The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers - Part 4

The holiday season has already begun and if you're thinking about what gifts to give this year, we hope you think about books. A good book is always a great gift! So how about a green-themed book that is both interesting/fun/valuable (or all at once) and affordable?

To help you find the best green books to give as gifts this holiday season, Eco-Libris blog is continuing the tradition we started last year and presenting a new holiday guide. This year we have a very special guide with recommendations from people who are involved in the green economy, or as we call it "The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers ".

The guide includes 50 recommendations of great green-themed books that will be a good fit as holiday gifts. As you will see the guide is not only about the books, but also about the people who recommend it. We tried to personalize the guide as much as possible so we will learn not only about green books but also about the people who carry the green economy on their shoulders.

Therefore with each recommendation you will find a personal angle that presents the recommender, his workplace and/or why they chose that specific book to recommend on.

Today we present part 4 (out of five) of the guide. As you can see today and on other parts of the guide, we have some great people who are part of the green economy and also wrote great books which the recommend on. We hope you will enjoy the variety of offers and find here great ideas for green gifts. Enjoy!

31. "Sustainability 101: A Toolkit for Your Business" by Anca Novacovici and Jennifer Woofter

Recommended by: Anca Novacovici, the author and the founder of Eco-Coach

What the book is about? This succinct introductory manual is designed to help organizations, whether committed to going green or still trying to get on board, become more socially and environmentally responsible. The book provides nearly one hundred recommendations, with detailed "how to" instructions and websites where you can go for more information, and focuses on the environmental as well as the social aspects of sustainability in an organization. Because it is clearly segmented into steps, a 'newbie' can pick up the book and not feel intimidated, and someone who is more seasoned and is looking for additional ideas does not need to read through material that he/she is already familiar with.

Jennifer and I developed this book based on our experience working with many different companies across various industries. We found that there was a fear of the unknown and many individuals did not know where to start even though there were simple steps that they could take that would move them forward. So, we wanted to share this information with as many people as possible, since there is a lot to do in a short period of time (to decrease the impact that humans are having on the planet). Both of our missions are to further the green movement and help more and more companies and individuals save money, improve employee and customer satisfaction, and save the planet in the process.

Why would this book make a great gift? This is a great office gift - for your boss, a colleague, customers or for yourself! It is easy and actionable reading, and is also great for those who do not have a lot of time to spend on the subject but would like to do something. Reading it will give the recipient lots of ideas of how to become more environmentally friendly and socially conscious not just at work, but at home! You can check it out on the Eco-Coach website and soon on Amazon.com
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Getting personal: Anca Novacovici is the founder of Eco-Coach (http://www.eco-coach.com), an environmental sustainability consulting company based in Washington DC. Her company is going on its third year, and focuses on both businesses and individuals.

32. "The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems" by Van Jones

Recommended by: Judy Harper, Consultant at 505 Marketing

What the book is about? (from the publisher's website - HarperCollins) In The Green Collar Economy, acclaimed activist and political advisor Van Jones delivers a real solution that both rescues our economy and saves the environment. The economy is built on and powered almost exclusively by oil, natural gas, and coal—all fast-diminishing nonrenewable resources. As supplies disappear, the price of energy climbs and nearly everything becomes more expensive. With costs and unemployment soaring, the economy stalls. Not only that, when we burn these fuels, the greenhouse gases they create overheat the atmosphere. As the headlines make clear, total climate chaos looms over us. The bottom line: we cannot continue with business as usual. We cannot drill and burn our way out of these dual dilemmas.

Instead, Van Jones illustrates how we can invent and invest our way out of the pollution-based grey economy and into the healthy new green economy. Built by a broad coalition deeply rooted in the lives and struggles of ordinary people, this path has the practical benefit of both cutting energy prices and generating enough work to pull the U.S. economy out of its present death spiral.

Why would this book make a great gift? This book is about a very serious problem but is an enjoyable read because it shows that solutions are available and we just need to start putting them into practice.

Getting Personal: Judy also warmly recommends on "Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How It Can Renew America" by Thomas L. Friedman (no .7 on our guide): This is a very interesting, simple to understand description of what's happening to our world and what we can do to fix it.

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33. " Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage by Daniel C. Esty and Andrew S. Winston

Recommended by:Debora Blair, Channel Operations Manager at Tennant Company

What the book is about? from the publisher's website - Yale University Press): The essential guide for forward-thinking business leaders who see the Green Wave coming and want to profit from it. This book explores what every executive must know to manage the environmental challenges facing society and business.

Based on the authors' years of experience and hundreds of interviews with corporate leaders around the world, 'Green to Gold' shows how companies generate lasting value, cutting costs, reducing risk, increasing revenues, and creating strong brands, by building environmental thinking into their business strategies.

Daniel C. Esty and Andrew S. Winston provide clear how-to advice and concrete examples from companies like BP, Toyota, IKEA, GE, and Nike that are achieving both environmental and business success. The authors show how these cutting-edge companies are establishing an “eco-advantage” in the marketplace as traditional elements of competitive differentiation fade in importance. Esty and Winston not only highlight successful strategies but also make plain what does not work by describing why environmental initiatives sometimes fail despite the best intentions.

Why would this book make a great gift? I believe "Green to Gold" is a great holiday gift for anyone managing all or part of a business as it is practical and shows numerous benefits to focusing on environmental issues and saving valuable resources.

Getting Personal: I am on a corporate sustainability team that has undertaken numerous initiatives with regards to waste and conservation. With every success we make, we see more and more opportunity for improvement.

34. "The 21st Century Energy Initiative: How to solve our energy problems, once and for all" by Mark Paul

Recommended by: Mark Paul, the author and Managing Partner at Synergy Consulting Group, LLC

What the book is about? This eBook is for those who are interested in making a difference in the world. It is unique, in that it is not a politically-charged treatise on why "the other side" is wrong. Rather - it digs deep as to the root causes of our current energy problems, and uncovers [1] how we got here in the first place and [2] how we can solve our energy problems. And... what the reader can do about it.

Why would this book make a great gift? Since time is of the essence on this important issue, a unique gift to others may well provide the grass-roots spark this country needs to become the world leader in bringing renewable energy to the rest of the world. Even more than what Obama is promising!

Getting Personal: I have a degree in Physics as a result of the OPEC-led oil embargo of 1973. I planned on solving the world's energy problems, but life got in my way. After 9/11, I decided to learn more about the root causes and how to fix this "grand challenge", once and for all. After years of research, I decided to put forth a plan to solve it. The 21st Century Energy Initiative is all about how Government, Businesses and Research Universities can / should work together to address this problem.

Realizing that this is a huge undertaking, I decided to write the book to share an innovative approach (based on researching what does NOT work). I also decided to become more involved personally... bringing my 30 years of technology commercialization experience to bear and implement a scaled-down version of the 21st Century Energy Initiative - to something I could lead. NXergy is a renewable energy technology accelerator. Information on this company can be found at www.nxergy.com.

35. "How The Land Of Litter Became The Kingdom Of Clean" by Dave Street

Recommended by: Greg Barber, Environmental printer

What the book is about? "How The Land Of Litter Became The Kingdom Of Clean" is a 48 page cover book that is all 4 color process and has illustrations of knights and Dragons discussing with the children of the

castle the merits of recycling or not recycling. Does it really make a difference if one person litters. The Knight tells the children that if one child litters and then all the children litter, then that litter could clog the drains and maybe the castle and all the crop could be ruined if there is a huge rainstorm.

Why would this book make a great gift? This book deals with a lot of environmental issues and I personally found the book entertaining and very informative in educating the reader of the three R's (Recycle, ReUse, Reduce). I see this book as a great gift for kids up to 14 years old. But, remember, I loved reading it also, and parents reading to your kids will enjoy reading to them.

Getting Personal: Greg is the publisher and the printer of the book - the book is published by Barber Books and environmental printer the Greg Barber Company (www.gregbarberco.com). It is printed on 100% Post Consumer Recycled Paper and 100% Processed Chlorine-Free Paper (in other words, this book really practices what it teaches!) Greg Barber is also the printer of Eco-Libris stickers and a very recommended green printer!

36. "Carbon Finance: The Financial Implications of Climate Change" by Sonia Labatt and Rodney R White

Recommended by: Nader Shwayhat, Energy and Financial Products and Services Manager

What the book is about? (Praise for Carbon Finance from Amazon.com)

"A timely, objective, and informative analysis of the financial opportunities and challenges presented by climate change, including a thorough description of adaptive measures and insurance products for managing risk in a carbon constrained economy."
—James R. Evans, M. Eng. P. Geo., Senior Manager, Environmental Risk Management, RBC Financial Group

"Climate change will have enormous financial implications in the years to come. How businesses and investors respond to the risks and opportunities from this issue will have an enormous rippling effect in the global economy. Sonia Labatt and Rodney White's insights and thoughtful analysis should be read by all who want to successfully navigate this global business issue."
—Andrea Moffat, Director, Corporate Programs, Ceres

Why would this book make a great gift? "Carbon Finance" lays out the fundamentals of the Carbon value chain, how the Kyoto Protocol was set-up to combat the carbon emissions problem, and what the mechanics are of a Cap and Trade system. Obama has been a big proponent of Cap and Trade over Carbon Taxation and this book will help the reader understand the implications of such a program. It's be a key read for the upcoming policy and media debates.

Getting Personal: Nader is Entrepreneurial Product Strategist and Business Development Professional with extensive venture-backed startup experience within the energy and financial services markets. His experience includes personal consulting and volunteering activities in the clean-tech space developing voluntary carbon market exchanges, writing energy market analysis, and mentoring solar-power vehicle racing teams.

37. "I am Mr. Ellie Pooh Story Book" by Dr. Karl Wald

Recommended by: Dr. Karl Wald, the author and the founder of Mr. Ellie Pooh

What the book is about? This elephant dung paper book tells the story of Mr. Ellie Pooh and the plight of the Sri Lankan elephant. It basically gives the "kids" version of how we can interact with nature to "Save the Elephants". There is hope, there may be a solution, and they are holding it in their hands...Mr. Ellie Pooh's elephant dung paper.

The book is 8"x8" and printed on ois printed on 100% recycled, 75% elephant dung paper. The perfect book for any childrens library. Perfect for the home schooler or show and tell. The kids will go wild.

Why would this book make a great gift? The Mr. Ellie Pooh Storybook is printed on 100% recycled, elephant dung paper. No trees were cut down to make this product. Your children will be amazed after reading this book that they are holding such a marvelous product in their hands, and saving a piece of Earth too.

Getting Personal: Mr. Ellie Pooh is a new eco-friendly innovative company making handmade paper products partially made from elephant poo. Yes, elephant dung! Dr. Karl Wald and Thusitha Ranasinghe are spear heading a conservation program to help save wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

And there's also a special 15% discount offer for our readers - all you have to do is just enter the word "ecolibris" in the coupon box on the checkout process (starts here - http://store.mrelliepooh.com/woboboco.html) and you'll get the discount! 38. "Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future" by Bill McKibben

Recommended by: Indigo C, Social Entrepreneur (Founder at Satori International, Commander In Chief at The Zen Army, Director at The Environmental Corps, Founder at Deedz)

What the book is about? (from Deep Economy's website) In this powerful and provocative manifesto, Bill McKibben offers the biggest challenge in a generation to the prevailing view of our economy. For the first time in human history, he observes, "more" is no longer synonymous with "better"—indeed, for many of us, they have become almost opposites. McKibben puts forward a new way to think about the things we buy, the food we eat, the energy we use, and the money that pays for it all. Our purchases, he says, need not be at odds with the things we truly value.

McKibben's animating idea is that we need to move beyond "growth" as the paramount economic ideal and pursue prosperity in a more local direction, with cities, suburbs, and regions producing more of their own food, generating more of their own energy, and even creating more of their own culture and entertainment. He shows this concept blossoming around the world with striking results, from the burgeoning economies of India and China to the more mature societies of Europe and New England. For those who worry about environmental threats, he offers a route out of the worst of those problems; for those who wonder if there isn't something more to life than buying, he provides the insight to think about one's life as an individual and as a member of a larger community.

McKibben offers a realistic, if challenging, scenario for a hopeful future. As he so eloquently shows, the more we nurture the essential humanity of our economy, the more we will recapture our own.

Why would this book make a great gift? I think it is a good guidebook for understanding the necessary evolution of community. Rather than punching out " economic crisis" solutions, Bill Mckibben looks to the roots of just what the economy IS. What makes an economy work, and what will sustain it. This would make a great gift because giving a gift that allows the recipient to learn to give back makes the whole world a better place in the end... to give is to receive.

Getting Personal: (from her LinkedIn page) Ghandi said, " Be the change you want to see in the world". I feel as though I am truly blessed to be a part of this world at this moment. EVOLUTION is palpable, CHOICE is POSSIBLE and CHANGE is Inevitable. My Epiphany of sorts is that I must spend a considerable portion of each day of my life - working to a better tomorrow.

39. "It's Not About the Money: Unlock Your Money Type to Achieve Spiritual and Financial Abundance" by Brent Kessel

Recommended by: Brent Kessel, the author and co-founder of Abacus Portfolios

What the book is about?Although not overtly ‘green,’ this book is all about curtailing our consumerism by understanding what motivates most of our purchases, as well as investing in a safe, globally-diversified, sustainable way. Kessel offers new ways to think about spending, saving, giving and earning money to reach personal financial goals and maintain a real sense of security and confidence about one’s future.

Why would this book make a great gift? Do you know someone who is struggling to make ends meet, keep their house, or solidify their savings? This holiday season, all of us are trying to find a way to give something of value and meaning to our loved ones without breaking the bank.

For less than the price of a typical bank fee, buy those in financial distress a copy of It’s Not About the Money, which Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine just named one of the Top Five Business Books for 2008. It’s an investment which will give them a game plan for staying safe, sane and calm in this chaotic economy.

Getting Personal: Brent Kessel, CFP, is co-founder of Abacus Portfolios, a portfolio management company offering socially responsible investing while focusing on global, environmental and economic sustainability.

40. "Green Jobs Philly" by Paul Glover

Recommended by: Paul Glover, the author and community consultant and organizer

What the book is about? My new book "Green Jobs Philly" translates this movement into policies and programs practical and controllable locally, without waiting for federal, state or corporate funding. Lots of proposals for grassroots funding of neighborhood technologies. And, suiting the times, it's small (48pp) and inexpensive. http://www.paulglover.org/gjp.html See also http://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news

Why would this book make a great gift? This small volume is a powerful and efficient introduction, with specific practical proposals, for bringing green jobs to your city or town.

Getting personal: I started Ithaca HOURS local currency, Ithaca Health Alliance, Citizen Planners of Los Angeles, Philadelphia Orchard Project, and many more groups during the past 35 years. Also authored Hometown Money, Health Democracy, Los Angeles: A History of the Future, A Crime Not a Crisis, and other books.

I write newspaper and magazine articles about ecological urban design and grassroots economic development. I teach Metropolitan Ecology, and Green Jobs, at Temple University and am editor of Green Jobs Philly News. I consult (Greenplanners) with communities seeking to navigate busted economies. Full list and homepage: http://www.paulglover.org

If you choose to give your friends or family this book as a present on the holidays, you are more than welcome to balance it out with Eco-Libris, add our sticker to the book and make it the perfect green gift for the holidays.

The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers - Part 1

The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers - Part 2

The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers - Part 3

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Green Options - What a Love Story Can Teach Us about Sustainability: Queenelle Minet’s “In Memory of Central Park”

As part of Eco-Libris' ongoing content partnership with Green Options Media, we feature a post that was originally published by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg on December 4 on Sustainablog. Today's post includes a review of "In Memory of Central Park: 1853-2022" by Queenelle Minet.

Despite having agreed to review Queenelle Minet's In Memory of Central Park: 1853 - 2022, I really wasn't that excited about reading it. Described as "a thought-provoking work combining insight into the mind of a therapist, a poignant love story, and a commentary on both right-wing politics and our troubled environment" in press materials accompanying the book, I thought "Oh, no -- fiction with an agenda. That almost never works."

I was wrong.

In Memory of Central Park follows in the tradition of the great works of dystopian fiction: Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World. Set in New York City in 2050, the novel's protagonist and narrator Noah is a psychotherapist with plenty of issues of his own. He's in love with his brother's wife Margaret. He struggles with unresolved resentment about his relationship with his deceased father. And he, along with the other characters, live in a city that's not only seceded from the United States, but has also encapsulated itself in a huge dome in order to protect itself from terrorism and other outside threats.

As you might imagine in this environment, Noah stays pretty busy with his psychotherapy practice. Though skilled at helping other resolve some of their own emotional problems, he's distant from those around him. His eventual affair with Margaret fails because he's unwilling to allow her to leave Adam, her successful and politically-connected husband, and move in with him (Noah, like many of the residents of the city, lives in a single room). He's frustrated because, despite his best efforts, he can't seem to help a difficult patient who's obviously dying. And he just doesn't get the ideas underlying "clown show" performances by an underground street theater group that seems to pop up everywhere.

Walking The White Road with Tania Hershman on her virtual book tour (and a giveaway!)

We reported here on September about our collaboration with Tania Hershman, author of the new book "The White Road and Other Stories", published by UK's renowned Salt Publishing. This great collection of short stories is balanced out by Hershman by planting a tree with Eco-Libris for every copy printed.

Today we also have the pleasure to be part of her worldwide blog tour, organized by Salt Publishing. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the book and especially to get to know better the author behind it, so here we go.

Firstly, a little introduction of Tania Hershman:

Tania Hershman was born in London in 1970 and in 1994 moved to Jerusalem, Israel, where she now lives with her partner. "The White Road and Other Stories" is her first book.

Tania is a former science journalist and her award-winning short stories combine her two loves: fiction and science. Many of Tania’s stories, which have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and published in print and online, are inspired by articles from popular science magazines. In November 2007, she founded The Short Review, a unique website dedicated to reviewing short story collections.

For more on Tania's current projects, visit TaniaHershman.com.

Tania, congrats on your new book and welcome to Eco-Libris, which is your seventh stop on the virtual tour. How does it go so far? I know it's greener to go on a virtual tour but is it easier than going on an actual book tour?

Well, considering that this virtual tour covers Europe, Africa, the Far East, Australia and New Zealand, I am far less jet-lagged than I would be and not so sick of airline food! But it is pretty exhausting, answering so many questions about me, my writing, my thoughts on science, religion, literature, more topics than I imagine I would have covered on a “real” book tour. I don't normally talk about myself so much and I am spending hours contemplating my answers, which is an interesting thing to do, but not too often.

You are working with Eco-Libris to balance out the paper used for the book by planting trees. What brought you to go green with us?

Well, as you know, I wrote an article about Eco-Libris when I still worked as a journalist, and at that time I was hoping that one day I might publish a book myself. I love what you are doing, your ethos, and the way you are doing it. So when the book deal came through and I started to realise the my dream would involve the felling of a large number of trees (provided people actually bought the book!) I thought of you. My partner and I try and lead as green a lifestyle as we can, we compost, we recycle, we shun plastic bags (a particular passion of mine), and so this made sense to me.

As someone with a science background and a former science journalist, maybe you can help me figure this one out - how come we still make paper of trees? how come we found how to put a man on the moon but can't find another source for paper other than one of the most precious natural resources we got?

That's a great question and one I feel totally unqualified to answer, being more of a failed science student than a scientist. You are right, of course. Why can't we? Why can't we come up with a green alternative, one that looks and feels like paper, but can be manufactured without cutting down trees, and doesn't involve electricity, batteries, spare parts, noxious chemicals? Sorry, can't help you there. Israel is a wonderful source of innovation and all the people I met when I was writing about science and technology here believed that they could solve any problem – so why don't you put it to some of them?

How do you feel about e-books? do you think in 10-20 years they will rule the book market? do you plan to publish on electronic format?

Personally, I have never read an e-book and I find the idea of reading on screen unappealing. I love books. I have been in love with books since I was a child. I just love to hold them, to turn the pages, that for me is an essential part of the reading experience. But I know that for the kids of today, things are different, screens are part of their bodies, extra limbs, so perhaps they are the natural e-book consumers. Although I am not afraid that that books will vanish – television didn't kill radio, so I remain hopeful. My publishers, Salt, don't publish e-books, so that is not an option right now, but I am open to anything.

One eco-friendly option for book lovers is going to the public library. Do you do that? if so, how often?

I loved libraries as a child in London, my weekly trip with my Dad, the hushed atmosphere, the miles of free books, so much to read, a seemingly endless supply. Here in Jerusalem, things are a little different. I don't read for pleasure in Hebrew.

We used to live a few doors from the British Council and they had a great English-language library, but budget cuts forced them to close, and I haven't found a replacement. But when we spent a year in the UK for me to do my MA in Creative Writing, we lived in Bristol and I spent a lot of time in all the city's libraries, and even set a story there. I wish there was somewhere here I could go to. But I must confess that I like to buy books and I like to own the books I love. It's a constant struggle.

If you don't mind, let's get a little personal - how does a life of a writer looks like? can you share with us a regular day in your life?

A regular day? Well, let me dispel some myths: I don't get up at 6am and write for four hours (friends of mine who are reading this will be laughing at that one). I don't have any goals such as writing 1000 words a day. I write short stories, some very very short stories, and that is completely different from working on a novel, a long-term project. Some of the stories of mine that I love best were written in 20 minutes. So for me the main thing is to clear room in my head to allow the creativity to come.

My issue right now is finding the space to work in; my partner and I both work from home and I don't have a study with a door I can shut. A writer without a room of her own! We have plans to renovate our cellar, in an environmentally-friendly way, I hope, which would be an ideal solution, right by the house but not in the house, so I can be alone with the voices in my head. When that happens, perhaps I will have more of a routine, but right now I go and sit in local cafes with my laptop, I work well with that kind of white noise, but it is expensive, and I tend to eat too much and over-caffeinate!

You were born in London and live now in Jerusalem. You mentioned in one of the interviews how you like the hectic life there. Do you see yourself living and writing anywhere else?

Did I say hectic? Actually, after London, Jerusalem feels like a village to me, it's a manageable size, I can go places on foot, friends live in walking distance, I have my favourite cafes, the food here is fantastic. I love living here, but I know that anyone outside Israel imagines that it is how they see it on the news, and, as you yourself know, it isn't like that. We get on with the everyday, and life here is very spontaneous, which I like.

In London you have to make plans months in advance. I don't know what I will feel like doing tonight, let alone in 3 months. So, no, I don't see myself living anywhere else, but I am open to fellowships and writing residences. I spent several weeks in France in November at a place that called itself a “writing retreat” but didn't live up to its name and ended up being more stressful than peaceful and creative.

Next year I hope to be going back to the heavenly Anam Cara retreat (http://anamcararetreat.com/) in Ireland where I can get a great deal done in just a week. So, yes, I love living here but I also like to leave every now and then, a change of scene is good stimulation for the senses. I should also mention that I have never written a story set in Jerusalem. That's just not what comes out. Perhaps you can't write about where you are. My stories are set in the UK, the US, Antarctica, and even in space – I don't feel too constrained by reality when I write!

I believe that short stories became very popular in Israel in the last 10-15 years. Are there any Israeli short story writers that influenced your writing?

I don't know about the popularity of short stories in Israel, but I have to say – unsurprisingly – that I am a huge fan of Etgar Keret's stories. They are wonderfully surreal, touching, moving, shocking. He is a huge inspiration to me. I haven't read them in Hebrew, though, much to my embarrassment.

Your book is written in English. Is there a special reason you chose to write in English and not in Hebrew? Do you see yourself publishing in the future in Hebrew?

My written Hebrew is about the same as a five-year-old's! Good enough reason?? I speak and understand Hebrew fluently but never had to write in Hebrew, as a journalist I reported for American and British journals. So no, I highly doubt I will pull a Samuel Beckett and write in a language that isn't my mother tongue. I love the English language, and am thankful that even after 15 years in Israel I haven't lost my language skills. I sometimes think that being bilingual allows me to be more flexible and playful with English, I don't know if there are other bilingual writers who feel like that.

You have a very impressive online presence with a blog that you write for almost every day - how do you find blogging? is it easier to blog than to write "regular" stories? do you find it enjoyable as well?

Blogging has become a lifeline for me, it sustains me in so many ways. Writing my blog - which focuses mostly on the writing life - and reading fellow writer/bloggers' blogs brings me community, a community I haven't found here in Israel, of English-speaking fiction writers. This community is warm, generous, open, supportive, interested, candid about the difficulties of writing, celebrating one another's achivievements and commiserating the rejections.

Blogging has become a very important part of my life, is a completely different type of process from writing short stories, but some of the aims are the same: I blog to connect with like-minded folk anywhere. I also blog to find out what I think: often, it isn't until my fingers are moving across the keyboard that I discover how I feel. This is also true of short story-writing for me, things come out that I had no idea were in me, and when someone reads a story of mine and tells me it touched them, there is no better feeling.

Do you think that a blog/website is something that every author needs nowadays in both marketing terms and interaction with readers?

As a writer who is trying as hard as possible to market her first book, the blogsphere, Facebook, my websites are indispensable tools. I don't know what I would do without the Internet, I don't know how I would go about telling people about my book. I would have to do a book tour, I would have to be on the road, which, apart from anything else, would increase my carbon footprint, as well as taking so much time away from my writing.

The Internet has also, I think, opened up such a wealth of opportunities for short story writers, especially for those of us who write very very short stories or flash fiction. Submitting your stories electronically makes it easier to send them out, and being published online, while not the same as seeing your name on the printed page, means you can link to your work and perhaps find more readers, worldwide. There are new online literary magazines starting up on a daily basis, which is thrilling. Anyone who thinks the short story is floundering should have a quick look at what is going on online, they would be amazed. And some of it even pays!

What's going to be your next book about? is there any chance we'll see soon a collection of yours of short stories about global warming?

It's been done! On the website I founded to review short story collections, The Short Review (www.theshortreview.com), we reviewed Guy Dauncey's collection, Earth Future: Stories from a Sustainable World (http://www.theshortreview.com/reviews/GuyDaunceyEarthFuture.htm). Right now I am not in a hurry to publish a second book, I am focusing on marketing this collection, as well as getting back to my writing, much of which is flash fiction. I was recently shortlisted in a six-minute play competition with a play I adapted from one of the stories in my book. My play will be performed in London next year, so this is one new direction I am pursuing. I also have an idea for a film script – no environmental themes, though, I'm afraid.

Thank you so much for having me and for what you are doing for my book and for the planet!

Tania

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

Tania Hersman is giving away one copy of her new book!! This is a great prize, which includes a tree planted for this copy with Eco-Libris. How do you get a chance to win this prize? just add a comment below with an answer for the following question: what do you prefer - short stories or flash fiction, and what's the best length for a short story? feel free to mention your favorites!

Submissions are accepted until next Tuesday, December 16, 12PM EST. Tania will pick the comment she liked best and the winner will be announced on our blog the following day.

Next stop on the Walking the White Road Virtual Book Tour will be at Kelly Spitzer's blog on December 16th, 2008 for a slightly different type of “interview”.

Previous stops:

Chatting about science and fiction with the Keeper of the Snails

Discussing the beauty of short stories with Literary Minded

Talking about magical realism on Vanessa Gebbie’s News

Fiction and religion, a discussion at Sue Guiney: Me and Others

A few words about fiction that falls in between genres on Tim Jones’ Books in The Trees

On the couch talking about favourite authors at Eric Forbes' Good Books Guide

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

50% off coupons from "Celebrate Green!"

Celebrate green and save money? sounds like the perfect combo for the holidays! And it's even very easy - Here's an update from our friends at "Celebrate Green!" how it can be done:

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For more goodies and giveaways from "Celebrate Green!" you're invited to visit http://www.celebrategreen.net:80/contests_giveaways/, and of course don't forget their book which IS a really great green gift for this time of the year!

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers - Part 3

The holiday season has just begun and if you already start thinking about gifts, we hope you think about books. A good book is always a great gift! So how about a green-themed book that is both interesting/fun/valuable (or all at once) and affordable?

To help you find the best green books to give as gifts this holiday season, Eco-Libris blog is continuing the tradition we started last year and presenting a new holiday guide. This year we have a very special guide with recommendations from people who are involved in the green economy, or as we call it "The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers ".

The guide includes 50 recommendations of great green-themed books that will be a good fit as holiday gifts. As you will see the guide is not only about the books, but also about the people who recommend it. We tried to personalize the guide as much as possible so we will learn not only about green books but also about the people who carry the green economy on their shoulders.

Therefore with each recommendation you will find a personal angle that presents the recommender, his workplace and/or why they chose that specific book to recommend on.

Today we present part 3 (out of five) of the guide. As you can see today and on other parts of the guide, we have some great people who are part of the green economy and also wrote great books which the recommend on. We hope you will enjoy the variety of offers and find here great ideas for green gifts. Enjoy!

21. "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food " by Mark Bittman

Recommended by: Tom Strong, co-founder of the startup company 50 Mile Farms

What the book is about? (from the author's website) Hailed as "a more hip Joy of Cooking" by the Washington Post, Mark Bittman’s award—winning book How to Cook Everything has become the bible for a new generation of home cooks, and the series has more than 1 million copies in print. Now, with How to Cook Everything: Vegetarian, Bittman has written the definitive guide to meatless meals–a book that will appeal to everyone who wants to cook simple but delicious meatless dishes, from health-conscious omnivores to passionate vegetarians.

How to Cook Everything: Vegetarian includes more than 2,000 recipes and variations–far more than any other vegetarian cookbook. As always, Bittman’s recipes are refreshingly straightforward, resolutely unfussy, and unfailingly delicious–producing dishes that home cooks can prepare with ease and serve with confidence. The book covers the whole spectrum of meatless cooking–including salads, soups, eggs and dairy, vegetables and fruit, pasta, grains, legumes, tofu and other meat substitutes, breads, condiments, desserts, and beverages.

Why would this book make a great gift? This massive tome is an impressively thorough compendium of high-quality vegetarian recipes and techniques. It's a big improvement over Bittman's previous How To Cook Everything for several reasons. First, it's better organized, with less repetition from recipe to recipe, and more variations included under basic recipes. Second, it's much more international in scope, without actually sacrificing quality control - if anything, the recipes are generally better this time around. Third, it's more technique-oriented, explaining the basics (such as beating egg whites) in better detail, while also including a lot of more exotic ideas (such as using hardened meringues as a container for custards or other desserts).

Getting personal: Tom Strong co-founded the startup company 50 Mile Farms, a cleantech venture seeking to increase the quantity of local food production through high-yield, carbon-neutral innovations. He has an MBA from the University of Arizona, and a background in organizational development and training.

22. "Blessed Unrest" by Paul Hawken

Recommended by: Ellen Osborne-Smith, Financial Management and Operations to meet the needs of today and tomorrow

What the book is about? (from the book's website) A leading environmentalist and social activist's examination of the worldwide movement for social and environmental change, Paul Hawken has spent over a decade researching organizations dedicated to restoring the environment and fostering social justice.

From billion-dollar nonprofits to single-person dot.causes, these groups collectively comprise the largest movement on earth, a movement that has no name, leader, or location, and that has gone largely ignored by politicians and the media. Like nature itself, it is organizing from the bottom up, in every city, town, and culture. and is emerging to be an extraordinary and creative expression of people's needs worldwide.

Blessed Unrest explores the diversity of the movement, its brilliant ideas, innovative strategies, and hidden history, which date back many centuries. A culmination of Hawken's many years of leadership in the environmental and social justice fields, it will inspire and delight any and all who despair of the world's fate, and its conclusions will surprise even those within the movement itself. Fundamentally, it is a description of humanity's collective genius, and the unstoppable movement to reimagine our relationship to the environment and one another.

Why would this book make a great gift? . Hawken does an amazing job of narrating the history of the environmental movement; from Abraham Lincoln, to Emerson and Thoreau, to John Muir, The Sierra Club, Rachel Carson, and so on. This is a book that you can learn from and cuddle up with, thus, in my opinion a great gift book. You may want to consider packaging it with the Ecology of Commerce also by Hawken.

Getting Personal: I have worked on poverty and workforce development issues in the public and non-profit sectors. Currently, I spend my time learning about the ways that expanded corporate, public, and individual priorities can energize progress on environmental and social justice issues. With this knowledge I hope to contribute to the growing efforts to incorporate social and environmental indicators into bottom-line decision making and day to day business operations.

23. " Strategies for the Green Economy: Opportunities and Challenges in the New World of Business" by Joel Makower

Recommended by: Alan Robinson, VP sales and business development at Greener World Media

What the book is about? (from the author's website) In Strategies for the Green Economy, Joel Makower distills his more than twenty years of watching the green business scene and offers insights and inspiration for understanding and untangling the complexities and controversies of profiting in the growing green economy.

Through real-life stories and first-hand experiences, Makower raises and answers complicated, fascinating, and resonant questions about the realities of greening your business. Whether catering to a shade of green customer (and there are many), or understanding what constitutes a "good enough" green company, whether selling everything from cars to coffee, or determining when to lead the market and when to follow it, Makower's engaging and realistic approach helps show the way.

Why would this book make a great gift? It would be a good gift for a reader who wants a well grounded "real-world" perspective on the green economy. Plus Joel is a good writer and so it's entertaining.

Getting Personal: At Greener World Media I help companies of all sizes growth their business through advertising programs designed to reach the influential readership of GreenBiz.com®, GreenerComputing.com, GreenerBuildings.com, ClimateBiz.com and GreenerDesign.com. The wisdom and facts from Strategies for the Green Economy have helped me do my job more effectively.

24. "The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan

Recommended by: Elena Miller, Associate at McKinsey & Company

What the book is about? (from Barnes & Noble) A New York Times bestseller that has changed the way readers view the ecology of eating, this revolutionary book by award winner Michael Pollan asks the seemingly simple question: What should we have for dinner? Tracing from source to table each of the food chains that sustain us - whether industrial or organic, alternative or processed - he develops a portrait of the American way of eating. The result is a sweeping, surprising exploration of the hungers that have shaped our evolution, and of the profound implications our food choices have for the health of our species and the future of our planet.

Why would this book make a great gift? This book is about exploration of food, and how one man tries to reconnect to the natural and sustainable food chain we've become so distanced from. He explores these themes, but with the practicality of someone existing in a modern western society. It is extremely well written, very much a story that is engaging and thought provoking.

Getting Personal: Ellen is specializing in Sustainable Enterprise and Corporate Responsibility. She was also the president of the Net Impact chapter at the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

25. "On Empty (Out of Time)" by Bill Roth

Recommended by: Bill Roth, the author and the President of NCCT

What the book is about? (from the author's website) America's final "wake-up call". Since the 1974 oil embargo we have been promised Energy Independence and lower prices. Instead we are now paying 10 times more for oil and we are importing 4 times as much.

And we are now out of time. We face a recession because of high oil prices and the military cost of protecting someone else's oil fields. And a new crisis, Global Warming, is emerging.

On Empty graphically details the imminent threat of economic and environmental disaster and proposes fresh solutions for achieving a "Man on the Moon" crash program of deploying American-owned sustainable technologies. And it outlines how you, the American Consumer, will lead the charge.

Why would this book make a great gift? This is a must read that explains how the American consumer’s adoption of sustainable technologies will pull the world’s economy out of recession, solve Global Warming and gain American Energy Independence. This book is a gift of reasoned hope that outlines an economic and public policy path toward a cleaner, safer world with lower pump/meter prices. Its concluding message of hope and possibility fits perfectly with the Holiday Spirit.

Getting Personal: Bill Roth is no strange to the energy sector, with a career that included posts such as senior VP of marketing and sales with PG&E Energy Services and COO of Texaco Ovonics Hydrogen Solutions. Currently he is the President of NCCT, a San Francisco-based consulting firm helping businesses define and integrate Sustainability into their strategies, performance metrics, branding/marketing and business processes. He is also Entrepreneur.com's Green Business Coach.

Bill Roth is collaborating with Eco-Libris to plant a tree for every copy sold of the book.

26. "Living Green: A Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability" by Greg Horn

Recommended by: Nicole Bunink, account manager / eCommerce consultant

What the book is about? (from Amazon.com) Over 85% of Americans today express concern about health and the environment, but only a small fraction say they know where to begin. Whether you are concerned about climate change, personal health, or just want to live more lightly on the planet, this book is for you. It helps you get past the worry and take positive action to improve both your health and the health of our environment.

Based on a lifetime of research and practice, this practical guide for living green offers advice and solutions you can easily put into practice, like:

*The 10 foods you should always eat organic to avoid pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics. *Affordable and practical ways to offset your "carbon footprint" and neutralize your personal impact on global warming. *The most chemically-intensive personal care, household cleaning and lawn care products, and their effective natural alternatives. *How soft plastic water bottles hurt your health, your pocket book and our environment, with a simple and refreshing alternative. *How a simple carbon filter can dramatically improve your everyday health and potentially add years to your life.

Why would this book make a great gift? This book is a great gift for the people who do not have a whole lot of money to spend on Christmas presents it is great gift for people who want to make a start with green living. Since it is free (With compliments of The Vitamin Shoppe) it is available for everyone to give and if you do have some budget you can spend extra money on buying green gifts like organic body cosmetics, water filters etc. So lets use the holidays for some responsible spending this year and make a difference... It is the thought that counts.

Getting Personal: I had my green shock recently when I started paying attention to what I consume. Having worked in retail for most of my live I made some realizations about how we consume and the effect it has on our minds, bodies and the world. I believe we can do better so am now looking for greener pastures to apply my skills in and start contributing to a more sustainable economy. This book helped me in my process of awareness...

27. "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Recommended by: Leah Oviedo, CEO at Find a Green Store

What the book is about? (from Barnes & Noble) Rarely does a single book alter the course of history, but Rachel Carson's Silent Spring did exactly that. The outcry that followed its publication in 1962 forced the government to ban DDT and spurred revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water. Carson's book was instrumental in launching the environmental movement. It is without question one of the landmark books of the twentieth century.

Why would this book make a great gift? Silent Spring is a great book, because even though it was written 40+ years ago, it seems very prevalent to our current poisonous environment. It talks of problems and solutions.

Getting Personal: Rachel Carson was one of many that inspired me to think of the consequences I can have on the planet.

28. "Beyond Green: Toward a Sustainable Art" by Stephanie Smith and Victor Margolin

Recommended by: Michael DaCosta, Marketing Consultant at Portuguese Order of Architects

What the book is about? (from Amazon.com) Balancing environmental, ethical, economic, and aesthetic concerns, sustainable design has the potential to transform everyday life and has already dramatically reshaped the practice of architecture. Beyond Green introduces a new generation of international artists who work at the intersection of sustainable design and contemporary art.

The book explores the ways that this design strategy is being used-and sometimes intentionally misused-by an emerging group of artists who combine fresh aesthetic sensibilities with constructively critical approaches to the production, dissemination, and display of their art. Lavishly illustrated, the book also includes texts by and interviews with individual artists, along with substantial essays by exhibition curator Stephanie Smith and design historian Victor Margolin. What results is a bracing volume that will be of interest to practitioners and aficionados of design and art alike, as well as to environmentalists.

Why would this book make a great gift? It depends on the context, but I think a present or gift should stimulate thought or new thinking so that is why I thought of this book. It's also a nice reminder that Sustainability can also be fun...

Getting Personal: I am personally interested in connecting the creative and commercial sectors: Sustainability seems to be an area where the two can co-exist to mutual benefit.

29. "Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet" by Sloan Barnett

Recommended by: Michel Leblanc, Owner of a Shaklee Distributorship

What the book is about? (from Barnes & Noble) Imagine if your best friend gave you vital information that could protect you and your family, and save you money, and help the planet. Imagine if you were given clear, simple choices, small changes that could have a big impact on your life. And you could still wear leather shoes and deodorant. You'd listen, right?
Well, think of Today show contributor Sloan Barnett as that friend. A mother of three, a dedicated consumer advocate, Sloan gives us a fast, simple, down-toearth primer on the ways our homes are making us sick, and what we can all do to transform them into the safe sanctuaries we want and need them to be.

Sloan exposes the toxic truth behind the household products we use every day -- from laundry detergent to toothpaste to lipstick. She explains how these and other seemingly benign stuff can harm us and our children. She offers an array of alternatives, and inspires us to see that we're never helpless: Every day, we have the power to make better, smarter, safer choices.
Packed with common sense and sass, product picks and practical tips, Green Goes With Everything is for everyone who wants to live a healthier life.

Why would this book make a great gift? Basically, "Green Goes With Everything" is more of a reference guide to help the average person learn that we can take a few simple steps to help clean up our homes, our cities and our environment - no matter where we live.

The basic premise is to help people make greener choices without sacrificing convenience, budget, and more importantly on our health. The book also includes a 24-page directory of green resources at the back of the book, this in addition all the great hints, tips and invaluable information contained in the main chapters of the book.

Getting Personal: I've been involved with Shaklee Corporation for just over two years as an active distributor although I've been using their products since 1995.

Shaklee has been "green" since it was founded by Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee in 1956 with his two sons, and this AFTER he retired from his main career at chiropractor. Shaklee's reputation is primarily that of a natural nutrition company but they also offer natural cleaning, personal & beauty products and water & air treatment systems. It was the first company in the world to be certified Climate Neutral in 2000 and they remain committed to continue off-setting their carbon emissions through various projects and initiatives.

I feel very aligned with the values espoused by Shaklee, not just in terms of being a green company but for the exceptional quality of the products which are backed by rigorous scientific research and clinical studies. Why else would they have over 50 patents and patents-pending?

30. "Into the Trees" by Mike Aaron

Recommended by: Mike Aaron, Owner of Greensender.com

What the book is about? Into the Trees is a children's book about Mini G taking his first walk in the woods with his Dad. It is a tale of fun and discovery as Mini G sees, hears and feels the wonders of the natural world. At the end of the day, Mini G has unknowingly gained a greater appreciation of nature and a commitment to care for it. It is illustrated by acclaimed Baby Einstein artist, Nadeem Zaidi.

Why would this book make a great gift? At a time of year that is defined by thankfulness, goodwill and sharing, Into the Trees is a perfect gift for the littlest ones in your home this holiday season - as its a story about appreciating the invaluable gifts of nature.

Getting personal: After spending fourteen years in corporate marketing and advertising positions in Manhattan, Mike started Greensender.com in October of 07. Described as offering "green gifts, green goods, green ideas", Greensender's product catalog includes a variety of unique corporate and personal gifts.

Part of Greensender.com's philosophy is that the best caretakers of the planet are those that take the time to get to know it. As a result, Greensender believes that it is critically important to the future of our planet for young children to spend more time outside playing in, exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Into the Trees is beautifully illustrated book that brings this philosophy to life.

If you choose to give your friends or family this book as a present on the holidays, you are more than welcome to balance it out with Eco-Libris, add our sticker to the book and make it the perfect green gift for the holidays.

The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers - Part 1

The Green Collar Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers - Part 2

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net