acceptance in the Negro leagues. Adrian Burgos draws on archival materials from the United States, Cuba and Puerto Rico as well as Spanish- and English-language publications and interviews with Negro league and major league players.

The author: Adrian Burgos Jr. is assistant professor of history at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He was a contributing author to "Shades of Glory: The Negro Leagues and the Story of African American Baseball" and served on committees for the National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2006 special election of Negro leagues.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:49 AM | Comments (0)

Warren Belasco, '69, MA'72, PhD'77

Appetite for Change: How the Counterculture Took on the Food Industry, Second Updated Edition, Cornell University Press, 2006.

The book: In this engaging inquiry, Warren J. Belasco considers the rise of the "countercuisine" in the 1960s and the subsequent success of mainstream businesses in turning granola, herbal tea and other "revolutionary" foodstuffs into profitable products; the popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets; and the increasing availability of organic foods. Originally published in 1989, this book has been fully updated for the 21st century.

The author: Warren J. Belasco is a professor of American studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is the author of "Meals to Come: A History of the Future of Food" and "Americans on the Road: From Autocamp to Motel" and the coeditor of "Food Nations: Selling Taste in Consumer Societies."

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:48 AM | Comments (0)

Daniel Aaron, '33, HLHD'04

The Americanist, University of Michigan Press, 2007.

The book: Regarded as one of the founders of American studies, Daniel Aaron has written a memoir that spans nearly a century of public and private life in America and abroad. In "The Americanist," he writes with unsentimental nostalgia about his childhood in Los Angeles and Chicago and his later academic career, which took him around the globe, often in the role of America's accidental yet impartial critic. He also describes his encounters with many of the 20th century's most notable figures, from Ralph Ellison and Robert Frost to Lillian Hellman and Sinclair Lewis. Aaron's frank and personal observations of these literary lights make for engaging reading.

The author: Daniel Aaron is the Victor S. Thomas Professor of English and American Literature, Emeritus at Harvard University. He taught for more than three decades each at Smith College and Harvard and has written many books, including "Men of Good Hope: A Story of American Progressives" and "Writers on the Left."

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)

Kathleen Burke, '69

A Safe Position, Llumina Press, 2007.

The book: "A Safe Position" tells the tale of Shannon O'Grady, a teacher and counselor who struggles in the maze of the public educational system. Parents derive insights from her opinions, and instructors and counselors sympathize with her frustrations. At the same time, she experiences life's other sorrows and joys, with an interesting cast of characters. While this story is meant to initiate dialogue regarding the causes of student failure, it's also meant to entertain. Prepare to learn, shed a few tears and have a couple of laughs.

The author: Kathleen M. Burke taught for several years in the Detroit area before moving to Texas, where she held a counseling position for 22 years. Now retired, she indulges in a variety of hobbies, including golf, music, travel, literature and writing.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)

Debra (Feldman) Borden, '78

A Little Bit Married, Three Rivers Press, 2007.

The book: Bitsy has always had her life figured out: marry, have kids and move to the suburbs. At 43, things have gone exactly as planned. Then, everything changes. As her husband lies unconscious, an empty bottle of pills on the nightstand, Bitsy is forced to answer these questions and more. Why is the mail filled with bank notices and overdue bills? Where are her so-called friends? Why is her son's school principal suddenly so attractive? And for the first time, instead of wondering when things will get back to normal, Bitsy wonders if things were ever normal in the first place.

The author: Author of the novel "Lucky Me," Debra Borden grew up in Great Neck, New York. Though she now writes full time, she is a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey, where she lives with her family.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:43 AM | Comments (0)

Robert H. Bartlett, MD'63

The Salem Syndrome: A Novel of Medicine and Law, First Page Publications, 2005.

The book: Two little girls are admitted to the intensive care unit with burn injuries that indicate possible child abuse. The police investigation soon focuses on their father, and the medical, social and legal systems swing into action. Dr. Steven Crane is both a participant in and an observer of this process. He wonders if the father might actually be telling the truth. But child abuse is a horrible crime, and Crane soon learns that, where child abuse is concerned, the accused are guilty until proven innocent.

The author: Robert Bartlett is professor emeritus of surgery at U-M. His clinical career included general surgery, trauma and life-support systems. His research has been recognized with many awards, including election to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. He also has authored 12 medical monographs and texts.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)

Robert H. Bartlett, MD'63

Piece of Mind: A Novel of Medicine and Philosophy, Ferne Press, 2006.

The book: Neurosurgeon Donald Ingram confronts the challenges of four seriously ill patients using his untried theories of the mind-body connection. What was confined to the philosophical comes to life as he wrestles with the relationship between brain, mind and soul. A professor who can no longer recall words that begin with F, a Secret Service agent who monitors care for a top-secret patient and the unexpected appearance of a long-lost love force the highly structured doctor to reassess his priorities.

The author: Robert Bartlett is professor emeritus of surgery at U-M. His clinical career included general surgery, trauma and life-support systems. His research has been recognized with many awards, including election to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. He also has authored 12 medical monographs and texts.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)

John Kolars, professor emeritus, near eastern studies and geography, U-M College of LSA

Growing Up Walla Walla, AuthorHouse, 2006

The book: The Walla Walla Oliver knew when he was young was a wheat and cow town in the remote southeastern corner of a remote northwestern state. Or at least the town and the state were remote when he grew up there. Perhaps Whitman college and its Conservatory made a difference, but its campus was only a place he pedaled by on his way home from work, its museum a place to visit once or twice a year, an auditorium where his mother sometimes sang. The men who influenced Oliver were a different breed. Those were the men fatherless Oliver grew up around. Weathered men, ready to drink up their week's wages, ready for a fight, men who took off their hats in the presence of a lady, and who would do business on a hand shake, they were part of Oliver's Walla Walla. That's why he wants to tell about them and about the two Walla Wallas.

The author: John Kolars, born in Walla Walla in 1929, grew up there during the Great Depression and World War II. During those decades the town was transforming itself from a frontier settlement to the cultural center it is today. At seventeen, he enlisted in the army, and with the help of a G.E.D. diploma and the G.I. Bill, became Professor of Geography and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Michigan. He is recognized as an authority on water in the Middle East, and has received the title of Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at the United States Foreign Service Institute.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:38 AM | Comments (0)

Valerie Kivelson, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and professor of history, U-M College of LSA

Cartographies of Tsardom: The Land and Its Meanings in Seventeenth-Century Russia, Cornell UP, 2006

The book: Toward the end of the sixteenth century, and throughout the seventeenth, thinking in spatial terms assumed extraordinary urgency among Russia's ruling elites. The two great developments of this era in Russian history - the enserfment of the peasantry and the conquest of a vast Eastern empire - fundamentally concerned spatial control and concepts of movements across the land. Cartographies of Tsardom explores how these twin themes of fixity and mobility obliged Russians to think in spatial terms.

The author: Valerie Kivelson is a U-M faculty member and the author of "Autocracy in the Provinces: Russian Political Culture and the Gentry in the Seventeenth Century" and the coeditor of "Orthodox Russia: Studies in Belief and Practice." She currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)

W.B. Devine, former house mother, U-M's chapter of Delta Delta Delta

They Called me "The W," First Page Publications, 2004

The book: This is a memoir of a woman who worked for nearly 20 years as a house mother in three different sororities. She writes about many stories that reveal the hilarious, frustrating, and touching reality that was her job and her daily life.

The author: After a career in advertising, W.B. Devine became a sorority house mother at three Midwest universities, including Tridelt on Tappan at U-M. She recently retired from sorority life, and now enjoys ballroom dancing and spending time with her sons and grandchildren. She lives in southeastern Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)

Alyssa Shaffer, '90

The A-List Workout, McGraw-Hill, 2007

The book: How do Uma Thurman, Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Garner manage to look so sleek and sculpted? They do it with help from today's top fitness coaches, who share their advice in this new book. Each chapter focuses on a different goal, whether you want flat abs, toned arms or a buff behind. You get the actual exercise regimens prescribed for the stars along with their diet and motivation tips. And Shaffer, herself a certified trainer, combines all the best techniques described in the book into an exclusive 12-week workout plan.

The author: As fitness director for Fitness magazine, Alyssa Shaffer has worked with dozens of celebrity exercise gurus. She is also an award-winning freelance writer and has contributed health and fitness articles to Family Circle, Ladies' Home Journal, Health, Redbook, Tennis, Men's Health, Biography and Cooking Light.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)

Eric Durak, MS'86

98 Miles High, Medical Health and Fitness Publishing, 2006

The book: In this epic cycling adventure in the tradition of "The Long Season," Eric Durak sets out to chase an obscure climbing world record and encounters surprising challenges as an athlete and as a family man on the road of life. A shot in the arm for every athlete who dreamed of accomplishing the impossible, "98 Miles High" is a story of challenge and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The author: Eric Durak's research experience is in the application of exercise for special population groups, such as those with diabetes, cancer and metabolic disorders. He is the author of monographs as well as scientific articles published in several journals and magazine articles.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:32 AM | Comments (0)

Cheryl Dickow, '87

Elizabeth: A Holy Land Pilgrimage, Bezalel Books, 2007

The book: Join Elizabeth's midlife flight to the Holy Land as she questions her marriage and her life. See how God reaches her through people and events. Experience her walk on the Via Dolorosa, the way of the cross and her kayak trip down the Jordan River. Sit with her at an outdoor caf� and marvel at the sights and sounds of Jerusalem. Listen as she learns the names of God and hears about the matriarchs of the faith: Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah. And discover, with Elizabeth, the true nature of agape love on the pilgrimage of a lifetime.

The author: Cheryl Dickow is a teacher in a Catholic middle school as well as an author and speaker. She has written two other books, "Raising Christian Children in a Secular World" and "Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman's Worth." She and her husband have three teenage sons.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:28 AM | Comments (0)

Roy Jacobstein, '69, MD'73, MPH'96

A Form of Optimism, University Press of New England, 2006

The book: Filtered through the twin lenses of human history and personal memory, and suffused with ironic appreciation, this book engages in a meditation on beauty and evil, cornucopia and loss. Drawing on the author's cross-cultural work in international health, the poems range widely and naturally across setting, personage and tongue-from Istanbul to Detroit, Mother Teresa to Gorm the Old, Swahili to Sanskrit. Variously anxious, rueful, witty, tender and worn, "A Form of Optimism" transcribes an arc of compassion and hope, embracing the mysteries of the world and the word.

The author: Roy Jacobstein's poetry appears in many literary publications and has won many awards, including the Felix Pollak Prize for his first book of poetry, "Ripe." A former official of the US Agency for International Development and a public health physician who works in Africa and Asia, he lives with his wife and daughter in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:27 AM | Comments (0)

Barnett C. Helzberg, '56

What I Learned Before I Sold to Warren Buffett: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Developing a Highly Successful Company, Wiley Publishing, 2003

The book: Through hard work and determination, Barnett Helzberg built his family-owned business into a successful company that caught the attention of Warren Buffett, who purchased Helzberg Diamonds through his holding company. Helzberg shares his 30 years of experience in running a successful business and outlines the steps needed to prosper within a challenging business environment. The book is a road map for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to build a solid company that will stand the test of time.

The author: Barnett C. Helzberg, Jr. was president of Helzberg Diamonds, Inc., from 1962 to 1995, a period during which he expanded his family-owned business to 143 stores in 23 states.

Click here to see the winter 2007 business authors.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)

Mary L. Warner, AD'92

Adolescents in the Search for Meaning: Tapping the Powerful Resource of Story, Scarecrow Press, 2006

The book: Many of today's teens live troubled lives. Even those who live a "normal" life face the challenges adults face but lack the resources of adults for surviving those challenges. Building from the concept that story is a powerful source of meaning, this book suggests that the stories of other young adults can be a valuable resource. This book includes the insights of authors of young adult literature and lists more than 120 novels that teens have identified as meaningful and books that young adult authors and experts in the field of young adult literature have recommended.

The author: Mary Warner currently teaches young adult and children's literature at San Jos� State University, where she also works with the English Credential Program and serves as associate director of the San Jos� Area Writing Project. She has published numerous articles and is the editor and author of two chapters of "Winning Ways of Teaching Writing."

Click here to see the winter 2007 nonfiction authors.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)

Elizabeth de la Vega, '74, United States v. George W. Bush et al.

Seven Stories Press, 2006

The book: In United States v. George W. Bush et. al., the defendants are George W. Bush, Richard Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell. The crime is tricking the nation into war or, in legal terms, conspiracy to defraud the United States. The author has reviewed the evidence, researched the law, drafted an indictment and, in this lively, accessible book, presented it to a grand jury. The legal question is: Did the president and his team use false pretenses, half-truths and deliberate omissions to deceive Congress and the American public?

The author: Elizabeth de la Vega, a former federal prosecutor, was an assistant US attorney in Minneapolis as well as a member of the Organized Crime Strike Force and Branch Chief in San Jose, California. Since her 2004 retirement, she has been a regular contributor to TomDispatch.com and has written for The Nation, the Los Angeles Times, Salon and Mother Jones.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:22 AM | Comments (0)

Thomas Stolper, '67, MA'71

Genius Inventor: The Controversy About the Work of Randell Mills, America's Newton, in Historical and Contemporary Context, BookSurge Publishing, 2006

The book: The book is neither a biography of Mills nor a history of his company, BlackLight Power. Instead, the book tries to address why his work hasn't had a friendlier reception. One answer: the 1989 cold fusion fiasco, with which Mills' critics identified him. Another answer: Mills' sweeping challenge to the theoretical physicists, whom journal editors, scientists, graduate students, science writers, science managers, venture capitalists, funding agencies, Congress and the public hold in awe, even though astronomy has now shown that their theories can explain less than 5 percent of everything out there.

The author: Thomas Stolper is also the author of "China, Taiwan, and the Offshore Islands: Together With an Implication for Outer Mongolia and Sino-Soviet Relations, published in 1985 by M. E. Sharpe, Inc. He lives in New Haven, Connecticut.

Web site: http://homepage.mac.com/tstolper/FileSharing1.html

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)

Karen M. Skalitzky, MA'96

A Recipe for Hope: Stories of Transformation by People Struggling with Homelessness, Acta Publications, 2006

The book: This book, which dispels the misconceptions around homelessness, contains first-person accounts by some of Chicago's most diverse voices. Collected from the men and women of Inspiration Corporation, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless back to self-sufficiency, these true stories challenge modern preconceptions of homelessness and demonstrate how this often "faceless" problem affects everyone, regardless of race, color, creed or economic status.

The author: Karen M. Skalitzky is a graduate of Northwestern University and holds a master of art in literacy education from the University of Michigan. A former Teach for America corps member, she volunteers weekly at Inspiration Caf� and the Living Room Caf� in Chicago.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)

Saul Sacks, '39, Lucky in War and Lucky in Love

Word Association Publishers, 2006

The book: As a captain in the US Army Dental Corps, Dr. Saul Sacks never saw combat during World War II, but he did escape injury and even death in more than a few situations, which he describes in graphic detail. However, this memoir is about love as much as it is about war. Sacks embraced his time in Europe with gusto, in spite of often bad conditions, using his brief leaves to immerse himself in local customs and culture—and affairs of the heart—all of which he recalls vividly.

The author: Born in Brooklyn, New York, Saul M. Sacks served in World War II and graduated from U-M, New York University College of Dentistry and the Columbia University School of Public Health. A retired orthodontist, he lives with his wife Lynn in Great Neck, New York. They have four children.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:17 AM | Comments (0)

Esra Özyürek, MA'96, PhD'02

Nostalgia for the Modern: State Secularism and Everyday Politics in Turkey, Duke University Press, 2006

The book: With the close of the 20th century, Islam, the religion of the majority of Turkish citizens, burst into the public arena. Esra Özyürek analyzes the ways that Turkish citizens began to express an attachment and nostalgia for the secularist, modernist and nationalist foundations of the Turkish Republic. She describes how ordinary Turkish citizens demonstrated their affinity for Kemalism in the ways they organized their domestic space, decorated their walls, told their life stories,and interpreted political developments.

The author: Esra Özyürek is assistant professor of anthropology at the University of California, San Diego. She is the editor of "Politics of Public Memory: Production and Consumption of the Past in Turkey."

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:15 AM | Comments (0)

Thomas Nanzig, MILS'89, editor

The Civil War Memoirs of a Virginia Cavalryman, University of Alabama Press, 2007

The book: Robert Hubard, an enlisted man and officer in the Army of Northern Virginia, wrote his memoir during an extended convalescence after being wounded in battle. He served under Confederate luminaries and fought with his unit at the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg and many others. The editor has fleshed out his memoir by use of Hubard's own wartime letters, making this memoir is of value to both scholars and avocational readers.

The author: Thomas P. Nanzig is an editor with ProQuest in Ann Arbor and author of four other books, including "3rd Virginia Cavalry."

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)

Marcia M. Muth, '49, MA'53

A World Set Apart: Memory Paintings, Sunstone Press, 2007

The book: The phrase "memory painting" is an art term that is defined as the faculty of the mind to imagine or remember visual things. In "A World Set Apart," Marcia Muth creates detailed and colorful illustrations of the 1930s by combining imagination with her understanding of the time period.

The author: Marcia Muth has been painting since 1974. Her work is in private and public collections, including the Jewish Museum in New York and the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe. This is her 12th book but the first one on her paintings.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:13 AM | Comments (0)

Dale Grimes, '56, and Craig A. Grimes

The Electromagnetic Origin of Quantum Theory and Light, Second Edition, World Scientific Publishing Company, 2005

The book: This book presents a rigorous application of modern electromagnetic field theory to atomic theory. The historical view of quantum theory was developed before four major physical principles were known or understood: the standing energy that accompanies and encompasses electromagnetically active, electrically small volumes; the power-frequency relationships in nonlinear systems; the possible directivity of modal fields; and electron nonlocality. The inclusion of these effects yields a deterministic interpretation of quantum theory that is consistent with those of other sciences.

The author: Dale Grimes is professor emeritus of electrical engineering at Pennsylvania State University.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)

Lou Gifford, '75

Las Vegas-Your Way: A Guidebook to Las Vegas and a Guide to Gambling, BookSurge, 2005

The book: This vacation guide provides information and recommendations on the city's shows, dining, transportation, tours and other attractions. A gambling guide provides the Vegas traveler with money management information and skills for most table games, slots and video poker.

The author: Lou Gifford is a resident of Saginaw, Michigan

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)

Elizabeth Arnswald Dost, '54

Home Alone in America: Letters Exchanged by a Young German in the U.S. and His Family in Berlin from 1946 to 1955, Heritage Books, 2005

The book: This collection of letters tells the story of a German boy sent to the United States in 1946 by well-meaning parents who hoped for a better life for their son. The story of Helmut's mission—to enable his family to join him in America—is marked by ironies and unexpected twists of fate. "Home Alone in America" also documents the transformation of a German schoolboy into an Americanized GI and veteran of the Korean War. This book was a finalist in the Autobiography/Memoirs category of the Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards.

The author: A native of the Chicago area, Elizabeth Arnswald Dost taught high school English and worked in journalism for about 10 years. In 1975, she married Helmut Dost, whose letters appear in "Home Alone in America."

Web site: www.homealoneinamerica.com

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)

John Covach, '83, MMUS'85, PhD'90

What's That Sound? An Introduction to Rock and Its History, W.W. Norton, 2006

The book: This college textbook provides a balanced, deeply musical look at rock music from its roots to the present. Offering strong coverage of the music business, rock's visual culture and contemporary music, the text is complemented by listening guides to more than 70 major works.

The author: John Covach is professor of music at the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music. An active performer and studio musician, his writings on 20th century and popular music and the philosophy of music have appeared in numerous books and journals.

Web site: http://www.ibiblio.org/johncovach

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)

Howard Brick, '75, MA'76, PhD'83

Transcending Capitalism: Visions of a New Society in Modern American Thought, Cornell University Press, 2006

The book: This book explains why midcentury American social theorists came to believe it was no longer meaningful to describe modern Western society as "capitalist." Considering the discussion today of capitalism and its global triumph, it is important to understand why a prior generation of social theorists imagined the future of advanced societies in some course of development leading beyond capitalism.

The author: Howard Brick is professor of history at Washington University in St. Louis. He is the author of "Age of Contradiction: American Thought and Culture in the 1960s" and "Daniel Bell and the Decline of Intellectual Radicalism: Social Theory and Political Reconciliation in the 1940s."

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:04 AM | Comments (0)

Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg, '81

Watch It Made in the USA: A Visitor's Guide to the Best Factory Tours and Company Museums, Avalon Travel Publishing, 2006

The book: More than just a travel guide, Watch It Made in the U.S.A. helps you experience firsthand the products, companies, technology and workers that fuel our economy. Whether you're curious about jelly beans or journalism, you can count on this book to help you and your family visit hundreds of companies across America.

The author: Bruce Brumberg and wife Karen Axelrod provide consulting services to companies and local tourist boards on factory tours, visitor centers and museums. Bruce also owns a legal and financial publishing company and is editor-in-chief of myStockOptions.com. They live with their children near Boston, Massachusetts.

Web site: http://www.factorytour.com

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)

Sonny Whitelaw and Elizabeth Christensen, '00, MSE'02

Stargate Atlantis: Exogenesis: SGA-5, Fandemonium Books, 2006

The book: The ancient city of Atlantis is threatened by a planet-shaping device. An international team of explorers races to save their home, which leads to a civilization that challenges many of their beliefs about life in the Pegasus Galaxy and their own heritage.

The author: In addition to writing this book and "Stargate Atlantis: The Chosen," Elizabeth Christensen works for the U.S. Air Force. She lives in London, Ohio.

Posted by tobiaslw at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)

Mark Pickvet, MLS'88

Rockman: The Dark Rider, Port Town Publishing, 2006

The book: In this the third book in the Rockman saga, Drake and Ariel, along with their comrades, continue the battle to rid their world of the evil Dark Rider. A daring plan is in the works to end his reign of terror for good. But will it work?

The author: Mark Pickvet is the author of many books and articles related to glassware as well as books on the history of barns and related farm structures, collectible playing cards and the Rockman series of science fiction. He lives in Flint, Michigan.

Web site: http://www.authorstevehamilton.com

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)

Laura Kasischke, '84, MFA'87

Inland, Permanent Press, 2006

The book: On Valentine's Day, Sherry finds an anonymous note in her mailbox: be mine. As the notes continue, Sherry becomes more and more charged by the idea that she can inspire such feelings. When she discovers who her admirer is, she begins an affair with him. But events soon spiral out of control, threatening not only Sherry's marriage but also her son and her home.

The author: Laura Kasischke is the author of three previous novels and six collections of poetry. Her novel "The Life Before Her Eyes" has been adapted for a movie titled "In Bloom," which will premiere this fall. She lives in Chelsea, Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)

K.C. Frederick, '56, MA'58, PhD'63

Inland, Permanent Press, 2006

The book: Recipient of the LL Winship/PEN New England Fiction Award for 2007, this novel tells the story of Ted Riley, a graduate student during the Cold War. Determined to negotiate the perils of an era on the verge of dramatic changes, he encounters two people who widen his world. Andrew, a Polish refugee who works at the university library, is gay, outrageous and haunted; Dori is a smart, sexy Californian with scant patience for the compromises of a system that suppresses freedom in the name of the fight against communism. Ted comes to understand where his loyalties lie and recognizes that an America frightened into a vision of stability may still have the boldness to risk a leap into the future.

The author: K. C. Frederick is the author of three critically acclaimed novels: "Country of Memory," "The Fourteenth Day" and "Accomplices." Critics have compared his themes of ordinary people being observed by sinister government forces with those of Franz Kafka. Born and raised in Detroit, he now lives in the Boston area.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:54 AM | Comments (0)

Jennifer Coburn, '88

The Queen Gene, Kensington Books, 2007

The book: In a follow-up to "Tales From the Crib," Jennifer Coburn brings readers into the wacky world of Lucy Klein and her hilariously dysfunctional family. This hip, so-funny-and-true-it-hurts novel explores the ties that bind-and sometimes strangle-between mothers and daughters.

The author: Jennifer Coburn is also the author of "The Wife of Reilly" and "Reinventing Mona." Raised in New York City, she now lives in San Diego with her husband and daughter.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)

John Kolars, professor emeritus, near eastern studies and geography, U-M College of LSA

Growing Up Walla Walla, AuthorHouse, 2006

The book: The Walla Walla Oliver knew when he was young was a wheat and cow town in the remote southeastern corner of a remote northwestern state. Or at least the town and the state were remote when he grew up there. Perhaps Whitman college and its Conservatory made a difference, but its campus was only a place he pedaled by on his way home from work, its museum a place to visit once or twice a year, an auditorium where his mother sometimes sang. The men who influenced Oliver were a different breed. Those were the men fatherless Oliver grew up around. Weathered men, ready to drink up their week's wages, ready for a fight, men who took off their hats in the presence of a lady, and who would do business on a hand shake, they were part of Oliver's Walla Walla. That's why he wants to tell about them and about the two Walla Wallas.

The author: John Kolars, born in Walla Walla in 1929, grew up there during the Great Depression and World War II. During those decades the town was transforming itself from a frontier settlement to the cultural center it is today. At seventeen, he enlisted in the army, and with the help of a G.E.D. diploma and the G.I. Bill, became Professor of Geography and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Michigan. He is recognized as an authority on water in the Middle East, and has received the title of Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at the United States Foreign Service Institute.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

Valerie Kivelson, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and professor of history, U-M College of LSA

Cartographies of Tsardom: The Land and Its Meanings in Seventeenth-Century Russia, Cornell UP, 2006

The book: Toward the end of the sixteenth century, and throughout the seventeenth, thinking in spatial terms assumed extraordinary urgency among Russia's ruling elites. The two great developments of this era in Russian history - the enserfment of the peasantry and the conquest of a vast Eastern empire - fundamentally concerned spatial control and concepts of movements across the land. Cartographies of Tsardom explores how these twin themes of fixity and mobility obliged Russians to think in spatial terms.

The author: Valerie Kivelson is a U-M faculty member and the author of "Autocracy in the Provinces: Russian Political Culture and the Gentry in the Seventeenth Century" and the coeditor of "Orthodox Russia: Studies in Belief and Practice." She currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:50 AM | Comments (0)

Betty Jean Murray, '57, PD'79, MS'83, PhD'87 and Karin Douthit

The Little Raccoon: A True Story, First Page Publications, 2005

The book: This story tells of how one spring day, a botanist finds an abandoned baby raccoon at the edge of her farmland. The simply-told and vividly-illustrated story accounts some of the adventures of the little raccoon as hew grows up with the companionship of the botanist and a student, and learns to live in his natural environment.

The author: Betty Jean Murray is a member of the American Society of Plant Biologists, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. She owns the farm on which this story takes place and resides in West Bloomfield, Michigan

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)

Connie Bergstein Dow, MFA'76

Dance, Turn, Hop, Learn! Enriching Movement Activities for Preschoolers, Redleaf Press, 2006

The book: Dance, Turn, Hop, Learn! features 38 movement lessons built around common early childhood curriculum themes, such as animals, seasons, colors, and shapes, all keyed to the Head Start early childhood learning standards. The lessons provide fun and accessible ways to encourage young children to learn the way they learn best-with their bodies! All of the exercises can be implemented as a self-contained movement curriculum or as a supplement to an existing curriculum.

The author: Connie Dow received her MFA degree in Dance from the University of Michigan. She has performed and taught dance in Michigan, New York, Venezuela, and Guatemala, as well as in Cincinnati. She currently lives in Wyoming, Ohio.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)

Jim Keen, '89

Inside Intermarriage: A Christian Partner's Perspective, URJ Press, 2006

The book: For interfaith couples, finding a spiritual balance while navigating each other's religious and cultural traditions can test even the best of relationships. This book explores the author's challenges and he shares his own journey as a Christian father helping his Jewish wife raise their children in the Jewish faith.

The author: Jim Keen met his wife at U-M. They currently live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Wayne Smith, '60

What If ... What Then? Little Acorn Press, 2006

The book: According to the author, western science tells us that reality is wildly different than what our common sense tells us. Ancient Eastern philosophy, he asserts, holds the same view. "What If � What Then" explores these parallel worldviews.

The author: Wayne Smith also is the author of The Hole of the Third Eye: A Fable of Golf, Zen and Life and of Time Out: Using Visible Pull Systems. He resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)

Ronne Gleason, '76

Moments at Anchor Bay High (Souls on Fire), Goose River Press, 2006

The book: This work is a compilation of letters, essays, poems and meditations submitted to the student athletes, coaches and librarians at Anchor Bay High over a sixteen-year period.

The author: Ronne Gleason is also the author of "A Single Eye of Light." He is a member of the American Naturopathic Medical Association and the Evangelical Philosophical Society - Biola University. He currently resides in Chesterfield Township, Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)

Laura Geist, '84, and Susan Sorensen

Praying Through Cancer, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006

The book: Praying through Cancer is a 90-day devotional guide for women who have experienced cancer. The book uses scriptures, personal stories and practical tips to encourage the reader through a difficult time.

The author: Laura Geist is a former Michigan Daily writer. This is her first book. She currently resides in Beverly Hills, Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)

Paul Ruschmann, JD'76, and Maryanne Nasiatka

Michigan Breweries, Stackpole Books, 2006

The book: Mchigan's brewing industry has grown from just a handful of brewers to more than 70 in the space of two years. They produce everything from pilsners to imperial stouts that are stronger than most wines. This book relates the story of the people who built the state's breweries and who brew the beer. It also provides information for readers who would like to visit Michigan breweries.

The author: Paul Ruschmann has produced seven books in the "Point/Counterpoint" series by Chelsea House Publishers, including: Legalizing Marijuana; Mandatory Military Service; The FCC and Regulating Indecency; The War on Terror; Media Bias; Tort Reform; and Miranda Rights. Another title, Private Property Rights, is due to be published in 2007. He lives in Canton, Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)

Bradford Stone '51, JD'54

Uniform Commercial Code in a Nutshell, 6th Edition, Thomson/West, 2005

The book: This volume contains an overview of the Uniform Commercial Code of the United States. The code purports to deal with all the phases that may ordinarily arise in the handling of a commercial transaction, from start to finish.

The author: Bradford Stone is also the author and editor of West's Legal Forms from 1971-2001. He resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:39 AM | Comments (0)

Eddie Erlandson, '67, MD'72, MDRES'76, and Kate Ludeman

The Alpha Male Syndrome, Harvard Business School Press, 2006

The book: Alphas - who are predominantly male - may be aggressive achievers who get things done, but, these authors say, their potential for explosive anger and ruthless competitiveness can be bad for business. Husband-and-wife consulting team Ludeman and Erlandson steer Alphas and those who work with them away from dysfunction and towards productivity.

The author: Eddie Erlandson has a background as a vascular surgeon for 25 years and is a former hospital chief of staff. He is also a founder of a respected wellness program. He resides in Austin, Texas.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:37 AM | Comments (0)

Alan Bernstein, '62, and John Trauth

Your Retirement, Your Way, McGraw-Hill, 2007

The book: After years of focusing on career and family, most of us embark on the next phase of life with only a vague idea of what will make us happy. But you can guarantee yourself a long and successful retirement with "Your Retirement, Your Way!" Its revolutionary retirement planning approach combines a powerful self-assessment system based on the Birkman Method--a personality assessment system used by companies and government agencies worldwide--with sophisticated financial planning tools and step-by-step guidelines that allow you to define your ideal retirement environment, determine where you are now financially and where you want to be, and map out a solid plan for realizing your dreams in the shortest time possible.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:36 AM | Comments (0)

Matt Wray, '87

Not Quite White: White Trash and the Boundaries of Whiteness, Duke University Press, 2006

The book: White trash. The phrase conjures up images of dirty rural folk who are poor, ignorant, violent, and incestuous. But where did this stigmatizing phrase come from? And why do these stereotypes persist? Matt Wray answers these and other questions by delving into the long history behind this term of abuse and others like it. Ranging from the early 1700s to the early 1900s, "Not Quite White" documents the origins and transformations of the multiple meanings projected on to poor rural whites in the United States. Wray draws on a wide variety of primary sources to construct a dense archive of changing collective representations of poor whites. Part historical inquiry and part sociological investigation, "Not Quite White" demonstrates the power of social categories and boundaries to shape social relationships and institutions, to invent groups where none exist, and to influence policies and legislation that end up harming the very people they aim to help. It illuminates not only the cultural significance and consequences of poor white stereotypes, but also how dominant whites exploited and expanded these stereotypes to bolster and defend their own fragile claims to whiteness.

The author: Matt Wray is an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a 2006-08 Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholar at Harvard University.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)

Terrence N. Hill, '65, and Steve Chandler

Two Guys Read Moby-Dick: Musings on Melville's Whale and Other Strange Topics, Robert D. Reed Publishers, 2006

The book: In 1960, two high school friends were assigned to read, as part of their English class, the Herman Melville novel Moby-Dick. Neither one of them read it. Four decades later, plagued by feelings of guilt at never having read "The Great American Novel," the two friends grab for belated gusto. They vow to go in search again of the big fish and this time actually read Moby-Dick rather than just passing the test on it. Over the six months of their reading odyssey, the authors wrote a series of letters and e-mails chronicling their experience and encouraging each other's progress. This body of correspondence is now a book. Actually, the reading of Moby-Dick is just a platform. And while it is the primary substance of the book, the writers do not worry themselves much about staying within subject matter boundaries. The letters also touch on: their 50-year friendship, growing old, Alex Rodriguez, the War in Iraq, Bob Dylan, speculation on the chances of getting sick in Mexico, the true story of how Hemingway got to Sweden, the cause of nightmares, Bebe Rebozo, Vladimir Nabokov, redemption and death. As you can tell by the last two items, the authors are not afraid to tackle the "big themes," meaning, of course, there is Nobel Prize potential here. "Two Guys Read Moby-Dick" will have you laughing from start to finish, and pondering life's many mysteries, of course!

The author: Terrence N. Hill worked for more than 30 years in advertising, beginning as a copywriter and later running agencies in New York and Europe. He has published poetry, essays and short fiction and was the writer for two CBC-TV (Canada) documentary series. In 2005, Terry's first play, "Hamlet - The Sequel," won the Playhouse on the Green playwriting competition.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)

John Rich BA '48, MA '49, HLHD '02

Warm Up the Snake, The University of Michigan Press, 2006

The book: Warm Up the Snake" is the sprawling, backstage chronicle of John Rich's legendary career as a television and film director. Written from an insider's perspective, "Warm Up the Snake" is packed with unforgettable stories of the larger-than-life personalities, Hollywood deals, and groundbreaking productions that helped define two generations of television and film. Rich offers a new angle on the entertainment industry---a fascinating tell-all into the world behind the cameras and microphones. As director and producer of dozens of radio, TV, and film hits, Rich enjoyed a career that spanned half a century and began virtually from the birth of television. Much more than simply a star-studded hit parade, "Warm Up the Snake" also reveals some amazing, rarely seen observations on the art, business, and politics of filmmaking, directing and producing. Not only was Rich an accomplished director, he also was an innovator who rightly garners credit for many of the tricks of the trade we now take for granted. "Warm Up the Snake" is a must-have for film and TV buffs, Hollywood aficionados, or anyone interested in some of the greatest decades of American television and film.

The author: John Rich directed and produced some of the most well-known and beloved shows in television history, including The Dick Van Dyke Show, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Maude, Good Times, Barney Miller, Newhart, Benson, The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, and many more. His feature film credits include Wives and Lovers; Boeing, Boeing; and Roustabout, starring Elvis Presley; as well as the live telecast of the opening day ceremonies of Disneyland in 1955. He won an Emmy for The Dick Van Dyke Show, two Emmys for All in the Family, and two Golden Globes for All in the Family.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:32 AM | Comments (0)

Roy Smith BS '50

Born to Serve, JCarp Publications LLC, 2006

The book: The autobiography of Roy Smith.

The author: Roy Smith has a history of service, serving the Marine Corps 1943-45, serving on the Ypsilanti Township Board of Tax Review and the Washtenaw County Board of Supervisors, and launching a political career in the House of Representatives in 1967. He has continued to have deep involvement in local and national political arenas and is now married to the former Shirley Sanford, has three children, and is a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and the American Legion.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:30 AM | Comments (0)

Karen Skalitzky MA '96

Recipe for Hope: Stories of Transformation by People Struggling with Homelessness, ACTA Publications, 2006

The book: A Recipe for Hope: Stories of Transformation by People Struggling with Homelessness dispels the misconceptions around homelessness through first-person accounts by some of Chicago's most diverse voices. This text demonstrates how this often faceless problem affects everyone, regardless of race, color, creed or economic status.

The author: Karen Skalitzky is a former Teach for America corps member and now volunteers with Inspiration Corporation, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to helping the homeless back to self-sufficiency. She resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)

Harriette Pipes McAdoo, PhD '70

Black Families, 4th edition, Sage Publications, 2006

The book: The book remains the most complete assessment of black families available in both depth and breadth of coverage. Cross-disciplinary in nature, the book features contributions from such fields as family studies, anthropology, education, psychology, social work, and public policy.

The author: Harriette Pipes McAdoo is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, Department of Family and Child Ecology. Previously, she was Professor at Howard University in the School of Social Work and Visiting Lecturer at Smith College, the University of Washington, and the University of Minnesota. She currently lives in Okemos, Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:26 AM | Comments (0)

Sylvia S. Hacker, PhD '77

What Every Teenager Wants to Know about Sex: With the Startling New Information Parents Should Read, Carroll and Graf, 1993

The book: This is an overview of the negative history of sexuality in this country, and the author's responses to many important questions from teenagers.

The author: Sylvia Hacker is a former recipient of the Mae Edna Doyle Teacher of the Year award and the Family Planning Service Award. She is affiliated with UMRA, AASECT, and Planned Parenthood, and is an alumna of the School of Public Health and the School of Education. She resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)

Tobias Gregory, MA'95, PhD'99

From Many Gods to One: Divine Action in Renaissance Epic, U of Chicago Press, 2006

The book: From Many Gods to One offers the first comparative study of poetic approaches to the problem of epic divine action. Through readings of Petrarch, Vida, Ariosto, Tasso, and Milton, Tobias Gregory describes the narrative and ideological consequences of the epic's turn from pagan to Christian.

The author: Tobias Gregory is assistant professor of literature at Claremont McKenna College. He resides in Claremont, California.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)

Lou Gifford, '75

Las Vegas—Your Way, Booksurge, 2003

The book: This vacation guidebook highlights the entertainment available in Las Vegas. It summarizes Las Vegas shows, dining, transportation, tours and other attractions. It also includes a gambling guide and provides information to help the Vegas traveler with money management and gambling skills for most table games, slots and video poker.

The author: Lou Gifford is a resident of Saginaw, Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:21 AM | Comments (0)

August Bolino, '48, MBA '49

The Kid and the Clipper, Kensington Historical Press, 2006

The book: This work traces the parallel careers of Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, from their lives before baseball, their accomplishments on the field and how they conducted their lives after baseball.

The author: August Bolino is the author of The Ellis Island Source Book in 1990, an authoritative book on the history and restoration of the island, and of From Depression to War in 1998. He currently resides in Silver Spring, Maryland

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)

Shyam Bhakta, '96

"Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells for Myocardial Regeneration and Angiogenesis" in Stem Cells and Myocardial Regeneration, edited by Marc S. Penn, Humana Press, 2006.

The book: Stem Cells and Myocardial Regeneration is a comprehensive bench to bedside examination of stem cell-based therapies for cardiac dysfunction. This volume emphasizes the near epidemic status of chronic heart failure in the United States and abroad, and evaluates the level of success and failure of current optimal medical therapy.

The author: Shyam Bhakta is a member of the Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity and the Phi Lambda Upsilon National Honorary Chemical Society. He is currently affiliated with the University of Colorado Health Services Center and lives in Denver, Colorado.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:18 AM | Comments (0)

David J. Maurrasse, '89

Listening to Harlem: Gentrification, Community, and Business, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, 2006

The book: Harlem is flourishing. Many say a second Renaissance is happening above 120th Street. Magic Johnson opened a major theater, Bill Clinton has centered his post-presidential offices there, countless homes have been restored to their former glory, and, not without controversy, many whites are flocking to the neighborhood. But what will this gentrification do to Harlem, and how will it change life for Harlem's longtime residents? As communities and businesses struggle with differing motivations and needs, David Maurrasse looks at ways they can work together to form partnerships. Listening to Harlem offers an exciting portrait of the struggles confronting one of America's most important neighborhoods. This engaging read will appeal to anyone with an interest in how the neighborhood is faring today, as well as those involved professionally and socially in urban development.

The author: David Maurrasse is the founder, president and CEO of Marga Incorporated, a consulting firm in New York that forges partnerships and engages institutional clients in strategic planning processes to leverage resources and achieve broad social benefit. Maurrasse is also an Associate Research Scholar at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and the author of Beyond the Campus: How Colleges and Universities Form Partnerships with their Communities.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:16 AM | Comments (0)

Frederick A. Horowitz, MFA'64 and Brenda Danilowitz

Josef Albers: To Open Eyes, Phaidon Press, 2006

The book: "Josef Albers: To Open Eyes" focuses on how the legendary artist Josef Albers influenced generations of artists, architects, and designers. Marking the 30th anniversary of Albers's death, the book examines his life and teaching methods, and reveals his philosophies on art, life, and the nature of perception based on first-hand accounts of more than 175 students and colleagues spanning more than 40 years. This book provides not only a compelling study of a key figure of 20th century art, but also ponders what constitutes art and how it is made and taught.

The author: Frederick A. Horowitz, a former student of Josef Albers at Yale in the 1950s, taught art at Washtenaw Community College and the University of Michigan School of Art and Design.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)

Frank Eugene Beaver, PhD '70

Dictionary of Film Terms: The Aesthetic Companion to Film Art, Peter Lang Publishing, Inc, 2006

The book: For more than twenty years Frank Eugene Beaver's Dictionary of Film Terms has been a standard reference for the study of films and filmmaking. This updated, expanded edition includes descriptions of the latest developments in such areas as animation, special effects, and sound aesthetics and includes numerous stills from classic and contemporary films. A trusted, practical handbook, Dictionary of Film Terms clearly and concisely defines the essential terms of film analysis, appreciation, and production, with a special focus on the aesthetic values of filmmaking. Extensive cross-referencing among individual definitions ensures easy access to specific terms, and a comprehensive topical index relates to larger concepts of film art by grouping them under such wide-ranging categories as editing, cinematography, composition, and lighting. Dictionary of Film Terms is a valuable compendium of definitions of aesthetic techniques (ambient sound, camera angle, process shot), theoretical concepts (auteur criticism, film acting), styles (Hitchcockian, naturalist, neorealist), and genres (film noir, screwball comedy) that together comprise the language of motion-picture expression. Students of film and weekend movie buffs will find it a useful companion for better understanding the art of film.

The author: Frank Eugene Beaver is professor emeritus of Communication and Film and Video Studies at U-M where he has been teaching film for thirty-five years. In 1989 he was named Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Communication. He has served as Chair of the Department of Communication and as Director of the Masters Program in Telecommunication Arts and Film.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)

Liza Nelson, '72

Playing Botticelli, Putnam, 2000.

The book: The plot of novel centers on a child's search for her father in the context of the generation gap between a hippie mother and her conservative daughter.

The author: After graduating from U-M, Liza Nelson settled in Atlanta, where she has been a biweekly columnist for The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Nelson has written essays for The New York Times, Glamour, and McCall's, and her poetry has appeared in Ploughshares and other journals. She lives in Newnan, Georgia.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:05 AM | Comments (0)

K.C. Frederick, '56, MA'58, PhD'63

Inland, Permanent Press, 2006.

The book: Set on a small Midwestern state college campus in the fall of 1959, Frederick's story follows graduate student and freshman English teacher Ted Riley as he navigates love, loss, family and new relationships in the McCarthy era.

The author: K.C. Frederick's short stories have been published in collections of Best American Short Stories and the Pushcart Prize. His work has won him a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. He currently resides in West Newton, Massachusetts.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)

John Dicke, '70

Proof Evident, Synergy Press, 2006

The book: According to the author, western science tells us that reality is wildly different than what our common sense tells us. Ancient Eastern philosophy, he asserts, holds the same view. "What If � What Then" explores these parallel worldviews.

The author: John Dicke handled criminal cases as a public defender in Ohio and Colorado and was a regional counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. As a former forensic psychologist, Dicke was involved in complex forensic cases, including those of serial killers and rapists. He resides in Morrison, Colorado.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)

Jennifer Coburn, '88

Tales from the Crib, Kensington, 2006

The book: This romantic comedy of errors explores what happens when a husband asks for a divorce the same day his wife gets a positive pregnancy test result. UM alumni star in this novel, and Ann Arbor serves as a backdrop in some chapters.

The author: Jennifer Coburn is also the author of The Wife of Reilly, Reinventing Mona, and The Queen Gene (due in February 2007). She resides in San Diego, California.

Posted by tobiaslw at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)

Katharine Beaman, '92

The Translator, PublishAmerica, 2006

The book: This historic romantic novel plays in 1945 post-war Germany. The ill-fated love affair between a British volunteer, Elizabeth Hedrige, and Frederich von Hohendorf, a married German aristocrat, set the stage for an emotional encounter. Hidden Nazi weapons factories and American and Russian secret agents pepper this story of unwitting pawns in the chess game of history.

The author: Katharine Beaman lives in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where she is a member of a local writers group. She is the mother of three, two of whom are U-M graduates.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:58 AM | Comments (0)

Jay Levin, '78

The Inn at Little Washington: A Pictorial Guide to the Famed Restaurant and its Cuisine, Lebhar-Friedman Books, 2000.

The book: This is the story of how a businessman and an artist combined their talents to open a magnificent inn, one of America's most renowned country retreats.

The author: Jay Levin is a writer and editor for The Record of Hackensack, N.J. (northern New Jersey). He has written extensively about food and travel for newspapers and magazines.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:56 AM | Comments (0)

Lawrence I. Berkove, professor emeritus of English, UM-Dearborn

The Old West in the Old World: Lost Plays by Bret Harte and Sam Davis, University of New Mexico Press, 2006.

The book: The two plays in this collection, 'The Luck of Roaring Camp,' by Bret Harte, and 'The Prince of Timbuctoo,' by Sam Davis, were written by "Old West" authors as the nineteenth century transitioned into the twentieth. Both plays are original treatments of Americans in the Old World - France and Africa, respectively. Hitherto, both plays were lost - never published, and forgotten. At first glance, the plays appear to be very different. Harte greatly revised his famous short story to turn its title character into an attractive ingenue sent by her mining camp foster parents to acquire an education and polish in France. There, she and the son of an aristocratic family fall in love and confront complications of class and money. In Davis' play, a comic opera, three Americans come to Timbuctoo to exploit it. But, two of them decide to support the young prince of the kingdom who is trying to gain his rightful throne and marry the girl of his choice. Despite malicious intrigues, both works end happily, reflecting their authors' Old West beliefs in a society where character takes precedence over birth. Both plays besides being valuable additions to the literature of the period are intrinsically entertaining.

The author: Berkove is an internationally known scholar of American literature of 19th and 20th centuries, and is recognized as an authority on Ambrose Bierce, Mark Twain, Jack London and the writers of the "Sagebrush School." He has written more than 125 articles and notes and 10 books and monographs.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:55 AM | Comments (0)

Lawrence Goldstein, professor of English, U-M College of LSA

Writing Ann Arbor, The University of Michigan Press, 2005.

The book: Writing Ann Arbor collects fiction, essay, poetry, memoir, and drama by Max Apple, Charles Baxter, Sven Birkerts, Donald Hall, Robert Hayden, Jane Kenyon, Thomas Lynch, Ross Macdonald, Frank O'Hara, Marge Piercy, Dudly Randall, Elwood Reid, Bob Ufer, Wendy Wasserstein, and Nancy Willard, among others.

The anthology is eclectic and engaging, with many wonderful surprises: an essay on the Underground Railroad in Ann Arbor; on basketball legend Cazzie Russell, an essay by Arthur Miller; an excerpt from Joyce Carol Oates' "All the Good People I've Left Behind"; a selection from "Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table" by food writer and Gourmet magazine editor Ruth Reichl; and much more.

This is more than a series of portraits on Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan; it is a miniature time capsule, a look into the shifting cultural currents of the last two centuries from some of the greatest thinkers and writers of that time.

The author: Poet and literary scholar Laurence Goldstein is Professor of English at the University of Michigan and Editor of the Michigan Quarterly Review. He is the author of three books of poetry and several books of literary criticism.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:53 AM | Comments (0)

Martha Bennett Stiles, '54

One Among the Indians, Authors Guild Back-in-Print, 2006.

The book: The Jamestown colony was far from what young Tom Savage had imagined. After a perilous journey from England as a cabin boy with Captain Newport, Tom hoped that Jamestown would fulfill its promise of peace and plenty. It was full of political jealousies, fear, and starvation and offered little hope for the wealth he had expected. In trying to reach a peace with the mighty Powhatan, Chief of the Pamunkeys, Captain Newport is forced to use Tom as a tool in the arrangements. Thus, Tom is temporarily left to live with Powhatan alone among the Indians.

He develops a deep loyalty and affection for Pokatawer, son of Powhatan. It is through this friendship that he quickly learns the language and ways of the tribe and becomes involved in a struggle against death in the person of the tribal priest. Tom's stay with the tribe is extended as he repeatedly misses contact with Captain Newport. His position becomes increasingly dangerous and unpredictable as the English and the Indians fight desperately for control of the New World.

The author: Martha Bennett Stiles was born in the Philippine Islands, but grew up in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. "One Among the Indians," her first novel for young readers, is set around a bend in the James River from her girlhood home, "Innisfree." There she grew up milking goats and shearing sheep, experiences she drew on for her fourth young adult novel, "Kate of Still Waters."

At the University of Michigan, she majored in chemistry. After graduation from U. of M., she worked for DuPont in Virginia until her marriage to a chemistry professor removed her to Ann Arbor, Michigan for 23 years. Today, she and her husband breed thoroughbreds on their farm in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:49 AM | Comments (0)

Christine Kole MacLean, '82

How It's Done, Flux/Llewellyn, 2006.

The book: It isn't easy being a Passedge. Brought up in a God-fearing home, 18-year-old Grace feels trapped in a "suburban Alcatraz" by her overbearing father. Then she crosses paths with Michael Irving, a visiting professor at the local college and suddenly they are dating secretly. Attractive, worldly and more likely to quote Shelley than scripture, Michael is everything Grace has ever dreamed of--and he loves her. Through him, she begins to see things differently. Freedom brings with it unanticipated complications, though, and Grace emerges from a cage only to find herself in a maze. She quickly discovers that being involved with an older man is not all poetry and chardonnay.

The author: Christine Kole MacLean grew up on a farm in western Michigan in the 1960s preferring reading and riding her horse to farm chores. She is the author of four books for children; this is her first book for teens.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:48 AM | Comments (0)

Ellen Dreyer

The Glow Stone, Peachtree Publishers, 2006.

The book: Fifteen-year-old Phoebe Bernstein (a.k.a. Spider) has been collecting rocks since she was a child. She keeps her prized specimens in a musty underground garage, stored in the drawers of an old desk that was a gift from her beloved young uncle, Bradford. But Bradford's sudden death triggers a chain of events that threaten to overwhelm Spider and her family. As her grieving mother descends into depression, her older sister remains remote and her father strangely silent. The pressure grows even worse when Spider unwittingly discovers a disturbing family secret. On the weekend of Bradford's tombstone unveiling, Spider tries to briefly escape-and becomes hopelessly lost while exploring a labyrinth of caves. In the utter blackness she hears a strangely familiar voice beckoning her deeper into the mysterious but oddly welcoming underground world. Soon she will learn the truth about what happened to Uncle Bradford�but will she ever find her way out of the darkness?

The author: Ellen Dreyer is a freelance editor and the author of several picture and chapter books, including "Making Lily Laugh," "Speechless in New York," and "The Knee-High Man." She also teaches creative writing to elementary and junior high school classes. She lives in Maplewood, New Jersey. "The Glow Stone" is her first novel for young adults.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:46 AM | Comments (0)

Deborah Bodin Cohen, '90

Lilith's Ark: Teenage Tales of Biblical Women, Jewish Publication Society of America, 2006.

The book: The women of Torah grew up at a time when gender roles were rigidly defined and girls were considered women at an early age. Still, the Torah hints that young biblical women faced challenges similar to those that teenagers encounter today, including first loves, burgeoning identities, developing sexualities and blossoming spirituality. Building on textual sources, Deborah Bodin Cohen has created a collection of midrashim about the teen years of 10 women in Genesis that will resonate with 21st-century readers.

The author: Rabbi Deborah Cohen was ordained in 1997 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. She is the rabbi for Lifelong Education at Temple Emanuel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She recently published her first children's book, "The Seventh Day."

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:45 AM | Comments (0)

Michael Caduto, MS'81

Abraham's Bind and Other Bible Tales of Trickery, Folly, Mercy and Love, Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006.

The book: With insight, thoughtfulness and wit, these provocative and entertaining re-imaginings of stories from the Bible highlight the ways God can work for and through us, even today. Through multifaceted characters, original stories and vivid natural imagery, Caduto brings this ancient world to life.

The author: Michael J. Caduto is a renowned author, educator and storyteller who has written and coauthored fifteen books, including the "Keepers of the Earth" series, "In the Beginning: The Story of Genesis and Earth Activities for Children," "A Child of God," "Earth Tales from Around the World," and "The Crimson Elf." His awards include the Aesop Prize, NAPPA Gold and Silver Awards and a Storytelling World Award.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)

Jeffrey Lewis Williams, '82

The Cheek Family Chronicles of America, England and Australia: A 700 Year History, Kinfolk Research Press, 2004.

The book: This text, winner of the 2005 Robert Bruce Cooke Family History Award, chronicles the genealogies of over 8,600 individuals with the surname Cheek, including Rear Admiral, Michael Case Cheek, USN who was aboard the USS Missouri for the Japanese Surrender in WWII;U.S. Ambassador, James Richard Cheek; Olympic Bronze Medal speed skater, Joey Cheek; Maxwell House Coffee founder, Joel Owsley Cheek, and16th century tutor to King Edward VI, Sir John Cheke, among others. The text also includes demographic data, anecdotes, and hundreds of photographs.

The Author: Jeffrey Lewis Williams served as vice president and a corporate controller at a computer company before taking a sabbatical to research and write an extensive history on his mother's side of the family - the Cheeks.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:42 AM | Comments (0)

Nadine White, '70

The Dinosaur Papers: 1676-1906, HarperCollins, 2003.

The Book: This unique collection is a journey of discovery through one of the most exciting periods of science. Here is the history of paleontology, spanning from the discovery of the first dinosaur bone by Robert Plot (which he mistook as a leg bone from an extinct race of giant humans) to the discovery and classification of T. rex. What makes this collection truly unique is that the editors have included translations of classic European papers, giving their story a global focus. Each section of the book is accompanied by a commentary from the editors that puts each paper in context. The artwork is outstanding, containing all the classic dinosaur sketches, including the "missing link" between dinosaurs and birds: Archaeopteryx.

The Author: Nadine M. White is an award-winning television documentary producer and senior staff systems engineer at Lockheed.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:41 AM | Comments (0)

Sidonie Smith, '66, MA'66

Before They Could Vote: American Women's Autobiographical Writing, University of Wisconsin Press, 2006.

The book: The life narratives in this collection are by ethnically diverse women of energy and ambition-some well known, some forgotten over generations-who confronted barriers of gender, class, race, and sexual difference as they pursued or adapted to adventurous new lives in a rapidly changing America. The engaging selections-from captivity narratives to letters, manifestos, criminal confessions, and childhood sketches-span a hundred years in which women increasingly asserted themselves publicly. Some rose to positions of prominence as writers, activists, and artists; some sought education or wrote to support themselves and their families; some transgressed social norms in search of new possibilities. Each woman's story is strikingly individual, yet the brief narratives in this anthology collectively chart bold new visions of women's agency.

The Author: Sidonie Smith is Martha Guernsey Colby Collegiate Professor of English and Women's Studies and chair of the Department of English at the University of Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:39 AM | Comments (0)

Roy G. Phillips, PhD'71

Exodus from the Door of No Return: Journey of an American Family, AuthorHouse, 2006.

The book: As a graduate student in 1968 at the University of Michigan, Roy G. Phillips heeded the advice of renowned genealogist and author Alex Haley, who encouraged eager researcher to record the history and wisdom of his family elders while they were still alive. Phillips followed this advice and has produced a masterful and compelling account of family and society during the arduous racial maturation of America. Through the experiences of his family, Phillips traces the evolution of his family's departure from the slave castles of West Africa to America.

The Author: The author began his schooling during the early forties in a two-room schoolhouse in rural Minden, Louisiana, where black and white children could not share a schoolyard. Since then, he has earned an M. Ed. In Education from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan with emphasis in Science Education and a PhD in Urban Secondary Administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has been a National Science Fellow, a secondary school teacher, a junior high school principal and a college president.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)

Eleanor Payson, MSW'83

The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love and Family, Julian Day Publications, 2002.

The book: Using simple metaphors from the American classic, "The Wizard of Oz," Payson illustrates how Dorothy's journey captures all the seductive illusions and challenges that occur when we encounter the narcissist. Empowering the reader with the ABCs of unhealthy narcissism and the unique problems that occur when a person becomes involved with the narcissist, Payson gives step-by-step practical tools to identify, protect, and heal from these destructive relationships.

The Author: Eleanor D. Payson, M.S.W., is a licensed marital and family therapist, practicing individual and marital therapy since 1983. She speaks nationally on the subject of relationship therapy and ADHD.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:36 AM | Comments (0)

Natalia Molina, MA'97, PhD'01

Fit to Be Citizens? Public Health and Race in Los Angeles: 1879-1939, University of California Press, 2006.

The book: "Fit to Be Citizens?" demonstrates how both science and public health shaped the meaning of race in the early twentieth century. Through a careful examination of the experiences of Mexican, Japanese, and Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles, Natalia Molina illustrates the many ways local health officials used complexly constructed concerns about public health to demean, diminish, discipline, and ultimately define racial groups. She shows how the racialization of Mexican Americans was not simply a matter of legal exclusion or labor exploitation, but rather that scientific discourses and public health practices played a key role in assigning negative racial characteristics to the group. Its rich archival grounding provides a valuable history of public health in Los Angeles, living conditions among Mexican immigrants, and the ways in which regional racial categories influence national laws and practices. Molina's compelling study advances our understanding of the complexity of racial politics, attesting that racism is not static and that different groups can occupy different places in the racial order at different times.

The Author: Natalia Molina is Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Urban Studies at the University of California, San Diego.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:35 AM | Comments (0)

Edgar McCormick, MA'37, PhD'50

Yesterday's Scholars: A Chronicle of Education, 1932-1979, Kirk House Publishers, 2001

The book: "Yesterday's Scholars" is a chronicle of higher education and academic life during the great Depression, World War II, and the troubled eras of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Using vignettes, letters he sent and received, and reminiscence, Edgar McCormick takes us along a on a journey -- the quietly dramatic episodes of his career as a student and teacher. More bemused than critical, he vividly and frankly recreates his 47 years at four very different institutions of higher education, recalling with understanding and wonder the satisfactions and challenges of academic life.

The Author: Since 1918 when he was four years old, Edgar L. McCormick's home has been the Ohio farm on which he grew up. In 1936, with honors in English, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University. His graduate degrees (M.A. and PhD) are from the University of Michigan where he was also a teaching fellow in English, 1939-1941 and 1945-1946. McCormick headed the departments of English at Florence State College in Alabama, 1946-1950, and at Bethany College in West Virginia, 1950-1954. He returned to his home in Brimfield, Ohio, in 1954 to teach at Kent State University, head of the freshman English program, 1955-1960, coordinate the American Studies program, 1966-1978, and serve as assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, 1964-1969, and as Associate Dean, 1969-1970. After teaching in the University's Honors College, 1978-1979, he retired as Emeritus Professor of English. His eleven books include four collections of his poems.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:33 AM | Comments (0)

Fredric Alan Maxwell, '79

Bad Boy Ballmer, Collins, 2003

The Book: The unauthorized biography of an immigrant's son who became a multibillionaire working for Bill Gates, and probably the highest-paid employee in American history. In January 2000, Bill Gates gave his vast responsibilities and title of Microsoft CEO to his best friend Steve Ballmer, a man relatively unknown to the public. Based on in-depth study and interviews with classmates and Microsoft insiders, Fredric Alan Maxwell vividly brings to life one of the technology industry's most colorful and controversial figures: Steven Anthony Ballmer. From Ballmer's relatively humble suburban Detroit beginnings (where he and his archrival Scott McNealy went to competing high schools) and his 1974 meeting with Gates in a Harvard dorm, Maxwell richly details how the competition addicts Ballmer and Gates have worked together for the past twenty years to form Microsoft's ego and id. The up-by-the-bootstraps saga reveals both the good boy Ballmer -- the dedicated son, great friend, and supportive schoolmate -- and the bad boy Ballmer -- the ruthless businessman who earned the nickname "The Em-balmer."

The Book: Fredric Alan Maxwell is a New Yorker-profiled researcher and writer whose work has appeared in a wide range of publications, from Library Juice and Lefthander's magazine through Newsweek, Harper's, The New Yorker, and the New York Times Magazine. A library activist, he has thrice testified before Congress concerning public access to the Library of Congress.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:31 AM | Comments (0)

Eleanor Janice Law, '63

Yield: A Judge's Fir$t-Year Diary, Eakin Press, 2006

The book: "...If our courts are just theaters and not places of justice, where as a nation are we headed?..." This excerpted juror's letter is one of many Judge Janice Law weaves into the electrifying narrative of her rookie year on a county criminal court bench in America's fourth largest city. What is it really like to be a judge? Accepting a suggestion from instructors at New Judge's School, Janice Law, a former print journalist, kept a meticulous daily diary of her explosive first year as judge in Harris County, (Houston) Texas, Criminal Court No. 5.

The Author: Judge Janice Law writes from her unique position as former Texas criminal court judge and journalist. She has worked as both a federal and state prosecutor, and has also done indigent criminal defense. Before becoming an attorney, she worked for 14 years as a journalist, including as a stringer for The New York Times. Her journalistic work is included in "Professional Newswriting" by Dr. Hiley Ward, (1985) Harcourt Brace Jovanovich; "The Mass Media" by Dr. William L. Rivers (1975) Harper and Row; and "The Effete Conspiracy and Other Crimes by the Press" by Ben H. Bagdikian (1972) Harper and Row. She currently serves as a visiting judge.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:29 AM | Comments (0)

Gabrielle Langdon, PhD, '92

Medici Women: Portraits of Power, Love and Betrayal from the Court of Duke Cosimo I, University of Toronto Press, 2006

The book: The ducal court of Cosimo I de' Medici in sixteenth-century Florence was one of absolutist, rule-bound order. Portraiture especially served the dynastic pretensions of the absolutist ruler, Duke Cosimo and his consort, Eleonora di Toledo, and was part of a Herculean program of propaganda to establish legitimacy and prestige for the new sixteenth-century Florentine court. In this engaging and original study, Gabrielle Langdon analyses selected portraits of women by Jacopo Pontormo, Agnolo Bronzino, Alessandro Allori, and other masters. She defines their function as works of art, as dynastic declarations, and as encoded documents of court culture and propaganda, illuminating Cosimo's conscious fashioning of his court portraiture in imitation of the great courts of Europe. Langdon explores the use of portraiture as a vehicle to express Medici political policy, such as with Cosimo's Hapsburg and Papal alliances in his bid to be made Grand Duke with hegemony over rival Italian princes. Stories from archives, letters, diaries, chronicles, and secret ambassadorial briefs, open up a world of fascinating, personalities, personal triumphs, human frailty, rumor, intrigue, and appalling tragedies. Lavishly illustrated, "Medici Women: Portraits of Power, Love and Betrayal in the Court of Duke Cosimo I" is an indispensable work for anyone with a passion for Italian renaissance history, art, and court culture.

The Author: Gabrielle Langdon is an independent scholar and former curator who has taught Renaissance art history in Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)

Janice Glimm-Lacy, '73

Botany Illustrated, Second Edition, Springer, 2006

The book: This easy-to-use book helps the plant novice acquire a wealth of fascinating information about plants. There are 130 pages with text, each facing 130 pages of beautiful illustrations. Included is a coloring guide for the realistic illustrations. The illustration pages are composed of scientifically accurate line drawings with the true sizes of the plants indicated. Using colored pencils and the authors' instructions, one can color the various plant structures to stand out in vivid clarity. The book's emphasis is on flowering plants, which dominate the earth. Drawings show common houseplants, vegetables, fruits, landscape plants, common weeds, wild flowers, desert plants, water plants, and crop plants. The reader will find plants used for food, ornamentals, lumber, medicines, herbs, dyes, and fertilizers, whether wild or poisonous, or of special importance to our Earth's ecosystem. Thus, this beautiful book will be of great value to students, scientists, artists, crafters, naturalists, home gardeners, teachers, and all plant lovers.

The Author: Janice Glimn-Lacy, is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in botany. Since 1976 she has been a free-lance botanical illustrator and is Instructor of Botanical drawing and illustration for The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens Adult Education Program.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)

Cecilia Kochanowski, '84

Plumbersutra: The Art of Living in the Suburbs, iUniverse, 20066

The book: After several years in Europe, author Cecilia Kochanowski returns to the United States with her husband and two daughters. Sadly resigning themselves to the fact that they cannot afford to return to a Manhattan home, and while wasted on jet lag, Kochanowski manages to buy a faded yellow cottage in a sleepy village nestled in the Hudson Valley. When moving day actually comes, Kochanowski wishes it away, even though she spent months anticipating the momentous occasion. All aspects of the move back to the States are a shock: the commute to work is long, the local varmints voracious, and the cottage nearly blows up from a gas leak only five days after the family moves in. Although she is a product of the American suburbs, Kochanowski quickly realizes that she no longer remembers how to live in the country of her birth.

The Author: Cecilia Kochanowski escaped a suburb north of Chicago when she was seventeen. She now lives with her husband and two daughters in a small village in the Hudson River Valley.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:25 AM | Comments (0)

Alan Goldenbach, '98

Trevon Jenifer: From the Ground Up, Sports Publishing LLC, 2006

The book: It's impossible to walk a mile in Trevon Jenifer's shoes, because he doesn't wear any. Jenifer was born without legs, a condition called congenital amputation. Despite growing up in a poor, crime-infested neighborhood just outside Washington, D.C., Jenifer let neither his body, his environment, nor his family's financial hardship deter him from pursuing dreams any two-legged person would have. Those pursuits were limited to wheelchair sports in his first 15 years, but Jenifer dreamed of playing with the rest of society. When his family sacrificed its savings for his safety and moved to a predominantly white, middle-class suburb before his junior year in high school, Jenifer, at the urging of his stepfather, decided to try out for the school's wrestling team. Even though he had never wrestled and had no friends on the team, Jenifer yearned to play a contact sport and was ready for a new challenge. Not only did Jenifer thrive on the mat, he used his wrestling success to assimilate seamlessly into a new community.

The Author: Alan Goldenbach has been a reporter for The Washington Post since 1999. A 1998 graduate of the University of Michigan, his first story on Trevon Jenifer was named one of the top 10 features of 2005 by the Associated Press Sports Editors. This is his first book.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:23 AM | Comments (0)

Roger Frock, '59, MBA'59

Changing How the World Does Business: FedEx's Incredible Journey to Success—The Inside Story, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2006

The Book: For a long time, it looked like Federal Express would never get off the ground. The company's early years were an unending series of legal, financial, and operational crises that continually threatened its ability to stay in business. Yet FedEx's leaders and employees were incredibly resourceful and resilient. Pilots used personal credit cards to gas up planes, paychecks weren't cashed, and in one of the most famous episodes, founder Fred Smith literally gambled the company's last remaining funds to keep the planes flying. Because Roger Frock was with the company from the start, he is able to chronicle these real-life hardships and hard-fought triumphs as only an insider can. With humor and insight, he describes how FedEx overcame impossible odds to become one of the world's greatest success stories, a revolutionary company that truly changed the way the world does business.

The Author: Roger Frock MBA'59 was a founder of Federal Express and served as its chief operating officer and president from 1971-1981.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)

Richard Duke, PhD'64

Policy Games for Strategic Management, Dutch University Press, 2004

The book: This book explains how and why gaming-simulation techniques have been used in Europe and the United States to improve decision quality on a special class of bewildering and threatening strategic problems that are defined as strategic volcanoes or "macro-problems." Eight case studies of the strategic application of policy gaming (a derivative of war gaming) in large and outstanding organizations are described and analyzed. Summarizing 30 years of practical and academic work, Duke and Geurts reveal how traditional management methods need to be integrated and supplemented in situations that have macro-problem characteristics. The new approach must be faster, employ many different persons, be reasonable in cost, be flexible and be capable of assimilating a very large number of variables that derive from both internal and external sources.

The Author: Richard D. Duke is a leading member of the International Simulation and Gaming Association, ISAGA and has served as president of the organization. He is Professor Emeritus of the University of Michigan's College of Architecture and Urban Planning and former Chairman of the Certificate in Gaming/Simulation of the Rackham Graduate School.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:20 AM | Comments (0)

Cheryl Dickow, '87

Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman's Worth, Pleasant Word, 2005

The book: "Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World" inspires women to renew their commitment to their Creator and to their Christian identity. It helps them to answer the call that God has put on their lives. Dickow identifies the characteristics that the Lord values, as seen through the examples of women in Scripture, and gives meaningful ways for women to bring these traits into their daily lives.

The Author: Cheryl Dickow is an Author, speaker, and teacher. She holds a master's degree in Education and conducts workshops for parents and women's groups. Cheryl's website, AskKnockSeek.com, gathers prayer requests, encourages Scripture meditations, provides information to schedule workshops, and offers Christian books, movies, and music.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:19 AM | Comments (0)

James E. Davis, PhD'71

Frontier Illinois, Indiana University Press, 2000

The book: "O, this is a delightful country!" one newly arrived settler wrote to a friend back East. Indeed, as James E. Davis shows, many newcomers found Illinois a hospitable and relatively peaceful place in which to start a new life. In this sweeping history of the making of the state, Davis tells the story of Illinois from the Ice Age to the eve of the Civil War. He describes the earliest Native American civilizations, the coming of LaSalle and Joliet and the founding of the French colony, the brief history of British Illinois, and the complex history of subsequent settlement that brought distinct cultural traditions to Illinois. A major theme of this book is the relative absence of violence, at least after the Blackhawk War of 1832, even over explosive issues such as slavery. Davis treats these developments in careful detail, while keeping the reader mindful of the experiences of Illinois' ordinary people.

The Author: James E. Davis is William and Charlotte Gardner Professor of History and Professor of Geography at Illinois College. He is Author of Frontier America, 1800-1840: A Comparative Demographic Analysis of the Settlement Process and Dreams to Dust.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:18 AM | Comments (0)

Paul Cuadros, '85

A Home on the Field: How One Championship Team Inspires Hope for the Revival of Small Town America, Rayo, 2006

The book: Cuadros, a reporter, went to Siler City, North Carolina, to investigate the changes wrought by Latinos arriving to work in small-town poultry-processing plants. He became part of the story when he lobbied Jordan-Matthews High School to create a team for its soccer-loving Latino youth. Three seasons later, he had coached the Jets to a state championship. The Jets encounter well-funded white teams, racist community members, and a few teams that look just like them.

The Author: Paul Cuadros's family moved to the United States from Peru in 1960. An award-winning investigative reporter, he has written for Time magazine and Salon.com, among others. In 1999 Cuadros won an Alicia Patterson Foundation fellowship to write about the impact of the large numbers of Latino poultry workers in rural towns in the South. He moved to Pittsboro, North Carolina, to conduct his research and stayed on to document the growing Latino community in the Southeast.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:16 AM | Comments (0)

Todd Clements, '97

Haunts of Mackinac, House of Hawthorne Publishing, 2006

The book: Mackinac Island (Michigan), famous for its fudge, history, and natural beauty, has attracted visitors for generations. The lure of the Island has made it the top tourist attraction in the state of Michigan. However, Mackinac Island holds many secrets, some from beyond the grave and others passed down for hundreds of years. Also included is a chapter with a crash course into the who, what, when, why, and where of ghostly activity.

The Author: Todd Clements, a native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, is a freelance writer, artist and stay-at-home dad. He first saw a ghost on Mackinac Island at the age of 12. Since then he has had an interested in ghost stories and other paranormal phenomena. "Haunts of Mackinac" is his first book.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:15 AM | Comments (0)

Margaret (Maggie) Clay, '56, MS'58, PhD'62

Another Way to Live: How and Why it Works, Montmorency Press Inc., 2003

The Author: Although she had long felt an attraction to the wilderness, Maggie Clay first encounter's Michigan and its wildlife when she came as a student to the University of Michigan. When she and a friend acquired 40 acres in Montgomery County for $700 in 1946, she began a lifestyle of conservation. Since then, she has willed this area to HeadWaters Land Conservancy, thereby protecting the land from subdivision and development.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)

Stephen Chapman, MBA'82

The Fundamentals of Production Planning and Control, Prentice Hall, 2005

The book: This book concentrates on planning and control and addresses the question: "what parts of operations management do we really need to know?" It allows the reader to concentrate on fundamental principles, such as the development and application of software solutions, inventory management, and lean production concepts. Topics include: forecasting, sales and operations, scheduling, materials requirements, capacity management, production control, "partnering" activities, and system integration.

The Author: Dr. Stephen Chapman is an Associate Professor in the department of Operations and Supply Chain Management at NC State University. Dr. Chapman is a three time graduate of the University of Michigan earning an MBA in 1982, a Masters in educational psychology and Bachelors in physics and mathematics. He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1986.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:12 AM | Comments (0)

Richard Benson, '60 MBA'61

The Read Family of Salem, Massachusetts, Newbury Street Press, 2005

The book: In this book, the lives of a family's patriarch, Thomas Read, and the lives of five generations of his descendants surnamed Read and Reed are covered, including the families of the Read daughters. This book was researched using vital records, deeds, probate records, court records and church records.

The Author: Richard H. Benson is a retired partner of Arthur Andersen & Co. He is a trustee of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and a member of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, the National Genealogical Society, and the Society of Genealogists.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:09 AM | Comments (0)

Dean Baker, PhD'88

The Conservative Nanny: How the Wealthy Use the Government to Stay Rich and Get Richer, Lulu, 2006

The book: In his new book, economist Dean Baker debunks the myth that conservatives favor the market over government intervention. In fact, conservatives rely on a range of "nanny state" policies that ensure the rich get richer while leaving most Americans worse off. Baker argues that economic policy should harness the market in ways that produce desirable social outcomes - decent wages, good jobs and affordable health care.

The Author: Dr. Dean Baker is a macroeconomist and Co-Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C. He previously worked as a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute and an assistant professor at Bucknell University. He received his PhD in economics from the University of Michigan.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:05 AM | Comments (0)

Kenya F. Ayers, '90

To Whom Much is Given: The Definitive Guide to Demystifying the Doctoral Experience for Women, Esperanza Communications, 2006

The book: "To Whom Much is Given' addresses the most important questions regarding the doctoral experience for women today. Dr. Ayers reminds us of how essential it is to support each other through sharing our stories and offering guidance along the way.

The Author: After earning an undergraduate degree in psychology from The University of Michigan, Dr. Ayers completed a master's degree in clinical psychology from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Houston in Educational Administration and Supervision in Higher Education. Dr. Ayers has also completed post-doctoral professional development through the American Council on Education's National Leadership Forum and Harvard University's Institute for Management and Leadership in Education (MLE). She currently serves as Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Kettering University.

Posted by tobiaslw at 09:02 AM | Comments (0)