Xpress Reviews-First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 04/02/2010
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The week ending April 2, 2010
Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Nonfiction
AP: A Critical Examination of the Advanced Placement Program. Harvard Education. Apr. 2010. c.286p. ed. by Philip M. Sadler & others. index. ISBN 978-1-934742-56-3. $54.95; pap. ISBN 978-1-934742-55-6. $29.95. ED
Sadler, Gerhard Sonnert, Robert H. Tai, and Kristin Klopfenstein—researchers, academics, and math and science educators—have collected research-based essays to offer a comprehensive look at Advanced Placement (AP) programs and to attempt to provide concrete scientific evidence on their impact. Organized into manageable portions, the selections address a variety of concerns surrounding test-based initiatives such as the AP program, including the costs associated with the program, minority participation, and the impact of AP coursework on collegiate success.
Verdict Despite the range of angles presented, the treatment of AP coursework in subjects other than math and science is limited. As Sadler writes in the introduction, this is intended for educators and policymakers interested in “educational improvement at the high school level and in the effective transition between high school and college.”—Tamela Chambers, Chicago P.L.
Beery, Barbara (text) & Zac Williams (photogs.). Pink Princess Cupcakes. Gibbs Smith. Mar. 2010. 64p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-4236-0738-0. $14.99.
Tack, Karen & Alan Richardson. What's New, Cupcake? Houghton Harcourt. Apr. 2010. c.240p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-547-24181-4. pap. $16.95. COOKING
These two books are aimed at bakers who want to do more with their cupcakes. While both provide batter and frosting recipes beyond vanilla and chocolate as well as fun creations, each is aimed at a slightly different audience. Beery’s (Pink Princess Cookbook) book will attract parents and the young girls assisting them. Even a young baker can follow the simple directions to make cupcakes that are imaginatively decorated, e.g., Tiara Princess and Glass Slipper. Beery writes as a mom sharing her recipes and baking tips. The backgrounds of food stylist Tack and food photographer Richardson (coauthors of the best-selling Hello, Cupcake!) show in their cupcakes, which are meant for a broader audience and destined to impress. The decorations—gracing cupcakes like Chinese Take Out and Shuttle Cocks—are more complex than Beery’s and not for the beginner.
Verdict Both books bring a welcome challenge to any baker who wants to jazz up their repertoire. Expect demand for Tack and Richardson’s book (for which they’re doing a ten-city tour), but have Beery’s on hand for parents and daughters for whom the other recipes might be too challenging.—Ginny Wolter, Toledo-Lucas Cty. P.L.
Burnett, Carol. This Time Together: Laughter and Reflections. Harmony: Crown. Apr. 2010. c.288p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-307-46118-6. $25. TV
After detailing her difficult early childhood in the best-selling One More Time, legendary performer Burnett now writes of her amazing journey from being fired from a movie theater usher job to her Broadway success and her amazing TV career on shows such as The Carol Burnett Show and specials with Julie Andrews. Burnett relates behind-the-scenes stories from her show, like Bob Mackie coming up with the concept of her parodic “Went with the Wind” dress, which is now in the Smithsonian. Burnett’s easygoing writing style makes the reader feel like a special friend, as she shares stories about Andrews, Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, and Marlon Brando. Burnett ends the book with the tragic death of her beloved daughter Carrie Hamilton in 2002.
Verdict Burnett’s very funny second memoir is sure to appeal to a variety of readers, including fans of celebrity memoirs, biographies, and classic TV shows.—Sally Bryant, Pepperdine Univ. Lib., Malibu, CA
Coplan, James, M.D. Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Create the Brightest Future for Your Child with the Best Treatment Options. Bantam. Apr. 2010. c.448p. ISBN 978-0-553-80681-6. $25. PSYCH
This guide to everything parents need to know about Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) covers spotting the signs, getting a diagnosis, and understanding therapies. Coplan, a board-certified physician in developmental-behavioral pediatrics and neurodevelopmental disabilities, shares knowledge from his vast clinical and research experience. He discusses normal development and how children with ASD develop differently. He explains possible causes and defines likely outcomes for children based on their general intelligence and the severity of their atypicality. Presenting different behavioral and language therapies and medications, Coplan also discusses treatments he does not endorse. Finally, he focuses on how autism affects the family and what parents need to do for themselves and their children now and for the long term. He appends several sections, including a resource list and glossary.
Verdict Coplan does an excellent job of explanation, presenting information in both words and graphics that are easy to understand. Parents of children with autism will be well served by Coplan’s expertly written and compassionate guide.—Terry Lamperski, Carnegie Lib. of Pittsburgh
Feldner, Sarah Marx (text) & Noboru Murata (photogs.). A Cook's Journey to Japan: Fish Tales and Rice Paddies; 100 Homestyle Recipes from Japanese Kitchens. Tuttle. Apr. 2010. c.160p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-4-8053-1011-3. $27.95. COOKING
In this excellent compilation of traditional and contemporary Japanese cooking, Feldner (senior editor, www.tasteofhome.com) focuses on certain regional specialties like Oyaki (vegetable-stuffed rolls) to reveal the diversity within Japanese cuisine. As Feldner points out, Japan is a small country with extremely different terrains, leading to distinct regional cooking styles. Her extensive travels throughout the lesser-known areas of Japan shine through in her distinctive recipes. Murata’s fine photography is both beautiful and useful—many recipes feature a step-by-step photo guide of the preparation. The beginning of the book is an outstanding primer on ingredients and cooking tools that are distinctly Japanese.
Verdict This gorgeous, original, and easy-to-use cookbook is recommended for all levels of experience and for palates that are open to new and varied flavors.—Claire A. Moitra, Providence, RI
Heller, Samantha. Get Smart: Samantha Heller's Nutrition Prescription for Boosting Brain Power and Optimizing Total Body Health. Johns Hopkins. 2010. c.256p. ISBN 978-0-8018-9375-9. $40; pap. ISBN 978-0-8018-9376-6. $18.95. HEALTH
In her first book, registered dietitian and exercise physiologist Heller provides a wealth of nutritional advice for readers of any age who are interested in keeping their minds sharp and nourished. She dedicates one chapter each to discussing the nutritional implications that fats, proteins, sugars, vitamins and minerals, exercise, and alcohol and caffeine have on our brains. Her explanations and advice are thorough and yet presented in a manner easily understood by the general reader. Callout summaries and bulleted tips are also provided throughout, making the content especially accessible. She concludes with recommended shopping lists, a two-week long vegetarian meal plan, and recipes.
Verdict Those interested in learning more about how diet impacts memory, focus, cognition, and overall wellness will find this book interesting. However, readers should know that Heller’s strong convictions about some forms of fats and animal foods are disputed by others in the field.—Erin S. Silva, Univ. of Nevada, Reno
Hinckley, Jim (text) & Kerrick James (photogs.). Ghost Towns of the Southwest: Your Guide to the Historic Mining Camps and Ghost Towns of Arizona and New Mexico. Voyageur: Quayside. 2010. 256p. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 978-0-7603-3221-4. pap. $21.99. TRAV
Hinckley (coauthor, with James, Backroads of Arizona) displays clearly his love for the subject. He describes 50 towns with historical detail and obvious interest in the sad tales that ended nearly the same in each area. Photographer James provides beautiful and thought-provoking photographs that highlight the buildings, ruins, and scenery of each town. The main drawback to this volume is the lack of local maps. Chapters are arranged geographically, and maps of the larger areas, such as Southern Arizona, are provided. There is no information on accommodations or food, so another guidebook is needed for those unfamiliar with the area; directions to many off-the-beaten-path locations are vague.
Verdict This is an excellent book for students of local Arizona and New Mexico history as well as those interested in travel along Route 66. Nonlocal travelers may need additional resources.—Sara A. Miller, Atlanta-Fulton P.L. Syst.
Kemper, Kathi J., M.D. Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to Holistic Care for a Healthy Mind and Body. American Acad. of Pediatrics. 2010. c.600p. index. ISBN 978-1-58110-310-6. pap. $19.95. PSYCH
In spite of its rather intimidating size, this is a very readable book on the entire gamut of holistic approaches—everything from nutrition to magnets—for treating some of the most prevalent mental health issues. Kemper (chair of complementary and integrative medicine, Wake Forest Univ.) is eminently qualified to summarize voluminous research data (her book has 70 pages of references) and advocate for nontraditional therapies. Multiple summary tables and work sheets facilitate effective use of the information. She also offers proactive suggestions to address the factors that contribute to mental health problems in the family, school, and broader community.
Verdict Families dealing with mental health issues and health-care practitioners will find this a useful summary of the typical uses and research basis for the entire range of alternative approaches to relieving stress, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression. (Index not seen.)—Paula McMillen, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas
Marcus, Greil. When That Rough God Goes Riding: Listening to Van Morrison. PublicAffairs: Perseus. Apr. 2010. c.208p. index. ISBN 978-1-58648-821-5. $22.95. MUSIC
From the first electric riffs of Van Morrison’s early hit song with Them, “Gloria,” and the chugging shuffle of his pop anthem, “Brown-Eyed Girl,” to his more recent reinterpretations of his groundbreaking 1968 Astral Weeks album, Morrison has trod through one musical landscape after another. Here, Marcus (Like a Rolling Stone: Bob Dylan at the Crossroads) searches for the story that Morrison’s music tells. Considering songs from “Mystic Eyes” (1965) and “Tupelo Honey” (1971) to Morrison’s performances of “Caravan” at The Band’s 1976 Last Waltz concert and “Mystic Eyes” in 2009, Marcus points to the moment in each when Morrison finds that magic chord, riff, or note and everything is transformed. Morrison fans might disagree with some of Marcus’s assessments—he writes off all of Morrison’s work between 1980 and 1996—but the author’s clear love and admiration for Morrison’s most thought-provoking and musically astonishing output offers new glimpses into his musical genius.
Verdict A brilliant, provocative study of the music of one of our most enigmatic musicians by one our foremost critics of pop culture.—Henry L. Carrigan Jr., Evanston, IL
Millar, Mark. Kick-Ass: Creating the Comic, Making the Movie. Titan. 2010. 176p. index. ISBN 978-1-8485-6409-1. pap. $19.95. FILM
The concept is simple; a teenage comic fan—and not the clichéd zit-faced über nerd, but a regular kid—decides to get up from the couch, turn off the tube, and become a superhero. He possesses no powers, but, hey, neither does Batman. Kick-Ass creator Millar offers a whirlwind history of the comic book’s creation, which rocketed from an idea he’d put on the back burner to print to film adaptation in a few months’ time. The initial trailers created a buzz in the geekosphere, and controversy, too, over the character of Hit Girl, a foul-mouthed, sword-wielding, gun-toting, purple-haired, leather-clad killing machine—who’s 11 years old. The breezy text provides background on the creation of both print and film versions, emphasizing the latter. This is a companion book and not a hardcore, detailed making of (if the film rocks the box office that might come later). The text sports brief interviews with cast and crew including director and writer Matthew Vaughn, cowriter Jane Goldman, top comics artist John Romita Jr, and actors Nic Cage (Big Daddy), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Red Mist), Chloë Moretz (Hit Girl), and Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass).
Verdict There are discussions on getting the right look and feel of the film through the sets and wardrobe, etc., plus snippets of the script that include some of Hit Girl’s more colorful dialog—this is definitely not for the kiddies! Best of all, there are tons of cool pix of the weapons, costumes, props (a jetpack with miniguns attached—oh baby!), the Mist Mobile, and more. All that awesome coolness for only $20, you’re damn right this kicks ass!—Mike Rogers, LJX/LJ
Miller, Angela with Ralph Gardner Jr. Hay Fever: How Chasing a Dream on a Vermont Farm Changed My Life. Wiley. Apr. 2010. c.304p. index. ISBN 978-0-470-39833-3. $24.95. COOKING
Searching for a fresh start and a shared project, literary agent Miller and her husband bought a dilapidated farm in West Pawlet, VT. Over the course of six years they transformed Consider Bardwell Farm into an award-winning dairy—their cheeses are distributed nationally and served in upscale restaurants like Daniel and the French Laundry. With New York Times contributor Gardner, Miller writes about her decision to keep her Manhattan career while devoting half her week to the physical and financial challenges of dairying. This memoir covers much of the farm’s history but focuses on the 2008 agricultural year. Miller completes “mountains of chores,” hires and fires employees, and copes with economic crises—all while managing a willful herd of Oberhasli goats.
Verdict Full of vivid descriptions and details of business savvy, this book will please cheese enthusiasts and anyone who’s considered a second career in dairy farming. For complementary narratives, look no further than Gordon Edgar’s Cheesemonger and Liz Thorpe’s The Cheese Chronicles.—Lisa Campbell, Univ. of Alabama Lib., Tuscaloosa
Power, G. Allen, M.D. Dementia Beyond Drugs: Changing the Culture of Care. Health Professions. 2010. c.264p. ISBN 978-1-932529-56-2. pap. $32.95. MED
Writing for nursing-home staff and administrators about caring for individuals with dementia, Power, a physician and professor, shares enlightening clinical vignettes as well as trenchant analyses of current nursing-home practices. He argues for a better way of caring and being with people with dementia and presents the “Eden Philosophy”—an approach seeking to alter the environment and culture of nursing-home care. His plan emphasizes that caring for those with dementia involves stressing relationships, not tasks, and that professionals must take into account where the elderly are in the context of the life cycle. Powers admits that this change will not be easy, but he shows how modifications in nursing-home care can lead to the use of less medications and greater dignity for people with dementia.
Verdict Essential for all medical, nursing, and health professions libraries; a worthwhile but optional purchase for others. There is information in this book that would be helpful to nonprofessional readers, but it is mainly focused on nursing homes.—Aaron Klink, Duke Univ., NC
Remnick, David. The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama. Knopf. Apr. 2010. c.672p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-4000-4360-6. $29.95. BIOG
Pulitzer Prize winner Remnick (editor, The New Yorker; Lenin’s Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Union) unveils how Barack Obama bridged America’s racial chasm to become the first African American President. Obama refers to himself as a member of the “Joshua generation,” one who owes his successes to the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement and to other African American leaders. The book discusses his early years; his time in college, graduate school, and as a community organizer; his emergence as an official in Illinois politics; and his election as President. Among the best features are Remnick’s illuminating appraisal of Obama’s Dreams of My Father, descriptions of Obama’s bitter election fights for the state senate, Congress, and the U.S. Senate, and stories of the significant roles that family and political mentors played. Although a good overview of the 2008 election is included, Haynes Johnson and Dan Balz’s The Battle for America 2008 and John Heilemann and Mark Halperin’s Game Change cover the campaign in more depth.
Verdict No other book to date is better at revealing the roots and personality of Barack Obama. Remnick has set a lofty bar for future biographers. Highly recommended for political biography readers.—Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Township Lib., King of Prussia, PA
Weintraub, Jerry with Rich Cohen. When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man. Twelve: Hachette. Apr. 2010. c.320p. index. ISBN 978-0-446-54815-1. $25.99. FILM
A self-proclaimed hustler from the Bronx, NY, Weintraub worked his way up in show business with his driving ambition and an apparent ability to attract powerful men as mentors, including former president George H.W. Bush and the legendary Lew Wasserman, one of the most successful men in the entertainment industry. Weintraub began his rise via the mail room of the William Morris talent agency. Eventually, he became a producer as well as a talent agent, representing Frank Sinatra and John Denver (who fired him) and such offbeat personalities as chess champion Bobby Fischer. He admits that this is neither a biography nor a memoir but an account of his overweening need to succeed. Weintraub offers little insight into himself and those with whom he worked, and his perhaps deservedly large ego is reflected throughout.
Verdict While sporadically interesting and occasionally humorous, this is, at bottom, little more than a name-dropping brag sheet. Its potential audience seems limited.—Roy Liebman, California State Univ., Los Angeles
Seagle, Steven T. (text) & Marco Cinello (illus.). Soul Kiss. Image Comics. 2010. c.144p. ISBN 978-1-60706-118-2. $29.99. GRAPHIC NOVELS
Lillian Bloom is up the creek—way up. To escape a desperate situation, she makes a deal with the Devil. Looking for a way out of her deal, she makes a worse one: ten souls in return for the one she promised. All she has to do is find ten people who really deserve to go to hell…and give them a kiss. It’s harder than it sounds. Lillian starts out as a victim of her own life and the Devil as a suave suit holding all the cards. The entertaining battle of wits and words between the two sees a role reversal: Lillian takes charge, and the Devil becomes a dreadlocked dude in board shorts who doesn’t totally love his job. Bold kinetic artwork complements a smart, well-paced story with great dialog. A conversation between the creators about the story’s origin and evolution is included, along with the visuals’ progress from rough sketches to finished art.
Verdict Dark, stylish, and fun. The “vampire with a twist” story line should be a hit in most adult collections. Recommended.—Julia Cox, Penticton P.L., B.C.
Starlin, Jim (text) & Bernie Wrightson (illus.). Batman: The Cult. reprint. DC Comics. 2010. c.208p. ISBN 978-0-930289-85-0. pap. $19.99. GRAPHIC NOVELS
This is a reissue of a four-part late 1980s miniseries that shows the Caped Crusader in a drug-induced, brainwashed state thanks to power hungry villain Deacon Blackfire. Blackfire uses hallucinogenic drugs and the power of suggestion to amass a mob of homeless and disenfranchised citizens to take over Gotham City. Starlin’s dark and paranoid writing craft the true main character of the story—not Batman or Blackfire, but the essence of chaos. Things start to get good in the second chapter, which features Batman tripping balls as he wanders around Gotham aimlessly and out of his element. Clearly, this is not your Adam West Batman.
Verdict A true Batman tale focuses on our hero’s biggest strength and weakness: the fact that he is human. Starlin’s interpretation adheres to this mold and delivers a story that will please Batman fans and maybe even create a few new graphic novel readers along the way.—Justin Hoenke, Portland P.L., ME
Wang, Jen (text & illus.). Koko Be Good. First Second: Roaring Brook. Sept. 2010. c.300p. ISBN 978-1-59643-555-1. pap. $18.99. GRAPHIC NOVELS
Wang’s debut graphic novel builds on her charming work in the Flight anthologies and on a short comic bearing the same title and free-spirited young woman. Wang’s gift is the finesse with which she renders emotion in the faces of characters: Jon, an earnest musician apprehensive about a pending move to Peru with an older woman; Koko, a compulsive yet ambitious drifter determined to fix past mistakes by finding purpose in the present; and Faron, a sullen teen struggling with the uncertainties of life after high school. As their lives unexpectedly converge, commiseration acts as a form of therapy. Each is forced to confront—willingly or not—the source of his or her unhappiness. The outcome, in Jon’s word: sublime.
Verdict Young readers seeking sympathetic interpretations of the meandering path to adulthood, fraught with low-wage jobs and reckless decision making, and adults fond of reminiscing about tumultuous friendships and lost love, will find a great deal with which to connect. Here’s hoping a second volume helps us catch up with Koko and company.—John Gehner, Urbana Free Lib., IL
Wheaton, Mark & Joshua Hale Fialkov (text) & Rahsan Ekedal (illus.). The Cleaners: Absent Bodies. Dark Horse. 2010. c.120p. ISBN 978-1-59582-370-0. pap. $14.95. GRAPHIC NOVELS
Crime scene investigators are the new private investigators when it comes to noir fiction, and this series puts an original spin on the genre. It follows a privately contracted team of trauma-scene cleaners who aren’t afraid to overstep their boundaries, using their contacts in the police to help solve crimes. Wheaton and Fialkov present a chilling narrative with genuinely scary moments, as the team try to make sense of a crime scene wherein the blood of over 100 different people was found. They write sharp, clever dialog and unfurl plot points at a comfortable pace, even if things get muddled up from time to time. Artist Ekedal’s brilliant framing of each panel and Jon Graef’s colors help bring the reader to the edge of terror—while never truly letting them go back.
Verdict Those squeamish about gore can skip this one, but fans of police procedurals or murder mysteries with a hint of the bizarre will find it satisfying.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC
