Starred Reviews: September 2010
By Sarah Dinowitz & Heather McCormack Sep 1, 2010September 2010 brings 69 standout reviews from our two print issues and recent Xpress Reviews (online only). Fall marks the start of the holiday book push, and performing arts titles are especially bountiful. See biographies ranging over subjects as varied as John Coltrane, Sal Mineo, and Mark Twain.-Heather McCormack
Arts & Humanities
Alter, Robert. The Wisdom Books: Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes; A Translation with Commentary. Norton. Oct. 2010. c.560p. ISBN 9780393068122. $35. REL
Highly recommended for religion and seminary collections.
Bakewell, Sarah. How To Live: Or a Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer. Other. Oct. 2010. c.400p. illus. photogs. bibliog. ISBN 9781590514252. $25. PHIL
This is a rich book, both because of its subject and because Bakewell has a wondrous way with words.
Coltrane on Coltrane: The John Coltrane Interviews. Lawrence Hill: Chicago Review, dist. by IPG. Sept. 2010. c.336p. ed. by Chris DeVito. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-56976-287-5. $26.95. MUSIC
Though many solid books have been written about Coltrane, this compilation of source materials provides an intimate view of the man and his music. Certainly one of the best music books of the year.
Crowell, Rodney. Chinaberry Sidewalks: A Memoir. Knopf. Jan. 2011. c.256p. photogs. ISBN 9780307594204. $24.95. MUSIC
This touching, sometimes rough, and vivid chronicle of mid-20th-century Southern life is highly recommended.
Curcic, Slobodan. Architecture in the Balkans: From Diocletian to Suleyman the Magnificent. Yale Univ. 2010. 608p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780300115703. $85. ARCHITECTURE
This volume builds on and supersedes the author's earlier Art and Architecture in the Balkans, as its enormity (physical size and content) makes it nearly a reference work rather than simply a regional architectural history.
Dohrmann, George. Play Their Hearts Out: A Coach, His Star Recruit, and the Youth Basketball Machine. Ballantine. Oct. 2010. c.432p. illus. ISBN 9780345508607. $26. SPORTS
This is one of the best sports books of recent years.
Fraser, Antonia. Must You Go?: My Life with Harold Pinter. Nan A. Talese: Doubleday. Nov. 2010. c.336p. ISBN 9780385532501. $28.95. LIT
Recommended for readers of literary biography, students and lovers of theater and film, and readers of 20th-century British history generally.
Gray, Marcus. Route 19 Revisited: The Clash and London Calling. Soft Skull. Oct. 2010. c.560p. illus. index. ISBN 9781593762933. pap. $17.95. MUSIC
Essential for Clash fanatics and punk music aficionados.
Higonnet, Anne. A Museum of One's Own: Private Collecting, Public Gift. Periscope, dist. by Prestel. 2010. 240p. illus. index. ISBN 9781934772928. $49.95. FINE ARTS
Professionally presented and sufficiently well documented, this insightful, significant, original publication by an expert art historian will interest general readers, students, scholars, museum professionals, and others.
Knight, Timothy. Sinatra: Hollywood His Way. Running Pr. Oct. 2010. c.336p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780762437436. $35. FILM
This highly enjoyable, well-written treat belongs in any library and in the hands of all fans of Frank Sinatra.
Lebrecht, Norman. Why Mahler?: How One Man and Ten Symphonies Changed Our World. Pantheon. Oct. 2010. c.336p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780375423819. $27.95. MUSIC
A treasure trove for Mahler fans, this is also likely to convert even the most obstinate detractor.
Michaud, Michael Gregg. Sal Mineo: A Biography. Crown Archetype. Nov. 2010. c.432p. photogs. filmog. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780307718686. $25.99. FILM
A definitive Sal Mineo biography has not existed until now, and any collection of celebrity bios would do well to own it.
Petherbridge, Deanna. The Primacy of Drawing: Histories and Theories of Practice. Yale Univ. 2010. 524p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780300126464. $65. FINE ARTS
This well-thought-out and intelligent book is recommended for anyone interested in drawings or the practice of drawing.
Roberts, Randy. Joe Louis: Hard Times Man. Yale Univ. Oct. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 9780300122220. $27.50. SPORTS
Well researched and well written, Roberts's study will appeal both to boxing fans and scholars of American social and cultural history. Like its subject, this book is a champion.
Sharp, Ken (text) & Roger Farrington & David M. Spindel (photogs.). Starting Over: The Making of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Double Fantasy. MTV/Gallery: S. & S. Oct. 2010. c.256p. photogs. bibliog. ISBN 9781439103005. $26.99. MUSIC
This fine book provides much insight into Lennon and Ono and into the record-making process of 30 years ago.
Silverman, Kenneth. Begin Again: A Biography of John Cage. Knopf. Oct. 2010. c.480p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781400044375. $40. MUSIC
This excellent, thoroughly researched biography is an essential purchase.
Twain, Mark. Autobiography of Mark Twain. Vol. 1. Univ. of California. (Mark Twain Papers). Nov. 2010. c.743p. ed. by Harriet Elinor Smith. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780520267190. $34.95. LIT
This may overwhelm Twain newcomers, but it is essential for specialists.
Wilentz, Sean. Bob Dylan in America. Doubleday. Sept. 2010. c.400p. photogs. discog. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-385-52988-4. $28.95. MUSIC
This is the most important work on Dylan since Christopher Ricks's Dylan's Visions of Sin and an illuminating cultural history of the United States after World War II.
Audio
Conover, Ted. The Routes of Man. 11 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13½ hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781441859280. $92.97; 11 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. SOC SCI
The rich narration by three-time Audie Award winner Dick Hill brings the vivid details of Conover's adventures to life.
Macintyre, Ben. Operation Mincemeat. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 9780307735713. $35; 9 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. HIST
Macintyre describes the origins, planning, implementation, outcome, and aftermath of Operation Mincemeat in this complex narrative voiced clearly and masterfully by multiple Audie Award winner John Lee.
Parker-Pope, Tara. For Better: The Science of a Good Marriage. 8 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 9¾ hrs. HighBridge Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781615730940. $29.95; Playaway digital; digital download. SOC SCI
Actress/Audie Award winner Cassandra Campbell's easy, conversational tone makes this thoughtful work feel like the guidance of a trusted friend.
Petrarch, Francesco. The Great Poets: Francesco Petrarch. 1 CD. retail ed. unabridged. 2 hrs. Naxos AudioBooks. 2010. ISBN 9781843793588. $14.98; digital download. POETRY
Classical actor Anton Lesser conveys just the right tone of unrequited love and longing relieved by wit. Recommended for listeners interested in Renaissance poetry and timeless love sonnets.
Pullman, Philip. The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ. 3 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 3½ hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781441857965. $59.97; 3 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Pullman himself reads, his deep and soothing British-accented performance carrying the story along admirably.
Sandford, John. Storm Prey. 9 CDs. unabridged. 10¾ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 9781449804374. $102.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 9 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; 5 CDs. retail ed. abridged. 6¼ hrs.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Actor/Audie Award winner Richard Ferrone makes the various characters' multifaceted personalities easily discernable through his nuanced tones, accents, and voices.
Christian Fiction
Clipson, Amy. A Plain and Simple Christmas: A Novella. Zondervan. Sept. 2010. c.192p. ISBN 9780310327363. pap. $14.99. CF
Fans of the "Kauffman Amish Bakery" series won't be disappointed by the excellent writing and the story's wholesome goodness.
Perry, Trish. The Perfect Blend. Harvest House. (Tea Shop. Bk. 1). Sept. 2010. c.256p. ISBN 9780736930154. pap. $9.99. CF
With its three-dimensional characters and a quaint setting, this series debut is certain to earn Perry new fans.
Fiction
Doyle, Brian. Mink River. Oregon State Univ. Oct. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 9780870715853. pap. $18.95. FAward-winning essayist Doyle writes with an inventive and seductive style that echoes that of ancient storytellers.
Erpenbeck, Jenny. Visitation. New Directions, dist. by Norton. Sept. 2010. c.192p. tr. From Germany by Susan Bernofsky. ISBN 9780811218351. pap. $14.95. F
Erpenbeck's detailed, dreamy descriptions are more poetry than prose, full of repetitions that evoke the polishing of fine handiwork.
Fletcher, Susan. Corrag. Norton. Nov. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 9780393080001. $24.95. F
Corrag's story and that of the brutality suffered by women throughout the British Isles need to be retold in each generation.
Gardam, Jane. God on the Rocks. Europa, dist. by Penguin. Nov. 2010. c.208p. ISBN 9781933372761. pap. $15. F
This Booker nominee will appeal to readers who love the Penelopes (Fitzgerald and Lively) as well as Gardam's more recent novels, like Faith Fox and Old Filth.
Goldberg, Myla. The False Friend. Doubleday. Oct. 2010. c.272p. ISBN 9780385527217. $25.95. F
This is a layered, understated novel about the complex, ambiguous nature of memory and its effect on the dynamics of relationships.
Hellenga, Robert. Snakewoman of Little Egypt. Bloomsbury, dist. by Macmillan. Sept. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 9781608192625. $25. F
Hellenga (The Sixteen Pleasures) mesmerizes with this brainy study of snakes and snake-handling churches, love, independence, and, yes, even the power of timpani drumming.
Jacobson, Alan. Velocity: A Karen Vail Novel. Vanguard: Perseus. Oct. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 9781593156213. $25.95. F
Velocity plunges readers into a nail-biting, heart-pounding chase through the dark world of serial killers, drug cartels, and DEA busts and exposes an edgier, more vulnerable Vail.
Lawton, John. A Lily of the Field. Atlantic Monthly. Oct. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 9780802119568. $24. F
Legitimately compared to John Le Carré (although Alan Furst and Philip Kerr fans might enjoy him as well), Lawton vividly limns a world weariness contrasted with earth-shaking historical events, all the while unraveling a complex and compelling mystery that will not be quickly forgotten.
Persson, Leif GW. Between Summer's Longing and Winter's End: The Story of a Crime. Pantheon. Sept. 2010. c.560p. tr. from Swedish by Paul Norlen. ISBN 9780307377456. $27.95. F
This exceptional novel, the first of a trilogy by Sweden's top psychological profiler and foremost expert on crime, starts slowly but never stops building.
Schwarz-Bart, Andre. The Morning Star. Overlook, dist. by Penguin Group (USA). Sept. 2010. 192 p. ISBN 9781590203897. pap. $23.95. F
A moving and illuminating read in its own right, his final novel serves as a fitting coda to one of the past century's most striking literary careers.
Shinn, Sharon. Troubled Waters. Ace: Berkley. Oct. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 9780441019236. $24.95. FANTASY
Shinn's latest novel is filled with vivid details of everyday life, a strong and admirable heroine, and a plot with as many twists and turns as the mighty river that threads through the story.
The Black Lizard Big Book of Black Mask Stories. Vintage: Random. Sept. 2010. c.1136p. ed. by Otto Penzler. illus. ISBN 9780307455437. $25. F
A hefty hunk of hard-boiled heaven and a noir lover's dream, this will thrill the genre's many fans.
Tranter, Kirsten. The Legacy. Atria: S. & S. Aug. 2010. c.448p. ISBN 978-1-4391-7718-1. pap. $15. F
Fans of literary mysteries will enjoy this intricate, fascinating, and original novel.
Winterbach, Ingrid. To Hell with Cronjé. Open Letter. Sept. 2010. 239p. tr. From Afrikaans by Elsa Silke. ISBN 9781934824306. pap. $15.95. F
Although set during the Boer War at the turn of the 20th century, this novel is not so much a work of historical fiction or travel narrative as a commentary on desire.
Graphic Novels
Diaz Canales, Juan (text) & Juanjo Guarnido (illus.). Blacksad. Dark Horse. 2010. 184p. ISBN 9781595823939. $20.99. F
Blacksad reinvents funny animals to a whole new purpose: suspenseful, sophisticated, and beautifully visualized drama with violence and sensual sex quite appropriate to plot and readership.
Mystery
Hiaasen, Carl. Star Island. Knopf. Aug. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-0-307-27258-4. $26.95. F
This rollicking tour de force lampoons south Florida's celebrity subculture while including the obligatory environmental subplot for which Hiaasen is known.
Hill, Susan. The Shadows in the Street: A Simon Serrailler Mystery. Overlook, dist. by Penguin Group (USA). Sept. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-59020-408-5. $24.95. M
Her characters continue to be intelligent and engaging, and the perfect balance of drama, atmosphere, and suspense holds the reader to the very last page.
Mayor, Archer. Red Herring: A Joe Gunther Novel. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Oct. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 9780312381936. $24.99. M
An excellent police procedural series that deserves a wider readership.
McGee, Chaz. Angel Interrupted: A Dead Detective Mystery. Berkley Prime Crime. Sept. 2010. c.336p. ISBN 9780425233146. pap. $7.99. M
A perfect gem for readers who like Mary Stanton's "Beaufort & Company" series and for those who want something different in their mysteries.
Muller, Marcia. Coming Back: A Sharon McCone Mystery. Grand Central. Oct. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 9780446581066. $24.99 M
What sets this novel far above the standard is Muller's sensitive and poignant description of McCone's struggles to regain her abilities.
Sim, Alastair. The Unbelievers. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Sept. 2010. c.336p. ISBN 9780312621698. $23.99. M
Powerful and thought-provoking, this will appeal to readers who enjoy Perry, Charles Finch, and other authors of Victorian mysteries.
Reference
Encyclopedia of Identity. 2 vols. SAGE. (SAGE Reference). Sept. 2010. c.1000p. ed. by Ronald L. Jackson II. index. ISBN 9781412951531. $350; Online: SAGE Reference Online REF
This is a most worthwhile reference tool for many academic libraries, as well as for large public libraries.
Encyclopedia of Research Design. 3 vols. SAGE (SAGE Reference). Sept. 2010. c.3427p. ed. by Neil J. Salkind. index. ISBN 9781412961271. $425; Online: SAGE Reference Online REF
Essential for academic libraries, this is one of a handful of resources that covers such a broad spectrum of research designs.
Encyclopedia of the Korean War: A Political, Social, and Military History. 2d ed. 3 vols. ABC-CLIO. 2010. c.1393p. ed. by Spencer C. Tucker & Paul G. Pierpaoli Jr. photogs. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781851098491. $295; Online: ABC-CLIO eBook Collection REF
While there are a number of inexpensive one-volume titles available, they present neither the scope nor the scholarship of Tucker's massive tomes. Buy this set or buy nothing at all.
Science & Technology
Andoh, Elizabeth (text) & Leigh Beisch (photogs.). Kansha: Celebrating Japan's Vegan & Vegetarian Traditions. Ten Speed: Crown Pub. Group. Oct. 2010. c.304p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781580089555. $35. COOKING
Because of the lack of books available on this topic, this will be much appreciated not only by vegetarians, vegans, and Japanese food enthusiasts but by an adventurous cook looking for a distinctive perspective on fresh, healthy food.
As Always, Julia: The Letters of Julia Child & Avis DeVoto. Houghton Harcourt. Dec. 2010. c.448p. ed. by Joan Reardon. illus. index. ISBN 9780547417714. $26. COOKING
As lively as a good novel, this deserves an audience beyond those interested in culinary history.
Brinker, Nancy G. with Joni Rodgers. Promise Me: How a Sister's Love Launched the Global Movement To End Breast Cancer. Broadway. Sept. 2010. c.368p. ISBN 9780307718129. $25.99; CD. Random Audio. ISBN 9780307749970. $25. HEALTH
Alternating between the history of the Goodman girls and the disease to which Suzy succumbed in 1980 at age 37, this book is a tribute to a beloved sibling and recognition of an international organization whose goal is to eradicate the disease that killed her.
Chicoine, Brian, M.D. & Dennis McGuire. The Guide to Good Health for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome. Woodbine House. Nov. 2010. c.412p. bibliog.. index. ISBN 9781890627898. pap. $29.95. HEALTH
This extremely informative volume for DS caregivers should have a place in all consumer health libraries serving patrons with DS.
Circular Saws and Jig Saws: The Tool Information You Need at Your Fingertips. 88p. ISBN 9781565234697. pap. $9.95.
Table Saw: The Information You Need at Your Fingertips. 144p. ISBN 9781565234710. pap. $12.95.
ea. vol: Skills Inst. Pr., dist. by Fox Chapel. (Missing Shop Manual). 2010. illus. index. DIY
These bare-bones guides are well done and recommended for libraries needing to stretch their dollars.
Drills and Drill Presses: The Tool Information You Need at Your Fingertips. Skills Inst. Pr., dist. by Fox Chapel. (Missing Shop Manual). 2010. 104p. illus. index. ISBN 9781565234727. pap. $9.95. DIY
Similar to other books in the "Missing Shop Manual" series, this teaches how to choose the tool and take care of its parts; unlike the titles reviewed above, this volume features basic projects.
Gassenheimer, Linda (text) & Sandy Levy (photogs). The Flavors of the Florida Keys. Atlantic Monthly. Dec. 2010. c.272p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780802119537. $27.50. COOKING
Highly recommended for Gassenheimer's knowledge of the area and the well-written recipes.
Goodall, Tiffany (text) & Claire Peters (photogs.). The Ultimate Student Cookbook: From Chicken to Chili. Firefly. 2010. 160 p. photogs. Index. ISBN 9781554076024. pap. $14.95. COOKING
Writing for the student with no cooking experience, Goodall offers step-by-step photos that will make cooking a breeze.
Green, Connie & Sarah Scott (text) & Sara Remington (photogs.). The Wild Table: Seasonal Foraged Food and Recipes. Studio: Viking. Oct. 2010. c.368p. illus. index. ISBN 9780670022267. $40. COOKING
For each ingredient, the authors provide information on identification, cleaning, preparation, cooking, and storage. The price is a bit high, but if you purchase one cookbook on wild foods, this should be it.
Port, Dina Roth. Previvors: Facing the Breast Cancer Gene and Making Life-Changing Decisions. Avery: Penguin Group (USA). Oct. 2010. c.288p. index. ISBN 9781583334058. pap. $16. HEALTH
These "previvors" put forth their stories as a guide and succor for others. With the same girl's club vibe as Nordie's at Noon, this title is an eye-opener for all health collections.
The Complete Guide to Flooring. 3d ed. Creative Pub: Quayside. (Black & Decker). 2010. 256p. illus. index. ISBN 9781589235212. pap. $24.99 with DVD. DIY
The updated info on flooring materials makes this desirable.
Social Sciences
Childs, Craig. Finders Keepers: A Tale of Archaeological Plunder and Obsession. Little, Brown. 2010. c.288p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780316066426. $24.99. ARCHAEOL
This nicely wrought, even poetic book will fascinate everyone from high school students to professional archaeologists digging in the field.
Langguth, A.J. Driven West: Andrew Jackson's Trail of Tears to the Civil War. S. & S. Nov. 2010. c.480p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781416548591. $30. HIST
This work is sure to be controversial among western expansion and Civil War scholars and as such is highly recommended for individuals with interests in Cherokee and Civil War history.
Perino, Michael. The Hellbound of Wall Street: How Ferdinand Pecora's Investigation of the Great Crash Forever Changed American Finance. Penguin Pr: Penguin Group (USA). Oct. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 9781594202728. $27.95 BUS
Perino's narrative style and reliance on primary sources make this a great selection for fans of history and economics and for those wanting more background on the tenuous relationship between Washington and Wall Street.
Porr, Valerie. Overcoming Borderline Personality Disorder: A Family Guide for Healing and Change. Oxford Univ. Oct. 2010. c.400p. index. ISBN 9780195379587. pap. $24.95. PSYCH
An outstanding model of the psychoeducational approach, this volume bridges a daunting gap between laity and psychotherapists.
Rice, Condoleezza. Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family. Crown: Random House. Oct. 2010. c.352p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780307587879. $27. AUTOBIOG
Readers will perceive Rice's emotion in relating her story, yet her portrayal seems fair and unbiased.
Robinson, Andrew. Sudden Genius: Creativity Explored Through Ten Extraordinary Lives. Oxford Univ. Nov. 2010. c.352p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780199569953. $34.95. PSYCHRecommended for students as well as general readers, this is a well-researched, finely written, and highly stimulating intellectual romp through the world of cognitive exceptionalism.
Weston, Louise. Connecting with Your Asperger Partner: Negotiating the Maze of Intimacy. Jessica Kingsley. 2010. c.208p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781849051309. pap. $18.95. PSYCH
Too advanced to serve as an introductory read on AS, this summarizes useful emotional and behavioral strategies and includes further readings and resource suggestions for partners, family members, coworkers, and counselors of individuals with AS.
Yellin, Susan & Christina Cacioppo Bertsch. Life After High School: A Guide for Students with Disabilities and Their Families. Jessica Kingsley. Sept. 2010. c.272p. index. ISBN 9781849058285. pap. $19.95. ED
An excellent resource for students with disabilities and their families; at this price, within reach for most people and libraries.
