If you like learning about great American authors, or if you had to do a paper on F. Scott Fitzgerald, you’ve come to the right place.  Fitzgerald, author of The Beautiful and the Damned, The Great Gatsby, Tender is the Night, This Side of Paradise, The Love of the Last Tycoon, and numerous wonderful short stories, was born in 1896 and died of a heart attack in 1940.  His tortured relationship with Zelda Fitzgerald (nee Sayre) has been the focus of many books and papers, and his last year of life was depicted in two different films:  Beloved Infidel (1959) and Last Call (2002).  The books outlined below are scholarly sources only, so feel free to use them for your term paper!

Some Sort of Epic Grandeur:  The Life of F. Scott Fitzgerald by Matthew J. Bruccoli

As biographies go, you won’t find any better accounts on Fitzgerald than Bruccoli’s opus.  A meticulously researched, brilliantly-executed piece of scholarly non-fiction, it includes every recoverable detail on Fitzgerald.  Bruccoli, a preeminent Fitzgerald expert who devoted his life to Fitzgerald study, was an English professor at the University of South Carolina until his death in 2008.  In addition to his extensive research and contributions to Fitzgerald studies, he and his wife also collected Fitzgerald memorabilia and maintained a friendship with Scott and Zelda’s daughter, “Scottie” until the time of her death.

This book is the first book you should read when considering doing research on Fitzgerald.  It is not only a wonderful resource, it is very easy to read and organized very well.

Bruccoli, Matthew J.  Some Sort of Epic Grandeur:  The Life of F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Columbia, SC.:  University of South Carolina Press, 1981.
ISBN:  1570034559

F. Scott Fitzgerald:  The Critical Reception by Jackson Bryer

This is a compilation of critical responses regarding F. Scott Fitzgerald, and a great jumping off point to further research.  No picture is available, and the volume is a bit hard to find, but if you can it is an indespensible piece of Fitzgerald scholarship by an expert in the field.

Also see Bryer’s other works – The Critical Reputation of F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A Bibliographical Study, F. Scott Fitzgerald in the Twenty-First Century, The Short Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald:  New approaches in criticism.

Bryer, Jackson.  F. Scott Fitzgerald:  The Critical Reception.  New York:  Burt Franklin, 1978.
ISBN:  0-89102-111-6

The Cambridge Companion to F. Scott Fitzgerald

Edited by Ruth Prigozy, one of the experts on F. Scott Fitzgerald, this collection of essays covers the main topics covered by Fitzgerald scholarship.  Prigozy herself introduces the book with an essay titled “Introduction:  Scott, Zelda, and the culture of celebrity,” and the rest of the contributors cover topics far and wide.  Rena Sanderson writes an essay called “Women in Fitzgerald’s fiction,” while Fitzgerald expert Bryant Mangum covers “The short stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald.”  The book contains a helpful chronology of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s life, and a very helpful bibilography that will get you on the right track in your research.

Prigozy, Ruth (ed), The Cambridge Companion to F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2002.

ISBN:  978-0521624749

F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A Descriptive Bibliography by Matthew Bruccoli

Nobody could do a bibliography quite like Bruccoli, and this one is essential for those interested in Fitzgerald scholarship.  Part of the Pittsburgh Series in Bibliography, this hard-to-find bibliography is a one-stop resource for all work published by and about Fitzgerald up to the time of its publication.  Check out both editions.

Bruccoli, Matthew.  F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A Descriptive Bibliography.  Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Press, 1972

Bruccoli, Matthew.  F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A Descriptive Bibliography.  Revised edition.  Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Press, 1987.

ISBN:  978-0822935605

F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A Life in Letters:  A New Collection Edited and Annotated by Matthew J. Bruccoli

What can I say?  The guy knew his stuff.  This collection of letters is so very interesting because it gives real information on Fitzgerald in his own words, and in the words of those who knew him.  The letters are in chronological order, and include letters to and from Maxwell Perkins, Edmund Wilson, Ernest Hemingway, and Zelda Fitzgerald.  To really get to know the man behind the words, this collection will do a lot to help you get to know him – how he felt about his career, his life, and the world.

Fitzgerald, F. Scott.  F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A Life in Letters:  A New Collection Edited and Annotated by Matthew J. Bruccoli.  New York, Scribner, 1995.

ISBN:  978-0684801537

F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A Collection of Criticism by Kenneth Eugene Eble

With contributions by John W. Bicknell, Midge Decter, William E. Doherty, Kenneth Elbe, Donald Yates, Sy Kahn, Elizabeth Beckwith Mackie, Arthur Mizener, Michael Millgate, Sergio Perosa, J. Albert Robbinsm, this is a good collection of criticism that will prove helpful in your research.

Elbe, Kenneth.  F. Scott Fitzgerald:  A Collection of Criticism.  Mcgraw Hill, 1973

ISBN:  378-0070188570

Lockridge, Ernest.  Twentieth Century Interpretations of the Great Gatsby:  A Collection of Critical Essays

This collection contains critical essays by many Fitzgerald enthusiasts, as well as “view points” by certain scholars, and a small collection of letters, including letters by Edith Wharton.  Edited by Ernest Lockridge, this is a fine addition to your research tools if you’re studying The Great Gatsby in particular.

Lockridge, incidentally, retired from his literary scholarship life in 1991 and became a world-traveling, award-winning painter.

Lockrdige, Ernest.  Twentieth Century Interpretations of the Great Gatsby:  A Collection of Critical Essays.  New York.  Prentice Hall Trade, 1984.

ISBN:  978-0133638202

Usually, we give you reference books or source books – books to read ABOUT something, so that you can learn.  Sometimes that gets kind of old, doesn’t it?  This edition of 7 Books is about fiction – the best stories about vampires.  They are listed here in order of publication, and there is a very wide span of years represented here.  Also – you won’t find any sparkly vampires on this list.

Carmilla – by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Le Fanu was an Irishman, and Carmilla is set in Austria.  Published in 1872, the novel tells about a seductive female vampire with the same name who tempts and seduces Laura, a young girl who lives in a large forest.  This was a boundery-breaking novel – from the main female characters to the implied lesbian themes at work, Le Fanu was obviously an author ahead of his time.  He was breaking rules thirty years before the fin-de-siecle period that would spawn Dracula.  Le Fanu’s novel is cited as an influence by Bram Stoker, whose novel is next on our list.

>>Classic Vampire Novel – ISBN-13:  978-8562022258

Dracula – by Bram Stoker

Along came 1897, and another Irishman decided to tackle the subject of vampires.  There have been so many movies based on Dracula that not many people take the time to read it, which is a shame, because it is certainly a compelling and beautifully written novel.  It not only presents a story about a vampire, but it also explores themes of sexuality, religion, and politics in a really interesting, not oppressive way.

>>The Quintessential Vampire Novel – ISBN-13:  978-0786434107

Salem’s Lot – by Stephen King

Salem’s Lot was King’s second novel, and was published in 1975.  The novel’s hero is Ben Mears, a writer (big shocker there) who discovers that his town is infested with vampires.  It’s scary, thrilling, compelling, and awesome.  King loves to link his mythologies together, so many of his other works reference Salem’s Lot.  Notably, The Dark Tower series, which is considered to be King’s opus.  King reportedly took his inspiration for Salem’s Lot from Dracula, and also from the works of the horror writer H.P. Lovecraft.

>>Classic King – ISBN-13:  978-0671039745

Interview With The Vampire – by Anne Rice

Of course this made the list.  How could it not?  While many Rice fans claim that the second book in the series, titled The Vampire Lestat, is better, I don’t agree.  This novel has the tension, the characters, and everything else it takes to make a great novel.  Published in 1976, the novel starts off with the vampire Louis telling his story to a young reporter.  From page 1, you’re hooked.  The Vampire Chronicles have 10 novels total, but I stopped reading after Merrick, and should have stopped reading after The Queen of the Damned.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

>>Anne Rice Classic – ISBN-13:  978-0345337665

Lost Souls – by Poppy Z. Brite

Brite’s first novel, Lost Souls is torn right from the soul of any early-nineties goth soul.  The characters are compelling, the ethereal Ghost, the all-too-human Steve, the horrifying Zillah, and the tortured Nobody, and though the plot is certainly melodramatic, the novel is thoroughly readable.  Published in 1992, the novel is an extension of a short story called “The Seed of Lost Souls.”

>>Early 1990′s Gothic Horror - ISBN-13:  978-0440212812

Bloodsucking Fiends – by Christopher Moore

Solemn?  No.  Overly dramatic?  Nope.  Hilarious?  Heck yeah.  Moore, who has written some truly fabulous novels, kicks off his vampire trilogy with this novel, which centers on a main character named Jody. Jody has a mundane life until she is attacked by a vampire, killed, and then comes back as one of the undead.  A truly enjoyable novel.

>>A Vampire Novel With Humor – ISBN-13:  978-1416558491

Sunshine – by Robin McKinley

Published in 2003, Sunshine is a novel about a girl named Rae – nicknamed Sunshine.  In Sunshine’s world the humans are in a constant struggle with the “Others,” the supernatural entities that threaten to take over the world after the Voodoo Wars.  Sunshine meets a vampire named Constantine, who has a conscience and ends up fighting along with Sunshine to keep the world safe for humans.  McKinley has a real talent, and even if you don’t like vampire stories you will likely enjoy this novel.

>>Luminous Vampire Story – ISBN-13:  978-0142411100

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You know the rhyme.  “Lizzie Borden took an axe.  And gave her mother forty whacks.  When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.”  The trail of Lizzie Borden for the murder of her father and her stepmother took the United States by storm in 1892, when Borden was 32 years of age.  Despite the fact that there was a lot of suspicious activity surrounding the case, Borden was acquitted and lived quietly (if not a little scandalously) until she died of pneumonia at 66 years old.

Many people have studied Borden’s case with a fervor that can only be described as, well, a fervor.  To the outside observer nowadays, it seems like she did it.  But, many have gone to great lengths to prove that she didn’t.  Others were more obsessed with Borden’s life after the murders – her stint shoplifting and her alleged lesbian affair.  Here you will find 7 Books about Lizzie Borden.  Read them and see for yourself if she was indeed a killer.

Lizzie Borden (New England Remembers) (NE Remembers)

Karen Chaney with foreward by Robert Allison

Every now and then I’ll tell you a book you should avoid.  This is one of those times.  This drab, inaccurate, and poorly researched book is not worth the paper it is printed on.  As the reviews on Amazon will tell you, the author is a professor at Harvard.  That means we expect some cohesiveness to the text, and some citations would be nice.  Skip this one.  Don’t let the Harvard credentials fool you.

>>Poorly-Written Account – ISBN-13: 978-188933819

A Private Disgrace:  Lizzie Borden by Daylight

by Victoria Lincoln

It is definitely interesting that the author hails from Fall River (which is the same town Lizzie was from and where the murders happened) and Lincoln is definitely a good writer.  Lincoln writes the theory that Lizzie was, in fact, guilty of the murders, but that they happened when she was in the throes of a petit mal seizure.  Not very likely, but Lincoln supports that theory and writes one heck of a book.  She won an Edgar for it, and the book has been compared to Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood in terms of a quality true crime book.  Good luck finding it, however.

>>An Award-Winning Account – ASIN:  B0006BR7XQ

Forty Whacks:  New Evidence in the Life and Legend of Lizzie Borden

by David Kent

David Kent is considered by some to be the definitive word in the Lizzie Borden case.  By others, he’s considered to be clueless.  The new evidence he brings forth supports the theory that Lizzie was innocent.  He doesn’t actually come down on one side or the other in the book – he leaves it up to you, the reader, to decide, which is kind of cool.  Kent also created a book called The Lizzie Borden Sourcebook which contains copies of the newspaper articles of the time, court notes, and more.

>>David Kent – ISBN-13:  978-0828319508

Lizzie Borden Took an Axe, or Did She?  A Rhetorical Inquiry

by Annette Holba

The author has some impressive credentials – and she has a Ph.D in Rhetoric.  It is hard to tell if this book is really about Lizzie Borden or if it is a textbook designed to teach rhetorical analysis.  Holba uses Burke’s “through the lens” rhetorical theory to examine the Borden case, and while all of the essays are interesting, some are a bit high-handed.  If you’re a student of rhetorical theory AND Lizzie Borden, by all means pick this one up.

>>Rhetorical Inquiry – ISBN-13:  978-1934844014

Lizzie Borden:  The untold story

by Edward Radin

Radin was a news reporter.  He was given a “signed confession” of Lizzie’s in the 50′s, but the authenticity of that document is dubious, and Radin actually believed that Lizzie’s sister, Bridget, was the guilty party.  This is a well-written book, and a good starting place in the Borden genre.

>>Radin – ASIN:  B0007EBMMO

The Borden Tragedy:  A Memoir of the Infamous Double Murder at Fall River, Mass., 1892

by Rick Geary

Geary has a style all his own.  He uses a comic/graphic novel format, and employs a fictional narrator to tell the tale.  He did the same in his account of Jack the Ripper, and he does it in this well-received book about Lizzie Borden.  So, not only is this book a work of art, but the facts are painstakingly researched and well-executed.

>>Graphic Novel on Lizzie Borden – ISBN-13:  978-1561631896

The Fall River Tragedy
by Edwin H. Porter

This was the first book written about the Borden murders.  Mostly facsimiles are available now, as the first printing in in 1893 was a short run, and a reprint in 1985 only yielded 1000 copies.  A rumor exists that says that Lizzie herself was instructed by her lawyers to buy up all the copies that were printed in 1893 and destroy them.  A fun rumor, but not true.  The book itself outlines the entire case, from the discovery of the murders to the end of the trial, and is considered the definitive volume on the case.

>>Definitive Borden Book – ISBN-13:  978-1584775461

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Who knows why, but people laugh at flatulence.  That famous scene from Blazing Saddles, whoopee cushions, and a host of other scenarios drive home the fact that, like it or not, people think farts are funny.  Granted, it’s not something you want to do during a wedding ceremony, for instance, but there are probably hundreds of YouTube videos out there that document just that type of occurrence.  We’re assuming here, because we didn’t have the heart to enter “wedding farts” into the search field of YouTube.  You can do it if you want.  Go ahead.

Instead, we give you these 7 books about farts.  Some are kids books (because nobody thinks farts are funnier than a little kid – except for all my male relatives – they think they’re pretty funny) and some are educational books, but either way, you’re in for a riotous (if not stinky) good time with these literary finds.

The Fart Book
by Donald Wetzel

A title doesn’t really get more straightforward than that.  This book, written for kids, is truly fun for the whole family.  It clearly and plainly explains the human digestive system and the reason for flatulence, as well as making plenty of fun at the same time.  Unfortunately, you have to read the book to get a real idea, because the Amazon profile is pretty lean.  Skip right to the user comments – and you’ll see that this book is a winner for kids and adults alike.

Did Somebody Step on a Duck:  A Natural History of the Fart
by Jim Dawson

This fun book gives you a history of the fart, not in the gastrointestinal sense, but in the pop-culture sense.  Dawson alleges that the first fart joke was actually the first joke ever – it originated in Old Babylonia.  He also talks about the fart’s appearance at many other points through history – in the news, in popular culture, and in literature.  Dawson, who has been called “The King of Farts” has also written two other books that belong on this list – Who Cut The Cheese?  A Cultural History of the Fart, and Blame it on the Dog:  A Modern History of the Fart.  Since we didn’t want to saturate this post with the same author,  this particular entry could be 3 of the 7 books on the list, and make sure you check out all three.  Dawson knows so much about farts that he’s managed to fill three whole books on the subject.  I’d say he’s our expert.

The Magic Fart
by Piers Anthony

OK, this isn’t a book wherein you can learn about farts.  It is a novel by Piers Anthony (heard of him?) and in it there is a place called the Land of Fartingale.  Farts are magical there.  Why, we ask you, wouldn’t you want to read a book wherein farts are magical?  Well, for one, Piers Anthony is sort of, well, racy.  So if you don’t like sexually explicit books, you’re probably better off to avoid this sequel to Pornucopia, which is said to “transgress all bounds of everyday good taste.”

Bubble Homes and Fish Farts
by Fiona Bayrock and Carolyn Conahan

While not strictly a book about farts, this is a delightful childrens book about fish and the bubbles that surround them.  The “fart” in the title of the book actually refers to Fast Repetitive Tick – the farty noise that herrings use as their own underwater Morse code.  For a book geared toward 8-12 year-olds, it is simply brimming with scientific information but it’s presented in such a kid-friendly and accecssible way that your child will enjoy learning something that most people don’t even know.

The Gas We Pass:  The Story of Farts
by Shinta Cho

This book, geared toward children younger than those targeted in the book mentioned above, is a frank and open book about all forms of farting – animal, human, and otherwise.  It’s a good starting explanation for those funny noises kids laugh at, and if your youngin is the curious type, this will explain farting a little better than “that’s the noise that happens when Daddy’s tummy hurts,” which was an explanation overheard recently at our local grocery store.  This isn’t the most informative book, but it’s a good start, and the illustrations will likely make your child laugh.

Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder
by Jo Nesbo and Mike Lowery

This is another story about farts, rather than being a book explaining something about farts, but it is a surprisingly fun story nonetheless.  A young boy moves into a new neighborhood and makes friends with an inventor named Dr. Proctor.  Dr. Proctor invented a magic powder that causes farts, but constant improvements on the formula eventually make it so Nilly (the young boy) farts so powerfully that he flies to outer space.  What kid wouldn’t love that story?

The Art of the Fart
by Steve Bryant

It might not be the most authoritative book on breaking wind, farting, flatulence, or whatever you choose to call it, but it might well be the most fun.  Full of silent movie pictures to enhance the funny, this book touches on famous farts and farters, a religious aspect to the farting process, and a list of the best fart-related books, songs, and movies.  So, it might not be the best, but it’s certainly the boldest, book about farts.

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Maybe you like to stick to the internet and use how to videos to learn how to do things like change a tire, make a Baked Alaska, or whatever.  But for the really specific stuff, you may still have to turn to the printed word.  Submitted for your approval – 7 How-To books for things you didn’t even know you needed to know how to do.

Zompoc:  How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
by Michael G. Thomas and Nick S. Thomas

Believe it or not, there are several how-to books out there about dealing with zombies.  This one is the most helpful.  Trust us.  If a Zombie Apocalypse (Zompoc) does arrive, this is the book you’ll want in your arsenal.  It isn’t the funniest zombie survival book out there, but it is the most thorough.  Not only will you learn the different types of zombies, but you’ll learn how to fight them, and even how to deal once you win the fight against the zombies – because surely, after reading this book, you will win.

How to Be Pope:  What to Do and Where to Go Once You’re in the Vatican
by Piers Merchant

The author of this little gem is a travel writer who has written for Fodor’s among other notable organizations.  This book, which is hard to find, is designed to help you navigate the waters of the Catholic hierarchy as the newly appointed Pope.  While few of us (let’s be honest, probably none of us) will never BE Pope, this is a really fun read and it isn’t offensive or critical of the church at all.  It gives lots of information about what a Pope actually does, what it’s like to live in the Vatican, and how to do things a Pope does, like that neat little wave. If only it gave instructions on how to build your very only bubble car, because even if we can’t be Pope, we’d still like to have a bubble car.  Wouldn’t we?

How to Have a New Kid by Friday:  How to Change Your Child’s Attitude, Behavior & Character in 5 Days
by Dr. Kevin Leman

OK, so this is actually a legitimate how-to book on something you really know how to do.  Not that we’re completely denouccing the possibility of a Zombie Apocalypse, but having a rotten, out-of-control child is a lot more likely.  Look around your family and say that isn’t so.  It’s just the title that is amusing.  How to Have a New Kid – it smacks of trading kids with the neighbors, buying them off the black market, or posting an ad on Craigslist.  The reality about this book is that people rave about it.  They’ve employed Leman’s techniques and it has made a huge difference in their child’s behavior.  So, just so this list has a little bit of helpfulness to you (though that zombie thing MAY come in handy some day) in spite of it’s frothy exterior.

How to Defeat Your Own Clone:  And Other Tips for Surviving the Biotech Revolution
by Kyle Kurpinski and Terry D. Johnson

In the same vein of the zombie book, this tome prepares you in the face of a not-so-definite but oddly-frightening possible future.  Who is to say that zombies, evil clones, or gone-wrong biological experiments won’t be the end of the world as we know it.  Lucky for you, some real-life bioengineers offer some very handy and helpful tips on how to deal if, for instance, you get attacked by a clone of yourself.  Between the quips, pop culture references, and jokes, Kurpinski and Johnson have written a scientific book that contains a lot of useful information.

The Werewolf’s Guide to Life:  A Manual for the Newly Bitten
by Rich Duncan and Bob Powers

Adding to the list of “it probably won’t happen, but just in case it does we’re awfully glad someone wrote a book about it” how to books, we’re glad Rich Duncan and Bob Powers wrote this book on how to be the best werewolf you can be.  The fact that there would be a market for this is no big surprise, since TwilightMania has swept the countryside and everyone has decided to be either Team Edward or Team Jacob.  No doubt there are plenty of vampire survival manuals as well, but this werewolf book is so very amusing that it was the one to make the list.  So, if you just want a fun read, you can pick this book up.  If you’ve been bitten by a werewolf recently, you really should pick it up right away.

How to Start Your Own Country
by Erwin S. Strauss

Now here’s a helpful one.  Fed up with the country you live in?  Looking for a change?  Want to go to great, almost impossible lengths to establish your own country?  Then this book is for you.  It shows you five different strategies for creating a new country, gives you the information you need to make it happen, and even shares some case studies wherein people have started their own country and been successful.  The first edition of this scholarly work was published in 1979, with a new edition released in 1999, so the “new” technology and political strategies that Strauss refers to are not exactly current, but the ideas are still sound and although he does show a bit of a sense of humor, the book is mostly serious.  So, future kings, presidents, and dictators, buy yourself a copy and get started.

How to Fossilize Your Hamster:  And Other Amazing Experiments for the Armchair Scientist
by Mick O’Hare

Perhaps the most important thing to note here is that the hamster experiment is designed to take place AFTER your hamster dies a natural death.  The author does not (and neither do we) suggest you try to fossilize the poor little thing while it is still alive.  Now that your mind is at ease, you can enjoy this delightful book with a clear conscience.  O’Hare takes you through some truly fascinating at-home science experiments that are (mostly) safe and utilize regular household items like soap and vinegar.  So, the how-to book might not be as weird as it seems from the title, but it is a good read indeed.

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When it comes to exposing children to literature, there are two rules:  the earlier the better, and the better the more beneficial.  Once your child is 8 years old, they’ve likely learned to read and have already been influenced by popular culture, media, and their friends.  In reference to the statement above, “better” books mean, in this list, the classic books. So, somewhere between the Captain Underpants, Percy Jackson, and Harry Potter stories, your child should take some time to read these seven books – and hopefully the other books recommended in each of the seven’s description.

**Blogger note:  I happen to love Captain Underpants, Percy Jackson, and Harry Potter, so don’t think I’m a hater.  All three series have their own merits and are (Harry Potter in particular) fast on their way to becoming classics.  I just really think that the books below, if not required reading at school, should be read by your kid.  Sue me.

Peter Pan – J.M. Barrie

In a story with everything – fairies, pirates, mermaids, flying, and a boy who never grows up, you also have a strong female lead in Wendy (she takes care of her brothers and all the Lost Boys) and a wonderful message.  That you can get older and mature without losing the magic of childhood.  And, that staying young forever would be a lonely and incomplete existence – because Peter has a horrible memory and loses his shadow.

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – L. Frank Baum

It’s hard to beat as story whose theme is that sometimes all the best things are right in your own home.  Plus, Dorothy’s adventures in Oz are fun to read about, and even more fun to imagine.  While most kids will see the classic 1939 film, that shouldn’t take the place of the wonderful novel – which is chock full of fun and fantasy.

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Harriet the Spy – Louise Fitzhugh   

Girls and boys alike will like and appreciate the tale of Harriet M. Welsh – only child, New York resident, and spy extraordinaire.  Even though Fitzhugh’s book was published in 1964, the themes are relevant to kids in any era.  It’s a story about learning who you are, and learning to temper that with the rest of the world.  It’s also a story about growing up, letting go, and learning to care for others.

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Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll

Most good editions of this wonderful story will also include the sequel, which is called Through the Looking Glass.  Alice’s adventures are fantastic and wonderfully described, and the story holds meaning for young children who are struggling to come to terms with an adult world.  Additionally, the story holds meaning for adults who have forgotten how to look at the world with the wonder of a child.

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The BFG – Roald Dahl

This is not Roald Dahl’s most famous book, but it is one of the very best.  Sophie is kidnapped by a giant, but he’s not a giant like the other mean giants who eat people.  The BFG, or “big friendly giant” is a sweet creature, and he antagonizes the mean people-eating giants.  In his world dreams fly around and you can catch them in bottles.  It’s a funny, charming book that all kids will love.

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Just So Stories – Rudyard Kipling

Published in 1902, Kipling’s origin stories are funny and a good springboard for a discussion around nature and the true facts of things.  The stories include “How the Whale Got His Throat,” “How the Camel Got His Hump,” and “The Butterfly That Stamped,” as well as many more.  In “How the Whale Got His Throat,” a swallowed seafaring individual blocks the whale’s throat with a raft to keep the whale from swallowing any more people.  That is, reportedly, why a whale only eats small prey.

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The Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis

All of the Chronicles of Narnia are must-reads, but this one starts off the series and should therefore be read first.  The rest of the books are Prince Caspian:  The Return to Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician’s Nephew, and The Last Battle.  There is some debate about the order in which the books should be read – the order above is listed in the order in which the books were published.  The books offer adventure, excitement, and a great message of courage and faith.

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Home security is essential; we spend billions of dollars every year on home improvements and our homes also contain our most precious and valuable possessions and most of all, our families live there too!  It’s vital we take all necessary precautions to deter and prevent incidents from happening in and around the home so we protect our families and property.

The Complete Book of Home, Site and Office Security: Selecting, Installing and Troubleshooting Systems and Devices

By Bill Phillips

For a great overview on home security, this is the book for you – it covers everything from alarms and locks through to emergency and sensor-activated lighting as well as the use of Closed Circuit TV (CCTV).

This volume is suitable whether you are an absolute beginner looking for help, through to a professional looking for design and security ideas based upon the best of current thinking in the security industry.

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The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Home Security

By Lorna Gentry and Tom Davidson

Written by a duo who is comprised of  a writer and an experienced attorney/police officer, this book provides a wealth of “common sense” tips for making your home secure with a focus on the human behaviour which can lead to your home and property being targeted in the first instance.  For instance, you buy a new home cinema system with a widescreen TV and then place the boxes out for the trash to collect – if you don’t crush the boxes, you have just sent a message to the neighbourhood hoodlums what you have just bought and installed – better to crush the boxes or dispose of them at your local trash dump yourself.

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Home Security: Your Guide to Protecting Your Family (Better Homes and Gardens Books)

By James Hufnagel & Paula Marshall

This book is packed with great “how to” information which even the most power-tool shy reader will be able to implement.  There are excellent step-by-step color illustrations to help you improve your home’s security.  The style is also simple to understand with written sections easily understood by everyone – you don’t need any prior knowledge or experience, so if you don’t know your mortice lock from a dead lock, this is the book for you.

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X10 Home Security System

By Michael Majkowski

If you are operating on a tight budget, this tome will provide you with a range of low-cost solutions for you to consider and implement yourself.  The book is easy to read and every piece of equipment which is dealt with is vividly illustrated and there are also plenty of personal examples drawn from the author’s extensive experience in the field.

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Securing Your Home

By Keith Robison

A practical book for practical methods at securing your home and property.  This book contains a wealth of practical, do-it-yourself security tips and suggestions to improve home security.  If you are looking to avoid paying the monthly costs associated with many security companies, this will help you achieve comparabke levels of security without the financial pain.

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Home Security, Second Edition: Alarms, sensors and systems (Newnes)

By Vivian Capel

The first thing to understand is that the writer of this book is British and her work is aimed at the UK market, but she does go into a lot of detail on the gadgets and tools which can be used in establishing a secure home.  If you combine this volume with the connected Honeywell ADILink website (www.adilink.com) you can easily get the US equivalent terminology for the parts being considered.

Avoid this book if you want a “pure” American based book but the technical detail is excellent and it is extremely easy to read and understand.
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The Complete Guide to Personal and Home Safety: What You Need to Know

By Robert Snow and Robert L. Snow

Simple to read and packed with common sense solutions to everyday security issues.  The first stop in making yourself and your property secure is to start recognizing the security issues which surround you already, but of which you are blissfully unaware?

This father and son volume is easy to read but you’ll feel uneasy after reading it – which is why you should follow the help and advice it contains to make you and your family more secure in and outside of the home.

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By Mark Trumper, president of MaverickLabel.com – providing alarm decals, security stickers and hologram security labels.

Dogs are our best friends – in some cases they are the only ones who loves us unconditionally, who are happy no matter what is going on in our lives, who will cuddle with us even when our feet are stinky.

Even so, it is important that we are able to communicate with our best friends. Since they don’t speak our language, we have to learn theirs. Lucky for us there are many people who have researched these lovable creatures and have provided many strategies and tips on how to train and properly care for our doggy friends.

Here are seven great books on how to train your dog.

The Other End of the Leash

by Patricia McConnell

Dr. McConnell has committed her life to the study of dogs, and specifically their relationship with humans. She is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and she wrote this book to teach us that every move our dog makes has meaning. And because she is so knowledgeable she helps us understand this meaning. She also teaches us that many (but not all) of our natural instincts in our interactions with dogs are right on. This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about themselves in relation to their dogs.

Don’t Shoot The Dog!  The New Art of Teaching And Training

by Karen Pryor

This is a a great starter book for someone interested in “clicker training” who also wants to be entertained while they learn.  Pryor, who actually runs a dog training program, teaches us that we can train our dogs without yelling or punishment.  Rather, we can use positive reinforcement and “affection training” along with the “clicker training” to communicate with our dogs.

How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend:  The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners

by The Monks of New Skete

Based in Upstate New York, the Monks of New Skete are all about spreading their Christian message, and they are all about their dogs.  They raise dogs, and they run a dog training program.  Their books are about how to practically train a dog, but also about the spiritual benefits related to a human’s relationship with their dog.

Cesar’s Way:  The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems

by Cesar Millan

No list of the best dog training books would be complete without a book by The Dog Whisperer himself – Cesar Millan.  Cesar is simply a genius when it comes to dogs, and this book offers Cesar’s way of training dogs – by being the “pack leader” and using “calm, assertive behavior.”  As he says on his show – he “rehabilitates dogs” and “trains people.”

ABC Practical Guide to Dog Training

by Steven Applebaum

This is a basic but very readable book by a professional dog trainer who boasts that over 40,000 dog owners have benefited from reading it.  He explains his own version of the “pack theory” that Cesar Millan has made so popular, and he gives tips on finding the right dog trainer for you.  In addition, he offers a helpful internet guide to finding anything you might need for your dog.

The Power of Positive Dog Training

by Pat Miller

Another great book by another great dog trainer, this informative read will give a different perspective to the “clicker method” and provides a diary where you can track your training progress.  The glossary is very helpful, and Miller also offers suggestions as to the best dog treats to use.

Good Dog 101

by Cristine Dahl

Dahl,  founder of Seattle Dogworks, gives us this book on her approach to dog training, which she calls “Learning Theory.”  The SPCA strongly endorses this method, which are based on guidelines established by the American Humane Association.  Dahl is the behavior writer for a dog magazine based in Seattle, and is active in dog advocacy.  A great read by a smart lady.

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Aristotle proclaimed that, “The law is reason free of passion”, and becoming a lawyer has been the career destination for young people from all walks of life for centuries.  It is no accident that most of the major political leaders over the last 300 years had their academic and professional grounding in the law – George Washington may have been the first President, however the trend for lawyers to be selected as the nation’s leader is clear – John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison (who studied law but never passed the bar) and the list continues.

Becoming a lawyer is rightly viewed as a stepping stone to a successful and wealthy future or as a springboard into many other careers in politics and public service and commerce, both at home and overseas.  The practice and application of law permeates every facet of society and no lawyer specialized in all of the law – so how do you choose the right path for you?

The Ultimate Guide to Your Legal Career: What Every Young Lawyer Must Know to Avoid the Mistakes and Maximize the Value of a Career in the Law

By K. Charles Cannon

This is a great book for those considering law school as well as those young lawyers looking to establish which direction they want to take their career in.  This book provides “specifics” on what to do and what to avoid, which marks it out as a good source of impartial advice – generalities are widely noticeable by their absence.  This is a must-read for those tackling the thorny issue of how best to lay a firm foundation for a legal career and for those looking to broaden their horizons beyond the legal profession.

Becoming a Lawyer: A Humanistic Perspective on Legal Education and Professionalism

By Elizabeth Dvorkin

Many are attracted to the practice of law because they see an opportunity to contribute to creating a more fair and just society.  The civil rights movement transformed American society, but it was the lawyers who worked in and out of the courts who allowed reforms to go forward.

This book uses most of the enclosed chapters to discuss and explore humanistic issues which are followed by commentaries from numerous lawyers to espouse their views on what it means to be a lawyer in the context of the issues raised by that chapter.  This book also covers how taking a humanistic approach in career choice and throughout a lawyers legal education, will improve the reputation of the profession, of individual lawyers and for society as a whole.

Law School Confidential (Revised Edition): A Complete Guide to the Law School Experience: By Students, for Students

By Robert H. Miller

What is it really like during those three hard years of law school?  This book answers many of the questions a potential law school candidate will have on what is actually happening at a variety of law schools around the country.  How important is it to find and experience legal work through internships? What can you expect from your first days in law school?  What are the real-life experiences of law school undergraduates as they go through three years of highly intense study?  What attributes does a prospective candidate need to get through law school?

For all of these issues and much more, this is a great source of real-life information and advice.

Careers in Law

By Gary Munneke

This book is aimed at those thinking of attending law school, law school undergraduates and new lawyers looking for career guidance and advice.  What marks this book out is how it deals with specific areas of the legal profession and its coverage of the career avenues within them.

Different fields of the law and its application require different specialist experience and training, and this book outlines how you can tailor your own law school experience to place you in the best position for admittance to your preferred field.  There is also excellent coverage of the professional and personal demands which are placed on lawyers working in specific fields both within the profession and out in commerce, industry and public service.

The Lure of the Law: Why People Become Lawyers, and What the Profession Does to Them

By Richard Moll

This is written and published in the early 1990′s and is based on the author’s experience as the Dean of Admissions at a leading law school.  In some respects it is dated and the commentary is not that of a lawyer himself, but in some respects this helps.  People who wish to follow the law as a career do so for a variety of reasons, but how many lawyers actually find they have achieved what they initially set out to do?  How many lawyers are actually happy with their career after years building their reputation and achieving their positions?  Does the practice of law change you as a person, and if so, is this for the better?

A thought provoking commentary on lawyers and the legal careers which ought to be made required reading before admission to law school

Becoming a Trial Lawyer

By Steven Grossman

For those embarking on a legal career, most aspire to becoming one of the legal ninjas of the profession – a trial lawyer.

Trial lawyers are intellectual mercenaries who operate in the most charged and frightening environment – the court, but this volume demonstrates the amount of preparation and time spent outside of court that goes into creating a reputation as a successful trial court lawyer.

This is an essential book for those seriously contemplating a career in the courtroom and covers advocacy skills, courtroom situations and tactics, deposition taking skills, the increasing role of courtroom technology and much more.

Should You Really Be A Lawyer?: The Guide To Smart Career Choices Before, During & After Law School

By Deborah Schneider & Gary Belsky

Ask many veteran lawyers whether they would embark on a legal career if they had their time over again and many would say “No!”  The sad fact is that thought many are attracted to the legal profession and do indeed become lawyers, even successful ones, not everyone is suited to the law by temperament and the legal profession does not cater for all expectations.

Whether you are a newly-qualified lawyer contemplating your next steps in the legal world, or someone considering law school as your next phase in your education, this book takes a no-holds barred look at some of the issues involved.  Probably the biggest career decision you will have to face will be whether you should remain within the profession once you have started upon a career in the law, and the answer will not be “Yes” for everyone who has passed the bar exam!

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Living with allergies is more than a chore for many sufferers, it can also mean the difference between life and death with some allergies deeply affecting the welfare and health of those with them.  Some allergies, such as peanut allergy, create a serious constraint on the lifestyle and eating habits of those afflicted – especially as peanuts and products derived from them are used in such widespread abundance throughout the food chain.

The Peanut Allergy Answer Book

By Dr. Michael C Young

This is the first book to deal with the life-threatening and life-changing peanut allergy.  Food specialists consider the peanut allergy to be the most dangerous of all allergies and it should be of concern to everyone that it is becoming much more prevalent.

Why peanut allergy is on the rise is uncertain and no-one really knows, however while medical teams search for an answer, parents with children suffering from this reaction must ensure their children are protected and safe.

Dr Young is a pediatric specialist in allergies and his book is considered to be the definitive work on the subject.  Concerned parents can use this very helpful guide to assess whether their children are also susceptible to peanuts (particularly if one of their children already has the condition).  It is packed with practical information and especially, listings of those foods which either contain peanuts and by-products in their manufacture.

While it focuses upon peanut allergy, this is a must read for anyone with a food related allergy.

Mommy, Is This Safe to Eat? For Kids Allergic to Peanuts and Tree Nuts, 2nd Edition

By Christina Black

This is an extremely useful and enjoyable book which is aimed at children with nut allergies, though it is useful for any child with a food related allergy.  This is a picture book with follows Ricky, a preschool child with a peanut allergy.  By reading through and following the picture story, both parent and child can educate themselves on what foods are safe to eat and there has been no skimping on pictorial representations of safe foods and those to avoid.

A word of caution – this is sold as a “book” however, some readers are disappointed when it arrives because it is not presented in a hard cover but rather a pamphlet form.  Nevertheless, it serves very well for children and it is the message which is far more important than the book presentation.

This is an excellent tool for getting the message on nut allergies over to your child and can be used again and again.

Allie the Allergic Elephant: A Children’s Story of Peanut Allergies

By Nicole Smith (Illustrated by Maggie Nichols)

Again, using the pictorial format to convey the message on food allergies to children in a format they will like and enjoy.  This is one of my personal favorites as we follow the food adventures of Allie the Elephant and it is suitable for all children and not just those with an allergy.  As an educative tool for children (and adults) as to how serious an allergy can be for those with them and why some foods should never be shared with or given to sufferers, this is a superlative tool for helping children understand the impact and seriousness of food allergies.  It is also a great introduction for adults who can use the book to increase their own understanding of food allergies so they in turn can explain it better to children.

Food Allergies : Enjoying Life with a Severe Food Allergy

by Tanya Wright

Ms Wright has written an extremely informative book which is based upon her personal experiences and the effects upon the dietary requirements of sufferers.  This is an excellent guide on how an allergy sufferer can come to terms and live with the condition given the reduced range of foods sufferers may use and the increasing number of foods which they must avoid.

The focus is upon proactive prevention with outlines of special diets and practical tips for eating away from home.

The Allergy Bible: Understanding, Diagnosing, Treating Allergies and Intolerances

By Linda Gamlin & Jonathan Brostoff

Allergies affect some 25% of the population in one form or another (with 10% of children also suffering from them).  Allergic reactions from all sources are outlined and described here, together with illustrations and up-to-date information on medical developments.

While it is detailed and packed with medical information, it is also written and presented in a style which makes it highly readable and informative; an eminently suitable volume for the layperson who is interested in the subject or for those who are suffering from an allergy and need definitive information specific to their condition.  This book also includes sections on alternative and complementary medicine, which have also scored some success with the treatment of allergies and alleviating symptoms.

Buy the book

How To Cook for Food Allergies: Understand Ingredients, Adapt Recipes with Confidence and Cook for an Exciting Allergy-Free Diet

By Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne

One major issue for those suffering from food allergies is the restricted range of foods which they cannot tolerate in their diet.  It is not simply the natural food which may be the sole cause of allergic reactions, but any by-products or other foods which use them in their own production.  Clearly, peanut allergy is a serious issue in this respect because it is so widely used to make other foods, including cooking foods with peanut oil.

The layout of this volume is recipe driven, with clear instructions on how to prepare a meal and the ingredients to be used as well as tips on how to source them.  There is also an excellent dietary section on satisfying the sufferers vitamin and nutrition requirements.

Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook: 100 Recipes: Breakfasts, Entrees, and More

By Elana Amsterdam

A  thoroughly comprehensive book on cooking for those with gluten intolerance”!  Food allergies dramatically impinge on the ability to cook nutritional and enjoyable food for sufferers, but this book gives a wide range of recipes and cooking ideas using gluten free almond flour.

This is perfect for those who want to bake cakes for children and give them all the treats that they feel they are missing out on, but at the same time you can rest assured you are feeding them nutritious food as well.

For those seeking self-help, this is also a great book to have in the kitchen library but it is also a book for the professional adviser.  Written clearly by someone with a great deal of allergy experience, this is packed full of practical tips which have been derived from personal experience.

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