Alpha Books

The complete idiot's guide to running, 3d ed.

Rodgers and Douglas present a revised and updated guide, for novice runners in particular; filled with tips and techniques on running in the 21st century, the text may also include information of interest to more experienced amateur runners. Coverage includes running basics and how to get started; running apparel, equipment, and gadgets; aspects of body care, from preventing and treating common injuries, to diet considerations and weathering the elements; racing considerations; and special advice for younger and older runners. Rodgers has won the Boston and New York City marathons four times each and is member of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame; an avid runner, Douglas is a former editor-in-chief of Running Times magazine. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The complete idiot's guide to world religions, 4th ed.

Toropov, a nonfiction writer, and Buckles, who teaches theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Graduate Theological Union, and is a member of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), introduce world religions to general readers. They explain Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taosim, Confucianism, and Shinto; ancient religions of the Egyptians, Greeks, Mayans, Druids, and Aztecs; nature religions of Africa, the Pacific, and North America; and New Thought religions. In addition, there are chapters on the basic ideas supporting the majority of systems; how to approach people from different religious backgrounds; how religions approach big questions such as war, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion; and how they view important life questions like existence and the relationship to God. This edition adds chapters on Sikhism, extremism in the twenty-first century, afterlife beliefs, and additional online resources. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)