Starred Reviews: January 2010
Featuring John Banville, Peter Carey & Francine Russo
By Jessica Roy & Heather McCormack -- Library Journal, 01/07/2010
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January 2010 brings 52 starred reviews from our solo print issue and our Xpress (online-only) Reviews. In the sports category, we get Willie Mays and The First Fall Classic, two outstanding baseball titles that portend our annual baseball roundup (see LJ 2/1/10). Also not to be missed for this editor's money: John Banville's The Infinities, Peter Carey's Parrot and Olivier in America, and Francine Russo's They're Your Parents, Too!—Heather McCormack
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ARTS | AUDIO | FICTION | GRAPHIC NOVELS | MYSTERY | REFERENCE |
SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | SOCIAL SCIENCES | SPIRITUAL LIVING
60 Innovators Shaping Our Creative Future. Thames & Hudson, dist. by Norton. 2009. 408p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-500-51492-4. $75. FINE ARTS
Fascinating insights into global projects that may predict future directions are presented here in an informative and visually appealing format.
D’Oench, Nancy. Flower Arranging the American Way: A World Association of Flower Arrangers Book. Abrams. 2009. 256p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8109-4949-2. $50. FINE ARTS
From cover to cover, this delightful work should inspire and capture the imagination of budding floral arrangers everywhere and be found in any library collection.
Grove, Elliot. 130 Projects To Get You into Filmmaking. Barron’s. (Aspire). 2009. 128p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7641-4296-3. pap. $21.99. FILM
A lively supplement to academic texts, and a pleasing peek for fair-weather enthusiasts.
Hirsch, James S. Willie Mays: The Life, the Legend. Scribner. Feb. 2010. c.624p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-4165-4790-7. $30. SPORTS
Hirsch’s biography deserves a place alongside the work by top chroniclers Roger Angell, Bill James, Roger Kahn, and Robert Creamer. Highly recommended for all baseball fans.
Mornin, Edward & Lorna Mornin. Saints of California: A Guide to Places and Their Patrons. Getty Museum. 2009. c.192p. ISBN 978-0-89236-984-3. pap. $19.95. REL
A Roger Tory Peterson for the sacred patrons of the Golden State’s place-names; no spiritual seeker, amateur historian, or art lover should visit California without it.
Vaccaro, Mike. The First Fall Classic: The Red Sox, the Giants, and the Cast of Players, Pugs, and Politicos Who Reinvented the World Series in 1912. Doubleday. 2009. c.256p. ISBN 978-0-385-52624-1. $25.95. SPORTS
History buffs and sports fans alike will enjoy this glimpse into the birth of the Boston–New York baseball rivalry and one of the most exciting World Series ever.
Armstrong, Karen. The Case for God. 14 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 16¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-307-70239-5. $100; 14 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. REL
Enthusiastically recommended for all collections and for those desiring insight into their spiritual lives.
Atwood, Margaret. The Year of the Flood. 11 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 14 hrs. Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4159-6547-4. $100; 11 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. F
Provocative and political, funny and inspiring; highly recommended for fans of speculative and literary fiction.
Carroll, Sean B. Endless Forms Most Beautiful: The New Science of Evo Devo and the Making of the Animal Kingdom. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-7811-2. $92.97; 7 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. SCI
Carroll does an admirable job of making this complex topic accessible to general readers, and Audie Award nominee Arthur Morey (Descent into Chaos) deftly delivers it to listeners’ ears.
Doctorow, E.L. Homer & Langley. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7 hrs. Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4159-6563-4. $50; 6 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. F
Doctorow’s rich imagining of the brothers’ inner lives to explain their hoarding and agoraphobia will mesmerize audiences, as will actor/screenwriter Arthur Morey’s narration.
Eggers, Dave. Zeitoun. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10½ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4407-6413-4. $102.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. BIOG
This Kafkaesque story is sure to shock, horrify, and outrage listeners and will especially appeal to those who enjoy nonfiction survival stories.
Weil, Andrew, M.D. Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future. 5 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 5¾ hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4417-0943-1. $90; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 6 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. HEALTH
Well read by the author, this engaging audio will appeal to Weil’s many fans and those who appreciate the type of practical straight talk dispensed by the likes of Mehmet Oz and Sanjay Gupta.
Amsterdam, Steven. Things We Didn’t See Coming. Pantheon. Feb. 2010. c.198p. ISBN 978-0-307-37850-7. $24. F
The author, a native New Yorker transplanted to Australia, enters the literary world with a full-blown talent that can’t be stopped.
Banville, John. The Infinities. Knopf. Mar. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-307-27279-9. $25.95. F
Choosing introspective character description over rich plotlines, Banville here puts his writing prowess on full display.
Bennett, Vanora. The Queen’s Lover. Morrow. Mar. 2010. c.592p. ISBN 978-0-06-168986-4. $25.99. F
Bennett offers a compelling and occasionally solemn coming-of-age tale about a young woman who must navigate her conflicting roles as daughter, sister, wife, and mother.
Berenson, Alex. The Midnight House. Putnam. Feb. 2010. c.416p. ISBN 978-0-399-15620-5. $25.95. F
Arguably Berenson’s best thriller yet, this outstanding novel stands on the top rung of commercial spy fiction.
Bohjalian, Chris. Secrets of Eden. Shaye Areheart: Harmony. Feb. 2010. c.384p.
ISBN 978-0-307-39497-2. $25. F
A fantastic choice for book clubs, this novel deals beautifully with controversial topics of domestic abuse, faith, and adultery without resorting to sensationalism.
Carey, Peter. Parrot and Olivier in America. Knopf. Apr. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 978-0-307-59262-0. $26.95. F
Written by a two-time Booker Prize winner, this engaging book will be particularly appreciated by readers interested in early 19th-century American history, the French aristocracy, and emerging democracy.
Cullen, Lynn. The Creation of Eve. Putnam. Mar. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 978-0-399-15610-6. $25.95. F
Marking a strong adult historical fiction debut for YA author Cullen (I Am Rembrandt’s Daughter), this is a good choice for fans of Tracy Chevalier, Sarah Dunant, or Elizabeth Kostova’s The Swan Thieves.
DeLillo, Don. Point Omega. Scribner. Feb. 2010. c.128p. ISBN 978-1-4391-6995-7. $24. F
An excellent nugget of thought-provoking fiction that pits life against art and emotion against intellect.
Endicott, Marina. Good to a Fault. Harper: HarperCollins. Apr. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-06-182586-7. $25.99. F
This second novel by Canadian Endicott, a former actor/director, is a brilliantly balanced and engrossing work about illness, charity, and the very tenuous nature of goodness.
Erdrich, Louise. Shadow Tag. Harper: HarperCollins. Feb. 2010. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-06-153609-0. $25.99. F
Erdrich’s latest is a brilliant cautionary tale of the shocking havoc willfully destructive, self-centered spouses wreak not only upon themselves but also upon their children.
Knapp, James. State of Decay. ROC: NAL. Feb. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-451-46310-4. pap. $7.99. HORROR
State will appeal to readers who liked Jonathan Maberry’s zombie thriller Patient Zero, and fans of gritty sf author Richard K. Morgan (Altered Carbon) will enjoy it as well.
Rachman, Tom. The Imperfectionists. Dial: Random. Feb. 2010. 288p. ISBN 978-0-385-34366-4. $25. F
With its evocative Italian setting and its timely handling of an industry in flux, this polished, sophisticated debut can be relished in one sitting or read piecemeal as a satisfying series of vignettes linked by historical references to the Ott family empire.
Trussoni, Danielle. Angelology. Viking. Mar. 2010. c.464p. ISBN 978-0-670-02147-5. $27.95. F
With captivating characters and the scholarly blending of biblical and mythical lore, this will be popular for fans of such historical thrillers as Kate Mosse’s Labyrinth or Katherine Neville’s The Eight.
Watson, Brad. Aliens in the Prime of their Lives. Norton. Mar. 2010. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-393-05711-9. $23.95. F
Many readers will make solid comparisons to the fiction of Richard Russo and John Updike. Essential reading and highly recommended.
Busiek, Kurt (text) & Brent Anderson (illus.). Astro City: The Dark Age. Vol. 1: Brothers and Other Strangers. Wildstorm: DC. 2009. c.256p. ISBN 978-1-4012-2077-8. pap. $19.99. f
Ideal for superhero lovers tired of the same old hero vs. villain dustups; highly recommended for teens and adults.
Keller, Michael (text) & Nicolle Rager Fuller (illus.). Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Rodale. 2009. c.192p. ISBN 978-1-60529-948-8. pap. $14.99. nat hist
This new version well conveys both the science and the wonder of Origin. Highly recommended for high school age and up.
Dean, Anna. Bellfield Hall. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. Feb. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-312-56294-6. $23.99. M
Dido is confined by Regency society’s limited boundaries of acceptable behavior for an unmarried gentlewoman, but her warm, confiding nature and sharp intellect make her a nearly perfect sleuth for her time.
Eccles, Marjorie. Last Nocturne. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. Feb. 2010. c.409p. ISBN 978-0-312-57793-3. $24.95. M
Introduce a cast of intriguing characters who might have stepped out of a Josephine Tey novel, add a complex, twisty plot in the best tradition of classic British mystery, throw in psychological suspense worthy of Barbara Vine, and you know that you have been reading a master.
Harris, Gardiner. Hazard. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. Mar. 2010. c.357p. ISBN 978-0-312-57016-3. $24.99. M
Harris' intriguing debut will appeal to mystery fans who want to learn about the reality behind the headlines.
May, Peter. Freeze Frame: The Fourth of the Enzo Files. Poisoned Pen. Mar. 2010. c.283p. ISBN 978-1-59058-694-5. $24.95; pap. ISBN 978-1-59058-717-1. $14.95. M
The author of the much acclaimed China Thrillers surpasses himself here in misdirection, placing clues in plain sight and leaving the reader anticipating the fifth entry in this outstanding series.
Stanley, Kelli. City of Dragons: A San Francisco Mystery. Minotaur: St. Martin’s. Feb. 2010. c.358p. ISBN 978-0-312-60360-1. $24.99. M
This atmospheric series debut by the author of Nox Dormienda, winner of the Bruce Alexander Award for best historical mystery, will appeal to fans of noir historicals.
Wishnia, Kenneth. The Fifth Servant. Morrow. Feb. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 978-0-06-172537-1. $25.99. M
This fast-paced historical from Edgar nominee Wishnia (23 Shades of Black) combines scholarly historical details that bring the 16th century alive with believable characters and a compelling mystery.
The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible. 5 vols. Abingdon. 2009. ed. by Katharine Doob Sakenfeld. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-687-33346-2. $400. REF
Because of its focus on congregational teaching and Bible-study use, this work complements rather than competes with the more scholarly and academic Anchor Bible Dictionary.
Zanini De Vita, Oretta. Encyclopedia of Pasta. Univ. of California. 2009. 400p. tr. from Italian by Maureen B. Fant. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-520-25522-7. $29.95. REF
This wonderful resource is destined to become the definitive book on pasta. It succeeds both as a scholarly achievement and as an entertaining and authentic overview of Italian history and geography.
Hunter, Faith. Blood Cross: A Jane Yellowrock Novel. ROC: NAL. Jan. 2010. c.336p.
Jane Yellowrock is one of the most intriguing new heroines in urban fantasy, and Hunter skillfully doles out tiny pieces of Jane’s backstory to keep readers coming back for more.
Jemisin, N.K. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. Orbit: Hachette. (Inheritance Trilogy, Bk. 1). Feb. 2010. c.432p. ISBN 978-0-316-04391-5. pap. $13.99. FANTASY
An engaging heroine and a fresh take on traditional dynastic fantasy make this trilogy opener a delight for the fantasy reader and introduce a strong new voice to the genre.
Resnick, Laura. Doppelgangster: An Esther Diamond Novel. DAW, dist. by Penguin Group (USA). Jan. 2010. ISBN 978-0-7564-0595-3. pap. $7.99. Fantasy
Fans of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series will appreciate this series’ lively heroine and the appealing combination of humor, mystery, and romance.
Willis, Connie. Blackout. Spectra: Bantam. Feb. 2010. c.528p. ISBN 978-0-553-80319-8. $26. SF
Willis is a consummate storyteller whose immersive style hooks readers from the start; her latest work, which is being published in two parts, should appeal to a wide readership and be a particular draw for her devoted followers.
Collins, Francis S. The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine. Harper: HarperCollins. Jan. 2010. c.352p. index. ISBN 978-0-06-173317-8. $26.99. MED
Highly recommended for lay readers interested in their health and health-care workers who need to learn about personalized medicine.
Pomerleau, Cynthia S. Life After Cigarettes: Why Women Smoke and How To Quit, Look Great and Manage Your Weight. Hunter House. Feb. 2010. c.168p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-89793-525-8. pap. $12.95. HEALTH
Smoking cessation has been the subject of many books, but few if any have addressed women’s special concerns so well.
Archer, Richard. As If an Enemy’s Country: The British Occupation of Boston and the Origins of Revolution. Oxford Univ. (Pivotal Moments in American History.) Feb. 2010. c.304p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-19-538247-1. $24.95. HIST
Combining engaging prose and a wealth of interesting characters, Archer has provided students and general enthusiasts alike with a concise, appealing work of first-rate scholarship.
Berlin, Ira. The Making of African America: The Four Great Migrations. Viking. Jan. 2010. c.320p. index. ISBN 978-0-670-02137-6. $27.95. HIST
Berlin’s neat synthesis offers the sharp insights and provocative commentary of one of the foremost historians of black America.
Brandt, Anthony. The Man Who Ate His Boots: The Tragic History of the Search for the Northwest Passage. Knopf. Mar. 2010. c.448p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-307-26392-6. $28.95. HIST
Often witty in his approach, Brandt makes the absurdity of Arctic exploration and the quest for the Northwest Passage entertaining for the general reader.
Fuller, Cheri & Ali Plum. Mother-Daughter Duet: Getting to the Relationship You Want with Your Adult Daughter. Multnomah. Feb. 2010. c.240p. ISBN 978-1-60142-162-3. pap. $13.99. SELF-HELP
The authors’ openness and honesty make this a gripping read. Fuller’s Christian perspective shouldn’t get in the way of what could be a life-enhancing book.
Kornweibel, Theodore. Railroads in the African American Experience: A Photographic Journey. Johns Hopkins. Jan. 2010. c.584p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8018-9162-5. $40. HIST
This wonderful book dealing forthrightly with one aspect of past racism would be an excellent source for readers interested in either African American or railroad labor history.
Lyon, Andrea D. Angel of Death Row: My Life as a Death Penalty Defense Lawyer. Kaplan. Jan. 2010. c.288p. ISBN 978-1-60714-458-8. $26.95. LAW
A well-written, provocative book, featuring colorful characters and a love of humanity; highly recommended for all readers interested in society today.
Russo, Francine. They’re Your Parents, Too!: How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy. Bantam. Feb. 2010. c.298p. ISBN 978-0-553-80699-1. $26. SELF-HELP
More than a how-to book, this groundbreaking work illuminates a difficult stage of life.
Wolmar, Christian. Blood, Iron, and Gold: How the Railroads Transformed the World. PublicAffairs: Perseus. Mar. 2010. c.416p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-58648-834-5. $28.95. HIST
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the growth and global historical impact of railroads.
A Common Word: Muslims and Christians on Loving God and Neighbor. Eerdmans. 2009. c.242p. ed. by Miroslav Volf & Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8028-6380-5. pap. $14. SPIRITUAL LIVING
Almost without doubt one of the most profound interfaith movements and statements in recent memory, this work brings a new audience to this crucial dialog.
Alexander, Jane. The Body, Mind, Spirit Miscellany: The Ultimate Collection of Fascinations, Truths, and Insights. Duncan Baird, dist. by Sterling. 2009. c.160p. ISBN 978-1-84483-837-0. $14.95. SPIRITUAL LIVING
Nice for the curious intellectual or spiritual seeker, as a cost-effective ready reference, and as a gift book.
