Best of
Recreation

2009

Imitation


Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - 2009
    In "Imitation" she explrored a unique aspect of the Nigerian-American experience. Following the fashion of her country, Nkem has left Nigeria to raise her children in America, while her husband Obiora remains in their homeland. One day, a friend calls Nkem from Africa with the news that Obiora is keeping a girlfriend. "This is what happens when you marry a rich man," says the friend. Caught between two worlds and wanting the best for her children, Nkem faces a difficult decision. All the more powerful for its restraint and calm, "Imitation" is a fascinating tale of one woman's struggle against isolation.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Cincinnati: Including Clifton Gorge, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky


Tammy York - 2009
    Places such as Caldwell Nature Preserve, Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, and Quiet Trails Nature Preserve offer incredible views, ample wildlife and wildflowers, and a chance to get away from everything and enjoy the simple pleasure of nature. Many of the trails, between three and five miles in length, cover Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, and range from family friendly to the more rigorous. While Sharon Woods offers a leisurely, accessible paved trail for most of the way, Clifty Falls State Park tests the seasoned hiker's ability to concentrate on crossing slippery rocks without falling into the stream. Clear maps, simple directions, accurate driving times, and a wealth of trail details make this the perfect companion to a Queen City day hike.

Swimming Anatomy


Ian McLeod - 2009
     "Swimming Anatomy" includes 74 of the most effective swimming exercises, each with step-by-step descriptions and full-color anatomical illustrations highlighting the primary muscles in action. "Swimming Anatomy" goes beyond exercises by placing you on the starting block, in the water, and into the throes of competition. Illustrations of the active muscles for starts, turns, and the four competitive strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke) show you how each exercise is fundamentally linked to swimming performance. You'll also learn how exercises can be modified to target specific areas, improve your form in the water, and minimize common swimming injuries. Best of all, you'll learn how to put it all together to develop a training program based on your individual needs and goals. Whether you are training for a 50-meter freestyle race or the open-water stage of a triathlon, "Swimming Anatomy" will ensure you enter the water prepared to achieve every performance goal.

Origami Polyhedra Design


John Montroll - 2009
    The author covers the five Platonic solids (cube, tetrahedron, octahedron, icosahedron and dodecahedron). There are ample variations with different color patterns and sunken sides. Dipyramids and Dimpled Dipyramids, unexplored before this in Origami, are also covered. There are a total of 64 models in the book. All the designs have an interesting look and a pleasing folding sequence and are based on unique mathematical equations.

Warrior Mind: Strategy and Philosophy from the Martial Arts


Dick Morgan - 2009
    Warrior mind has three components. The first is inner strength-the development of unassailable integrity, clear intent, and unwavering tenacity. The second is a thorough understanding of the principles of strategy-correct movement and balance, proper angles, proper timing, and proper entry. The third is acquiring body intelligence- a spontaneous flow of movement in response to an attack without having to think about it. Eventually, thought and movement become one expression. Warrior Mind is also a guide to a strong and proactive approach to life itself. The principles that strengthen the warrior mind-set also empower and enrich one's life whether or not one is involved in a martial study. In fact, the goal of developing warrior mind is to become so internally strong that we discourage and minimize the violence around us. Ultimately, achieving warrior mind is a spiritual journey.

Trekking in the Everest Region, 5th: includes Kathmandu City Guide


Jamie McGuinness - 2009
    There are trekking possibilities to suit all budgets – from independent trekkers on a shoestring staying in simple lodges with Sherpa families to travelers on all-inclusive guided treks with every luxury provided. Getting to Nepal from Europe, North America and Australasia Kathmandu — trekking preparations and what to see Where to stay and eat — Kathmandu and along the trails Employing a guide or porter in Nepal The environment —  how to minimize your impact on a fragile region and still take hot ‘green’ showers Health and safety 60 route maps and village plans Plus –  30 color photos

Camping Washington: The Best Public Campgrounds for Tents and Rvs--Rated and Reviewed


Ron C. Judd - 2009
    With so many amazing spots to pitch a tent or park your RV, where does one begin? Judd's new guide takes the guesswork out of finding a suitable site with a campsite rating system, icons for tents and RVs, quick-reference maps, clear driving directions, and reservation information. Whether you're a weekend warrior hoping to beat the crowds on a holiday weekend or a full-time retired RV-er seeking the best hookups and showers, this cheeky guidebook contains all the information you need. With more than 500 public campgrounds to choose from, this guide provides campers with enough options (and witty one-liners) to satisfy for years to come.

Perfect English Cottage


Ros Byam Shaw - 2009
    Bestselling author Ros Byam Shaw takes a fresh look at this perennially appealing style, which she divides into five chapters: Character, Holiday, Romance, Simplicity, and Elegance. The featured homes are incredibly varied, from a tiny house with exposed beams to a pared-down Georgian gem, to a picture-perfect cottage with roses over the door—and plenty more adorning the interior. Each section ends with a Get The Look page devoted to ideas for recreating the style in your own home.