Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 4/14/2008 3:12:00 PM

The week of April 15, 2008

Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels | Audio

Fiction

Abrams, Melanie. Playing. Black Cat: Grove. Apr. 2008. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-8021-7047-7. pap. $13. F
Verdict: Abrams attempts to explain away the lure of sexual domination and submission for Josie, her protagonist, as being the result of childhood trauma. This simplistic answer to a complex issue takes away from the story of a woman struggling to understand her past.
Background: In her first novel, Abrams (writing, Univ. of California, Berkeley) tells a story of self-discovery through unlikely means. When Josie, an anthropology graduate student and nanny, meets Devesh, a surgeon ten years her senior who is the love interest of Mary, Josie’s employer, her world is turned upside down. Devesh is able to see a part of Josie she thought no one else could sense—her desire for sexual domination. Through their "playing," Josie relives a childhood trauma that is intimately linked to her desires, which begin to hinder her ability to function in the world. Josie becomes unable to tend to Tyler, the special-needs child for whom she cares, and his sister, Maddy, without disturbingly violent thoughts and near actions. And her affectionate and comfortable parent-child relationship with Mary is threatened. When family tragedy happens, Josie is forced to confront her past and start to live as a fully formed adult.—Deborah Hicks, Univ. of Alberta Libs.

Daily, Lisa. Fifteen Minutes of Shame. Plume: Penguin Group (USA). Apr. 2008. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-452-28913-0. pap. $14. F
Verdict: Liberally interspersed with dating tips and advice, this nicely paced debut by a real-life dating guru makes a credible contribution to chick lit. Fans of the genre will find it an amusing treat.
Background: In one quick minute, novelist and dating expert Darby Vaughn finds her rising star at risk when she learns that her publicist husband, Will, is divorcing her on a national television show. While she would like nothing more than to drown her sorrows and hide, Darby cannot ignore the resulting media frenzy. With the help of friends, she soon emerges from her alcohol-and-pain haze to rebuild her career and restructure her life. Her first step is to hire top divorce attorney Holt Gregory to help her fight an unusual custody battle and win back the only family she has left. At the behest of her new publicist, Darby adapts a "Hollywood Plan," where she is seen out with some of Hollywood’s hottest "it" guys, and she becomes the star of her own reality show. Along the way, Darby must come to terms with her insecurities and find the strength to risk her heart again.—Natasha Grant, New York

Dos Santos, José Rodrigues. Codex 632: The Secret Identity of Christopher Columbus. Morrow. Apr. 2008. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-06-117318-9. $24.95. F
Verdict: Even though his premise is sound, dos Santos does not deliver enough action to make the novel a must read. Lackluster dialog and flat characters further weaken the novel.
Background: Portuguese journalist and novelist dos Santos attempts to weave a tale that unravels a 500-year-old mystery of the true identity of Christopher Columbus. The story is told through Thomas Noronha, history professor, cryptologist, and ancient language expert. Thomas is hired by the elusive Americas History Foundation to finish the work of another professor who was found dead in his hotel room. As Thomas deciphers the late professor's notes (written in code), he discovers the professor veered from his original research of Brazil and instead delved into the history of Columbus. Thomas travels around the world in order to solve the mystery, begins a rather unwise relationship with a student, and finds his personal life crumbling around him.—Troy Reed, Southeast Regional Lib., Maricopa Cty. Lib. Dist., AZ

Gregorio, Michael. Days of Atonement: A Mystery. Thomas Dunne Bks: St. Martin's. Apr. 2008. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-312-37644-4. $24.95. F
Verdict: This erudite psychological thriller will surely keep readers on edge as they mull over every disturbing detail of the case. Stiffeniis clever crime-scene sketches, Bruno’s bloody letter, and Immanuel Kant’s manuscript add up to a complex, hair-raising adventure. For all history buffs who enjoy reading historical fiction—and especially those who cannot live without murder, mayhem, and intrigue.
Background: Readers who enjoyed Gregorio’s first historical mystery, Critique of Criminal Reason, set in 18th-century French-occupied Prussia will be happy to know that Prussian magistrate Hanno Stiffeniis and wife Helena are back in this bone-chilling sequel. When three Prussian children are found lined up across a bed in a cabin in Bialystok, their throats slit, with their mother nowhere to be found, the heavy task of crime-solving falls to Stiffeniis and French criminologist Col. Serge Lavedrine. Stiffeniis must relate the news of the dead children to their father, a Prussian major who also turns up dead.—Gloria Creed-Dikeogu, Ottawa Univ. Lib., KS

Lewis, Pam. Perfect Family. S. & S. Apr. 2008. c.288p. ISBN 978-0-7432-9145-3. $25. F
Verdict: Lewis’s thrilling and gritty novel dispels the myth of the "perfect family." The characters are flawed, insecure, and enmeshed in a compelling conflict that will satisfy the authors' many fans.
Background: Secrets are secrets for a reason—people keep them out of shame or sometimes for protection. Either way, secrets prove to be dangerous in this page-turning second novel from Lewis (Speak Softly, She Can Hear) about a monied New England family. Masterfully incorporating mystery, loss, love, forgiveness, and, ultimately, acceptance, the story follows the Carterets' experiences after the drowning death of their beloved daughter/sister Pony under suspicious circumstances. They look to their past and discover a family secret that propels the tale to its climactic ending.—Sarah Myers, Red Feather Lakes Community Lib., CO

Sager, Mike. Deviant Behavior: A Novel of Sex, Drugs, Fatherhood and Crystal Skulls. Black Cat: Grove. Apr. 2008. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-8021-7048-4. pap. $14. F
Verdict: Sager (Scary Monsters and Super Freaks) has a keen eye for detail that brings to life the nasty underbelly of Washington, DC, circa the early 1990s, but it's impossible to discern the story in the mess of a plot.
Background: In his first novel, Sager, a writer-at-large for Esquire, introduces readers to Jonathan Seede, a renowned, young Washington Herald reporter whose wife has left him for unknown reasons. Adrift on a crack binge, he inexplicably finds himself at the nexus of a millionaire's quest for a mystical, ancient Mayan crystal skull. Along the way, the story pulls in hookers and pimps, a couple of drug dealers, a cop, a gay guy, the 60-year-old story of unearthing the skull, and a hot teenaged protogoth chick cum priestess. Readers might expect a Carl Hiaasen–type novel with such a mix of characters, but they get a whole other package entirely.—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

Nonfiction

Evanier, Mark. Kirby: King of Comics. Abrams. Apr. 2008. 223p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8109-9447-8. $40. BIOG
Verdict: Along with a quite readable text, the book is a treasure trove of Kirby art, presenting more than 200 color and b&w drawings, from sketches to pages of completed stories. More than a decade after his death, Kirby continues to influence, and Evanier’s book offers an insider’s portrait of the artist who was the genius of his field and the mightiest superhero of all to his legions of ever-loyal fans. Well worth the wait. Essential.
Background: "Jack Kirby didn’t invent the comic book. It just seems that way," declares Evanier opening his intro to this much anticipated and slightly delayed (from ‘07) celebration of comics’ god Jack "King" Kirby. If you read superhero comics in the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, you’re probably familiar with his distinct work even if unfamiliar with Jack. Name a book in both the Marvel and DC universes and chances are Kirby created it, drew it, or otherwise had some creative input. His unique drawing style took the standard two-dimensional comic look and added another level of depth almost instilling motion, with characters seemingly bursting off the pages. Evanier, Kirby’s assistant and long-time friend, guides readers on a tour of the innovative artist’s life and work. Born Jacob Kurtzberg in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Kirby drifted through a variety of art jobs under assorted aliases until finding his perfect niche in comics, where he continually revolutionized and reinvented.—Michael Rogers, LJX/LJ

Ford, Jeffrey Buckner. River of No Return: Tennessee Ernie Ford and the Woman He Loved. Cumberland House. May 2008. c.320p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-58182-653-1. $26.95. TV
Verdict: Tennessee Ernie Ford was loved by millions. Unfortunately, his fame caused overwhelming problems for his wife and two sons. This memoir by Ernie’s eldest is recommended for larger libraries with interest in celebrity biographies.
Background: Jeffrey "Buck" Ford, the oldest son of Ernie and Betty Ford, writes about a life of wealth and privilege. He sensitively remembers the good and bad times of a disintegrating family. Tennessee Ernie Ford began his career in radio and soon became an instant hit. From hosting NBC’s Ford Show (1956–61) to gold records (he’s best known for his recording of "Sixteen Tons") and guest appearances, Tennessee Ernie became a major star. Growing up in a tumultuous environment took a toll on Jeffrey, his brother, and Ernie, whose wife, Betty, had a difficult time adjusting to Ernie’s fame. Betty was a gifted artist who buried her pain in alcohol and prescription drugs. Ford’s two sons disappointed him; Betty’s attempted suicides and a failing career soon caused Ernie to become an alcoholic. Other biographies cannot emit the raw emotion and intimate details that Jeffrey has presented in this well-written and compelling memoir.—Rosalind Dayen, South Regional Lib., Broward Cty., FL

Keogh, Pamela. What Would Audrey Do?: Timeless Lessons for Living with Grace and Style. Gotham: Penguin Group (USA). Apr. 2008. c.256p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-592-40372-1. $22.50. PSYCH
Verdict: A delightful presentation of the life of this wonderful actress as well as a treasure trove of advice for becoming a woman of character and grace. We should all heed Hepburn's lessons.
Background: In her time, Audrey Hepburn epitomized grace and beauty; the former quality, many would argue, is sadly lacking in the female celebrities of today. Best-selling author Keogh (Audrey Style; Jackie Style) seeks to articulate what made Hepburn the icon she remains today and to reveal the hardships of her personal life, which conflict with her lighthearted screen persona. What results is a cross between a biography and a self-help book for women of all ages. There are lessons on dating and romance, raising husbands and children, and balancing home life and work with graciousness toward others, all culled from a charmed yet complicated life.—Cynde Suite, Bartow Cty. Lib. Syst., Cartersville, GA

Graphic Novels

David, Peter (text) & Andrew Currie & Todd Nauck (illus.). Wonder Man: My Fair Super Hero. Marvel. 2007. 120p. ISBN 978-0-7851-1995-1. pap. $13.99. F
Verdict: David is a master of pacing, characterization, and perfectly timed moments of comic relief. Some fans may not like the cartoony pencils, but the quirky, manga-inspired art is polished and works well for moments of humor. With some violent scenes, this is geared to fans of superhero comics who appreciate a humorous, timely, mature spin on the genre.
Background: Simon Williams, aka the Avenger called Wonder Man, is attacked during a Hollywood lunch with his agent, Neal, by a psychotic assassin named Ladykiller. After defeating her in battle, Wonder Man is enticed into placing a wager with Neal, who feels Simon has no chance of rehabilitating this deadly, ruthless, ninjalike killer. Guest-starring Carol Danvers (Ms. Marvel) and the Beast (with highly exaggerated animalistic yet Kelsey Grammer–like features), the story is entertaining and thought-provoking. Borrowing heavily from G.B. Shaw’s Pygmalion and the movie My Fair Lady, the plot follows Wonder Man’s travails as he slowly succeeds in his efforts to reform Ladykiller, whose real name is Huan. Discovering that Huan has been abused, brainwashed, and trained in the art of murder, Simon eventually breaks through her callous, jaded exterior with the help of his two cohorts. His and Huan’s crowning moment is her introduction to Captain America and the other Avengers at a party in the last issue. A tragic, poignant twist follows during the conclusion—a typical David hallmark.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI

Hoshino, Katsura. D. Gray-Man. Vol. 6. Viz Media. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Toshifumi Yoshida. ISBN 978-1-4215-1054-5. pap. $7.99. F
Verdict: While exorcists and demon hunting are common manga fare, this series is distinguished by its polished storytelling and sophisticated artwork—eerie and nightmarish, it evokes a genteel quality befitting the Victorian England setting. The characters on both sides are complex and well developed; the battle between good and evil shows the physical and psychological tolls of war. The fantasy violence includes moderate blood and gore. Rated 16+, this mesmerizing and funny title is highly recommended for older teen collections.
Background: An apocalyptic prophecy foretells of a powerful substance called Innocence that is able to destroy the great Evil. The exorcists of the Black Order wage war against the Millennium Earl and his deadly akuma—living weapons camouflaged in human corpses with deceased souls trapped inside. Fifteen-year-old exorcist Allen Walker’s unique power is the ability to see the soul within the akuma. Wielding weapons made of Innocence, an exorcist can destroy an akuma and redeem the unfortunate soul. In Vol. 7, the Clan of Noah, the human followers of the Millennium Earl, have been dispatched to kill the Generals of the Black Order. After a near-fatal battle with a Noah, Allen discovers his Innocence has been destroyed. Was the prophecy that Allen Walker’s Innocence will someday create a great destroyer of time wrong? Facing hordes of powerful akuma, the other exorcists are ordered to continue their mission without Allen and locate General Cross.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA

Mignola, Mike & Richard Corben & P. Craig Russell (text & illus.). Hellboy. Vol. 7: The Troll Witch and Others. Dark Horse. 2007. 144p. ISBN 978-1-59307-860-7. pap. $17.95. F
Verdict: The works in this seventh collected volume of Hellboy material are exemplary of the odd and fascinating blend of dry humor and the macabre that marks the world of its titular character. Highly recommended. With some horror and supernatural elements, it is appropriate for teen and adult collections.
Background: Included here are five tightly crafted short stories written and illustrated by Mignola; "The Hydra and The Lion," "The Troll Witch," "Dr. Carp’s Experiment," and "The Ghoul" are each built around a supernatural theme and were previously featured in the series of horror anthologies published by Dark Horse comics (Dark Horse Book of Monsters; of Witchcraft; of Hauntings; of the Dead). The bizarre and gruesome "Penanggalan," previously featured in a Wizard magazine promotion and on various Hellboy-related DVDs, is also included. Additionally, the collection contains two collaborations, "Makoma" and "Vampire of Prague." The two-part miniseries "Makoma" uses African mythology to elaborate on Hellboy’s origins with a dreamlike quasiflashback. The bulk of the story is drawn by Corben, and it is capped by scenes completely done by Mignola, which sets the story in a mythical, ambiguous time; Corben’s art provides depth and emotional resonance to a unique African fairy tale. In the original "Vampire of Prague," created especially for this volume, Russell illustrates a loose script by Mignola with a whimsical style that works well with the brief comedic narrative about a cursed gambler.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH

Otsuka, Eiji (text) & Sho-u Tajima (illus.). MPD-Psycho. Vol. 2. Dark Horse. 2007. 180p. tr. from Japanese by Kumar Sivasubramanian. ISBN 978-1-59307-840-9. pap. $10.95. F
Verdict: This second installment of the horror manga continues the tale of the eccentric multiple personality detective, Kazuhiko Amamiya, and his striking sidekick, Machi Isono, as they attempt to solve another series of ridiculously gruesome crimes in Tokyo. This volume makes it clear that while these books are not for the squeamish, the pioneering series pushes the limits of horror manga and should definitely be picked up by those looking for a complex story, excellent art, and significant shock value. Contains nudity and graphic, realistic violence. Recommended for mature readers.
Background: In this volume, the investigation centers on a wave of schoolgirls’ ghastly suicides motivated by the teachings of a sociopath who claims that becoming an angel on Earth follows death. Plot twists increase as Amamiya’s personalities continue to multiply, and readers learn more about the connections between his current work and his seemingly dark past. Although the story is clearly innovative, the main character’s complex multiple personalities, the existence of intricate background stories, and the continued introduction of new characters make this a series that requires careful reading. Fortunately, Tajima’s astonishing artwork aids understanding. The drawing is meticulous and sharp, character designs are well done, and the bold representations of dead bodies are of the many panels that will shock and amaze, like the well-detailed dismembered corpses in Vol. 1.—Raphael E. Rogers, Univ. of Massachusetts Lib., Amherst

Quisling, Erik. Fables from the Mud. Borderlands. 2007. 150p. ISBN 978-1-880325-93-3. pap. $9.95. F
Verdict: This trio of short tales presents a contemplative clam, a restless ant, and a suicidal worm—humble creatures with an inner life richer than that of most humans. When real thoughtfulness is expressed, finally, in the last story, Quisling achieves the simple charm and power of a classic fable. However, it may be too little, too late. An optional purchase, despite the nice production by Borderlands Press.
Background: The central source of humor is the contrast between the drama of the narratives and the minimalist drawing. For example, in the first story, the clam’s intellectual journey is charted in such ornate statements as "Rueing his Machiavellian past, the clam vows a personal commitment to blanket positivism," but the illustration, page after page, is the same three-line drawing of the clam. Beyond this one joke, there’s not much else to engage you, especially in the first two stories (marred by an unrelenting march of dangling modifiers, which even the author admits grows "loathsome"). Finally, the tale of the worm—a weary veteran of "the great cemetery wars"—drops the fancy talk to explore, with dignity, the age-old question, "Is that all there is?"—Andrew Moore, Wayland P.L., MA

Rodi, Rob (text) & Esad Ribic (illus.). Loki. Marvel. 2007. 104p. ISBN 978-0-7851-2891-5. pap. $12.99. F
Verdict: Until this collection, Loki, the Norse god of mischief, was always a one-dimensional villain, but Rodi offers insight into Loki’s motivations, making him a sympathetic character. The script is beautifully written, and no prior knowledge is needed to enjoy the story. Ribic’s painted illustrations are gorgeous, and they make this book an exceptional addition to any graphic novel collection.
Background: Loki has been an adversary of the heroes of the Marvel Universe for decades. In this collection, Loki has finally defeated his brother Thor and has taken the position as ruler of Asgard. As he visits his imprisoned enemies, Loki remembers events from the past that caused him to seek revenge on them all.—Michael Powers, Robert Van Wyck Jr. H.S., Queens, NY

Seino, Shizuru. Heaven!! Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Haruko Furukawa. ISBN 978-1-59816-816-7. pap. $9.99. F
Verdict: The combination of a girl who is caught between a selfish spirit and a punk kid with a heart of gold makes this somewhat bland screwball comedy predictable, and many experienced readers will lose interest quickly. The artwork is average shojo fare, and the panels are crowded and busy, but young teens new to this type of story may be willing to overlook these shortcomings and may find the slapstick humor hilarious. There is quite a bit of strong language and some suggestions of sexual situations that could qualify this for older teens in some communities. Recommended as an additional purchase.
Background: Rinne is a high school girl who can exorcise ghosts. Uzaki, the school troublemaker, pushes Rinne out of the way of an oncoming truck, and he ends up in a coma. A ghost, Keiju takes over Uzaki’s body while he’s unconscious, sending Uzaki’s soul into the body of a toy monkey. While Keiju lives the life of a playboy, Uzaki tries to convince Rinne to remove Keiju from his body before Keiju ruins his reputation as a tough Yankee punk forever. Unfortunately for him, Rinne is starting to fall for the Keiju-possessed version of Uzaki and is not too enthusiastic about making the switch. Written by the author of Girl Got Game, this volume sets up what is sure to be a classic love triangle.—Eva Volin, Alameda Free Lib., CA

Yoshinaga, Fumi. Fumi Yoshinaga's Truly Kindly. BLU: Tokyopop. 2007. 208p. tr. from Japanese. ISBN 978-1-4278-0055-8. pap. $9.99. F
Verdict: This manga showcases some of Yoshinaga’s earlier yaoi short stories, originally published in Japan ten years ago. Although not all of the selections here are stellar, the pacing, characterization, and storytelling ability that have made Yoshinaga—best known as the author of the four-volume Antique Bakery—one of the most admired writers of manga are clear. The artwork is much more detailed than in her later works, and the majority of each story is told through close-ups and facial expressions. Several of the sex scenes are nonconsensual, and, while not terribly explicit, the book does earn its M rating. Recommended for libraries collecting yaoi.
Background: The first and longest of the stories features a gigolo on the run after strangling his client and the disturbed young man who takes him in. In the second story, two former classmates reunite in Seattle. Third is the story of a high school senior’s worst day ever: he realizes he might be separated from his best friend when they go to university. The fourth story jumps back in time to feudal Japan, where two lock pickers work to open the box of a man headed to prison. The final three stories take place in prerevolutionary France and deal with class issues between the aristocracy and their servants. One of the stories, "A Butler’s Proper Place," is the origin story for the characters in Yoshinaga’s Lovers in the Night.—Eva Volin, Alameda Free Lib., CA

Audio Reviews

DeBerry, Virginia & Donna Grant. Gotta Keep On Tryin’. 9 CDs. unabridged. 10 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4233-4977-8. $97.25; 9 cassettes. ISBN 978-1-4233-4975-4. $92.25; 1 MP3 CD. ISBN 978-1-4233-4979-2. $39.25. F
Verdict: Read as smoothly together as they write, the coauthors’ first audiobook will be a good addition to library collections used by women and/or African American listeners.
Background: Urged by fans of their 1997 novel Tryin’ To Sleep in the Bed You Made to return to the lives of their characters, DeBerry and Grant explore what has happened ten years later. Best friends Gayle Saunders and Patricia Reid are creating a new doll to embody the success of their series of books featuring Ell & Me, a character Gayle created for her daughter Vanessa. This sequel presents further tests of their friendship, both by obstacles and success, and interweaves a number of current issues into its text.—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo, NY

Groff, Lauren. The Monsters of Templeton. 11 CDs. unabridged. 13 hrs. Hyperion Audiobks. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4013-8892-8. $39.95. F
Verdict: Groff’s first novel is a wonderful family saga, even if the listener sometimes gets a little bit tangled among the generations. The production comes with bonus material of photos and family trees to help keep the characters in place. Nicole Roberts does a first-rate job with the voices of the many characters, and her performance will make a fine listening experience during a driving vacation. Recommended for public libraries.
Background: The day Willie returns to her hometown of Templeton (a fictional model of Cooperstown, NY, where Groff was born), the corpse of a huge monster surfaces in the local lake. This begins the most amazing story of two centuries of secrets among generations of eccentric and at times charming members of the town. Willie tells the story from the day she arrives to hide out from the disastrous affair that has led to a pregnancy and a great deal of curiosity about her relatives—especially her mother, Vi, a former hippie now a born-again Baptist. The narrative weaves back and forth through several generations, each with secrets involving affairs and babies. As Willie devotes herself to discovering who her own biological father is, she uncovers a number of genealogical surprises and quite a few shocks. There are some human monsters that surface to tell their sides of the stories, too. [Also available as downloadable audio from Audible.—Ed.]—Barbara Valle, El Paso P.L., TX

King, Stephen. Duma Key. 18 cassettes. unabridged. 21¼ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4361-0188-2. $113.75; 18 CDs. ISBN 978-1-4361-0190-5. $123.75. F
Verdict: John Slattery (a character actor in movies and television) absorbs and comfortably inhabits the character of Edgar, conveying a full range of emotions, from joy to despair. He does the same for all the other memorable characters in the novel. Our empathy for the characters and engagement in this story are the direct result of the fortuitous combination of King’s words and Slattery’s voice. Highly recommended.
Background: King has explored the dark side of the writer’s art several times, but in this work he does the same for the visual arts. The main character, Edgar Freemantle, is telling his own story. A successful businessman, he is left with an amputated arm and a serious skull injury after a serious construction accident. In his rehabilitation, he rediscovers his dormant artistic talent with somewhat creepy results. This first-person perspective makes the audiobook "voice" critical to the success and enjoyment of the program. [King has received the Grand Master distinction from the Mystery Writers of America; Duma Key is also available as downloadable audio from Audible.—Ed.]—Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA

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