Xpress Reviews-First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 01/29/2010
The week ending January 29, 2010
Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Fiction
Borodale, Jane. The Book of Fires. Pamela Dorman: Viking. Jan. 2010. c.356p. ISBN 978-0-670-02106-2. $26.95. F
Agnes Trussel, 17 and pregnant, leaves her home in the English countryside to try her fortunes in 1752 London, where she becomes apprenticed to a fireworks maker, Mr. Blacklock. What she does not realize is, just as she is racing against time to find a solution to her dilemma, so, too, is Mr. Blacklock for his own reasons. Dense and deeply atmospheric, this debut novel paints a vivid picture of 18th-century life, carefully detailing the smells, the grime, and the nuances of everyday interactions. Borodale’s resolution to Agnes’s problem is surprising but entirely possible.
Verdict Evoking the feel of novels like Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale, this work will captivate historical fiction fans who relish the fine details of quotidian life, but they might find it difficult to form an attachment to Agnes, who never quite lifts off the page.—Pamela P. O'Sullivan, SUNY at Brockport Lib.
Carter, Dori. We Are Rich. Other. 2009. 208p. ISBN 978-1-59051-307-1. $22.95. F
In this novel written in stories, Carter (Beautiful Wasps Having Sex) interweaves 12 tales told by the residents of a small, seemingly perfect coastal California town. The eclectic characters of Rancho Esperanza have lived or worked there from the 1940s to the present day. There's Fidelia the Honduran housekeeper and Lincoln Crowell, husband to Chicky, queen of the Rancho Esperanza Old Guard—all of them make up the fabric of the community, regardless of status or background. As each story unfolds, readers learn more about the evolution of the community, its residents, and their secrets and lies.
Verdict Written as a satiric critique of society’s attitudes toward wealth and status, these stories flow seamlessly from one to another, but most of the characters behave rather predictably. Unfortunately, when the biggest secret is revealed, the climax is less than shocking, too. Best suited for fans of character studies and social intricacies.—Shaunna Hunter, Hampden–Sydney Coll. Lib., VA
Deaver, Jeffery & others. Watchlist: A Serial Thriller. Vanguard: Perseus. Jan. 2010. c.416p. ISBN 978-1-59315-559-9. $25.95. F
After originally appearing in audio form, the award-winning composite novellas The Chopin Manuscript and The Copper Bracelet have finally hit print. To create a "serial thriller" reading experience, each chapter was written by a different author, including Lee Child, Joseph Finder, Lisa Scottoline, and Deaver. Harry Middleton, the hero of both novellas, uncovers terrifying conspiracies that threaten both his family and the world. As the stories progress, each chapter brings a new perspective and level of fun to the story line.
Verdict Even though the stories play better on audio than in print, this collection is still worth picking up. It’s a joy to see which writer wrote a certain part of the story, and readers will no doubt seek their individual books. Deaver does a phenomenal job of starting the tales and then wrapping up the chaos that ensues. For all popular fiction collections, even if already owned in audio.—Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.
Labiner, Norah. German for Travelers: A Novel in 95 Lessons. Coffee House, dist. by Consortium. 2009. c.270p. ISBN 978-1-56689-223-0. pap. $14.95. F
After receiving much acclaim for her second novel, Miniatures, Labiner returns with the story of Lemon Leopold, an actress; her brother, Benjamin; and her cousin Eliza. The three share a great-grandfather, Jozef Apfel, a well-known German Jewish psychoanalyst who wrote about a patient to whom he had given the pseudonym Elsa Z. Their great-aunt Anna, Jozef’s daughter, has written to Eliza, asking her to come to Berlin; Eliza goes, and Lemon follows. Ben, who is preoccupied with his great-grandfather’s studies of Elsa Z., stays behind. Anna fills the cousins in on the complex relationship and influence Elsa had on her family.
Verdict In this swiftly paced, fragmented family history, Labiner reveals more secrets as Lemon and Eliza learn of Elsa, whose presence is felt by the descendants of Jozef Apfel. For readers who enjoy immersing themselves in the inner lives of compelling characters.—Cristella Bond, Anderson P.L., IN
McDonald, Craig. Print the Legend. Minotaur. Feb. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-312-55437-8. $24.95. M
Like McDonald’s initial volume, Head Games, this work features Hector Lassiter, a hogleg Colt-toting crime writer who is too larger-than-life to swallow. Set mostly in Ketchum, ID, the story revolves around Hemingway scholar and Papa poseur Richard Paulson, who is out to prove that Ernest didn’t commit suicide but was murdered by his wife, Mary. Lassiter, Hemingway’s lifelong friend, aims to keep the author’s memory intact, so positions himself to thwart Paulson’s efforts to reveal Mary as killer, and her efforts to cash in by publishing Ernesto’s unfinished inferior manuscripts. Throw into the mix rogue FBI/CIA operative and B novelist Donovan Creedy, a cardboard bad guy also out to destroy Hemingway’s literary reputation. Paulson’s pregnant-out-to-here wife develops goo-goo eyes for old-enough-to-be-her-grandfather Lassiter, who will seemingly drop his pants at any opportunity. Shake this all together, and you’ve got quite a mess. The book’s highlight is McDonald’s wonderfully fun portrait of foul-mouthed, hard-drinking bitchzilla Mary, who is nastier than Grendel’s mother with a case of gin in her.
Verdict Overall, the writing is average, the plot convoluted, and the characters unbelievable. Save your money.—Mike Rogers, Library Journal
Read, Cornelia. Invisible Boy. Grand Central. Mar. 2010. c.432p. ISBN 978-0-446-51134-6. $24.99. M
Reformed socialite Madeline Dare (A Field of Darkness) begins a new chapter in her life and consciousness when she discovers the skeletal remains of a toddler in her family’s neglected private cemetery and determines to seek justice for the child. Part mystery, part character piece, and part social treatise on race and class relations, Read’s third mystery is interesting and well written; her dialog and character descriptions are compelling.
Verdict This will appeal to readers fond of Daniel Judson, Laura Lippman, and Peter Abrahams.—Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ
Rollins, James. Altar of Eden. Morrow. Jan. 2010. c.448p. ISBN 978-0-06-123142-1. $27.99. F
Taking a break from his "Sigma Force" series, Rollins still captivates with this stand-alone work. Veterinarian Maura Kelly discovers a horrific menagerie of animals that have been genetically altered to not only be an ugly aberration of nature, but also extremely intelligent. She has very little time to contemplate who or what’s happening, because one of the animals escapes. With the help of a U.S. marshall she knows from her past, Maura discovers an even more sinister plot that involves humans as well.
Verdict Writing about a profession he knows intimately as a practicing vet, Rollins gets the details right in this exhilarating page-turner. The main characters are intriguing, and he does an admirable job balancing character development with the mayhem. Rollins’s career is on the rise, and this further solidifies his reputation. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/09.]—Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.
Samson, Ian. The Bad Book Affair. Harper: HarperCollins. (Mobile Library Mysteries). Jan. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-06-145201-7. pap. $13.99. M
Israel Armstrong (The Book Stops Here) is in a bad way—the Jewish, vegetarian, city-bred librarian is still stuck in rural Northern Ireland, still despised by his boss, and still battling the demands of his book mobile patrons. And now that his girlfriend has left, Israel has taken to his bed and new depths of pseudo-existential despair. There are many funny scenes and some horrifyingly realistic portrayals of the challenges in serving the reading (or nonreading) public that anyone who has worked a reference desk will relate to all too easily. But Israel’s haplessness pales a bit in this fourth installment by Guardian contributor Sansom. Like others in the series, this entry features a mystery of sorts—a missing teen last seen checking out restricted material, which makes Israel a suspect—but the real point is the interplay between fish-out-of-water Israel and the colorful supporting characters.
Verdict Fans of M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series will appreciate the local color and a less-than-admirable hero, but first-timers will prefer the earlier books, where Israel isn’t such a pill.—Devon Thomas, DevIndexing, Chelsea, MI
Taylor, Jackson. The Blue Orchard. Touchstone: S. & S. Jan. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-4165-9294-5. pap. $14.99. F
It's 1954, and as nurse Verna Krone stands trial for assisting in an illegal abortion, she reflects back on what brought her to this point in her life. The child of Irish immigrants in a small Pennsylvania town in the mid-1920s, young, studious Verna is sent to work to support her family. Raped by her employer, she becomes pregnant, then almost dies in a midwife-assisted abortion. Just as the Great Depression hits, she finds herself pregnant again and must leave her son with her mother to work. Verna eventually becomes a nurse and finds herself assisting in illegal abortions for the wealthy and politically powerful African American Dr. Crampton. As she makes money for the first time in her life, Verna struggles with her feelings about the moral versus the practical implications of her work.
Verdict Taylor, the associate director of the New School’s Graduate Writing Program and director of the PEN American Center’s Prison Writing Program, has crafted a gripping and candid first novel featuring genuine characters and an engrossing story line about race, class, and gender.—Joy Gunn, Henderson Libs., NV
Abramson, Paul. Sex Appeal: Six Ethical Principles for the 21st Century. Oxford Univ. 2010. c.160p. ISBN 978-0-19-539389-7. pap. $19.95. PSYCH
Abramson (psychology, UCLA; With Pleasure: Thoughts on the Nature of Human Sexuality) offers a slender volume on contemporary sexual conduct, drawing on his knowledge as the former editor of the Journal of Sex Research. Six chapters—"Do No Harm," "Celebrate Sex," "Be Careful," ‘Know Yourself," "Speak Up/Speak Out," and "Throw No Stones"—are dedicated to an ethical principle that he wishes to emphasize. Surprisingly, the chapter titles are self-explanatory and the focal principles self-evident. Indeed, the content is so simplistic that it is difficult to see what this adds to the literature on sexuality. Moreover, it is equally difficult to determine who the target audience might be. After all, teens would most likely lack interest in ethical precepts, while adults would have arrived at their own empirical formulation of appropriate sexual conduct.
Verdict Best employed as a vehicle for discussion in college courses on sexuality and ethics.—Lynne F. Maxwell, Villanova Law Sch., PA
Adams, Michael. Showgirls, Teen Wolves, and Astro Zombies: A Film Critic's Year-Long Quest To Find the Worst Movie Ever Made. It: HarperCollins. Jan. 2010. c.336p. ISBN 978-0-06-180629-2. pap. $13.99. FILM
Adams, a professional Australian movie critic, challenged himself to watch a bad movie every day for a year in an effort to find the worst movie ever made. He ponders the important and sometimes subtle differences between bad, bad-bad, and good-bad as he mines the pits of the movie industry. He considers a variety of subgenres including big-budget flops, sequels, "Gorilla Cinema," "Teen Troubles," and star vehicles. His wife, kid, and career wander in and out of the story, but it is the incredulous plot descriptions, background information, and occasional interviews with directors and actors that make the book.
Verdict A foreword by George A. Romero grants bad-movie legitimacy, but without an index or even list of the 365 movies (so we can skip right to the good stuff), this book loses usefulness as a reference. Recommended for movie fans—even fans of good movies.—Lani Smith, Ohone Coll. Lib., Newark, CA
Baker, Chris (illus.). A.I. Artificial Intelligence: From Stanley Kubrick to Steven Spielberg; The Vision Behind the Film. Thames & Hudson, dist. by Norton. 2009. 160p. ed. by Jan Harlan & Jane M. Struthers. illus. ISBN 978-0-500-51489-4. $60. FILM
As is apparent from his landmark films 2001 and A Clockwork Orange, Stanley Kubrick was passionately interested in the condition of humankind in the future. In the mid-1980s, he began planning a film based on a short story about a boy who discovers he is a robot; however, because of his meticulous preparation and his work on what was to be his final movie, he never produced it. He had discussed the project with Steven Spielberg, who finally released A.I. Artificial Intelligence in 2001. In this lavishly illustrated book (with 250 photographs and drawings), Harlan, executive producer of A.I., and Struthers, who works with the Stanley Kubrick Archive at University of the Arts London, trace the evolution of the film and include the original story, preliminary drawings by conceptual artist Baker, stills from the finished film, and, perhaps most fascinating, photographs of various materials annotated by Kubrick.
Verdict This is suitable for sf film buffs; its insight into the planning of an epic film may attract students and filmmakers as well.—Roy Liebman, California State Univ., Los Angeles
Bard, Elizabeth. Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes. Little, Brown. Feb. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-0-316-04279-6. $23.99. COOKING
The dream of falling in love with a Frenchman and diving into the expat life in Paris is always surrounded by stories of food and intercultural fumbles. Bard, an American journalist, takes us along on her romantic adventure, delighting us with humor, poignant insights, and the occasional personal struggle. She learns her way around French food and culture and shares recipes and etiquette tips, though not to the extent that Polly Platt does in her own intercultural instruction manual, French or Foe?: Getting the Most Out of Visiting, Living and Working in France. Go with Bard as she explores the open-air markets, bonds with her butcher, and introduces American comfort food to her French family.
Verdict Filled with vignettes of faux pas, lessons learned, and delicious desserts, this memoir is a great, light read that lovers of food and romance will tear through. It will make you want to cook up something to savor while you cuddle up with the book.—Sheila Kasperek, Millersville Univ. of Pennsylvania
The Best American Magazine Writing 2009. Columbia Univ. 2009. c.500p. ed. by American Society of Magazine Eds. ISBN 978-0-231-14796-5. pap. $16.95. COMM
Chosen from the 2009 National Magazine Award finalists and winners in categories including Feature Writing, Reviews and Criticism, Public Interest, Profile Writing, Columns and Commentary, and Essays, these pieces were primarily published in national general-interest publications such as the Atlantic, The New Yorker, and Esquire. Although there are also selections from Bicycling and Automobile, there are disappointingly few examples from smaller-circulation and online publications. All of the selections are strong, but of particular note are profiles of James Brown and David Foster Wallace (by Sean Flynn for GQ and David Lipsky for Rolling Stone, respectively), as well as Chris Jones’s feature (Esquire) on the preparation for burial of the body of a soldier killed in Iraq in 2007.
Verdict Paid journalism is struggling, but this collection serves to remind readers of the high quality of (and necessity for) outstanding magazine reporting and writing. Readers, particularly nonfiction generalists, will appreciate the wide array of subjects and styles, and readers’ advisors and other library staff could use this volume to expand their knowledge of nonfiction authors.—Sarah Statz Cords, Associate Editor, The Reader’s Advisor Online
Bierens, Francesca. A Spectrum of Light: Inspirational Interviews with Families Affected by Autism. Jessica Kingsley. 2009. c.192p. ISBN 978-1-84905-013-5. pap. $19.95. PSYCH
Personal narratives of autism can provide readers with vivid portraits of life with this condition. While some strive for a complete picture of an autistic individual, others offer descriptions of a wider range of autistic people. Bierens goes for the latter in this excellent book. Drawing on interviews with ten families of children and adults on the autism spectrum, she weaves a wonderful tapestry of different skills, abilities, and experiences that better represent the full autism spectrum. There are great sections on how family life is changed and how these individual excel as adults. In a chapter devoted to where a family might find support, one parent lamented a book that recounted the grim upbringing of a severely autistic child.
Verdict If that parent had owned a book like this, he would have seen a much broader set of examples and possibilities, critical for fully describing a condition that manifests itself so differently in different individuals. Strongly recommended for all parents of autistic children and their support network.—Corey Seeman Kresge, Business Admin. Lib., Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Clancy, Susan A. The Trauma Myth: The Truth About the Sexual Abuse of Children—and Its Aftermath. Basic Bks: Perseus. 2010. c.256p. ISBN 978-0-465-01688-4. $25. PSYCH
In what will likely be a controversial book, Clancy (psychology associate, Harvard Univ.; Abducted) argues against the commonly accepted trauma model—that sexual abuse victims feel trauma or fear at the time the abuse happens, and that it is this trauma that causes psychological problems later in life. She also ties this model, and its false assumptions, to the medical community failing to help sexual abuse victims. She notes victims’ young ages and trust of the perpetrator (frequently a relative or family friend) as reasons why the abuse is not recognized when it occurs. Clancy goes out of her way to say that this does not make them any less of a victim than a physical abuse victim. Clancy and her Harvard colleagues interviewed more than 200 sexual abuse victims over a ten-year period. The book cites numerous previous studies and theories, all indexed at the end, as well as incorporates stories from those interviewed (with names and other identifying details changed).
Verdict A bit dry at times, this work is best suited for researchers and those particularly invested in the subject of trauma.—Leigh Mihlrad, Albany Medical Coll., NY
Dryden, Konrad. Franco Alfano: Transcending Turandot. Scarecrow. 2010. 238p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8108-6970-7. $65; pap. ISBN 978-0-8108-6977-6. $40. MUSIC
Composer Franco Alfano (1875–1954), an unfortunately marginalized figure, benefits immensely from Dryden’s (Leoncavallo: Life and Works) successful traversal of his musical activities. While readers may have encountered Alfano only as the completer of Puccini’s opera Turandot, with its ensuing controversy, there is much more to him. Dryden painstakingly follows Alfano from his youth in Naples, Italy, through European travels, composition of a host of operas, chamber music, songs, and symphonic works, and a series of cordial exchanges with Mussolini during the 1920s–40s. The contemporary illustrations and facsimiles lend charm; however, the material is generally rather dry, and some chapters end in an abrupt manner. The bibliography seems exhaustive, and the index complete.
Verdict For anyone interested in the Italian music scene of the 20th century, Dryden’s mostly excellent title will likely become the definitive word on the subject for the foreseeable future, as there has been precious little available in English about Alfano.—Barry Zaslow, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH
Federman, Russ & J. Anderson Thompson, Jr., M.D. Facing Bipolar: The Young Adult's Guide to Dealing with Bipolar Disorder. New Harbinger. Feb. 2010. c.192p. ISBN 978-1-57224-642-3. pap. $16.95. PSYCH
Young adulthood is a time of transitions and life-altering decisions that can be difficult, especially if one is coping with a mental disability. This book addresses the concerns of those with bipolar disorder, which affects two to four percent of the general U.S. population. Federman and Thompson have worked in the mental health field since the 1970s and have particular experience with university students. Their presentation includes a description of depression and mania, symptoms, medications, and clinical help available. Case studies reveal characteristics of the disorder. Sensible advice for promoting bipolar stability is provided, including the "4 S's" (structure, sleep, stress management, and self-monitoring).
Verdict The strength of this book lies in its frank advocacy of accepting one's disability and the development of the psychosocial skills to manage it. Upbeat yet realistic, it may strike just the right tone for improving the lives of bipolar young people.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN
Gasparino, Charles. The Sellout: How Three Decades of Wall Street Greed and Government Mismanagement Destroyed the Global Financial System. HarperBusiness: HarperCollins. 2009. 572p. index. ISBN 978-0-06-169716-6. $27.99. ECON
Gasparino (on-air editor, CNBC; King of the Club) covers the 2007–09 financial crisis from its origins through the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) bailout. He traces its causes back to the 1980s when to be more profitable Wall Street firms took on risk by leveraging themselves with high levels of debt. He recounts how this caused periodic crises such as the 1998 collapse of Long Term Capital Management, but that each time government intercession saved the day and emboldened the risk takers. When housing prices began their inexorable decline in 2006, he explains that the leveraged borrowing, coupled with hard-to-price exotic financial instruments like collateralized debt obligations, provided the impetus for the near implosion of the financial system. Gasparino covers the gamut of the problem, from lax mortgage originators through accommodative politicians to the banks themselves.
Verdict This is financial journalism at its best. The breadth of Gasparino's work here and his jargon-free writing make this an essential introduction for most readers. Andrew Ross Sorkin's Too Big To Fail is also superb, but its focus—on the 2008 activity to save Wall Street—is much narrower. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/09.]—Lawrence Maxted, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA
Griffin, Simone & Dianne Sandler. Motivate To Communicate: 300 Games and Activities for Your Child with Autism. Jessica Kingsley. 2009. c.208p. index. ISBN 978-1-84905-041-8. pap. $18.95. PSYCH
Children with autism are not always motivated to use verbal language or other forms of communication, and this guide explains ways to get them to do so through play. Griffin, a speech and language pathologist of ten years, and Sandler, a teacher who has worked with children and adults with autism and other special needs for 30 years, have coauthored this guide to games and activities that will set up opportunities for the child with autism to communicate in his or her own way. Offered is a general strategy for getting the child to communicate by creating situations where he or she needs assistance from the caregiver. The work is then divided into chapters according to type of activity and offers hundreds of specific scenarios with actual toys, food, or objects to create such opportunities. Games involve some specific toys (with web site information on how to obtain them) but also everyday household objects that are readily available.
Verdict This book is like having a behavioral consultant and speech therapist in the home or school preparing activities for engagement with the child. Highly recommended as a useful resource for parents and teachers of children with autism at all levels.—Terry Lamperski, Carnegie Lib. of Pittsburgh
Harris, Stacey. The Diabetic Pastry Chef. Pelican. Feb. 2010. c.272p. index. ISBN 978-1-58980-747-1. $24.95. COOKING
When Harris was studying to become a pastry chef, she was diagnosed with diabetes. Rather than give up her chosen profession, she began creating more diabetic-friendly desserts. She begins her first cookbook with information on the definition, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and includes complete nutritional information (calories, fat, cholesterol, sugars, and protein) for each recipe. She uses Splenda® and presents other sugar-free alternatives for pancakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, and pies.
Verdict Most recipes have a list of ingredients and multiple steps, but Chocolate Cherry Cake, for instance, only has three ingredients and one sentence of instruction—a nice variety. Recommended for the beginning diabetic cook. More advanced bakers may prefer Barbara Selley’s 150 Best Diabetes Desserts.—Carrie Scarr, West Fargo P.L., ND
James, Tommy with Martin Fitzpatrick. Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James & the Shondells. Scribner. Feb. 2010. c.240p. ISBN 978-1-4391-2865-7. $25. MUSIC
There is nothing more enticing than a behind-the-scenes look into one’s favorite profession. With the music industry, the stories usually concern legendary or tragic figures but seldom feature the workaday world of popular music. This void has been ably filled by James’s memoir of his career and his relationship with Morris Levy, the controversial yet highly successful music executive. James takes us through the world of radio-oriented pop of the late 1960s and up to the resurgence of some of his greatest hits, like "I Think We’re Alone Now" and "Mony Mony," via renditions by newer artists decades later. But the most intriguing aspect of the book is James’s life in the business of making music. In the 1960s, men with mob connections like Levy ruled the industry, making and breaking careers at will.
Verdict James’s experience with Levy makes this a distinctive memoir and a welcome addition to the history of popular music. An entertaining, conversational read by an overlooked musician. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/09.]—Peter Thornell, Hingham P.L., MA
Koch, Marlene. Eat What You Love: More Than 300 Incredible Recipes Low in Sugar, Fat, and Calories. Running Pr. Feb. 2010. 448p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-7624-3432-9. $29.95. COOKING
Registered dietitian Koch (Marlene Koch’s 375 Sensational Splenda Recipes) here presents 300 recipes that are simple to prepare and palatable for most. There is a definite focus on healthful versions of American chain and fast-food classics like frozen mocha drinks, creamy soups, and various dips. The recipes are not particularly inventive and lean heavily upon processed meats; branded, packaged food products; and jarred sauces; however, readers can find lower-fat and -calorie versions of basics, like a tuna melt, that mimic the originals. The book is organized well, and the concise formatting makes recipes easy to follow.
Verdict Recommended with some hesitation for dieting readers who feel most comfortable with simple, American-style recipes. More experienced and adventurous cooks will not find inspiration here.—Claire A. Moitra, Providence, RI
Loewen, James W. Teaching What Really Happened: How To Avoid the Tyranny of Textbooks & Get Students Excited About Doing History. Teachers Coll. Pr: Columbia Univ. 2009. c.264p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8077-4991-3. pap. $21.95. ED
Loewen follows up his best-selling Lies My Teacher Told Me and Lies Across America with a guide targeted to American history teachers at the secondary level. Loewen contends that U.S. history textbooks, in order to avoid controversy and sell as many copies as possible in all regions of the country, gloss over controversial topics like slavery or provide wrong information. He writes that the textbook should be only a starting point for examining U.S. history and learning historiography, critical thinking, and what really happened. Loewen details how to deal with what he considers the most glaring poorly or incorrectly taught subjects in American history: e.g., how and when people got to the Americas, why Europe won, the $24 myth, slavery, why the South seceded, and the nadir of race relations, 1890–1940. Loewen explains how correctly teaching history makes students more effective citizens.
Verdict Essential for school administrators and all teachers and professors of U.S. history, this will also be useful for parents of school-age children.—Mark Bay, Univ. of the Cumberlands Lib., Williamsburg, KY
Lowe, Chelsea & Bruce M. Cohen, M.D. Living with Someone Who's Living with Bipolar Disorder: A Practical Guide for Family, Friends and Coworkers. Jossey-Bass. Feb. 2010. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-470-47566-9. pap. $18.95. PSYCH
Mental health columnist Lowe and Cohen (psychiatry, Harvard Univ.) team up to address the needs and concerns of those who are involved with someone who has bipolar disorder. They use nontechnical language to describe all aspects of diagnosis, treatment options, and day-to-day issues. Numerous vignettes of couples, told from the nonbipolar partner’s point of view, personalize the narrative and also make clear how varied the symptoms, whether behavioral or emotional, can be. Specific advice is offered on communicating with family, friends, and work colleagues; developing a professional and nonprofessional support system; and navigating the impact of this disease on work and personal life. There is also an extensive reading list appended, and resources appropriate to the topic at hand are integrated into the text.
Verdict This offers practical help to those living with or related to a person who is or might be suffering from bipolar disorder. A guide on the nitty-gritty details of managing a relationship and a life, with a hefty dose of encouragement thrown in, this has lots of excellent resources for all aspects of diagnosis, treatment, communication, and coping.—Paula McMillen, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas
McGovern, Mark. Living with Co-Occurring Addiction and Mental Health Disorders: A Handbook for Recovery. Hazelden. 2009. c.240p. illus. ISBN 978-1-59285-719-1. pap. $15.95. PSYCH
Co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, is an established mental health condition considered difficult to treat. Therapists are rarely skilled in handling both addiction/substance abuse issues and mental illness, and few self-help books deal with this topic. Yet in any given year, 11 million North Americans suffer from co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Here, McGovern (psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical Sch.) and Edelstein, a consultant, agent, and writer, provide an easy-to-read manual for people experiencing this illness. They describe common mental disorders, frequently prescribed medications, and evidence-based treatments focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy. The authors then provide a workbook approach to help clients manage their symptoms. Cognitive restructuring tasks and therapeutic breathing techniques are presented. There is also an informative chapter on the role traditional 12-step programs can play in recovery. Issues related to recovery planning including handling relapse and building a support network are also covered.
Verdict Motivated persons with milder forms of co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders will find this book enlightening and authoritative.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN
McChesney, Robert & John Nichols. The Death and Life of American Journalism: The Media Revolution That Will Begin the World Again. Nation: Perseus. Jan. 2010. c.320p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-56858-605-2. $25.95. COMM
McChesney (communications, Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Rich Media, Poor Democracy) and Nation Washington correspondent Nichols (Dick: The Man Who Is President) join the current conversations on the crisis in journalism with a provocative proposal for a public intervention to rescue the press. First, they cover familiar ground in their analysis of the current crisis and the history of government-press relations. In the book's last third, they break new ground by advocating that the government intervene with a four-part plan to sustain journalism as a transition is planned, convert newspapers into "post-corporate" digital formats, transform public broadcasting into "world-class" democratic media, and spawn competitive news-media on the Internet. Strategies to accomplish this include subsidizing postage, creating a journalism division of AmeriCorps, and funding both high school news media and independent Internet journalism. With a $35-billion price tag, these proposals are bound to be controversial, especially to those who value the idea of an adversarial relationship between the press and government.
Verdict This well-written and thought-provoking book is sure to spark heated debate within the journalism community.—Judy Solberg, Seattle Univ. Lib.
McClellan, Stephanie, M.D., & Beth Hamilton, M.D., with Diane Reverand. So Stressed: The Ultimate Stress-Relief Plan for Women. Free Pr: S. & S. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-1-4165-9358-4. $26. PSYCH
As OB-GYNs, McClellan and Hamilton have seen firsthand the destructive effects of stress on their female patients. Their goal with this book is to teach women to control and manage their response to stress. The authors have determined that women respond to stress in four basic ways, or "stress-response patterns." Their book enables readers to figure out which stress type they are and find the right techniques to apply to return to a healthier state. The authors looked at the most recent scientific studies regarding women and stress and compiled them in a comprehensive and clear package that explains what stress actually does to the mind and body from a medical point of view and how to combat stress through restorative sleep, relaxation techniques, proper nutrition, and exercise. The resulting book offers practical advice, which, if followed, should reduce the tremendous damage that stress does to our bodies, including heart disease, eating disorders, gynecological problems, chronic pain, depression, and asthma.
Verdict Every woman who feels that stress is making them sick should read this informative, well-written, and easy-to-understand book to grasp what is happening to their body and how to fight back.—Mary E. Jones, Los Angeles P.L.
McQuillar, Tayannah Lee & Fred L. Johnson. Tupac Shakur: The Life of an American Icon. Da Capo. Feb. 2010. c.256p. photogs. filmog. bibliog. index. discog. ISBN 978-1-56858-387-7. pap. $15.95. MUSIC
Tupac Shakur’s iconic status—both as a pioneer and a tragic icon of hip-hop—assures that there will always be abundant biographical material. What makes this contribution from McQuillar (When Rap Music Had a Conscience) and Johnson (history, Hope Coll.) original is their emphasis on the historical and cultural context of the artist’s life. As much a biography of Shakur as a history of racial struggle in America—from the rebellious Lumbee Indians of Shakur’s North Carolina home through his mother’s membership in the Black Panther Party—this is a scholarly work that goes beyond a mere chronology of the artist’s life.
Verdict The tone is occasionally dry, the authors rely on secondary sources, and readers looking for a line-by-line analysis of recordings will need to look elsewhere; however, those looking for a compelling, no-holds-barred biography and an education regarding significant historical events should seek out this book.—Bill Baars, Lake Oswego P.L., OR
Mewshaw, Michael. Between Terror and Tourism: An Overland Journey Across North Africa. Counterpoint. Feb. 2010. c.416p. ISBN 978-1-58243-434-6. pap. $16.95. TRAV
Mewshaw, an intrepid travel writer and prolific novelist (Year of the Gun; Shelter from the Storm), celebrated his 65th birthday by taking an astonishing but somewhat hapless journey across North Africa. Sprinkling his account with literary allusions, he starts in Alexandria, Egypt, heads west through Libya, backtracks to Egypt, and continues on to Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, revealing his dogged determination, edgy fearlessness, and knack for faithful dialog. Seasoned travelers will sympathize with the cultural misunderstandings and bureaucratic troubles encountered in various places, particularly Libya. Mewshaw admits that "travel is a need as urgent as oxygen." That urgency is evident in each well-turned phrase and incisive observation.
Verdict Recommended for Arabists and libraries with larger travel collections. Readers who enjoyed Michael Benanav’s Men of Salt will appreciate this book.—Elizabeth Connor, The Citadel, Military Coll. of South Carolina Lib., Charleston
Mini C with Tanya Haffner. Healthy Dairy-Free Eating: 100 Delicious Recipes from Breakfast to a Late-Night Snack by an Expert Team of Chef and Dietician. Kyle: Kyle Cathie, dist. by National Bk. Network. Feb. 2010. 144p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-90686-813-0. pap. $16.95. COOKING
Mini C, who was the chef patron at London’s Busabong Thai restaurant and can be seen on UKTV’s Great Food Live, and dietician Haffner provide recipes as well as tips on foods to avoid, dining out, shopping, and dietary needs of children. Recipes are easy to follow and include nutritional information (calories, fat, and calcium).
Verdict The Rosemary Cheeseburger with Plantain Chips and Tomato Salsa shows that diary-free eaters don’t need to give up cheese (it uses soy cheese) or flavor. Libraries should also consider David and Rachelle Bronfman’s Calciyum!: Delicious Calcium-Rich Dairy-Free Vegetarian Recipes, which includes delicious recipes and a list of calcium found in individual foods.—Carrie Scarr, West Fargo P.L., ND
Patterson, Eric & Jennifer Blakeslee (text) & Thomas Kachadurian (photogs.). Cooks’ House: The Art and Soul of Local, Sustainable Cuisine. Spirituality & Health. 2010. c.240p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-9818708-2-3. pap. $24.95. COOKING
Patterson and Blakeslee are owners of The Cooks’ House restaurant in Michigan. Patterson attributes their success to their top-notch ingredients—Michigan cheeses, grass-fed beef, and fresh milk. The recipes here are organized by season, and the beautiful pages feature side notes (reminiscent of the trivia bubbles in VH1’s Pop-Up Video) that give info about the ingredients, e.g., how to know if a mollusk is still alive and how to salt water.
Verdict The recipes are written for beginners who may not know how to clean a chicken or to set the bird on its back for roasting. Kachadurian’s photos of the food and kitchen are wonderful. A great addition to the growing collection on local cooking.—Carrie Scarr, West Fargo P.L., ND
Robeson, Paul, Jr. The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: Quest for Freedom, 1939–1976. Wiley. Feb. 2010. c.432p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-471-40973-1. $35. BIOG
In this second volume (after The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: An Artist’s Journey, 1898–1939) of the biography of scholar, athlete, performing artist, and human rights activist Paul Robeson, his son examines what are perhaps the most controversial and turbulent decades of his father’s life. Robeson, an important figure of the 20th century, is only dimly remembered and has been marginalized to the point of tragedy. Drawing on family archives and his close relationship with his father, Robeson Jr. does not apologize or negate the contradictions and deep complexities of his father’s personality—rather he acknowledges that these intricacies are part of what made Robeson such a powerful figure.
Verdict Using previously unpublished materials, Robeson Jr. has created a fascinating portrait of an outspoken man who never backed down from his beliefs, even when they threatened his life and work. Highly recommended for those interested in African American history, the early civil rights movement, and politics during the cold war.—Teri Shiel, Westfield State Coll. Lib., MA
Schnarch, David. Intimacy & Desire: Awaken the Passion in Your Relationship. Beaufort, dist. by Midpoint Trade Bks. 2009. c.432p. ISBN 978-0-8253-0629-7. $25.95. PSYCH
Licensed clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist Schnarch (Passionate Marriage) believes that too often when people marry, their partners become more important to them than they are to themselves, which leads to a lack of real intimacy and thus a lack of sexual desire. He breaks the problem down into four parts, looking at why normal people have sexual desire problems, how to co-evolve through sexual desire problems, how your personal life fits in, and using your body to co-evolve in bed. Readers are encouraged to work on their own emotional maturity in order to improve their marriage. The author does not deal here with low sexual desire caused by medical problems (look, instead, to one of his earlier books, Resurrecting Sex).
Verdict This is not a quick or simple approach to intimacy; it is challenging, comprehensive, and eye-opening. Those who are married, hoping to be married, and looking to stay married will find it invaluable and approachable.—Mary E. Jones Reference Librarian, Los Angeles P.L.
Shay, Janice (text) & Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn (photogs.). Savannah Classic Seafood: Recipes from Favorite Restaurants. Pelican. (Classic Recipes). Feb. 2010. c.96p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-58980-744-0. $15.95. COOKING
Get ready for an armchair tour of Savannah. Shay (Savannah Classic Desserts) takes readers on a mouthwatering adventure into the best restaurants the city has to offer. Recipes have simple cooking directions as well as a short history of the originating restaurant. Dieters beware: many recipes use whole milk and heavy cream, as one might expect in classic Savannah fare; still, health-conscious cooks will enjoy Kayak Kafe’s Watermelon and Wild Georgia Shrimp Salad, a wonderfully cool summer salad.
Verdict This cookbook is a lovely tribute to the fine restaurants of Savannah and to the Georgia city.—Carrie Scarr, West Fargo P.L., ND
Shugaar, Antony & others. Coast to Coast: Vintage Travel in North America. Vendome, dist. by Abrams. 2009. 320p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-86565-259-0. $55. TRAV
This American edition of a 2008 French publication seeks to offer the reader a sense of what it was like to travel around North America in the days before flying became the norm. Shugaar (coauthor, Latitude Zero: Tales of the Equator), graphic designer Marc Walter, and travel writer Catherine Donzel make great use of photographs and ephemera of the time and include a few inserts of facsimile reproductions of brochures and postcards. The United States and Canada are considered by geographic region. Major destinations, quirky roadside attractions, and various means of travel and accommodation are described.
Verdict The introductory chapters for each section are rather uneven in tone and style, but this seems unlikely to bother the average reader, as the illustrations are so engaging. Indeed, the phrase lavishly illustrated could have been invented to describe this charming book. A perfect gift for a traveler, armchair or otherwise.—Megan Fraser, UCLA
Watman, Max. Chasing the White Dog: An Amateur Outlaw's Adventures in Moonshine. S. & S. Feb. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-1-4165-7178-0. $25. BEVERAGES
NEA Literature Fellowship recipient Watman (Race Day: A Spot on the Rail with Max Watman) again mixes personal narrative with reporting to explore a particular aspect of American cultural history. Most fascinating is the current practice of moonshining, which is more widely spread than some may assume. Readers will laugh and rejoice at Watman’s attempts to distill his own liquor, an activity he repeatedly notes is illegal. Though these exploits add humor and a good deal of useful information about home brewing and distilling, readers interested in a more thorough historical or academic treatment of this subject may find them distracting. Fans can find more information about moonshine and racing as well as recipes on Watman’s blog, The Ocean of Intemperance.
Verdict A fun read combining history, how-to, and memoir that should have special appeal in the Appalachian regions covered in the book.—Meagan P. Storey, Virginia Wesleyan Coll., Norfolk, VA
Whitmire, Richard. Why Boys Fail: Saving Our Sons from an Educational System That's Leaving Them Behind. AMACOM: American Management Assn. 2010. c.256p. index. ISBN 978-0-8144-1534-4. $24.95. ED
Any parent will recall the experience of being bombarded by expert advice on what to do (practically from birth) in order to ensure that one’s offspring will hit all of the intellectual milestones as early as possible. According to Whitmire, a former editorial writer for USA Today, this push toward early literacy is one of the factors contributing to boys’ failure to thrive in today’s educational environment. Whitmire lays out several other underlying causes and refutes the influence of some put forth by others. He also provides case studies from programs that are helping boys to succeed, identifies potential future ramifications of not addressing the problem, and details his own suggestions for solutions. At times, the back-and-forth between vignette and explanation is a bit distracting (Whitmire’s journalist background shows through in the book); however, the subject matter is compelling.
Verdict Sound advice—recommended for parents, educators, and others advocating for innovation and flexibility in their educational situations.—Sara Holder, McGill Univ., Montreal, Que.
Wright, Clarissa Dickson. Spilling the Beans: The Autobiography of One of Television's Two Fat Ladies. Overlook, dist. by Penguin Group (USA). 2010. c.336p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-59020-296-8. $24.95. COOKING
Wright rose to fame as one of the stars of the popular BBC cooking show Two Fat Ladies (1996–99), which also aired on America’s Food Network. Her book is less about her adventures as a television star than it is recollections of a troubled life. Wright writes of a dismal childhood, alcoholism, recovery, and, finally, success; it was a long, hard struggle for her to overcome the failures in her life. Despite this, her book is a pleasure to read and a treat for any Anglophile. We’re regaled with detailed descriptions of British life, complete with anecdotes about famous people she met. The warmth and joy of filming the cooking show come across nicely as we follow Wright and her costar on their motorcycle treks around the country.
Verdict Although one might hope for more details about the show itself, this is an honest autobiography and an enjoyable read. Well worth adding to any collection, especially where there’s interest in British life.—Elizabeth Rogers, CEF Lib. Syst., Plattsburgh, NY
Arakawa, Hiromu (text & illus.). Full Metal Alchemist: Vol. 20. 2009. c.200p. ISBN 978-1-4215-3034-5.
Arakawa, Hiromu (text & illus.). Full Metal Alchemist: Vol. 21. 2009. c.192p. ISBN 978-1-4215-3232-5.
Arakawa, Hiromu (text & illus.). Full Metal Alchemist: Vol. 22. 2010. c.192p. ISBN 978-1-4215-3413-8.
ea. vol: Viz Media. pap. $9.99. GRAPHIC NOVELS
For five years, American readers have been following this manga series, the adventures of Edward and Alphonse, both horribly injured in an attempt to return their dead mother to life via magical means. Their early adventures were more lighthearted, even when they faced serious menaces in their quest to become fully human again. Then, things slowly turned dark, as the true nature of the bad guys became visible. Now, the story is building toward a climax as plot threads begin to be resolved, characters head toward "final" showdowns, and scenes from early in the series are revisited. Fullmetal Alchemist is, on the surface, an action/adventure story, and that is what attracts the younger readers. For more mature readers, there are philosophical, political, and other issues interwoven through the story. Even the definition of humanity comes into question, as both enemies and allies include beings that are only partially human, by most standards.
Verdict While not a good jumping-on point for the vast story arc, these volumes are a solid continuation of a popular story. For teens and adults, owing to violence.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L.
Carey, Mike (text) & Sebastian Fiumara & Giulia Brusco (illus.). Ender's Shadow: Battle School Premiere. Marvel. 2009. c.128p. ISBN 978-0-7851-3596-8. $24.99. GRAPHIC NOVELS
Bean is not your average everyday child—an illegally genetically engineered homeless being living in a grim future, he has a unique perspective that take center stage in this graphic novel adaptation of Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card. Bean has been plucked from the streets of Rotterdam and plopped into Battle School, and his story adds a new dimension to the rich world of the "Ender’s Game" series. Artists Fiumara and Brusco are in top form, offering a brutal and bleak adaptation of Card’s hellish future. Carey’s focus on the details of Bean’s intricate workings gives the novel a slow yet rewarding pace; readers will feel immersed in the boy's future and yearn for more.
Verdict Much deeper than Christopher Yost's adaptation of Ender’s Game: Battle School, this title will please longtime fans of Card’s original series. Highly recommended for more advanced readers, although with some effective booktalking, this title could appeal to a larger audience.—Justin Hoenke, Cape May Cty. Lib., NJ
Trondheim, Lewis. Little Nothings 3: Uneasy Happiness. ComicsLit: NBM. Mar. 2010. c.128p. tr. from French by Joe Johnson. ISBN 978-1-56163-576-4. pap. $14.95. GRAPHIC NOVELS
This third volume in the "Little Nothings" series is a different kind of webcomic collection. The punch lines are frequently nonexistent, and while the book does occasionally elicit a loud guffaw, that’s largely beside the point. A giant in French comics, Trondheim (the creator of the likable everyrabbit Lapinot, or McConey as he’s known over here) has always been a marvelous observer of the extraordinary little moments in everyday existence. Here, he applies his keen eye and dry wit to his own life, anthropomorphizing himself, his friends, and family and recording the thoughts and events of his day-to-day life. A typical strip will find him lamenting his impulse to buy the latest gadget, wandering around on vacation, or attempting to prod his cat into attacking a mouse scurrying around his living room. And it’s all rendered in the simple but expressive and versatile style that has always been one of his greatest strengths.
Verdict Recommended for those who appreciate low-key but charming autobiographical comics.—Ned Resnikoff, Library Journal
Nowak, Naomi. Graylight. NBM: Nantier Beall Minoustchine. Feb. 2010. c.144p. ISBN 978-1-56163-567-2. pap. $12.95. GRAPHIC NOVELS
In Nowak's latest (after House of Clay), what begins as a mother’s promise to protect her infant son takes a dark turn toward witchcraft when he grows up and meets Sasha, a woman who might overturn his mother’s influence. The premise is intriguing, but the story is elusive to the point where readers may wish for a bit more flesh on the bones. Similarly, ambiguous characters may engage readers’ curiosity but fail to gain their sympathy. Sasha in particular often seems less a free spirit who is true to rules the rest of the world doesn’t understand than a self-involved slacker who is indifferent to anyone’s feelings but her own. However, the visual creation of this uncertain, twilit world is considerably stronger than the text. Nowak’s dreamlike art has a romantic early Seventies feel with its swirling lines in sepia ink and pastel washes, but a manga touch keeps it fresh and contemporary. Panels are often superimposed, floating on the page like leaves on water and creating strong visual flow.
Verdict Although the story doesn’t quite measure up to the art, the lovely images make this worth a look. Teen and adult fans of shojo manga will likely enjoy this blend of romance and magic.—Julia Cox, Penticton P.L., BC
