Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 01/01/2007
Week of December 26
Fiction | Nonfiction
Fiction
Weber, Carl. The First Lady. Dafina: Kensington. Jan. 2007. c.304p. ISBN 0-7582-1575-4 [ISBN 978-0-7582-1575-8]. $24. F
While suffering through the last stages of a terminal illness, the always feisty wife of Bishop T.K. Wilson, Charlene Wilson, previously featured in So You Call Yourself a Man and The Preacher's Son, decides that there are only certain ladies who are fit to replace her. So she and best friend Allison craft letters to be sent out after her death to the top contenders: Marlene, a recovering crack addict and mother of the bishop's daughter Tanisha; new church soloist Savannah, who is shy and harassed by her controlling father; Lisa Mae Jones, Charlene's friend and the former wife of Pastor Lee Jones; and finally, Monique, the church vamp. The best-selling Webber has written another thought-provoking, witty, and entertaining novel that is definitely recommended for libraries with contemporary African American fiction collections.—Lisa Jones, North Birmingham Regional Lib., AL
Nonfiction
Atkinson, Greg. West Coast Cooking. Sasquatch. 2006. 421p. index. ISBN 1-57061-472-5 [ISBN 978-1-57061-472-9]. $35. COOKERY
Atkinson, who says that he cooks to support his writing habit, has published a fourth book on the cooking of the Western United States, which represents the oldest and newest of what we eat. The 400 recipes are divided by type—beverages, breakfast foods, salads, soups, yeast breads, cookies, pickles, etc. The recipes are clear, inventive, and delicious—Cauliflower Gratin, Halibut Baked with a Glaze of Herbs, Oatmeal Bread, and the Best Brownies Ever. This cookbook would get an A for the recipes, and the essays that introduce each chapter rate an A+. Each essay features a person connected to West Coast food—Howard Schultz of Starbucks and James Beard, chef and food writer, who was born in Portland, OR. Alice Waters of Chez Panisse is described as a iconoclast who became an icon. One of the last pieces for the chapter on cookies and candies discusses Marion Cunningham and her relationship with Beard, beginning with her taking a cooking class from him and ending when she became the 21st-century Fannie Farmer. Atkinson's tome will be enjoyed by those interested in what Americans cook, eat, and love. An essential purchase for all cooking collections.—Christine Bulson, SUNY at Oneonta Lib.
Davis, Gregory with Les Sussman. Dark Magus: The Jekyll and Hyde Life of Miles Davis. Backbeat: Music Player Network. 2006. c.208p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-87930-875-3. $24.95. MUSIC
Fascination with the enigmatic Miles Davis seems boundless, and a book like this, written from the unique and intimate perspective of Davis's son Gregory, will attract a built-in audience of fanatics and jazz fans. Unfortunately, with the exception of trumpeter Clark Terry's brief foreword, the book disappoints. The chapters take titles from recordings associated with Miles's story to create a loosely thematic organization that leads to repetition as well as chronological confusion, and despite the promises of new insights into Miles the man and father, much of the anecdotal material is familiar. The flat, conversational style offers generalizations about Miles's attitudes and behavior without compelling support in the accompanying text. The book's end is given over to a discussion of family squabbles, particularly the circumstances surrounding Gregory's exclusion from his father's will. Quincy Troupe's collaboration with Miles, Miles: The Autobiography, and Ian Carr's Miles Davis: The Definitive Biography remain better choices for all but the most comprehensive jazz collections.—Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY
Hempel, Sandra. The Strange Case of the Broad Street Pump: John Snow and the Mystery of Cholera. Univ. of California. Jan. 2007. c.320p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-520-25049-4 [ISBN 978-0-520-25049-9]. $24.95. MED
Hot on the heels of Steven Johnson's The Ghost Map—which detailed London's 1854 cholera epidemic and epidemiologist John Snow's role in it—comes British journalist Hempel's more scholarly and detailed but still highly readable work on the same subject. It offers a view of the world at the time of this outbreak, with more information about the abysmal conditions many Londoners were forced to endure (well captured in extensive quotations from mid-19th-century writers) and less emphasis on English politics. There is also somewhat less of a concentration than might be expected from the subtitle on Snow's role in discovering the cause of the epidemic. Chapter references are for primary and secondary sources, most of which are published by scholarly presses. There are a small number of period illustrations and a comprehensive index. Though Hempel's book is suitable for academic, history of medicine, and large public libraries, it will be of interest to anyone who enjoys well-written works of medical history. [This book was first published in Britain under the title The Medical Detective: John Snow and the Mystery of Cholera.—Ed.]—Martha E. Stone, Massachusetts General Hosp. Lib., Boston
Hodgkinson, Will. Guitar Man: A Six-String Odyssey; Or, You Love That Guitar More Than You Love Me. Da Capo. Jan. 2007. c.304p. ISBN 0-306-81514-1 [ISBN 978-0-306-81514-0]. pap. $16.95. MUSIC
English freelance music writer Will Hodgkinson decided at the age of 34 to indulge finally his lifelong ambition to learn the guitar and announced a goal to perform in front of an audience within six months. This bold aspiration became an odyssey through England and America to learn the techniques, philosophy, and mystique behind the instrument from several masters of the rock, folk, and blues guitar. From conversations with the Scottish folkie Bert Jansch and Johnny Marr of the Smiths to Roger McGuinn of the Byrds and the bluesman T-Model Ford, Hodgkinson's journey takes him from the guitar shops and clubs of North London to the sprawl of Orlando on the cusp of a hurricane, with stops in Nashville, New York, and an afternoon of solo jamming on idyllic Hampstead Heath along the way. Interweaved throughout are amusing descriptions of Hodgkinson's relationships with his wife and kids and the friends in the band he forms for the performance. This amiable and informative memoir will appeal to music lovers, guitar aficionados, and budding musicians alike as Hodgkinson writes with wit about the musicians' personal philosophies of playing as well as the guitar's prominent place and history in the lexicon of modern popular music. Recommended for all public libraries.—Jim Collins, Morristown-Morris Twp. P.L., NJ
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Mozart: Letters. Random. Jan. 2007. c.256p. ed. by Michael Rose & Peter Washington. tr. French & German by Lady Wallace. ISBN 0-307-26625-7 [ISBN 978-0-307-26625-5]. pap. $12.50. MUSIC
This compilation of letters dating from Mozart's childhood through his last days (1762–91) provides valuable insights into his relationships with his family as well as a glimpse into how he interacted with patrons, other musicians, and his wife and her mother and sisters. While exhibiting a bit of his notorious scatological cheekiness, the letters are on the whole serious and deal with matters such as his perpetually impecunious state; the trials of responding to the demands of clerics and nobles; how certain musical works, especially the operas, were progressing (including discussions of text settings and the foibles of vocal and instrumental performers or conductors); and the emotional impact of the deaths of his mother and father. The felicitous translation is enhanced by the editors' parenthetical asides, which provide continuity, especially when the chronologically arranged selections jump a number of years. Heartily recommended for libraries not already owning Emily Anderson's massive The Letters of Mozart and His Family (rev. ed., Norton, 1989).—Barry Zaslow, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH
Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Fiction
Browne, Jill Conner with Karin Gillespie. The Sweet Potato Queens' First Big-Ass Novel: Stuff We Didn't Actually Do, but Could Have, and May Yet. S. & S. Jan. 2007. 304p. ISBN 0-7432-7827-5 [ISBN 978-0-7432-7827-0]. $22.95. F
This fictional entry (with Gillespie of the "Bottom Dollar Girls" series) in the best-selling SPQ manifestoes (God Save the Sweet Potato Queens) is an autobiographical novel of sorts. Covering 20 years, it follows Boss SPQ Jill and the four original Queens (including Gerald) from their misfit high school days to the early years of SPQ fever. Their two mottos "If it ain't fun, we ain't doing it" and "Here's to us—f--- everyone else" may be offensive to some. But wannabe clubs are spreading like kudzu (now with over 4100 chapters), and the outrageous SPQ approach to life is really about empowering women over the age of 40 to self-acceptance through humor. Including more "recipes" from their four comfort-food groups of sweet, salty, fried, and au gratin, this volume will be essential for most public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/06.]—Rebecca Kelm, Northern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Highland Heights
Crichton, Michael. Next. HarperCollins. 2006. c.431p. bibliog. ISBN 0-06-087298-5 [ISBN 978-0-06-087298-4]. $27.95. F
Technothrillers always pack a lot of detailed technical information into their pages, and readers expect that from Crichton. But his latest reads more like a didactic text about the dangers of biotechnology and genetic engineering. The opening Las Vegas scenes seem promising, but with multiple plot lines peppered with mock newspaper articles and journal excerpts, the novel itself loses steam. The strongest story line is that of Frank Burnetand and his family. His cells are valuable to a particular bioengineering company that has resorted to strong-arm tactics to bring him in so that more cells can be harvested. Frank's attorney daughter Alex and grandson Jamie get caught in the mix, along with two inept bounty hunters. By the time the talking parrot and the chimp-boy child show up, we can guess that the genetically altered "animals" are the heroes here. The problem is that it takes close to 300 pages to get there. Crichton beats readers over the head with the evils of bioengineering, greedy universities, venture capitalists, and the media, concluding with an extensive bibliography and author notes. The novel feels cobbled together, but be prepared for demand because of the author.—Teresa L. Jacobsen, Solano Cty. Lib., CA
Beletsky, Les. Birds of the World. Johns Hopkins. 2006. 516p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8018-8429-2 [ISBN 978-0-8018-8429-0]. $50. NAT HIST
Inside and out, this is a remarkably handsome and outstanding volume, combining 1690 fine color paintings and a very informative, authoritative text by ornithologist Beletsky. His focus is on the world's bird groups, called families by scientists. Eleven outstanding artists illustrate 1,307 species, more than one eighth of the world's total. For each family there is engaging commentary on its biology, distribution, habitats, breeding, and abundance, with special emphasis on endangerment and an average of ten paintings. Treatment of related families is combined into one chapter. Unfortunately, the family scientific names do not follow the English ones in the chapter titles but instead are in the text. Appended is an excellent 25-page chapter, "Avian Diversity and Biogeography," that analyzes global abundance and distribution with six helpful tables showing, for example, the 20 largest bird families and countries with the most species—endangered, unique, and overall. The clear, plastic slipcase is unnecessary. It is shameful the illustration credits for these ranking artists are relegated to a website: www.press.jhu.edu. Otherwise, this attractive book can be most highly recommended.—Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Bennett, Connie & Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. Sugar Shock!: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life—And How You Can Get Back on Track. Berkley: Penguin Group (USA). Dec. 2006. 416p. index. ISBN 0-425-21357-9 [978-0-425-21357-5]. pap. $14.95. HEALTH
As more of us rely on premade food, we are increasingly ingesting huge amounts of simple sugars and simple carbohydrates—and it's playing havoc with our health. Such is the premise of Sinatra and journalist Bennett's book, an examination of how excess sugar can affect our physical and mental health and how we can reduce our consumption of it. Bennett describes her own odyssey from self-described "sugar shrew" to a kicker of the habit, while Sinatra explains the medical viewpoint, particularly in regard to cardiovascular health, his specialty. Similar stylistically to H. Leighton Steward and Morrison C. Bethea's Sugar Busters! and earlier popular works on hypoglycemia, this updated title explains many of the same physiological processes and regimens for avoiding sugar. While it doesn't really provide anything new, it's solid on information; a good choice to update your collection in this area.—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with the Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH
Deane, John (photogs.) & Nan Deane Cano (text). Acts of Light: Martha Graham in the 21st Century. Univ. Pr. of Florida. 2006. c.120p. photogs. ISBN 0-8130-2992-9. $39.95. DANCE
In May 2002, after a two-year interruption that resulted from protracted legal disputes, the Martha Graham Dance Company resumed performing. Since then, Deane has been a promotional photographer for the company. Here, he collaborates with his sister, Deane Cano, a college and secondary educator in literature and the humanities, to present 18 seminal works in the Graham repertory. Deane's 50-plus color photographs successfully and beautifully capture those elements that are uniquely Graham—her signature techniques, dramatic costumes and bold accessories, and emotional preparation and intensity. Deane Cano's accompanying text combines a description of the dance—as drawn from essays, poetry, and Graham's own notebooks—with commentary from the dancers now performing these seminal works. In personal reflections, dancers from this new generation discuss how they relate to these classic works, and in so doing, demonstrate the timelessness of a great work of art. Recommended for large public and academic libraries.—Joan Stahl, Univ. of Maryland Libs., College Park
Gallo, Marcia M. Different Daughters: A History of the Daughters of Bilitis and the Rise of the Lesbian Rights Movement. Carroll & Graf. 2006. c.320p. ISBN 0-78671-634-7 [ISBN 978-0-78671-634-0]. $26.95. WOMEN'S STUDIES
Almost 15 years before the Stonewall Riots brought the issue of gay rights into the mainstream press, six San Francisco women were busy organizing a way for lesbians to meet safely behind closed doors. As a result, the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), a secret social club for lesbians, was born in 1955. In an exhaustively researched chronicle of the organization and its work, Gallo (history, Lehman Coll., CUNY) presents the DOB in its full context, from early FBI surveillance of its activities and the dangers the founding women faced by meeting as they did during the McCarthy era, to the preservation of DOB meeting minutes, records, and letters by the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco. Gallo addresses both the racial tensions and the racial advancements within the organization, as well as the historical significance of its newsletter, The Ladder. Relying heavily on personal interviews, she depicts the development of the DOB and the courageous ways in which members networked with other homophile organizations. Gallo proves an unyielding researcher, honoring this bold, diverse group of women who led the organization until the last chapter dissolved in 1978. Recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Elizabeth Kennedy, Oakland, CA
Rudell, Wendy. The Raw Transformation: Energizing Your Life with Living Foods. North Atlantic. 2006. 280p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-55643-589-4 [ISBN 978-1-55643-589-8]. $24.95. COOKERY
The raw and living foods movement is based on a vegetarian lifestyle that includes mainly unprocessed, uncooked fruits and vegetables. Here, Rudell, a raw food consultant and chef, provides an overview of this movement and includes more than 300 recipes to support the lifestyle. The opening section includes ideas for stocking a raw foods kitchen and a useful chart for soaking and sprouting beans and seeds. The recipes come from a number of ethnic traditions and cover everything from juices to main dishes like Zucchini Orange Pecan Loaf and Indian Vegetable Curry. A glossary in the back helps readers identify unusual ingredients, and a resource section identifies Internet and mail order sources for some items—a necessary addition, since some of the items used are not easily located in mainstream grocery stores. The recipes lack nutritional listings, although most can be considered low fat. While not for everyone, this work augments health-conscious collections and would be a useful addition for any vegetarian culinary section.—Deborah Lee, Mississippi State Univ. Libs., Starkville
Sale, Kirkpatrick. After Eden: The Evolution of Human Domination. Duke Univ. Jan. 2007. c.184p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8223-3885-8 [ISBN 978-0-8223-3885-7]. $69.95; pap. ISBN 0-8223-3938-2 [ISBN 978-0-8223-3938-0]. $19.95. SCI
Early human species exhibited a respect for nature. Why and when did this change? Sale (The Conquest of Paradise: Christopher Columbus and the Columbian Legacy) proposes that the development of big game hunting in Africa at least 70,000 years ago led to human alienation from nature as Homo sapiens struggled to find scarce food resources after a catastrophic volcanic eruption in Asia dropped temperatures and wiped out many plants that early humankind ate. Tracing population migrations over thousands of years forward in time, Sale attempts to demonstrate that hunting became more adversarial to animals and the environment during Europe's glacial period, with the result being that humans began to believe themselves the superior species and consider nature something to be subdued for their purposes. Sale believes that humans must either revert to more ecologically friendly behavior or risk our very survival; he takes a more Gaia-like approach to this topic than Jared Diamond's historical and more scientific examinations in Collapse; Guns, Germs, and Steel. Recommended for larger public and academic libraries.—Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll., Penn Valley, Kansas City, MO
Woodward, Sarah. The Food of France: A Regional Celebration. Kyle: Kyle Cathie, dist. by National Bk. Network. 2006. 208p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-904920-43-8 [ISBN 978-1-904920-43-4]. $29.95. COOKERY
Woodward, known for her Mediterranean and North African cookbooks, has now turned her attention to France, specifically its regional specialties. Based on this theme, the book is arranged into 15 chapters, one for each of the 14 regions as well as the French West Indies. There are 175 recipes, approximately 11-12 for each area. In addition to the recipes, there is quite a bit of text, including introductions to the regions and background before each recipe as well as sidebars outlining local food customs. The focus is primarily on main courses, soups, and salads, although some desserts are included as well. Most of the recipes are not overly complicated, but they are traditional French dishes, which may take some time or specialized ingredients to prepare. The book is lavishly illustrated, with large color closeups of the food, as well as hand-drawn maps, art reproductions, and pictures from each of the areas. A nice travel-cookbook combination; recommended for libraries with strong travel or cookery collections.—Susan Hurst, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH
Worldchanging: A User's Guide to the 21st Century. Abrams. 2006. 608p. ed. by Alex Steffen. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8109-3095-1 [ISBN 978-0-8109-3095-7]. $37.50. SCI
This beautifully designed volume (which comes with its own slipcover) collects ideas and workable solutions from more than 60 contributors that demonstrate the human potential to create a better future and a sustainable planet. Steffen, an environmentalist and editor of the popular blog, Worldchanging.com, takes readers on a world tour to meet individuals, groups, businesses, and political leaders working together in such projects as green remodeling, land preservation, better food and nutrition, responsible consumerism, enhanced urban and community life, healthy homes and shelters, humane governments, charitable giving, and a wide array of other projects. Entries are short, usually running from two paragraphs to a page in length, followed by recommendations for further reading or viewing. As Al Gore points out in the foreword, this work is for all who want to act and meet the planetary crisis head-on. We all have a role to play in seeking a symbiotic relationship with our communities and the world in which we live. This fascinating guide will stimulate all readers to find an area of interest and get involved. A worthwhile acquisition for public and academic libraries.—Irwin Weintraub, Brooklyn Coll. Lib., New York
Abouet, Marguerite & Clément Oubrerie (illus.). Aya. Drawn & Quarterly. Feb. 2007. 112p. ISBN 1-894937-90-2. $19.95. F
This fun and charming story of a bygone era recounts a few days in the life of 19-year-old Aya and her friends Adjoua and Bintou. Set in the working-class neighborhood of 1978 Yopougon, a suburb of Abidjan in the Ivory Coast, we see the girls deal with friends, family, school, love, dating, dancing, and an unexpected pregnancy. Based on Abouet's remembrance of her childhood in Abidjan (she left for France when she was 12), the story, along with French illustrator Oubrerie's artwork, brings to life an Ivory Coast not seen before—a place overflowing with vibrant, rich textiles, new words, music, food, and lively characters filled with humor, love, and the hope for a better life. A wonderful glossary, illustrations on tying a pagne (a brightly colored cloth used mainly for skirts), and recipes are also included. Mature themes and issues will appeal to adult audiences, but the unique Ivory Coast setting and the female central characters make this book ideal for harder-to-please older teenage girls (ages 15+). Highly recommended. [This GN was reviewed from a black-and-white galley; the final version will be in color.—Ed.]—Melissa Aho, Metropolitan State Univ., St. Paul, MN
Amano, Akira. Reborn! Vol. 2. Viz Media. Jan. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by JN Productions. ISBN 1-4215-0672-6 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0672-2]. pap. $7.99. F
In this mixture of comedy and constant action, timid, unskilled teenager Tsuna's world is turned topsy-turvy with the arrival of his suit-wearing, gun-toting toddler tutor, Reborn, who came from Italy to Japan to prepare the boy for his future as a mafia boss. Wacky, outlandish, and unexpected situations drive this story. Tsuna finds that he acquires temporary supernatural abilities whenever he is shot by Reborn's magic bullets. These bullets serve Tsuna well: one to the head gives him lightning-quick reflexes that allow him to defeat his school's boxing club captain, while another shot to his belly leads to an iron stomach that prevents him from being poisoned by a female assassin. The artwork fits well with the bizarre plot devices, with fast-paced fighting scenes and preposterous images of Reborn. While some readers will find the combination of these two elements highly entertaining, there will be those who have a problem with or will tire of the cutely drawn, gun-wielding toddler. Overall, with its outlandish comedy and eye-opening action elements, this will provide an amusing read for manga fans. Contains alcohol and tobacco use and graphic, realistic violence. Recommended for grades 10 and up.—Raphael E. Rogers, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amano, Jeff (text) & Andy MacDonald (illus.). Red Warrior. Vol. 1: Assassin for the Thieves World. Image Comics. 2006. 128p. ISBN 1-58240-660-X [ISBN 978-1-58240-660-2]. pap. $12.99. F
Amano offers up a fast-paced blend of film noir and modern spy thriller. Agent Tolik Kalinchenko, the cynical, hard-drinking antihero, teamed with a "bad girl" who isn't really so bad, takes on the dark (and almost superhuman) forces of the Russian mafia in the United States. Fans of action flicks will find themselves on familiar and fairly enjoyable ground in this cinematic series opener. There is nothing tremendously original here, but the post-USSR Russian villains are an intriguing plot element, and the emphasis on a variety of fighting styles and the "psychic extension" aspect of the fighting make for effective action sequences. The bold black-and-white art is full of motion, and a strong layout keeps the pace high. The existence of more super warriors sets readers up for further installments in the series, and the nonfiction list for further reading is a nice touch. With some violence and mildly suggestive scenes, this is an enjoyable diversion for the 13+ audience.—Julia Cox, Penticton P.L., B.C.
Bendis, Brian Michael (text) & Michael Gaydos (illus.). The Pulse. Vol. 3: Fear. Marvel. 2006. 144p. ISBN 0-7851-1951-5 [ISBN 978-0-7851-1951-7]. pap. $14.99. F
This collection of issues 11-15 spins out of the MAX series Alias and makes for excellent reading. The third volume continues the saga of Jessica Jones—a former superhero who has fallen in love with Luke Cage, a.k.a. Power Man. Jones, hired as a reporter to cover superhero happenings for the Daily Bugle newspaper, is pregnant with Luke's baby. Interspersing a subplot about a homeless hero named D-Man with Jones's preparations for and anxieties about bearing a child (especially one who may possess superpowers), Bendis subtly and succinctly, and without being overly preachy or condescending, provides observations about politics, race, class, sex, family, prejudice, and crime within a compelling narrative that will appeal to longtime fans and newcomers alike. Despite the absence of fight scenes and traditional superhero conflicts, this volume delivers enough action and intrigue to keep readers entertained. Aimed primarily at a younger audience than the target market for Alias (which included graphic language and depictions of sex and violence), this collection still manages to treat mature subject matter with intelligence and respect. The art by Gaydos is reminiscent of Bill Sienkiewicz and well suited to the story. An additional issue, New Avengers Annual #1, with art by Olivier Coipel, is an added bonus. Highly recommended.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI
The Dark Horse Book of Monsters. Dark Horse. Dec. 2006. 94p. ISBN 1-59307-656-8 [ISBN 978-1-59307-656-6]. $15.95. F
This fourth hardbound anthology in a quartet from Dark Horse (after Book of Hauntings, Book of the Dead, and Book of Witchcraft) features work from a host of acclaimed comic writers and artists. The entries all play off the theme in interesting ways, each varying widely in tone and style, giving the collection a satisfying range. Individually, the stories are all tightly crafted, imaginative, and economical, bringing to mind the eclectic short stories made famous in the Dark Horse Presents comic series. Stand-out entries here include "I Witnessed the End of the World," a Jack Kirby–esque "adventure into the weird" by Kurt Busiek and Keith Giffen; "The Hydra and the Lion," a short Hellboy entry poetically executed by Mike Mignola; "A Tropical Horror," a classic sea monster story by pulp novelist William Hope Hodgson and illustrated by Gary Gianni; and "A Dog and His Boy," a werewolf tale with a twist by Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer, and Jill Thompson. While there is a modest amount of gore and a brief slip of foul language (in the introduction), all the stories are suitable for teens. However, this book will most likely have stronger appeal for older teens and adults. Recommended.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH
Grine, Chris. Chickenhare: The House of Klaus. Dark Horse. 2006. 156p. ISBN 1-59307-574-X [ISBN 978-1-59307-574-3]. pap. $9.95. F
Because of the cover illustration featuring animals and the all-ages rating, you could be forgiven for thinking that this graphic novel might be great for the kiddies; however, it isn't this season's alternative to Mike Kunkel's Herobear and the Kid. The Klaus of the subtitle is obese and bearded, but his hobbies are abusing his henchmen and collecting exotic animals to gut and stuff. The book begins as Chickenhare and his bearded turtle sidekick, Abe, are sold to Klaus. They manage to escape with the mysterious Meg and Banjo, two other captives, to a nearby cave where the final confrontation takes place between the creatures, Klaus and his henchmen, a goat's ghost, and a tribe of small, ferocious Shromph. The characters are surly and rude to each other, the dialog is juvenile—we are treated to phrases like "Sucks to be you" and "Jeepers creepers"—and the black-and-white art is fairly simple. In the denouement, some characters are eaten by others, albeit offstage. This is one of those gleefully demented graphic novels whose creative forbearers include the "Spy vs. Spy" segments of Mad magazine. While not for tots, this twisted graphic novel may find fans among your junior high patrons and anyone who likes their offbeat to be way off.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids
Gunter, Mike (text) & Victor Santos (illus.). Zombee. Image Comics. 2006. 144p. ISBN 1-58240-662-6 [ISBN 978-1-58240-662-6]. pap. $12.99. F
How would you kill a zombie? Gunter and Santos's answer is simple: with a samurai, a ninja, and a mystical Zen monk. This period piece follows Fumenaga, a samurai who goes on a quest to replace a broken doll for his lord's daughter only to find legions of the undead instead. He meets a ninja, who talks like a modern movie action star, and a silent Zen monk, who happens to be an awesome fighter, too. Together they battle zombie farmers, zombie warriors, zombie birds, and eventually the creator of zombies. Gunter and Santos borrow just enough from the samurai mythos of loyal retainers, clan intrigue, and the feudal Japanese caste system to establish a background, then they set off on their own unique tangent. A zombie version of Lone Wolf and Cub is thrown in early on, establishing both the genre and the story's mix of humor and horror. Santos's black-and-white artwork has elements of cartoons (e.g., Samurai Jack) and manga (e.g., Lone Wolf) and successfully renders zombies as period individuals and not cookie-cutter movie monsters. With no epic pretensions, this succeeds in being a fun, offbeat, and original mashing of popular genres—an entertaining afternoon read, for adult collections where horror or historical graphic novels are popular.—David Ward, Univ. of Illinois Undergraduate Lib., Urbana
Hornschemeier, Paul. Let Us Be Perfectly Clear. Fantagraphics. Dec. 2006. 136p. ISBN 1-56097-752-3 [ISBN 978-1-56097-752-0]. $19.95. F
Hornschemeier's background in cognitive psychology and philosophy is clear as he explores alienation, fear, the inability to connect, and the banal cruelty of existence with an almost clinical detachment, undercut by flashes of compassion and a deadpan despair. In one story, two relentlessly ordinary men rendezvous at a bus station and, after an amicable lunch, trade in what is evidently child pornography. In another, a furry hominid swims to the ocean floor, attacks another creature, and eats its offspring. What's more, a couple in a motel is shot by a drunken loser who mistakes them for someone else, and a lovelorn cowpoke wastes his breath on his callow intended. That's all in the half titled "Let Us Be." Flip the book over for "Perfectly Clear." The physical disjunction—reminding us that nothing is perfectly clear—is echoed by a format switch from short stories to a collection of "funnies" ranging from political satire to parody to a dreamlike near-narrative that shifts styles and settings seemingly at random. Not everything works, but the best is disturbing, provocative, and definitely for grownups only. Handsomely produced in color with Fantagraphics' usual excellence.—Andrew Moore, Wayland P.L., MA
Kamio, Yoko. Boys over Flowers. Vol. 21. Viz Media. Dec. 2006. 184p. tr. from Japanese by JN Productions. ISBN 1-4215-0535-5 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0535-0]. pap. $9.99. F
Tsukushi and her beastly boyfriend, Tsukasa, are on the slippery slope toward another breakup in this volume of the immensely popular shojo series. Previously, Tsukushi lost her apartment and moved into the Domyoji mansion as Tsukasa's personal maid. Tsukasa managed to get Tsukushi to agree to a trial period as his girlfriend, which he ruined on their first double date. With the help of their friends, Tsukushi and Tsukasa resolve that misunderstanding, and this volume begins with the return of the formidable Kaede Domyoji, Tsukasa's mother. Kaede is Tsukushi's nemesis, and Kaede employs a scheme that will make the girl disentangle herself from the Domyoji family. Tsukushi is an intrepid female character who is determined to live the best life she can, and Tsukasa, still imperfect, is not the dangerous bully of the first volume. Though the romance predictably surges and sinks, the incidents that cause the turns are surprises. Class conflict and obstinate characters trying to mature also move the action. To show emotion and develop character, the mangaka adeptly uses shadows, watery motifs, and cinematic angles. Fans of the series will enjoy the bittersweet revelation at the end of the volume. Recommended for public libraries as a core shojo series.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Keret, Etgar (text) & Asaf Hanuka (illus.). Pizzeria Kamikaze. Alternative Comics. 2006. 100p. ISBN 1-891867-90-3 [ISBN 978-1-891867-90-3]. pap. $14.95. F
Suicides all go to the same afterworld. There, Mordy finds himself working at Kamikaze, a next-life pizza joint in a city that reminds him of Tel Aviv. Soon, Mordy discovers that other, more familiar suicides ended up in the same space. When he learns that Desiree, his girlfriend, jumped from the roof of a hospital one month after he took his own life, he sets off to find her with his German roommate, Uzi, a do-nothing who has nothing better to do. His quest takes him along the back roads of this limbo, where miracles happen as long as they are meaningless. Popular writer and Tel Aviv native Keret creates a compelling journey in a world of the vacant eyed and the pleasure seeking. The well-translated tale is perfectly complemented by illustrator Hanuka's black-and-white noirish ink, and his use of silver to fill the shadows of the suicide world adds even more interest to this already sharp work. This graphic novel stays lighthearted without being funny and is morbid without employing despair—all for the better. Best suited for older teens and adults given the mature theme, some sexual innuendo, depiction of drug use, and minimal explicit language; recommended.—David Garza, AWBERC Lib., U.S. EPA, Cincinnati
Kishimoto, Seishi. O-Parts Hunter. Vol. 1. Viz Media. Dec. 2006. 184p. tr. from Japanese by Tetsuichiro Miyaki. ISBN 1-4215-0855-9 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0855-9]. pap. $9.99. F
Kishimoto begins by explaining why fans often compare his work to Naruto: Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto's creator) is his twin brother. This familial connection doesn't justify the fact that O-Parts Hunter is a Naruto knockoff, albeit with a twist (the main character's stranger, rather tragic predicament) that may, in future volumes, give the series its own merit. Young Jio is bent on world domination; mistreated by his community, who believe he is cursed and blame him for several deaths, Jio strikes out as a worker for hire. He meets treasure hunter Ruby who searching for O-Parts, mystical relics from an ancient society that only certain humans can wield. Fortunately, Jio is one such person. Unfortunately, he is unknowingly possessed by Lucifer, who uses him to commit evil deeds. On the plus side, the setting of ancient ruins is evocative, and Kishimoto's character design for Jio is clever and symbolic of his split personality. However, Kishimoto takes shortcuts in his storytelling, so his transitions are sometimes jarring; a character will go through a pivotal change of heart in only a few disconnected panels. As a result, some scenes read like a storyboard rather than a fully-developed tale. Despite its flaws, this series could become popular, especially with Naruto fans looking for more. Recommended for most libraries.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle
Kotegawa, Yua. Line. ADV Manga. 2006. 168p. tr. from Japanese by Kaoru Bertrand. ISBN 1-4139-0249-9 [ISBN 978-1-4139-0249-5]. pap. $9.99. F
A single phone call is all it takes to change Chiko's life. At the other end of the "lost" cell phone is a man predicting suicides. If Chiko can get to the victims in time, they will literally come down from the ledge. From the opening scenes, this thrilling standalone title makes a disturbing statement about society's ability to communicate with and enter the lives of complete strangers. Although the story is fast paced, the characters are surprisingly well developed; like so much of the context in this manga, a subtle relationship between Chiko and her new companion boils just under the surface. The artwork does both the action and the emotion justice. Unlike the mangaka's last creation, Anne Freaks, the narrative doesn't need a lot of gore. The heart-pounding race and faceless caller are creepy enough. Readers looking for a deeper message will have lots to think about—school bullying, online communities, and the moral line. It's essential for any library.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb Cty. P.L., Decatur, GA
Kubo, Tite. ZOMBIEPOWDER. Vol. 2: Can't Kiss the Ring (of the Dead). Viz Media. Dec. 2006. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Akira Watanabe. ISBN 1-4215-0153-8 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0153-6]. pap. $7.99. F
Kubo has released another winning title; fans of Bleach will certainly enjoy this action-packed story. Like Bleach, Volume 1 has its share of interesting and quirky characters: enter Gamma Akutabi, best described as a bionic samurai in search of eternal life. His sidekick, Elwood, seeks the zombie powder for a different reason—to resurrect his dead sister. Volume 2 introduces Wolfina and her unconscious brother who is being eaten from the inside out by one of the rings of death. Sound complicated? It is but fun to read nonetheless. These volumes are appropriately rated for older teens. While there is no sex or swearing, there is considerable violence. Volume 2 includes an unrelated short story written by Kubo when he was 18, which would have been better left out, as its main purpose seems to be to blow body parts off the characters in a very graphic, realistic way—and Kubo's excellent artwork makes this possible. As with Bleach, the strength of his drawing here lies in the subtle facial and body expressions of his characters. Well bound on inexpensive paper in typical Viz Media style, this title would be a welcome addition to public and high school libraries. Recommended.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.
Mhan, Pop. Blank. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. Dec. 2006. 192p. ISBN 1-59816-779-0 [ISBN 978-1-59816-779-5]. pap. $9.99. F
This manga-style book is a blend of Full Metal Panic, the John Doe TV show, and Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider novels. Aki Clark, a 17-year-old high school student, finds herself being followed by a young man who calls himself Blank and claims to have amnesia, remembering only that he is a secret agent assigned to protect her at all costs. He has some of the skills to support these claims but also acts like a hormone-driven adolescent. The plot twists are good, but the breast jokes and underwear gags seem out of place in this sometimes serious story. The threat becomes more serious as the villains get closer to Aki, but the story retains a light tone and slapstick violence (Blank remembers martial arts but not how to aim a gun). Blank is skilled but clueless, obnoxious, and hard to like in the style of other manga semiheroes. Mhan is best known for his work for Marvel and DC Comics. Artistically, he does manga stylings very well. Fans of spy comedies will enjoy it. For older teen and adult collections, owing to violence and sexual humor.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
Millar, Mark (text) & Greg Land with Mitch Breitweiser (illus.). Ultimate Fantastic Four. Vol. 6: Frightful. Marvel. 2006. 144p. ISBN 0-7851-2017-3 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2017-9]. pap. $14.99. F
This collection reprints two arcs from the popular comic series. In the first, the group travels back in time to undo the accident that gave them their superpowers. In the second, they battle zombie versions of themselves from an alternate universe. Millar is one of Marvel's best writers, and he shows that he can write science fiction as well as he handles superheroics. Some of the science fiction concepts may be too advanced for younger readers who may prefer more action in their graphic novels. Land's hyperrealistic art suits the book—he takes unbelievable situations and makes them look entirely realistic. His illustrations of the Skrull aliens and the zombified Fantastic Four are very impressive. This book has some violent imagery that may be objectionable to younger readers, but that's bound to happen any time you encounter zombies from an alternate reality. Recommended for high school–aged comics fans as well as science fiction readers.—Michael Powers, John Jermain P.L., Sag Harbor, NY
Powell, Eric. The Goon. Vol. 5: Wicked Inclinations. Dark Horse. Dec. 2006. 136p. ISBN 1-59307-646-0 [ISBN 978-1-59307-646-7]. pap. $14.95. F
What do you get when you mix zombies, aliens, mobsters, pie, and a wicked sense of humor? The 2005 Eisner Award winner for Best Humor Publication and Best Continuing Series, naturally. Powell's work mixes noir stylings and artwork with a healthy dose of Lovecraftian horror and a dark sense of humor to form a uniquely engaging world. The Goon is a mob enforcer who, accompanied by his sidekick Franky, seeks to keep control of the city's illicit activities, but so does the Zombie Priest, a sinister character with an army of the undead. In this collection of issues 14-18, the Goon's ally, Buzzard (who eats zombie corpses), has curtailed the priest's zombie harvesting efforts, leading him to seek a far more sinister and powerful source of creatures for his army. Stories about a gypsy curse and "Satan's Sodomy Baby" are thrown in for good measure, creating a thoroughly entertaining (if sometimes disturbing) read. Powell's artwork is perfect for the genre he has created—muted grays and browns set the mood and contrast sharply with vivid zombie gore and bleeding eyeballs. The story is engrossing and fun without being offensive enough to turn the reader off. Scenes of cannibalism, zombie mutilation, and amusing decapitations do make this suited primarily for adult collections, however, for which it is highly recommended.—David Ward, Univ. of Illinois Undergraduate Lib., Urbana
Ragawa, Mirimo. Baby & Me. Vol. 3. Viz Media. Dec. 2006. 200p. tr. from Japanese by JN Productions. ISBN 1-4215-0574-6 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0574-9]. pap. $8.99. F
Eleven-year-old Takuya Enoki is not a typical schoolboy. His mother passed away over a year ago, but despite the tragic circumstances, Takuya's family does not dwell in sorrow and instead bonds together. Takuya helps take care of his two-year-old brother, Minoru. Their dad, a busy salaryman, does all he can to spend time with his sons. In this volume, Takuya participates in a community festival, discovers a classmate's secret, and goes on a family vacation. Takuya observes "a little kid's feelings are simple but intense," and this appreciation of childhood is a heartwarming experience, a return to the time when life was seemingly uncomplicated and innocent. The characters are charming and vibrant, while the story and artwork are cute without being saccharine. Toddler Minoru, with his large puppylike eyes, conveys a wide range of emotions. Currently serialized in VIZ's Shojo Beat, this series offers plenty of humor and wisdom. Despite a 13+ rating, it is appropriate for ages 11+. There is no profanity or intense situations. In earlier volumes, deaths (of a character and a pet rabbit) occur off panel, and we see the emotional impact of these losses. Highly recommended.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Seagle, Steven T. (text) & Becky Cloonan & Jim Rugg (illus.). American Virgin. Vol. 1: Head. Vertigo: DC Comics. 2006. 112p. ISBN 1-4012-1065-1 [ISBN 978-1-4012-1065-6]. pap. $9.99. F
Societal taboos make great story fodder, and in a culture with fewer and fewer sexual inhibitions, self-determined virginity may be the final frontier. Adam Chamberlain is a committed young evangelist for the "Save Yourself To Save Yourself" campaign. His sermons at colleges, music venues, and extreme sports arenas all center on Cassie, his Peace Corps–serving girlfriend in Africa, and the value of waiting for sex until marriage. When tragedy obliterates his one true love, Adam flees his idyllic bubble of privilege, enlisting his worldly stepsister and a New Zealander hit man on a madcap trip to Africa. Adam's faith hits new obstacles among the foreign culture's mores; the highly charged setting blurs his distinctions between lust and chastity, forgiveness and revenge. Before he loses Cassie, Adam's sincerity for his faith never seems contrived or self-righteous. Credit writer Seagle for this engagingly unique portrayal and for playing sex against faith without stacking the deck either way—a rare approach that pays a high honor to readers but makes the several one-dimensional characters and a few implausible action sequences more evident. Artist Cloonan gives a lot of depth to the African setting with careful, sparse images. Nudity, coarse language, violence, and adult situations mark this richly layered story as a recommended read for mature audiences.—Erika Bennett, Inst. of Production and Recording, Minneapolis, MN
Sheikman, Alex. Robotika. Archaia Studios. 2006. 128p. ISBN 978-1-932386-21-9. $19.95. F
This collection of the first four issues of writer-illustrator Sheikman's eclectic action series is billed as a "steampunk wasabi western." In truth, the world that Sheikman concocts will be strangely familiar to fans of writer William Gibson, The Matrix, and film director Akira Kurosawa because Sheikman strains to blend Japanese martial culture, biotechnology, and lone-wolf hero paradigms. These are intriguing trappings, but the story is well worn: a taciturn sword master undertakes a series of quests and challenges, meets up with colorful compadres and nasty villains, makes personal discoveries that are as valuable to him as any material prize, and so forth. That said, this particular trip is reasonably entertaining, thanks to a supporting cast featuring the mouthy and mighty "Cherokee Geisha" and cybernetically enhanced, haiku-slinging gunfighter Uri Bronski. Sheikman's rich and muscular art, vividly colored by Joel Chua, is his trump card; hopefully in Robotika's next story arc, "For a Few Rubles More," his writing will match it for wit and inventiveness. Recommended for collections in which edgy martial arts and speculative fiction titles circulate well. Its violence is a function of the story's action and not excessively brutal or bloody, making this title suitable for less-impressionable YA readers and up.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., N.B.
Takanashi, Mitsuba. Crimson Hero. Vol. 4. Viz Media. Dec. 2006. 184p. tr. from Japanese by Naoko Amemiya. ISBN 1-4215-0578-9 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0578-7]. pap. $8.99. F
High school student Nobara Sumiyoshi is passionate about volleyball. She has triumphed and established a girls' volleyball team at her school after an intense struggle against the school administration, her mother, and the antagonistic boys' team. But instead of focusing on her sport, Nobara is confused about her reaction to seeing her friend Yushin with his girlfriend. Distracted by heartache, Nobara tries to lead her inexperienced team in their first real game against the tough competitor Yabesho High, a top-ranked volleyball team with a "superace" player and a condescending attitude. This fast-paced volume is the most action-packed so far. The artwork is appealing and consistent; both action scenes and the characters' displays of emotion are rendered with equal skill. Nobara is a likable character with a fiercely competitive spirit balanced by a healthy dose of angst. The series is rated T for language and violence, although this volume is fairly clean. The author includes helpful footnotes to explain volleyball terms that might be unfamiliar to readers. A great blend of sports action, romance, and drama, this is recommended for teen manga collections.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
Vaughan, Brian K. (text) & Adrian Alphona & Craig Yeung (illus.). Runaways. Vol. 6: Parental Guidance. Marvel. 2006. 144p. ISBN 0-7851-1952-3 [ISBN 978-0-7851-1952-4]. pap. $7.99. F
Vaughan's teen superhero book Runaways has become an unlikely success that might be attributed to the fact that it keeps readers guessing. New characters are introduced frequently, old favorites are phased out, and each team member's loyalty is tested. Themes of trust, repentance, reconciliation, and loss all drive the story. After an initial standalone story focusing on super strong Molly, the main arc unfolds as some old friends of the dead team traitor, Alex, attempt to resurrect him with surprising results. They form a new "Pryde" and set out to divide the Runaways in order to defeat them. A distant teammate reappears to help but not before the team suffers a significant loss. Although the story is well written, little is done to explain what has gone on before, which is a problem considering the large amount of continuity. Alphona's art is topnotch and consistent. The coloring—dark tones interrupted with sudden bursts of color—is particularly effective. Taken as a whole, this series is one of the most enjoyable comics being published today; every library should have this series in their teen section. With the announcement that Buffy creator Joss Whedon will be taking over as writer soon, the demand for the earlier volumes is bound to go up.—Mark D. Richardson, Cedar Mill Community Lib., Portland
See the December 15 Xpress Reviews
