Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 10/14/2008 3:34:00 PM

Fiction | Nonfiction

Fiction

Crandell, Doug. Hairdos of the Mildly Depressed. Virgin Bks, dist. by Macmillan. 2008. c.281p. ISBN 978-0-7535-1378-1. pap. $14.95. F
Verdict: Have you ever wondered if getting the right haircut would lift you out of a deep and seemingly never ending depression? If you have, Crandell’s second novel (after The Flawless Skin of Ugly People) is the book for you!
Background: Brad Orville is single, hates his job, lives in his childhood home (haunted by memories of his deceased parents), and is the primary caregiver for his brain injured brother, Compton—and he has convinced himself that everything will get better if only he still had a full head of hair. But, how do you subtly introduce a toupee into your daily wardrobe? To make matters worse, Compton, for all of his problems, seems to have it all—a new (pregnant) girlfriend, loyal friends, a purpose in life, and a full head of luxurious hair. Brad’s midlife crisis will ring true for many people who feel they’ve made the wrong choices in life and who think, like Brad, that all will be fixed if they could just turn back the clock to a fuller haired/thinner/smoother/less flabby (and therefore happier) time in their life.—Deborah Hicks, Univ. of Alberta Libs., Edmonton

Hammond, Diane. Hannah's Dream. Harper: HarperCollins. 2008. c.336p. ISBN 978-0-06-156825-1. pap. $13.95. F
Verdict: Featuring a cast of endearingly quirky characters (notably, an elephant named Hannah), this charming story enchants and provides a nice balance of lighthearted and poignant moments.
Background: Hammond (Homesick Creek) creates an uplifting tale of a beloved elephant—the sensitive Hannah, brought from Burma by the Max L. Biedelman Zoo. The partially blind elephant has been the star attraction of the ailing small-town zoo for 40 years, and now the zoo is undergoing a revival under a new director. The elephant’s aging caretaker, Sam, and Neva, the newest hire, only want the best for Hannah. Will that mean staying in the zoo or leaving for an elephant utopia?—Sarah E. Myers, Red Feather Lakes Community Lib., CO

Parker, Robert B. Rough Weather. Putnam. Oct. 2008. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-399-15519-2. $26.95. F
Verdict: Parker’s long-running Spenser series now includes 36 novels, but the wisecracking and preternaturally durable Boston PI shows no signs of stopping. Recommended for all adult popular fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/08.]
Background: Hired by a glamorous client to protect an ostentatious society wedding, Spenser finds himself neck-deep in treachery when an old nemesis, the professional assassin known as the “Gray Man,” makes an appearance. Chaos erupts, and Spenser starts digging for the truth, not to mention the kidnapped bride. Parker’s trademark blend of tough action, rapid-fire dialog, and sarcastic wit keeps the story moving. The unpleasant truths that Spenser uncovers, the parallels between Spenser and his quarry, and his reaction to those parallels add a thought-provoking chapter to the series’ ongoing contemplation of the ethics of formidable men who deal in life and death, whose actions are limited only by the codes of honor they set for themselves and the needs of those they respect and protect.—Bradley Scott, Brighton Dist. Lib, MI

Pelevin, Victor. The Sacred Book of the Werewolf. Viking. 2008. c.333p. tr. from Russian by Andrew Bromfield. ISBN 978-0-670-01988-5. $25.95. F
Verdict: Newly translated from the 2005 Russian novel, this is a thought-provoking and philosophical exploration of Russian culture, Buddhism, and love. Recommended for larger public libraries.
Background: In this satirical novel by the best-selling Russian author Pelevin, perception is everything: A Hu-Li appears to be a young prostitute who works the hotels of Moscow, but she is actually a virgin werefox, thousands of years old, who hypnotizes her clients into the illusion of sex. When her standard haunt at a Moscow hotel is no longer available to her, A Hu-Li meets Alexander, a werewolf serving with the modern KGB. Together, A Hu-Li and Alexander develop passion, argue theology and morality, and discover a love that can change the nature of man and beast. A commentary on modern Russian culture, spiced with Buddhist theology, wrapped in an urban fantasy.—Jennifer Beach, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis

Santiago, Fabiola. Reclaiming Paris. Atria: S. & S. 2008. c.288p. ISBN 978-1-4165-5112-6. $24.95. F
Verdict: Poet, essayist, and newspaper writer Santiago crafts an authentic tale of an immigrant’s search for self-discovery in her debut novel that provides a descriptive view into Cuban culture. Despite its weak ending, this is not usual chick lit fare and is highly recommended for large public libraries.
Background: From Wind Song to Habanita, free-spirited Marisol changes her perfumes at the start of every new relationship. As a child, the narrator migrated to Miami with her grandmother whose death at Marisol’s college graduation is one more tragedy (she lost her father at age six and her mother suffered from mental health shortly after) that motivates her to seek closeness to Cuba through the men she becomes involved with. However as she travels across Europe, most notably to Paris, Marisol soon realizes that she must relinquish her idealized views of Cuba in order to find her authentic self.—Natasha Grant, New York

Villas, James. Dancing in the Lowcountry. Kensington. Oct. 2008. c.291p. ISBN 978-0-7582-2847-5. pap. $14. F
Verdict: From paternity issues and suicide to homosexuality and cancer, this book is filled to the brim with skeletons in closets and cathartic confessions. Aging Southern belle Ella Dubose grapples with a ghost from her past and the pressure from her children to relinquish some of her freedoms. Villas’s debut novel is recommended for public libraries.
Background: This book of Southern secrets introduces readers to aging spitfire Ella Dubose and her sons, Tyler and Earl Junior, and the taciturn Goldie. As the story develops, the reader encounters the ghosts haunting these characters and the impact their past has on the present. A great book for book clubs, this novel provides numerous discussion possibilities on a variety of big issues and the interconnectedness of people’s lives and choices without being discouraging or heavy. Quite to the contrary, Ella and her escapades, no matter how important, tend toward saccharin sweet.—Dora Wagner, Northwestern Coll. Lib., Saint Paul, MN 

Nonfiction

Beckner, Victoria Lemle & John B. Arden. Conquering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Fair Winds: Quayside. 2008. c.304p. index. ISBN 978-1-59233-309-7. pap. $16.99. PSYCH
Verdict: An accessible investigation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this book examines the disorder in a logical, sequential, and thoroughly captivating way. Designed for the layperson and professional, it is highly recommended for all libraries.
Background: Beckner and Arden, both of whom have extensive clinical and academic research experience, profile six diverse individuals (a firefighter and survivors of mugging, war, childhood abuse, an automobile accident, and Hurricane Katrina) who struggle with PTSD, identifying their triggers and a clear path to recovery. The authors present a treatment modality focused on cognitive behavioral techniques, evidence-based relationship strategies and techniques to work through traumatic memory, and a holistic approach that provides support on each step of the journey to growth.—Melody Ballard, Pima Cty. P.L., Tucson

Carlin, Richard. Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways. Smithsonian: HarperCollins. Oct. 2008. c.304p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-06-156355-3. $35. MUSIC
Verdict: Former Folkways Records producer Carlin provides the first intimate history of Folkways Records. All libraries seeking a well-rounded music collection need to own this lavishly illustrated portrait of an American institution.
Background: Carlin splendidly captures the ambitious saga of Moe Asch and his emerging record label’s efforts to record every sound from around the world to build an “encyclopedia of sound.” Thanks to his indefatigable efforts, we can now hear the music of Pygmy leaf orchestras, Brazilian Indian singers, and hillbilly bluegrass bands, as well as the howls of metal subway wheels rubbing against the tracks, the whine of steam locomotives, the chirping of insects, and the hum and buzz of computers. Producing close to 2200 albums over 36 years, Asch’s label introduced bluegrass musicians Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard, blues greats Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Elizabeth Cotten, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and folk singer Lucinda Williams to the world.—Henry L. Carrigan Jr., Evanston, IL

Kuttner, Robert. Obama's Challenge: America's Economic Crisis and the Power of a Transformative Presidency. Chelsea Green. 2008. c.224p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-60358-079-3. pap. $14.95. POL SCI
Verdict: Kuttner’s erudite book is highly recommended for readers of all political persuasions who are open to exploring viable solutions for the current U.S. economic and political crises—especially those in favor of working collectively to arrive at a solution.
Background: World-renowned economist and educator Kuttner presents a realistic road map decoding the political and economic complexities facing a newly elected American president, who is attempting to keep election promises and secure widespread public support for his party and government. Kuttner offers Barack Obama, his campaign advisors, and readers a persuasive plan of action for meeting these challenges head-on, complete with a thoughtful outline and eloquent examples taken from transformational leaders like Roosevelt, Lincoln, Kennedy, and Johnson, using snippets of strategy gleaned from the past to suggest solutions for our current political and economic dilemmas.—Gloria Creed-Dikeogu, Ottawa Univ. Lib., KS

Leanne, Shel. Say It Like Obama: The Power Of Speaking with Purpose and Vision. McGraw-Hill. Oct. 2008. 224p. ISBN 978-0-07-161589-1. $21.95. BUS
Verdict: This book admirably highlights Senator Obama’s rhetorical techniques for readers looking to hone their own speaking skills. Given the excitement surrounding Obama’s campaign and his oratory, this should prove to be a popular title for both general readers and those professionally engaged in presentations. Recommended for all collections.
Background: Leanne (How To Interview Like a Top MBA), formerly on the faculty of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, offers a timely examination of the rhetorical skills of Senator Barack Obama to show how readers can adopt his methods for persuasive speaking. Book-ended by a transcript of Obama’s 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address and his acceptance speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the text parses Obama’s methods, demonstrating how he adroitly conveys his messages with examples from his current campaign and his U.S. Senate career. The author clarifies how the reader can employ these same methods of persuasion and presentation, including body language and use of pauses as well as actual word choice.—Richard Paustenbaugh, Oklahoma State Univ. Libs., Stillwater

Leary, Denis. Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid. Viking. Nov. 2008. c.240p. ISBN 978-0-670-03160-3. $25.95. SOC SCI
Verdict: This latest book by stand-up comic and cultural gadfly Leary is less a work of biting social criticism (as it seems to want to be) than a disorganized and rambling diatribe against everything that annoys the author. Not recommended.
Background: The prose is disorganized and aimless, and the subjects of the disjointed chapters are stale standbys. Leary waxes comedic on Oprah, the difference between men and women, and Britney Spears in aimless and bland commentary. His familiar material and uninspiring presentation could be forgiven if only the book were funny, but it’s not. It’s like listening to that friend of yours who complains about the vapidity of pop culture all day long but can’t tear himself away from the television. Leary’s trademark One Angry Man routine wears almost unbearably thin.—John Helling, Bloomfield P.L., IN

Troost, J. Maarten. Lost on Planet China: The Strange and True Story of One Man's Attempt to Understand the World's Most Mystifying Nation, Or How He Became Comfortable Eating Live Squid. Broadway. 2008. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-7679-2200-5. $22.95. TRAV
Verdict: Troost tackles modern China with his trademark wit and unstinting honesty. A genuine pleasure to read, this book is recommended for all public libraries.
Background: Troost initially traveled to China to see if he and his family could move there and escape Sacramento’s pollution and crime. Rather than a refuge, he finds a country changing fast while skipping over nuisances like human rights, copyrights, and pollution controls. Troost (The Sex Lives of Cannibals) is ruthless in his portrayal of China as terribly polluted (“In no way was I ready for the swirling filth that constitutes air in Beijing”), a nation of knockoffs and rip-offs, and cruelly authoritarian in its treatment of Tibet. The author is constantly besieged by offers of questionable Rolexes and Mont Blanc pens and badgered by taxi drivers, beggars, and entrepreneurial women offering massages. A sojourn in the Chinese countryside provides welcome respite for the author and continued entertainment for the reader.—Lee Arnold, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Walter, Gregory & Lisa Grant. Woodstock: A New Look. Writer’s Collective. 2008. 144p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-59411-134-1. $34.95. MUSIC
Verdict: This oversized photo collection primarily features vivid shots of the Woodstock audience and a narrative that contends the festival was the apogee of love, peace, and community. Not essential, though most suited to general readers.
Background: In 1969, an 18-year-old Walter landed a summer job with Woodstock Ventures, helping with the legendary music festival. He avidly photographed the set-up, the crowd, and a few bands such as Jefferson Airplane and Canned Heat. A few weeks later, he developed the photos and stashed them under his bed. Drafted after a few months but refusing to report, Walter traveled through Europe and eventually settled in Canada. Thirty years later, he returned to his home country after a general pardon and found the photos in a shoe box in his parents’ home. Walter combines his snapshots with a few commercial photos and a brief narrative of his experiences at Woodstock.—Dave Szatmary, Univ. of Washington

Wolf, Naomi. Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries. S. & S. 2008. c.381p. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-4165-9056-9. pap. $13.95. POL SCI
Verdict: Acclaimed author and activist Wolf (The End of America) has written a passionate, practical guidebook to reclaiming and reinvigorating participatory democracy. Recommended for all public libraries.
Background: After encountering frustrated, disengaged Americans on a book tour, Wolf rereads the words of American revolutionaries Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine, who envisioned democracy as more than a static form of government, as a living, breathing philosophical discipline that must be continually practiced and perfected. The author documents how this dynamic interpretation of democratic principles has become obscured owing to, among other things, the demise of civics and government instruction in American schools. After offhandedly advising a woman to run for city council, Wolf investigates the election process and observes that the “access points” to political engagement—so carefully designed by the nation’s founders—have been increasingly concealed under arcane language and bureaucracy.—Dennis J. Seese, Jefferson Madison Regional Lib., Charlottesville, VA

Zeoli, Richard. The 7 Principles of Public Speaking: Proven Methods from a PR Professional. Skyhorse, dist. by Norton. Nov. 2008. c.224p. ISBN 978-1-60239-283-0. pap. $14.95. BUS
Verdict: While this book does not break new ground, it is a solid introduction for readers seeking direction as they prepare to give a speech or presentation. Recommended for public libraries.
Background: Zeoli draws upon his years of experience as a public relations consultant and coach to political and corporate clients (his training program with the same title was published in audio form last year) to offer readers a straightforward, practical approach to systematically preparing a presentation or speech. The author makes frequent use of real-life examples from his own career to illustrate each principle—Perception, Perfection, Visualization, Discipline, Description, Inspiration, and Anticipation—in its own chapter. The book includes a set of exercises to help the reader apply the concepts being discussed to his or her own circumstances.—Richard Paustenbaugh, Oklahoma State Univ. Libs., Stillwater

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