Audio

-- Library Journal, 4/1/2008

Fiction | Nonfiction

Fiction

Set mostly on the Upper West Side of New York City in the 1970s, Brownstein's 2002 debut collection ranges from the unusual to the bizarre, with nine linked accounts of Davie Birnbaum's friends and neighbors. The title story, reworked from F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1922 version, tells of Benjamin Button, a young man living his life backwards, being born old and then gradually growing younger. Despite this odd premise, the characters' motivations and actions seem perfectly believable. With echoes of Icarus, there is the tale of the frightening proctologist who straps wings on his son and pushes him off the roof. Davie relates in "Wakefield, 7E," the story of Mr. Wakefield, who fakes his own death, then moves across the street and spends his time spying on his wife and children. Perhaps the most poignant tale is that of Davie's friend and childhood ringleader Kevin McMichaelman, who turned mad at 17. Several years later and feeling guilty over not having been more supportive toward Kevin, Davie visits him, now a docent in the family home he has converted into a weird museum. The strange blend of humor, place, and memory in these works is powerful and entertaining. Scott Brick's reading makes even the most eccentric character credible. Recommended for large public libraries. [Fitzgerald's story was rereleased in paper in 2007, and Brad Pitt and other biggies are slated for the film version, due out later this year. Also available as downloadable audio.—Ed.]—Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo

It's shaping up to be an annus horribilis for 29-year-old Emily Haxby, a Harvard Law School graduate and budding Manhattan attorney. Sensing that Andrew, her doctor boyfriend, is about to propose, she dumps him, only to be tormented and mystified by her own actions. Not only is Andrew smart, funny, handsome, and devoted, but she still loves him. Emily's career at a high-powered law firm is plagued by an excruciating workload, corporate cases that trample the little guy, and sexual harassment via a senior partner during a business trip. Her beloved grandfather plunges into dementia and is diagnosed with terminal cancer; her relationship with her father, her sole other relative, is chilly and empty. These junctures spur Emily's self-examination and inspire her to rewrite her life before irreparably sabotaging her ideals and her love life. Actress/singer Emily Janice Card reads Buxbaum's debut with the crisp, unsentimental confidence of a self-contained career woman, enjoining the listener as an ally to root for Emily's turnaround. Recommended for romance and light fiction collections. [Also available as downloadable audio.—Ed.]—Judith Robinson, Univ. at Buffalo

"Cranky Agnes" Crandall is a food writer living in an antebellum mansion in a small Southern town. She and her fiancé, fellow foodie Tyler, bought the house from mob widow Brenda Fortunato with plans to use it as a venue for parties and weddings. Their first big event is the wedding of Maria Fortunato, Brenda's granddaughter. The week before the wedding, someone breaks into Agnes's house, falls down a flight of hidden steps to a basement Agnes knew nothing about, and dies. Shane and Carpenter, two tall, handsome hit men, show up to investigate. Who sent the intruder? Who sent Shane and Carpenter? Why does Brenda want to stop Maria's wedding? This complex plot of a sassy romance rolls merrily along, and each time it seems that Maria's wedding is headed in one direction, the plans turn in another. Narrator Sandra Burr conveys Southern and Jersey-mobster accents and the echoing interior admonishment of Agnes's psychiatrist with great skill. This second merger by authors Crusie and Mayer, published in summer 20007, is lots of fun for fans of chick lit.—Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion-Benton P.L., IL

Gabaldon's latest Lord John Grey offering is a collection of three novellas. In "Lord John and the Hellfire Club," John is asked for help by a distressed diplomat, but the man is murdered before they can meet to discuss the particulars. John's investigation into the murder leads to a debauched secret society. John must search out a night-hag and solve a murder while dealing with a treacherous gypsy in "Lord John and the Succubus." Back in England, in "Lord John and the Haunted Soldier," our hero faces an inquiry into why the cannon he manned while fighting abroad mysteriously exploded. Gabaldon again proves she has mastered the English 18th century: the flowery elegance of its aristocratic language, elaborate social customs, and darker sexual underside. She makes the novella format—called by Stephen King in Different Seasons, "an ill-defined and disreputable literary banana republic"—work here, depicting both a man's private sexual demons and his bland public countenance. Actor Jeff Woodman brings an experience of dialects and accents to this narration; his elegant diction for Lord John is a clever contrast to his Cockney-flavored rendering of John's valet. Recommended for historic mystery collections. [Gabaldon won the 2006 Quill Award for A Breath of Snow and Ashes.—Ed.]—David Faucheux, Louisiana Audio Information & Reading Svc., Lafayette

Superagent Charley Castillo is back in this fourth book of Griffin's "Presidential Agent" series (e.g., The Hunters and The Hostage) with another monumental task to accomplish. As chief of the Office of Organizational Analysis (OOA), Charley picks up where he left off in The Hunters, still dealing with the collateral damage caused by the UN food-for-oil scandal. When a DEA agent (with political connections to the highest levels) is kidnapped in Paraguay, the President assigns Charley and his OOA to get Agent Timmons back and dismantle the offending drug organization. Now Charley, against his better judgment and still working without a net, flies among Washington, DC, the American Gulf Coast, Paraguay, Europe, Argentina, and Uruguay in a story that builds slowly but methodically to a big shoot-out. Griffin once again mixes mystery, adventure, and the too often disappointing, to an outsider, internal workings (and politics) of the U.S intelligence and diplomatic communities. Dick Hill offers a flawless reading. While not quite as strong as the other titles in the series, this book is still highly recommended. [Penguin Audio also has a version of The Shooters: 15 CDs. unabridged. 17½ hrs. 2008. ISBN 978-0-14-314245-4. $49.95.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania

Tully Hart is one of the most popular girls in school, though her mother abandons her frequently to her grandmother's care. Kate Mularkey has a stable family life but feels she is an outcast with no friends. Though they couldn't be more different, Kate and Tully become best friends for life in 1974, when they are both in eighth grade and living on Firefly Lane. At the beginning of their 30-year friendship, they set out for careers in journalism, but ultimately their lives take different paths. Kate becomes a stay-at-home mom, while Tully has a glamorous life, first as a television reporter and then as a talk-show host. Both have regrets, but Tully has more and is not beyond appropriating Kate's family, especially her daughter, Marah, when she feels the need. Plot threads include mother-daughter relationships, jealousy, friendship, family, and cultural and social references of the times (clothing brands, rock songs, hairstyles, movies, etc.). The story is overlong and formulaic in places, but Hannah's many fans will not be deterred; they will enjoy the book, with its tearjerker ending. Read competently and unobtrusively by Susan Ericksen, this is recommended for all popular fiction collections.—Mary Knapp, Madison P.L., WI

Two dominant themes of Koontz's recent story lines—spiritual redemption and the intuitive intelligence of dogs—reach maturity and convergence in this novel. Protagonist Amy Redwing is a dedicated rescuer of endangered or abandoned golden retrievers. She feels an immediate and special bond with Nickie, a golden she removes from an abusive household. In alternate plot threads we become aware that Amy's past contains an agonizing and dangerous secret that is finally catching up to her with a vengeance. Can Nickie be the miraculous key to the safety and well-being of Amy and her friends? The story moves along well, but the extreme sappiness will be a matter of taste, with the ending, especially, provoking a mental double take. Reader Kirsten Kairos doesn't provide any additional incentives to listen, with a merely adequate, fairly uninspired narration. Even Koontz fans may be split on this one. Not recommended.—Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA

This large, mostly enjoyable collection includes several Hugo and Nebula Award- winning stories and covers Martin's career from his emergence in the early 1970s. In passages narrated by Martin himself, listeners learn about his inspirations, schooling as a journalist, scores of rejections, and childhood love of "funny books" en route to becoming a broadly appealing author in the sf, fantasy, and horror genres. While these sections are illuminating, Martin's pride—though well deserved—is sometimes distracting. A variety of narrators supply the stories with many voices; some work better than others, even across stories. Scott Brick excels at the variety of tales thrown at him, Kirby Heyborne is reliably enjoyable, but Roy Dotrice's distinctive voice is only suitable for some of the works he narrates. The collection is reminiscent of Isaac Asimov's The Early Asimov, and, as a writer, Martin falls somewhere between Asimov and Neil Gaiman. This should do well at medium-sized to large libraries with active sf and fantasy sections.—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

Twenty-one years ago, ten-year-old boys Cal, Fox, and Gage spilled a few drops of blood onto an ancient altar during a childhood ritual. Suddenly the world exploded, and nightmares came to life. Now, every seven years, that evil returns to wreak havoc on the town of Hawkins Hollow. Author Quinn Black loves researching spooky legends, but this one is beyond her and calls for reinforcements, including the three boys, who are now grown men, and two other women. As they delve deeper into history, they discover unexpected connections to one another. Narrator Phil Gigante exudes the rhythms of the small town, the slower drawls, the hesitancy with strangers, but he also understands the main characters. For Cal and Fox, this place is their lives, their home; not so with Gage. His smoke-roughened voice and unresolved anger toward his abusive father colors his every word. Gigante manages the women well, with higher pitched voices and New York accents. He also keeps pace with the building tension and leaves us wanting more. Highly recommended.—Jodi L. Israel, MLS, Salt Lake City

Presidential contender Sen. Lyle Simmons returns home from a political event to discover the bludgeoned body of his wife. While initial suspicion focuses on a vagrant picked up in the vicinity, highly visible lobbyist Jonell Marbury is soon linked to the crime. A second victim was last seen with Jonell, but both murder scenes look like setups to ex-attorneys Mac and Annabel Smith. Retired DA Phil Rotondi, Lyle's longtime friend and college roommate, concurs. Flashbacks to college days reveal that Phil was much closer to the victim than the senator and in possession of information that could focus the murder investigation on Jonell's crooked K Street employer. It could also prove disastrous to the senator, under suspicion himself. This 23rd Capital Crimes novel explores the relationships between special interests and politicians, both equally ruthless. While revelations of political skullduggery are fairly predictable, the book is well plotted and populated with interesting characters. A fine recording, expertly performed by Phil Gigante, elevates a competent mystery to a good listen. The absence of foul language, gore, and explicit material make this book enjoyable for listeners who object to stronger material. Recommended for all mystery collections. [The prolific Truman passed away on January 29, 2008.—Ed.]—Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC
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Nonfiction

Dungy, Tony with Nathan Whitaker. Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life. 9 cassettes. unabridged. 10 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4281-9830-2. $72.75; 9 CDs. ISBN 978-1-4281-9832-6. $102.75. SPORTS

When Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts, led his team to a Super Bowl victory in 2007, he became the first African American to claim this accomplishment, but this is not a story of overcoming racial barriers. Coach Dungy is a remarkably humble man, whose strong religious beliefs are a constant guide and comfort to him. He has a keen wit and a clever mind. He explains the sorrowful experience of his son's suicide in a manner so personally revealing that a listener cannot help being moved. Peter Jay Fernandez provides a compelling narrative that matches the character of this book perfectly. Every so often, a remarkable sports biography emerges, and this is one of them. Strongly recommended. [Quiet Strength was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Ray Vignovich, West Des Moines P.L.

This title is a bit of a misnomer, as few of the stories are about dogs and even fewer are about bad dogs having fun. Covering a variety of topics, ranging from smoking, zero-tolerance school policies, and littering to Marley's memorial service, a father/son bonding experience, and dog training as parent training, these 75 columns, compiled and published by Grogan's former employer the Philadelphia Inquirer, consist of observations about family, life, and animals. Although he is credited as the author, Grogan (Marley & Me) states in his blog that these writings have been published without his knowledge, input, or approval. Arte Johnson provides an admirable reading, with excellent timing and an expressive voice reflecting Grogan's sense of humor and irony. This audiobook will be of interest to public and academic libraries with a demand for Grogan's works or miscellaneous essays on American life. Purchase where needed. [Marley & Me was a New York Times best seller and is being made into a movie scheduled for a December 2008 release.—Ed.]—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

Biographer Morton doesn't shy away from controversial subjects and in the past has written books on Princess Diana, Monica Lewinsky, and Madonna. His latest subject is no exception; hot on the heels of Cruise's media flurry of a marriage to Katie Holmes and his polarizing statements toward Scientology, the religious group founded by sf writer L. Ron Hubbard, this biography appears on the shelves at an optimal time. Thomas Cruise Mapother was born in Syracuse, NY, and grew up in several states before his mother left his father and settled the family in Glen Ridge, NJ. His initial Hollywood fame is depicted as part luck that later morphed into superstardom owing to Cruise's sheer determination, smart choices, and acute business sense. Narrated by John Hinch, the work focuses mainly on Cruise's involvement with Scientology and on the group's controversial recruitment methods. Considerable detail is given to David Miscavige, the leader of the organization, and Morton contends that Cruise is second-in-command, although Morton's proof of this is scant at best. Publicity will be high, and demand for this book should warrant it as a popular addition to public library collections. [Also available as downloadable audio.—Ed.]—Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence

Since the publication of his best-selling secularist manifesto, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, Hitchens has become a visible and vocal advocate, along with fellow atheists Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Sam Harris, of a return to Enlightenment values and a rejection of religion. The Portable Atheist continues that agenda by collecting a diverse sampling of secularist literature that spans more than two millennia. Each selection includes a short introduction by Hitchens that explains its historical context, its significance, and its influence on the development of secular thought. The 47 readings here represent a broad cross section of literature by nonbelievers, with selections from poets, novelists, journalists, philosophers, and scientists. Gathered here are many of the best-known secularists, from Lucretius and David Hume to Bertrand Russell and Carl Sagan. This collection also includes previously unpublished works by Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Nicholas Ball provides versatile and nuanced readings across multiple genres, from the lilting verse of Omar Khayyam's The Rubaiyat to the denser prose of Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan. Ball should capture the attention, if not the sympathies, of believers and unbelievers alike. Highly recommended for all general library collections, but particularly those with large religion, history, and philosophy holdings.—Philip Bader, Pasadena, CA

Sunée's memoir begins at the age of three, when, with only a fistful of food, she is abandoned by her mother in a crowded marketplace somewhere in Korea. Adopted by an American couple, Sunée is transplanted to New Orleans. It is here through a warm and loving relationship with her grandparents that she develops her passion for food. Then she goes abroad and meets the much older, very wealthy French businessman Olivier Baussan. From this point on, the book sounds like a romance novel: Baussan sweeps Sunée off her feet, she becomes his mistress and moves into his lavish home in Provence. They share a love of good food and wine, described here in mouthwatering detail, but, alas, life is complicated for the young and immature Sunée. Baussan is still married and has joint custody of his eight-year-old daughter. Despite captivating prose, Sunée's search for love and home is unconvincing. This could be because of the numerous interspersed recipes that disrupt the text. Reader Justine Eyre handles these intrusive yet interesting recipes as well as possible, trying to stay in character; her narration flows beautifully between English and French. The only minor flaw is the extreme accents for Sunée's New Orleans relatives, which contrast almost jarringly with the sophistication and lack of any Southern accent in Sunée's voice. Don't buy the audio version unless you also buy the print edition. Trying to copy a recipe from an audio CD isn't easy—an error that could have been averted had the publisher provided an additional CD with the printed recipes.—Valerie Piechocki, Prince George's Cty. Memorial Lib., Largo, MD
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