Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 7/15/2006
Fiction
Chase, Clifford. Winkie. Grove. 2006. c.240p. illus. ISBN 0-8021-1830-5 [ISBN 978-0-8021-1830-1]. $16.95. F
Once upon a time in a shack deep in the forest lived a worn-out teddy bear with big ears and glass eyes that opened and closed. A year earlier, a lonely Winkie, tired of decades of neglect by the now-adult children who once loved him, had willed himself to life and fled his suburban home to find freedom, companionship, and love in the woods. But now he lies alone in the shack, mourning his past life as the plaything of generations of children, while outside an FBI SWAT team waits to capture the mad bomber they believe to be terrorizing the nation. So begins Chase's (The Hurry-Up Song) witty allegory on our paranoid, Orange Alert times. In an opening scene of comic absurdity, Winkie is shot, handcuffed, and whisked away to jail despite the doubts of the chief detective. "Could be a master of disguise, he mused; maybe wore masks, walked around on stilts or something to seem taller." And Winkie's trial is a masterpiece of Kafkaesque surrealism, with witnesses from the trials of Socrates, Galileo, and the Salem witches testifying against him. But Chase's novel is also a lovely meditation on the nature of love, loneliness, and existence. As Françoise, the lesbian Muslim cleaning woman who befriends Winkie, advises," You only have to let them know you exist." In this most unusual debut novel, which was inspired by the author's childhood teddy bear, Winkie lives!—Wilda Williams, Library Journal
Lloyd, Stu. Gone Troppo: Hot Babes. Warm Weather. Cold Beer. Paradise! Monsoon Bks. 2006. c.304p. ISBN 981-05-4833-8. pap. $15.95. TRAV
Lloyd, an Australian of Zimbabwean origin and the author of the "Hardship Posting" series, is in search of paradise. The problem is that he often looks for it in the wrongs places (who would consider Tijuana or Delhi good candidates?). But his erratic globetrotting does make for some interesting reading. He does all the typical fun stuff: bribing a policeman in the Philippines; contracting dengue fever in Thailand and suffering through it in Singapore; insulting a Maori queen in Rarotonga, New Zealand; and swimming with sharks in Costa Rica. He frequently drinks too much and then still drives—not a great way to behave in paradise, Mr. Lloyd. Nonetheless, he offers a hearty helping of history and local flavor when writing about each place, including, besides those mentioned above, Malaysia, Oahu, and Durban, South Africa. The good news is that eventually he finds the paradise for which he is looking. Recommended for public libraries with large travel sections.—Lee Arnold, Historical Soc. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Lorimer, Kerry. Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime. Lonely Planet. 2006. 224p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-74104-791-9. pap. $19.99. TRAV
Sustainability is a hot topic these days. For travelers looking for sustainable or responsible tourism suggestions, Lonely Planet, as a part of their growing suite of "inspirebooks," has put together a collection of 82 travel experiences ranging from budget to luxury. So just what is this type of tourism? According to Lonely Planet's editors, responsible tourism encompasses minimum environmental impact, a respect of the host country's social and cultural traditions, and financial benefits to the community paid in kind. These trip ideas are not comprehensive, but they provide a brief description of the journey, why it falls under responsible tourism, the best times of year to go, and tips on how to get there. A general section of ideas and tips also inspires adventurous and responsible tourists to eke out their own path. Other sections include listings of tour operators and volunteer organizations. Lonely Planet and coordinating author Lorimer have put together a timely, distinctive, and useful guide, complete with colorful photographs. Recommended for all libraries with large travel collections.—Louise Feldmann, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins
Palladio's Rome: A Translation of Andrea Palladio's Two Guidebooks to Rome. Yale Univ. 2006. 320p. ed. by & tr. from Italian by Vaughan Hart & Peter Hicks. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-300-10909-1. $45. TRAV
The great 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio published two guides to Rome in 1554, one of which described the architectural antiquities of the city, the other its churches. These ancient buildings had a marked influenced on Palladio's own designs. Professors Hart and Hicks (both, the Univ. of Bath, England) provide the first modern English translations of these two works and, with an extensive introduction and copious notes, publish them together here for the first time. Palladio's narrative focused on the history of the buildings of Rome, rather than on their architectural details, and he drew on both ancient and contemporary historians. Hart and Hicks's introduction and notes, which together total 120 pages, supply the historical context and necessary clarifications for today's readers; their handsome edition includes both current color photographs and contemporary drawings. While not an appropriate travel guide for the modern traveler—despite its 9"x 5" format—this scholarly yet accessible work will be an important addition to academic collections on Italian history, the history of books, architecture and, of course, Palladio.—Linda. M. Kaufmann, Massachusetts Coll. of Liberal Arts Lib., North Adams
Nonfiction
Kessler, Andy. The End of Medicine: How Silicon Valley (and Naked Mice) Will Reboot Your Doctor. Collins: HarperCollins. Jul. 2006. c.368p. ISBN 0-06-113029-X [ISBN 978-0-06-113029-8]. $24.95. ECON
Former hedge fund manager Kessler has written memoirs about his experience in the world of stocks and technology (Running Money: Hedge Fund Honchos, Monster Markets and My Hunt for the Big Score) and about the history of technology (How We Got Here: A Slightly Irreverent History of Technology and Markets). Now he turns his attention to up-and-coming medical inventions that he believes will be the microchips of the future. Unfortunately, this easy-to-read, first-person narrative is more fluffy than substantive. Kessler jumps around: a bit here about genetic testing, a bit there about medical imaging. He describes his visits to hospitals to observe expensive procedures as well as his personal and professional reasons for being interested in healthcare technology and economics. The book ultimately reads as if it were written by your jovial buddy at the corner bar talking about how his health problems led him to discover new stock picks. With no real investment advice and no real medical solutions, it book is recommended only for large public libraries where Kessler is popular.—Elizabeth Williams, Washoe Cty. Lib. Syst., Reno
Lund, JoAnna M. with Barbara Alpert. Cooking for Two: A Healthy Exchanges® Cookbook. Perigee: Putnam. 2006. 273p. index. ISBN 0-399-53254-4. $19.95. COOKERY
Lund was inspired to write this cookbook by the readers of her "Healthy Exchanges" newsletter. Similarly, she has published a dozen-plus cookbooks (e.g., The Open Road Cookbook) using recipes from that newsletter. All her cookbooks have the following aims: to be healthy, simple to prepare, and all ingredients can be found at her small-town grocery store. In the opening pages of Cooking for Two, Lund notes there are many people looking for healthy recipes that serve one or two (college students, dieters, and elderly couples), as well as recipes that are simple and convenient to prepare. She shows her practiced hand at creating "common folk" food that fits the above requirements. The recipes are not exotic (Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or Easy Chicken Alfredo), but for anyone looking for uncomplicated, healthy fare, this book could be just right. Including an index, an introduction to cooking in small batches, a pantry/equipment list, and general cooking tips, this is recommended for public libraries where need dictates.—Ginny Wolter, West Toledo Branch Lib., OH
Moore, Michele C., M.D. & Caroline M. de Costa, M.D. Pregnancy and Parenting After Thirty-Five: Mid Life, New Life. Johns Hopkins. 2006. 240p. index. ISBN 0-8018-8320-2. $45; pap. ISBN 0-8018-8321-0. $16.95. HEALTH
Like many women who delay childbearing until they are in their late thirties or even older, the authors had babies later in life. Moore (The Only Menopause Guide You'll Need), whose practice emphasizes preventive healthcare, and de Costa (obstetrics & gynecology, John Cook Univ. Medical Sch., Cairns, Australia) state that they "have not attempted to duplicate the general information about pregnancy and birth that is available in many excellent other books." Instead, what they offer in five sections is a guide to the unique social, medical, and personal challenges of pregnancy and childbirth in later life. Some of the difficulties older women may face include fertility problems, an increased risk of miscarriage, and the development of hypertension or diabetes. Each section presents normal processes and procedures, problems that may arise, and means of dealing with these problems. Information on fertility treatments, surrogacy, adoption, and the first months of motherhood round out the contents. A glossary of terms and lists of resources, drugs, and calcium- and iron-rich foods make up some of the useful appendixes. For consumer health collections.—Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib.
Scott, Ian. In Capra's Shadow: The Life and Career of Screenwriter Robert Riskin. Univ. Pr. of Kentucky. Jul. 2006. c.284p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8131-2390-9 [ISBN 978-0-8131-2390-5]. $40. FILM
Hollywood has been known to show screenwriters little respect: mogul Jack Warner famously referred to them as "schmucks with Underwoods." As the title indicates, screenwriter Robert Riskin (1897–1955) may have been a victim of this mindset. Although he was acclaimed in his time, he had the mixed good fortune of frequent collaboration with film director Frank Capra, a man whose colossal ego meant he seldom admitted to working with anyone. Scott (American studies, Univ. of Manchester, England; American Politics in Hollywood Film) follows the career of Riskin, who first drew attention for the fine American Madness (1932), then hit his stride two years later with the Oscar-honored It Happened One Night. Other triumphs (e.g., Mr. Deeds Goes to Town) followed, but his career faltered after World War II, during which time he headed the Office of War Information. In what appears to be the first full-length study of the writer, Scott makes a strong case for remembering Riskin as a talented man of strong social conscience. This detailed yet highly readable study is recommended for all cinema collections.—Roy Liebman, Los Angeles P.L.
Standish, David. Hollow Earth: The Long and Curious History of Imagining Strange Lands, Fantastical Creatures, Advanced Civilizations, and Marvelous Machines Below the Earth's Surface. Da Capo. Jul. 2006. c.304p. ISBN 0-306-81373-3. $24.95. SCI
With the benefits of the knowledge gained from 20th-century geology, it is difficult for us to imagine how mysterious the inside of the Earth once was to everyone. Scientists and individuals have put forward some strange ideas, but as author Standish (The Art of Money) points out in this lively and intriguing illustrated cultural history, writers made the most of this unknown world. Some like science fiction pioneer Jules Verne used the Earth's core for tales often incorporating the latest science of the day while imagining new and wonderful machines and tools. Others drew on this unknown world for the setting for a parody of their current society or to set utopias that criticized the current social order. The peak of this writing occurred between 1880 and 1915. Providing the cultural and social background for our fascination with the Earth's insides, Standish moves chronologically from Edmond Halley to the present. Individual chapters cover the authors Edgar Allan Poe and Verne, while later ones address Edgar Rice Burroughs, children's books, and science fiction. Highly recommended for both science and literature collections.—Michael D. Cramer, Schwarz BioSciences, RTP, NC
Denson, Abby. Tough Love: High School Confidential. Manic D. 2006. 137p. ISBN 1-933149-08-6. pap. $12.95. F
Starting a new high school is bad enough, but then 16-year-old Brian is confronted with surprising new emotions after meeting Chris at the Martial Arts Club. Influenced by Japanese shounen-ai manga, which focuses on beautiful young boys' love for one another, Tough Love is an important addition to adolescent coming-out stories. Acknowledging he is gay and in love with Chris, Brian tells a female friend and his mom. Six months later, the couple attends the high school prom. Brian flourishes as his support system helps him through difficult times, including an attack by school jocks. An uplifting story, it does not ignore the real hostilities one encounters, although certain characterizations (such as that of a religious upbringing being synonymous with homophobia) were too naïve. The quality of the artwork is inconsistent, but Tough Love is highly recommended for its thought-provoking journey. In addition to verbal and physical abuse, the black-and-white illustrations show a suicide attempt and boys kissing, hugging, and hanging out fully clothed on a bed. A list with suicide prevention and GLBT resources is provided. Appropriate for high school and public libraries, ages 13+, Tough Love complements Marion Dane Bauer's Am I Blue?—Susan L. Wakefield, Minneapolis, MN
Eiki Eiki. Dear Myself. June: Digital Media. Aug. 2006. 200p. ISBN 1-56970-900-9. pap. $12.95. F
Sixteen-year-old Hirofumi suffered amnesia after an accident two years ago but one morning wakes to find that his old memories have returned—at the expense of everything that has happened since the accident. The changes in his life startle him: a new haircut, a less tomboyish sister, and a physical relationship with Daigo, the boy who brought him to the hospital. Hirofumi is dubious of the male-on-male romance, but Daigo, dependent and emotionally unstable, is hard to leave. A letter of supplication from Hirofumi's former amnesia self and an unwillingness to make Daigo cry (which he does, with frequency) decide for him, and they inevitably remain together. Hirofumi's and Daigo's ages, 16 and 14 respectively, add a creep factor to their two-year relationship. There is enough sexuality in this book to keep it away from younger readers; older readers may be unwilling to suspend disbelief. Like many single-volume yaoi, the plot is rehashed and improbable. Eiki's standard narration and art do nothing to improve it. Some textually important facial expressions are weakly conveyed or not conveyed at all (Daigo's teary face is practically emotionless). Dear Myself is mildly entertaining, but it will provide, at best, fluff reading to yaoi aficionados.—Rebecca Schaffner, Saline Dist. Lib., MI
Ricketts, Mark (text) & Micah Farritor (illus.). Night Trippers. Image Comics. 2006. 184p. ISBN 1-58240-606-5. pap. $16.99. F
Vampire stories are almost a genre unto themselves, and it's difficult to find a story featuring the infamous creatures that is original and engaging. Night Trippers is such a rare find. In 1966 London, a young nurse named Dot is thrust into stardom soon after meeting Darien Pendragon, a trend-setting businessman and socialite, not realizing that her fame is part of Darien's plan for world domination. Drug use and graphic violence are present but are integral to the story line and context of the narrative and thus never seem to be used for shock value. This book is worth reading for the characters alone, especially the "Teddy boy" vampire hunter Peter, who is obsessed with Elvis and quotes Jerry Lee Lewis song lyrics. Also, the dialog works with the art to capture the look and feel of a decade populated by rebels and revolutionaries. Horror literature tends to be a favorite among YA readers, and their growing interest in the music and culture of the Sixties will draw them to this book. Mature readers of any age will also find Night Trippers one of the best graphic novels out there.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC
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