Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 9/1/2006
Week of August 29
Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Nonfiction
Greene, Melissa Fay. There Is No Me Without You: One Woman's Odyssey To Rescue Africa's Children. Bloomsbury, dist. by St. Martin's. Sept. 2006. c.472p. ISBN 1-59691-116-6 [ISBN 978-1-59691-116-1]. $25.95. MED
AIDS has devastated Ethiopia, leaving scores of children with no family to care for them. What can one person do in the face of this immense problem? National Book Award finalist Greene (Praying for Sheetrock: A Work of Nonfiction) went to Ethiopia to find out. The vast numbers of children orphaned by AIDS, shunned by a society that still attaches a stigma to the disease, overwhelmed her. But then she met Haregewoin Teferra, a woman who gave up her comfortable, middle-class life to take in these orphans. Many of Teferra's children were themselves middle-class students who, as soon as they tested positive for the HIV virus, were disowned by their parents, their friends, and their schools; others had been living on the streets since birth. Their heartrending personal stories are intertwined with statistics and a history of HIV infection in Africa. Touching and profound, this book is recommended for public and academic libraries.—Elizabeth Williams, Washoe Cty. Lib. Syst., Reno
Koch, Doro Bush. My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life of George H.W. Bush. Warner. Oct. 2006. c.352p. index. ISBN 0-446-57990-4 [ISBN 978-0-446-57990-2]. $29.99. BIOG
This biography of George H.W. Bush, authored at his request by his only living daughter, Doro (Dorothy), covers the elder Bush's life and career in a loving, familial manner. Drawing on conversations with many of those who know him, as well as her father's files and her family's memories, Koch portrays a man of understanding and gentlemanly ways in family, business, and politics. With a sense of humor, she writes of her brothers and their various pranks as they grew up. From her perspective, we gain insight into her father's career, from the oil business, the UN, party leadership, ambassadorial posts, and leadership of the CIA to, ultimately, the vice presidency and Presidency of the United States. Koch highlights her father's responses to crises, both personal and global, describing his recent work in helping victims of the 2004 tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, as well as his unusual friendship with his rival Bill Clinton. Recommended for libraries maintaining presidential memoir collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/06.]—Mary C. Allen, Everett Lib., WA
Kosser, Michael. How Nashville Became Music City, U.S.A.: 50 Years of Music Row. Hal Leonard. 2006. c.369p. photogs. ISBN 0-634-09806-3. pap. $22.95. MUSIC
Kosser (How To Become a Successful Nashville Songwriter), an editor at American Songwriter magazine, does a fine job explaining how high-powered radio stations, artist development, and the Grand Ole Opry allowed Nashville to grow into the world's epicenter of country music. But though the historical journey from 1925 to today is well organized and encompassing, it's not very interesting. Much of the book reads like an insider's take on the city, dwelling on tales of producers, songwriters, and record-label executives. Granted, the anecdotes contain some juicy details—e.g., how Dolly Parton planned to sever her relationship with Porter Wagoner and how Randy Travis was nearly ignored because he sounded too "old"—but they're mostly full of myopic industry talk about radio charts and studio tricks. While the book isn't something the casual music fan will be compelled to read, anyone addicted to Country Music Television documentaries will find some value in the pages. Recommended for libraries in and around Tennessee.—Robert Morast, Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, SD
Love, Dennis. My City Was Gone: One American Town's Toxic Secret, Its Angry Band of Locals, and a 700 Million Dollar Day in Court. Morrow. Aug. 2006. c.336p. ISBN 0-06-058550-1. $25.95. SCI
In the 1980s, Anniston, AL, was named an All-America City, a prosperous and cultured town of the New South. In 2002, however, 60 Minutes described it as "America's most toxic town." In this riveting account of his hometown, both blessed and cursed by "the twin gods of industry and national defense," journalist Love tells how Anniston fell so rudely from grace. He focuses on the insidious industrial pollution that the Monsanto chemical plant caused by dumping PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) for decades. Love describes how the corporation suppressed information about the dangers of these chemicals, explains why the cancer rate in Anniston was 25 percent higher than the rest of the state, and details the record-breaking toxic tort case that 15,000 plaintiffs won against Monsanto. Love also shows how the community reacted to the army's decision to build a billion-dollar incinerator to burn deteriorating toxic weapons stored at the Anniston Army Depot. By highlighting the lives of the citizens involved in these two events, Love adds a human side to his very thorough narration. Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Ilse Heidmann, Washington State Lib., Olympia
Claremont, Chris (text) & Michael Ryan & Steven Cummings (illus.). New Excalibur. Vol. 1: Defenders of the Realm. Marvel. 2006. 168p. ISBN 0-7851-1835-7. pap. $17.99. F
This is a perfect example of how to relaunch a superteam. Claremont takes six very minor-league characters and injects them with so much personality and humanity, that despite their superstrength and invulnerability, we can identify with each and every one of them. Here, the team battles an evil X-Men group from an alternate reality, some deadly warwolves, and two of their former allies. Many of the characters have an already established history together, and Claremont skillfully delivers the exposition so that new readers won't feel overwhelmed by a complicated backstory. The artwork by Ryan complements the story and works very well in the superteam genre. Characters look distinct both in and out of costume, and the action is crisp and exciting. While chasing a villain in one scene, the unstoppable Juggernaut tries to cross four lanes of busy London traffic only to cause a massive traffic jam after being hit by several cars. Ryan's expressive art conveys the character's shame from accidentally damaging property and the disappointment and humiliation of his failure to catch his target. A great introduction to the world of the Marvel superheroes and a solid addition to any junior high or high school graphic novel collection.—Michael Powers, John Jermain P.L., Sag Harbor, NY
Furman, Simon (text) & James Raiz (illus.). Death's Head 3.0: Unnatural Selection. Marvel. 2006. 120p. ISBN 0-7851-2108-0 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2108-4]. pap. $13.99. F
In this take on a classic premise, Furman manages an engaging, even thought-provoking narrative that is fast-paced and well thought-out. Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM) is an underground industry that has recently decided to disclose its documents and numerous questionable activities to the United Nations (UN). This does not bode well for Varina Goddard, one of AIM's senior scientists, who sees her life's work slipping away. To bring AIM back underground, she unleashes the Death's Head, a cybernetic alien entity, with the objective of assassinating a UN representative. What follows is the Death's Head's struggling with his murderous preprogrammed objective and his own moral convictions. A roller-coaster ride akin to a summer action movie, this tale also offers plenty of opportunity for readers to contemplate free will versus fate. A host of artists presents high-quality artwork rich in detail and effects. While the title invites gore, there is little bloodshed, with only one splash page dedicated to a particularly graphic scene. Teens will find this a fun read, and its intelligent content may easily spark their thoughts and lead them to similar works by Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC
Higuri, You. Gorgeous Carat Galaxy. Juné: Digital Manga. 2006. 256p. tr. from Japanese by Studio Cutie. ISBN 1-56970-903-3. pap. $12.95. F
To pay off his family's huge debts, nobleman Florian du Rochefort found himself sold to Count Ray Balzac Courland. By day, Ray is a profitable usurer in early 20th-century Paris; by night, he is the notorious "Phantom Thief Noir." In this adventure, Florian and Ray travel to the countryside castle of Florian's distant relative to buy artwork. Surrounding the estate grounds is a forest filled with rock sculptures, topiary creatures—and forest monsters? When a snowstorm traps everyone in the castle, they find themselves under attack by a mysterious figure, and murder ensues. Are the forest monsters real or imagined? Higuri is a masterly writer and artist; her deft use of light and dark symbolism permeates the book, and aspiring artists will appreciate the detailed period artwork. Full of mystery, intrigue, and wry humor, the story moves at a quick pace and builds to a satisfying conclusion. This is a sequel to Gorgeous Carat (Blu: Tokyopop), but Galaxy is enjoyable as a standalone, and a bonus story is included. Rated 13+ for moderate violence and mature themes, the book features yaoi elements that are emotional but with no physical intimacy; a revelation of child abuse and incest is sensitively handled. Expect demand for the original Gorgeous Carat, which is rated for older teens and contains mild sexual situations. Also look for Higuri's Cantarella, a teen-rated, non-yaoi, picaresque work set in Renaissance Italy. Highly recommended.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Kawai, Chigusa. La Esperança. Vol. 2. Digital Manga. 2006. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-932-7 [978-1-56970-932-0]. pap. $12.95. F
At Saint Grollo's all-boys school, the developing relationship between Georges, an angelic 14-year-old, and Robert, the 17-year-old brooding rebel, continues as friends, rivals, and distrust add drama. Concealed pasts and current story lines intertwine so the story reads like a mystery. Kawai's wonderfully rich characters make the journey rewarding, and the black-and-white drawings are beautiful, combining realistic and comic manga. Regrettably, Volume 2 is made up of two separate books; the last stories were published before the series began and appear to be added as an afterthought. Hopefully in Volume 3, the author ties this apparent disruption back to Georges and Robert. The author is clever in referencing Esperanto as the dialect of the characters and the name of their fictional land; she provides layers of meaning and connections that will keep the astute reader busy. The book focuses on relationships—homosexual and heterosexual—and strong male friendships; sex is not the focus. With a gay-bashing scene and one student in love with a teacher, this volume is suitable for teen and adult manga collections.—Susan L. Wakefield, Minneapolis, MN
Kyle, Craig & Chris Yost (text) & Paco Medina (illus.). New X-Men. Vol. 2: Childhood's End. Marvel. 2006. 96p. ISBN 0-7851-2024-6 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2024-7]. pap. $10.99. F
The latest in one of the ongoing series of X-People, this continues New X-Men: Academy X, Vol. 1: Choosing Sides (2005) and opens up with the funeral of a student who died in a rocket attack in the last volume, complete with flashbacks. This scene sets the book's overall tone: some mutants are wounded, and all of them are on the defensive. Antimutant crusader Rev. William Stryker has taken center stage after the events of "M-day" reduced the number of mutants in the world from millions to hundreds. After a few vision-guided killings and help from someone on the inside at the Institute, Stryker is ready to destroy the rest of the mutants at Xavier's and make the world safe for humankind. Pyrotechnics ensue, with the conclusion reserved for the third volume in this series. Brightly colored, manga-influenced art—similar to that seen in most superhero books these days—illustrates the story. Characters are shot and stabbed with some blood spread around, and there is mild swearing (e.g., "Die you bastard!"), but nothing that would move this beyond the realm of teen fare. This is a serious action story, fast-paced with none of the humor present in Marvel's other titles. Although not an appropriate first purchase for libraries beginning an X-Men collection, this is essential for fans of all things X.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids
Mignola, Mike & John Arcudi (text) & Guy Davis (illus.). B.P.R.D. Vol. 5: The Black Flame. Dark Horse. 2006. 168p. ISBN 1-59307-550-2 [ISBN 978-1-59307-550-7]. pap. $17.95. F
The fifth entry in the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense series suffers from Hellboy's absence. Roger, a homunculus made from human blood and herbs and brought to life by fire-starter Liz Sherman, is killed by the villainous and monstrous Frogs from the previous B.P.R.D. stories. A CEO with an obsession for Nazi memorabilia and power has found a way to communicate with the Frogs and turns himself into the Black Flame to lead millions of the creatures into a war against everyone else. However, his belief that he controls the Frogs and the foretold apocalyptic Katha-Hem is unfounded. In the meantime, Liz mourns Roger while receiving cryptic communications from an Asian dream mystic; Captain Daimio takes his men into a seemingly unsurmountable fight. The ending tantalizes with the possibility of Roger's resurrection. Davis's illustrations are, as usual, coarse and of lesser quality. The women's faces are downright creepy, and many of the figures appear unfinished. Dave Stewart is a good colorist, matching colors to the moods of the characters. Over all, an interesting but not outstanding story. One wishes Davis would refine his drawings a bit more and Mignola would bring back Hellboy to the B.P.R.D. For larger collections.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Lib., Sag Harbor, NY
Nakamura, Shungiku. Hybrid Child. Juné: Digital Manga. 2006. 184p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-902-5 [978-1-56970-902-3]. pap. $12.95. F
"Hybrid Children" are dolls that become more lifelike and personalized in proportion to their owners' love (sort of the ultimate Tamagotchis). This book contains stories of two Hybrid Children and their owners, as well as the background of the man who invented them. In the first part, normally lazy Kotaro finds that he is willing to do anything when his Hybrid Child and lifelong companion, Hazuki, starts running down. In the second story, Hybrid Child Yuzu wonders how he can grow and make his owner, guilt-stricken samurai Seya, happy. In the last tale, hidden feelings for one of his two childhood friends explain why bitter Kuroda created the Hybrid Children. There isn't a lot of depth to these stories, despite attempts at heart wrenching; Hybrid Child reads a lot like a gay version of CLAMP's Chobits without any of the saving graces. Fairly tame storytelling is interspersed with discordant moments of contrivance and crassness. This is not, unfortunately, one of those cases where the art far outstrips the writing; Nakamura's drawing style is angular and inert, so that, ironically, her human characters look as doll-like as the Hybrid Children. As the book claims, it is probably best suited to 16+, but whether it is worth buying is doubtful.—Rebecca Schaffner, Saline Dist. Lib., MI
Oliver, Simon (text) & Tony Moore (illus.). The Exterminators. Vol. 1: Bug Brothers. Vertigo: DC Comics. 2006. 126p. ISBN 1-4012-1064-3 [ISBN 978-1-4012-1064-9]. pap. $9.99. F
First-time writer Oliver has crafted an engrossing (and gross) horror tale that fans of Garth Ennis's The Preacher will appreciate. In this first volume, a quirky team of exterminators engages in battle with some of humankind's oldest enemies—the cockroaches, rats, and other pests of the world. Ex-con Henry James is the newest member of the Los Angeles–based Bug-Bee-Gone pest removal company, staffed by a motley assortment of oddball characters, each possessing an eerie calling and affinity for destroying pests. As Henry learns his new trade, he slowly realizes that he has unwittingly joined a much greater and more ancient struggle than he could have imagined, as pieces of a larger and foreboding puzzle (an ancient box, a mysterious green scarab, and the bug-killing and highly addictive "pesticide" Draxx) start falling into place. Artist Moore's palette of greens, browns, grays, and yellows mimics the grubbiness of the roaches, neighborhoods, and individuals that Henry encounters. While populated with gross-out scenes featuring raccoon entrails and squished bugs, Oliver has accomplished the daunting task of taking material that could turn off a reader and crafting it instead into an engaging and fast-paced story and a deeper mythic piece that resonates with the eternal struggle of man vs. nature. Recommended for all adult collections.—David Ward, Univ. of Illinois Undergraduate Lib., Urbana
Rushkoff, Douglas (text) & Liam Sharp (illus.). Testament. Vol. 1: Akedah. Vertigo: DC Comics. 2006. 128p. ISBN 1-4012-1063-5 [ISBN 978-1-4012-1063-2]. pap. $9.99. F
Media iconoclast Rushkoff seeks to implicate today's governments by weaving a sinister future with a biblical past. Jake, a future grad student, lives in an America with mandatory RFID surveillance. He joins a band of draft-dodging hackers to escape "The Man." Meanwhile, biblical archetypes like Abraham show naughty bits of the Old Testament, and various gods dabble from outside the story frames. The plot is timely, intricate, and clever, much like if Neil Gaiman's American Gods swallowed a V-for-Vendetta-and-illustrated-Bible sandwich. The parallel worlds flow together logically with few hiccups. Readers, however, may have trouble following all of the symbol-ridden story lines. Despite the enlightened setup, or maybe because of it, Rushkoff's characters seem hollow: women are frequently shushed and defined as Mother, Sacred Other, and/or Sex Nymph; gods are one-dimensional and fail to adopt any meaningful quirks; and with Jake's foreign birth, love of peace, and feminine looks, he could mirror a young Dionysus—but in these first five issues, Jake is a slack-jawed tagalong. His companions insulate him. Drawbacks aside, the vivid artwork makes the series highly promising; Sharp's design and Jaimie Grant's coloring create such cinematic immediacy that readers will pause. The cover images are frame-worthy, illuminating in a truly biblical sense. With nudity, drugs, sex, and violence throughout; recommended for mature audiences—particularly those who like to buck their cherubic notions of religion and reality.—Erika Bennett, Inst. of Production and Recording, Minneapolis, MN
Somei, Yoshino (text) & Row Takakura (illus.). Skyscrapers of Oz. Kitty Media: Media Blasters. 2005. 184p. tr. from Japanese by Kitty Media. ISBN 1-58655-999-0 [ISBN 978-1-58655-999-1]. pap. $9.99. F
Twenty-five-year-olds Mari Kudoh and Yoichi Onishi are self-employed "handymen," touting the motto "from tailing your spouse to walking your dog—no job is too small." The wife of a CEO hires them to take compromising photographs of her husband's alleged lover, a beautiful young man named Yu Kaito, who just happens to be a classmate of Mari's younger brother, Miyuki. But Mari ends up protecting Yu from kidnappers, and to further complicate matters, they begin to have feelings for each other. In this outstanding yaoi manga (which was originally a novel), writer Somei packs humor, action, and romance into one book with mixed results. At times, the large word balloons crowd the panels, and Takakura's detailed artwork of the gorgeous young men is unabashedly eye candy. Inexplicably though, students Yu and Miyuki are depicted as almost effeminate, but when unclothed they reveal mature, hunky physiques. But plenty of drama and pleasing artwork are packed into this ambitious, standalone title. Those interested in the yaoi genre but not wanting to commit to an entire series would do well to purchase this book. Comparable yaoi titles include Youko Nitta's Embracing Love (Be Beautiful) and another Kitty Media publication titled Level C. The cover clearly bears the publisher's warning of explicit content for nudity and graphic sex scenes between males; strictly for adult collections.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
TenNapel, Doug. Iron West. Image Comics. 2006. 160p. ISBN 1-58240-630-8. pap. $14.99. F
A rollicking mishmash of cowboys, robots, the Sasquatch, and a wise-cracking shaman, this graphic novel chronicles the ordeals of professional scoundrel and reluctant hero Preston Struck against a posse of cowboy robots (or is it robot cowboys?) hell-bent on ridding a sleepy gold rush town of its "filthy, inferior humans." Although the spine reads "Sci-Fi Western," the story is essentially a lighthearted tale of a hero coming to terms with his identity. The contrast between classic setting and colorful characters (did I mention the Loch Ness Monster?) speaks to TenNapel's ability to weave a story that flows from a blazing gun fight on a train to the somber passing of a fallen hero seamlessly, without the disjointed and uneven narratives often found in other genre-spanning works. The plot advances at a fairly brisk pace but still has time to develop characters fully and drop a few jokes. Drawn in a loose, cartoonish manner, the black-and-white illustrations are a wonderful complement to the easygoing atmosphere. There is a fluidity to TenNapel's pencils, and he is particularly talented at conveying emotions through facial expressions, whether they be human, robot, or Sasquatch. Bottom line: Iron West is a fun, easy read—especially for those looking for a break from brooding superheroes. The action, while intense at some points, is never overly graphic; for teens and up.—George Sun, New York
Tsuchiya, Garon & Nobuaki Minegishi. Old Boy. Vol. 1. Dark Horse. 2006. 208p. ISBN 1-59307-568-5 [ISBN 978-1-59307-568-2]. pap. $12.95. F
In a nondescript office building, on a floor that exists in no blueprint or plan, lies a secret private prison, where for a fee you can have someone locked away in a room. Old Boy spends ten years in one of those rooms—training his body and watching TV—with no idea who jailed him or why and wondering why they didn't just kill him. When Old Boy is abruptly and inexplicably ejected from the prison, he decides to discard his old identity, begin his quest to find out who imprisoned him, and exact his revenge. Unexpectedly, he finds an innocent young lady who accompanies him on his journey. This is a page-turner that keeps the reader wanting more; the black-and-white artwork carries the story and conveys much meaning and subtext. This first volume of Old Boy, in a projected eight-volume series, earns its parental advisory with one graphic sex scene and another nude scene. Recommended. [This Japanese manga inspired the 2003 Korean film Oldboy, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.—Ed.]—O. Jurkowski, Atlantic Cty. Lib., Galloway, NJ
Giddins, Gary. Natural Selection: Gary Giddins on Comedy, Film, Music, and Books. Oxford Univ. Aug. 2006. c.448p. index. ISBN 0-19-517951-X [ISBN 978-0-19-517951-4]. $35. LIT
Fine essay collections allow one to open any page and find something not only worth reading but also pursuing. At the Village Voice, Giddins (Visions of Jazz) honed his gift for criticism by writing about jazz, a form that requires an abstract awareness to the moods and tempos of the moment and the art. Nowhere else in his works do we find such a wide range of subjects, which proves his perceptive talents and in-depth knowledge of the mediums of which he writes are unequalled. In these previously published (though heretofore uncollected) essays culled from newspapers, magazines, and other sources, Giddens discusses the Marx Brothers, Ralph Ellison, Gil Evans, the Modern Library, and "Classics Illustrated" comics. Most of the pieces date from the last 15 years, but many are from 2004–05. In an age of blogs and the everyman critic, it's reassuring to know people as brilliant as Giddins are still ready to offer insights only a true critic can provide. This is an exceptional addition to a remarkable career and is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Peter Thornell, Hingham P.L., MA
Klein, Stephanie. Straight Up & Dirty. Regan Bks: HarperCollins. Aug. 2006. c.304p. ISBN 0-06-084327-6 [ISBN 978-0-06-084327-4]. $24.95. PSYCH
Sometimes, life is an even playing field. At least that's the impression given by blogger Klein's fabulous, fun memoir. Herein, it takes the "beautiful people" of Manhattan just as long to unscrew themselves as it did to get screwed up. Klein not only lets readers peek inside her bungled life, but she also opens the doors and windows wide open, sometimes even sharing more than we wanted to know in graphic language and trendy slang. Her narrative begins with her divorce and then flashes back and forth between her relationship with her "wasband" and her post-divorce dating life. Eventually, she decides to give up on men altogether before (of course) meeting the man of her dreams. Abundant name-, location-, and food-dropping, along with I-can't-believe-she-said-that metaphors, add to the rompish feel. Recommended for large public libraries with raunchy chick-lit clientele; conservative readers should steer clear. [Klein's blog is www.stephanieklein.com.—Ed.]—Renee Axtell, Independence, MO
McDonagh, Maitland. Movie Lust: Recommended Viewing for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason. Sasquatch. Sept. 2006. c.288p. index. ISBN 1-57061-478-4. pap. $16.95. FILM
One wouldn't think that Wong Kar-Wai's steamy In the Mood for Love would have anything in common with the sci-fi horror classic Invaders from Mars, but according to McDonagh, tvguide.com's FlickChick and senior movie editor, they both share haunting photography filmed in evocative hues. This is only one idiosyncratic pairing in this third installment in the "Lust" series, which began with Nancy Pearl's Book Lust. There are 100 categories of movie recommendations, some straightforward (Back to the Beach for beach movies), some clever (Shrink-Wrapped for movies featuring psychiatrists and their patients), and some downright obscure (Joy of Giallo for flamboyantly violent Italian thrillers from the 1960s and 1970s). Recent films like Crash and Walk the Line also make the cut with witty but trenchant justifications for inclusion. "Director Spotlights" are also offered. Alfred Hitchcock and Preston Sturges are featured, but so are Henri-George Clouzot (Diabolique) and Francois Ozon (Under the Sand). This is not just for filmophiles—this is a reminder of many of the films we loved and might want to see again. And it's a darn fun read, too! Highly recommended.—Rosellen Brewer, Sno-Isle Libs., Marysville, WA
McGuire, Dennis & Brain Chicoine, MD. Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges. Woodbine. 2006. c.386p. ISBN 1-890627-65-8 [ISBN 978-1-890627-65-2]. pap. $21.95. PSYCH
Adults with Down syndrome, their families, and all who work with them will benefit immeasurably from this guide, which is unique in its range and insight. Chicoine, medical director of the Adult Down Syndrome Center of Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, and McGuire, director of Psychosocial Services at that same institution, have melded their nearly 30 years experience working with adults with Down syndrome into an exhaustive and detailed volume composed of three sections. Part 1 describes mental health assessments and the physical/mental health connection; Part 2 addresses typical issues facing this population, including what is "normal" and "usual" in behavior vs. what should cause concern, self-talk, strengths and weaknesses in memory, imaginary friends, and flexibility. Part 3 tackles mental illness and topics such as anxiety, challenging behavior, and Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome. The authors' excellent writing and abundant use of case studies turn what could have been a dry text into a guide that will be invaluable to anyone with a connection to Down syndrome. Highly recommended for all collections.—Elizabeth Safford, Nevins Memorial Lib., Methuen, MA
Week of August 15
Fiction | Nonfiction
Fiction
Abbott, Jeff. Fear. Dutton. Aug. 2006. c.336p. ISBN 0-525-94972-0. $24.95. F
What if you could forget the worst moment of your life? An experimental drug offers this possibility in Abbott's latest thriller (after Panic). A psychiatrist asks Miles, a man living under a new identity courtesy of the federal Witness Protection Program, to help her with a problem. But she is killed in an explosion just as he arrives at her office. On the run, Miles decides to seek out some of her other patients in order to bring the killer to justice. Together, they discover that a drug has been created that can erase the memories of people living with traumatic stress psychosis. Such a drug promises big money when it hits the market, and both its creators and unseen enemies will do anything to control it. Like a Quentin Tarantino movie, this novel assembles a vast array of highly unlikable characters involved in an intriguing story line. Have no "fear" in reading this. For most popular fiction collections.—Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.
Burkey, John M. Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss: A Guide to Prevention and Care. Rutgers Univ. Aug. 2006. c.184p. illus. index. ISBN 0-8135-3881-5. $27.95. HEALTH
Burkey (director of audiology, Lippy Group for Ear, Nose & Throat; Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears: The Road to Better Hearing) here focuses on the fact that "approximately one in three baby boomers is likely to experience difficulty hearing firsthand in [their] lifetime." There are informative chapters on the anatomy of the ear and on technological and medical interventions, as well as more practical chapters on the effects of hearing loss on all individuals; causes and treatments for the different types of hearing loss (preventable, treatable, surmountable); hearing aid basics (detailing the many types); non–hearing aid alternatives; and insurance payment. Burkey writes expertly about satisfaction and dissatisfaction with hearing aids, exploring baby boomers' negative perceptions. He refers to a wide array of published studies and includes the complete list of citations, as well as a list of organizational resources. His intent is to inform, not overwhelm, and in this, he is successful. Highly recommended for general public library and consumer health collections. (Index not seen.)—Elizabeth J. Eastwood, Mesa P.L., Los Alamos, NM
Carballo, Viviana. Havana Salsa: Stories and Recipes. Atria: S. & S. Aug. 2006. c.257p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7432-8516-6 [ISBN 978-0-7432-8516-2]. $24. COOKERY
In this book, food columnist Carballo collects remembrances and recipes spanning her life in prerevolutionary Cuba to her departure to the United States. Family stories are paired with recipes that capture the exotic flavors and history of Cuba's past. Carballo shares recipes and memories of colorful characters and times against the backdrop of Havana, beginning with her childhood in the 1940s (calabaza fritters and sweet plantain tortillas) to the chaotic, stressful period of the days and nights following Castro's revolution where dishes such as Pollito en Cazuela were of comfort. The stories are not always as fulfilling as the recipes, but the memoir is still a treat. Recommended for public libraries.—Christine Holmes, San Jose State Univ. Lib., CA
Eagleson, Janet & Rosemary Hasner. The Maple Syrup Book. Boston Mills, dist. by Firefly. 2006. 96p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-55046-411-6 [ISBN 978-1-55046-411-5]. $24.95. COOKERY
A maple tree tapper since age ten, Eagleson brings maple syrup to life in her fascinating and fun look at the history, making, and enjoying of this popular sweet liquid. The book begins with Native American legends and continues through the 1900s; the author then explains how syrup is made, describes the evolution of its technology, and outlines the differences in the five grades of the syrup. There are also a plethora of contemporary pictures by photographer Hasner, as well as historic images. In the "Cooking with Maple Syrup" section, readers are instructed on how to substitute the syrup for sugar and offered eight recipes that span from maple popcorn to maple salmon. Overall, this is a fun and fact-filled work guaranteed to delight folks of all ages. Perfect for public libraries of all sizes.—Lisa A. Ennis, Univ. of Alabama Lister Hill Lib., Birmingham
McKechnie, Donna with Greg Lawrence. Time Steps: My Musical Comedy Life. S. & S. Sept. 2006. c.304p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-7432-5520-8 [ISBN 978-0-7432-5520-2]. $25. THEATER
McKechnie, best known for her stunning portrayal of Cassie in the groundbreaking Broadway musical A Chorus Line, offers readers an inside look at the "glamorous" life of a hard-working actress who could do it all: sing, dance, and act. McKechnie's big break came in 1961, with her role in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and from there she starred in Promises, Promises (1968) with the late, great Jerry Orbach. In 1975 came Cassie and a new level of stardom. But there is also the dark side: her parents' troubled marriage, her own unhappy marriage and struggles with depression, and the rheumatoid arthritis that nearly ended her career. As befitting a working actress and star, she knew or met everyone, and the book is peppered with names like Laurence Olivier, Stephen Sondheim, Bob Fosse, and Fred Astaire. Coauthor Lawrence (Dance with Demons: The Life of Jerome Robbins) writes in a straightforward style but keeps the action moving and lets McKechnie's voice come through. Recommended for all libraries. (Index and photos not seen.)—Susan L. Peters, Univ. of Texas, Galveston
Nonacs, Ruta, M.D. A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years. S. & S. Aug. 2006. 416p. index. ISBN 0-7432-5473-2 [ISBN 978-0-7432-5473-1]. $25. HEALTH
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately ten percent of the U.S. adult population suffers from depression. Women are more susceptible than men, especially during their childbearing years, whether while pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant. This book by psychiatrist Nonacs (associate director, Ctr. for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hosp.) offers excellent information about the various types of depression and the treatment options available. Nonacs states that depression is an illness with a biological cause that affects not only women but also their family members. She stresses the importance of treatment and a support network and tells women how to recognize and understand their risk for depression. To boot, she explains that effective treatment is available, tells women which drugs are safe to use during pregnancy, and provides advice for family members and friends who want to help. A resource list and bibliography offer further assistance. This book is unique because it discusses depression within the context of women's health needs, but it will be useful for anyone seeking in-depth information about the disease. Highly recommended for public and consumer health libraries.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA
Segerstrom, Suzanne C. Breaking Murphy's Law: How Optimists Get What They Want from Life—And Pessimists Can Too. Guilford. Aug. 2006. c.232p. ISBN 1-59385209-6. $19.95. PSYCH
According to psychologist Segerstrom (Univ. of Kentucky), those who see the glass as being half full are more likely to experience a positive future. Drawing from extensive research on psychological influences on the immune system and the relationship between optimism and well-being, Segerstrom explains how an optimistic approach can help a person perceive the world in a more positive light and experience the benefits of that belief system. These benefits include better relationships, more resources to cope with problems, and improved physical health. While optimists have their vulnerabilities (e.g., staying too long at the roulette wheel), the pluses far outweigh the minuses. Her tips for becoming more optimistic include keeping a log of good things that happen daily, confronting one's fears, and rebuilding daily activities in accordance with one's goals. The book reads like a consumer's version of a doctoral dissertation—it's interesting but contains far more information and repetition than necessary. Recommended for larger libraries.—Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ
See the August 15 Xpress Reviews
