BY BRANDON BRADY

Santa has more than enough copies of Michael Crichton's Prey and Anne Rice's Blackwood Farm in his big bag of goodies. But he's a bit lacking in the local author department. It's not his fault: He has a whole globe to cover, and he can't be expected to cart around lesser-known titles by writers indigenous to every hamlet and 'burb he visits. So consider me Santa's little elf, spreading the cheer of local authors everywhere. Well, at least here in the Tristate. And if Santa doesn't have the following selections in stock, check out the local section at Joseph-Beth Booksellers or let your fingers do the typing at Amazon. ...

Ah, the glory days of Cincinnati. I'm not exactly sure what those were (or if they even existed), but Porkopolis does have some jewels in its history. And I'm not talking bacon. I'm a little young to recall the true heyday of Coney Island, but author CHARLES J. JACQUES JR. truly captures the spirit. CINCINNATI'S CONEY ISLAND, as the book is straightforwardly called, collects old photos and illustrations documenting what was once dubbed "The Favorite Resort of People." Jacques' exposition adds to the tale, but it's the flood of pictures -- and pictures of floods -- that best tells the story. ...

THOMAS R. SCHIFF has broadened his focus for his latest photographic collection, PANORAMIC OHIO. Schiff traveled throughout the state with his Hulcherama 360 Panoramic Camera to wish the Buckeye State a very merry early birthday. In time for next year's bicentennial celebration, the book serves as a crash course in Ohio's small towns and big cities. Like his earlier Panoramic Cincinnati, the book alternates between the somber and the silly. The auto swim, with its bright colors, festive mood and unique setting, sails in as a personal favorite. ...

ZEBRAKILLA's voice come through loud and clear in MANNISH, a collection of his poetry. There's depth here that goes far beyond the printed page, and I'm not solely referring to themes and metaphors. Mannish becomes more than a reading exercise; it's a vocal experience. Or it could be. The words flow so readily, in particular in "Sonny" or "Creative Beautiful Inspiration," that they can almost be heard. Whether they're spoken, performed or rapped, the poems are primed for CD distribution (if only Zebrakilla would do so). Zebrakilla is not a child who should be seen and not heard. ...

RUSSELL E. SAVAGE JR. also has plenty to say. And so does the "Dear John" letter integral to the plot of his debut novel, DOC RANDALL'S REVENGE. Only Savage knows for sure how his tour of duty in Vietnam affected him, but he's taken his experiences and used them loosely to craft his tale that spans 30 years. Granted, the subject matter will not appeal to everyone, but Savage's knowledge should enrich his words enough to make it rewarding for those willing to take the journey. ...

RON HOUSTON has raised the bar. Or rather he has come out from behind the bar for his collection of stories, TALES FROM THE SATELLITE. And again, an author's real-life has paved the way into literature. Hey, write what you know, right? The mixologist-turned-author lets the walls of his imaginary bar talk with tales of humor and sorrow. For more info, go to www.gorillaworks-publishing.com ...

Something's not quite right with TOWNSEND FINNEY. He's written an utterly bizarre children's book, void of pictures, in which everyone dies. That's right. No happily ever after here. DISASTER RUNS AMOK is a completely twisted read, more suitable for adults and slightly older children. (Warning: Do not let your 5-year-old read this at home alone.) The plot, as is the case for all children's books, is simple enough: A series of related events wipes out a small town with some ridiculous actions and reactions. The book is brief and more amusing if you read it without knowing more. I can definitely see it as having something of a cult following, but for some reason I don't see Santa giving it his seal of approval.

E-mail Brandon Brady

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