Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 12/30/2008 9:31:00 AM

Fiction

Braver, Adam. Nov 22, 1963. Tin House. 2008. c.208p. ISBN 978-0-9802436-2-8. pap. $14.95. F
Verdict: Braver’s use of multiple viewpoints, engaging personal insight, and short blocks of prose propel readers through this impressive example of historical fiction; highly recommended for public libraries and academic fiction collections.
Background: In Braver’s (Mr. Lincoln’s Wars) skillful re-imagining of the day of JFK’s assassination, readers follow a string of independent narratives told from the perspectives of, among others, a Dallas police officer, a funeral hearse driver, a parade bystander, a White House nanny, and a staff usher. Each individual expresses his or her experience succinctly and with an austerity that heightens our emotional investment. Jackie Kennedy’s sense of shock and loss act as literary bookends.—Dora Wagner, Northwestern Coll., Saint Paul, MN

Fishburne, Rodes. Going To See the Elephant. Delacorte. Jan. 2009. c.293p. ISBN 978-0-385-34239-1. $22. F
Verdict: One’s appreciation of this debut novel will depend entirely on a tolerance for a story that could be described as zany, irrepressible, and whimsical. Best suited for larger fiction collections.
Background: To a fictionalized San Francisco, resplendent with daily newspapers, none of which is named the Chronicle, wide-eyed innocent Slater Brown arrives with a trunkful of books and the absolute conviction that he is to be the world’s greatest living writer. After he lands a job at a decaying weekly newspaper, the story introduces several broadly drawn characters, including a corrupt but possibly noble mayor, a mad genius, and a sexy Pixie chess prodigy heiress. Hang on as Fishburne slings you from one improbable situation to the next.—Amy Watts, Univ. of Georgia Lib., Athens

Keefer, Janice Kulyk. The Ladies’ Lending Library. Harper: HarperCollins. Jan. 2009. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-06-147907-6. pap. $13.99. F
Verdict: Keefer focuses too much on the adult characters, and her conclusion feels rushed. Only for the most ardent fans of women’s fiction and fodder for Lifetime channel movies.
Background: Set in 1963 in a fictional summer beach colony in eastern Canada, Toronto-based Keefer’s first novel to be published in the United States in 15 years follows the day-to-day pursuits and inner monologs of a group of well-to-do first-generation Ukrainian Canadian wives as they reminisce about missed opportunities, resent their children, and wait for unsatisfying weekend visits from their husbands. Keefer shifts the narrative throughout the book to include the thoughts and exploits of the women’s children; these sections are more original than the main narrative.—Julie Elliott, Indiana Univ. Lib., South Bend

Nonfiction

Chandler, Wilma Marcus. Directing Theater 101: 10 Steps to Successful Productions for New Directors and Regional Theater Companies. Smith and Kraus. Jan. 2009. c.160p. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-57525-583-5. pap. $16.95. THEATER
Verdict: This slender work is an easy-to-read, affordable addition to the plethora of how-to books on directing currently available.
Background: With this introductory material for the new director, theater arts instructor and director Chandler intends to start the reader "on the path toward understanding the work of the theater director and those who work alongside the director." The chapters on play analysis, fundamentals of directing, production preparation, auditions, rehearsals, problem solving, production people, performance, and continuing training provide a sound overview of the profession for the novice. Of special note is the inclusion of the complete text of Lady Gregory’s one-act play, The Rising of the Moon. Chandler introduces it in the chapter on play analysis and effectively uses this play as the context for discussing further directorial decisions, such as set, lighting, sound effects, and costuming, throughout the following chapters.—Laura A. Ewald, Greenville Coll. Lib., IL

Cope, Julian. Japrocksampler: How the Post-War Japanese Blew Their Minds on Rock ‘n’ Roll. Bloomsbury UK, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Jan. 2009. 304p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-7475-8945-7. $29.95. MUSIC
Verdict: Cope’s study of Japan’s rock history from post–World War II occupation to the 1980s is well researched and absorbing (at least for music fiends); but it is written in a dry tone that’s more polite than compelling—not too surprising from a British outsider mapping a portion of Japan’s cultural history. Recommended for libraries with considerable Japanese or Japanese American patrons.
Background: Cope’s tone is particularly disappointing because his previous books, such as his autobiographies Head-on/Repossessed, have displayed the fearless and stylish voice you’d expect from a former rocker. Still, his latest has plenty of worth as it traces how armed forces radio broadcasts shaped a forming Japanese musical culture, how the lack of imported guitars affected the Japrock sound, and how the nation’s most famous rock icon, Yoko Ono, influenced her homeland’s artistic oeuvre. The author’s comments on the Japrock scene’s antidrug stance almost chastise sobriety; and his list of the top 50 Japrock albums is a primer for musical tourists.—Robert Morast, Fargo, ND

Covey, Stephen R. The Leader in Me: How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time. Free Pr: S. & S. 2008. c.288p. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-4391-0326-5. $24.99. PSYCH
Verdict: It is somewhat unclear whether there were any true challenges in implementing the Seven Principles at A.B. Combs. Still, a work about revamping education written this inspiringly should provoke dialog on the educational priorities of the incoming presidential administration. Recommended for large public library self-help or education collections.
Background: Best-selling author Covey (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) outlines how his Seven Principles were applied to the mission of A.B. Combs Elementary School (Raleigh, NC) "to develop leaders one child at a time." In his typical, heady style, the author presents material on how the needs of students, parents, and teachers were determined; how stakeholders were aligned; and how the Seven Steps were implemented through various empowering activities. Anecdotes describing the success of that implementation within other schools across the world are spread out somewhat confusingly across two chapters.—Eric Petersen, Dana Coll. Lib., Blair, NE

Denizet-Lewis, Benoit. America Anonymous: Eight Addicts in Search of a Life. S. & S. Jan. 2009. c.352p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-7432-7782-2. $26. PSYCH
Verdict: Denizet-Lewis’s tendency to scatter case study details across chapters somewhat hampers continuity. The result is a journalistic survey with an introspective bent rather than a tool for students and clinicians. An optional purchase for most public libraries.
Background: According to research reported here, the economic cost of alcohol and drug abuse in the United States was estimated at $534 billion in 2007. Denizet-Lewis, an award-winning journalist and a self-professed sex addict, explores the full spectrum of this public health problem through a series of case studies and commentary. The book is based on his encounters with eight men and women whose addictions range from the traditional (alcohol and drugs) to less recognized but similarly destructive forms (gambling, food, sex, and shoplifting). Episodes from each person’s life showing their struggles with addiction are interwoven with relevant research findings and opinions about causes and treatment. Information on new drugs for chemical addictions including possible vaccines illuminate the disease aspect of addiction.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN

Hallowell, Edward M. & Peter S. Jensen. Superparenting for ADD: An Innovative Approach to Raising Your Distracted Child. Ballantine. Dec. 2008. c.240p. ISBN 978-0-345-49776-5. $25. CHILD REARING
Verdict: A new way to think of attention deficit disorder that highlights the positives and possibilities rather than ADD’s negative connotations. Highly recommended for public libraries.
Background: Hallowell (coauthor, Delivered from Distraction) directs the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health; Jensen is CEO of the REACH Institute (the Resource for Advancing Children’s Health). Here, they have joined forces to help parents, caregivers, and teachers determine how best to support and nurture children with ADD. The text demonstrates how to develop an understanding of and empathy for those with ADD and then how to recognize, emphasize, and use each child’s unique strengths, rather than focus on their difficulties. Shame, fear, and poor self-esteem are reduced as a result. The authors provide appendixes of tips for using behavioral strategies and school information and resources. An annotated resource list is also included.—Lisa M. Jordan, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS

Okner, Joel, M.D., & Jeremy Clorfene. The No Bull Book on Heart Disease: Real Answers to Winning Back Your Heart and Health. Sterling. Jan. 2009. c.176p. index. ISBN 978-1-4027-5868-3. pap. $12.95. HEALTH
Verdict: Although this reviewer would have liked to see more concrete documentation regarding the principles outlined here, the authors’ expertise and commonsense presentation make this book a welcome addition to consumer health collections.
Background: Cardiologist Okner and cardiac psychologist Clorfene attempt to get at the underlying issues that prevent patients and their families from making the lifestyle changes needed to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of mortality according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. Especially crucial is the way in which the cardiac rehabilitation process is broken down into manageable steps that offer building blocks for change and the authors’ treatment of the important differences between men and women in terms of diagnosis and management. The various vignettes representing patients seen by the duo in their practice effectively demonstrate the challenges and potential solutions that readers may attempt to implement in their own lives.—Lori Gluckman Winterfeldt, VA New York Harbor Healthcare Syst., Manhattan Campus Lib.

Perry, Nancy. Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independence. Jessica Kingsley. Dec. 2008. c.272p. ISBN 978-1-84310-904-4. pap. $22.95. CHILD REARING
Verdict: While Perry’s approach makes sense, she does not provide enough real examples to connect with a general audience. Also, her downplaying of education as a critical goal for those with autism reveals a far more conservative approach than is useful to her audience. A better work is Ann Palmer’s Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome.
Background: One of the biggest challenges facing parents of children with special needs is when they leave the shelter of school and home to take their place in society as independent adults. Perry (clinical director, Ctr. for Adaptive Learning) presents a plan for moving autistic adults into an independent or group-living environment. She focuses on their lack of "executive functions," or those decision-making skills that allow for one to manage money, maintain personal hygiene, keep jobs, and establish meaningful relationships.—Corey Seeman, Kresge Business Administration Lib., Ross Sch. of Business, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Taffel, Ron. Childhood Unbound: Saving Our Kids’ Best Selves; Confident Parenting in a Sky’s the Limit World. Free Pr: S. & S. Jan. 2009. c.320p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-4165-5927-6. $26. CHILD REARING
Verdict: As a careful observer, counselor, and social watchdog, Taffel gives hope and solid advice to the millions of post–baby boomer parents who feel helpless. Readers will come away understanding ways to listen, act, cope, appreciate, and love their kids. Recommended.
Background: Long before MySpace, texting, or IM’ing, Taffel saw that kids were forming stronger alliances with other peers than with parents and family. This was the theme of his 2001 book, The Second Family: How Adolescent Power Is Challenging the American Family. Here, he updates that assessment, explaining that the old generation gap between parents and kids is completely missing. Partly, technology is responsible. Also, "family rules"—give-and-take between parents and kids—are nonexistent, with most kids living with only one parent at a time. Taffel defines the hodgepodge of advice that baby boomer parents followed through the 1970s and 1980s, e.g., parent effectiveness training, tough love, the self-esteem movement. Parents floundered; kids sought engagement and direction; peers replaced parents. But, kids are angry that life’s expectations are not being met, and some parents act more like friends and cheerleaders rather than as, well, wise parents.—Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA

Zallen, Doris Teichler. To Test or Not To Test: A Guide to Genetic Screening and Risk. Rutgers Univ. 2008. c.232p. index. ISBN 978-0-8135-4377-2. pap. $18.95. MED
Verdict: With rapidly changing developments in genetic research, new information is needed on a regular basis, and Zallen’s well-written, reasonably priced volume is the perfect answer. The guidance here will go a long way toward helping individuals make the choice that is right for their own personal circumstances. Essential for all libraries.
Background: In her latest book, Zallen (science & technology, Virginia Tech) expands and updates her earlier work, Does It Run in the Family?, by examining tests for genetic susceptibility. Using the tests for breast/ovarian cancer, colon cancer, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and hereditary hemochromatosis as models, Zallen intersperses personal interviews with useful background information to illustrate the variety of choices available in genetic testing. She discusses how to balance risks and personal timing against the advantages and disadvantages of being tested. A brief introduction to genetics, along with a glossary and a list of additional resources, adds to the book’s value.—Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.

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