Starred Reviews: August 2010
By Sarah Dinowitz & Heather McCormack Aug 3, 2010August 2010 brings 58 starred reviews from our solo print issue and our Xpress Reviews (online-only). Maybe it's because I love summer eats, but I was instantly drawn to the cookbooks: no fewer than four scored big with us, including Sterling's Family Vegetarian Cooking. Poet Seamus Heaney also returns, as do novelists Michael Cunningham, Emma Donoghue, and Jonathan Franzen.--Heather McCormack
Arts & Humanities
Callahan, Gail (text) & John Polak (photogs.). Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece. Storey. 2010. 168p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-60342-468-4. $18.95. FIBER CRAFTS
Callahan jumps right into the dyeing and saves the descriptions of different fibers and color theory for later in the book-an approach that adds to the "you can do this!" feel.
Crump, James. Walker Evans Decade by Decade. Hatje Cantz, dist. by D.A.P. 2010. 256p. photogs. ISBN 978-3-7757-2491-3. $75. PHOTOG
The best book on Evans in years, this will appeal to photography pundits.
Deutscher, Guy. Through the Language Glass: Why the World Looks Different in Other Languages. Metropolitan: Holt. Sept. 2010. c.320p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8050-8195-4. $27.50. LANG
Highly recommended for all who love accessible books on the history of thought and who love the warmth of writing that makes them think.
Faerm, Steven. Fashion Design Course. Barron's. 2010. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7641-4423-3. pap. $23.99. FIBER CRAFTS
Teens exploring careers in fashion will enjoy the practical advice from industry insiders, and fashion-mad readers of all ages will appreciate the information about how fashion design works.
Heaney, Seamus. Human Chain Poems. Farrar. Sept. 2010. c.96p. ISBN 978-0-374-17351-7. $24. POETRY
Reading Heaney's poems can leave readers feeling palm-roughened and muscle-sore, but as contemporary poetry grows ever more conceptual and theory-based, Heaney continues to remind us of William Carlos Williams's famous line, "No ideas but in things."
Jaworski, Ron with Greg Cosell & David Plaut. The Games That Changed the Game: The Evolution of the NFL in Seven Sundays. Ballantine. Oct. 2010. c.336p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-345-51795-1. $26. SPORTS
If you want to understand the strategic and cerebral part of this very physical sport, this most fascinating football book of the season is for you.
Rosser-Owen, Mariam. Islamic Arts from Spain. V&A, dist. by Abrams. 2010. 160p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-85177-598-9. $55. FINE ARTS
Beautifully designed and prolifically illustrated with detailed, high-quality photographs, this is for students and specialists and should be in every public and academic library.
Streb, Elizabeth. STREB: How To Become an Extreme Action Hero. Feminist Pr., dist. by Consortium. 2010. 144p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-55861-656-1. pap. $18.95. DANCE
Streb's dynamism infuses this memoir, and her ideas will likely challenge readers' assumptions on many fronts.
Wachtell, Cynthia. War No More: The Antiwar Impulse in American Literature 1861-1914. Louisiana State Univ. 2010. c.240p. index. ISBN 978-0-8071-3562-4. $35. LIT
Wachtell's work is an important contribution to American studies, combining a crucial literary and historical perspective.
Wilson, Janet. Classic and Modern Fabrics: The Complete Illustrated Sourcebook. Thames & Hudson, dist. by Norton. 2010. 320p. illus. ISBN 978-0-500-51507-5. $75. FIBER CRAFTS
This comprehensive work is an excellent reference for academic fashion and textile collections, as well as large public libraries.
Audio
Alexander, Larry. In the Footsteps of the Band of Brothers. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11½ hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4001-4625-3. $69.99; 10 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. HIST
Narrator Norman Dietz (Power, Faith, and Fantasy) provides an impressive, respectful rendering of this walk in the footsteps of Easy Company soldiers that will recall for today's generation the heroic contribution of U.S. soldiers in World War II.
Alter, Jonathan. The Promise: President Obama, Year One. 18 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 21 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4498-1907-1. $123.75; 18 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; digital download. BIOG/POL SCI
An exemplary work of "instant history" certain to become one of the primary reference books on our President.
Butcher, Jim. Changes. 13 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 15¾ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4498-1662-9. $123.75; 13 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Actor/series narrator James Marsters delivers his usual pitch-perfect performance, personifying Dresden and mastering all sorts of creatures with the enthusiasm his listeners have come to expect.
Preston, Douglas & Lincoln Child. Fever Dream. 12 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 14¼ hrs. Hachette Audio from BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60788-531-3. $114.99; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; 12 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; 6 CDs. retail ed. abridged. 7 hrs.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Actor/narrator René Auberjonois's honeyed tones add greatly to the overall enjoyment of the book; his interpretation of the mysterious FBI agent's voice and manner is spot on.
Remnick, David. The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama. 20 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 23 hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-307-73435-8. $50; 20 CDs. retail ed.; Random Audio; digital download. BIOG/POL SCI
Listeners wishing to follow up on Remnick's citations might prefer the print edition for the immediate access to the bibliography it affords; all others will find this audio edition superior owing to Deakins's superb narration.
Richards, Susan. Saddled: How a Spirited Horse Reined Me in and Set Me Free. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8 hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4001-4576-8. $59.99; 7 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. AUTOBIOG
The intimate manner in which Richards writes, and actress/narrator Karen White (My Kind of Place) reads, makes listeners feel like part of the conversation. Sure to be a hit; highly recommended for all.
Winspear, Jacqueline. The Mapping of Love and Death. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10 hrs. BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 978-0-7927-7120-3. $94.95; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Offering a fine balance of personal details and steady plot progress, this novel will satisfy fans and capture newcomers who enjoy British mysteries or historical fiction; highly recommended.
Christian Fiction
Dekker, Ted. Immanuel's Veins. Thomas Nelson. Sept. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-59554-009-6. $25.99. CF
Fans of CF suspense and fantasy should eat this one up, but historical fiction fans will also enjoy the Saint Thomas of Russia story line.
Lawhead, Stephen R. The Skin Map. Thomas Nelson. (Bright Empires, Bk. 1). Aug. 2010. c.448p. ISBN 978-1-59554-804-7. $24.99. CF
Full of rich imagery, this page-turner will appeal to fans of suspense and fantasy, although some readers may be dissuaded by its length.
Fiction
Cunningham, Michael. By Nightfall. Farrar. Oct. 2010. c.256p. ISBN 978-0-374-29908-8. $25. F
Mizzy nearly drives Peter and Rebecca to rash acts of their own, but in the end he's no answer, and they find that small might be enough. Extraordinary.
Donoghue, Emma. Room. Little, Brown. Sept. 2010. 336p. ISBN 978-0-316-09833-5. $24.99. F
Donoghue (The Sealed Letter) skillfully builds a suspenseful narrative evoking fear and hate and hope-but most of all, the triumph of a mother's ferocious love.
Elliot, Jason. The Network. Bloomsbury, dist. by Macmillan. Sept. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-1-60819-035-5. $24. F
The complex plot with a world-saving objective, complete with a side-trip romance and lots of derring-do, will appeal to fans of literate spy fiction.
Franzen, Jonathan. Freedom. Farrar. Sept. 2010. c.576p. ISBN 978-0-374-15846-0. $28. F
As in his National Book Award winner, The Corrections, Franzen reveals a penchant for smart, deceptively simple, and culturally astute writing.
Grossman, David. To the End of the Land. Knopf. Oct. 2010. c.592p. tr. from Hebrew by Jessica Cohen. ISBN 978-0-307-59297-2. $26.95. F
Glimmers of humanity, life, and hope counterbalance the sense of despair, foreboding, and sadness that permeate this detailed and beautiful chronicle of Ora's, Ofer's, and Avram's lives.
Gruen, Sara. Ape House. Spiegel & Grau. Sept. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-385-52321-9. $26. F
Although the book is somewhat flawed by an abundance of stock characters, Gruen's achievement is nevertheless significant not only in illuminating the darkest corners of animal research but also in showing the depth of human-animal relationships.
Lindsay, Jeff. Dexter Is Delicious. Doubleday. Sept. 2010. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-385-53235-8. $25.95. F
With the Showtime series continuing to receive rave reviews, more readers than ever will be drawn to this series.
Long, Julie Anne. I Kissed an Earl. Avon. Jul. 2010. 370p. ISBN 978-0-06-188566-2. pap. $7.99. F
Long's sumptuous language reveals her protagonists as flawed yet resolute and finally more than open to passion and love. Exquisite for romance fans.
Mountain, Fiona. Lady of the Butterflies. Putnam. Jul. 2010. c.544p. ISBN 978-0-399-15636-6. $25.95. F
Mountain's fourth novel, based on the life of entomologist Eleanor Glanville (1654-1709) and published in the UK as Rebel Heiress, is fascinating, well paced, and full of rich detail.
Murray, Paul. Skippy Dies. Faber & Faber. Sept. 2010. c.672p. ISBN 978-0-86547-943-2. $28. F
In addition to his masterly use of James Joyce and Robert Graves throughout, Murray has created a social realism that holds its own with that of Dickens.
Nelson, Antonya. Bound. Bloomsbury, dist. by Macmillan. Oct. 2010. c.240p. ISBN 978-1-59691-575-6. $25. F
In this delightful blend of extraordinary circumstances and ordinary suburban life, Nelson beautifully and humorously exposes the deep connections among these characters.
Roth, Philip. Nemesis. Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-547-31835-6. $26. F
Roth is unrivaled in his mastery at evoking mid-20th-century New Jersey, but it's the thoughtful examination of the toll guilt takes on the psyche, the futility of raging against God or Fate, and the danger of turning blame inward that give this short novel its power.
Smith, Martin Cruz. Three Stations: An Arkady Renko Novel. S. & S. Sept. 2010. c.256p. ISBN 978-0-7432-7674-0. $25.99. F
Fans everywhere will be eager to get the latest installment in the Renko saga, a terrific oeuvre for readers in every public library.
Tremain, Rose. Trespass. Norton. Oct. 2010. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-393-07956-2. $24.95. F
Read Tremain for her lushly descriptive settings, her deeply flawed but intensely interesting characters, and her imaginative plots.
VandenMeer, Jeff. The Third Bear. Tachyon, dist. by IPG. Aug. 2010. c.288p. ISBN 978-1-892391-98-8. pap. $14.95. SF/FANTASY
Fans of imaginative literature and true speculative fiction should appreciate this groundbreaking collection by a World Fantasy Award winner that calls to mind the works of Borges, Kafka, and Stanislaw Lem.
Mystery
Arruda, Suzanne. The Crocodile's Last Embrace: A Jade del Cameron Mystery. Obsidian Mysteries: NAL. Sept. 2010. 380p. ISBN 978-0-451-23117-8. pap. $15. M
The hallmark of this series is intense suspense and strong, assertive women, be they good or bad, and Arruda's latest is no exception. Do not miss this one.
Cotterill, Colin. Love Songs from a Shallow Grave: A Dr. Siri Investigation Set in Laos. Soho Crime. Aug. 2010. 326p. ISBN 978-1-56947-627-7. $25. M
Dr. Siri is a one-of-a-kind protagonist rivaled only by Eliot Pattison's Shan Tao Yung. Highly recommended for series fans and readers who enjoy international mysteries.
de Castrique, Mark. Fatal Undertaking: A Buryin' Barry Mystery. Poisoned Pen. Oct. 2010. 232p. ISBN 978-1-59058-801-7. $24.95; pap. ISBN 978-1-59058-803-1. $14.95. M
De Castrique's unassuming but commanding prose style is comparable to James Lee Burke and Margaret Maron.
Indridason, Arnaldur. Hypothermia: A Reykjavík Thriller. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Sept. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-312-56991-4. $24.99. M
Though not a typical police procedural in which Erlendur solves a crime with his team, this is highly recommended for fans of Indridason's previous mysteries and for lovers of Scandinavian crime fiction.
Larsen, K.J. Liar, Liar: A Cat DeLuca Mystery. Poisoned Pen. Sept. 2010. 237p. ISBN 978-1-59058-725-6. $24.95; pap. ISBN 978-1-59058-727-0. $14.95. M
Cat De Luca is smart and charming in a scorned-woman-turned-to-avenging-all-cheated-upon-women way and is sure to appeal to fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum.
Miner, Erica. Murder in the Pit. Twilight Times. 2010. c.222p. ISBN 978-1-60619-110-1. pap. $16.95. M
The characters are believably rendered, and readers without any knowledge of opera will still enjoy the spot-on detail about the Met and the many backstage shenanigans. Warmly recommended.
Neville, Stuart. Collusion. Soho Crime. Oct. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-56947-855-4. $25. M
Neville creates sympathy for his characters in the midst of violence and betrayal and reveals Northern Ireland as a country still under the effects of decades of terror.
Robinson, Peter. Bad Boy. Morrow. Sept. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-0-06-136295-8. $25.99. M
Branching out into new territory, Robinson's 19th installment in the Inspector Banks series (after All the Colors of Darkness) is more of a suspense story than a "whodunit."
Westerson, Jeri. The Demon's Parchment: A Medieval Noir. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Oct. 2010. 307p. ISBN 978-0-312-62104-9. $25.99. M
Westerson skillfully lulls her sleuth and the reader into a sense of "I know what is going on," then zings them with the truth.
Romance
Chase, Loretta. Last Night's Scandal. Avon. Aug. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-06-163267-9. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Another of Chase's captivating historical gems, it is essential for romance collections.
Feehan, Christine. Water Bound. Jove. (Sea Haven, Bk. 1). Aug. 2010. c.480p. ISBN 978-0-515-14824-4. pap. $7.99. PARANORMAL
Feehan takes readers into turbulent, uncharted waters as a courageous, high-functioning autistic heroine with the power of a water mage is paired with a tormented hero with numerous psychic gifts and major issues of his own, delivering an edgy, compelling, character-rich romance.
James, Eloisa. A Kiss at Midnight. Avon. Aug. 2010. 384p. ISBN 978-0-06-16284-5. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Nonstop action, quick-witted, intelligent banter, clever plotting, remarkable, well-defined characters, and breathtaking sensuality make James's exquisitely written, hilarious take on Cinderella another magical sparkler.
Science & Technology
Clarke, Oz. Oz Clarke's Let Me Tell You About Wine: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Wine. Sterling Epicure: Sterling. Oct. 2010. c.200p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 978-1-4027-7123-1. $19.95. BEVERAGES
Ever been frustrated by European wine labels that list vineyard and region but not the grape variety? A heaven-sent appellation decoder is included to serve as your Rosetta stone.
Contaldo, Gennaro. Gennaro's Easy Italian: Delicious Quick Recipes for Everyday Cooking. Headline, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Sept. 2010. 256p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-7553-1788-2. $29.95. COOKING
The full-color photos and easy-to-follow recipes will inspire cooks new to Italian cuisine, and a variety of dishes for both family meals and dinner guests provides novices with an arsenal of ideas.
De Serio, Tasha & Jodi Liano (text) & Maren Caruso (photogs.). Cooking from the Farmers' Market. Weldon Owen, dist. by S. & S. (Williams-Sonoma). 2010. 272p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-74089-979-6. $34.95. COOKING
Recipes, written for seasoned cooks who know how to chop an onion and sauté in oil, are organized by food item, and readers will find new dishes with their favorite ingredients.
Family Vegetarian Cooking: 225 Recipes Everyone Will Love. Hearst: Sterling. (Good Housekeeping). 2010. 288p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-58816-792-7. $24.95. COOKING
Packed with satisfying meals such as Vegetarian Lasagna, Pesto and Mozzarella Pizzas, and Spinach and Jack Cheese Bread Pudding, this vegetarian cookbook includes easy recipes and accessible ingredients.
Kotler, Steven. A Small Furry Prayer: Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life. Bloomsbury, dist. by Macmillan. Oct. 2010. 320p. ISBN 978-1-60819-002-7. $25. PETS
Kotler defiantly proclaims his love of Chihuahuas (he's hilarious), then shatters our hearts and ends by laying down a real ethical challenge.
Lawther, James (text) & Jon Wyand (photogs.). The Finest Wines of Bordeaux: A Regional Guide to the Best Châteaux and Their Wines. Univ. of California. Oct. 2010. c.320p. photogs. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-520-26657-5. pap. $34.95. BEVERAGES
For the pros and readers seeking immersion.
Levin, Larry. Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love. Grand Central. Nov. 2010. 240p. ISBN 978-0-446-54631-7. $19.99. PETS
Highly recommended for anyone (that's all of us) in need of inspiration.
Stipp, David. The Youth Pill: Scientists at the Brink of an Anti-Aging Revolution. Penguin. Jul. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-1-61723-000-4. $26.95. SCI
For anyone wishing to understand the proven science and imminent frontiers of gerontological research, Stipp's text is better and serves as a good update to Stephen Hall's Merchants of Immortality.
Theise, Terry. Reading Between the Wines. Univ. of California. Sept. 2010. c.200p. ISBN 978-0-520-26533-2. $24.95. Short Takes: by the Glass BEVERAGES
Theise first demystifies how to experience wine, then remystifies it by reinstating pleasure as what it's all about.
Van Olphen, Bart & Tom Kime (text) & Simon Wheeler & others (photogs.). Fish Tales: Stories & Recipes from Sustainable Fisheries Around the World. Kyle: Kyle Cathie, dist. by National Bk. Network. 2010. c.192p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-906868-17-8. $29.95. COOKING
This is a rare book on fisheries that fills gaps in sustainable food literature and fish cookbooks.
Social Sciences
Foner, Eric. The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. Norton. Oct. 2010. c.448p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 978-0-393-06618-0. $29.95. HIST
In the vast library on Lincoln, Foner's book stands out as the most sensitive and sensible reading of Lincoln's lifetime involvement with slavery and the most insightful assessment of Lincoln's-and indeed America's-imperative to move toward freedom lest it be lost.
Schrecker, Ellen. The Lost Soul of Higher Education: Corporatization, the Assault on Academic Freedom, and the End of the American University. New Pr., dist. by Perseus. Sept. 2010. c.304p. index. ISBN 978-1-59558-400-7. $27.95. ED
Highly recommended for collections that focus on higher education.
