In The 21st Century Cowboy, Maryland-based photographer Nadine VerStandig gives us a look at the changing lifestyle of an American icon. Pictured here is "Secrets on the Fence," one of many beautiful photos in her book.

The Urban Hermit by Sam MacDonald is the comic tale of a Baltimore man's year-long attempt to get his life back in order. As a "big, fat bastard" with financial problems, MacDonald creates the Urban Hermit Plan -- a budget of $8 a week and 800 calories a day -- to change his life.  

Fruits of Victory by Baltimorean Elaine F. Weiss highlights the Woman's Land Army of America, which took over the farm work for men who had gone off to World War I. The "farmerettes" served in Pikesville, Fallston and communities across the country, plowing, planting and harvesting to help the war effort. Sort of a rural version of World War II's Rosie the Riveter.