Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 10/7/2008 4:48:00 PM

The week of October 7, 2008

Fiction | Nonfiction

Fiction

Beinhart, Larry. Salvation Boulevard. Nation: Perseus. 2008. c.358p. ISBN 978-1-56858-411-9. $24.95. F
Verdict: Author-provocateur Beinhart (Wag the Dog) manages to offend everyone a little bit in this timely page-turner that will generate conversation and controversy and has been already optioned for a film. Recommended for all public libraries.
Background: Perched on the edges of many communities today are megachurches, amalgams of sports arenas, business parks, and shopping malls surrounded by acres of parking stretching from Lot A (for Acts) to Z (for Zebulon). One such City on a Hill is the centerpiece of Edgar Award winner Beinhart’s latest novel. An atheist professor is murdered, and a Muslim student is made to confess to the crime; his defense is in the hands of a hotshot Jewish lawyer, who hires PI (and a born-again Christian worshiper at the megachurch) Carl Van Wagener to investigate. Even after the lawyer’s death, Van Wagener continues his dogged investigation at no small personal cost to himself, his family, and his faith.—Bob Lunn, Kansas City P.L., MO

Kellerman, Jonathan. Bones: An Alex Delaware Novel. Ballantine. Oct. 2008. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-345-49513-6. $27. F
Verdict: Fans of Dr. Alex Delaware and LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis will be pleased with this latest installment from best-selling author Kellerman (Compulsion). While this is a quick read, the story is nothing out of the ordinary. Recommended for all public libraries where die-hard Kellerman readers are sure to request it. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/08; library marketing.]
Background: Milo and Alex reunite to track a killer who has murdered and dumped the bodies of four women in a marsh. The victims are each missing a hand, and their bodies are positioned to face east. With only these clues to go on, Alex collaborates with his friend and Milo’s LAPD partner Moe Reed in trying to solve this whodunit. As they inch closer to the answer, one suspect increasingly begins to appear guilty, but questions surround his current whereabouts. Typically, while the characters follow the clues and interview suspects, much time is made for feasting in and around the LA area.—Amanda Scott, Cambridge Springs P.L., PA

Markovits, Benjamin. A Quiet Adjustment. Norton. 2008. ISBN 978-0-393067-002. $24.95. F
Verdict: A vivid imagining of the life of the English poet Lord Bryon and his tormented wife that will engage fans of Byron and historical fiction. Recommended for larger literary fiction collections.
Background: Why did the genteel Annabella Milbanke enter into a disastrous marriage with the notorious Byron? Markovits (Fathers and Daughters) reveals Annabella’s perspective: her reasons for marrying the poet who was in so many ways the opposite of her idea of a husband, her belief in her natural superiority, her attempts to become what she thought a wife should be, and the terrible suspicions she begins to harbor of her husband and his half-sister. Written in the tone of a novel of the time period, the story never sinks to crude or vulgar descriptions—all is innuendo and euphemism. In the end, Byron and Annabella do achieve their "quiet adjustment," though neither is very quiet with it.—Pamela P. O'Sullivan, Integrated Public Svcs., SUNY at Brockport Lib.

Nonfiction

Cox, Alex. X-Films: True Confessions of a Radical Filmmaker. Soft Skull. 2008. c.312p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-59376-193-6. pap. $17.95. FILM
Verdict: This wry and informative memoir by one of the original indie maverick filmmakers is a fun romp through the production of ten of his movies over three decades and four continents. Highly recommended for academic and special collections.
Background: British-born Cox, best known for Repo Man and Sid and Nancy, is an innovator in small-crew indie filmmaking whose movies often walk the edge of fringe cinema. His searches for funding, relationships with his cast and crew, and triumphs and frequent disappointments in securing distribution result in fascinating reading. The author’s appealing voice makes this book stand out from the majority of Hollywood biographies; the ups and downs of life as an independent artist are all here, and it is fascinating to hear how Cox made the journey.—Christian Zabriskie, Queens Lib., NY

Koszarski, Richard. Hollywood on the Hudson: Film and Television in New York from Griffith to Sarnoff. Rutgers Univ. 2008. 576p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-8135-4293-5. $39.95. FILM
Verdict: Koszarski reminds film buffs that U.S. motion-picture production began (in the 1890s)—and thrived—back East, with numerous New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey studios established in juxtaposition to California production more or less until World War II. This is not an introductory text; Koszarski assumes basic knowledge and a committed interest. His book is essential for all thorough film history collections in public and academic libraries.
Background: Koszarski (English & film studies, Rutgers Univ.; An Evening’s Entertainment: The Age of the Silent Feature Picture) traces the work of mavericks like D.W. Griffith and of studios like Paramount and Fox, describing their artistic credos, their evolution, moves toward local consolidation (e.g., in Astoria, Queens), and their decline. Ultimately, the economic burden upon the major studios in running film production on two coasts and the greater efficiencies of California production diminished New York’s film industry. The author points out that the story of New York’s decline as a production center foreshadowed Hollywood’s story, where studio bosses failed to predict the dispersed system of today. Koszarski shows the glories of those years back East, with Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino, Ben Hecht, Charles MacArthur, and others engaged in alternative approaches to film, tweaking assumptions about method, story, and production. (A related film series with the same title at the Museum of Modern Art is screening examples of NYC filmmaking, 1920–39, from Sept. 17 through Oct. 19.)—Margaret Heilbrun, Library Journal

Levy, Reynold. Yours for the Asking: An Indispensable Guide to Fundraising and Management. Wiley. 2008. c.240p. index. ISBN 978-0-470-24342-8. $29.95. BUS
Verdict: A guide for fund-raisers with a distinctive autobiographical bent, Levy’s book falls short of being "indispensable," but it will be of interest to public libraries and large undergraduate libraries.
Background: Levy, president of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, draws on his substantial fund-raising experience to offer a practical guide to making connections between nonprofit groups and donors. Newcomers are likely to find Levy’s suggestions most helpful; experienced fund-raisers will quickly tire of Levy’s generalizations ("Donors, generally, rise very early in the morning") and casual advice ("Ask. Ask early. Ask often"). The real value of Levy’s work lies in his ability to demystify the process of fund-raising and his personal touch that will appeal to those seeking funding—be they development staff, board, or volunteer—but lacking the experience or facility to do so.—David Hodgins, Univ. of Colorado at Colorado Springs Lib.

Michie, David. Hurry Up and Meditate: Your Starter Kit for Inner Peace and Better Health. Snow Lion. 2008. c.126p. ISBN 978-1-55939-306-5. pap. $14.95. HEALTH
Verdict: A nuts-and-bolts primer recommended for collections whose clientele is seeking basic information on meditation.
Background: Michie (Buddhism for Busy People) examines the psychological and physical benefits of meditation in a detailed discussion of how, when, and where to meditate; offers notes on posture and coping with distractions; and introduces techniques, including visualization, breathing variables, and object-focused and mantra meditations. The author addresses the therapeutic uses of meditation in stressful situations, its ability to promote healing during illness, and measuring progress with respect to quality (even quantity!) of life. According to Michie, meditation reveals life’s true purpose: "the self that is subject to no boundaries, that experiences the unity of all, that abides in a state of blissful transcendence."—James Swanton, Harlem Hosp. Lib., NY

Murphy, Bill, Jr. In a Time of War: The Proud and Perilous Journey of West Point’s Class of 2002. Holt. 2008. c.384p. illus. maps. ISBN 978-0-8050-8679-9. $27.50. MILITARY STUDIES
Verdict: This powerful, skillfully written and moving book sheds a personal light on the wages of war. Highly recommended for all libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 5/1/08.]
Background: Murphy, former journalist and research assistant to Bob Woodward, followed several members of the West Point class of 2002 through their advanced training and subsequent deployment to hostile areas. He concentrates on two soldiers in particular, one from a family with a tradition of military service and one setting a path for himself distinct from his upbringing. The author gives readers a glimpse into the military and personal struggles of these new officers and their families, reconstructing their lives in and out of combat from interviews with over 200 people and access to the soldiers’ journals, military records, and personal correspondence. He explains that the book "is as close to the truth" as he "could possibly make it" while protecting the privacy of a few people as well military tactics.—Lisa A. Ennis, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Lib.

Nielsen, Linda. Between Fathers & Daughters: Enriching and Rebuilding Your Adult Relationship. Cumberland House. 2008. c.320p. ISBN 978-1-58182-661-6. pap. $16.95. PSYCH
Verdict: An impressively straightforward tool for fathers and daughters interested in improving their relationships, as well as for professionals who work with these types of family dynamics. Recommended for public libraries and university libraries supporting the helping professions.
Background: Nielsen (Embracing Your Father), president of the American Coalition for Fathers & Children, draws on her extensive teaching and research experience to illuminate the roots of father-daughter conflict. The author provides a wealth of suggestions on how fathers and daughters can reconcile, rebuild, and enrich shaky—even nonexistent—relationships and examines the impact of negative portrayals of fathers in the media. Nielsen addresses improving communication and understanding, how fathers and daughters can come to terms with differences of opinion about lifestyles and money management, deal with divorce and remarriage, and reconcile the age-old tension between fathers and the sexuality of their daughters.—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Patrick, Nancy J. Social Skills for Teenagers and Adults with Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide to Day-to-Day Life. Jessica Kingsley. 2008. c.208p. index. ISBN 978-1-84310-876-4. pap. $19.95. PSYCH
Verdict: This comprehensive guide addresses how teenagers and adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) can enhance their social competence and live their best lives. Targeted to those with AS and their families and professionals, this book will be useful in autism collections of public and academic libraries.
Background: A parent of a child with a disability, Patrick (coauthor, Hints and Tips for Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders) examines how those with AS can have more fruitful relationships and dispenses practical advice on health and medical issues, optimum living arrangements, and associated monetary concerns. As many people with AS are underemployed, Patrick devotes significant attention to discussing college options, career and vocational assessments, and how to find and keep a job. The author presents an exhaustive list of adaptive tools, including assistance technology, effective listening, eye gaze, role playing, and scripts, and a final section provides fill-in forms that help determine personal strengths and weaknesses.—Elizabeth J. Safford, Nevins Memorial Lib., Methuen, MA

Sicile-Kira, Chantal. Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More—10 Essential Abilities Every Child Needs and Deserves To Learn. Penguin. Oct. 2008. 224p. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-399-53461-4. pap. $14.95. PSYCH
Verdict: Sicile-Kira’s survey of practical and psychological changes facing children with autism will be most valuable to parents of older children. Slightly hampered by its overly general approach, this book is recommended for public libraries with autism and special-needs collections.
Background: An advocate and parent of an autistic teenager, Sicile-Kira identifies ten challenges (including communication and safety) that confront children with autism and their families. The author includes accounts from people with autism taken from books, web sites, and blogs and provides tips and goals for parents to promote their child’s independent and successful life. Of particular note is the section on self-esteem, which addresses the important issue of self-awareness of autism, especially among adolescents. The book would have been strengthened by the inclusion of unmediated voices from others with autism. The paraphrasing limits the text's appeal to a more general audience.—Corey Seeman, Kresge Business Administration Lib., Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Street, Paul. Barack Obama and the Future of American Politics. Paradigm. Oct. 2008. c.272p. index. ISBN 978-1-59451-631-3. $23.95. POL SCI
Verdict: Marred by heavily biased analysis, this polemic could be useful to those collections that already have more objective accounts; however, libraries on limited budgets searching for a balanced treatment of Obama are advised to skip it.
Background: Street (Racial Oppression in the Global Metropolis) trains a critical lens on the experience, associations, positions, and statements of Barack Obama. The author is an unapologetic critic of "the Establishment"—in the tradition of Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky—and he posits that Obama’s positions aren’t liberal enough to justify the candidate’s assertions that he can bring substantive change and that Obama is actually content to compromise to meet the needs of the Establishment rather than those of ordinary Americans. Drawing on a raft of public documents and his own knowledge of Chicago politics, Street places Obama as just another candidate beholden to the moneyed interests in our political system. —Thomas J. Baldino, Ph.D., Wilkes Univ., PA

Vogel, Robert A. & Paul Tager Lehr (text) & Michael Fryd (photogs.). The Pritikin Edge: 10 Essential Ingredients for a Long and Delicious Life. S. & S. 2008. c.400p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-4165-8088-1. $25. HEALTH
Verdict: While much of the material here has been presented in earlier texts, this introduction to the Pritikin Program and philosophy abounds with sample recipes, appendixes of exercises, case studies of successful clients, and handy key-point summaries that set a friendly, easy-to-read tone. Suitable for public libraries.
Background: The Pritikin Program, first developed by Nathan Pritikin almost 30 ago in response to his diagnosis with heart disease, severely limits salt, fats, sugars, and protein in favor of fresh vegetables, fruit, high fiber, and regular exercise. The authors analyze the science behind the program and describe the ten essential ingredients of the Pritikin Program with rules and techniques, e.g., start with salad and soup, eat small portions of high-calorie foods, eliminate fast food, and decrease stress and depression. Seventy-five pages of recipes and a sample two-week menu help get readers started.—Crystal Renfro, Georgia Inst. of Technology Lib. & Information Ctr., Atlanta

Vowell, Sarah. The Wordy Shipmates. Riverhead: Penguin Group (USA). Oct. 2008. c.272p. ISBN 978-1-59448-999-0. $25.95. HIST
Verdict: Vowell’s latest mix of humor and history is an entertaining companion to conventional history books. The author’s take on early American history will delight those fans who aren’t put off by the distracting colloquial tone. Recommended for libraries where Vowell’s books are popular. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/08.]
Background: Vowell takes on the drama and compelling stories of the Puritans, focusing on Gov. John Winthrop’s views on the special mission and destiny of the Puritans who left England for a fresh start and a new religious frontier. She also covers the New World experiences and philosophies of Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson, with side trips encompassing Native American wars and the Puritans’ long-reaching impact on America. An informal retelling of the juiciest bits of the history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, this book is peppered throughout with one-liners, personal reminiscences, anachronistic analogies, and frequent digressions ridiculing George W. Bush.—Elizabeth Morris, Barrington Area Lib., IL