Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 11/20/2007 5:00:00 PM

Week of November 27

Fiction | Nonfiction

Fiction

Matheson, Richard. I Am Legend. Tor. 2007. 312p. ISBN 978-0-7653-5715-1. pap. $7.99. HORROR

To horror/sf aficionados, Matheson himself is a legend. To nonfans, I’ll put it to you this way: if you have a favorite Twilight Zone episode, chances are Matheson wrote it. First released in 1954, I Am Legend tells the story of Robert Neville, the seemingly last living person on Earth, although not the only person inhabiting the planet, the rest have been turned into vampires through a mysterious plague that decimates the world’s population. Neville must try to survive both the monsters trying to drain him and his own depression and loneliness. The story has been adapted for film three times, beginning in 1964 with Vincent Price as The Last Man on Earth and again in 1971 as the Charlton Heston vehicle The Omega Man. An updated film version set in New York City is being released December 14 under its original title with Will Smith in the lead, which should generate fresh demand for the original source material. Along with the title story, this also sports ten other Matheson shorts. Not just a cheap film tie-in, this is a solid collection of horror/sf stories from one of the modern masters.—Michael Rogers, Library Journal

Nonfiction

Anderegg, David. Nerds: Who They Are and Why We Need More of Them. Tarcher: Penguin. Jan. 2008. c.288p. index. ISBN 978-1-58542-590-7. $24.95. SOC SCI

Psychologist Anderegg (Bennington Coll.) enters the debate about why the United States lags behind other developed countries in science literacy and producing Ph.D.s in science. He constructs a reasoned argument that American society today is anti-intellectual and has pathologized (particularly with the overdiagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome) normal variation of different types of people. Our children get the message from this culture that social success and academic success are mutually exclusive. Ultimately, young people resist science courses and academic success for fear they will be called nerds and be ostracized. Thus, the author argues, our youth are turning off to science, and this limits our progress as a society. Through an examination of early American history, psychological theories, and pop culture, Anderegg explains our frustrations with modern life, where the "nerds are taking over." Where tinkerers used to succeed, now few of us can fix anything, and we have become increasingly reliant on and angry with those who can deal with technology. Although overlong and a little ranty at times, this is a useful sociological consideration, and the geek/nerd concept is a wonderful topic for discussion. Recommended for all public libraries.—Fran Mentch, Cleveland State Univ.

DiNardo, Kelly. Gilded Lili: Lili St. Cyr and the Striptease Mystique. Back Stage: Watson-Guptill. 2007. c.272p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-8230-8889-8. $24.95. DANCE

Over the past 15 years, burlesque has made a surprising reappearance in popular culture, putting the tease back into striptease. No wonder, then, that there’s renewed interest in the life of Lili St. Cyr (1917–99), "one of last real queens of burlesque," whose name and image—in her heyday—was splashed across tabloids and branded on the American imagination. Tall, blonde, lithe, and independent, St. Cyr was a flash point of America’s contradictory attitudes toward frank female sexuality. Freelance journalist DiNardo provides a fun romp through the dancer’s colorful life—the clubs she played, the men she loved, the court cases she faced—yet also analyzes St. Cyr’s rise, fame, and Garboesque decline against the shifting sexual zeitgeist. While St. Cyr herself coauthored two autobiographies—the pulp publication And Men My Fuel (Novel Books, 1965) and the French-language Ma vie de stripteaseuse (Québécor, 1982)—this new biography is the first fully researched, well-documented account of a bold showbiz character. Recommended for both public and academic libraries.—Brian McMillan, Marvin Duchow Music Lib., McGill Univ., Montreal, Quebec

Fassa, Lynda. Green Babies, Sage Moms: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Baby. NAL: Penguin Group (USA). Jan. 2008. c.256p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-451-22289-3. pap. $14. CHILD REARING

Former model Fassa founded Green Babies, an organic clothing company, after the birth of her first child. In this book to "green" child rearing, she touches on many topics for expectant and new mothers: breast milk storage, diaper types, hair coloring, and household flooring. At the end of each chapter, she offers tips for a greener way of living, from the simpler "spring green" (buy recycled paper towels) to the more demanding "evergreen" (make your own cleansers). Throughout, Fassa shares ideas from "Green Gurus," including scientists, celebrities, and businesspeople. Environmentally friendly businesses and organizations are listed at the end. Unfortunately, the sources of her statistics are not always cited (she is very wary of carpets, crib mattresses, and scented candles), and her overly chatty style belies the gravity of her subject. Recommended for public libraries where there is demand for the topic.—Janet Clapp, Athens-Clarke Cty. Lib., GA

Gray, John. Why Mars and Venus Collide: Improving Relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently with Stress. HarperCollins. Jan. 2008. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-06-124296-0. $24.95. PSYCH

Best-selling author Gray here adds to his popular franchise (Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus), this time focusing on stress and the conflicts it causes in relationships. He begins with evolutionary biology, explaining how male and female hormones are linked to gender roles in early societies. He describes men’s needs for testosterone and women’s needs for oxytocin and theorizes that modern gender roles and the stresses of daily life lead to hormonal imbalances. Building on this background information, Gray explains how men and women react to stress in conflicting ways, causing relationship strife, and how couples can minimize conflicts by dealing with stress, alone and together. As in Gray’s other books, the writing here is very simple—he waters down physiological and psychological concepts to make them accessible to all readers, frequently using metaphors. This work is also packed with practical solutions: "Venus Talks, Mars Meetings," activity ideas, and more. Owing to Gray’s popularity, this book deserves space in every public library. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/07.]—Erica L. Foley, Flint P.L., MI

Medrich, Alice. Pure Dessert: True Flavors, Inspiring Ingredients, and Simple Recipes. Artisan: Workman. 2007. 262p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-57965-211-1. $35. COOKERY

After five books on chocolate (e.g., Chocolate Holidays), Medrich, the mogul of that marvelous food, has turned to desserts, which are categorized by flavors. She focuses on grains, nuts, and seeds; fruit, honey, and sugar; herbs and spices and flowers and leaves; milk; and wine, beer, and spirits. Many of the recipes are simple but unique—Blackberry Buttermilk Sherbet, Lavender Tuiles, or Buckwheat Strawberry Shortcakes. The secret of fantastic bittersweet brownies is whipping the eggs with salt and using 70 percent bittersweet chocolate. A few recipes are more difficult and time-consuming, but try the Iced Citron Vodka Chocolates with Fresh Mint and enjoy the adulation. In addition to an introduction to each recipe, each chapter has a lavender-colored page or two of Medrich’s personal thoughts, notes, or suggestions. A list of sources for unusual ingredients is included with about half of the companies in California or the Northwest, but most have web sites. This book sheds new light on desserts and is recommended for libraries that cater to adventurous cooks.—Christine Bulson, SUNY at Oneonta Lib.

Mukhopadhyay, Tito Rajarshi. How Can I Talk If My Lips Don’t Move?: Inside My Autistic Mind. Arcade, dist. by Little, Brown. Jan. 2008. c.240p. ISBN 978-1-55970-859-3. $25. PSYCH

In his own words written with pencil and paper or on his electronic keyboard, Mukhopadhyay, who was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of three, shares with the world his views on life and living with autism. This young man, though nonverbal, is able to give readers an inside look at autism and how the autistic mind works through his essays, poems, and humor. While the book offers one look into one autistic mind, the author has managed to dispel the belief that nonverbal autistics are unable to communicate or learn to communicate (his mother, Soma, worked tirelessly with him). Mukhopadhyay describes what he is thinking and feeling during a tantrum and when flapping his hands and why eye contact is so difficult for him—things previously only guessed at by parents and physicians alike. The value of Mukhopadhyay’s story, which has been featured in National Geographic and the New York Times, is that he has finally given voice to what those with autism may be thinking, feeling, seeing, and hearing but are unable to communicate to those around them. These revelations can give direction to parents and professionals who are researching, diagnosing, and treating autism. Recommended for large public libraries with autism collections.—Lisa M. Jordan, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS

Seinfeld, Jessica. Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets To Get Your Kids Eating Good Food. Collins: HarperCollins. 2007. 224p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-06-125134-4. $24.95. COOKERY

Brownies with spinach and carrots; chocolate chip cookies with chickpeas; meatballs with carrots and squash; and burgers with broccoli? No, you’re not having a nightmare—you’re on the verge of more nutritious eating. In her first book, Seinfeld, founder and president of the nonprofit organization Baby Buggy and wife of comedian Jerry, shows how she tackled the sticky problem of the picky eating habits of her children by insinuating a variety of vegetable purees into their food. She first outlines the equipment and preparation necessary to make the purees, and then she provides a number of recipes for everyday foods and kid favorites: chicken nuggets, spaghetti, pancakes, mashed potatoes, and a wide array of desserts, into which she’s slipped pureed carrots, squash, broccoli, or other healthy items. Clear instructions and estimates for preparation and cooking times are given for each recipe. Interspersed throughout the whimsically designed, colorfully illustrated book are helpful cooking, nutrition, and parenting facts and tips, made palatable by the friendly, conversational tone. Recommended for all public libraries.—Courtney Greene, DePaul Univ. Lib., Chicago

Williams, Terrie M. Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting; Real Talk for When There’s Nowhere To Go but Up. Scribner. Jan. 2008. c.352p. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-7432-9882-7. $24. PSYCH

A trained social worker and active public relations executive, Williams writes with the thesis that mental illness (depression in particular) manifests itself differently among African Americans as compared to the dominant culture. In order to explore differences in signs, symptoms, and treatment, the author provides case studies, research findings, and notes on her own battle with depression. Chapters include culturally relevant topics like the role of the black church in fostering mental health and descriptions of the differences in depression among African American men, women, and youth. Reasons for the minority group’s historical distrust of the medical establishment are also discussed. The author reviews standard therapies and medications for depression and argues for greater community support for the mentally ill and the need for more African Americans to enter the mental health field. A useful list of references is provided. This readable book provides a good, basic introduction to depression with many insightful and intriguing anecdotes; its perspective is unique and thought-provoking. Recommended for large public libraries and mental health collections.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN


Week of November 20

Nonfiction | Graphic Novels 

Nonfiction

Baird, Lori & Yankee Magazine Eds. Don’t Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew, and Reuse To Make Things Last. Rodale. Dec. 2007. c.400p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-59486-577-0. pap. $17.95. HOME ECON

Just as she did with her contributions to Earl Proulx’s Yankee Magazine Vinegar, Duct Tape, Milk Jugs & More, Baird here helps readers maximize the value of items found inside and outside their homes. "Make It Last" maintenance tips are accompanied by "Fix It Fast" tips for those situations where an inexpensive repair (such as cleaning a cell phone’s battery contacts with an eraser) will add life to a favorite possession. Frugal readers will appreciate sidebars suggesting when to retire an item and offering vital information on buying things new. The environmentally conscious will embrace the "Pass It Along" tips found in every chapter, which offer disposal advice for troublesome devices like electronics and suggest organizations that accept donations of used items like sports equipment. Many clever and sometimes whimsical ways to reuse items take repurposing to a level beyond Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer’s Decorating Junkmarket Style. This book is fun to browse, and the extensive index helps readers locate applicable tips. Recommended for public libraries.—Bonnie Poquette, Milwaukee

Bertoldi, Concetta. Do Dead People Watch You Shower?: And Other Questions You’ve Been All but Dying To Ask a Medium. Harper: HarperCollins. Dec. 2007. c.256p. ISBN 978-0-06-135122-8. pap. $13.95. PARAPSYCH

A medium to the rich and famous, Bertoldi aims to answer questions that are often posed to her, e.g., "What happens to us when we die?"; "How do you deal with skeptics?"; and "What kind of messages are most common?" Bertoldi’s responses are usually short and always sweet, funny, and reassuring. There is some biographical information and stories regarding her work, but most of the book revolves around what she has learned from the dead about the afterlife. She believes that when we die, we know and understand what our purpose was in our lifetime, we become pure energy, and are one with God. According to her, our loved ones’ attempts to communicate with us usually involve their need to tell us they love us and sometimes to ask for forgiveness. Endorsed by best-selling author and psychic James van Praagh, Bertoldi conveys much of the same information found in other books by mediums regarding what she does and how she does it. What makes her stand out areher personality and positive energy, which shines throughout. An engaging, life-affirming read for those interested in mediums and the afterlife in public libraries.—Mary E. Jones, Los Angeles P.L.

Mank, Gregory William with Charles Heard & Bill Nelson. Hollywood’s Hellfire Club: The Misadventures of John Barrymore, W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn and "The Bundy Drive Boys." Feral House. Dec. 2007. c.374p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-932595-24-6. pap. $22.95. FILM

This well-researched, breezily written history of the seamy side of golden age Hollywood focuses on a cadre of actors, artists, and writers whose friendship revolved around the Bundy Drive home of painter (and gleeful art forger) John Decker. These men lived fast lives of booze and bad behavior, self-destructive passions, and self-defeating whims and addictions. Mank (Hollywood Cauldron; Women in Horror Films, 1930s), along with Bundy Drive collectors and historians Heard and Nelson, has created a work that does not deflate the myths around the men as much as it substantiates and clarifies them. Readers hear about the day W.C. Fields’s famous nose actually exploded and the origin of the phrase "in like Flynn" and get a glimpse of the vaguely frightening "first Bohemian," Sadakichi Hartmann. The book is well illustrated with stills of the actors and prints of Decker’s art. All in all, this is a slightly trashy, thoroughly delightful historical work. Highly recommended for all collections.—Christian Zabriskie, Queens Borough P.L., NY

Quintero Del Rio, Ana I., M.D. Lupus: A Patient’s Guide for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Lifestyle. Hilton. 2007. c.208p. illus. ISBN 978-0-9743144-3-3. pap. $16.95. HEALTH

Lupus can be a devastating disease, affecting between 1.5 and 2 million people in the United States. Quintero, formerly the assistant professor of biology at the Oklahoma University Medical Center, briefly describes causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. Complications of the skin, eyes, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, muscles and joints, nervous system, and blood are outlined. Drug therapies, current research, and clinical trials also receive short attention. The challenges of living with lupus in terms of attitude, physical activity, and diet are mentioned. Since the disease primarily affects women, a chapter on pregnancy is included. The largest single section of the book is devoted to patients’ resources, including the Internet and national organizations. The bibliography is fairly extensive but outdated, with over 75 percent of the citations older than 2000. The language used is very clinical and at a high reading level; combined with the content, the book provides a very scary picture for readers. Not recommended; a better choice would be Hanger’s The First Year: Lupus, an Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hosp., Tampa

[star]Sears, Robert W., M.D. The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. Little, Brown. Nov. 2007. 304p. index. ISBN 978-0-316-01750-3. pap. $13.99. HEALTH

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 12 different vaccinations for safeguarding a child’s health. Many parents, however, have heard about complications arising from immunizations or just question their necessity. In this helpful manual, pediatrician Sears attempts to clarify these issues, using a Q&A format to explain each vaccine’s purpose, ingredients, and possible side effects, as well as the seriousness and prevalence of the disease that it prevents. He lists reasons to get each one and the reasons that some people opt not to get them. He concludes each chapter with his opinion on whether or not parents should have their baby or child vaccinated. Robert Sears is the son of Williams Sears, also a pediatrician and the author of many baby books through the years. This excellent book is easy to understand and covers all of the questions parents have, even the controversial ones regarding autism and thimerosal, the hepatitis B vaccine for infants, and the new human papilloma virus vaccine for girls. Highly recommended for public and consumer health libraries.—Elizabeth Williams, Washoe Cty. Lib. Syst., Reno, Nevada

Stafford, David. Endgame, 1945: The Missing Final Chapter of World War II. Little, Brown. Nov. 2007. 608p. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-316-10980-2. $26.99. HIST

Stafford (project director, Ctr. for the Study of the Two World Wars, Univ. of Edinburgh; Ten Days to D-Day) chronicles the last months of World War II, beginning with April 20, 1945, Hitler’s last birthday, and ending with the Potsdam Conference on July 16, 1945. Stafford’s account makes it clear that wars do not end once the fighting has stopped. Here, he brings to light the end of the war in Europe through the gripping stories of nine courageous men and women whose primary goal was to ensure the defeat of the Nazis. Both civilians and military personnel, these people had jobs as soldiers, officers, a war correspondent, and a refugee worker, among others. Through these individuals, Stafford focuses on the chaos that raged on after the Germans finally surrendered, as misplaced persons, the wounded, and the walking dead struggled to begin new lives amid the ruins of Europe. Stafford draws on personal interviews, diaries, and other documents to make this a compelling read. Highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Troy Reed, Southeast Regional Lib., Gilbert, AZ

Unmarried Couples with Children. Russell Sage Fdn. 2007. c.208p. ed. by Paul England & Kathryn Edin. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-87154-285-4. $42.50. SOC SCI

Editors England (sociology, Stanford Univ.) and Edin (public policy, Kennedy Sch. at Harvard) have previously authored a substantial body of scholarly work in this and related areas of sociological and policy research. Their introduction creates context for the remaining chapters—selective, in-depth analyses of the four-year longitudinal qualitative study Time, Love and Cash Among Couples with Children (TLC3). Working with more than 1200 pages of transcript for each of the 75 focal couples (48 unmarried and 27 married), chapter authors—doctoral students, faculty and researchers—effectively mine this wealth of dynamic process information to explore issues such as paternal involvement with children and factors that influence decisions to marry or break up. TLC3 is embedded within and informed by the larger quantitative survey Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing, which sampled births to approximately 3700 unmarried and 1200 married couples in 20 large urban areas. Since one-third of U.S. births are to unmarried parents, this is an area of significant interest to policy makers and researchers; consequently, this volume will be a useful addition to academic collections supporting sociology or social policy programs.—Paula McMillen, Oregon State Univ. Libs., Corvallis

Graphic Novels

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus. Vol. 2. Dark Horse. 2007. 296p. ISBN 978-1-59307-826-3. pap. $24.95. F

In this second volume of the Omnibus series—collecting various issues of the ongoing series and accompanying miniseries—the history of the titular television character is further expanded and enhanced. While Vol. 1 laid the groundwork for the characterization of Buffy and her supporting cast and delineated the rules of her specific monster-filled fantasy universe, Vol. 2 is more squarely aimed at fans of the television series who already know who Buffy Summers is and what she has done, requiring knowledge to past on-screen events. As in the first volume, the seven tales presented here are quite varied. Of the two longest stories, "A Stake to the Heart" features some of the most beautiful art, with fascinating character concepts in alternating sequences of realistically inked lines and phantasmagoric paintings, yet the story is light on plot; by contrast, "Ring of Fire" illustrates a complex and fast-paced plot with standard art that might be found in any superhero comic book, down to the well-endowed, cookie-cutter female figures. The other stories range from whimsical, animated-style vignettes to haunting vampire-centric tales with a chiaroscuro visual style. All in all, the collection is solidly entertaining, serving up something for everyone, most especially for those who have seen every episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and hunger for more in the same vein. Suitable for teens.—Dale W. Glaser, Sterling, VA

Byung-Jun, Byun. Run, Bong-Gu, Run! NBM. 2007. 111p. tr. from Korean by Joe Johnson. ISBN 978-1-56163-501-6. pap. $15.95. F

Upon arriving at the train station in Seoul, South Korea, Bong-Gu and his mother set off in search of Bong-Gu’s father, who had come to the city months before in search of work. An old homeless man and his granddaughter escort the two to the missing father’s place of work, where they discover that the father had lost his job weeks before and has not been seen since. Recognizing the father from the photograph being passed around, the homeless man reunites the family, and they all must decide if they will return to their small island home or remain in Seoul. The story is told from the point of view of Bong-Gu—a small, outgoing boy—who makes a hopeful story out of what would otherwise be a grim tale of life on the fringes of society. Although short, this manhwa is not slight, and the hopeful ending is sweet without being cloying. Changing from gray scale when Bong-Gu is observing his surroundings to full color when he begins interacting with the different characters, the art is done in a photorealistic style that showcases both the grim coldness of a big city street and the beauty of a modern skyline. This title has a slightly larger trim size than most manga and manhwa and includes two critical essays at the end. Although there’s nothing objectionable contentwise here, the book’s sophisticated, New Yorker feel recommends it for adult collections.—Eva Volin, Alameda Free Lib., CA

Carey, Mike (text) & Jim Fern (illus.). Crossing Midnight. Vol. 1. Vertigo: DC Comics. 2007. 122p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1341-1. pap. $9.99. F

This story concerns a kami, or spirit, that occupies everyday objects. Kami Aratsu is the lord of the knives—lots and lots of knives and sharp, pointy things—that’s a good hint as to why there’s a "mature readers" label. Kai and Toshi Hara are twins, born within minutes of each other on either side of midnight, living in modern-day Nagasaki, Japan. One night, Aratsu comes to claim as his servant Toshi, who is immune to being cut by any sharp object. Toshi refuses to go with Aratsu, which leads to fatal consequences, graphically depicted, for the family dog. Aratsu warns that he will only ask for Toshi’s service two more times with dire consequences for each refusal. Kai, who has witnessed Aratsu’s visit, attempts to aid his sister and meets other mysterious beings along the way as well as discovers that their father has fallen afoul of the Yakuza. The story moves quickly, pulling in the reader as more facets of the tale are revealed; this fantasy/horror story is told with attractive comic-style art in full color. Panels are drawn clearly, often with simple line work, although certain scenes are highly detailed when appropriate. A fascinating start to the series; it will be interesting to see where the creators take us next. Owing to graphic violence (lots and lots of knives!) and some sexuality, this book is recommended for older teens and adults.—Keith Srutowski, Lexington, KY

Chrono, Nanae. Peace Maker. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 196p. tr. from Japanese by Michelle Kobayashi. ISBN 978-1-4278-0075-6. pap. $9.99. F

The Ichimura brothers’ parents have been brutally murdered, and 15-year-old Tetsu follows his older brother into the Shinsengumi (a savage, special police force in Kyoto) to avenge their deaths. But Tetsu’s martial skills are overshadowed by his enthusiasm during a "duel" with the effeminate Okita Souji, one of the most expert swordsmen in the Shinsengumi. Although Tetsu loses, he is finally allowed to join as Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizou’s attendant. The question remains, however, if Tetsu can reconcile his new life in the merciless Shinsengumi with his late father’s wish that he become a "Peace Maker." Comparisons to Rurouni Kenshin are inevitable: each occur during roughly the same time period, tell stories of swords and samurai, and include the Shinsengumi. However, Peace Maker bases many of its characters on actual historical members of that corps, including Hijikata, Okita, Nagakura, Harada, and Tetsu himself. Although the fights can be bloody, Peace Maker is not without its share of comedy—Harada Sanosuke’s penchant for showing off the large scar on his abdomen from an unsuccessful seppuku attempt, Okita’s recalcitrant pet piglet Saizou’s antics, and Tetsu’s attempt at being a geisha spy. This fast-paced manga was the basis for an anime series (Peace Maker Kurogane) and should appeal to fans of Rurouni Kenshin, as well as older teen and adult readers of Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond series (see the reviews of Vol. 1 and Vol. 24) and the works of Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub, etc.).—Don Boozer, Cleveland P.L.

Claremont, Chris (text) & Paul Pelletier (illus.). Exiles. Vol. 15: Enemy of the State. Marvel. 2007. 120p. ISBN 978-0-7851-2390-3. pap. $13.99. F

In this volume of the popular Exiles series, an ongoing version of the infrequent What If…? titles in which familiar characters are twisted into new incarnations, Claremont (Uncanny X-Men) takes control of the popular series, sending Power Princess back to her dimension and thrusting X-Man Psylocke into the action as the newest member of the team’s lineup. Sabretooth needs her help to rescue Blink, Longshot, and Spider-Man from the deadly grip of Sue Storm, head of Hydra, her lover Wolverine, and the assassins of The Hand. Psylocke brings her own baggage to the team when she tries to kill Sabretooth on sight; an expected twist since her version of Sabretooth has almost killed her twice. And her run-in with the top assassin of The Hand, Slaymaster, brings back bad memories since her version blinded Psylocke once upon a time. Claremont and Pelletier (She-Hulk; Negation) bring to mind Claremont’s team-ups with Alan Davis (Excalibur). Luckily, readers don’t need to know the extensive backstories of the Exiles to enjoy the series (although it helps!), but with Sabretooth on board, this volume is recommended for older teens and adults in libraries where the series is popular.—Melanie C. Duncan, Washington Memorial Lib., Macon, GA

Coda, Gakuto (text) & Rei Mutsuki (illus.). Missing—Kamikakushi no Monogatari. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Nan Rymer. ISBN 978-1-4278-0066-4. pap. $9.99. F

The members of the high school Literature Club call their leader Kyoichi Utsume "His Majesty, Lord of Darkness" and spend a great deal of time gossiping about his mysterious ways. When Kyoichi, who has denounced love as a poisonous illusion, shows up at school with a spooky girlfriend, his friends are understandably confused and suspicious. Then Kyoichi suddenly vanishes one night on a dark street corner. His friends raise the alarm and speculate about the possibility that his girlfriend was a ghost; the Literature Club knows that their somewhat "emo" leader has been interested in "the other side" since a creepy encounter in his youth. This gothic mystery has elements of horror, but it is refreshingly sprinkled with humor: Kyoichi is teasingly referred to as "Baron Von Blackheart" and "Count Gloomenstein" by his friends. The artwork is dark and eerie, and although the plot is sometimes painfully slow, the first volume successfully sets up the back story and establishes Kyoichi’s obsession with ghosts. A short preview of the novel series upon which this manga is based is included. The series is rated ages 13+ because of mild language and disturbing imagery. Recommended for libraries with large manga collections and devoted readers of mystery and horror.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City

Dini, Paul & Judd Winick (text) & Ronnie Del Carmen & others (illus.). Batman: Harley and Ivy. DC Comics. 2007. 136p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1333-6. pap. $14.99. F

Bruce Timm and Dini revitalized animation with Batman: The Animated Series 15 years ago, and it’s great to see their work again in this volume. They have paired up Poison Ivy with their creation Harley Quinn to make a madcap criminal duo unlike what we’ve seen before. This volume has several standalone stories that share a humorous tone—jail serves as an important touchstone for these two as they bicker, escape, plan capers that often backfire, and usually find themselves right back in jail. Of the five stories, the second one by Winick and Joe Chiodo is the most unusual, primarily because of the mature, painted artwork. Timm handles the artwork on most of the book, and his clean lines and cartoon style better suit the tone. That said, if we can apply the term fan service to American comics, this book has more of it than a typical copy of Love Hina. Normally, we put the DC Comics animated books in our juvenile collection, but this one is more for teens because of the sexual innuendos and gratuitous panty shots. Libraries with Batman or DC Comics fans should definitely consider this volume—just keep it in your teen section.—Mark D. Richardson, Cedar Mill Community Lib., Portland

Ennis, Garth (text) & Colin Wilson (illus.). Battler Britton. Wildstorm: DC. 2007. 116p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1378-7. pap. $19.99. F

Ennis is ubiquitous on the comics scene for his hard-boiled crime and military fiction (e.g., the staggering 303 and his work on Marvel’s Punisher, Ghost Rider, and Nick Fury titles), as well as his literately grotesque and hilariously snarky original series (e.g., The Boys; Chronicles of Wormwood). By reviving Battler Britton, Ennis gives the titular British comic strip World War II–era flying ace his first new series (its five issues are collected here) in over 30 years, and it’s a red-blooded adventure that delivers old-school war movie thrills in the vein of The Battle of Britain and The Great Escape. In it, Battler’s squadron joins up with an American unit to challenge Hitler’s forces in North Africa circa 1942. The limeys and Yanks make an uneasy match, but they’ll need to get over that if they expect to survive their missions and deal with a nasty surprise awaiting them in the desert. Ennis writes with customary grit and obvious enthusiasm for the character; the artwork is gorgeous and finely detailed, and the reproductions of the stunning cover art are like the icing on the gravy. Battler Britton is neither original nor essential, but it’s too bad we don’t get more comics like it these days. Recommended for general library graphic novel collections; the violence and profanity are not excessive and suitable for YA readers and up. Libraries wishing to bolster their World War II collections are also advised to check out Ennis’s two mature-readers War Stories collections from Vertigo.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB

Feehan, Christine. Dark Hunger. Berkley: Penguin Group (USA). 2007. 208p. ISBN 978-0-425-21783-2. pap. $10. F

This manga rephrasing of a novella from Hot Blooded, Dark Hunger tells the story of a female shape-shifter and her Carpathian lifemate. A beautiful woman breaks into a facility to rescue animals from experiments and inadvertently rescues the imprisoned vampire Riordan—a good vampire, a Carpathian, and one that falls in love at first bite with his rescuer. Riordan and his female rescuer, Juliette, form a partnership, with Riordan utterly committed and Juliette needing a little courting, which he accomplishes while hunting the bad vampire who captured him and by rescuing Juliette’s female family from evil leopard men. The Carpathian series by Feehan is a best-selling spin on the vampire myth, recasting them as heroic immortals who protect humanity from vampires and who fall in eternal love at first sight with beautiful psychics. Feehan’s novels are erotic romance, but this tamed manga only hints at sexual congress. Dark Hunger also riffs on Tarzan and The Island of Dr. Moreau by rakishly ripping the clothing of the jungle adventurers and providing satyr-style male shape-shifters. With the exception of the exquisite depiction of various great cats, most of the frames and poses look like typical romance novel covers. Dark Hunger may not win manga readers to the Carpathian series, and the manga may only be a curiosity to devotees of the Carpathian series; if requested, purchase for adult romance collections and satisfy the readership for this manga.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton

Fujisawa, Tohru. GTO: The Early Years—Shonan Junai Gumi. Vol. 4. Tokyopop. 2007. 376p. tr. from Japanese by Christopher North. ISBN 978-1-59816-297-4. pap. $12.99. F

This precursor to GTO follows Eikichi Onizuka during his wild bosozoku days. Onizuka and his best friend, Ryuji Danma, are the infamous Oni-Baku—riding around on their motorcycles, Oni-Baku are legends for never losing a fight or standing down to anyone. When they transfer to a new high school, they attempt to reinvent themselves as average Joes in order to attract the girls and lose their virginity. Comedy ensues as these two try to pick up girls, while other thugs try to take down the notorious Oni-Baku. Especially brutal, Vol. 4 makes high school in Japan look like the Wild West: when a freshman at a rival high school hires a former convict to beat up the Oni-Baku, he lets the ex-con rape his girlfriend as part of the payment. With Danma quitting school and planning on getting married, Onizuka decides to take on this fight alone. Can Onizuka win, or will he be forced to bow down in front of everyone? The art is rough, befitting the fast pacing, and the story line shifts between over-the-top hormone humor and the bloody violence of high school turf wars. In Japan, this series was published before GTO; however, some of the drama is lost knowing that Onizuka and Danma will survive all their escapades due to its later publication here. Rated ages 18+, this raunchy title contains extreme violence, profanity, crude humor, and sexually explicit scenes—and the cringe factor of a bad teen sex comedy. Although readers of GTO will naturally be interested in this title, GTO is the better series. Not recommended.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA

Huston, Charlie (text) & David Finch (illus.). Moon Knight. Vol. 1: The Bottom. Marvel. 2007. 152p. ISBN 978-0-7851-1907-4. pap. $14.99. F

Moon Knight fans will appreciate Huston’s relaunch of this Marvel hero. Vol. 1 reintroduces Marc Spector, now a beat-down, out-of-commission, wheelchair-bound superhero whose crippled legs keep him addicted to painkillers. Here, Huston, a best-selling noir crime novelist, pays apt homage to writer Doug Moench—creator of Moon Knight in the 1970s—with a grim, grisly tale combining elements of the supernatural skillfully woven into a superhero story. Moon Knight, often relegated to the B-list in the Marvel Universe, was killed off in his previous run, but Huston takes features from Moench’s origin stories (many illustrated by noted artist Bill Sienkiewicz), such as the Egyptian god Khonshu, multiple identities, and a compelling supporting cast, and plausibly works the material into the present day. Spector, who dies in a tomb during an archaeological dig, is resurrected by Konshu as Moon Knight. He serves as hero for a while, becoming part of the Avengers and West Coast Avengers. Huston recaps the traditional Marvel history of the character in small flashbacks, putting his own marvelous stamp on many plot details, including the committee who gave Spector the costume in the first origin story in Werewolf by Night. Huston’s short afterword is a fantastic addition to Moon Knight lore and comics writing in general. Spectacular art by Finch complements Huston’s script perfectly, providing grainy, gritty pencils that reveal Spector’s sordid past, his mental instability, and his battles with demons and gods in his head. Finch, inker Danny Miki, and colorist Frank D’Armata provide heavy, moody shadows along with copious amounts of blood, teeth, and gore. Because of graphic violence and adult themes and subject matter, this is best suited for older audiences.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI

Inagaki, Riichiro (text) & Yusuke Murata. Eyeshield 21. Vol. 16: Dawn of the Time-Out. Viz Media. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Craig & Hime Kingsley & HC Language Solutions, Inc. ISBN 978-1-4215-1065-1. pap. $7.99. F

Wimpy little Sena Kobayakawa has spent all his life running away from and running errands for school bullies. But Sena hopes to "find his backbone" upon entering high school and become something more than the fastest gopher in the city—he’s recruited to the school’s football team, the Deimon Devil Bats. Given a tinted eye shield and a mysterious persona as a Japanese student transferring from Notre Dame junior high school, Sena is transformed into "Eyeshield 21," a football ace with supernatural speed. In Vol. 16, the upstart Deimon Devil Bats have managed to advance in the Fall Kanto football tournament and now they face the powerhouse Seibu Wild Gunmen. Every point matters and without a kicker, the Devil Bats’ dream of making it to the championship Christmas Bowl may be coming to an end. The terrific writing cleverly blends poignant drama, football basics, and grid-iron action. The Devil Bats’ diabolical quarterback, Yoichi Hiruma, claims football is all about intimidation. However, Eyeshield 21 delivers a fresh and entertaining take on all the standard sports clichés. The superb art is similar to Akira Toriyama’s style (e.g., Dragonball Z; Dr. Slump), with every inch filled with details and no gag left unseen. Rated ages 16+ for crude humor and fantasy violence; Hiruma uses gunfire to punctuate his statements. While there is a fair amount of trash talking, profanity is minimal—mostly Hiruma’s constant use of "damn." This manga is currently at Vol. 26 in Japan and going strong and is highly recommended for older teens.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA

Kim, Jae-Hwan. War Angels. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 192p. ISBN 978-1-4278-0188-3. pap. $9.99. F

In this postapocalyptic manhwa set in 2504, humankind struggles for survival under the domination of a race of warrior man-beasts called Beastarians, who had been originally genetically engineered to fight human’s wars. In their desperation, humans have turned to religion and a belief in a "Post-Testament" prophesy that a savior will be born to lead them out of their servitude. The story opens with the assembly of three archangels, humans with supernatural powers, to rescue the "Holy Mother," who has become the captive of a Beastarian lord; battles ensue with the promise of many more to come. The artwork, while well drawn, is dark with a stock manga quality: plenty of cleavage, bulging muscles, monsters, weapons, and chibi figures. There is clearly a Christian overtone with crosses, bishopric priests, and nuns in habits. The religious connotations may be troubling to some fundamentalists Christians and off-putting to some non-Christians. Violence and sexual imagery put this manga solidly in the older teen age group.—Gretchen Schroeder, Woodlynde Sch. Lib., Stafford, PA

Lemelman, Martin. Mendel's Daughter: A Memoir. Free Pr: S. & S. 2007. 217p. ISBN 978-1-4165-5221-5. pap. $12. F

In this captivating story of one woman’s survival in Poland during World War II, Lemelmen (communication design, Kutztown Univ.) tells of his mother Gusta and how she and a few siblings managed to deal with a horrifying situation and survive. The author also gives readers a glimpse of Gusta’s growing up in Poland, her family, and how some died because of the Nazis, but also how some of them survived and ended up in the United States. The real heart of the story is Gusta’s distinct way of speaking (the sprinkling of Yiddish words in her sentences), which Lemelman does a great job of reproducing. Her unique voice makes the reader wish she were in front of them telling her story personally. The paperback version includes an author interview and a reading group guide. Also, the author’s web site is a delight for those interested in more information. Drawn in black and white and mixed with photographs and mementos of Gusta’s life, Mendel’s Daughter is a heartbreaking and fascinating story. Highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Melissa Aho, Univ. of Minnesota Lib., Minneapolis

Mina, Denise (text) & Leonardo Manco (illus.). John Constantine, Hellblazer: The Red Right Hand. Vertigo: DC Comics. 2007. 144p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1342-8. pap. $14.99. F

Glasgow, Scotland, is quarantined when there’s an outbreak of "extreme empathy"—people there now feel each other’s emotions so strongly that at best they are driven to madness and at worst suffer sudden heart failure. Fortunately, mystic con artist John Constantine is immune (thanks to his chronic nihilism or his previous trips to Hell itself). Unfortunately, he’s not interested in helping…at least until his cigarettes run out. The dialog here is very good; the story contains all the horror and dark humor fans of the series expect, and Mina has a good grasp of Constantine’s antiheroic character. Moody and expressive, Manco’s art is composed in dynamic and interesting ways, with great layouts and restricted use of color. However, The Red Right Hand is the direct sequel to Empathy Is the Enemy, but there is no mention of the former volume’s chronology on the cover—or the interior for that matter—and it begins with an unrelated, one-shot filler story ("Season of the Zealot"). Reader’s familiar with the series may be able to work their way through in spite of these issues, but those new to the characters will likely have a difficult time. Although this volume by itself is entertaining, it’s best collected as part of the entire series. Earlier collected volumes of Hellblazer would better serve as a starting point for libraries beginning to acquire the series. Most suitable for adult graphic novel collections owing to frequent use of adult language, mature themes, and horrific imagery.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH

Mitsuse, Ryu (text) & Keiko Takemiya (illus.). Andromeda Stories. Vol. 1. Vertical. 2007. c.208p. tr. from Japanese by Magnolia Steele. ISBN 978-1-932234-84-8. pap. $11.95. F

Following the translation of Keiko Takemiya’s To Terra… comes the first of the three-volume Andromeda Stories series. Takemiya is known as one of the pioneers of shojo manga, but this collaboration with male sf author Mitsuse does not, so far, fit the shojo label. Part sf, part fantasy, it mixes planes and "living machines" with swords and dragons. The story takes place on a peaceful planet called Astria, where on the evening of the marriage of Prince Ithaca and Princess Lilia a group of living machines from space secretly start their invasion. This volume introduces the setting, characters, and the theme—a clash between man and machine, nature and technology. Many classic fantasy and sf tropes are put to use: the mysterious yet friendly alien warrior, the wise old hermit in the woods, separated twins, and prophesies. A surprising number of parallels can be drawn with Star Wars, though Andromeda Stories is considerably darker in tone. Takemiya’s art is slightly old school (it dates from 1980), with its combination of contemporary shojo and classic Tezuka (Phoenix, Buddha) style, mixing realism, wide-eyed women, and cartoony humor. Any first volume is hard to judge, but based on the potential of the story, the historical place of the creator, and Vertical’s excellent publishing record for manga, this volume is recommended for all manga collections. The ages 13+ rating is earned for violence, very rare partial nudity (female), and one mostly abstract sex scene, but the story itself is more likely to appeal to older readers anyway.—Derik A. Badman, Temple Univ. Libs., Philadelphia

Pierce, Tamora & Timothy Liebe (text) & Phil Briones & others (illus.). White Tiger: A Hero’s Compulsion. Marvel. 2007. 144p. ISBN 978-0-7851-2273-9. pap. $14.99. F

The Jade Tiger amulets of Kun L’un have been mysteriously delivered to Angela del Toro, who has now inherited the power of the White Tiger, a title that once belonged to her uncle Hector Ayala. Part of a long-lost, enchanted statue from the mystical city of K’un Lun, the amulets endow their wearer with enhanced physical abilities and martial arts skills. Leaving the FBI in order to understand the amulets better, Angela struggles to come to terms with her new life as a "costume" but is mentored along the way by characters from the Marvel Universe. In this trade paperback collecting the first issues of White Tiger, Angela stumbles upon an organization known as Chaeyi, an international crime syndicate now assisting terrorists to gain entry into the United States and which has ties to the Yakuza that involve the man responsible for the murder of her former FBI partner. Scripted by prose fantasist Pierce, the storytelling is disjointed and quick-cutting at times, but the story itself is thrilling and fast-paced. This character was developed from the Brian Michael Bendis run for Daredevil, and fans of that title will appreciate this character and the story. The artwork is light and clean and portrays the city of New York and the characters of the Marvel Universe in a distinctive light. Ideal for teens, White Tiger features a strong female protagonist, is brimming with great artwork and an interesting story, and is recommended for all collections.—James LeFager, Free Lib. of Philadelphia

Rucka, Greg & Ed Brubaker (text) & Kano (illus.). Gotham Central. Vol. 5: Dead Robin. DC Comics. 2007. 184p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1329-9. pap. $17.99. F

Rucka teams up with Brubaker to write the "Dead Robin" story in this collection, which follows the GCPD Major Crimes Unit as it tracks a killer who is dressing up his victims as the Boy Wonder. Of course, Batman and Robin have their separate cameos, as do the Teen Titans, Starfire, and Lois Lane. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" takes place during the Infinite Crisis period and follows detectives Crispus Allen and Renee Montoya as they simply try to survive and reunite with their loved ones when the Seven Deadly Sins are unleashed on Gotham. "Corrigan 2" again stars Allen and Montoya as they take on dirty cop Jim Corrigan in their own respective way. Corrigan guns down Allen before the detective can make his case, then both Montoya and the case against Corrigan proceed to come unraveled. The art is dark, as befits both Gotham City and the gritty feel of these stories. The starkness of the "Corrigan 2" story line even features a few pages of black-and-white panels. This book should satisfy teen fans both of superhero fare and of police procedurals.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids

Slade, Christian. Korgi. Book 1. Top Shelf Productions. 2007. c.84p. ISBN 978-1-891830-907. pap. $10. F

Billed as the first in a new series of all-ages graphic novels, Korgi introduces us to the fantasy land of Korgi Hollow, a forested area inhabited by woodfolk called Mollies and a race of foxlike dogs called Korgies. Other creatures also live in Korgi Hollow, such as Lump, a giant, lizardlike beast that protects the residents from the monsters that inhabit the surrounding woods. Ivy, a young Mollie, and Korgi Sprout wander into the woods and run afoul of Gallump, one of the monsters living there. Fortunately, both Ivy and Sprout are more than they appear to be and display hidden talents when they need them most. While this first adventure is self-contained, it does present us with glimpses of characters and events that will most likely be explained and developed in future volumes. The black-and-white art is done in a beautiful, highly detailed pen-and-ink style. The Korgies are drawn realistically, although human expressions are allowed to play out on their faces. The story is told without any words, except for an opening introduction and an introduction to the characters presented after the story. While this is an all-ages story, a few scary moments with Ivy and Sprout among the monsters may be a bit intense for the youngest readers. Korgi is a promising initial offering in the always welcome category of books for readers of all ages.—Keith Srutowski, Lexington, KY

Winick, Judd (text) & others (illus.). Outsiders. Vol. 6: Pay As You Go. DC Comics. 2007. 159p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1366-4. pap. $14.99. F

In the conclusion to the "Mad Scientists" story line that begins this volume, the Outsiders learn that they have been manipulated from their inception by the evil genius Dr. Sivana. They escape from him but not before he invites them to join him in his quest to dominate Earth. This volume is told entirely in flashbacks and follows the incarceration and prison break of Black Lightning, team member Thunder’s father. Although Thunder and Grace begin a lesbian relationship, there’s no sex on stage during this story arc. The highlight of the story is, of course, the fight between the Outsiders, aided by Black Lightning and Captain Boomerang, Jr., against a prison full of metahuman bad guys, prison guards, and a warden with a secret. By the end, readers will understand the Outsiders’ reasons for going underground and their current lineup. There are quite a few changes in the art, but none of it disappoints, and it is interesting to get a variety of takes on the characters. Fans of the series will be glad to see this volume, and with the double backstory, this makes a good place for new readers to start. Lesbian relationship aside, it’s appropriate for teens ages 13+.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids

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