Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 9/2/2008 4:09:00 PM

The week of September 2, 2008

Fiction | Nonfiction

Fiction

Boling, Dave. Guernica. Bloomsbury, dist. by Macmillan. Sept. 2008. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-59691-563-3. $26. F
Verdict: Boling’s debut novel follows the progress of one Basque family in the years leading up to the infamous German bombing of Guernica, the heart of Basque culture, in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. His sensitive portrayal of the aftermath and the survivors’ efforts to recover is somewhat marred by an improbable ending. Still, this haunting historical family saga is recommended for all public libraries.
Background: The Ansotegui children Justo, Josepe, and Xabier are left to raise themselves after the death of their mother shortly after childbirth and the gradual withdrawal of their father. But the resilient brothers survive: Josepe becomes a fisherman, Xabier a priest, and Justo takes over Errotabarri, the ancestral farm. Justo marries and has a daughter, Miren, who in turn marries Miguel Navarro and gives birth to a daughter, Catalina. Boling deftly sets the stage for the destruction of this family idyll and describes the bombing in horrific, unrelenting detail.—Douglas Southard, CRA International, Boston

Davies, Adam. Mine All Mine. Riverhead: Penguin Group (USA). 2008. c.240p. ISBN 978-1-59448-314-1. pap. $14. F
Verdict: Fans of Goodbye Lemon and The Frog King will appreciate Davies’s third novel with its deranged sense of humor, romance, and quirky twists that recall a Tom Cruise movie script (think Mission: Impossible). Recommended for larger and urban public libraries.
Background: This creative tale reads like a dark comic book caper with techno twists and a pill-popping "pulse," Otto Starks, who guards artwork in the hopes of climbing the security guard career ladder. Otto gets himself into trouble, including a romance built on a little white career lie. Thus, the stage is set for this down-on-his-luck guard dealing with his demoralizing and unhinged colleagues. His habit of taking specific and powerful drugs stems from his desire to build immunity to toxic substances that his archenemies might implant.—Sarah E. Myers, Red Feather Lakes Community Lib., CO

Bradford, Barbara Taylor. Being Elizabeth. St. Martin's. 2008. c.432p. ISBN 978-0-312-35463-3. $27.95. F
Verdict: In the final book of Bradford’s "Ravenscar Trilogy" (after The Ravenscar Dynasty and The Heir), the best-selling author retells in modern-dress form the story of Queen Elizabeth I. Despite an interesting premise, this bloated novel is a disappointment, stuffed with unnecessary and stilted dialog and marked by a simplistic writing style that makes the reading experience even more unpleasant. It’s unlikely that Bradford will gain any new fans with this offering. An optional purchase for most libraries.
Background: Young, red-headed, unmarried Elizabeth Deravenal becomes managing director and the largest shareholder of her family’s business empire when her estranged and childless sister Mary dies. Unfortunately, the business suffered under Mary’s leadership, and Elizabeth must work hard to save it. Luckily, her handsome friend and confidante Robert Dudley (whom she sometimes calls "Robin," which makes keeping track of the many characters even more difficult) is there to help her deal with hostile board members, takeover attempts, and other problems.—Samantha J. Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY

Kellerman, Faye. The Mercedes Coffin. Morrow. 2008. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-06-122733-2. $25.95. F
Verdict: Flawed by uneven action, flat detective work, and a shortage of detail where it counts, Kellerman’s latest Decker and Lazarus novel falls well short of the mark. For those who want a peek into the daily lives of the main characters but not those who hope to be gripped by a fierce crime drama and a thrilling plot. Large public libraries already collecting the series should consider, as well as those where the author has a strong following.
Background: Kellerman returns to the lives of Rina and Peter Decker, as Peter is called in to investigate a 15-year-old murder. When a former student of Bennett Little reads details of a recent Hollywood murder, she is shocked by the similarities to the death of her beloved high school teacher. Because of a promised financial bonus for the precinct, Decker and his homicide team are pressured to reopen Dr. Ben’s case and discover why two apparently unconnected men were both found shot, execution-style, in the trunks of their Mercedeses. Decker balances a difficult investigation with the needs of his family in order to find justice for Dr. Ben.—Jennifer Beach, Indiana State Lib., IN

Tearne, Roma. Mosquito. Europa Editions, dist. by Consortium. 2008. c.304p. ISBN 978-1-933372-57-0. pap. $16.95. F
Verdict: Short-listed for the Costa First Novel Award, this story of love and exile in Sri Lanka holds up, even if the central love story is a little hard to accept. This reviewer smells a movie deal. Recommended for all adult fiction collections.
Background: Tearne's debut begins and ends with fishermen bringing in their catch from very different waters. The first fish are caught off the coast of Sri Lanka, where respected author Theo Samarajeeva, recently returned after many years abroad, lives in his beach house. Theo is Singhalese, but his books are sympathetic to the Tamils, a position that makes him an unwitting enemy of both sides. A quiet girl from the village has latched on to the writer and spends her free time sketching and painting him. The plot centers on this May-December romance until the two are violently separated, and the novel takes a very dark turn. The last fish are caught in Venice, where a reunion has taken place. It’s the hard road leading to the reunion that keeps Mosquito interesting.—Liorah Golomb, Wichita State Univ., KS

Nonfiction

Balch, James F., M.D. & others. Prescription for Drug Alternatives: All-Natural Options for Better Health Without the Side Effects. Wiley. Sept. 2008. c.504p. index. ISBN 978-0-470-18399-1. pap. $24.95. HEALTH
Verdict: The evidence supporting the efficacy of some suggested supplements is weak, and there are no caveats to readers that supplements themselves act as drugs. The cautions about coordinating care with clinicians should be stronger. Yet this is sure to be as popular as Balch’s other titles.
Background: Balch (Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Prescription for Natural Cures) here continues his best-selling series. Stating that this book is intended to assist patients in comparing prescription medications with effective natural alternatives, he hopes to provide a resource that allows consumers to assess options and risks of each. He reviews the benefits and hazards of commercial drugs and stresses that over 100,000 patients die each year from adverse drug reactions. The bulk of the book consists of a listing of disease conditions with causes; prescription drug treatments with associated benefits, side effects, and risks; and natural alternatives. Diet and lifestyle modifications are frequently mentioned. Supplements and alternative treatments have recommended doses and safety information. Some warnings to consult a physician are included.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, FL

Chaput, Charles J. Render Unto Caesar: Catholic Witness and American Public Life. Doubleday. 2008. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-385-52228-1. $21.95. REL
Verdict: Although focusing on American Catholics, Chaput's text is applicable to all Christian men and women concerned about the directions being taken in the dominate political arena. This passionate and articulate work is really a theological analysis of the necessity of political activism in contemporary society. Recommended for larger public libraries.
Background: This superbly written essay by the archbishop of Denver reflects on the value and duty of participating in the political process. Writing in modern times, Chaput incorporates historical scenarios from many different periods of world history and illustrates the consequences of involvement or noninvolvement in politics. The 12 chapters can be read as individual units or taken as a unified whole. The book does not promote any political party or even propose a singular political theory but encourages, cajoles, and motivates the morally informed reader to act responsibly in a complex society.—John-Leonard Berg, Univ. of Wisconsin Lib., Platteville

Cheung, Theresa with Adam Balen, M.D. The All-Natural Menopause Diet: The Drug-Free, Natural Way To Beat Your Symptoms and Lose Weight. Pegasus. Oct. 2008. c.256p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-933648-94-1. pap. $14.95. HEALTH
Verdict: Although the authors include suggestions for alleviating menopausal symptoms, the majority of this book is devoted to weight loss in middle age. The actual "diet" is made up mainly of a list of healthy foods and behaviors that would apply to anyone losing weight. Menu suggestions and recipes are sparse. Recommended for larger consumer health collections.
Background: To call this a "diet" book is a bit of a misnomer—health writer Cheung and OB/GYN Balen focus more on stocking the cupboard and modifying behaviors to achieve weight loss. Common weight-loss suggestions (e.g., increasing one’s intake of antioxidants and fiber) are explained as they relate to menopause. A chapter on "detoxing" discusses how certain chemical compounds can mimic hormonal behavior and bring on an early menopause. The information on herbal and home remedies for menopausal symptoms is helpful, but there is no coverage of how much of the herb to use.—Elaine M. Lasda Bergman, Healthcare Assn. of New York State, Rensselaer

Fair, Chris. The Cuisines of the Axis of Evil and other Irritating States: A Dinner Party Approach to International Relations. Lyons: Globe Pequot. 2008. 320p. index. ISBN 978-1-59921-286-9. $24.95. COOKERY
Verdict: Good for those who want to understand more—a lot more—about the international community and its eating habits. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.
Background: In this cookbook–cum–diplomatic history, Fair, a South Asian political/military analyst, discusses the politics, culture, and history of each of ten countries she feels has a controversial image in the international community. Some of these essays are biased and lengthy, but the descriptions of her visits and experiences with local food salvage them. At the end of each chapter are recipes and instructions for preparation of dishes typical of the country. We are encouraged to invite friends (recipes are for eight), presumably hold lively discussions about the political and cultural situations in these countries, then sample the dishes. For each meal, recipes are provided for complete dinners—appetizers, main dishes, desserts, and beverages. From Burma we get Chicken Coconut Soup and Semolina Cake; China offers Steamed Spiced Eggplant and Shredded Pork; Cuba (of course) serves mojitos and ceviche; Pakistan gives us mildly spiced chick peas. What does America bring to the party? Beer Butt Chicken and Gooey Indiana Family Reunion Salad. The recipes are easy to follow and for the most part the ingredients can be found in local grocery stores. Fair is quick to suggest substitutes for hard-to-find ingredients, with the exception of notables like tamarind water and sweet potato noodles.—Elizabeth Rogers, CEF Lib Syst., Plattsburgh, NY

Gardner, Nuala. A Friend Like Henry: The Remarkable True Story of an Autistic Boy and the Dog That Unlocked His World. Sourcebooks. Sept. 2008. c.288p. ISBN 978-1-4022-1406-6. $18.95. PSYCH
Verdict: This nicely complements Temple Grandin’s work about autism and animals and provides a distinctive perspective in an increasingly crowded field of autism personal narratives. Gardner is especially strong in recounting how her son Dale would communicate through the dog, Henry. Strongly recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with education or disabilities collections.
Background: Originally published in the UK in 2007, this book chronicles a Scottish family’s experience with autism and the unexpected role a golden retriever named Henry would have on the children’s development. Henry’s life serves as the story's frame, as his presence allowed Dale (the older child with autism) to engage the world. Dale, born in 1988 to the author, demonstrated classic behavioral deficits associated with autism, including a lack of social interaction and communication. A chance encounter with a dog when Dale was five led to the family's decision to get a puppy. Gardner showcases the improvements that came with Henry’s arrival, e.g., developing language and being able to potty train.—Corey Seeman, Kresge Business Administration Lib., Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Horn, Janet, M.D. & Robin H. Miller, M.D. The Smart Woman's Guide to Midlife & Beyond: A No-Nonsense Approach to Staying Healthy After 50. New Harbinger. Sept. 2008. c.264p. ISBN 978-1-57224-556-3. pap. $18.95. HEALTH
Verdict: The supportive, conversational tone and practical advice combined with current information on topics such as hormone replacement therapy and skin care make this a good choice for public and consumer health libraries.
Background: Women’s bodies change as they age. This no-nonsense guide by two physicians trained at Johns Hopkins will tell them how to work with rather than against their bodies so that they can enjoy long, healthy lives. Written for women over 50, the book teaches that demographic to be aware of their bodies so that they can recognize symptoms, get proper care, and advocate for themselves. The authors discuss conditions that are common in older women: memory problems, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal problems, and gynecological concerns. They also discuss the importance of diet and exercise. Miller practices integrative medicine, so the book contains information about supplements and alternative therapies as well as traditional medicine. Stories about their patients and their own medical problems add a personal touch.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L.

Miller, Anne Meeker. Mealtime & Bedtime Sing & Sign: Simplify Your Child's Daily Routine the Fun Way, Through Music and Play. Da Capo Lifelong. 2008. c.192p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-60094-021-7. pap. $17.95. CHILD REARING
Verdict: A great resource for anyone looking for songs and activities to use with sign gestures with toddlers. It is a bit repetitive, but busy parents will appreciate the cross-references. With a 12-song CD not evaluated by this reviewer.
Background: Life with babies revolves around eating and sleeping, and anything that destresses those aspects of parenthood is a good thing. Baby Sing & Sign founder Miller comes to the rescue with this parent/caregiver guide based on her popular workshops. The bulk of the book is a sign dictionary; each entry includes photographs of both the adult and the toddler version of each sign and teaching tips for the sign. Multistep signs may be more difficult to interpret from the photograph and brief instructions. Some of the signs have songs, games, or activities associated with them as well. The dictionary entries are cross-referenced with the bonus signs section, and all the signs used throughout are repeated in a pictorial dictionary that parents are encouraged to photocopy and keep nearby for reference. Another handy reference for parents, caregivers, and librarians is the master list of picture books that can be used to teach signs to toddlers.—Mindy Rhiger, Bakken Lib. & Museum, Minneapolis

McBride, Karyl. Will I Ever Be Good Enough?: Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers. Free Pr: S. & S. Sept. 2008. c.264p. ISBN 978-1-4165-5132-4. $24. PSYCH
Verdict: This readable book fulfills the stated aim of avoiding blame while providing explanations and tools for change. However, the focus on mothers as poor parenting figures can certainly be challenged. Provocative though not definitive; recommended for psychology and mental health collections where it may be useful for self-help and encouragement.
Background: About 1.5 million American women exhibit narcissistic personality disorder according to the American Psychiatric Association, and their daughters suffer, too. Grounded in a traditional psychological perspective in which mothers are considered the root of dysfunction, the author provides a guide to halting this insidious form of mental abuse and neglect. The work is based on her experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist, along with personal experience and published materials. The book begins with a clinical description of maternal narcissism, including case studies and checklists. Part 2 analyzes its impact on daughters' lives. McBride describes pathological love relationships, self-sabotage, high achievement based on workaholism, and unskilled parenting as legacies of the disorder. The final section includes a program for recovery and additional resources.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN

Mogg, Ken. The Alfred Hitchcock Story. rev. ed. Titan. 2008. 192p. illus. filmog. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-84576-708-2. $35. FILM
Verdict: This highly illustrated film-by-film analysis of Hitchcock’s work features many valuable highlights and side notes on his career. François Truffaut’s Hitchcock remains essential for public and academic libraries; this book is an attractive optional purchase for most film collections.
Background: Although Hitchcock worked almost exclusively within the suspense genre, he experimented endlessly with, e.g., a filmed stagelike production (Rope) and a pseudodocumentary (The Wrong Man). Hitchcock put his stamp on every film, yet Mogg—editor of a journal on Hitchcock, The MacGuffin, from which he gathered some information for the book—notes that Hitchcock collaborated with artists as diverse as Salvador Dalí and Thornton Wilder. The director’s richest creative period, from the early 1950s to the early 1960s, receives particular attention. The most useful aspect of the book covers rarely explored territory, including the director’s output in print, radio, and television. In spite of the book’s large format, the print is too small to permit easy reading. This revised edition of the 1999 book features a new layout and many more color images. The main attractions are the numerous reproduced original posters, lobby cards, production stills, and candid location shots.—Stephen Rees, Levittown Lib., PA

Moor, Julia. Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carers. 2d ed. Jessica Kingsley. 2008. c.304p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-84310-608-1. pap. $21.95. CHILD REARING
Verdict: As the author lives and works in the UK, the list of therapeutic organizations is not useful for readers in the United States. Yet the activitites for toddlers through early school-age children are very useful. Recommended for larger public libraries with developmental disability collections.
Background: As a parent of a young child with autism and a sensory art and communication tutor for adults with learning disabilities, Moor understands how parents of children with an autism-spectrum diagnosis are often at a loss as to how to begin gaining their child’s attention and help them learn necessary life skills. Her valuable how-to book breaks down into small segments activities and play scenarios that will engross children and encourage them to learn and build on each simple skill. Each chapter is filled with activities based on a theme such as art, music, and outdoor play as well as toys, computers, and turn taking. Besides ideas for how and what to play with your child, Moor provides ideas for making your own resources using your computer and digital camera to create personalized activities.—Lisa M. Jordan, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS

Riley, Douglas A. What Your Explosive Child Is Trying To Tell You: Discovering the Pathways from Symptoms to Solutions. Houghton. 2008. c.288p. index. ISBN 978-0-618-70081-3. pap. $14.95. CHILD REARING
Verdict: Drawing on examples of children from his practice, Riley demonstrates how praise, rewards, punishments, and role playing encourage children to change their behavior. His rigorous approach to calming explosive children is recommended for large child rearing collections.
Background: Psychologist Riley (The Defiant Child; The Depressed Child) looks at the "explosive child" between the ages of three to ten (explosive in the sense that they go beyond normal tantrums). He contends that explosions are symptoms of an underlying issue, which parents can often discern with observation and conversation. Two common causes are road-map meltdowns, the result of a child’s expectations being altered by reality, and transitions, when the child has trouble moving from one activity to the other. Riley explains how to desensitize children by exposing them repeatedly to the unexpected or making frequent transitions. He encourages speaking with the child about being "big" or mature, even using age-appropriate self-talk about the "big kid brain" and the "little kid brain."—Janet Clapp, Athens–Clarke Cty. Lib., GA

Sanchez, Ivan. Next Stop: Growing Up Wild-Style in the Bronx. Touchstone: S. & S. Oct. 2008. c.240p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-4165-6267-2. pap. $14. AUTOBIOG
Verdict: This authentic, gritty, and totally honest memoir of street life takes readers on a wild ride through the crime-ridden streets of New York City in the 1980s and 1990s. A worthy addition to street-life memoirs.
Background: Torrid tales of drugs, crime, tagging, and neighborhood rivalries come to life on the pages of Sanchez’s memoir of growing up in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx, NY. Sanchez recounts the loss of numerous friends and relatives to murder and prison and describes his own descent into a life of crime, eventually becoming the only one of his former crew who is still alive and/or free. Sanchez credits his upbringing by his single mother and his early Catholic school education for getting him off the streets. With the love of his girlfriend and the desire to raise his daughter in a better environment, Sanchez changed and is today making a positive difference in the lives of others.—Troy Reed, Southeast Regional Lib., Gilbert, AZ

Warnes, Andrew. Savage Barbecue: Race, Culture, and the Invention of America’s First Food. Univ. of Georgia. 2008. 201p. illus. ISBN 978-0-8203-3109-6. $19.95. COOKERY
Verdict: Meticulously researched and filled with copious notes and a small number of illustrations, this is an enlightening look into one of America’s most popular foods. An enjoyable read for historians; recommended for all libraries with food and food-ways collections.
Background: Warnes (Hunger Overcome?) traces the development of barbecue, both the food and the style of cooking, in America. He points out that, like the Thanksgiving holiday, barbecue is an "invented etymology," contending that the food developed from the native cooking methods as well as European colonial explorers’ desire to associate the foods as barbaric and savage before looking at the racist connotations. Before discussing modern pit barbecue across the country, the author looks at the assimilation of barbecue into the British culinary repertoire through various writings about America and American culture. Throughout the work, Warnes reveals both the historical and the contemporary misunderstandings and stereotypes surrounding barbecue.—Nicole Mitchell, Univ. of Alabama Lib., Birmingham

Wineapple, Brenda. White Heat: The Friendship of Emily Dickinson and Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Knopf. 2008. c.432p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-4000-4401-6. $27.95. LIT
Verdict: This portrait of contrasting, distinctive personalities attempting to find common ground is highly recommended for all academic libraries and for public libraries as interest warrants.
Background: Readers’ associations with Emily Dickinson may vary from the nun of Amherst to the victim of an unrequited love affair to a brilliant stylist way ahead of her time. Wineapple’s (Hawthorne: A Life) story of a literary friendship will dispel certain myths and remind readers that Dickinson was serious about being a poet, aware of her place in her family and community, and cognizant of the limitations on her time owing to her gender. Col. Thomas Wentworth Higginson was the perfect counterpoint to Dickinson. A local authority on women’s fitness, Higginson was genuine in his support for women’s rights, and he had excellent literary credentials (he wrote for the Atlantic Monthly). He and Dickinson corresponded for years, meeting only twice, but their relationship was complicated. He discouraged her from attempting to publish her work, believing it too unconventional for the time; yet after her death he coedited and shaped the first collection of her poetry.—Pam Kingsbury, Univ. of North Alabama, Florence

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