Requiem in Vienna, by J. Sydney Jones. The perfect mystery for classical music fans. Set in turn of the century Vienna, the composer Gustav Mahler is the target of an assassination attempt. Private investigator Karl Werther is hired to uncover the details of the crime and delves into the mysterious deaths of other Viennese musicians, as well. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of Vienna's architecture, society and historical framework. This is the author's second book in his Viennese Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone novel. Nancy

Splendor in the Grass, by Pink Martini (CD) This is the fourth album by the group Pink Martini, a 14 piece band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1994. I saw them in concert several years ago, and was intrigued by their unique sound, which doesn’t seem to fit into any one category. An interesting feature of the album is that the songs are sung in Spanish, French and Italian, as well as English by lead singer China Forbes. If you enjoy jazz as well as standards, and an occasional South American rhythm, you may appreciate their music. I especially enjoyed the songs “Ninna Nanna”, and “Ohayoo Ohio”, which reminds me of Herb Alpert. Susan

The Girl Next Door, by Elizabeth Noble. A fun/vacation read. The only thing the many characters have in common is the Manhattan apartment building they live in. The main characters, Eve and Ed Gallagher are British and moved to NY for Ed’s job. Eve is having a hard time fitting in until she meets a few of the neighbors who have their own problems and issues. It’s a story about friendship and love. Plus I love the British vocabulary – “cheeky sod”, “daft” and “bugger”! E. Noble is working on a sequel. Laurie

Becoming Raw: The Essential Guide to Raw Vegan Diets, by Brenda Davis, RD and Vesanto Melinka, MS, RD. People are incorporating more raw foods into their diets, or switching completely to a raw food vegan diet. The reasons are many- research shows that the consumption of more raw foods leads to weight loss, improved health, and in some cases, elimination of health issues. As they did in their previous books, Becoming Vegetarian, and Becoming Vegan, in Becoming Raw the authors present all the necessary information to embrace a new, healthy lifestyle. The history of the raw food movement in the United States is outlined, scientific evidence to support its validity as a viable dietary choice is provided, the value and importance of raw foods is discussed at length, and nutrition guidelines and recipes are provided. This book appeals to both novices interested in finding out more about this nutritional powerhouse diet, and those already familiar with its intrinsic value. All readers will come away with more knowledge and appreciation for raw foods! Lori

The Spiritual Teachings of Marcus Aurelius, by Mark Forstater. Written by a Roman emperor, these timeless meditations and aphorisms are as wise and pertinent as when they were first written 2,000 years ago. It makes you realize the basic human condition has not changed through the millennia. How to react to injustice, how to behave when you are provoked, how to treat your friends (and enemies), how to control your desires, the full range of self-help issues is concisely presented here. Roman and Stoic ideals such as restraint, order, modesty, courage, duty, and honesty permeate this easy-to-read text. Robert