Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 4/15/2007
Week of April 10
Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels | Audio
Fiction
Dickey, Eric Jerome. Sleeping with Strangers. Dutton. Apr. 2007. c.352p. ISBN 978-0-525-94999-2. $24.95. F
On the surface, narrator Gideon is just your everyday, ruggedly handsome hit man letting readers peak inside his world of darkness and death as he travels from the United States to Europe, executing chosen targets for his clients and tirelessly looking to enact revenge upon the one woman who committed an unfathomable wrong against him years earlier. As the layers are meticulously unpeeled, it turns out there is more than meets the eye in this oh so bad boy. Dickey (Thieves' Paradise) seamlessly blends a dynamic character with a faced-paced, compelling plot and exotic international settings for an unforgettable and addictive read. The electrifying cliff-hanger of an ending leaves readers wondering if Gideon will find love or the death he brings to others, but fans won't have to wait long as Dickey's sequel, Waking with Enemies, arrives this August. Recommended for public libraries with contemporary African American fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/06.]—Lisa Jones, North Birmingham Regional Lib., AL
Smith, Alexander McCall. The Good Husband of Zebra Drive. Pantheon. Apr. 2007. c.224p. ISBN 978-0-375-42273-7. $21.95. M
Smith calls upon his quintessential heroine, Mma Precious Ramotswe, once again in the eighth installment of his popular "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series. This time, detective work takes a backseat to his characters' personal lives, several of whom are experiencing growing pains, wanting to try new things. Mma Ramotswe's husband, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, wants to begin working as a part-time detective; her longtime assistant, Mma Makutsi, resigns to find a new position; and Charlie, an assistant in Matekoni's garage, quits to start his own business. The nominal three detective cases addressed in the narrative barely require the assistance of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency; the mildly interesting subplots revolving around the characters' personal dilemmas consume most of the book, which is disappointing as Mma Ramotswe and company are at their best when faced with a challenging predicament to solve. Nonetheless, Mma Ramotswe remains delightful, and McCall's narrative is swift and humorous. A recommended purchase for general mystery and/or fiction collections, particularly in public libraries where the series is popular. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/06.]—Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ
Nonfiction
American Food Writing: An Anthology with Classic Recipes. Library of America, dist. by Penguin Group (USA). May 2007. 784p. ed. by Molly O'Neill. index. ISBN 978-1-59853-005-6. $40. COOKERY
Edited by former New York Times food columnist O'Neill, this work covers 250 years of American culinary history through essays by eminent American writers, noted chefs, critics, and others. The contributors, ranging from Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson to Craig Claiborne, M.F.K. Fisher, and Nora Ephron, share their culinary philosophies and perspectives on the American appetite. A range of topics is addressed, including diet, hunger, technique, food and sex, fast food, and culinary movements. Other themes emerge as well, such as the relationship of food to American ideals, values, morals, status, and prosperity. Each chapter opens with introductory material about the writer, and more than 50 classic American recipes are included. This anthology will interest readers who already enjoy food writing but have an appetite for a historical account as well. Recommended for large public and academic libraries.—Christine Holmes, San Jose State Univ. Lib., CA
Glassman, Keri with Sarah Mahoney. The Snack Factor Diet: The Secret to Losing Weight by Eating More. Crown. Apr. 2007. c.224p. index. ISBN 0-307-35147-5 [ISBN 978-0-307-35147-0]. $19.95. HEALTH
Can a diet (too hard) that features snacks (very easy) really work, or are the concepts too diametrically opposed to "factor" into a person's health-conscious weight-management goals? Registered dietician Glassman, president of KKG Body Fuel, Inc., a nutrition counseling practice, in clear and well-calculated prose tells the whys and the hows of her Snack Factor regimen. Boiling it down to its core elements, it stresses smaller meals, more often, that are composed of three basic elements: high-fiber, nutrient-dense carbs (fruits, vegetables, whole grains); lean proteins; and "flavorful fats" (nuts vs. fried chips). Once people learn their Hunger Quotient and become accustomed to eating "proportioned" meals during the initial four-week program, says Glassman, they will never feel hungry or deprived. Glassman includes tons of sidebars ("Factor This!") and lists of specific items, with brand names, and her own favorites (Keri's Pick). There is no counting, no measuring, though you must learn to estimate portion sizes (an acquired skill, right Weight Watcher fans?). Glassman provides menus and recipes where appropriate and day-by-day suggestions and alternatives for that all-important first month. She includes a chapter on troubleshooting and identifying and dealing with trigger foods. Those interested in a sensible plan to alter food behaviors will benefit from Glassman's method and will be encouraged by her supportive, friendly tone. Recommended for health/weight management collections. (Index not seen.)—Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal
Myers, Mitch. The Boy Who Cried Freebird: Rock & Roll Fables and Sonic Storytelling. HarperEntertainment: HarperCollins. Apr. 2007. c.336p. index. ISBN 978-0-06-113901-7. $25.95. MUSIC
Admit it: you've always wondered about that guy who shouts "Freebird!" at every concert, regardless of whether it's appropriate. Here, Myers, a freelance writer and music commentator on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, delivers a fictional account of that previously unidentified globetrotting concertgoer, among dozens of short- to medium-length works of fiction, record reviews, stories about famous rock and jazz musicians, and intriguing combinations of fact and fiction (e.g., a piece on bluesman Robert Johnson, one of the book's highlights). Some of the pieces have previously appeared in magazines or as part of Myers's quirky All Things Considered commentaries. An appendix makes clear what is real and what comes from Myers's active imagination. Because the book hops from subject to subject and from fiction to nonfiction, this appendix—and the book's index—are especially helpful features. Libraries with popular culture collections will want to purchase this book, as will academic libraries looking for an unusual mix of creative writing and music criticism. Highly recommended for larger public libraries; recommended for smaller public libraries and academic libraries.—James E. Perone, Mount Union Coll., Alliance, OH
Waldburger, Jennifer & Jill Spivack. The Sleepeasy Solution: The Exhausted Parent's Guide to Getting Your Child To Sleep—from Birth to Age Five. Health Communications. Apr. 2007. c.278p. index. ISBN 0-7573-0560-1 [ISBN 978-0-7573-0560-3]. pap. $14.95. CHILD REARING
Is there room for yet another book on the holy grail of parenting? In the case of this titles, yes. Waldburger and Spivak, both social workers, present a middle-ground method of sleep training called the "least-cry approach," which emphasizes the importance of uninterrupted sleep while sympathizing with parents who can't stand the thought of Ferberizing their baby. Sleep-deprived parents will appreciate the authors' sensitivity to the difficulty of hearing baby cry, but they cheerfully hold firm, reinforcing the importance of "sleep nutrition" and the deleterious affects of elevated cortisol levels. Using detailed instructions, including preparation checklists and progress charts, the authors address most everything a parent will encounter. They wisely anticipate anxieties (yes, your baby might cry for an hour) but are respectful of a parent's emotions and allow for non-stimulating "check-ins." They estimate the process to take one week before results are achieved. As seasoned pros know, sleep begets sleep, and Waldburger and Spivack will help the whole family get theirs. Recommended.—Julianne J. Smith, Ypsilanti Dist. Lib., MI
Katsura, Masakazu. I"s. Vol. 12: Room 305. Viz Media. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Arashi Productions. ISBN 1-4215-1074-X [ISBN 978-1-4215-1074-3]. pap. $7.99. F
Ichitaka, Iori, and their high school friends have taken a graduation trip to Atami. During their stay at the hotel, the resort manager torments the group by performing a lottery to assign different couples to rooms each night. Ichitaka and Iori—the girl Ichitaka adores and is now secretly dating—spend a significant section of this volume alone in a hotel room. Katsura used this device earlier in the series, though now Ichitaka's goal is no longer to "make out" but to "have sex with girlfriend," which results in mature sexual situations. As Ichitaka tries to move his relationship with Iori along, his low self-esteem, confusion, and inability to be clear with Izumi, a younger classmate who has a crush on him, interfere with the momentum of their romance. Yes, there are lasciviously posed, seminude girls here, and someone will pluck a volume of the manga off the shelf and loudly point this out. Distracted by Ichitaka's agile and explicit imagination, they will not read the text that reveals Ichitaka's struggles with women, friendship, romance, sex, and growing up. The female characters, though pretty and occasionally underdressed, are not vacuous: they are sometimes naïve but usually ambitious, perceptive, and dynamic. They constantly challenge Ichitaka to be loving and a better friend, since he measures himself against his female friends. However, if Melvin Burgess's Doing It caused a problem in your library, I"s will generate the same friction. Since Ichitaka has now graduated from high school, it may be the right time to move this series into the adult section if you have collected it. Recommended for public libraries as a romantic comedy from the male point of view.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Kikuta, Michiyo. Mamotte! Lollipop. Vol. 1. Del Rey: Ballantine. 2007. 212p. tr. from Japanese by Elina Ishikawa. ISBN 978-0-345-49623-2. pap. $10.95. F
After swallowing what seems to be an odd-tasting candy, 12-year-old Nina is thrust into a world of magic, buffetted on all sides by would-be wizards trying to find the Crystal Pearl, the retrieval of which will allow them to pass their final wizard exam. Nina is searching for something herself: she wants to meet her soul mate, a boy who will protect her no matter what. Will she find this in Zero or Ichi, the wizard students who have promised to watch over her until the wizard exam is over? In her first solo manga, Kikuta has devised a truly shojo character in Nina—a little silly, very feminine; however, the silliness is not offset by the strength of character one finds in the classic Sailor Moon nor the sweetness one finds in Chobits. But it is filled with humor and subtle points that create interest for the reader, as well side notes with letters and explanations that formulate a connection between author and audience. There is also a bonus short story taking place in the magical world from which the wizards come. Lacking swearing and violence, though breasts are shown in one bath scene, this manga is certainly appropriate for high school students and possibly older middle school students as well.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.
Kirkman, Robert (text) & Tony Moore & others (illus.). Brit. Vol. 1: Old Soldier. Image Comics. 2007. 176p. ISBN 1-58240-678-2 [ISBN 978-1-58240-678-7]. pap. $17.99. F
Unlike Kirkman's teen superhero, Invincible, Brit doesn't go in for cool names or fancy duds. He doesn't fly, shoot rays from his eyes, have outrageous strength, or amazing gadgets. He just doesn't suffer injuries of any kind—ever. In one sequence, Brit wears a nuclear device and detonates it as he jumps into an area held by supervillains, just to clear out the less powerful baddies. Also, unlike other heroes, Brit is old. We never learn how old exactly, but he's been around long enough that certain Pentagon employees want to find out what makes him tick so they can replace him eventually. Brit's age also proves to be an issue with his girlfriend's parents, who subsequently become his in-laws. Come what may, whether it's invading purple aliens allied with the French, a giant Sasquatch overrunning Anchorage, problems with his ex, or new fatherhood, Brit soldiers on. The art by Moore, Cliff Rathburn, and Val Staples looks a bit like what's used in Invincible—colorful and bold (Invincible Ultimate Collection, Vol. 2, LJ 11/15/06). People explode and are beaten to a pulp, and there are bedroom scenes as well as scenes in a strip club that Brit owns. But there isn't any full nudity, despite the sex and number of times Brit's clothes are blown off. Readers will encounter no drugs and little cursing. Older teens who like their superheroes to be over-the-top will be drawn to this one, as will adults who like a good romp.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids
Minekura, Kazuya. Wild Adapter. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 168p. tr. from Japanese by Alexis Kirsch. ISBN 978-1-59816-978-2. pap. $9.99. F
Makoto Kubota's sense of ennui is off the charts. After being recruited by the local yakuza boss, young Makoto calmly murders the group's youth leader with a shrug and a "It was him or me" before proceeding to shake down businesses, fight a turf war, and cheat at mahjong, all without batting an eye. Appearing to have no feelings for humans, he saves his emotions for the stray cats he occasionally finds dead on the streets of Yokohama. In the meantime, a mysterious new drug called W.A. has begun circulating—it causes its victims to turn into raging animals, literally. With almost nothing but character development taking place here, it comes as a relief to discover from the author's note that Vol. 1 is meant to be the prolog to the main story. While Makoto remains enigmatic throughout, the supporting characters are compelling, and the cliff-hanger ending creates enough drama to make the reader want more. Featuring sexy, droopy-eyed heroes who pose seductively when not being drawn into explosive action scenes, the artwork is very reminiscent of Saiyuki (Vol. 9, LJ 11/15/05), a series by the same author that has a high female readership, and includes full-color, pin-up pages at the front of the book. Rated M for violence, language, and sexual content, this book is recommended for adult collections where action titles are in demand and for Saiyuki fans.—Eva Volin, Alameda Free Lib., CA
Porcellino, John. King-Cat Classix: The Best of King-Cat Comics and Stories. Drawn & Quarterly. May 2007. 382p. ISBN 978-1-894937-91-7. $29.95. F
Since 1989, King-Cat Comics and Stories has been an anchor in the self-published comics community. Porcellino has faithfully published his little magazine—not necessarily regularly, not necessarily on time—but always faithfully and honestly. This weighty collection gathers the best of the first 50 issues of King-Cat with selections of ephemera (reproductions of letters, essay, reviews, and stories) that make each issue singular. While not exhaustive, King-Cat Classix manages to display the gradual evolution of an artist, from early punk rock scratchings and disjointed ramblings through the reserved simplicity of Porcellino's later drawings. Readers will grasp the development of both a man and the practitioner of a craft. The publisher attempted to maintain the feel of the original publications by keeping the dimensions of the book roughly the same as a standard sheet of paper folded in two instead of opting for a coffeetable-type retrospective. But a retrospective it is—a comprehensive introduction to the work of a great living artist as well as a tribute to the foundational efforts of an icon. Because of the explicit nature of some of the work, King-Cat Classix is suitable for adult collections. Highly recommended.—Ruthanne Price, Vaughan Pub. Libs., Ont.
Sakuragi, Yukiya. Inubaka: Crazy for Dogs. Vol. 2. Viz Media. Apr. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Hidemi Hachitori, Hoyaku Center. ISBN 1-4215-1150-9 [ISBN 978-1-4215-1150-4]. pap. $9.99. F
Woofles is an upscale Tokyo pet store that sells pedigree dogs and pet supplies, and the 26-year-old manager Teppei Iida is a level-headed, decent guy. Recent high school graduate Suguri has left the countryside to make it on her own in Tokyo with her dog Lupin at her side. Noticing Suguri's almost uncanny rapport with dogs, Teppei gives her a job at Woofles. Each story spotlights one specific puppy's quest to find an owner and includes interesting facts about that puppy's breed (e.g., good character, floppy ears). The engaging artwork is detailed and realistic. Leisurely paced, this slice of life offers quirky customers who are crazy for dogs and details the care and maintenance of our four-legged friends. In Vol. 2, Suguri meets Kim, who is deathly afraid of dogs. He explains that where he grew up in Korea, bad people used to catch the stray dogs and secretly eat them. The claim that dog-eating culture remains in parts of Korea may disturb some readers and offend those of Korean descent. Rated ages 16+, the book offers moderate fan service in the guise of short skirts, cleavage, and panty shots and will also appeal to readers who are crazy for dogs. Recommended with reservations: the deceptively cute covers of Suguri with puppies may unintentionally attract younger teen readers.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Takahashi, Yashichiro (text) & Sasakura, Ayato (illus.). Shakugan No Shana. Vol. 1. Viz Media. Apr. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Yuki Yoshioka & Cindy Yamauchi. ISBN 1-4215-1195-9 [ISBN 978-1-4215-1195-5]. pap. $9.99. F
With her long red hair, the title character Shana is clearly the star of this series. Based on the novel, it begins with young Yuuji Sakai meeting Shana as she battles a huge Kewpie-like doll and some floating heads. While Yuuji believes Shana has saved his life, it turns out he's already dead! Shana is protecting his "torch," the remnants of his soul that can be seen and heard but will eventually disappear. But he is also a "mistes"—more than an average spirit but still a mysterious and unexplained entity. Shana disguises herself as a student to enter his high school and protect him; the school and beyond are in danger of being destroyed by hungry "denizens" from the "Crimson World." Visually, the art is generic: it feels flat and computer generated. Shana's hair and short skirts stick out. However, the villains are a great mixture of cute and creepy. The plot moves quickly, only minimally derailed by the constant use of quotations each time something new is named. Geared toward older teens with brief nudity, this series is not a necessary purchase but will circulate in large manga collections.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb Cty. P.L., Decatur, GA
Child, Lincoln. Deep Storm. 11 CDs. unabridged. 13 hrs. Books on Tape. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4159-3554-5. $110; 8 cassettes. ISBN 978-1-4159-3707-5. $90. F
Lovers of fast-paced adventure stories look upon a Child book as if it were an unexpected Christmas gift. Whether he writes alone or with his partner, Douglas Preston, Child never fails to deliver a rousing story full of hissable villains, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and "wow!" endings. Two miles beneath an Atlantic oil platform, something has been discovered that quickly becomes the target of a top-secret investigation. Dr. Peter Crane is mysteriously summoned to the site by an excited scientist who tells him that they are on the verge of unlocking the secret of the Lost Continent of Atlantis. Or is it? Have they found something far more deadly than an ancient civilization—something that might have the potential of destroying the entire planet? Scott Brick is, as always, outstanding in his narration, bringing to each major character a distinctive personality without getting overly theatrical in voice changes. He captures the excitement, terror, and suspense so ably written by Child. Essential for all audio collections.—Joseph L. Carlson, Allan Hancock Coll., Lompoc, CA
Orman, Suze. Women & Money: Owning the Power To Control Your Destiny. 7 CDs. unabridged. 9 hrs. Books on Tape. 2007. ISBN 1-4159-3598-X [ISBN 978-1-4159-3598-9]. $90; 6 cassettes. ISBN 1-4159-3754-0 [ISBN 978-1-4159-3754-9]. $70. BUS
As much a sociological analysis of women's approach to money management as it is a discussion of the need for financial security, this book picks up where Michelle Singletary's 7 Money Mantras for a Richer Life: How To Live Well with the Money You Have ends. Targeting middle- and upper-class women, this current and unintimidating work occasionally falls into a scolding tone, but it also clearly explains credit and credit scores, debt elimination, how to purchase insurance, retirement and college savings, and Orman's five-month "Save Yourself Plan." Unfortunately, the author's recommendations of several specific companies (i.e., TD Ameritrade, Merrill-Lynch) and repeated suggestions that the listener purchase her various financial kits (e.g., FICO) make this book sound similar to an infomercial. An experienced reader, Susan Denaker delivers a crisp, clear, and unaccented telling. The audio is professionally produced with no background noise or tape hiss. Orman (The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom) is strong on empowerment, basic financial terms and concepts, and the female psyche. Purchase Women & Money where needed.—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX
Week of April 3
Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Fiction
Baldacci, David. Simple Genius. Warner. Apr. 2007. c.420p. ISBN 0-446-58034-1 [ISBN 978-0-446-58034-2]. $26.99. F
Baldacci's protagonists from Hour Game and Split Second, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, return in this surprisingly lackluster effort. Michelle attacks a man in a bar and ends up institutionalizing herself to explore her sudden suicidal complex. To distract himself, Sean accepts an assignment to investigate a murder at a think tank of scientific geniuses called Babbage Town. As Sean discovers that even the smartest people in the world have secrets, Michelle uncovers a conspiracy in the psychiatric hospital. Neither story line comes together in a neat package; instead, the novel feels like two short stories jammed into one longer piece. Discussions of supercomputers and ciphers prove fascinating, but very little of that propels the action. And, the ending comes out of left field and feels not only tacked on but also from a completely different thriller. It's a shame that such fascinating characters are featured in this rare mess from Baldacci. Buy only for demand. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 1/07.]—Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.
Connelly, Michael. The Overlook. Little, Brown. May 2007. c.240p. ISBN 978-0-316-01895-1. $21.99. F
Crime fiction master Connelly (Echo Park) delivers again with this expanded version of a 16-part serial originally published in the New York Times Magazine. The novel finds Los Angeles police detective Harry Bosch one year after the Echo Park case, with a new partner, Ignacio Ferrara, and a new assignment in the elite Homicide Special division. Bosch is called to investigate what appears to be a typical homicide, but when the FBI arrives, Bosch faces something much bigger—the victim was a medical physicist forced to steal radioactive material from a cancer clinic, and Bosch, FBI agent Rachel Walling, and others are drawn into a search for the stolen material and the terrorists suspected of the heist. Bosch's tenacity reveals unexpected layers to the case and a surprising resolution of the crime. As the action takes place within 12 hours, the plotting is accordingly fast-paced. Not surprisingly, Connelly's latest is a real page-turner. For all popular fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 1/07.]—Beth Lindsay, Washington State Univ. Lib., Pullman
Harris, Charlaine. All Together Dead. Ace: Berkley, dist. by Penguin Group (USA). May 2007. c.336p. ISBN 978-0-441-01494-1. $24.95. FANTASY
The vampire King of Arkansas met his ultimate demise on his wedding night to Sophie-Anne, Queen of New Orleans. Now the former king's assistant insists that Sophie-Anne stand trial for his murder during the upcoming vampire summit. The Queen demands that human telepath Sookie Stackhouse accompany her to this annual meeting of the undead, which calls for high security at the vampire hotel Pyramid of Giza. Trouble arises almost immediately when the Queen's accuser is found truly dead in her room; more bizarre crimes follow. Serious danger accompanies Sookie as she tracks down clues to possible perpetrators. Meanwhile, her love life remains complicated as Sookie juggles Quinn, the virile weretiger; Eric, the handsome vampire sheriff of Area five; and Bill, Sookie's first vampire lover who pines for her. A heart-pounding conclusion makes the seventh entry in Harris's Southern Vampire series (after Definitely Dead) not to be missed. [This fall, HBO will start airing True Blood, a television series based on the Sookie Stackhouse books and produced by Alan Ball of Six Feet Under fame.—Ed.]—Patricia Altner, BiblioInfo.com, Columbia, MD
Mostert, Natasha. Season of the Witch. Dutton. Apr. 2007. c.416p. ISBN 978-0-525-95003-5. $24.95. F
Gabriel is a hip, for-hire thirtysomething information broker in modern-day London. He takes a break from his usual industrial espionage when an old girlfriend approaches him to search for her missing stepson and reminds him of his past as a "remote viewer," or mind reader. Gabriel soon finds himself involved with wealthy sisters Morrighan and Minnalouse, who may have unusual powers of their own and also be involved in murder. Mostert's fourth novel (after The Other Side of Silence) jarringly juxtaposes discussions of psychic powers with current popular cultural references to Ali G. and online multiplayer role-playing games. The sisters, along with most of the other characters, are not very well drawn and turn out indistinguishable from one other. In addition, the complete disappearance of the plot line about Gabriel's regular work—which dominated the novel's first half—will leave the reader confused as to its importance. An optional purchase for larger public libraries where Mostert's previous books are popular.—Jessica Moyer, Milne Lib., SUNY Oneonta
Milton, Giles. Edward Trencom's Nose: A Novel of History, Dark Intrigue, and Cheese. Thomas Dunne Bks: St. Martin's. Apr. 2007. c.336p. ISBN 0-312-36217-X [ISBN 978-0-312-36217-1]. $23.95. F
Nonfiction author Milton's (Nathaniel's Nutmeg) first novel is a whimsical tongue-in-cheese thriller. The descendant of a long line of large-nosed London cheese sellers, Edward Trencom has lived blissfully unaware of his forefather's tendency to get killed by Greek militants every generation. When a shipment of particularly pungent Mediterranean fare arrives at the shop in 1969, Edward discovers a cache of family papers and begins suffering bouts of olfactory impotence. Is the Trencom clan truly cursed? Interspersed with Edward's efforts to find out why swarthy men are breaking into his cheese shop are chapters detailing the varied ways in which 300 years of Trencom men have met their end. This pseudohistorical romp has an ironic whiff of Da Vinci Code cloak and dagger with a tasty touloumotyri serving as the grail. Recommended for public libraries with an appetite for humorous fiction.—Karen Kleckner, Deerfield P.L., IL
White, Kate. Lethally Blond. Warner. May 2007. c.336p. ISBN 978-0-446-57795-3. $24.99. M
Bailey Weggins (Over Her Dead Body) has settled in at her job as a celebrity journalist for Buzz magazine and is putting her messy personal life behind her—or so she thought. When an almost-could-have-been boyfriend calls her up, Bailey jumps at the chance to meet with him. Chris Wickersham is a drop-dead gorgeous actor about to make it big with a new television series, but he's not looking to date Bailey (at least not initially). Chris's friend Tom didn't show up on the set, and Chris is convinced something has happened to his friend. Though the police have been notified, Chris wants Bailey to investigate. White's series is a neat mix of mystery and Sex and the City that takes us behind the scenes of tabloids and celebrity. And Bailey is a sharp, appealing protagonist who manages to make her amateur detecting plausible. If her personal upheavals occasionally overshadow the mystery, it's all in good fun. A popular series recommended for public libraries.—Jane Jorgenson, Madison P.L., WI
Good Birders Don't Wear White: 50 Tips from North America's Top Birders. Houghton. Apr. 2007. c.288p. ed. by Lisa White. illus. ISBN 0-618-75642-6 [ISBN 978-0-618-75642-1]. pap. $8.95. NAT HIST
Although the 50 chapters in this small, 5" x 7" book are made up of little more than sound bites, there is much wisdom, advice, and wit to be found by aspiring birders and experienced practitioners alike. The 50 contributors, many of them legends in the birding world, are accomplished authors, tour leaders, artists, and scientists including David Sibley, Victor Emanuel, Paul Lehman, Pete Dunne, Kenn Kaufman, and Scott Weidensaul. Their brief biographies at the end of each chapter add interest. Fourteen sections touch on many aspects of the hobby, such as equipment, mindset, how to attract birds, weather, birding etiquette, conservation, how to get beyond list keeping, travel advice, and photography. The light, easy, and quick yet authoritative advice, which is sometimes lacking in more exhaustive and voluminous birding guides, should have broad appeal. Discounting the white space and the amusingly corny drawings, each chapter is about four pages. Recommended for natural history collections where birding is popular.—Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Hine, Robert V. & John Mack Faragher. Frontiers: A Short History of the American West. Yale Univ. Apr. 2007. c.256p. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-300-11710-8 [ISBN 978-0-300-11710-3]. $28. HIST
Many will recognize this work as a shortened, re-edited version of Hine (history, emeritus, Univ. of California, Riverside & Irvine) and Faragher's (American history, Yale Univ.) The American West: A New Interpretive History (2000), itself a reworking of Hine's previous The American West: An Interpretive History (1973, 1984). The result is a concise history of the American frontier West written by two of its foremost historians, paying special attention to the impacts on and relations among diverse races and cultures, including women's roles and perspectives. This edition is of note because it targets a broader popular audience as opposed to serving its former role as a classroom text. The basic organization and content have survived intact, although detailed endnotes have been replaced with a "Further Reading" list that includes titles through 2004. While college and research libraries should consider the authors' previous, fuller effort, this abridged work is highly recommended for public and school libraries in need of a basic, up-to-date overview of American frontier history.—Nathan E. Bender, Univ. of Idaho, Moscow
Katzenstein, Larry. Living with Heart Disease: Everything You Need To Know To Safeguard Your Health and Take Control of Your Life. AARP: Sterling. Apr. 2007. 288p. ed. by Ileana L. Piña, M.D. illus. index. ISBN 1-4027-3011-X [ISBN 978-1-4027-3011-5]. pap. $14.95. HEALTH
The chances of getting cardiovascular disease climb steadily with age; almost half of the 70 million Americans with the condition are over the age of 65. Medical writer Katzenstein takes readers through clear explanations of the heart's functions and potential failures. He details risk factors and symptoms (e.g., angina, fainting, palpitations); explores diagnostic tests; encourages readers to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and an appropriate diet; nicely depicts treatment advances in drugs, biological therapies, stem cells, and surgeries; and describes invasive procedures (e.g., catheterization, bypass surgery) as well as risks, complications, and recovery. Medications are listed by class and include tips for use and possible side effects. Important points are highlighted in boxes for emphasis, and numerous graphics illustrate the text very effectively. Appendixes offer resources for further research, information on dealing with emergencies, and checklists for managing treatment. An excellent resource for all consumer health collections, especially because it targets older Americans; highly recommended.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp. Lib., Tampa, FL
Kingsolver, Barbara with Steven L. Hopp & Camille Kingsolver. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life. HarperCollins. May 2007. c.384p. ISBN 0-06-085255-0 [ISBN 978-0-06-085255-9]. $26.95. COOKERY
Kingsolver, award-winning author of The Bean Trees and nine other works, has written her first full-length nonfiction book—and it doesn't disappoint. It chronicles a year in her family's life as they attempt to only eat and buy food produced locally. The book begins with the family moving from Arizona to a farm in southern Appalachia and traces their year-long culinary and agricultural adventure through the seasons. By using her family's personal experiences, Kingsolver has penned an eloquent and persuasive argument for eating locally and eating what is in season. Her husband, Steven, has included a number of sidebars on various topics: herbicides, concentrated animal feeding operations, the creation of an edible landscape, and more. Nineteen-year-old Camille also contributed a number of essays as well as some of her favorite recipes. Overall, this is a wonderful and educational story and is appropriate for all libraries; highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 1/07.]—Lisa A. Ennis, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Lib., Lister Hill
Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion. AMACOM: American Management Assn. Apr. 2007. c.288p. ed. by Dale McGowan. index. ISBN 0-8144-7426-8 [ISBN 978-0-8144-7426-6]. pap. $17.95. CHILD REARING
McGowan, a professor, freelance writer, and novelist, has collected essays from some of contemporary secularism's big names, e.g., Richard Dawkins, Margaret Downey, in support of those nonreligious American parents who seek to "articulate values, celebrate rites of passage, find consolation, and make meaning" sans religion. Contributor Ed Buckner writes that secular means "not based on religion" rather than "hostile to religion." Though a few entries do evidence anger or resentment, it is clear that all of these astute essayists have thought carefully about God's nonexistence. Most of the 30-odd contributors recommend imbuing children with the ability to think well independently; when pressured or rejected by real and figurative institutions that tend to favor the religious (e.g., schools, scouting, holidays), parents are advised to stick to their nontheistic guns. The book considers parents as pedagogues, recalling Deborah Stipek and Kathy Seal's Motivated Minds: Raising Children To Love Learning. Engaging and down-to-earth, this collection balances the scores of religious parenting titles shelved in the average library and is highly recommended for large public libraries and parenting collections.—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford
Rinzler, J.W. The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film. Del Rey. Apr. 2007. 372p. photogs. ISBN 0-345-47761-8 [ISBN 978-0-345-47761-3]. pap. $35. FILM
On May 25, 1977, fledgling director George Lucas released his "kids' movie," a white hat/black hat Flash Gordon-esque space adventure featuring archetypal heroes and an ominous masked villain like no other. That kiddy flick remarkably has endured 30 years, spawned five successful sequels, launched a multibillion-dollar empire, and for legions of fiercely devoted followers worldwide is a religion. Love it or not, Star Wars arguably is the biggest pop-culture phenomenon since The Beatles. To honor its 30th anniversary, Rinzler provides an exhaustive record of Lucas's struggle to create Star Wars, its continuously evolving characters/plots, Hollywood's initial rejections, its everything-that-could-go-wrong-did production, and its ultimate unimaginable triumph. On another level, this is a feel-good story of a determined guy who pursued his dream and was rewarded with a kingdom. The film's history unfurls through interviews with Lucas, cast, and crew members offering both positive and negative remembrances, plus script remnants revealing the story's multiple incarnations. And that's just the appetizer! Half the feast—with heaps of dessert—are the never-before-seen production pix and concept art offering serious behind-the-scenes peeks fanboys live for (keep 'em coming!). Portions of this info have appeared previously, but never in such fine detail (yo, Del Rey: identical volumes for The Empire Strikes Back/Return of the Jedi please!). Rinzler's Making of will be an instant fan fave and a shining star in that galaxy far, far away. Outstanding, especially at this fab price.—Mike Rogers, LJ/LJX
Witt, Carolinda. The 10-Minute Rejuvenation Plan: T5T; The Revolutionary Exercise Program That Restores Your Body and Mind. Three Rivers: Crown. Apr. 2007. c.176p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-307-34717-6. pap. $17.95. HEALTH
This exercise program is based on the ancient Five Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation, a series of yoga postures performed by monks described as "ageless" by an explorer in the 1930s. Witt, who is trained in alternative health therapies but not in fitness, has transferred the ancient movements into a ten-15 minute exercise routine dubbed T5T that she claims will improve both mental and physical well-being. Five simple exercises are repeated 21 times along with special breathing techniques. Witt states that this program will be simpler than yoga and Pilates, but her explanations of how to do the movements are extremely wordy and make the series of postures seem complicated. Also, the page layout presents challenges—photos are laid out separately from the text. Larger, color pictures with the text as captions would help those who are learning to perform the exercises. Included are thorough explanations of the benefits of T5T and sources for additional reading. While Witt's exercise program may have merit, the presentation and layout of the material render the book difficult to use. Not recommended.—Elaine M. Lasda Bergman, Healthcare Assn. of New York State, Rensselaer
Graphic Novels
Ando, Natsumi & Miyuki Kobayashi. Kitchen Princess. Vol. 1. Del Rey: Ballantine. 2007. 208p. tr. from Japanese by Satsuki Yamashita. ISBN 978-0-345-49620-1. pap. $10.95. F
Najika is comforted by a mysterious boy after the death of her parents; the boy shares a dessert with her, then runs away, leaving behind a silver spoon decorated with the crest of the prestigious Seika Academy. Years later, Najika is still determined to track down her "flan prince," so she studies hard and wins admission to Seika Academy's special class for students with unique talents. She bids good-bye to the comforts of Lavender House, an orphanage where children live as a family under the watchful eye of a grandmotherly caretaker named Hagio. At the academy, Najika has difficulty adjusting to her new environment. She's singled out by the other girls who don't see how her cooking talents qualify her for the special class; Najika can express her feelings through cooking, and if she's tasted a dish, she can immediately re-create it. Luckily, she meets two brothers who help her out: Sora is popular and outgoing, while Daichi is moody and estranged from his family. She uses her cooking talents to bring Sora and Daichi together, and she tries to make friends with her classmates by providing them with delicious food. Although the plot and potential love triangle with the brothers are familiar shojo fare, accomplished art and whimsical cooking scenes make Kitchen Princess an enjoyable read. The first volume includes Najika's recipes in the back of the book. Rated ages 13+, it contains a couple of embraces and kissing scenes. Recommended.—Anna Neatrour, Salt Lake City, UT
Carey, Mike (text) & Glenn Fabry (illus.). Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. Vertigo: DC Comics. 2007. 224p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1007-6. pap. $19.99. F
As does Gaiman's original novel Neverwhere, this book tells the story of mild-mannered Richard Mayhew's "through the looking glass" style adventure in the fantastic world of London Below, a strange parallel place beneath the English capital where mundane subway stops like Knightsbridge and Earl's Court become dangerously literal and magic is commonplace. Carey's adaptation places Mayhew as narrator, a jarring change since he tells the story in the past tense and from the perspective of someone who is now familiar with his strange new world rather than a "fish out of water" struggling to cope with it. Many of the character designs have pronounced differences from their descriptions in the original work: Door wears a revealing jesterlike costume and gothic keyhole-shaped face paint, and the book's depiction that the Marquis is "dark complected" is interpreted as being entirely black—not of African descent but featureless flat black ink for skin with blue eyes and red lips almost floating on his face. But Fabry's detailed artwork gives the bizarre landscape of London Below a necessary grounding in reality and conveys its "piecemeal" textural quality suggested by Gaiman. In his introduction, Carey describes this project as a "jazz riff" on the original, and while that is an apt description, this version doesn't adapt the material as successfully as the 1996 BBC miniseries, nor does it ever really convey the feel of the novel. Ultimately, this Neverwhere is a passable Vertigo entry and an interesting companion to the book but not an outstanding work in its own right. However, these weaknesses might be overcome if this volume were to become the first chapter in an ongoing series of original graphic novel adventures set in the rich world of London Below. Some language, violence, and gore. Although an optional entry for older teen and adult collections, it is recommended owing to Gaiman's popularity.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH
Chiba, Tomohiro & others (text) & Tokita, Kouichi (illus.). Mobile Suit Gundam SEED X ASTRAY. Vol. 2. Tokyopop. 2007. 212p. tr. from Japanese by Jeremiah Bourque. ISBN 978-1-59816-650-7. pap. $9.99. F
Unlike some long-running manga series, the story arcs in the Gundam SEED universe are short. X ASTRAY—the "X" refers to the shape of the peripheral gadgets attached to one combat robot—is complete in two volumes, and this makes these series good choices for readers new to the manga format. The basic story of Gundam SEED involves an attempt to find or create the next evolutionary stage of humankind—the result is more personal than most "giant robot" stories. Like the previous ASTRAY titles, this series focuses on a group of salvage operators on the periphery of a war in space. The central plot revolves around the question of whether possession of a weapon forces the wielder to use it. As in the other Gundam titles, cool giant robots are at the core of the artwork here. Indeed, the devices are more central to the layouts than people, and the character development of peripheral characters is minimal. There is a tight focus on the two main characters, an obsessed warrior and a young proponent of peace. The story is solid, with a few ethical and philosophical themes. The two-book story arc is self-contained, but some familiarity with the other Gundam SEED or ASTRAY books will fill in the gaps left by the brief introduction. There is some violence, and the story is written for teens and up. Recommended for collections where Gundam titles and military sf are popular in text or graphic form.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
Ma, Wing Shing. Chinese Hero: Tales of the Blood Sword. Vol. 1. DrMaster. 2007. 270p. tr. from Chinese by Yun Zhao. ISBN 1-59796-041-1 [ISBN 978-1-59796-041-1]. pap. $19.95. F
Nearly 20 years ago, a company called Jademan tried to introduce Chinese martial arts comics to the American audience. It had minimal success, but its Blood Sword, a complex martial arts story with elements of fantasy woven throughout, was fondly remembered by fans. Now the complicated story about Chinese martial arts in a wide variety of forms has been given the deluxe treatment—it's told in full color, on heavy paper stock, and in an 8" x 10" format.Ma, who also created Storm Riders, is an expert at rendering the martial arts into the comics medium; his work isclear and dramatic. Unlike most Chinese comics, this one is printed in right-to-left page order, which makes some of the sequences challenging to read; the artist has his own ideas about panel order and sometimes includes directional arrows. More would help. It's a grim, violent tale of honor, revenge, family, life, death and…more martial arts (readers can follow the story using the 20-plus-page synopsis at the beginning). For teens and adults owing to violence. Recommended for collections with an interest in Chinese culture or martial arts.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
Remender, Rick & Kieron Dwyer (text) & Paul Harmon (illus.). Sea of Red. Vol. 3: The Deadlights. Image Comics. 2006. 120p. ISBN 1-58240-666-9 [ISBN 978-1-58240-666-4]. pap. $14.99. F
In this culminating volume, human civilization is in danger of being destroyed when angry Lord Jameson unleashes his horde of vicious vampire pirates upon the earth. Chaos reigns, and carnage is high as Jameson methodically leads his minions on a path of destruction that he hopes will lead to the total annihilation of humankind. Although things seem ominous, Jameson's ancient enemy Blackthroat joins the fray seeking vengeance against his longtime foe with his own small band of vampires. Blackthroat and company overcome overwhelming obstacles on their way toward a final vampire vs. vampire showdown that will determine the fate of the earth. The story closes with a number of shocking surprises that will certainly interest avid fans. Unfortunately, this volume also has several flaws that take away from its overall appeal; what started as a promising story has spiraled into a substandard tale that will frustrate followers. Shoddily written dialog, untimely plot twists, ill-placed flashbacks, and sloppily rendered, dark, sketchy artwork make many segments of the story confusing and difficult to read. The attempt to present a unique and complex action horror series is admirable, but this one certainly did not live up to its potential. Recommended only for devoted fans curious about the saga's end. Graphic violence, explicit language, and brief nudity mean mature readers only.—Raphael E. Rogers, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst
Shaw, Dash. The Mother's Mouth. Alternative Comics. 2006. 128p. ISBN 1-891867-98-9 [ISBN 978-1-891867-98-9]. pap. $12.95. F
It's hard to know what to make of this strange little book. Virginia, a plain, single, middle-aged librarian, quits her job and drives back to her hometown, where her mother lies dying of Alzheimer's in an assisted-living center. Between visits to her mother, she has a fling with a lonely musician who reminds her of a childhood love who died in a freak accident. Told in simple but artful black and white, this wisp of a tale is embellished with all kinds of graphic and textual apparatus whose connection to the story is sometimes mysterious at best. At the end, there are several pages of notes relating the book to songs by the author's band, and some stills of films that are shown while the band plays. The story is curiously unmoving for all of its sadness. It's simultaneously busy and torpid, with mundane moments given more weight than they can bear. These qualities repel the reader, as does odd, bug-eyed Virginia herself, from whom even the author seems detached. And yet, this is a serious, well-wrought effort. You can't fault its sincerity; you just wish there were less art and more feeling. Not recommended.—Andrew Moore, Wayland P.L., MA
Takada, Rie. Punch! Vol. 3. Viz Media. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Joe Yamazaki. ISBN 1-4215-1031-6 [ISBN 978-1-4215-1031-6]. pap. $8.99. F
Fifteen-year-old Elle Nagahara is a pint-sized, rough-talking dynamo. Her grandfather runs a Muay Thai kickboxing gym where Elle works and lives. Elle is engaged to the gym's 17-year-old martial arts champ, Ruo M. Eschuck, in an arrangement made by their grandfathers. But Elle encounters Kazuki Shindo, a thug who beats up guys for their money, and soon he's moved into the gym, started training as a professional fighter, and won Elle's heart. Ruo vows he'll do anything to keep Kazuki away from Elle. Can Elle support Kazuki when his dream to fight overshadows her dream of a normal life? At three volumes, this romantic comedy is a quick, breezy read, although the conclusion of Punch! seems rushed but includes two other stories. The writing is fast-paced and funny, and the crisp, energetic art features a heavy dose of humorous superdeformed caricatures: Gigi, Elle's grandfather, looks like a turtle wearing a pirate's eye patch. A translation note would have been appreciated, though, to explain that "Gigi" phonetically is the Japanese word for grandpa. Takada is also creator of Happy Hustle High (Viz Media) and Wild Act (Tokyopop). Rated ages 16+ for strong language, violence, nudity, and sexual themes. The majority of the older content happens in Vol. 1 with Ruo trying to force himself on Elle and a scene of Elle bathing. In one panel, Elle is seen completely nude from the waist up; in other panels, she is covered up by her hands or by bubbles. Recommended for older teen shojo collections.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Tanemura, Arina. The Gentlemen's Alliance †. Vol. 1. Viz Media. 2007. 184p. tr. from Japanese by Tetsuichiro Miyaki. ISBN 1-4215-1183-5 [ISBN 978-1-4215-1183-2]. pap. $8.99. F
Haine Kamiya was given up by her father as part of a business loan and is now the adopted daughter of the Otomiya family. The energetic 15-year-old attends an elite private school with a severely regimented class structure. She is a bronze, the lowest rank, and idolizes the school Emperor, the gold-ranked student council president Shizumasa Togu. Haine has been in love with Shizumasa for years, ever since she read a beautiful fairy tale he wrote when they were young. Through a series of mishaps, Haine gets appointed to the student council and becomes Shizumasa's bodyguard. Haine's tireless pursuit of Shizumasa and her reputation as a former juvenile delinquent make for an entertaining story. School politics and high school intrigue, along with the large cast of supporting characters, keep the plot moving and provide the usual shojo love triangles, quirky interludes, and dramatic tension based on misunderstandings. The artwork is dynamic and intricate, and the creator includes numerous sidebars, character biographies, and bonus features for interested readers. This volume is recommended for ages 16+ because of suggestive themes and sexual situations. Libraries with an audience for other Shojo Beat titles will want to add this one to their collection as well.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
See the April 1st Xpress Reviews.
