About Netsurfer Books

Netsurfer Books is a bi-monthly e-zine offering short reviews of books and related items. We include listings based on recommendations from our staff and reviews from other individuals. Are we bribed to include any of these items? No. Do we receive a commission if you purchase an item through one of the links included here? Yes. Are we waiting to hear from you about what you'd like to see reviewed? Definitely.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Celtic Folklore Cooking

Celtic Folklore Cooking
Joanne Asala
Llewellyn Publications; ISBN: 1567180442

This delightful book weaves the fascinating folklore of the Celts and associated Pagan and Christian holidays with tempting recipes for celebrating those occasions. The recipes come from kitchens throughout Scotland, England, Wales, Cornwall, and Ireland, and are prefaced with tidbits of legends and information about associated holidays. From the familiar, such as Hot Cross Buns, to the fantastic, such as Beestings Pancakes, it's a volume of pleasure.

SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

Rainbow Mars

Rainbow Mars
Larry Niven
St Martins Pr (Trade); ISBN: 0312867778

Be prepared to achieve Niven nirvana in this latest masterpiece from one of sci fi's maestros! You'll travel in both space and time on an exploration of Mars. Encounter battling Martians, an enormous alien tree, and other not-your-typical-man-on-the-street types. Fantastical and very funny.

The Unicorn Girl

The Unicorn Girl
Anne McCaffrey
Harper Prism; ISBN: 0061057894

It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's Unicorn Girl! "Combining colorful characterizations, lots of fast-paced action, and a decided sense of menace., this is entertaining fare, indeed, for sf fans." - Booklist

Scientific Romance

Scientific Romance
Ronald Wright
Picador USA; ISBN: 0312199996

Here's a science fiction novel that will appeal even to those who claim that they aren't fond of sci fi but can't resist a mystery. Beautifully written, this tale revolves around the abrupt appearance of H.G. Wells's time machine. Wright's "flair for description can be positively Dickensian. The result is a fresh take on an old formula--the dystopian postapocalypse novel--and a profound meditation on the nature of time." - The New York Times Book Review,

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Windows 98 Annoyances with Software Utilities

Windows 98 Annoyances with Software Utilities
David Karp, Mark Bracewell
O'Reilly & Associates; ISBN: 1565925904

If Windows 98 feels more like an insult than an upgrade, you need this book. Everything from killing undesirable features in IE's desktop integration to printing a folder's contents and more are covered. The accompanying . A custom utilities on the companion CD-ROM ease such tasks. "After using the O'Reilly Utilities for a while, it's clear to me that this is one package that makes you wonder how you got along without it." - Windows Users Group Network

WebPointers Essential Net Novice Websites

WebPointers Essential Net Novice Websites
Kitty Williams, Robert Lind
Hope Springs Pr; ISBN: 096395315X

Substitute the adjective "nifty" for "novice" and you'll do justice to this delightfully useful guide. Yes, the book does contain some basic info that experienced Web-site-seekers can skip. But the extensive listings of the most valuable Web sites on topics ranging from the best places to live to automotive expertise make this a relevant selection for all Internet highway riders.

The Little PC Book

The Little PC Book
Larry Magid
Addison-Wesley Pub Co; ISBN: 0201353660

Updated for Windows 98, this book "takes you by the hand and leads you through buying, setting up, and using PCs and Windows. Suddenly it's not scary anymore." - CBS Radio, "Sound Bytes"

The Windows 98 Bible

The Windows 98 Bible
Fred Davis, Kip Crosby
Peachpit Pr; ISBN: 0201696908

From Desktop controls to the proper use of applets to the supposedly impenetrable mysteries of the Registry, this "bible" covers every aspect of Windows 98. The writing style is not only understandable but - here's a shocker about something related to Bill Gates - enjoyable to read. A "gotta-get" guide for prospective and current Windows 98 users.

The PC Bible

The PC Bible
Robert Lauriston
Addison-Wesley Pub Co; ISBN: 0201353822

Got a PC question? The answer's probably in this book that "covers it all. It's both a necessary primer and an indispensable reference that is as useful to novices as it is to experienced users." - PC Today

Programming Microsoft Visual InterDev 6.0

Programming Microsoft Visual InterDev 6.0
Nicholas D. Evans; Ken Miller; and Ken Spencer
Microsoft Press; ISBN: 1572318147

An in-depth guide to the Visual InterDev Web development environment, this book contains sample web pages, code examples, and controls directly from the horse's mouth, so to speak (i.e., straight from the Microsoft Visual InterDev team, and no, the "horse" in question is neither Mr. Ed nor Mr. Bill). Put it on your purchasing list if you want to learn the Visual InterDev 6.0 development environment, application design, database integration, three tier development, and security.

Learn Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 Now

Learn Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 Now
Chuck Sphar
Microsoft Press; ISBN: 1572319658

If you're a developer with previous programming experience who wants to master Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 as soon as possible, this book just may be the ticket to joy. You'll get a tutorial that includes sample programs and instruction on using Visual C++ and Microsoft Foundation Classes to build Win32 applications. Accompanying the guide is a trial version of Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0.

NONFICTION

70 Years of the Oscar

70 Years of the Oscar
Robert Osborne
Abbeville Press, Inc.; ISBN: 0789204843

Warning: bias ahead! As a writer at the Hollywood Reporter entertainment newspaper, I knew Osborne, an HR columnist and critic. His classy, descriptive writing style charmed me then -- and now. Osborne covers not only the Academy Award's history but delves into the culture with deliciously gossipy tidibts.

The Essential Gore Vidal

The Essential Gore Vidal
Gore Vidal
Random House; ISBN: 0679457461

As a writer, I'm envious; as a reader, I'm delighted. The wit and wisdom of one of our most prolific writers has been captured in this collection that combines both nonfiction and fiction. "good deal more fun to read than the work of many other highly esteemed writers who take themselves much more seriously. - Kirkus Associates

Satyricon USA

Satyricon USA
Eurydice
Scribner; ISBN: 0684839512

This voyage "across the new sexual frontier" takes the reader into realms generally labeled as sexually deviant. "What begins as a kind of highbrow voyeuristic tour of the fringes turns into a compelling portrait of contemporary anomie.It is illuminating, provocative, unsettling, dark, and disturbing." - Kirkus Associates

Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War

Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War
Mark Bowden
Grove/Atlantic; ISBN: 0871137380

The time 1993, the place a little bit of African hell called Mogadishu. The result: 18 American soldiers dead and many more wounded. Journalist Mark Bowden uses official papers, radio transcripts, and interviews with survivers to tell the detailed story of what happened during that operation, right down to the actual dialogue. A genuine page turner.

Life is a Stretch: Easy Yoga, Anytime, Anywhere

Life is a Stretch: Easy Yoga, Anytime, Anywhere
Elise Browning Miller, Carol Blackman
Llewellyn Publications; ISBN: 1567180671

Suffering from ailments such as an aching back or cramped shoulders? The authors of this book claim that the solution is simple: stretch. And they show you how in a guide containing easy yoga-based routines that can be done at home, at work, and even on a plane. Oooohhhhm.

Workplace Communications: The Basics

Workplace Communications: The Basics
George Searles
Prentice Hall; ISBN: 0205271219

Warning: business writing, if not handled with care, can be dangerous to your career. That misfired memo.the presentation they snored over.the report your manager used for his stand-up comedy routine. Ouch! This thorough guide to all the workplace basics - from correspondence to visuals to reports to resumes, cover letters, and follow- ups - can help you prevent career calamities.

FICTION

Be Cool

Be Cool
Elmore Leonard
Delacorte Pr; ISBN: 0385333919

The gifted author of "Get Shorty" never fails to please, and he succeeds again in this hilarious novel about Tinsel Town. "This eminently satisfying sequel to Get Shorty may well become a film, but don't wait for the movie. Be cool now." - The Wall Street Journal

Literatures of Asia, Africa, and Latin America

Literatures of Asia, Africa, and Latin America
Willis Barnstone (Editor), Tony Barnstone
Prentice Hall; ISBN: 0023060646

This superb collection of literature roams and ranges not only through several continents but through the ages. Begin in 1500 B.C. and wend your way through poetry, fiction, drama, essays, and more until you reach the present time. Extensive notes, introductions, and bibliographies make this book a treasure chest for those who love literture.

Eating Bread and Honey

Eating Bread and Honey
Pattiann Rogers
Milkweed Editions; ISBN

Regain your appreciation of all things great and small by delving into these exquisite poems. "Rogers's poems are a sensual treat, yet are all the better for you because they're "all natural." Her poems bring you back to what is real and alive." - Independent Press

Single & Single

Single & Single
John Le Carre
Scribner; ISBN: 0684859262

The master of the Cold War spy novel turns his attention to the post war world of corruption, high finance, and low crime. You can never go wrong with Le Carre, and this book looks like it's not likely to dissapoint. Case in point - what goes through the mind of a man about to be executed?

Angels Flight

Angels Flight
Michael Connelly
Little Brown & Company; ISBN: 0316152196

Where angels go, trouble follows.and that applies to the Angels Flight tram in this contemporary mystery novel. This is Connelly's sixth Harry Bosch novel, and it's another winner. "...a first-class detective story." - The Los Angeles Times Sunday Book Review

BIOGRAPHY

Monica's Story

Monica's Story
Andew Morton
St. Martin's Press; ISBN: 0312240910

Apologies to those who are absolutely Bored Beyond Belief with the entire saga of Monica, Linda, and the Oval Office Cigar. But hey, there are those who contend that this chickie-poo's charm is part of history. Whate'ever your stance, here's the book that Tells All by the Always Willing to Reveal It All Morton (he wrote Princess Diana's "true story," too).