Starred Reviews: July 2010
Jun 30, 2010July 2010 delivers 46 starred reviews from our solo print issue and Xpress Reviews (online-only). Fans of bracing fall fiction will find no shortage of leads courtesy of Paul Auster, Nic Brown, and Joseph Skibell. Mystery is chock-full of excellence from James Lee Burke, Michael Genelin, and Louise Penny. A personal favorite because it was so lacking in health literature: Yoga: Your Home Practice Companion.-Heather McCormack
Arts & Humanities
Cash, Rosanne. Composed. Viking. Aug. 2010. c.264p. ISBN 978-0-670-02196-3. $26.95. MUSIC
Fans of Rosanne and Johnny Cash will find this essential, as she offers insight into their lives, the importance of family, and the music industry.
Ecklund, Elaine Howard. Science vs. Religion: What Do Scientists Really Think? Oxford Univ. 2010. c.224p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-19-539298-2. $27.95. REL
Ecklund's outstanding research-consisting of surveys of nearly 1700 natural and social scientists at major U.S. universities-and judicious recommendations make this a valuable work for all who care about the subject of science and religion.
Gordon, Lyndall. Lives Like Loaded Guns: Emily Dickinson and Her Family's Feuds. Viking. 2010. c.512p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-670-02193-2. $27.95. LIT
This new interpretation of the poet's life is a necessary addition to all literature collections, academic and public.
Ligon, Scott. Digital Art Revolution: Creating Fine Art with Photoshop. Watson-Guptill. 2010. 256p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8230-9536-0. pap. $29.99. ART INSTRUCTION
Award-winning digital artist and arts educator Ligon makes a convincing argument that digital technology has forever changed how art is made. Ligon's book is among the best for beginning and intermediate artists.
Rossano, Matt J. Supernatural Selection: How Religion Evolved. Oxford Univ. 2010. c.288p. index. ISBN 978-0-19-598581-6. $29.95. REL
Writing with verve, insight, and even occasional wit, Rossano does an outstanding job of placing his reconstruction of the origins of human religiousness in the context of up-to-date knowledge from diverse scientific fields of human origins.
Fiction
Auster, Paul. Sunset Park. Holt. Nov. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-8050-9286-8. $25. F
Auster deftly balances minute details that evoke New York City, post-financial meltdown, with marvelously drawn characters bruised but unbowed by life's vicissitudes. He has an impressive array of literary nominations to his credit, but this should be the novel that brings him a broader readership.
The Best American Noir of the Century. Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2010. c.752p. ed. by James Ellroy & Otto Penzler. ISBN 978-0-547-33077-8. $30. F
Rooting around in the rich soil amassed by almost a century of noir, Ellroy and Penzler's short story collection unearths dark, pungent, and flavorful truffles that will satisfy fans and may well whet the appetites of new readers.
Brown, Nic. Doubles. Counterpoint. Jul. 2010. c.256p. ISBN 978-1-58243-507-7. pap. $15.95. F
This tale of contemporary life should resonate with a popular audience. Brown may be the John Updike for a new generation.
Deford, Frank. Bliss, Remembered. Overlook, dist. by Penguin Group (USA). Jul. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-1-59020-359-0. $25.95. F
Deford slyly teaches readers something about 1930s-1940s history while also writing a convincing yet fictional mother-to-son memoir about love and war.
Follett, Ken. Fall of Giants. Dutton. (Century Trilogy, Bk. 1). Sept. 2010. c.1008p. ISBN 978-0-525-95165-0. $36. F
Follett's new historical novel is the first volume of a projected trilogy that follows five families-Welsh, English, German, Russian, and American-through the turbulent 20th century. Great fun, and sure to be one of the best sellers of the fall season.
Ford, Mackenzie. The Clouds Beneath the Sun. Doubleday. Jul. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-385-52911-2. $26.95. F
Ford (Gifts of War), an esteemed historian and nonfiction author under his actual name, Peter Watson, draws on his own archaeological background to give readers a fascinating, morally ambiguous novel that juxtaposes the ambitions of the scientific community of outsiders against the sensitivities of the native cultures whose riches they unearth.
Franklin, Tom. Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter. Morrow. Oct. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-06-059466-4. $24.99. F
A ripping good mystery, this novel also has depth and a subtle literary side, as the local area comes to life through the writer's cinematic descriptive phrases and a large and colorful cast of supporting characters.
Furnivall, Kate. The Jewel of St. Petersburg. Berkley: Penguin Group (USA). Aug. 2010. c.432p. ISBN 978-0-425-23423-5. pap. $15. F
Gripping, elegant, and fierce, this classic war-torn love story set during the glittering final days of the Russian Empire is Furnivall's best yet.
Grossman, Paul. The Sleepwalkers. St. Martin's. Oct. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-312-60190-4. $24.99. F
Simultaneously a work of historical fiction, a medical mystery, a thriller, and a work of crime noir, this debut novel powerfully captures the atmosphere of Berlin on the verge of Nazi takeover, the elegance and cultural brilliance amid the decadence, and the sense of impending doom.
Harvell, Richard. The Bells. Crown. Sept. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-307-59052-7. $24. F
A poignant and acutely told story of the human spirit.
Hoover, Michelle. The Quickening. Other. Jul. 2010. c.224p. ISBN 978-1-59051-346-0. pap. $14.95. F
Borrowing from her own family history, Hoover burns away the glamour of the pioneer life, blending history and brilliant storytelling in her debut novel.
Machart, Bruce. The Wake of Forgiveness. Harcourt. Oct. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-15-101443-9. $26. F
This intense, fast-paced debut novel about a family of immigrant farmers in Texas is hard to put down. Machart's hard-hitting style is sure to capture fans of Cormac McCarthy and Jim Harrison.
McCaffrey, Todd. Dragongirl. Del Rey: Ballantine. Aug. 2010. 464p. ISBN 978-0-345-49116-9. $26. SF
The son of sf Grand Master Anne McCaffrey, creator of the Pern series, McCaffrey steps gracefully into the role of his mother's successor, exploring new times and places in Pern's history.
Moore, Donna. Old Dogs. Busted Flush. Jun. 2010. c.200p. ISBN 978-1-935415-24-4. pap. $15. F
Geezer lit with cross-generational appeal strikes gold. The author's clever wordplay, irreverant humor, and vivid characters will please Elmore Leonard, Donald Westlake, and Carl Hiaasen fans, not to mention the Ocean's Eleven crowd.
Rendell, Ruth. Portobello. Scribner. Sept. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-1-4391-4851-8. $26. F
The author's latest work is engrossing psychological suspense, which will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Skibell, Joseph. A Curable Romantic. Algonquin. Sept. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 978-1-56512-929-0. $24.95. F
This is a fascinating, ambitious, and very successful novel about Jewish folklore, the quest for spiritual truth, and the darkest days of the 20th century.
Solomons, Natasha. Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English. Reagan Arthur: Little, Brown. 2010. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-316-07758-3. $23.99. F
Mix some eccentric villagers with evocative descriptions of English gardens and Jewish baking and you have a beguiling debut novel sure to appeal to the legion of fans of novels like Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows's The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and Helen Simonson's Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.
Verdon, John. Think of a Number. Crown. Jul. 2010. c.436p. ISBN 978-0-307-58892-0. $22. F
A former Manhattan ad executive, Verdon spins an engrossing web of baffling puzzles. Add these enigmas to the novel's other features, and you have an outstanding debut, sure to enchant a wide range of readers.
Mystery
Albert, Susan Wittig. The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree. Berkley Prime Crime. Jul. 2010. c.290p. ISBN 978-0-425-23445-7. $24.95. M
The author of the popular China Bayles mysteries brings a small Southern town to life and vividly captures an era and culture-the Depression, segregation, class differences, the role of women in the South-with authentic period details.
Burke, James Lee. The Glass Rainbow. S. & S. Jul. 2010. c.448p. ISBN 978-1-4391-2829-9. $25.99. M
It takes an incredible writer to keep fresh an 18th novel featuring a character that refuses to change, but Burke does so with what may be one of the best in his Dave Robicheaux series.
Drake, Nick. Tutankhamun: The Book of Shadows. Harper: HarperCollins. Jul. 2010. c.375p. ISBN 978-0-06-076592-7. $24.99. M
In the second book in his Egyptian historical mystery trilogy (after Nerfertiti), Drake vividly describes the political machinations of the courtiers and the undercurrents of physical danger always present in ancient Egypt.
Elias, Gerald. Danse Macabre. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Sept. 2010. c.278p. ISBN 978-0-312-54189-7. $24.99. M
Elias, a former symphony violinist, concertmaster, and music professor, gives us a glimpse into the soul of a musician and the relationships among the artist, the music, and the instrument. A musical feast for mystery and music lovers.
Genelin, Michael. The Magician's Accomplice: A Commander Jana Matinova Investigation. Soho Crime. Jul. 2010. c.323p. ISBN 978-1-56947-626-0. $25. M
In this exceptionally wrought story full of cloak-and-dagger suspense, the author slowly reveals the motivation for murder and the life-threatening situation Matinova finds herself in, and this makes the third series title perhaps the best yet.
Penny, Louise. Bury Your Dead. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Oct. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-312-37704-5. $24.99. M
This brilliantly provocative mystery fast-forwards from The Brutal Telling, Penny's last novel, precipitating readers into the fictional future, as it further develops characters and plot. As always, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Montr?l police is the series protagonist.
Ryan, William. The Holy Thief. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Sept. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-0-312-58645-4. $24.99. Ryan's first novel will be released with a tsunami of marketing, so readers in public libraries will be lengthening the reserve lists for this remarkable thriller.
Zouroudi, Anne. The Messenger of Athens. Reagan Arthur: Little, Brown. Jul. 2010. c.322p. ISBN 978-0-316-07542-8. $23.99. M
Male characters play out their roles in this Greek drama, but the focus is on women who are abused, married off, and treated as servants yet become the upholders and enforcers of the culture that demeans them.
Reference
Islam in the World Today: A Handbook of Politics, Religion, Culture, and Society. Cornell Univ. 2010. 1136p. ed. by Werner Ende & Udo Steinbach. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8014-4571-2. $85. REF
A new and updated version of the classic Der Islam in der Gegenwart, this first English-language translation gives non-German speakers access to one of the most authoritative works on Islam in the modern world. An impressive reference at a bargain price; essential for all public and academic libraries.
The Oxford Encyclopedia of African Thought. 2 vols. Oxford Univ. 2010. c.1024p. ed. by F. Abiola Irele & Biodun Jeyifo. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-19-533473-9. $295; Online: Oxford Digital Reference REF
This distinctive set seeks to provide a broad view of African thought from the continent and its diaspora in the Americas and Europe and attempts to cover all that has contributed to its world view. Highly recommended for academic libraries supporting African, African American, or philosophy studies.
Science & Technology
Roach, Mary. Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. Norton. Aug. 2010. c.224p. illus. ISBN 978-0-393-06847-4. $25.95. SCI
Roach is back with another irreverent romp, this time through "an entire odd universe of mock outer space." While there are occasional somber passages, most of the descriptions of the many and varied annoyances of space travel are perversely entertaining. An essential purchase.
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ctr. Yoga: Your Home Practice Companion. DK. 2010. 256p. illus. ISBN 978-0-7566-5729-1. $25. HEALTH
Readers are given all of the necessary information to start and maintain a home yoga practice. The information is comprehensive without being overwhelming in this excellent primer.
Steele, Jae. Ripe from Around Here: A Vegan Guide to Local and Sustainable Eating (No Matter Where You Live). Arsenal Pulp, dist. by Consortium. Jun. 2010. c.257p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-55152-254-8. pap. $23.95. COOKING
Readers attuned to the local food movement will appreciate steele's approach; her book can also be enjoyed as a straightforward vegan cookbook.
Self-Help
Dresser, Norine & Fredda Wasserman. Saying Goodbye to Someone You Love: Your Emotional Journey Through End-of-Life and Grief. Demos. 2010. c.208p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-932603-85-9. pap. $16.95. SELF-HELP
Essential for anyone experiencing end-of-life issues.
Newman, Susan. Under One Roof Again: All Grown Up and (Re)learning To Live Together Happily. Lyons: Globe Pequot. 2010. c.256p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-7627-5859-3. pap. $16.95. SELF-HELP
Newman offers practical considerations, from protecting privacy and sticking to food preferences to dealing with money and respecting others' time. For those facing this situation, following Newman's advice can make the difference between enjoying the richness of another generation or simply tolerating it.
Social Sciences
Bowman, Leslie & others. Online Learning: A User-Friendly Approach for High School and College Students. Rowman & Littlefield. Jul. 2010. c.116p. ISBN 978-1-60709-747-1. $26.95. ED
Bowman and her fellow contributors provide an excellent, practical, down-to-earth guide for anyone who is thinking about or participating in an online program.
Flavell, Julie. When London Was Capital of America. Yale Univ. 2010. c.336p. illus. ISBN 978-0-300-13739-2. $32.50. HIST
Independent scholar Flavell re-creates with stunning lucidity the bustling city at the height of its powers. Highly recommended for scholars of the revolutionary Atlantic as well as enthusiasts of the era's history.
Lawday, David. The Giant of the French Revolution: Danton, A Life. Grove. Jul. 2010. c.304p. maps. index. ISBN 978-0-8021-1933-9. $27.50. BIOG
This is the best biography of Danton to be written since Hilaire Belloc's more than 100 years ago. Both the scholar and the general reader will find it an informative and lively read.
McClannahan, Lynn E. & Patricia J. Krantz. Activity Schedules for Children with Autism: Teaching Independent Behavior. 2d ed. Woodbine House. Aug. 2010. c.140p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-60613-003-2. pap. $19.95. PSYCH
In this updated edition, McClannahan and Krantz share their 20-plus years of research in the use of picture schedules with children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Essential for any family with an autistic child.
Spiritual Living
Best Buddhist Writing 2010. Shambhala, dist. by Random. Sept. 2010. c.320p. ed. by Melvin McLeod & Shambhala Sun eds. ISBN 978-1-59030-734-2. pap. $17.95. REL
A feast of memoirs, histories, discussions, and counsel from American Buddhism, this anthology will appeal to both Buddhists and non-Buddhists.
Jacobs, Alan. Wayfaring: Essays Pleasant and Unpleasant. Eerdmans. Jul. 2010. c.167p.
ISBN 978-0-8028-6568-7. pap. $18. REL
Jacobs here offers an array of his essays on topics ranging from evangelical history to Kahlil Gibran to W.H. Auden. A superb introduction to Jacobs's style and approach, as well as a point of entry to many subjects in religion, philosophy, and literature.
Marty, Martin E. Building Cultures of Trust. Eerdmans. Jul. 2010. c.200p. index. ISBN 978-0-8028-6546-5. $22.99. REL
This book will be bracing and welcome to thinkers both within and without academia, and Marty's recommendations are not limited to religious application.
Spencer, Gregory. Awakening the Quieter Virtues: Discernment, Innocence, Authenticity, Modesty, Reverence, Contentment, Generosity. InterVarsity. Aug. 2010. c.197p. ISBN 978-0-8308-3735-9. pap. $16. REL
Spencer's identification of the ills to which we are subject, and their potential remedies, seem indispensable. This should have broad appeal beyond Christian readers.
