Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 6/1/2007
Week of May 29
Fiction | Nonfiction | Audio Reviews
Fiction
Collins, Jackie. Drop Dead Beautiful. St. Martin's. Jun. 2007. c.512p. ISBN 978-0-312-34179-4. $24.95. F
Collins (Lovers & Players) once again invites readers into the world of the rich and famous in her latest Lucky Santangelo novel. Lucky (Vendetta: Lucky's Revenge) leads an incredibly charmed life as a beautiful and successful businesswoman who owns a major movie studio and has built an empire of Vegas hotels. But it's far from simple, as her family continues its decades-long feud with the Bonnatti family, who is responsible for the murders of her mother and brother. Collins claims that her characters are inspired by real persons—if so, she has divulged many intimate details about Hollywood's elite. Yet the startling revelations of Collins's characters do not merely propel the story line forward—the intrigue behind the Bonnatti/Santangelo feud is tangible and real, which creates a sinister undercurrent throughout the novel. While Collins's novels provide an inside view into a lavish lifestyle few enjoy, her attention to detail imbues her latest with a believability that catapults the novel toward its explosive conclusion. A great summer read; recommended for all popular fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/06.]—Sheri Melnick, Harrisburg, PA
Enders, Alexandra. Bride Island. Plume: Penguin Group (USA). Jul. 2007. c.288p. ISBN 978-0-452-28834-8. pap. $14. F
Enders is a short story writer whose foray into the novel format makes for a compelling read. Polly Birdswell has worked diligently to separate herself from her alcoholic family and haunting past. She gave up custody of her daughter, Monroe, and moved to coastal Maine in order to get her life together. But Polly's heart belongs to Bride Island, a family retreat off the Maine coast. Its landscape, despite containing only a raggedy old house, invigorates and calms Polly's soul. When her mother decides to sell Bride Island, Polly realizes she must take action and try to claim it. This battle makes Polly move toward regaining custody of Monroe—and regaining trust in and acceptance of herself. From alcoholic families and divorced parenting, all the way to a harrowing family secret, this novel covers a plethora of domestic tribulations. Polly is a truly imperfect person who is trying her hardest to make her life mean something. It's a difficult road and a lovely read. For most fiction collections.—Beth Gibbs, Davidson, NC
Gore, Kristin. Sammy's House. Hyperion. Jul. 2007. c.400p. ISBN 978-1-4013-0264-1. $24.95. F
Samantha Joyce, the heroine of Gore's debut novel, Sammy's Hill, is back—only this time, she's in the White House. The senator she works for has been promoted to vice president, and while she's only the assistant to an assistant of the VP, Sammy still gets to bend some pretty important ears with her vast knowledge of the healthcare industry. Gore (Al Gore's middle daughter) has fun with her fictional president, a former alcoholic who's been sober for 20 years, that is, if you don't count whiskey mixed with Diet Dr. Pepper at ten in the morning. This time, Sammy takes on the pharmaceutical industry, blogging, reality TV, and Canada and India, pointing out sobering realities. Gore revives a great character and creates an interesting story line; her writing is crisp and funny despite occasional repetition. Anyone who delights in knowing what really goes on behind White House doors will recognize enough truth here to enjoy this romp through our nation's capital. Expect lots of buzz on this one as we head for election season. Strongly recommended for all fiction collections.—Stacy Alesi, Boca Raton, FL
Brown, Mick. Tearing Down the Wall of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector. Knopf. Jun. 2007. c.512p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-4000-4219-7. $26.95. MUSIC
In December 2002, journalist Brown (Richard Branson: The Authorised Biography) visited Spector's Hollywood home to interview—for the first time in 25 years—the musical genius responsible for a style dubbed the "Wall of Sound" that launched multiple careers and produced numerous hit records. Three months later, Spector was being charged with the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found dead in his mansion. Drawing on interviews with Spector's friends and former colleagues, Brown chronicles the producer's eccentricities, insecurities, perfectionism, and brilliant talent to engrossing effect. He carries us from Spector's father's suicide; through his early insinuation of himself into the Brill Building where he met songwriters including Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and a young Carole King; to his hermetic existence in his Hollywood home and the murder of Clarkson. Spector's career peaked in the early 1960s with hits such as "Be My Baby" and "You've Lost That Loving Feeling." He later worked sporadically with the Ramones and produced the Beatles' Let It Be. Brown provides the first in-depth look at Spector's mesmerizing life and career, and his book is essential for all libraries, especially given the impending murder trial.—Henry L. Carrigan Jr., Evanston, IL
Cheney, Dorothy L. & Robert M. Seyfarth. Baboon Metaphysics: The Evolution of a Social Mind. Univ. of Chicago. May 2007. c.304p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-226-10243-6. $27.50. NAT HIST
Baboons, with their long, doglike muzzles and enormous canine teeth, flourish throughout Africa, where they live in large groups and are often regarded as aggressive, destructive hooligans. In 1992, biologist Cheney and psychologist Seyfarth (coauthors, How Monkeys See the World) began studying the complex social behavior of a group of about 80 baboons in Botswana. Collecting a wide array of information about "the continuous soap opera that constitutes baboon life," the scientists found that baboons are able to recognize each other's ranks and kinship. This has led to a primate mind predisposed to search for pattern and rules underlying behavior. According to the authors, baboons' vocal communication is rich in meaning and seems to be a precursor to the evolution of language in humans. Unlike humans, however, baboons lack the ability to attribute mental states to others, to have self-awareness, or to imagine and plan ahead. They live very much in the present tense. The authors logically and succinctly guide readers through their research and to their conclusions. Highly recommended for academic and science libraries.—Ilse Heidmann, Washington State Lib., Olympia
Cobb, Cathy & others. Crime Scene Chemistry for the Armchair Sleuth. Prometheus. Jun. 2007. c.400p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-59102-505-4. $26. SCI
This compulsively readable book offers a delightful introduction to the world of forensic chemistry. Writing for lay readers with an interest in chemistry, chemists Cobb and Monty L. Fetterolf (coauthors, The Joy of Chemistry), along with Jack G. Goldsmith (former associate professor of chemistry, Univ. of South Carolina, Aiken), use humor and creativity to illustrate important and interesting chemical concepts and techniques across 25 fascinating chapters, all the while giving a more realistic depiction of the world of crime-scene investigation (CSI) than is typically seen in the media. Each chapter includes a relevant quote (expect anything from Agatha Christie to Woody Allen), instructions for performing an experiment (called demonstrations), a "mini-mystery" that introduces a case, and an explanation of the chemistry involved to solve it. An extensive inventory of "absolute essentials" in the form of a categorized list of materials needed to perform the demonstrations (and where to purchase them) emphasizes both personal and public safety. Besides entertaining CSI fans, this would make a great supplemental text for science courses covering this topic. Recommended for public and academic library chemistry or popular science collections.—Erica Lilly, Kent State Univ. Lib., OH
Good Housekeeping Light & Healthy Recipes: 150 Delicious Appetizers, Soups, Main Dishes, Sides, Sandwiches & Desserts. Hearst: Sterling. May 2007. 256p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-58816-623-4. $14.95. COOKERY
This book from Good Housekeeping magazine is aimed at busy cooks interested in preparing nutritious, healthy food—most of the recipes require only 30 minutes or fewer. It should be noted that this spiral-bound cookbook is a derivative of Good Housekeeping's 2003 release, Good Housekeeping Light and Healthy Cookbook: 375 Delectable Recipes for Everyday Meals, so individuals or libraries already owning that volume will likely find nothing new here. Nevertheless, for others, there's plenty to enjoy—"light and healthy" food can also be delicious and interesting. Many different appetizers, sides and salads, soups and sandwiches, main dishes, and desserts are represented, including a good selection of ethnic and regional cooking: Sweet Pea Guacamole, Curried Chicken Mango Salad, Jamaican Jerk Snapper with Grilled Pineapple, Cherry tomatoes, Lemon-Anise Poached Pears, and even some fudgy brownies. Ingredients are varied but not obscure. Nutrition tips are scattered throughout, and instructions are straightforward and clear. Recommended for public libraries.—Courtney Greene, DePaul Univ. Lib., Chicago
Gore, Al. The Assault on Reason. May 2007. Penguin Pr: Penguin Group (USA). 308p. index. ISBN 978-1-59420-122-6. $25.95. POL SCI
Although published on the heels of many books by 2008 candidates, this latest by former Vice President Gore (An Inconvenient Truth) is distinctly different, and doubtless that's because Gore is not a declared candidate. His candor and focus on details, compared with the mushier messages coming from declared Democrats and Republicans, are emblematic of what our current campaign system has done to meaningful discourse. Gore blames the Bush administration for much that is wrong now in the United States and in the world. He says up front that "a large and growing number of Americans are asking out loud: 'What has happened to our country?'" That's edging a bit toward candidate speak, at least to this confessedly Democratic reviewer, since Bush was elected by millions of people who seemed to think well of his plans for the country, even when they were given a chance to reconsider in 2004. Yet for the most part, Gore speaks his mind with specificity and offers the history lessons, with end notes, of a true believer in research and in the intelligence of voters. His very use of the word reason hearkens to an age of enlightenment, questioning and understanding that he wishes to renew. The book deserves a place in all public libraries. Whether ultimately librarians will need to put it on their display of all declared 2008 candidates' books remains a question. That Gore has expressed himself frankly and without apparent worry about losing voters who are sitting on the fence is entirely to his credit. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 1/07.]—Margaret Heilbrun, Library Journal
Gould, Stephen Jay. Punctuated Equilibrium. Belknap: Harvard Univ. 2007. c.394p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-674-02444-1. pap. $18.95. SCI
This text on punctuated equilibrium, which originally ran as the ninth chapter of Gould's 2002 magnum opus, The Structure of Evolutionary Theory, stands independently as the late author's final expression and elaboration of the aspect of evolutionary theory most closely associated with his name. As a book, it is also much more portable than the nearly five-pound original work. Several caveats are in order, however. Gould clearly meant for his every word to be savored. This is still a fat book, and although it includes a section on the broader implications of punctuated equilibrium, readers miss the details of how punctuated equilibrium informed Gould's more encompassing theory on the hierarchical levels of selection (which they would get from the larger volume). Also, for better or worse, included with this book (as in the original chapter) are the undiluted personal rejoinders to Gould's detractors. This repackaging of previously published work is an optional choice for academic and larger public libraries.—Walter L. Cressler, West Chester Univ. Lib., PA
Holland, Barbara. The Joy of Drinking. Bloomsbury, dist. by Holtzbrinck. May 2007. 160p. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-59691-337-0. pap. $14.95. BEVERAGES
With humor and irreverence, Holland (They Went Whistling) has taken on an assortment of subjects in her prolific career. Her own life has proved a popular theme as well (When All the World Was Young; Bingo Night at the Fire Hall); she grew up in Washington, DC, and lives in rural Virginia. Her latest book mixes history, cultural studies, literature, and a little science, all with her distinctive voice. Holland traces the role of fermentation and intoxication from the beginnings of agrarian societies to the present day, and her delineation of hangover cures is particularly amusing. The work ends with two appendixes: one with recipes for wine, brandy, and applejack, and one with instructions for building a whiskey still. Though the research is undocumented, there is a selected bibliography. Fans of Holland will recognize her curmudgeonly disdain for modern tastes, which at times sours the general fun in this slim volume. Recommended for large public libraries or where Holland has a following.—Meagan Storey, Virginia Wesleyan Coll., Norfolk
Hotze, Steven F., M.D. Hormones, Health, and Happiness: A Natural Medical Formula for Rediscovering Youth with Bioidentical Hormones. Warner Wellness. Jun. 2007. c.321p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-446-69930-3. pap. $14.99. HEALTH
Hotze, who is trained in conventional medicine, converted his practice to natural therapies and founded his own wellness center (based in Houston, TX, and promoted herein). Focusing primarily on women's health, he asserts that poor nutrition, lack of exercise, a stressful lifestyle, a weakened immune system, and declining hormone levels are major causes of chronic illness. Hotze targets "counterfeit" hormones as the culprits of breast cancer and heart attack, and he advocates the use of bioidentical hormones (i.e., hormones that are an exact molecular match to the human body's) as superior alternatives. In his revamped food pyramid, he places food products with yeast at the inverted tip, explaining that yeast causes multiple health problems (he includes recipes promoting a yeast-free diet), and he promotes supplementing one's diet with massive doses of vitamins and minerals. Health questionnaires encourage readers to test themselves for allergies and hormonal deficiencies. Many of Hotze's recommendations, e.g., suggested daily vitamin intake, are not evidence-based and are far above approved limits. Not recommended; JoAnn E. Manson's Hot Flashes, Hormones & Your Health, while not as global in scope, is a far better choice.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp. Lib., Tampa
Kurson, Robert. Crashing Through: A Story of Risk, Adventure, and the Man Who Dared To See. Random. May 2007. c.320p. illus. ISBN 978-1-4000-6335-2. $25.95. MED
Best-selling author Kurson (Shadow Divers) introduces Michael May, who was blinded at age three by a chemical explosion but, through a revolutionary surgery, regained much of his vision at age 43. Raised to take risks and to experience the most in life, May was before the surgery a husband and father as well as an international traveler, a medal-winning downhill skier, and a budding entrepreneur. Although May's visual acuity is greatly restored by the surgery, his brain does not always know how to process the images he sees. Having never learned or needed the complexities of skills like depth perception and interpreting facial expressions, he struggles to identify people and objects that seemed obvious before he regained his sight. Kurson brilliantly depicts the good and the bad of May's experiences, from the wonder and delight of new sights that most of us take for granted to the frustration of being exhausted and overwhelmed by a torrent of undecipherable images. Readers will find this inspiring book derived from Kurson's National Magazine Award–winning profile in Esquire hard to put down. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 1/07.]—Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.
Mitman, Gregg. Breathing Space: How Allergies Shape Our Lives and Landscapes. Yale Univ. 2007. 320p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 978-0-300-11035-7. $30. MED
The search for a magic bullet to treat allergies has brought substantial benefits to biomedical researchers, practicing physicians, and the pharmaceutical industry. As a result, Mitman (William Coleman Professor of the History of Science, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison; The State of Nature) writes, the larger picture, in which we have affected our environment as much as that environment has affected us, is often overlooked. He traces the history of our relationship with allergy from 19th-century "Hay Fever Holidays" through the rise of expensive clean-air retreats in New England, Colorado, and Arizona to the relationship of the pharmaceutical industry with allergists and immunologists to our current treatment-oriented situation. Parts of that history, Mitman explains, show the importance of social and economic status in determining both who develops conditions such as asthma and the range of treatments received. Mitman brings to his historical view the perspective of an asthma sufferer. The history is fascinating, and his points are clearly made. The book covers much of the same ground as Mark Jackson's Allergy: The History of a Modern Malady, but Mitman's focuses more on the United States. Recommended for public libraries and large medical libraries.—Dick Maxwell, Porter Adventist Hosp. Lib., Denver
Punke, Michael. Last Stand: George Bird Grinnell, the Battle To Save the Buffalo, and the Birth of the New West. Smithsonian: HarperCollins. Jun. 2007. c.304p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-06-089782-6. $25.95. HIST
Well-born George Grinnell received early tutoring from Lucy Audubon (wife of John James Audubon), earned degrees from Yale, and traveled extensively in the West. These forays coincided with the settlement of the Great Plains, the defeat of the Native Americans, the building of the transcontinental railroad, and the destruction of the immense bison herds. This history by lawyer-turned-writer Punke traces how Grinnell witnessed this mass slaughter and as editor of Field and Stream and cofounder (with Teddy Roosevelt) of the Boone and Crocket Club used the media and political pressure to bring about the preservation and protection of the last free-roaming bison in Yellowstone National Park. Interspersed throughout are excellent historical descriptions of the Native Americans' relationships with the bison, the development of the Sharps rifle used by hide hunters, the building of the rail lines that divided the bison herd, and the early development of the U.S. conservation movement. This solid study is essential for all environmental collections.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley Coll., Mount Carmel, IL
Schwartz, Pepper. Prime: Adventures and Advice on Sex, Love, and the Sensual Years. Collins: HarperCollins. Jun. 2007. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-06-117358-5. $24.95. PSYCH
Sexologist Schwartz (sociology, Univ. of Washington; The Great Sex Weekend; Peer Marriage) candidly studies her own dating life and sexual encounters after the breakup of her 23-year marriage. Her book reads like a diary of sexual flings followed by several pages in each chapter of well-grounded analysis of particular issues, e.g., anger, finances, controlling personalities, and lack of commitment. Schwartz's story and advice are directed at the newly divorced or widowed—mature women who are beginning to date again. Potential readers should be forewarned that the very conservative may not appreciate her advice about sexual activities outside marriage relationships. While she is an advocate of women's sexual freedom, she is also cognizant that her path may not be another's. While this reviewer was somewhat hesitant about the subject, the author's engaging writing style makes the book a page-turner. Along with the beautiful travelog descriptions, it features important statements about women of a certain age living their lives to the fullest. For large public libraries.—Margaret Cardwell, Christian Brothers Univ. Lib., Memphis
Sklar, Jill. The First Year® Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. 2d ed. Marlowe: Avalon, dist. by Publishers Group West. May 2007. c.336p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-60094-022-4. pap. $16.95. HEALTH
Freelance writer and Crohn's disease sufferer Sklar has updated her 2002 edition in the "First Year" series. She emphasizes the importance of assembling a good healthcare team, provides tips for establishing positive patient-provider relationships, and covers coping techniques and emotional aspects of the disease. Medications are explained in detail, including dosing levels, side effects, and reasons for use. Alternative and diet therapies as well as supplemental nutrition resources are highlighted. Advice on coping with hospital stays and surgeries is personal and concrete. Special concerns of pregnancy, family life, and children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are addressed; clinical trials and research studies are mentioned. While similar in scope to Andrew S. Warner and Amy E. Barto's 100 Questions & Answers About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and A. Hillary Steinhart's Crohn's & Colitis, this volume features a more patient-centered focus, dealing with very personal concerns and issues. Recommended for consumer health collections.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa
Sparrow, Giles. Space Flight: The Complete Story from Sputnik to Shuttle—and Beyond. DK. Jun. 2007. 320p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7566-2858-1. $40. SCI
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the October 1957 Soviet launch of Sputnik, the world's first spacecraft, this handsome coffee-table book by popular science author Sparrow (The Universe and How To See It) spans the international history of space flight, from the primitive rockets used in 11th-century Chinese warfare to British billionaire Richard Branson's recent interest in developing space tourism. Scattered "Biography" insets spotlight individuals as diverse as rocket visionary Nikolai Kibalchich, British astronaut Helen Sharman, and Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space program. "Technology" features provide more detailed examinations of key pieces of equipment, from Vostok, the first manned spacecraft, to the Mars Exploration Rover. While the influence of politics on the development of space flight is a pervasive (if subtle) theme, Sparrow makes little attempt at analysis, particularly in his idealistic closing pages on our collective future in space. A few finicky readers might be concerned by the lack of a bibliography and occasional errors in page references, but most will be too enraptured by the pictures to notice. Recommended for public and academic libraries. [Also celebrating Sputnik's anniversary is After Sputnik: 50 Years of the Space Age, edited by Martin Collin, Xpress Reviews, 5/1/07.—Ed.]—Nancy R. Curtis, Univ. of Maine Lib., Orono
Fraser, Anthea. A Family Concern. 7 CDs. unabridged. 8 hrs. Sound Library: BBC Audiobooks America. 2007. ISBN 978-0-7927-4739-0. $74.95. F
Journalist, bibliographer, and part-time sleuth Rona Parish is not happy. Her parents are getting a divorce, she's rapidly losing interest in her current writing project, and her husband, Max, seems to be spending too much time with one of his art students. Asked by an old friend to look into her young sister-in-law's nightmares, Rona begins to explore the world of two old and distinguished Marsborough families. Unfortunately, her research leads to the discovery of a murder. The all-too-numerous subplots include her twin's ongoing romantic problems, adapting to divorced-family dynamics, a potentially interesting interview with a person who located her birth parents as an adult, and even Max's arrest for battery. These digressions are often distracting and annoying. Equally annoying is Fraser's habit of transcribing the thoughts of whoever is the main character in each scene. Still, the text flows well, and if there is little real deduction taking place, at least the solution to the crime makes sense. Jacqueline Tong has a lovely voice and gives an excellent performance, not easy to do when rendering the voices of twins. This cozy is recommended for large public library recreational audio fiction collections.—I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Community Coll., Boone, IA
Marks, John. Fangland. 10 CDs. unabridged. 12½ hrs. Tantor Audio. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4001-0359-1. $37.99. F
Evangeline Harker, producer for Sunday news show The Hour, is sent to Romania to interview crime lord Ion Torgu for a possible segment. Although imprisoned by Torgu and infected by his strange vampirism, she eventually manages to escape. After months of self-exile in a Romanian convent, she returns to New York, finding it much changed. During her absence, Torgu has shipped himself to The Hour's offices, and strange things are happening on the 20th floor. This retelling of Bram Stoker's Dracula dwells little on the supernatural bells and whistles of modern horror fiction, instead burrowing into the evil heart of the tale. Instead of a castle, Torgu inhabits a creepy derelict hotel; his "brides" are brutish Greek laborers. No fangs for this vampire but a knife and bucket to slit the throats of his victims and harvest their blood. Ellen Archer, as the voice of Evangeline, is a compelling presence, but the voices of the characters at the news organization (Todd McLaren, Michael Prichard, and Simon Vance) are less successful. The New York section of the story is told in a collection of emails, voice messages, and journal entries, which makes it difficult to maintain an atmosphere of suspense. The term "Fangland" is used by a character to describe the sharks running the show. Recommended for all fiction collections.—Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC
O'Dell, Tawni. Sister Mine. 10 CDs. unabridged. 11¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2007. ISBN 978-14159-3592-7. $120; 7 cassettes. ISBN 978-0-7393-4201-5. $100. F
Set in a Pennsylvania coal mining town, this novel explores the legacy of growing up among miners and the repercussions of a mining disaster through the perspective of 40-year-old Shae-Lynn Penrose. A former police officer–turned–small town cab driver with anger issues and a vivid wardrobe, she interacts with the lifelong citizens of Jolly Mount and three strangers who bring back her pregnant younger sister who has been missing for over 20 years. O'Dell creates highly memorable characters and wild encounters in a place where life pretty much goes on as usual. Renee Raudman captures the sarcasm and dark humor in narrating a tale that blends ghosts from the past and present threats. Recommended for adult audiences.—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo, NY
Week of May 22
Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels | Audio Reviews
Fiction
Agee, Jonis. The River Wife. Random. Jul. 2007. c.393p. ISBN 978-1-4000-6596-7. $24.95. F
Agee's (Acts of Love on Indigo Road) earthy, gritty characters combine with her luminous prose to make this novel-within-a-novel a revealing study of human nature. In 1930, 17-year-old Hedie Rails arrives to the environs of New Madrid, MO, which her betrothed, Clement Ducharme, refers to as Missouri's boot heel, a place so remote, "it's as if the whole state of Missouri has been trying to shake it off for years, like a vestigial tail." Bootlegging days form the backdrop of Hedie and Clement's story and, as Clement becomes more immersed in his rum running, Hedie, love-blind and somewhat unaware of her husband's vocation, becomes entranced reading leather-bound journals kept by four generations of Ducharmes. Pioneering Annie Lark, a survivor of the 1811 earthquake; the river runner and freed slave Omah; fortune-hunting opportunist Laura; and Little Maddie, keeper of many secrets, are interwoven in the journals and illuminate the parallels to Hedie's own existence. This magical, haunting, panoramic portrait of family mystery is highly recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/07.]—Andrea Tarr, Corona P.L., CA
Fforde, Jasper. Thursday Next: First Among Sequels. Viking. Jul. 2007. c.379p. ISBN 978-0-670-03871-8. $24.95. F
Something is very wrong in the book-mad alternative universe of Thursday Next: reading figures are down, reality TV is hitting a new low, and her son Friday has failed to join the Chronoguard and invent time travel, despite repeated visits from a Friday in the future, who did just that. Meanwhile, Goliath Corporation has resumed its efforts to exploit the possibilities of BookWorld—something that could irrevocably change literature, starting with Pride and Prejudice. Adding to the fun are Thursday's new apprentices in policing literature: two fictional versions of herself with serious personality flaws. The reader's head may swim with the complications, but don't worry—the water is fine fun. A bit cluttered plot-wise and probably not the best place for a new reader to start the series (newbies should start with the first book, The Eyre Affair), this is essential for Fforde's many fans, who will be happy to return to a world of puns, allusions, and paradoxes. Plus, they'll find out if Thursday will actually have to perform her cover job and install carpets in Swindon. Recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 3/15/07.]—Devon Thomas, DevIndexing, Chelsea, MI
Hamill, Pete. North River. Little, Brown. Jun. 2007. c.352p. ISBN 978-0-316-34058-8. $25.99. F
Novelist and journalist Hamill's affection for New York City—manifested recently in his best-selling novel Forever and the nonfiction Downtown: My Manhattan—comes across in another treasure. This time, Hamill gives us the Big Apple during the Great Depression, when Fiorello La Guardia is mayor and Franklin Roosevelt is president. Diminished by an injury sustained in World War I and heartsick over his wife's disappearance and his grown daughter Grace's desertion to Mexico, humbly heroic Dr. James Delaney dedicates himself to the medical care of his fellow citizens, who run the gamut from the jobless poor to working prostitutes, from the Irish and Italians to the Chinese, and from war veterans to gangsters. Grace reappears suddenly and drops her three-year-old son, Carlito, on Delaney's doorstep before running off to Europe in search of her fugitive husband. Her thoughtless act saves Delaney, as Carlito, so precocious and innocent, and Rosa, a strong Italian woman hired to care for him, stir the doctor's heart to life again. With full, well-crafted characterizations of the city, its people, and the era, Hamill's novel is a touching, even poetic, gem. Highly recommended for all fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/07.]—Sheila Riley, Smithsonian Inst. Libs., Washington, DC
Lewis, Jeffrey. Theme Song for an Old Show. Other. 2007. 149p. ISBN 978-1-59051-233-3. $22.95. F
This is the third book in Lewis's "Meritocracy Quartet," which looks at the generation that came of age in the Sixties; the first two titles covered the 1960s and 1970s. A lawyer–turned–television writer (he worked on the 1980s police drama Hill Street Blues), Lewis is really tracing his own life through a barely visible scrim of fiction. And yet the author is up to more than fictionalized memoir. His opening chapter, in which his marvelous ear for idiomatic speech is revealed as much through narration as in dialog, hints at the concepts he will explore: the vagaries of love, the odd consorting of dignity and temptation, and, yes, the fragility of creation and existence. Narrator Louie moves to Los Angeles in 1980, where his father had gone years before upon deserting the family for another woman and for TV production. Louie has success writing for a cop show called Northie, meets the woman who becomes his wife, and reckons with a TV producer with very particular ambitions. That fine ear of Lewis's (with the occasional mawkish exception) makes his prose style the book's strength. This volume, as well as the earlier ones, deserves general readership. Ultimately, public libraries should have the entire quartet in their collections.—Margaret Heilbrun, Library Journal
The SFWA European Hall of Fame: Sixteen Contemporary Science Fiction Classics from the Continent. Tor. Jun. 2007. c.336p. ed. by James & Kathryn Morrow. ISBN 978-0-7653-1536-6.$26.95. SF
In the United States, it is still all too easy to imagine that science fiction is exclusively an English-language phenomenon, so this anthology of English translations of stories by contemporary continental European sf writers is most welcome. Absent in most of these stories is the hardware or technological prowess of modern American hard sf; instead, they often have a Kafka-like feel to them, as in Elena Arensieva's haunting "A Birch Tree, A White Fox" in which crash-landed astronauts can't speak because the sounds they make would destroy them, or Ricard de la Casa and Pedro Jorge Romero's "The Day We Went Through the Transition," in which time-travel cops must arrange to be re-introduced to their lost lovers. Many of the tales—like Valerio Evangelisti's "Sepultura," Marek S. Huberath's "Yoo Retoont, Sneogg. Ay Noo," and Sergei Lukyanenko's "Destiny, Inc."—seem inflected by the European Holocaust, as they involve dystopian political and social futures. Each story's introduction also offers both helpful comments on the particular author and a miniature guide to the recent sf from other writers in the same country. Editor James Morrow is a well-reviewed novelist (e.g., The Last Witchfinder). Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Roger Berger, Everett Community Coll, WA
Twelve Hawks, John. The Dark River. Doubleday. (The Fourth Realm Trilogy, Bk. 2). Jul. 2007. c.400p. ISBN 978-0-385-51429-3. $24.95. F
The Corrigan brothers (first introduced in The Traveler) return in the second volume of "The Fourth Realm" trilogy. Michael and Gabriel are racing each other across the globe and in parallel universes to find their long-lost father. The now-alienated siblings come from an extended line of Travelers, enlightened prophets able to reach different levels of metaphysical realms. Gabriel, protected by the Harlequin Maya from the Tabula (who are bent on destroying every known Traveler), moves well below the radar with the help of friends Hollis and Vicki. Michael, who has joined forces with the enemy, uses the Tabula's bottomless wealth and highly advanced technological resources to track down their father ruthlessly. Blending technology with spirituality, this solid, fast-paced thriller is essential for fans of visionary fiction and popular fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/07]—Joy St. John, Henderson Dist. P.L., NV
Baldrige, Letitia. Taste: Acquiring What Money Can't Buy. Truman Talley: St. Martin's. Jun. 2007. 240p. index. ISBN 978-0-312-35173-1. $24.95. ETIQUETTE
Public relations guru Baldrige has had a brilliant career: she assisted ambassadors in Paris and Rome and was Jacqueline Kennedy's chief of staff, so she has stories about life in postwar Europe as well as juicy Camelot gossip. Unfortunately, she mostly withholds these favors, merely hinting at them while she denounces the vulgarity of the present and pays homage to the society hostesses of yesteryear. Taste, she hedges, is subjective, yet her idea of it is oddly rigid. Baldrige loves Jackie Kennedy, pre-Revolutionary France, thoughtful party favors; she hates tattoos, McMansions, the newly rich. These pronouncements aside, we are given little practical advice, only the suggestion that one can gain sophistication by visiting museums, attending lectures, and contemplating the examples of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. Worse than being dated, Baldrige is helplessly, hopelessly snobbish. For etiquette advice, stick to Miss Manners or the great Peg Bracken. As for Baldrige's aesthetics, you'll find them—satirized but intact—in Lisa Birnbach's 1980s classic The Official Preppy Handbook.—Leora Bersohn, doctoral student, Columbia Univ., New York
Behe, Michael J. The Edge of Evolution: The Search for the Limits of Darwinism. Free Pr: S. & S. Jun. 2007. c.336p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7432-9620-5. $28. SCI
Behe (biochemistry, Lehigh Univ.) became known as the scientific voice of the intelligent design (ID) movement when he introduced the concept of "irreducible complexity" in his Darwin's Black Box. This book extends that theme, adding a statistical argument based on the intensively studied malarial parasite to explain why Darwinian processes alone cannot account for the origin of complex biological structures. Despite Behe's logical consistency, his case is weakened by assumptions that predetermine his conclusions. For example, his main claim is that complex structural novelties cannot appear by "random mutation"; otherwise, they would have been detected in the malarial parasite, since the number of individuals studied has far exceeded the number of individuals in many species' entire complex evolutionary ancestry. Numbers alone do not convince. Behe is dismissive of the recent evolutionary developmental studies that do address the appearance of novel evolutionary structures (e.g., Sean Carroll's Endless Forms Most Beautiful). His main tactic is to quote the expressions of surprise these investigators' have at the complexity of life's processes in contrast to their previous understanding. In Behe's search for the limits of Darwinism, his definition of Darwinism is limited. An optional purchase, although libraries following the Darwinism-creationism debate may consider.—Walter L. Cressler, West Chester Univ. Lib., PA
Boggs, Mathew & Jason Miller. Project Everlasting: Two Bachelors Discover the Secrets of America's Greatest Marriages. Fireside: S. & S. Jun. 2007. c.264p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-4165-4325-1. $23. PSYCH
Dispirited by their generation's starter marriages and divorce rate, Boggs and Miller—two 28-year-old single men—embarked on a 12,000-mile, cross-country RV tour to interview 300-plus "Marriage Masters," i.e., couples who have been together for more than 40 years. Forget Ph.D.s and therapists—the authors claim that these successful partners are the "real" experts on marriage. Unfortunately for readers, Boggs and Miller devote several pages throughout to their own love angst, interludes that may appeal to the Generation Y target market but tend to lapse into navel gazing. The members of the greatest generation, on the other hand, again prove their power to move us; however, their stories are of varying interest and make for rather tedious reading in one sitting. Despite the authors' claim of definitive answers, the lack of any theory or research behind the interviewees' sheer commonsensical recommendations (communication, respect, love, etc.) renders their usefulness as self-help marital advice unclear. Public libraries are better served by Carley Roney's The Nest Newlywed Handbook or Patricia Love's The Truth About Love. It's simply hard to take seriously swimming advice from two people terrified of water. Not recommended.—Shawna Thorup, Fayetteville P.L., AR
Gammage, Jeff. China Ghosts: My Daughter's Journey to America, My Passage to Fatherhood. Morrow. Jun. 2007. c.272p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-06-124029-4. $25.95. PSYCH
This affecting memoir chronicles the "pounding emotional assault" involved in adopting a little girl from China. A reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Gammage effectively (if sometimes floridly) captures the process, making much of the titular journey and passage. Haunted by his new daughter's lack of personal history, the author also obsesses about a wound on her head. The latter becomes a metaphor for their shared journey, encapsulating not only the drama and vicissitudes inherent but also "the nature of luck and chance, the reality of good and evil." Gammage also writes about his responsibilities as a father in larger ways (e.g., the significance of his action politically, socially, and economically). For libraries lacking a Chinese adoption memoir, this is a fine choice. Note, however, that there is limited practical adoption how-to here; for that, seek Myra Alperson's classic International Adoption Handbook: How To Make Foreign Adoption Work for You.—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford
Harris, Carol Ann. Storms: My Life with Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac. Chicago Review. Jul. 2007. c.400p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-55652-660-2. $24.95. MUSIC
In 1977, recording engineer Harris found herself suddenly smitten with the young guitarist and singer Lindsey Buckingham as he and his band, Fleetwood Mac, were putting the finishing touches on Rumours, the album that would catapult them into international superstardom. Here, she recounts her eight tumultuous years with the band and their extended family. Entering not as a groupie but as a relative innocent, Harris experienced the eyeopening and life-changing atmosphere of drugs, incestuous couplings, and internecine fighting that eventually devolved from the highs of jet-set celebrity to the lows of drug addiction and an abusive relationship. Although somewhat clumsy, this is a personal and heartfelt tell-all of her relationship with Buckingham and the insular Fleetwood Mac clan during their heyday. However, there are a number of other books about the band, and Cath Carroll's Never Break the Chain: Fleetwood Mac and the Making of Rumours is a better buy, offering an excellent behind-the-scenes look at the dissolution of the two rocky romances within the group, between John and Christine McVie and Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, not to mention the songs they inspired.—Dave Valencia, King Cty. Lib. Syst., Washington
The Knight of Glin & James Peill. Irish Furniture: Woodwork and Carving in Ireland from the Earliest Times to the Act of Union. Yale Univ. 2007. 352p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-300-11715-8. $125. DEC ARTS
The Knight of Glin (coauthor, Ireland's Painters, 1600–1940) is president of the Irish Georgian Society and a governor of the National Gallery of Ireland. Peill is a director of Christie's in New York City, where he specializes in furniture. Together, they have fashioned a work of serious scholarship and extraordinary execution containing more than 500 illustrations, the vast majority in color. They detail the chronology of Irish furniture craft and of interior carving, in two parts and with representative illustrations. In the latter section, they present a catalog of the surviving furniture, organized either by the piece's location or the general category into which the piece fits. And they further include a historic and very useful guide to the furniture makers and craftsmen of the 18th century. There is a lot here to be savored by both the collector and the serious craftsperson. A tour de force; relatively expensive but worth the investment.—Alex Hartmann, INFOFILE, Williamsport, PA
Lindberg, Tod. The Political Teachings of Jesus. HC: HarperCollins. Jun. 2007. c.288p. index. ISBN 978-0-06-089863-2. $25.95. REL
Conservative thinker Lindberg (research fellow, Hoover Inst.) presents a close, detailed study of the Gospels focusing on Jesus's secular teaching about worldly affairs. Lindberg has chosen not to identify the words of Jesus as Christian but as "Jesusian" (a Jesusian society is one in which the freedom of each person is recognized, influenced, and equalized in his or her interaction with another person). Examining the Gospels, parables, and stories within the New Testament, he illustrates the basic principles of the political thought Jesus reinforced in his life and teachings through examining, e.g., Jesus's interactions with a tax collector and his Sermon on the Mount. Lindberg does make his point that Jesus and his ideals have had a considerable impact on religious, political, and legal teachings throughout the ages; the golden rule of treating others as you would want to be treated is a political standard to be achieved in both liberal and conservative parties. The premise of Jesusian is a high ideal for a very firmly entrenched modern society and may require a miraculous intervention for a return to a world of equality of freedom. More debate is likely. Best suited for academic religious and legal studies collections.—L. Kriz, West Des Moines P.L., IA
Janzen, Daniel H. & Winifred Hallwachs (text) & Jeffrey C. Miller (photogs.). 100 Butterflies and Moths: Portraits from the Tropical Forests of Costa Rica. Belknap: Harvard Univ. 2007. 356p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-674-02334-5. $39.95. NAT HIST
Butterflies and moths (lepidoptera) are among the most colorful and conspicuous tropical insects, and their caterpillars are important herbivores. Yet reliable information on caterpillar/adult associations has been limited to scattered reports by 19th- and early 20th-century lepidopterists. Then in the late 1970s, Janzen and Hallwachs began intensive raising of wild-caught caterpillars in Costa Rica. In this sequel to their 100 Caterpillars: Portraits from the Tropical Forests of Costa Rica, they present photographs of adults and their caterpillars for 200 species of the showiest lepidoptera of Guanacaste National Park in northwestern Costa Rica. The adults are each presented in Miller's full-page photographs taken against a black background, while smaller images of the caterpillars are embedded in the text. Chapters on lepidopteran natural history, hows and whys of scientific names, the network of people who collect and raise caterpillars for the project, references, and an index round out this volume. The main text, rather than following a rigid plan, supplies interesting information on each species in a conversational style. Much more than pretty picture books, 100 Caterpillars and 100 Butterflies will be devoured by lepidopterists and visitors to the New World tropics. For academic and larger public library natural history collections. [See also the authors' web site, janzen.sas.upenn.edu/index.html.—Ed.]—Annette Aiello, Smithsonian Tropical Research Inst., Panama
Santibañez, Roberto with Christopher Styler (text) & Christopher Hirsheimer (photogs.). Rosa's New Mexican Table. Artisan: Workman. May 2007. 278p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-57965-324-8. $35. COOKERY
Rosa Mexicano has been a New York landmark since it opened in 1984, and Santibañez has been its culinary director since 2002. This beautifully illustrated book starts out with a chapter on ingredients, equipment, and techniques, then focuses on well-known fare such as tacos and enchiladas. Notes next to the recipes expand on the history of the dishes examined, focus on certain ingredients that are often not kitchen staples (such as bitter oranges), or illuminate a facet of Mexican culture that may not be well known outside of that country. Some of the ingredients might be difficult to find, but the author keeps the items needed per recipe to a reasonable number. There are recipes that are more complicated and authentically Mexican than those featured in Rick Bayless's Mexican Everyday. Given Santibañez's popularity, his articles for Gourmet and Bon Appétit, and his appearances on Today and Martha, this title is recommended for all public libraries.—Sean Michael Fleming, Lebanon P.L., NH
Valenti, Jack. This Time, This Place: My Life in War, the White House, and Hollywood. Harmony: Crown. Jun. 2007. c.416p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-307-34664-3. $25.95. AUTOBIOG
Almost 40 years as head of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) were not lost on Valenti (Speak Up with Confidence), who died in late April with this memoir completed. He knows how to grab readers' attention and keep them riveted with a narrative largely about his adult years, although he does cover his Houston childhood. He writes of his experiences as a World War II bomber pilot, a special assistant to President Johnson, and CEO of the MPAA. It's hard to say that Valenti was larger than life when his life was lived this large, but his story sometimes seems like a Hollywood epic. His time in the Johnson White House reads like The West Wing as he tells of working to pass the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts and helping to create Medicare. Later, as he describes his interactions with the many Hollywood stars and power brokers he came to know, the narrative seems more like an Entertainment Tonight special. Most of his recollections are positive and upbeat, and readers are left with great admiration for the author. Highly recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/15/06.]—Jill Ortner, SUNY at Buffalo Libs.
Williams, Paul L. The Day of Islam: The Annihilation of America and the Western World. Prometheus. 2007. 300p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-59102-508-5. $25. REL
Does al Qaeda presently have access to nuclear weapons? Does it have specific plans to use these weapons to attack the United States? These are the kinds of questions investigative reporter Williams, who has already written two significant books on radical Islam, Osama's Revenge: The Next 9/11 and The Al Qaeda Connection, addresses here. His latest is similar to his earlier books in that it reveals surprising details about al Qaeda and its ties to other terrorist organizations. However, it focuses on new evidence suggesting that al Qaeda has nuclear weapons and intends to use them against the United States in the near future. Williams argues that countries such as Canada, which has been open and accepting of Muslims, actually provide the soil on which radical Islamic groups can flourish. This is an interesting read offering a lot of information not found in other resources, but it does not offer a dispassionate or objective approach to the subject matter. For that, one would need to look elsewhere. Recommended for large public and academic libraries.—John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Lib.
Beechen, Adam (text) & Freddie Williams II & others (illus.). Robin: Wanted. DC Comics. 2007. 142p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1225-4. pap. $12.99. F
This Robin book opens with a bang, or rather a "Krak!", as Robin(real name Tim Drake) literally takes it on the chin in the first panel from an opponent he can't see. By the time the fight is over, Robin is still standing, and Batgirl is lying dead with two of his throwing Rs in her chest and neck. At that moment, the GCPD arrives on the scene. Of course, the body isn't really that of Batgirl Cassandra Cain. Tim follows clues that allow him to clear his own name and even meet Cassandra again, albeit in very strange circumstances. Even as that story line is ending, another begins with one of Robin's snitches passing along an invitation to meet with Captain Boomerang, son of the man who killed Tim's father. It seems that the Joker left a nuclear device in an abandoned villain's lair in Gotham and the two must put aside their differences to find and defuse the bomb. Over the course of both stories, subplots have Robin moving back into the Wayne mansion as well as meeting Zoanne, who is to tutor Tim as the new kid at his school. The art is typical superhero fare, suited to the action and color of the story without being extraordinary or breaking any new ground. Teens will appreciate this series with a peer as hero. Other fans of superhero action, particularly the DC variety, will also be interested in this one.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids
CLAMP. RG Veda. Vol. 8. Tokyopop. 2007. 195p. tr. from Japanese by Haruko Furukawa. ISBN 978-1-59532-491-7. pap. $9.99. F
Young Ashura waited centuries to be born, only to find himself the sole survivor of a massacred people. Taken under the wing of the warrior Yasha (whom, incidentally, he is fated to kill), Ashura has been collecting the "Six Stars" in order to fight back against Taishakuten, the bloodthirsty king who slaughtered Ashura's tribe and countless other people. In this eighth of ten volumes, Ashura and his friends are joined at last by Lady Karura, who is bent on revenge for her sister's death at Taishakuten's hands. Her arrival leaves them only one star to find, but it's no easy task—their search is troubled by enemy attacks and tragic defeats. Word reaches them that Yasha's brother Rasetsu has been murdered; his widow then gives her life to protect the party. In the midst of battle, Ashura and his naïve twin brother, Tenou, finally meet. Whether Tenou will prove friend or foe and whether Ashura can defeat Taishakuten remain to be seen. The premise of RG Veda—the "constellation" gathered to save small kingdoms from a big enemy—may remind readers of the later Fushigi Yuugi, but RG Veda is darker and more compelling. The dated art and writing style (clear products of the early 1990s) may be a little less readily accessible to readers than CLAMP's more recent projects (Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 12, Xpress Reviews, 3/13/07; xxxHOLIC, Vol. 4, LJ 7/05); however, RG Veda remains a satisfying read. Recommended for ages 13+.—Rebecca Schaffner, Saline Dist. Lib., MI
Hae, E. Roureville. Vol. 1. Netcomics. 2007. 180p. tr. from Korean by Jennifer Park. ISBN 978-1-60009-209-1. pap. $9.99. F
Newspaper reporter Evan Pryce is sent to investigate Roureville, a town where real ghosts have been sighted, both to get the story and to get Evan out of New York where, thanks to a recently published exposé, mobsters are out to get him. After days of searching for the elusive town, Evan stumbles on it only to have the townsfolk make him feel decidedly unwelcome. Choosing to stay anyway, he moves in with Jayce, a lonely, good natured, and very naïve young man; abandons the idea of writing about the town ghost; and begins work on a novel instead. The locals continue to try to convince Evan to leave, some more violently than others, but Evan figures they have secrets to hide, and he wants to know what they are. Netcomics bills this story as fantasy/shonen-ai, but there is very little that is fantastic, and romance is completely lacking. Roureville tries hard to be mysterious and suspenseful but fails on both counts, as the constant foreshadowing leads to tedium rather than tension. With an unsympathetic cast that includes a reporter who can read people's thoughts, a homicidal priest, identical twins who look nothing alike, and a young man who may or may not be a ghost, the story is difficult to follow; it never progresses beyond the original setup, leaving readers with nothing to grab hold of to carry them to the next volume. Factor in the wispy art, uninspired dialog, and too many grammatical errors to excuse, and libraries can safely skip this title.—Eva Volin, Alameda Free Lib., CA
Hashida, Yukari. Waru. Juné: Digital Manga. May 2007. 195p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 978-1-56970-833-0. pap. $12.95. F
Joe Oizumi is a small-time crook down on his luck. Believing he has an incurable brain tumor, he decides to pull off a high-stakes crime and kidnaps junior high school student Yuushi Mikaido, the son of a politician. Hoping to collect on a huge ransom and party away his final days in a South Seas paradise, Joe gets more than expected when the captive develops romantic feelings for him. This yaoi manga is a disappointment that wastes an interesting premise. The art is busy and ragged, and the action sequences are awkward. The story suffers from underdeveloped characters and contrived plots, trying to evoke larger issues of the nature of good and bad in the world, even citing Stockholm syndrome. However, Yuushi's attraction to Joe seems little more than a pampered rich kid going after the bad boy. Rated ages 18+, this contains graphic sexual scenes. Not recommended.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Josh Howard Presents: Sasquatch. Vol. 1. Viper Comics. 2007. 254p. ed. by Josh Howard & Jim Resnowski. ISBN 978-0-9777883-8-5. pap. $24.95. F
This anthology of 27 short stories collects the results of a large group of young alternative and independent comic creators taking the Sasquatch theme and running with it—in wildly different directions. The first four entries can be described as a punky-goth-monster-humor story, a cute "baby Bigfoot" adventure with an ironic twist, a gonzo space opera, and a serious environmental parable. Standouts include "…The Yeti," featuring an oddly malevolent Santa Claus commanding an incompetent Yeti to punish some boys he has deemed "naughty"; "Bloody Forrest of Sasquatch," a punchy black-and-white horror story in the style of classic EC Comics; and "Pitch Forked," a twisted tale of Sasquatch's failed Hollywood screenwriting career. The entries vary widely in tone and style, and while the quality fluctuates occasionally, the contributors' energy and contagious enthusiasm will make readers feel as if they are a part of a hilarious, S'more-fueled campfire story marathon, in which each participant tries to out do the last. With brief instances of scantily clad women and gory violence, this is recommended for teen and adult readers.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH
Lemire, Jeff. Essex County. Vol. 1: Tales from the Farm. Top Shelf Productions. 2007. 112p. ISBN 978-1-891830-88-4. pap. $9.95. F
Lester never knew his father, and now his mother is dead. He and his mom's brother, with whom he lives, are trying to work their way toward a relationship. But his uncle is busy with the farm and ignorant of the ways of boys—superhero comics, capes and masks, the escape of the imagination. Lester finds a friend in bumbling Jimmy, a hometown hockey star whose one shining moment on the ice ended with a hit that left him "simple." Jimmy's willing participation in Lester's fantasy life helps the boy manage his grief. Lemire's book is a stark black-and-white world. Humans are thin black lines against the heavy black shadows of their surroundings; features and presence are always shifting, never permanent against the backdrop of their lives. The powerful reservoir of memory wells up in puddles of gray, less substantial than the real world of the farm but always there just below what is happening on the surface. While memory is immediately distinct, imagination is not—Lester's exploits flow seamlessly in and out of the rest of his life. Nothing about Essex County makes it particularly adult or young adult. Although Lester is ten years old, his story is not for children. Recommended for both adult and young adult collections.—Ruthanne Price, Vaughan P.L.s, Ont.
Lonergan, Jesse. Flower and Fade. ComicsLit: NBM. Jun. 2007. 192p. ISBN 978-1-56163-496-5. pap. $13.95. F
Kyle is a stranger in a new city, feeling lost, bored, and disconnected. Then he meets Erika. Their chemistry is instant, but even in the early days of the relationship, Kyle is plagued by doubts, not to mention horrific nightmares. Is she the one? Is she just convenient? Are they settling for each other because they are lonely or inventing problems because they're afraid? This is a quietly realistic look at love with touches of dark humor. The wordless passages are often the most evocative, with the black-and-white artwork carrying the story with strong but minimal lines. The perspective is intimate, focusing on facial expressions and body postures that take readers into the lives of the characters as they seesaw between eagerness and world-weariness while hoping for some kind of resolution. Lonergan's first outing is a bittersweet but satisfying tale. While there is no coarse language or nudity, and the only violence is in Kyle's dream sequence, the viewpoint will resonate more strongly with older teens and adults. Recommended.—Julia Cox, Penticton P.L., B.C.
Mitsunaga, Yasunori. Princess Resurrection. Vol. 1. Del Rey: Ballantine. May 2007. 209p. tr. from Japanese by Satsuki Yamashita. ISBN 978-0-345-49664-5. pap. $10.95. F
The monster world is at war with royal siblings vying for the throne, and Princess Resurrection Hime, who can raise the dead by making them her blood slaves, is reluctantly drawn into the battle. Though the premise may be somewhat formulaic, the art and wry but bloody humor raise this story above the commonplace. This first volume is largely given over to the introduction of the characters. Foremost is Hime, a fragile-looking, beautiful gothic princess who is endlessly creative in her choice of weapons, using whatever happens to be at hand (such as a chain saw). She appears to be reluctant to fight her challengers, but she coldheartedly makes a young human boy, Hiro, her blood slave after he is accidentally killed by her petite yet powerful robot assistant. Hiro is confused not only by his resurrection and the conditions of his survival but also by his attraction to his new master. Hiro's sister mysteriously works as a maid for the Princess and provides much of the fan service. The action is graphic and bloody, as the confused Hiro repeatedly stumbles into the midst of Hime's battles. The art is crip and clean, balancing detail and action shots to carry the story. Just when things seem to feel predictable, the macabre humor keeps the reader engaged. This story will appeal to fans of the gothic horror genre. Princess Resurrection is currently being published in Japan, with only about three volumes to date, so the stories are likely to be slow to be released in this country.—Gretchen Schroeder, Woodlynde Sch., Stafford, PA
Morrison, Grant (text) & Frank Quitely (illus.). All-Star Superman. Vol. 1. DC Comics. 2007. 154p. ISBN 978-1-4012-0914-8. $19.99. F
"All Star" indicates an effort by DC to inject vitality into its most iconic characters; writers are granted a fresh start, freed from abject continuity. With these first six episodes, Morrison elegantly blends classic and modern, fusing all the best elements from the entire 75-year Superman canon with smart science fiction. Fittingly, Superman's glorious return to full heroic potential begins with a mortal blow. In the first episode, Superman's cells are overloaded while he rescues a sun space mission. His body's internal stopwatch starts ticking toward death, an event that fosters a slew of miniplots and sends scientists frantically working toward creating his replacements. Meanwhile, Superman just wants to bare his soul to Lois in his Fortress of Solitude love nest and give her an epic birthday (he doesn't anticipate an unlikely assassin and time travelers competing for her love). Luther grants an extended, amusing interview to Clark Kent, and an accident that lets Superman's overstuffed ego manifest marks one of the highest points in a stellar series—Jimmy Olsen brings Black Kryptonite (from Smallville fame). We even revisit the day Superman became a man. Quitely completes the masterful storytelling with his deceivingly bare artistry. While the colors hearken back to Superman's early days and the linework is simple, Lex Luther has never looked like a worthier foe, and we finally understand why nobody suspected clumsy Clark Kent. Appealing to the widest range of ages, intellects, and interests, All-Star Superman would be a wise investment for any collection.—Erika Bennett, Capella Univ., Minneapolis, MN
Postcards: True Stories That Never Happened. Villard: Random. Jun. 2007. 160p. ed. by Jason Rodriguez. ISBN 978-0-345-49850-2. $21.95. ANTHOL
As the title suggests, the inspiration for each of the graphic short stories in this anthology was one of the antique, used postcards in the editor's collection. Sixteen stories by more than 25 contributors, many with multiple award nominations, provide a wide variety of styles in art and storytelling. Each piece is introduced by Rodriguez with an explanation of his expectations from each postcard and how, more often than not, the artists and writers went above and beyond what he imagined. A number of the stories allow for brief, poignant glimpses into the characters' lives, like an American couple taking refuge in Paris during the Depression; two tic-tac-toe hustlers trying for one more scam; a mother hiding her illness from her playful, young daughter; and an elderly man missing his deceased wife. One lighter adventure is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Golden Age of comics starring a superhero known as the Midnight Caller. A collaboration by Harvey Pekar, Joyce Brabner, and Matt Kindt illustrates how a life can be summed up simply in the cards and letters one receives. Readers of the popular Flight volumes will enjoy the anthology format, but Postcards will appeal more to those who lean toward real-life tales like Brian Fies's Mom's Cancer, Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, or Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis. Older teens and adults will appreciate the book's themes and art. In addition to the black-and-white artwork, Postcards will feature an eight-page full-color insert, although this was not available in the galley copy. Recommended.—Don Boozer, Cleveland P.L.
Shiomi, Chika. Yurara. Vol. 1. Viz Media. Jun. 2007. 191p. tr. from Japanese by JN Productions. ISBN 978-1-4215-1350-8. pap. $8.99. F
While most kids are enjoying high school, Yurara is hiding a secret. She can see the dead kid occupying her seat, and she can sense spirits' emotions. The two hottest boys in her class, Mei Tendo and Yako Hoshino, share similar talents—they can banish spirits with the power of fire and water. These three team up in an unlikely trio to protect the living. But during a particularly dangerous encounter, Yurara transforms into a beautiful woman, a change she suspects is owing to her powerful guardian spirit possessing her body. The typical love triangle becomes an interesting square. While in guardian spirit form, Yurara is herself but stronger, and this appeals to Yako. Mei will take Yurara in any form, while Yurara, in turn, develops feelings for Yako. The tone is light, finding humor even when the characters are battling demons. The spirits' hallowed eyes are particularly creepy. The blend of comedy, romance, and horror makes this a good pick for any teen shelf.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb Cty. P.L., Decatur, GA
Takaya, Natsuki. Fruits Basket. Vol. 16. Tokyopop. 2007. 216p. tr. from Japanese by Alethea Nibley & Athena Nibley. ISBN 978-1-59816-024-6. pap. $9.99. F
In this volume of the extremely popular shojo series, Kyo reveals a past meeting with Kyoko, Tohru's mother. In Kyo's flashback, Kyoko tells the story of her delinquent middle school years, encounter with trainee teacher Katsuya Honda, and reformation and estrangement from her conservative family. Katsuya, as readers of the series know, is the father that Tohru barely remembers, but in Kyoko's retelling of their romance, he is vibrantly alive, and their mutual affection leads to their love-match marriage. After Katsuya's tragic death, Kyoko struggles to survive and move on for Tohru's sake. In contrast, Kyo's mother returns to haunt Kyo in his dreams, making him wonder if he should declare his love, as Kyoko did, or remain silent, accepting his destiny as the most accursed member of the Sohma family. Fruits Basket is about compassionate acceptance, which Tohru demonstrates each time she embraces one of the members of the Zodiac, as well as various manifestations of love, which can sometimes have a bitter bite if unfulfilled, unrequited, or tragic. The character designs are tenderly detailed, and each of the characters is compellingly distinct and complex like the narrative. Most school and public libraries will have acquired this title for their collections, and since a significant portion of this volume is dedicated to the backstory of principal characters—the gentle Tohru and her vivacious mother, Kyoko, usually present in spirit—fans will consider it essential.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Way, Daniel (text) & Steve Dillon (illus.). Wolverine: Origins. Vol. 1: Born in Blood. Marvel. 2007. 128p. ISBN 978-0-7851-2287-6. pap. $13.99. F
Wolverine has always pushed people away because of actions in his past, actions Way now reveals are far more sinister than his fans might ever have imagined. Collecting the first five issues of Origins, Way follows Wolverine on his quest for revenge against those who have manipulated and brainwashed him. Wolverine starts by attacking a member of the U.S. President's cabinet, but the hunter quickly turns into the hunted, as Captain America and the insane "hero," Nuke, are unleashed to trap him. Through a series of flashbacks, Wolverine reflects on one of many sordid episodes from his past, which reveals how he actually "created" Nuke, both through outright torture and a horrifying exploitation of Nuke's childhood. Disgusted with himself, Wolverine hopes to put an end to the cycle of control and manipulation, especially in light of a shocking secret revealed at the book's end. Way's intricately layered plotting is spectacular as he explores the brutal duality of Wolverine's soul—a victimizer who was himself a victim, a beast who has created other beasts. He shows the mental self-torture endured by Wolverine, who realizes that getting revenge cannot undo the terrible mistakes of his past. Dillon's artwork cleverly captures the underlying "origin" theme, putting Wolverine in his old-school brown costume and depicting him as a sleeker, more youthful figure, decisions that befit his current journey into the past. Scenes of graphic violence make this primarily for adult collections, for which it is highly recommended.—David Ward, Univ. of Illinois Undergraduate Lib., Urbana
Beaton, M.C. Death of a Maid. 5 CDs. unabridged. 5½ hrs. Sound Library: BBC Audiobooks America. 2007. ISBN 978-0-7927-4721-5. $59.95. F
Mrs. Mavis Gillespie is a nasty bit of business. The worst kind of snoop and gossip, she finds fodder while performing her job as housecleaner to many folk in the small Scottish Highland village of Lochdubh. Hamish Macbeth's dislike of the dreadfully rude woman is evident early on, when he realizes she has stolen a letter from from an old love interest of his who is coming to Lochdubh for a holiday. By Chapter 2, the charwoman has been killed by wash bucket, just one of the delightful little ironies the listener can always expect from Beaton. Hamish tells her husband the bad news and realizes that the man is laughing with joy rather than crying behind his hanky. Meanwhile, Hamish tries to avoid being the focus of a television documentary on crime solvers while continuing his eternal dithering over his love life. All the welcome and familiar Macbeth elements are here, including the phenomenal reader Graeme Malcolm. His variety of Scottish dialects is right on the mark as his portrayal of the sibilance Hamish's speech reveals when he's annoyed or embarrassed. Another funny, unexpected, and endearing chapter in the ongoing Macbeth series; recommended for all public libraries.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Lib., Sag Harbor, NY
Jance, J.A. Web of Evil. 9 CDs. unabridged. 10¼ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4281-3558-1. $102.75; 9 cassettes. ISBN 978-1-4281-3556-7. $72.75. F
Having recaptured her life after separating from her philandering husband, losing her job as a TV journalist, and becoming a successful Internet blogger, Jance's reluctant heroine Ali Reynolds finds herself involved in more instances of death, intrigue, and mayhem. Within 24 hours of returning to Los Angeles to finalize her divorce and settle a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against her former employers, Ali is named the prime suspect in her husband's murder. Matters become even more complex when she encounters her husband's pregnant fiancée and her mother. Although Ali's blogging remains annoying and unnecessary, it is not a main event as it was in Edge of Evil, and perhaps the story goes on a bit too long, but Web of Evil is a much better tale; it's quite engaging. Karen Ziemba is an excellent narrator and gives characters a life and personality of their own. The audio production is of good quality; recommended and best suited for mystery collections in large public libraries.—Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ
Koontz, Dean. The Door to December. 11 CDs. unabridged. 13 hrs. Penguin Audio. 2007. ISBN 978-0-14-314229-4. $39.95. F
This was one of Koontz's early novels, first published in 1985 under his pseudonym Richard Paige. It was updated and reissued in 1994, after his name was made in the thriller/horror genre. The story is serviceably creepy up to a point: a young girl, kidnapped by her father at age three, is subjected to horrific experimentation in order to develop her psychic powers. She is recovered by her mother seven years later in a catatonic state, after the unexplained gory deaths of her father and his colleagues. Other similar deaths soon follow. Still, the work is clearly an early one, from an author who's gone on to do much more intense, sophisticated, and skilled storytelling. On the other hand, narration is by the incomparable George Guidall, so the audiobook merits serious consideration on that basis alone. Recommended, especially for libraries serving die-hard Koontz fans.—Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA
See the May 15th Xpress Reviews.
