Xpress Reviews-First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 02/13/2009
The week of February 13, 2009
Fiction | Nonfiction
Fiction
Berenson, Alex. The Silent Man. Putnam. Feb. 2009. c.432p. ISBN 978-0-399-15538-3. $25.95. F
Verdict: Berenson’s third John Wells espionage novel (after The Faithful Spy and The Ghost War) is a swift and gripping read reminiscent of David Stone’s thrillers but without the graphic violence. Recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/08.]
Background: After a terrorist attack in Washington, DC, leaves several people dead and Wells’s fiancée severely wounded, the CIA agent travels to Russia on a private mission that morphs from destroying his nemesis into saving the world. Readers familiar with the characters from the series will especially enjoy the complex—if occasionally fanciful—plot involving stolen Russian weapons, international arms transactions, and a terrorist scheme to construct and detonate a nuclear bomb in the United States.—Jonathan Pearce, California State Univ. Stanislaus, Stockton, CA
Harper, Karen. Mistress Shakespeare. Putnam. Feb. 2009. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-399-15545-1. $24.95. F
Verdict: Harper’s portrait of William Shakespeare’s rumored second wife joins a subgenre of historical novels speculating on the Bard’s life and work. The author’s combination of historical detail with the story of thwarted lovers extends the novel’s appeal to more than just Shakespeare fans. Recommended for public libraries with historical fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/08.]
Background: Elizabethan England is a familiar setting to Harper; her popular mystery series featuring the queen herself (Poyson Garden) spans the reign with nine volumes. This new novel focuses on the marriage bond issued to Anne Whateley of Temple Grafton one day before the wedding of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway. Harper proves her mastery of writing romance as well as historical fiction. For another view of the two Annes, see Laurie Lawlore’s YA novel, The Two Loves of Will Shakespeare.—Mary K. Bird-Guilliams, Wichita P.L., KS
Harris, Rosemary. The Big Dirt Nap: A Dirty Business Mystery. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. Feb. 2009. c.256p. ISBN 978-0-312-36968-2. $24.95. M
Verdict: Harris’s second installment in her “Dirty Business” horticultural series (after Pushing Up Daisies) moves briskly and features well-developed characters. Readers who love to garden will appreciate the horticultural tips from the author, a master gardener. Recommended for mystery collections where cozies are popular. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 10/1/08.]
Background: Frustrated with the seasonal slowdown in gardening jobs, Paula Holliday takes up a friend’s offer of a free weekend at a Connecticut hotel displaying a rare Corpse Flower (which gets its name from its unique odor). Things take a murderous twist when Paula’s friend doesn’t show up and a too friendly bar patron turns up dead. Adding to the mix are some Ukrainian mobsters, two Native American activist brothers, a casino, and a financially strapped businessman and his sister.—Susan Hayes, Chattahoochee Valley Libs., Columbus, GA
Markoe, Merrill. Nose Down, Eyes Up. Villard: Random. 2008. c.336p. ISBN 978-0-345-50020-5. $24. F
Verdict: In her seventh novel, Markoe (Walking in Circles Before Lying Down) again demonstrates her predilection for talking dogs as central characters. This humorous, light-hearted, and insightful look at families and relationships is recommended for public libraries.
Background: Gil, a handyman, lives rent-free with his beloved four dogs in a wealthy couple’s summer home. When his employers return, Gil moves in with his girlfriend, Sara, then his ex-wife and her husband in their guesthouse in exchange for remodeling services. Following the implosion of a complicated reunion with his ex-wife, Gil returns to live with his mother and stepfather. Markoe’s remarkable ability to portray man’s best friend and narrate in the voice of a middle-aged man allows her to explore family, interpersonal, and interspecies relationships in a distinctive way.—Beth M. Johns, Saginaw Valley State Univ. Lib., University Center, MI
Briers, Stephen. How Your Child Thinks: Give Your Child the Superpowers To Be a Happy, Healthy Person. Financial Times: Prentice-Hall. Mar. 2009. c.243p. ISBN 978-0-13-815674-9. pap. $18.99. CHILD REARING
Verdict: A research-laden explanation of how children think and react that can help parents be more patient, empathetic, and understanding in times of crisis. Recommended for public libraries where research-based parenting books are in demand.
Background: Briers, a clinical psychologist, explains what’s going on in a children’s minds when they are angry, depressed, anxious, over- or understimulated, or interacting with a group—and introduces techniques used in therapy by clinical psychologists to assist children in controlling, acknowledging, and expressing their feelings when faced with problems.—Maryse Breton, Gaithersburg, MD
Colbin, Annemarie. The Whole-Food Guide to Strong Bones: A Holistic Approach. New Harbinger. Feb. 2009. c.216p. ISBN 978-1-57224-580-8. pap. $18.95. HEALTH
Verdict: An introduction to the lifestyle and dietary choices beneficial for healthy and strong bones; public libraries should gauge their communities’interest in natural health when considering this book.
Background: Nutritionist Colbin argues that bone health requires more than consuming calcium supplements or dairy products; diet and exercise affect our bones more than we may realize. The author takes a tour of how osteoporosis, calcium, and menopause influence bone health before making her prescriptions (e.g., limiting nightshade vegetables, over-the-counter medications, and coffee). Part 2 briefly addresses whole foods, exercise, and the spiritual aspects of bone health. Part 3 has nearly 100 recipes that will appeal to those who enjoy natural, organic foods. Several pages of references document the author’s research, although this book is unlikely to convertskeptics of nontraditional approaches.—Mindy Rhiger, St. Paul, MN
Devgan, Uday, M.D. Cataract Surgery: A Patient’s Guide to Cataract Treatment. Addicus. Feb. 2009. c.136p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-886039-94-0. pap. $19.95. HEALTH
Verdict: A comprehensive guide to how cataracts form, their diagnosis, and treatment options. This book would be very useful in consumer health collections and a good addition to any public library with a large middle-aged or older clientele.
Background: Repairing clouded vision is the most commonly practiced surgical process in the United States; the surgery is quick, essentially painless, and effective the majority of the time. Devgan (associate clinical professor, Jules Stein Eye Inst., UCLA) provides a lucid explanation of the procedure, complete with an extensive medical glossary featuring a large print for readers with vision impairment.—Elyse Pike, Health Sciences Lib., Grey Bruce Health Svcs., Owen Sound, Ont., Canada
Galileo Goes to Jail: And Other Myths About Science and Religion. Harvard Univ. Mar. 2009. c.298p. ed. by Ronald L. Numbers. ISBN 978-0-674-03327-6. $27.95. REL
Verdict: An illuminating study of the relationship between science and religion. Recommended without reservation for all public and especially academic libraries.
Background: Funded by the Templeton Foundation, this book features the contributions of a team of 25 scholars that includes agnostics, atheists, and Christians. Their collective objective is to dispel the “hoary myths” of the supposedly bellicose relationship between religion and science. Readers will be fascinated by the evidence that for advocating Copernicanism, Galileo was not imprisoned (as commonly thought) but interrogated—albeit under the threat of torture—and set up in an apartment. Other misconceptions concern the connection between Darwinian thought and Nazi biology, Einstein’s belief in God, and Islam’s alleged hostility toward scientific enquiry.—C. Brian Smith, Arlington Heights Memorial Lib., IL
Holton, Hugh. The Thin Black Line: True Stories by Black Law Enforcement Officers Policing America’s Meanest Streets. Forge: Tor. 2009. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-312-86820-8. $25.95. CRIME
Verdict: A very readable collection of candid essays from African American police officers that will be useful for criminal justice students. Recommended for all general collections.
Background: In this posthumously published study, Holton (1947–2001), a Chicago police officer for over 30 years, offers a riveting, gritty, scary, and sometimes funny anthology of 28 stories told by African American officers from around the country. The officers share their “war stories” and reflect on such topics as their reasons for becoming a cop and their reactions to life-threatening situations.—David Alperstein, Queens Borough P.L., Jamaica, NY
Leman, Kevin. Turn Up the Heat: A Couple’s Guide to Sexual Intimacy. Revell. Mar. 2009. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-8007-1903-6. $17.99. PSYCH
Verdict: In the vein of his well-received Sheet Music (Tyndale, 2003) and Sex Begins in the Kitchen (Revell, 2006), Leman offers frank sexual guidance and advice to Christian couples. There is sizeable overlap in content with his previous titles, so purchase according to demand or to enhance larger collections.
Background: Psychologist Leman focuses on sexual intimacy using a Q&A-style and an emphasis on relationship issues rather than sexual techniques. His advice to support, communicate, and stay positive is sensible, and his approach is flexible despite a Christian grounding and a tendency toward Mars/Venus polarities. The absence of a decent resource section is regrettable, as there are many excellent Christian sex guides from Douglas Rosenau, Ed and Gaye Wheat, and Clifford and Joyce Penner.—Martha Cornog, Philadelphia
Meers, Sharon & Joanna Strober. Getting to 50/50: And Why It’s Great for Your Marriage, Your Career, Your Kids...and You. Bantam. Feb. 2009. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-553-80655-7. $24. PSYCH
Verdict: The authors argue that everyone—children, parents, society, even the workplace—benefits when spouses share parenting and wage-earning responsibilities. Their sensible suggestions will be valuable to couples anticipating sharing family and career responsibilities. Highly recommended for public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/08.]
Background: The authors—both working mothers—demonstrate that equal partnerships require flexibility, negotiation, and compromise. Both husbands and wives may need to challenge not only society’s but also their own myths and misconceptions. The authors present strategies for planning and managing maternity leave and changing working conditions, as well as a wealth of wise tips: outsource nonessential chores and duties, choose the best quality affordable child care, let go of perfectionist tendencies, and get expert help when needed.—Lucille M. Boone, San Jose P.L., CA
Southern, Pat. Empress Zenobia: Palmyra’s Rebel Queen. Continuum. 2009. c.216p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-8472-5034-6. $29.95. HIST
Verdict: Southern’s biography is an accessible and vital addition to Roman historical knowledge. Exhaustive research and extensive footnotes make this an excellent aid to undergraduate or graduate research. Recommended for academic libraries.
Background: Southern (The Roman Empire from Severus to Constantine; The Roman Army) examines the life and times of Zenobia, who ruled Palmyra as regent to her son, Vaballathus, in the late third century C.E. The author skillfully presents the turbulent world of the late Roman Empire and Zenobia’s rise to power. Using historical records and archaeological evidence, Southern portrays Zenobia as less of a rebel or power-hungry ruler than a leader who had the interest of her people and the security of her realm at heart; she also carefully considers other theories and opinions that have arisen over the centuries.—Melinda Gottesman, Univ. of Central Florida Lib., Orlando
Van Meter, William. Bluegrass: A True Story of Murder and Family in Small-Town Kentucky. Free Pr: S. & S. 2009. 288p. ISBN 978-1-4165-3868-4. $24. CRIME
Verdict: Journalist Van Meter’s prose is serviceable at best, but the story he tells about a tragic crime and a bungled prosecution makes the book compulsively readable. Essential for regional libraries and a good choice for most public libraries.
Background: On May 4, 2003, Katie Autry, a student at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, was savagely raped, stabbed, and set on fire. Investigators eventually drew a confession from Stephen Soules, who later claimed he had been forced to rape and murder Autry by Lucas Goodrum, a drug dealer acquaintance. Goodrum’s trial for capital murder, solely on the word of Soules—the only suspect whose DNA was actually found at the scene—proved to be a gross miscarriage of justice.—Deirdre Bray Root, Middletown P.L., OH
Walsh, Peter. Enough Already!: Clearing Mental Clutter To Become the Best You. Free Pr: S. & S. Mar. 2009. c.320p. index. ISBN 978-1-4165-6018-0. $26. PSYCH
Verdict: This well-written and entertaining guide to simplifying one’s life is recommended for all public libraries.
Background: Former host of The Learning Channel’s Clean Sweep show and a best-selling author (It’s All Too Much), Walsh addresses the six key areas of life: family, relationships, work, health, money, and spirituality, arguing that clutter is contagious and disorder in any one sector can sweep in and overwhelm the other parts. He presents step-by-step plans for removing clutter and prioritizing activities in order to spend time and energy on those areas that really matter to you. Simplification and letting go of “stuff” (including unnecessary activities) can relieve stress and make you happier and healthier.—Mary E. Jones, Los Angeles P.L.
