by Rebecca Rule '76, '79G,
Islandport Press, 2008.

Writer and storyteller Becky Rule (who writes the "Question/Answer" column for this magazine) has been collecting and re-telling New Hampshire stories for many years, so there is a lot of them in this delightful guide, which includes information both visitors and "natives" - "someone who can claim five generations in the ground" - need to know.

by David A. Berona '02G,
Abrams, 2008.

This handsome book looks at woodcut novels published between 1918 and 1951, illuminating the lives and concerns of the artists who created the powerful art form, and providing an historical context for contemporary comics and graphic storytelling.

by Gerald M. Carbone '82,
Palgrave Macmillan, 2008.

Rhode Island Major General Greene is considered one of the unsung heroes of the Revolutionary War, and in this immensely readable biography, journalist Carbone brings his brilliant military career and tragic personal story to life.

Robert G. Pasquill, Jr. '80

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The Civilian Conservation Corps in Alabama, 1933 - 1942, A Great and Lasting Good, began as a relatively modest research project in 2001. Initially, I was focused on the work accomplished on the National Forests in Alabama by the CCC. As I met more former members of the CCC at reunions, conducted more public education programs on the subject, and was encouraged to write this all down, I realized that there needed to be a single source for all of the work the CCC had done across the state. Over the eight years of research, writing and editing, many of the "CCC alumni" have passed. More than anything else, I wanted these wonderful gentlemen to know that their work during the Great Depression would not be forgotten.

I began working for the Sumter and Francis Marion National Forests in South Carolina in January 1981. It was through my work as an archeologist and historian that I became aware of the fire towers, bridges, culverts and other infrastructure built by the CCC on the National Forests. The training and education I received at the University of New Hampshire was a great preparation for this career, especially getting the opportunity to participate in contract archeology with the Archeological Research Services (ARS) under Dr. Charlie Bolian.

The Civilian Conservation Corps in Alabama, 1933 - 1942, A Great and Lasting Good is my second book, published by the University of Alabama Press. My first book, Battery Warren and the Santee Light Artillery (published by the Berkeley County Historical Society, 1987), was a short work on a Civil War battery stationed on the banks of the Santee River in Berkeley County, South Carolina, and located in the present-day Francis Marion National Forest. My third book, Planting Hope on Worn-Out Land is also available, published by NewSouth Books. This book is about the Tuskegee Land Utilization Project which rehabilitated nearly 11,000 acres in Macon County Alabama. This submarginal farmland was acquired by the federal government through the Resettlement Administration between 1935 and 1938. The land later became the Tuskegee National Forest.

Sheila McDonough Fritz '83

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Behind the Spoon: Army Basic Training

One day I was eating my lunch - a recent UNH graduate, single mother of two loaded with student loans, working as a union laborer in construction. I was sitting on the sidewalk across the street from the US Army Recruiter's office on Elm Street in Manchester when a knight in shining armor appeared. OK...he was a non-commissioned officer in the US Army, dressed in his green suit, offering student loan repayment, career training, medical benefits for me and my kids, and a steady paycheck. I saw another opportunity for adventure wrapped in a package of responsibility.

I took copious notes throughout Basic Training (BT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). I learned all the rules, regulations and acronyms, the phonetic alphabet, appropriate customs and expectations. I attempted to adapt and adjust and overcome being a free-thinking civilian, and to assimilate into the "green Army machine" - but it didn't work.

As a soldier I excelled: Most Improved Soldier of the Cycle award out of BT, Top of Class out of AIT, 1987 Ft. Dix Post Soldier of the Year (Runner-up - 2nd place) and many certificates of completion for training. I took courses that weren't mandatory willingly. But I missed my freedom.

In 1989, I chose to leave the Army for a new life in Alaska. But my notes were begging me to share the experience. It took more than a dozen years of daily life and writing to put together this little introduction to my life. It isn't the beginning. It isn't the end. It is smack dab in the middle; a significant representation of how life happens when we are making other plans. A small slice of my unplanned life!

This book was written for many reasons. My dad was dying and wanted to see my name in print - he recognized my talent, and so I self-published what he called "only a small chapter." I wanted a platform to stand on when speaking to young people about planning their lives, and I wanted to give an account of what people go through when they leave home for Basic Training.

This book is NOT designed to promote enlisting in the service. But if you want to consider that, take my advice and GO AIR FORCE (they seem to take better care of their soldiers)! But more important, to all the veterans of any branch of the US Military, I wrote this book to say, "Thank YOU for your service!" May you find fond memories of your training days, your transition from citizen to soldier, and the most important contribution you made to the world, being a guardian of freedom. May God Bless America!

Cindy Pierce '88

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Finding the Doorbell: Sexual Satisfaction for the Long Haul

The reason for this book is to help couples create and maintain healthy relationships. While the emphasis is on the sexual aspect of relationships, the underlying message is that a healthy relationship requires effort and honest communication. The book is most helpful for couples who are in, or people who hope to be in, monogamous, long-term heterosexual relationships. Finding the Doorbell was favorably reviewed by the Los Angeles Times. Readers constantly let my co-author and I know how much the book has helped by providing ideas and strategies to improve their connection with their partner. While the book's tone is humorous, it provides serious wisdom from experts and many contributors.

UNH shaped my life by leading me into teaching public elementary school and coaching ski racers. Now I am a mother of three and an innkeeper, performer and writer; I'm grateful to UNH for teaching me how to achieve balance in my life!

Donald Silverman '59

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Forgive Us Our Trespasses is an incredible read and was number one on The New York Times Ten Best Novels of 2008, also winning a Pulitzer. I might be slightly exaggerating, or downright lying, but I did write the damn novel and all who have read it, loved it. Having said this, let me beg you please, please buy it. And while you are at it, buy my first two novels, The Event and The Enemy Is Me.

You may wonder why I sound so desperate. Well, I'm the least successful author in my family and I don't like it. My daughter, Rabbi Susie wrote Jewish Family and Life and is currently writing a book on adoption. Daughter Jodyne wrote Dump 'Em, coming out in April from Harper Collins. Daughter Sarah, who is listed as number five in the 50 Most Powerful Jews in America, just got a lucrative deal with Harper Collins. She also writes for "The Sarah Silverman Program." Did you see her on "The Great Schlep"?

So I beg you, as a fellow graduate of UNH, buy my books. Don't let me look like a schmuck to my children.

Here's a synopsis of the novel: Philip "Pip" Marshall's parents are Born Again Christians, but Pip can't find their Jesus, although he tries. He becomes a star football player in high school and college and eventually, he and his young wife attend law school, opening a law practice in their hometown. Another character, Kristen, a good Christian, marries a lay preacher, Harold, a florist by trade. Their life becomes turmoil after Rowe vs. Wade makes abortion legal. Jesus appears to Kristen and orders her to burn down an abortion clinic. The next morning, Kristen listens to the news only to learn that an options counselor working late died in the fire. She realizes that it wasn't Jesus who spoke to her but the Devil. Kristen is arrested and Pip Marshall is asked to defend her. He eventually comes to care for his client and works diligently to convince the jury that she is guilty of a far lesser charge. Pip wonders about "the blindfolded lady holding the scales of justice. On one side was all the good caused in the name of God; on the other, all the evil. He wondered if the scales ever balanced."

See you at our 50th reunion. Visit my site

by Edward Hujsak '49,
Mina Helwig Publishing, 2008.

This collection of stories by a La Jolla engineer and author includes tales of Depression era New England, the author's experiences in San Diego developing the Atlas and Centaur rockets, science fiction, and poetry.

by Heidi Hill '94,
Vitesse Press, 2008.

This book features expert advice, parent-to-parent advice, and the author's own experiences in guiding parents on how to be active role models in engaging their kids in exercise. It includes chapters on biking, hiking, yoga and strength training, as well as ideas about how to find time for fitness and nurture good nutrition in children.

• Sarah Cost (Duclos) '05 has recently been hired at Boston Ballet as a lead teacher in their "Taking Steps" program for 7th and 8th grade girls.
• Dance minor Shoshana Ritzler '04 is working for production company Leftfield Pictures as production manager and casting producer for the show "The Principal's Office" which airs on truTV.
• David Leong '73 was recently hired to stage the fight choreography in the broadway musical "Billy Elliott."
• Megan Godin '08 has joined the cast of the Sesame Street Live production of "When Elmo Grows Up." She plays the part of Abby Cadabby, and the tour runs through June 2009.