Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 9/1/2007

Week of August 28

Fiction | Nonfiction

Fiction

Díaz, Junot. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Riverhead: Penguin Group (USA). Sept. 2007. c.288p. ISBN 978-1-59448-958-7. $24.95. F

The eerie, surreal worlds of Kafka and the staccato, stream-of-consciousness storytelling of Joyce collide with the magical, mystical realms of Gabriel García Márquez and others in Díaz’s (Drown) phantasmagoric debut novel. Loosely centered on the short life of Oscar Wao, a nerdy Dominican ensconced in the worlds of anime, science fiction, and comic books, the story offers a panoramic view of Oscar’s coming of age. (He’s called a derogatory nickname by his dorm mate’s friends.) Told through multiple voices, including those of his sister and her lover, Oscar’s tale unfolds in fits and starts as he tries to discover the joys of love and sex and the perplexities of his own self-identity. Yet his fate appears to be out of his control since his life (and his family’s) is controlled by a powerful spirit, an element of the novel that never fully succeeds. Although the shifts in points of view reflect Oscar’s chaotic and liminal life, his character is so undeveloped that by novel’s end we’ve given up caring what happens to him. Although Díaz’s fans may be asking for this one, it’s not an essential purchase. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 5/1/07.]—Henry L. Carrigan Jr., Evanston, IL

Leever, Jeffrey. Dark Friday. Capital Crime. Sept. 2007. c.270p. ISBN 978-0-9776276-3-9. pap. $14.95. F

For more than two years, the weekly meeting of the Fraternal Order of Friday had meant an evening of horror movies, pizza, and beer to seven high school boys in Jasonville, IN. Eventually, the diet of Friday the 13th and Halloween videos takes its toll on their collective psyches, provoking a faction of the boys to instigate a reign of violence in the town with the murders of five female classmates as well as attempts on the lives of two other Jasonville citizens. This cautionary tale of the possible influences of violence in entertainment media, while occasionally making good use of dialog, is generally heavy-handed in its exposition. Leever’s character development is particularly awkward, which makes it difficult for readers to discern distinctions among the boys. Law enforcement personnel, attorneys, clergymen, and reporters are stereotypes from central casting. This work might be better served as a graphic novel, where the visual aspects could overcome the shortfalls of its immature writing style. An optional purchase.—Nancy McNicol, Ora Mason Branch Lib., West Haven, CT

Nonfiction

Albala, Ken. Beans: A History. Palgrave Macmillan. Sept. 2007. c.256p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-84520-430-3. $24.95. COOKERY

The editor of two culinary series at Greenwood Press, Albala (history, Univ. of the Pacific) knows that culinary history is not merely the minute dissection of a food or trend, but always part of the larger story of humanity and culture. In each short chapter of this chronicle, he puts a single bean or family of beans in the context of the civilization with whom it is most closely linked. From the emergence of lentils in the Fertile Crescent 10,000 years ago to the modern industrial obsession with the soybean in all forms from sauce to plastic, Albala shows how some groups revered and elevated their legumes, while others relied on them only as a last resort. Many historical recipes pepper the text, helping to illustrate the singular voice of each society and time period. An extensive bibliography and index round out this definitive study. While the author’s writing is accessible, the narrow focus is more appropriate for academic and special collections.—Rosemarie Lewis, Broward Cty. P.L., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Behrman, Greg. The Most Noble Adventure: The Marshall Plan and the Time When America Helped Save Europe. Free Pr: S. & S. Aug. 2007. c.464p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-7432-8263-5. $27. HIST

In this rigorously researched yet swiftly paced narrative, historian Behrman (Henry Kissinger Fellow for Foreign Policy, Aspen Inst.; The Invisible People) chronicles Gen. George Marshall’s "plan" for the facilitation and reconstruction of Europe after World War II, which began being carried out 60 years ago this year. As secretary of state under President Truman (1947–49), Marshall made his proposal, and indeed, he and Truman roam these pages, but so do lesser-known equally important men like William Clayton, Ernest Bevin, and Paul Hoffman, who were indispensable to the plan’s conception and implementation. The book provides a penetrating look into the inner workings of American politics, diplomacy, and economic thought during the crucial postwar era and, perhaps more interestingly, demonstrates how these forces were ultimately mobilized to rebuild Europe’s ravaged infrastructure and economic base. Arriving just in time to clarify the record, as the Marshall Plan has been elevated to nearly mythic status in recent years by figures as diverse as Bill Clinton and Bono; highly recommended for academic Libraries and larger public libraries.—Dennis J. Seese, Jefferson-Madison Regional Lib., Charlottesville, VA

Gellately, Robert. Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler: The Age of Social Catastrophe. Knopf. Aug. 2007. 720p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-4000-4005-6. $35. HIST

The first half of the 20th century was an age of major social upheaval in Europe with the Bolshevik Revolution and the rise of Nazism. Using recently opened Soviet archives and German sources, Gellately (Earl Ray Beck Professor of History, Florida State Univ.; Backing Hitler) provides a chronological examination of this era and the dictators who in the pursuit of utopia actually led their nations into destruction and despair that still reverberate today. Whereas many historians relegate Lenin to a lesser role in Soviet atrocities, Gellately points to Lenin as the initiator of Soviet terror, which Stalin continued via his adherence to Leninism; Hitler, for his part, compounded the human tragedies in Europe with his war against the Jews. Gellately argues that these three dictatorships must be analyzed together in order to understand fully how the events were linked. Relentless attention is given to Nazi ideology with regard to anti-Semitism; at times, it distracts from Gellately’s objective of bringing Lenin into the forefront of this trio. Overall, this is a well-researched study with a different approach to the topic. Recommended for academic libraries, though some public libraries may find an audience as well.—Beth M. Johns, MLIS, Saginaw Valley State Univ. Lib., MI

Kavanagh, Julie. Nureyev: The Life. Pantheon. Oct. 2007. c.800p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-375-40513-6. $35. DANCE

Magazine editor and journalist Kavanagh (Secret Muses: The Life of Frederick Ashton) paints a stunning portrait of the legendary dancer whose dazzling stage presence and glittering lifestyle made him ballet’s first modern superstar. Numerous facets of Rudolf Nureyev’s life are reflected in words drawn from an array of sources, including letters, diaries, film footage, and interviews with the star and greater and lesser lights around him. From his 1961 defection from the former Soviet Union to the West through a performing career that encompassed dancing, choreographing, directing, and in his final years, conducting, Nureyev’s mercurial personality and artistic ability kept him front and center on the world stage. His notorious personal life rivaled that of the Romantic heroes he danced, and for nearly a decade, he refused to acknowledge publicly a diagnosis of AIDS, from which he died in 1993. A monumental biography of one of dance’s greats, this is highly recommended for dance and performing arts collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/07.]—Carolyn M. Mulac, Chicago P.L.

Kreamer, Anne. Going Gray. Little, Brown. Sept. 2007. c.224p. ISBN 978-0-316-16661-4. $23.99. PSYCH

Drawing on research, interviews, and field experiments, freelance writer Kreamer offers a light, conversational discussion of hair, specifically gray hair. Readers are urged to consider just about every cultural aspect relating to gray hair, from the history of hair coloring and hair color’s place in the dating scene and the workplace to perceptions of gray hair and feminism. Kreamer also details her own decision to stop coloring her hair when she was 49 (previously documented in More magazine). A web site directs readers to photos of the author’s change and a survey to discover into which "lifestyle" group she might fall. (This gray-headed reviewer, who has never, ever, colored her hair, came down solidly as a "skeptic.") An engaging read for public libraries, especially those catering to female baby boomers and anyone considering our culture’s obsession with youth.—Margaret Cardwell, Memphis

Lawlis, Frank. Mending the Broken Bond: The 90-Day Answer to Developing a Loving Relationship with Your Child. Viking. Sept. 2007. c.304p. index. ISBN 978-0-670-01834-5. $24.95. CHILD REARING

The chief content adviser to the Dr. Phil television show, Lawlis (The IQ Answer) again attempts to take a difficult social phenomenon—parent-child disconnect—and provide a quick fix for it. Written for parents, the book is made up of nine "segments" that address different problems that can occur within the parent-child bond (e.g., toddler tantrums, rebellious teenagers). In each segment, specific tasks are given, and a time period to complete these tasks is recommended. Added together, these segments should take approximately 90 days to complete. Lawlis writes from a sound psychological base; his proposed solutions will ring true, even to professionals, but the quick-fix tone rings hollow after a short amount of reading. Still, the many self-scoring quizzes will hold readers’ attention. This will no doubt be popular with the general population, but balance it out with more realistic guides from the likes of T. Berry Brazelton. Recommended for public libraries only.—Steve Dixon, Mildred & Louis Resnick Lib., SUNY at Delhi

Parker Bowles, Tom. The Year of Eating Dangerously: A Global Adventure in Search of Culinary Extremes. St. Martin’s. Sept. 2007. c.352p. ISBN 978-0-312-37378-8. $24.95. COOKERY

Food critic Parker Bowles, who appears on the UKTV Food program Market Kitchen, follows up his first book, E Is for Eating: An Alphabet of Greed, with this work, a whirlwind tour of what can best be described as extreme eating. Over the course of a year, the author logged thousands of miles in travel to nine locations around the world, investigating—and in most cases, sampling—some of the world’s most dangerous or controversial foods. Stops were made in Japan for the poisonous fugu (blowfish), New Mexico for nuclear-grade chili extract sauces at the National Fiery Foods and Barbeque Show, Korea for dog, and close to home in Gloucestershire, England, for rapidly dwindling and perilously profitable elvers (young eels). Parker Bowles’s tales are sometimes sardonic, sometimes even a bit sentimental but manage always to be incisive and informative, cheeky and irreverent. It’s not just his adventures that are dangerous—American audiences may find the adult themes and prevalent profanity a bit alarming. Recommended for public libraries, bearing the warning in mind.—Courtney Greene, DePaul Univ. Lib., Chicago

Podell-Raber, Mickey with Charles Pignone. The Copa: Jules Podell and the Hottest Club North of Havana. Collins: HarperCollins. Oct. 2007. c.224p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-06-124099-7. $26.95. MUSIC

Though immortalized in pop culture lore, New York’s Copacabana nightclub has never been the subject of a book-length treatment. That is, until the past 12 months. Fast on the heels of Kristin Baggelaar’s pictorial history The Copacabana comes this personal history of the club, which gains its slight value from the fact that the author is the daughter of the club’s tough-guy owner, Jules Podell. Podell-Rader offers a string of brief anecdotes about the stars, the club, and her family life, plus a generous collection of photos drawn from family albums. But not much of the notoriety and glitz that made the club finds its way into the pages; major scandals slip by almost unnoticed, while readers learn that Sammy Davis Jr. was "a real sweetheart." In the end, The Copa is a memoir that reveals little new about the club or its notorious owner. Of interest to large public libraries only.—Brian McMillan, Marvin Duchow Music Lib. McGill Univ., Montreal

Schwartz-Nobel, Loretta. Poisoned Nation: The Deadly Link Between Pollution and Cluster Illnesses, Cancer, Asthma, and Autism. St. Martin’s. 2007. c.256p. index. ISBN 978-0-312-32797-2. $24.95. SCI

Environmentally induced diseases such as leukemia, birth defects, breast cancer, thyroid disease, asthma, and autism are causing widespread suffering and death. Award-winning journalist Schwartz-Nobel (Growing Up Empty: The Hunger Epidemic in America) traveled the country interviewing families with sick children and adults and looking for the sources of these diseases. She discovered perchlorates (a component of rocket fuel) in the drinking water of 35 states, pesticides in agriculture, PCBs in food and water, toxic substances in cosmetics, mercury in vaccines, and other harmful substances. She found particularly disturbing the schemes by cigarette manufacturers to influence youth in developing countries to smoke and the high rate of birth defects among the Inuits in Greenland. She documents the collusion and duplicity among government and corporate polluters who lie, suppress data, and pressure research agencies and organizations to withhold or change information. Readers will be shocked by the deception and inaction by officials who are supposed to protect public health. Schwartz–Nobel issues a call to religious leaders to establish a unified effort to work together for a healthier and sustainable future. Recommended for public health and environmental collections.—Irwin Weintraub, Brooklyn Coll. Lib., New York

Williams, Craig A. Mom, Have You Seen My Leather Pants?: The Tale of a Teen Rock Wannabe Who Almost Was. Three Rivers: Crown. Sept. 2007. c.256p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-307-34212-6. pap. $13.95. MUSIC

First-time author Williams’s gleeful love letter chronicles the bit part that his band, Onyxxx, played in the hair-metal era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lucking into pubescence during the peak of "butt rock" and living near its source (Los Angeles), Williams resolved to "rawk," and his desires were cemented after receiving a Gibson Flying V guitar on his 13th birthday. Continual, self-deprecating humor and honesty lend considerable charm to his story: "Within that crusty, leather and hairspray shell," he writes, "lies a gooey insecure center that just wants to be accepted by the pretty girls." Ridicule himself as he might, however, Williams makes it clear that he loved every minute of fronting a marginally successful high school metal band. "What up, dude," indeed. Though the book is funny and novel, its schmaltz and limited readership (who other than the guys who came up during butt rock’s apex need the inside scoop?) make this an order-on-demand title in the already crowded hair metal field (e.g., Chuck Klosterman’s Fargo Rock City).—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

Week of August 21

Fiction | Nonfiction | Audio Reviews

Fiction

Bissett, Alan. The Incredible Adam Spark. Headline, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Aug. 2007. 240p. ISBN 978-0-7553-2646-4. pap. $13.95. F

Adam Spark and his sister, Jude, live in Falkirk, Scotland, a town located between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Although he's 18 years old, Adam (aka Sparky) has much in common with many preadolescent boys: he likes superheroes, nifty machinery, the band Queen, and things he sees on television; however, unlike most people, he thinks he possesses superpowers owing to a knock he took to the head. Concentrating on his job flipping burgers is difficult, not to mention behaving well in general. Jude, who has been Sparky’s caretaker for several years following the death of their parents, is conflicted between her responsibility to her brother and a need to live her own life. In Bissett’s second novel (after Boyracers), Sparky narrates in an absolutely authentic voice (except in a few spots that are deliberately weird); his story is frequently funny, occasionally frightening, and never boring. Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with contemporary fiction collections.—Liorah Golomb, Wichita State Univ. Libs., KS

Carter, Betsy. Swim to Me. Algonquin. Aug. 2007. c.304p. ISBN 978-1-56512-492-9. $23.95. F

Sure to be popular with a wide range of readers, Carter’s second novel (following The Orange Blossom Special) is also set in Florida at Weeki Wachee Springs, a kitschy 1940s tourist resort where young women perform as live mermaids. Meet teenager Delores Walker, a girl who’s most comfortable in the water, as she leaves her dysfunctional Bronx, NY, family in 1972 to become a mermaid. And there is Thelma Foote, Weeki Wachee’s owner who must find a way to survive in the face of competition from newly opened Walt Disney World. Carter’s story has a sweetness that is never saccharine, buoyed along by believable characters, and never depends on strong language or sexual exploits. Whether read for nostalgia’s sake, for the local history angle, or as a coming-of-age story, Delores’s first year as a mermaid is both appealing and entertaining. (One of the shows she performs in is The Merfather based on the new movie The Godfather.) Although the publisher compares this with Rebecca Wells’s "Ya-Ya Sisterhood" novels, it is less flamboyant but has its own unique merits. For all public libraries. [Readers may enjoy www.weekiwachee.com, which includes a roster of former mermaids.]—Rebecca Kelm, Northern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Highland Heights

Hunter, Heather with Michelle Valentine. Insatiable: The Rise of a Porn Star. St. Martin’s. Aug. 2007. c.320p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-312-36884-5. $21.95. F

Simone Young is a fly, graffiti-tagging street teen with an insatiable desire for fame and the love of adoring fans. When her hedonistic homie Carmen teaches her to "get her hustle on," Simone embarks on a journey that will transform her from prostitute to exotic dancer to full-fledged porn star. This steamy erotic novel, former adult film star Hunter’s first, is a fictional account inspired by the author’s own rise in the porn industry. Hunter is a porn legend, one of the first African Americans to be inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame, and her full-frontal depiction of the adult entertainment world has the ring of truth. Her prose is raw and, at times, rough, and the myriad sex scenes are quite graphic. Simone’s eventual redemption is a little hard to accept, but this cautionary tale is still a page-turner likely to appeal to fans of adult entertainment and erotic urban fiction. Illustrated with photographs of Hunter, this is recommended for public libraries with collections in those areas.—Jeanne Bogino, Southern Vermont Coll., Bennington

Nonfiction

Adelman, Laurie. Don’t Call Me Shy: Preparing Shy Children for a Lifetime of Social Success. LangMarc. Sept. 2007. c.170p. ISBN 978-1-880292-32-7. pap. $14.95. CHILD REARING

Nurse and health educator Adelman, who was once shy and is now the mother of a shy child, shares how a positive attitude changed her daughter and herself. Writing that the "shy" label engenders negative feelings and that children will meet the expectations of others, she recommends using the term "potentially social." Adelman believes that even if someone naturally tends toward shyness, a positive environment can mold a social person. Suggesting that intervention is most successful with a preschool-aged child who has not solidified a self-image, she adds that adults and older children can also learn to be socially comfortable. Her You Can Do It Parent Support Program includes positive comments, descriptions of children’s behavior, and stories of parents’ similar experiences. The Ready, Set, Go Social Readiness Program for children involves happy thoughts, positive thinking, and self-rewarding. Aimed at assisting shy children, the book accessibly adapts generic parenting tools, but it offers few concrete suggestions specific to the topic. More comprehensive books are available, such as Bernardo Carducci’s The Shyness Breakthrough. Not recommended.—Janet Clapp, Athens-Clarke Cty. Lib., GA

Loehr, Jim. The Power of Story: Rewrite Your Destiny in Business and in Life. Free Pr: S. & S. Sept. 2007. c.288p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-7432-9452-2. $25. PSYCH

Sports psychologist Loehr (The Power of Full Engagement) teaches business executives and athletes methods to achieve their full potential. He believes negative thinking poisons many people’s perceptions and narrows their possibilities. Here, he encourages readers to rewrite the stories they tell themselves and others to achieve a better life. Loehr offers practical, step-by-step methods in a realistic, clearly defined manner and explains how to incorporate rewritten life stories with training rituals that will make thinking in a new and positive way a habit. Loehr writes that people who "get the job done" do so "because they are fully indoctrinated by a story which says that, in effect, they do what they do for a purpose higher than just themselves." As an athletic coach, Loehr never lets readers forget that part of achieving goals is being healthy—eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep—and he gives good tips to help readers achieve a new, healthier life. This is an entertaining, accessible, and valuable addition to the world of self-help books. Recommended for all public and university libraries.—Mary E. Jones, Los Angeles P.L.

McCain, John with Mark Salter. Hard Call: Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People Who Made Them. Twelve: Warner. Aug. 2007. c.460p. index. ISBN 978-0-446-58040-3. $25.99. HIST

What qualities constitute a great decision? Who are the people behind some of the most influential and far-reaching decisions ever made? Senator McCain, with frequent coauthor Salter (Character Is Destiny), pinpoints six qualities that he believes are usually present in the foundation of good decisions. Each chapter focuses on one of these qualities, with profiles of individuals who possess these components in their character. Extensive background information accompanies each profile, and McCain delves into who the people really were—what made them tick and their motivations and life history, for these have a profound influence on both the decision maker and the outcome. Including profiles of businessman Marshall Field, competitive swimmer Gertrude Ederle, and many more entrepreneurs, politicians, and inventors, the authors offer poignant, touching portraits of men and women who have made hard calls and are held in esteem today for the outcome of their decisions. Widely appealing and well written; recommended for all public libraries.—Troy Reed, Southeast Regional Lib., Gilbert, AZ

Mendell, David. Obama: From Promise to Power. Amistad: HarperCollins. Aug. 2007. c.416p. ISBN 978-0-06-085820-9. $25.95. BIOG

An investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, Mendell offers readers a distinctive album of biographical snapshots of the evolving life and rise to power of Democratic rising star Barack Obama. This extremely positive biography may breed new Obama fans: readers will be enthralled by what there is to learn, as Mendell explores Obama’s experiences, revelations, and impressions from his early years to his present political life. Mendell’s carefully crafted biography is as quick and easy to read as a work of fiction, even though such heavy themes as African heritage, racism, biracialism, family life, inner-city organizing, activism, and political campaigning are prevalent. Mendell uses a series of in-depth interviews with Obama’s family, close friends, rivals, and political staff to provide an exceptional insider perspective and contemplative critique of an unusual life; learn what really makes the man and the senator tick. Highly recommended for large public and academic collections, especially where Obama’s The Audacity of Hope did well.—Gloria Creed-Dikeogu, Ottawa Univ. Lib., KS

Meyer, David N. Twenty Thousand Roads: The Ballad of Gram Parsons and His Cosmic American Music. Villard: Random. Oct. 2007. c.592p. photogs. discog. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-375-50570-6. $27.95. MUSIC

Meyer (cinema studies, New Sch. for Social Research; The 100 Best Films To Rent You’ve Never Heard Of) chronicles the life, work, and influence of Gram Parsons, one of the most important developers of the country-rock genre via his work with the International Submarine Band, the Byrds, and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Parsons influenced the Rolling Stones’ forays into country music on Exile on Main Street, and his duets with Emmylou Harris helped advance her career. Part of the author’s apparent agenda is to cement Parsons’s place in pop culture history, and important integrations of country and rock by Bob Dylan, Rick Nelson, and Michael Nesmith, among others, are downplayed. The book includes a detailed list for suggested listening and an "encyclopedia" of important people in country rock. It is filled with informed opinion, some of which seems calculated to challenge or rankle some country-rock fans, e.g., the "encyclopedia" entry for the Eagles is "The worst iconic band in American rock." Meyer’s writing is captivating as he brings Parsons to life and details the demons that led to his death from a heroin overdose at 26. Highly recommended for all public libraries; recommended for academic libraries with popular-culture collections.—James E. Perone, Mount Union Coll., Alliance, OH

Riske, Kris Brandt. Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Astrology: The Easy Way To Learn Astrology. Llewellyn. Sept. 2007. c.360p. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-7387-1071-6. pap. $18.95. PARAPSYCH

This well-organized, foundational instruction for beginners to the art and science of astrology is complete with insightful interpretations of celestial placement of signs, planets, houses, and aspects, along with amusing charts of celebrities (Al Gore is an Aires) to practice on. Astrologer Riske helps the student build on basic concepts to acquire skills for in-depth translation of natal charts. Although a bit vague on how to calculate aspects (a chronic problem in many astrology texts), the book features vivid sign descriptions as well as appendixes that touch on supplemental subjects, techniques, and resources, including an extensive and useful bibliography. Although hard not to compare to the more ambitious and colorful Parkers’ Astrology, a classic beginner’s text, Riske’s book is a great addition to all public libraries for its simplicity, straightforwardness, and moderate price. Highly recommended.—Janet Tapper, Western States Chiropractic Coll., Portland, OR

Stadlen, Naomi. What Mothers Do: Especially When It Looks Like Nothing. Tarcher: Penguin. Sept. 2007. c.336p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-58542-591-4. pap. $14.95. PSYCH

Stadlen, a British psychotherapist and the founder of the discussion group Mothers Talking, here draws from 15 years of conversations with new mothers about their struggles, doubts, and transformations, giving credence to the invisibility of time spent mothering. She argues that previous maternal cultures of support no longer exist and that the pace of professional careers does not prepare women for the vastly different tempo of life with a new baby, resulting in a generation of mothers who are the most educated yet least prepared. New mothers wonder where their time goes, what they have accomplished, and what it is, exactly, that they have done all day. Stadlen emphasizes how their sensitivity, nourishment, and comfort are the ultimate accomplishments, and success is revealed by the increasingly intuitive and blossoming relationship between mother and child, not a checklist of chores completed. While her insights are thoughtful (not everyone will agree with her, of course), the book ultimately lacks focus in both premise and conclusion. That, plus a heavy British slant, limits the book’s application to comprehensive women’s studies and psychology collections.—Julianne J. Smith, Ypsilanti Dist. Lib., MI

Audio Reviews

McEwan, Ian. On Chesil Beach. 4 CDs. unabridged. 4½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4159-3880-5. $50. F

A disastrous wedding night in 1962 is the focus of McEwan’s tenth novel. The world was a different place then, and Edward and Florence are not only virgins but almost completely ignorant about sexual matters. Because of their inexperience, their lives are changed forever. The author’s main concern, however, is not sex but how people communicate—or fail to communicate; saying the wrong thing or making the wrong gesture at the wrong time has unexpected consequences for the couple. The compassion missing from their relationship is conveyed in McEwan’s smooth reading. In an included interview, McEwan discusses his sympathy for the agony he puts his characters through, and he explains how he tests his works in progress by reading them to audiences. Highly recommended for all libraries.—Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr.

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Bk. 7. 17 CDs. unabridged. 21½ hrs. Listening Library. 2007. ISBN 978-0-7393-6041-5. $79.95. F

Jim Dale delivers a strong performance of the final volume in the series he has narrated since 1999 for the North American audiobook editions (actor/author Stephen Fry holds sway in Great Britain). This installment is the most sophisticated of the Potter books in theme and language and presents some challenges for reading aloud, all of which Dale meets admirably. Dale’s informed emphases, skilled modulation, and deft switching among distinctive voices help keep the narrative moving briskly. Longtime listeners will appreciate the subtle changes in his interpretations of major characters: the growing maturity, recent sufferings, and self-sacrificing heroism of Harry, Ron,and Hermione are reflected clearly in their speech. Other personalities receive equally impressive vocal attention as Dale conveys the latent heroism of seemingly nerdy Neville Longbottom, the hissing malevolence of the depraved Death Eaters and their Dark Lord, and the family resemblance between Dumbledore and a long-estranged brother. Dale holds a Guinness World Record for creating the most character voices in an audiobook (for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix); he manages to add several more here, each as individualistic as the more than 200 others brought to life previously. This is a fine ending to an outstanding sequence of audio productions. Highly recommended.—Starr E. Smith, Fairfax Cty. P.L., VA

St. John, Lauren. Rainbow’s End: A Memoir of Childhood, War, and an African Farm. 9 cassettes. unabridged. 11¼ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4281-4346-3. $72.75; 9 CDs. ISBN 1-4281-4348-7. $102.75. AUTOBIOG

This is the fascinating tale of St. John’s adolescence spent on a farm in the war-torn, terrorist-ridden Rhodesia of the 1970s. There is the story of the wild game park with its deadly snakes, majestic lions, graceful gazelles, and pet giraffe that live in St. John’s "backyard"; the Rhodesian war in which her father is a soldier; the constant fear of terrorists attacking the farm and murdering her family; and her parents’ stormy relationship and eventual divorce. Throughout the narrative is the story of a child growing up and discovering who she is. Bianca Amato does an exceptional job narrating; her South African accent is a pleasure to hear. She changes voices and accents when she speaks in the native African languages, and her tone and speech pattern make it easy to know which character is speaking. This is highly recommended for all libraries for its beautiful descriptions of Africa, its history of Rhodesia, and its intensely personal coming-of-age story.—Ilka Gordon, Park Synagogue Lib., Pepper Pike, OH