Surprise, surprise! The latest reports show the iPad to be a less green option than print for most readers (Apple is the only e-reader that has released environmental data). But if you read more than seven books a year (no surprise here) and keep your e-reader for more than three to four years, a digital device may be better, at least from an eco standpoint. Either way, you’re bound to enjoy some of the new releases you find here.
Gringa: A Contradictory Girlhood
By Melissa Hart
Melissa Hart teaches writing at the university level, so even if her story weren’t so timely, we would be prompted to read it. Hart’s mother came out as a lesbian in 1979, and promptly lost custody of her three young children for that reason alone. Hart’s bond with her mother remained strong, despite being limited to seeing her only four days a month. In the ever-so-advanced 21st century, that seems like cruel and unusual punishment for all concerned, but the author retained a great sense of humor and is happily married with a child of her own. As California battles for equal marriage rights and many states continue to ban adoptions by committed gay couples and singles, her story seems particularly poignant. (Seal Press)
Creative Community Organizing: A Guide for Rabble Rousers, Activists & Quiet Lovers of Justice
By Si Kahn
When Barack Obama was campaigning for the presidency, some of his opponents mocked his experience as a community organizer, yet it’s clear that throughout history, grassroots movements have been powerful catalysts for change. As governments at every level are forced to slash budgets, the time has never been better for everyday people to join forces to help change the world. Si Kahn, who worked on the Civil Rights Movement, the Harlan County coal miner’s strike and many more presents strategies and tactics along with a hearty dose of inspiration and practical tips for making the most of your efforts. If oil spills or undemocratic laws are making you feel helpless, getting active is the best antidote. (Berrett Koehler)
Every Dog Has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs Who Bring Hope & Healing into Our Lives
By Rachel McPherson
If you can’t have a dog, you probably shouldn’t read this book; it’s full of moving stories about dogs who have made such a difference in people’s lives that you’ll be tempted to run to the nearest rescue shelter. Rachel McPherson first took along her own dog while volunteering at a center for emotionally and physically compromised individuals. When her time there was ending, a child who hadn’t spoken in years said his first words, albeit words of sadness and goodbye. The experience inspired her to create the Good Dog Foundation, which now makes more than 77,000 annual visits. The animals help autistic children, vets, and even those with low literacy scores. More than great stories, McPherson’s book is also practical and includes tips and resources. (Tarcher/Penguin)
Autobiography of a Sadhu: A Journey into Mystic India
By Rampuri
Western spiritual seekers are irresistibly drawn to the mystical Indian culture, and particularly to the sadhus—renunciates who have chosen to live a life of spiritual practice. The most curious of these are the Naga, an order of naked yogis that sees itself as the ultimate protectors of the Hindu religion, and it was this sect that the author sought out when he ventured to India in 1969. Rampuri’s path to becoming the first foreigner to be initiated by the Juna Akhara, the oldest grouping of Naga Babas, is packed with magic, miracles and mantras, as well as allegations of tantric murder. Whether he is truly a holy man or a real-life Indian Jones, Rampuri’s journey looks like a compelling read. (Destiny Books)
Unequal Protection: How Corporations Became “People” and How You Can Fight Back
By Thom Hartmann
The second edition of this extremely informative volume from the popular talk radio show host explains how a constitutional amendment designed to grant basic rights to freed slaves gave “personhood” to corporations and opened the floodgates to corporate dominance of not only elections but our entire culture. His research takes us right up through the most recent Supreme Court ruling that jettisoned corporate campaign finance limits, a ruling that will have profound ramifications on our country’s future. If you’re wondering why we have such unequal taxes, influence, control of the media and even access to natural resources—and what you can do about it—this book is a must read. Hartmann is a brilliant investigative journalist and compelling writer, and we ignore him at our peril. (Berrett Koehler)
Spiritual Partnership: The Journey to Authentic Power 
By Gary Zukav
In his first major book since The Seat of the Soul spent 31 weeks on the best-seller list, the author of The Dancing Wu Li Masters outlines a new path for spiritual growth through partnership. This, he explains, empowers us to reach our full potential and “authentic power.” Partnerships are not exclusively the realm of committed couples, but can be formed by any two people with an intention to grow spiritually through every interaction. “Spiritual partners focus on challenging the frightened parts of their personalities that need secrets,” writes the author, who himself was mired in depression and fear when he first came into contact with the theories of quantum physics that would change his life. The potential benefits of the experiment he proposes invite further exploration. (Harper One)
Glad No Matter What: Transforming Loss and Change into Gift and Opportunity
By SARK
Best-selling author and artist SARK got her start in San Francisco with newspaper cartoons, but it was the 11,000 hand-made copies of her poster, “How to Be an Artist,” that brought her into the national spotlight in 1990. A recovering perfectionist, this unique free spirit has gone on the write more than a dozen books, all embellished with her trademark fanciful illustrations and thought-provoking inspiration. In this newest book she invites readers not to move on from loss, but to actually seek it out, embrace it and find ways to transform their feelings about it. Loss is an immutable fact of life, and the past few years have brought a heavier dose for some, so it’s always nice to have guideposts in a storm. (New World Library)
Survive! A Family Guide to Thriving in a Toxic World
By Sharyn Wynters, N.D. and Burton Goldberg
When Burton Goldberg self-published Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide in 1994, it became a runaway best-seller. Since then he’s continued researching the field (now totaling 30 years) on a mission to reform American medicine, and along the way has teamed up with a number of experts. Now he’s joined with naturopath Sharyn Winters to address the biggest threat to our health: environmental toxins. Covering everything from pools to fabrics to air quality in hotels, Goldberg and Wynters delineate the hazards, including a chapter on dealing with your very own, internal toxic thoughts. Although reading this book cover-to-cover may tempt you to retreat to a glass house, the authors kindly provide many alternatives to help you thrive in the world we inhabit, toxic or not. (iUniverse, Inc.)
