Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books, October 7, 2011
Oct 6, 2011Week ending October 7, 2011
E-Originals | Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels | Audiobooks
E-ORIGINALS
Dean, Sierra. Secret Santa. Samhain. (Secret McQueen, Bk. 2.5). Oct. 2011. 136p. eISBN 9781609286354. EPUB $3.50. PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Christmas may not be the most wonderful time of the year. Half-vampire, half-werewolf Secret McQueen is trying to sort out her growing collection of loved ones and her new position on the Vampire Tribunal, just in time to celebrate the holidays—with stockings full of body parts. When Det. Mercedes Castilla asks for Secret's help with murders that are upstaging the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Secret is pulled into a case that will not only test her investigative abilities but her bonds with the men in her life.
Verdict Dean's latest in the Secret McQueen series (after A Bloody Good Secret) provides a fast-paced holiday mystery with a dash of hot romance. Fans of Jeaniene Frost's "Night Huntress" series will enjoy these characters.—Kristi Chadwick, C/W MARS Network, MA
McKade, Mackenzie. Blue Moon. Samhain. Sept. 2011. 78p. eISBN 9781609286927. EPUB $3.50. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Samantha Dawson is returning home for her younger sister's wedding after two self-imposed years away following a betrayal by her former fiancé, Kyle. Sam is determined to make it through the weekend for her little sister's sake, but Kyle—the best man—has other ideas. He has no recollection of the fateful night that tore the two apart, and he is determined to win Sam back. The wedding quickly turns into a battle of wills, as Sam attempts to discover the truth and piece together the events of that awful evening.
Verdict Following in the footsteps of her previous novels (A Tall Dark Cowboy; "Wild Oats" series), McKade here offers up a scorching no-holds-barred romance. The vivid sex scenes, however, don't hide a rather abrupt beginning and hurried plot. Still, the story of rekindling a hot romance will appeal to many readers, and the book's length makes it an easy afternoon read.—Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Alaska–Fairbanks Lib.
Rickloff, Alix. Dangerous Magic. Carina: Harlequin. Oct. 2011. c.288p. eISBN 9781426892509. EPUB $5.99. PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Gwenyth Killigrew, also known as the Witch of Kerrow, loves her life as a healer and midwife and would one day like to pass on to a daughter her gift of sight (something that has existed in her family for generations). But it is her gift that has put a wrench in her plan. For years now, she has dreamed of the man she loves as she watches him sink to his death in the sea. Because of that foretelling, she has determined never to marry, but she is tested with the arrival of injured smuggler Rafe Fleming. Rafe has now amassed enough money through smuggling to return to the family who abandoned him after a scandal. When he realizes that Gwenyth can read most people's true nature, Rafe strikes a bargain. He'll give her the child she longs for if she'll accompany him back home and help him find an honorable bride.
Verdict As unrealistic as the premise is, Rickloff (Lord of Shadows) manages to imbue her characters with the right amount of realism to overcome that hurdle. Rafe and Gwenyth are believable both for their fears and goals, and their emotional journey is one many readers will want to go on. Fans of Jill Barnett's early magical historicals will enjoy this one.—Jane Jorgenson, Madison P.L., WI
FICTION
Block, Lawrence. The Night and the Music. Lawrence Block. Oct. 2011. 235p. ISBN 9781937387327. pap. $14.95; eISBN 9781937387310. EPUB $2.99. MYS
It seems Block is having a hard time retiring; he's already produced six books this year in his leisure time—thank the maker. This EPUB/paperback original is a collection of nine stories featuring New York cop–turned–unlicensed PI Matthew Scudder. The majority of these shorts are reprints, but "Mick Ballou Looks at the Blank Screen" and "One Last Night at Grogan's" are new to this volume and bring Scudder's story up-to-date. Block mixes traditional procedural whodunits with more contemplative and anecdotal character-driven pieces. In the newer writings, Scudder is older, wiser, married (again), off the booze, and looking at life through more experienced eyes. Couched within the action are commentaries about the then looming AIDS crisis and the lingering problem of the homeless in New York, so there's a conscience at work.
Verdict A quicker, more enjoyable read you won't find. Veteran Scudder fans will rejoice at sharing his adventures again. May Block—and Scudder—never retire.—Mike Rogers, Library Journal
Coelho, Paulo. Aleph. Knopf. 2011. c.288p. tr. from Portuguese by Margaret Jull Costa. maps. ISBN 9780307700186. $24.95. F
Having gotten into a stale routine in life and reaching a spiritual plateau, 59-year-old Paulo is encouraged by his mentor to travel on another spiritual pilgrimage to reinvigorate his faith. His book signings take him through Europe and Africa, and his journey culminates on the Trans-Siberian Railway across Russia. Fatefully, he ends up traveling with Yao, his translator not only in language but in the various spiritual situations Paulo encounters. But it is Hilal, a young Turkish violinist, who is at the crux of Paulo's problems. She is the reincarnation of a woman whom Paulo had loved and betrayed in a previous life 500 years in the past. It is only by redeeming his past transgressions that his spirituality can progress now.
Verdict Creating an amalgam of faith and mysticism, internationally renowned Coelho (The Alchemist) here showcases the cross-cultural need for love, hope, and redemption. His latest visionary novel (although the author in a recent New York Times interview[nyti.ms/qH7kPZ] considers this work nonfiction) once again provokes thought and introspection. Sure to be popular with his devotees. [See Prepub Alert, 3/7/11.]—Joy Gunn, Henderson Dist. P.L., NV
Connelly, Michael. The Drop. Little, Brown. Nov. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9780316069410. $27.99. F
In Connelly's 17th Harry Bosch procedural, the Los Angeles police detective has been placed on the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). Although facing retirement in three years, Bosch seeks challenging cases to test his mental, physical, and moral strength. Good for Harry, he gets two: the DNA match of an eight-year-old boy associated with the rape of a teenage girl in 1989 and the surprising death of a city councilman's son, who was pushed or had fallen from a hotel window. Connelly tightly twists the two cases with conflicting power grabs, plausible procedural barriers, and unexpected snafus to support his credible plot. Furthering his noble cause to root out evil, Bosch exhibits an unshakable and highly respected integrity that will not be swayed from the truth.
Verdict If Connelly's engaging plot doesn't hit you between the eyes, Bosch's insights and integrity will. Mystery fans as well as general readers will appreciate this engrossing novel. Order multiple copies. [See Prepub Alert, 5/16/11.]—Jerry Miller, GSLIS, Simmons Coll., Boston
Crane, Cheryl. The Bad Always Die Twice. Kensington. 2011. 304p. ISBN 9780758258861. $25. MYS
Nikki Harper is a top Beverly Hills realtor and the daughter of a 1950s Hollywood icon. Her life is a whirlwind of celebrities, tabloids, designer clothes, and trendy restaurants. When her best friend, Jessica, calls with the news that a has-been TV actor, presumed killed in a plane crash, is in her bed, dead from a gunshot, Nikki decides to play detective. It's a real soap opera. Rex had been carrying on an affair with Jessica, who didn't know he had faked his death, while his wife, Edith, had wanted to get rid of Rex so she could marry boy-toy Thompson. And Rex's lawyer, Ramirez, was blackmailing him to keep his faked death a secret. So who killed Rex? In between selling prime Hollywood mansions and flouncing about in her Jimmy Choos and Prada, Nikki manages to nab the shocking culprit with just a bit of help from the 90210 police.
Verdict This series debut from the daughter of Hollywood icon Lana Turner is over the top with name-dropping and juicy tidbits of life in the fast lane. Starstruck readers will love the glitz and likely overlook the lack of substance. [Turner fans will note that Crane's titles play on her mother's most famous movies; coming in 2012 is Imitation of Death and in 2013 The Dead and the Beautiful.—Ed.]—Susan Gene Clifford Braun, Bainbridge Island, WA
Deveraux, Jude. Heartwishes: An Edilean Novel. Atria: S. & S. 2011. c.368p. ISBN 9781439108000. $25.99. F
When doctoral student Gemma Ranford wins the coveted temporary job of cataloging the Frazier family's papers, she hopes to find finally a worthy dissertation topic. Her research quickly reveals mentions of the Heartwishes Stone, which is rumored to grant wishes to Frazier family members. But genealogy is just one part of the story; there's also suspense and romance. A rash of jewelry thefts is unusual in the normally low-crime town of Edilean, VA, and Gemma quickly stirs up local gossip when she is seen repeatedly with Sheriff Colin Frazier, who has a big-city girlfriend, and Dr. Tristan Aldredge, who still hasn't found his soul mate.
Verdict Best-selling author Deveraux (Scarlet Nights) has written an enchanting contemporary romance with engaging, well-developed characters and story lines. The author's knack for surprising plot twists and her ability to write a series title that can be read as a stand-alone are notable. Her many fans will be reluctant to put down this perfectly paced novel. [See Prepub Alert, 6/13/11.]—Samantha J. Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY
Gatlin, Kim. Good Christian Bitches. Hyperion. Nov. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781401310707. pap. $14.99. F
In search of a fresh start, newly divorced Amanda Vaughn returns to her childhood home, a prosperous Dallas suburb. Instead of the elegant Christian town she remembers, however, Hillside Park has become an ostentatious "snoburb" populated by pretentious socialites who while away their time botoxing, buying out Neiman Marcus, and spreading malicious gossip during daily prayer circle. These spiteful muckrakers, the Good Christian Bitches of the title, are threatened enough by the return of the beautiful and wholesome Amanda that they set out to turn her life into a veritable hell.
Verdict Despite the catchy title and trendy Desperate Housewives–meets–Sex and the City premise (the book has in fact been optioned by Darren Star, whose golden touch put the sparkle in SATC, Melrose Place, and Beverly Hills 90210), Gatlin's debut is a disappointing mishmash of stereotyped characters, stilted dialog, and shallow values. The characters are obsessed with labels and bank balances, and the book is a tiresome exercise in unfettered consumption. Of possible interest to Texans who may enjoy identifying the thinly veiled Dallas environs. Other than that, there's nothing to like here.—Jeanne Bogino, New Lebanon Lib., NY
Haynes, Dana. Breaking Point. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Nov. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780312599898. $24.99. F
A defense contractor has invented a weapon that will cause planes to crash. Although the U.S. president has declared that we will not develop this new technology, which also has been banned by international treaty, certain Pentagon officials want to go forward with the project. When the inventor develops a conscience and decides to go public, the villains destroy the plane and kill him. Also on board but surviving are National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) agents Tommy Tomzak and Kiki Duvall (introduced in Crashers).
Verdict Haynes's second well-written thriller describes in meticulous detail the way the NTSB investigates airplane crashes. The protagonists are fully fleshed-out human beings-flawed and interesting. A minor quibble is the constant descriptions of what the characters are wearing. Additionally, the major plot contrivance, the plane crash, is executed too precisely by the bad guys to be plausible, while the finale is way, way over the top. Still, if they can suspend disbelief, fans of disaster and aviation thrillers will enjoy this white-knuckle outing. [See Prepub Alert, 8/2/11.]—Robert Conroy, Warren, MI
Lerner, Rose. A Lily Among Thorns. Dorchester. 2011. 320p. ISBN 9781428511767. pap. $14; eISBN 9781428509894. EPUB $6.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Six years ago, Lady Serena Ravenshaw's life changed forever when a young Cambridge man bolted from her room in the brothel, leaving her untouched and his quarterly allowance in his wake. Now, she is the owner of an exclusive inn, a high-born ex-courtesan patronized by royalty and feared and respected by London's underworld. Known on the streets as the Black Thorn, Serena had nearly given up hope of finding the man again when Solomon Hathaway, nephew to an earl, a brilliant chemist, and a partner in his family's upscale men's shop, walks into her office and asks for her help. Finding the Hathaway family's fabled ruby earrings is the least of her worries as Serena is forced to deal with threats from a vindictive, autocratic father, the demands of a desperate business partner, and the deep, intense, yet seemingly doomed love that develops between the couple.
Verdict Subtle wit, wry humor, and some downright hilarious exchanges lighten the darker, more realistic elements of this totally engrossing page-turner that features a pair of most unlikely protagonists, an abundance of nicely developed secondary characters, a well-handled secondary love story, and dashes of deception, mystery, and danger. Readers will be intrigued and happily engaged until the very end. Lerner (In for a Penny) lives in the Pacific Northwest.—Kristin Ramsdell, Libn. Emerita, California State Univ., East Bay
Sandford, John. Shock Wave. Putnam. Oct. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780399157691. $27.95. F
Lucas Davenport (Buried Prey), a senior agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, sends his junior colleague, Virgil Flowers, to investigate mysterious bombings at the construction site of a new PyeMart megastore in the tiny town of Butternut Falls and at its headquarters. Flowers, starring in his fifth series outing (after Bad Blood), has a number of suspects from which to identify his likely culprit: the many local merchants, environmentalists, and politicians who oppose the new venture for economic, environmental, personal, and professional reasons.
Verdict The plot, a thinly disguised reference to the local community opposition that Walmart has faced for years, lacks the excitement and panache characteristic of Buried Prey and other Davenport titles. Also, introducing local humor and personalities may help to create a more credible story, but—dang it, Sandford—that ain't enough! [See Prepub Alert, 4/11/11.]—Jerry Miller, GSLIS, Simmons Coll., Boston
NONFICTION
Boven, Yvette van (text) & Oof Verschuren (photogs.). Home Made. Stewart, Tabori & Chang. 2011. 432p. illus. index. ISBN 9781584799467. $40. COOKING
Weighing in at just under five pounds, this beautifully produced cookbook will have mouths watering from the first glance at the stunning photographs inside. Boven, who co-owns a restaurant in Amsterdam, uses appealing fonts, whimsical drawings, and step-by-step photographs to walk readers through making jams, liqueurs, flavored teas, ricotta cheese, mustard, ice cream, and meat broth, among other delicacies, along with a stove-top smoker. After each set of explanatory photographs, several pages of recipes expand on the basic techniques and flavors. Boven's choice of categories is not the usual appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, and desserts, so the menu suggestions at the back will prove helpful for those looking to plan a meal. Some of the trendy ingredients may be hard to come by, but the author encourages cooks to work with what they have, even suggesting one might borrow a large roasting pan from a neighborhood restaurant if needed.
Verdict This book is a visual delight. The recipes will appeal to those who seek the sensual joy of cooking and eating.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch. Lib., Fort Worth, TX
Carmellini, Andrew with Gwen Hyman (text) & Quentin Bacon (photogs.). American Flavor. Ecco: HarperCollins. Oct. 2011. c.336p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780061963292. $34.99. COOKING
In his new work, Carmellini—the acclaimed author of Urban Italian, who launched the Michelin-starred New York restaurant A Voce and, more recently, The Dutch—continues sharing stories of his culinary studies, which began when he was a young boy on family road trips and continue today as a tradition in his own family. He recounts revelations from his studies abroad and as a top New York chef. His book offers a vast breadth of stories and recipes and interesting takes on classic ingredients; Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf and Root Beer Cake are two perfect examples.
Verdict Carmellini is a serious and well-respected chef, and his recipes are serious, as well. This is a not a five ingredients/30 minutes kind of cookbook, and there is no corner cutting here. A great gift for advanced cooks.—Graciela Monday, San Antonio
Changizi, Mark. Harnessed: How Language and Music Mimicked Nature and Transformed Ape to Man. BenBella. 2011. 216p. illus. ISBN 9781935618539. pap. $16.95. SCI
Many scientists believe that the human brain's capacity for language is innate, that the brain is actually "hard-wired" for this higher-level functionality. But theoretical neurobiologist Changizi (director of human cognition, 2AI Labs; The Vision Revolution) brilliantly challenges this view, claiming that language (and music) are neither innate nor instinctual to the brain but evolved culturally to take advantage of what the most ancient aspect of our brain does best: process the sounds of nature. By "sounds of nature," Changizi does not mean birds chirping or rain falling. His provocative theory is based on the identification of striking similarities between the phoneme level of language and the elemental auditory properties of solid objects and, in the case of music, similarities between the sounds of human movement and the basic elements of music.
Verdict Although the book is written in a witty, informal style, the science underpinning this theoretical argument (acoustics, phonology, physics) could be somewhat intimidating to the nonspecialist. Still, it will certainly intrigue evolutionary biologists, linguists, and cultural anthropologists and is strongly recommended for libraries that have Changizi's previous book.—Cynthia Knight, Hunterdon Cty. Lib., Flemington, NJ
Coke, David & Alan Borg. Vauxhall Gardens: A History. Yale Univ. 2011. 400p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780300173826. $95. FINE ARTS
The story of Vauxhall Gardens is as much a story of London as it is about the pleasure garden itself. The concept of an enclosed, outdoor space was not new, but the development of this space in the 17th century from a tawdry location for activities out of the public eye to a gathering place for all the residents of the city for entertainment, social, and commercial purposes made it an essential part of London life for generations. Earlier histories (this is the first one in 50 years) relied mainly upon secondary sources, but Coke and Borg have researched contemporary ephemera to aid in their elegant reconstruction of this crossroads of high and low culture. The reader can find Pepys and Handel, Hogarth and Roubilliac all at work and play in the gardens, which were known for their innovative architecture, sculpture, art, music, and literary events. The development and enormous success of the Vauxhall Gardens makes a fascinating story, and this volume is well documented and excellently illustrated, while offering a rare combination of scholarly and captivating prose.
Verdict Simply a beautiful book, well written and stylishly produced, this is a grand contribution to the social and cultural history of London.—Paula Frosch, Metropolitan Museum of Art Lib., New York
Conversations with Clint: Paul Nelson's Lost Interviews with Clint Eastwood, 1979–1983. Continuum. Oct. 2011. c.240p. ed. by Kevin Avery. filmog. index. ISBN 9781441165862. pap. $19.95. FILM
Paul Nelson (1936-2006) was a rock music critic for Rolling Stone who also had a deep knowledge and love of movies. While researching his recent Everything Is an Afterthought: The Life and Writings of Paul Nelson, Avery and Nelson's son discovered tapes of several wide-ranging interviews Nelson conducted with a talkative and relaxed Clint Eastwood, who at the time was mostly dismissed by critics but was just beginning to explore directing. In the interviews, Eastwood describes his upbringing, his early days in television, and his risky move to Europe in the 1960s to make such famous spaghetti Westerns as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Eastwood is thoughtful in his discussion of violence in the movies, what he learned from directors he worked with, and his famous reputation for bringing films in quickly and under budget.
Verdict Nelson failed to finish or publish any features based on these lengthy interviews, which are valuable for their insights into Eastwood's mind and developing art during a crucial transitional period. Highly recommended for any reader interested in Eastwood's films.—Stephen Rees, formerly with Levittown Lib., PA
Davis, Tom. A Legacy of Madness: Recovering My Family from Generations of Mental Illness. Hazelden. Oct. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781616491215. pap. $14.95. PSYCH
In this debut, Davis (journalism, Rutgers Univ.; Jersey Shore regional editor, Patch.com) traces his family through five generations of various mental health disorders including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and alcoholism. More than just a memoir, his book offers insight not only into the struggles of those with mental illness but into the challenges of their family members as well. Davis reveals how he has been able to cope with his family's mental illness and how he has healed. He points out that by studying our families' medical history, we can learn how the experiences of prior generations will affect our own mental health and take steps to seek out the counseling and medication we require to live a healthy, balanced life.
Verdict Recommended for both public and academic libraries for its rare perspective on mental illness.—Lisa Felix, Mishawaka-Penn-Harris P.L., IN
Dubin, Lois Sherr (text) & Steven Jenner (photogs). Adornment: The Art of Barbara Natoli Witt. Hudson Hills, dist. by National Bk. Network. 2011. 162p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781555953348. $50. DEC ARTS
Barbara Natoli Witt employs the techniques of macramé, tapestry, and lace-making to craft unique, exquisite necklaces. She began selling to friends and at arts festivals in the early 1970s and now has an international clientele of socialites, politicians, and entertainers, as well as a growing number of museums. Dubin here showcases 187 of Witt's nearly 1500 necklaces. Each is carefully photographed to pinpoint its details, colorful patterns, and immaculate design along with the objects d'art, artifacts, or personal mementos Witt has selected to create a theme, tell a story, or match the style and personality of her client. The chapters are arranged into categories covering such themes as the use of symbols, storytelling, and origins, citing influences as diverse as African, Asian, and European art. The final chapter covers Witt's life, art, and business and includes stories about the artist's collaborations with clients including Clare Booth Luce, Selwa Roosevelt, Dinah Shore, Pamela Harriman, and Diana Vreeland.
Verdict This beautiful work shows what it means to work as a talented, driven, and successful artist and should be an inspiration to artists everywhere. Highly recommended for jewelry connoisseurs and enthusiasts, students of design, jewelry, and weaving, and libraries with strong arts collections.—Stephen Allan Patrick, Jonesborough, TN
Edgerton, David. Britain's War Machine: Weapons, Resources, and Experts in the Second World War. Oxford Univ. 2011. c.464p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 9780199832675. $34.95. HIST
Disgusted with the traditional view that a poorly equipped Britain stood alone against Hitler until saved by Russian manpower and American mass production, Edgerton (Hans Rausing Professor, Imperial Coll., London; The Shock of the Old: Technology and Global History Since 1900) argues that the British establishment expected to win on the basis of a better scientific, technological, administrative, and economic foundation, that Britain had more and better war machines and factories than did its enemies, and that the vast resources of the Commonwealth were available to support the war effort. The country was neither so alone nor so weak as imagined. Using government reports, technical articles, and personal accounts, Edgerton relates how prewar efforts founded industrial research institutes and developed new machinery and techniques; he portrays Britain as a warfare state rather than a welfare state.
Verdict Perhaps Edgerton depends too much on hindsight to show that the war's outcome was inevitable. Still, this impressively documented book should generate a lot of discussion. (Includes many statistical charts and graphs plus editorial cartoons; index and photos not seen.) Required reading for all interested in 20th-century British history and the wartime relationships of science, technology, and government.—Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL
Rankin, Nicholas. Ian Fleming's Commandos: The Story of the Legendary 30 Assault Unit. Oxford Univ. Oct. 2011. c.416p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9780199782826. $29.95. HIST
Readers will find here the foundation of the James Bond phenomenon in two intertwined stories. Rankin writes how James Bond's creator, Ian Fleming, as personal assistant to the director of Britain's naval intelligence, had to navigate the convoluted bureaucracy of wartime Whitehall to establish a special military unit to work behind enemy lines (not the same thing as secret agents). Additionally, Rankin provides the more standard account of small groups working in dangerous situations in the Mediterranean and Western Europe to gather documents and equipment of intelligence value. There were successes, bitter failures, and plenty of foul-ups at the upper levels. Most interesting are the personal accounts of men in action who were trying to acquire valuable items and enemy personnel. The British slang provides a good flavor to the narrative.
Verdict Offering more detail than Craig Cabell's The History of 30 Assault Unit and a kind of cousin to Rankin's own A Genius for Deception: How Cunning Helped the British Win Two World Wars, this will appeal to all readers interested either in Ian Fleming or World War II secret operations.—Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL
Shearer, Christine. Kivalina: A Climate Change Story. Haymarket. 2011. 240p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 9781608461288. pap. $16. SCI
The sea ice no longer protects Kivalina, AK, from ocean storms; global warming has reduced the amount of time each year that the island is icelocked, and now it is being washed away. But less than one-third of scientist and investigative reporter Shearer's book is about Kivalina and its predicament. It is really about the role of government and big business in the politics of climate change. It is about a legal system and government agencies that either cannot or will not address the issues of climate change. And it is about big corporations that are actively shaping public opinion by attacking the science on global warming and manipulating the scientific consensus. Shearer looks at how big business—tobacco, lead paint, asbestos—has historically exploited public opinion to avoid the consequences of harmful actions and shows how the same tactics are being used to deny global warming. Shearer writes clearly about complex issues, and the book is well documented, with 14 pages of notes and a bibliography, making it easy for readers to expand their knowledge of these issues.
Verdict Highly recommended for high school, college, university, and public libraries.—Betty Galbraith, Washington State Univ. Lib., Pullman
Toll, Ian W. Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941–1942. Norton. Nov. 2011. c.640p. photogs. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780393068139. $35. HIST
Award-winning author Toll (Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy) writes here about the trial by fire faced by the Allies in the first six months of World War II, when the Imperial Japanese Navy swept the U.S. and British Commonwealth forces from the western Pacific. Focusing on the U.S. Navy, the author tells the well-known story of the hasty reorganization after the shock of Pearl Harbor and of desperate battles fought with inferior numbers. He successfully incorporates personal accounts to provide a courageous human dimension to the tale of everyday duties punctuated by occasional terror. The book ends with the miraculous American victory at Midway in June 1942 when the Japanese advance was finally halted for good.
Verdict Well documented—albeit from previously published materials—and well written. Experienced World War II history buffs may bypass if they feel no need to read another retelling of this phase of the Pacific War, but nonspecialists and general readers will want to consider it. (Photos and index not seen.) [See roundups of new titles in military history in the October 1 and October 15 issues of LJ.—Ed.]—Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL
Tosches, Nick. Save the Last Dance for Satan. Kicks, dist. by Norton Records. 2011. c.128p. ISBN 9780965977739. pap. $12.95. MUSIC
Following in the tradition of the Beat writers and gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, Tosches (Hellfire: The Jerry Lee Lewis Story) strikes again with the cuttingly vivid style for which he is known, and it works brilliantly in the pulp fiction-like format of this small, thin paperback. He revisits what seems to be his favorite subtopic within music—the sleaze and corruption of the record industry of the 1950s and early 1960s, from broken promises to artist rip-offs and mob-like intimidation. Since Tosches weaves his tale around interview material he gleaned from select industry insiders, a feeling of bias pervades the book. While this could be taken as a negative, he uses it as a counter to some of the more sanitized, "official" stories of the history of the early R&B and rock'n'roll recording industry.
Verdict This book is sure to generate ample discussion and shock some readers, but it will also inform and entertain any fan of mid-20th-century American popular music. Highly recommended.—James E. Perone, Univ. of Mount Union, Alliance, OH
Tow, Stephen. The Strangest Tribe: How a Group of Seattle Rock Bands Invented Grunge. Sasquatch. Oct. 2011. c.272p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781570617430. pap. $18.95. MUSIC
Music enthusiast Tow chronicles the history of the Seattle/Olympia music scene, concentrating on the period from 1978 to 1991. He describes the emergence of such bands as the U-Men, the Blackouts, Mr. Epp, Malfunkshun, the Fartz, the Walkabouts, the Fastbacks, and Overlord, as well the clubs, music publications, and radio stations of the time period. In the final pages of the book, he recounts the oft-told stories of Nirvana and Sub Pop but mysteriously almost ignores Pearl Jam and pays scant attention to Soundgarden. Though Tow gleans his material from dozens of interviews, he deals with bands that had little impact on the grunge giants and serve as footnotes to rock history (Green River being the notable exception).
Verdict For fans of Northwest rock, this book offers information about the nongrunge Seattle bands of the 1980s and complements the more complete and revealing recent oral histories of grunge: Greg Prato's Grunge Is Dead and Mark Yarm's Everybody Loves Our Town.—David P. Szatmary, Univ. of Washington, Seattle
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Matz (text) & Luc Jacamon (illus.). Cyclops. Vol. 1. Archaia. 2011. c.120p. ISBN 9781936393114. $19.95. F/SF
From the same creative team who brought readers The Killer comes the story of Doug Pistoia, a young former soccer star who interviews with Multicorps Security, a company in charge of UN "peacekeeping" work. Despite his wife's misgivings about his becoming a mercenary for a UN force, Doug takes the job. He becomes a television hero—a personality crafted by TV directors in 2054, where soldiers possess sophisticated body armor and weaponry and helmet cameras that transmit brutal wartime exploits live for reality-TV. The helmet cams earn the soldiers the nickname "Cyclops." A cadre of TV execs, Multicorps bigwigs, and government officials plot to keep Doug's TV ratings high. Cue the uncovering of very nasty secrets—and moments of moral weakness for Doug.
Verdict Translated from the French, this first volume collecting issues 1-4 of Cyclops examines many foibles and follies confronting society today. The translation captures Matz's ideas adequately, but the narration occasionally drags or falls flat. Jacamon's linework is crisp and clear, reminiscent of what he produced for The Killer, but here he ably depicts futuristic body armor, armored aircraft, and sf weaponry. With mature themes, explicit sexual situations, and violence, this is fitting for adult readers who like tales of action and duplicity in a futuristic setting.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI
Novik, Naomi (text) & Yishan Li (illus.). Will Supervillains Be on the Final? Vol. 1: Liberty Vocational. Del Rey: Ballantine. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9780345516565. pap. $10.99. F
Leah Taymore's parents couldn't be prouder that she is attending Liberty Vocational, simply the best college for superheroes. Leah, though, is a little nervous. Sure, her ability to manipulate atoms is impressive, but she is really just a shy, awkward girl overwhelmed by her famous ex-hero advisor, her superstrict dean, and the sophisticated students at Liberty. In her first week, everything seems to go wrong, and Leah wonders if she'll ever get the hang of it. Readers can't help but empathize. Novik ("Temeraire") creates a lovable main character who, despite her superpowers, is a kind of every-girl. Her supporting cast is appealing as well, leaving room for engaging developments in future installments. Clear and charming, Li's manga-style artwork captures Leah's self-consciousness and the personalities of the other characters.
Verdict With its quirky heroine, romantic daydreams, and mysterious villains, this series is sure to appeal to tween and teen girls; recommended.—E.W. Goodman, Art Inst. of Pittsburgh
Straczynski, J. Michael & Phil Hester (text) & Don Kramer & others (illus.). Wonder Woman. Vol. 1: Odyssey. DC. 2011. 168p. ISBN 9781401230777. $22.99. F
There has been a disturbance in Wonder Woman's time stream. Her homeland, Paradise Island, has been destroyed, and the young Princess Diana is being raised in exile by her Amazonian sisters. When we meet her, she is an angry, urban 20-year-old trying to understand who she is and where she comes from. But there is little time for reflection; she must stop the mysterious force that is hunting the Amazons before more people she loves are killed. Writer and television producer Straczynski (Babylon 5; The Amazing Spider-Man) hooks readers, slowly revealing the depth of the story beneath the fast-paced action. However, while the artwork in some panels is spellbinding, in others it is lackluster owing to the use of multiple artists in a single issue.
Verdict Despite the inconsistency of the imagery, readers will not be able to help but root for this new Diana as she battles both mythological and contemporary foes. Some may scoff, but this well-told story is sure to grip loyal fans of Wonder Woman as well as those simply interested in seeing her new costume.—E.W. Goodman, Art Inst. of Pittsburgh
Wells, H.G. & Ryan Foley (adaptation) & Bhupendra Ahluwalia (illus.). War of the Worlds. Steerforth. (Campfire Classics). 2011. c.72p. ISBN 9789380028606. pap. $9.99. F/SF
Wells's classic sf story has been retold frequently since its original publication in 1898. It has also been updated several times, from Orson Welles's panic-inducing 1938 radio broadcast to the 2005 film starring Tom Cruise. This adaptation maintains the original setting and time period as aliens from Mars invade 19th-century England. Townspeople gather to look on, first in wonder and then in terror as the aliens destroy or devour everyone in their path. The story follows a nameless narrator who travels across the ravaged countryside searching for his wife and trying to survive what seems to be the end of humanity.
Verdict Despite the prevalence of War versions available in various formats, graphic novels seem to be a rarity. The art here captures the mood well and lends an air of excitement to the narrative, whether depicting explosive moments of warfare or the tense stillness of the narrator hiding in abandoned buildings. The story is mature but not terribly graphic. Recommended for young adult readers, particularly those who claim to hate reading.—Peter Petruski, Cumberland Cty. Lib., Carlisle, PA
AUDIOBOOKS
McInerney, Monica. At Home with the Templetons. 16 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 19½ hrs. Bolinda Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781742148397. $123.95; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
When he inherited a mid-19th-century mansion in southeastern Australia, Henry Templeton lost no time in moving his entire family from England and enlisting them as period-costumed tour guides at the refurbished Templeton Hall. His teenage daughters rebel; his nine-year-old son, Spencer, resorts to pranks; and his alcoholic sister-in-law alienates the townspeople. His wife is submissively supportive. Only 11-year-old Gracie appreciates the family heritage. Neighbor Nina Donovan vows to have nothing to do with the eccentric family, but when her son Tom becomes Spencer's best friend, the Donovans are inextricably involved with the Templetons. A near-fatal accident strikes the young people and pulls the families apart until half-truths are exposed and family secrets revealed.
Verdict Ulli Birve's narration is perfect, providing clear differentiation among the many characters and multiple points of view. Fans of Maeve Binchy's novels will enjoy this satisfying tale with its unexpected plot twists. For all popular collections. ["McInerney is not a stranger to writing about strong families, and that experience shines through here," read the review of the Ballantine pb, LJ 4/15/11.—Ed.]—Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion-Benton P.L., IL
Sandford, John. Buried Prey. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2011. ISBN 9781456121167. $102.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 9 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Lucas Davenport was a promising rookie cop in Minneapolis, working the disappearance of two young sisters, the Jones girls. There was a blip in the case that one of his superiors convinced him to think of as a "loose end." The case closed without the girls being found, and Davenport quickly moved up the ranks. After 25 years, the girls' remains have literally and figuratively been unearthed-the "loose end" is back to bite Davenport in the backside. The novel is told through a series of detailed reveries as Davenport retraces his steps and makes a new, concerted effort to learn who killed the children.
Verdict Wonderfully performed by Richard Ferrone and featuring a well-written, compelling, and quick-paced narrative, this entry in the Prey series stands on its own but will surely please series fans. ["Sandford fans as well as thriller buffs will appreciate the throbbing cadence of Sandford's prose and his crisp dialog," read the starred review of the New York Times best-selling Putnam hc, LJ 6/1/11.—Ed.]—Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ
