Starred Reviews: January 2011
By Sarah Dinowitz & Heather McCormack Jan 6, 2011January 2011 brings 56 starred reviews from our solo print issue and recent Xpress Reviews. Readers weathering cold winter will be grateful for the diversions offered by a slew of excellent mysteries by the likes of Deborah Coonts and Julia Spencer-Fleming. Pro media makes a strong showing as well.—Heather McCormack
ARTS & HUMANITIES | FICTION | GRAPHIC NOVELS | MYSTERY | REFERENCE | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | SOCIAL SCIENCES | SPIRITUAL LIVING
Bogle, Donald. Heat Wave: The Life and Career of Ethel Waters. Harper: HarperCollins. Feb. 2011. c.624p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780061241734. $26.99. MUSIC
Bogle masterfully uses Waters's story to examine the economic, aesthetic, and racial politics of 1920s-60s popular culture.
Collins, Billy. Horoscopes for the Dead: Poems. Random. Mar. 2011. c.128p. ISBN 9781400064922. $24. POETRY
Witty bleakness from a former poet laureate and one of the country's most popular poets.
Hoban, Phoebe. Alice Neel: The Art of Not Sitting Pretty. St. Martin's. 2010. c.512p. photogs. ISBN 9780312607487. $35. FINE ARTS
For readers who enjoy fine arts and feminist biographies with a frisson of social history.
Leonard, Herman. Jazz. Bloomsbury, dist. by Macmillan. 2010. 320p. photogs. ISBN 9781608193332. $65. MUSIC
Essential for any enthusiast of jazz or photography, this book belongs in every library as a tribute to musicians.
Maynard, Lynda. The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques: Essential Step-by-Step Techniques for Professional Results. Interweave. 2010. 144p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781596682474. $26.95. FIBER CRAFTS
This is one of the few advanced sewing books intended for a general audience, and it's an excellent addition to any sewing collection.
Pozner, Jennifer L. Reality Bites Back: The Troubling Truth About Guilty Pleasure TV. Seal, dist. by PGW. 2010. c.374p. ISBN 9781580052658. pap. $16.95. TV
This work is packed with incisive commentary about reality TV programming along with a wealth of in-depth research to back it up.
Richards, Keith with James Fox. Life. Little, Brown. 2010. c.469p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780316034388. $29.99. MUSIC
Lovers of music, travel, autobiography, and fiction will eat the lessons of this natural-born pirate with a knife, fork, and spoon.
Steinmeyer, Jim. The Last Greatest Magician in the World: Howard Thurston Versus Houdini & the Battles of the American Wizards. Tarcher: Penguin Group (USA). Feb. 2011. c.384p. index. ISBN 9781585428458. $26.95. THEATER
Steinmeyer's in-depth research and knowledge of magic along with colorful characters, schemes, and magic espionage come together in a fast-paced, excellent read.
Armstrong, Lori. Mercy Kill: A Mystery. Touchstone: S. & S. Jan. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9781416590972. pap. $15. F
With a gutsy heroine, sharp humor, and a strong sense of place, Armstrong has created a winning series (No Mercy).
Barclay, James. Demonstorm. Pyr: Prometheus. (Legends of the Raven 3). Jan. 2011. c.414p. ISBN 9781616142520. pap. $17. FANTASY
Military fantasy, well-developed characters, and masterful storytelling make this an outstanding choice for fans of Glen Cook's "Black Company" novels.
Edgarian, Carol. Three Stages of Amazement. Scribner. Mar. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9781439198308. $25. F
Edgarian spares no emotion in this big, lovely second novel about decent people falling apart under the demands that there be more than 24 hours in a day and more than parental determination to juggle life's realities against the heart's desire.
Gardner, Lisa. Love You More. Bantam. Mar. 2011. c.368p. ISBN 9780553807257. $26. F
Gardner's characters are fully drawn, and her taut storytelling and dizzying plot will appeal to fans of Harlan Coben.
Heathcock, Alan. Volt: Stories. Graywolf. Mar. 2011. c.208p. ISBN 9781555975777. pap. $15. F
Heathcock is a writer to watch; each of these subtle stories will thrill readers with an element of surprise that will make them want to go back and see how it happened and what they missed along the way.
Johansen, Iris. Eve. St. Martin's. (Eve Duncan Trilogy). Apr. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780312651206. $27.99. F
Essential for series followers and enjoyable enough to attract new fans.
Lansdale, Joe R. Devil Red: A Hap and Leonard Novel. Knopf. Mar. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9780307270986. $24.95. F
For those unfamiliar with the series, and mercifully free of delicate sensibilities, with a hankering for smart, and smart-mouthed, adventure yarns, there's a lot here to relish.
Mukherjee, Bharati. Miss New India. Houghton Harcourt. May 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780618646531. $25. F
With its fast-paced story and sympathetic portrayal of a young woman trying to make it on her own against all odds, this novel is essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary Indian and Indian American fiction.
O'Connor, Joseph. Ghost Light. Farrar. Feb. 2011. c.256p. ISBN 9780374161873. $24. F
Forbidden love, humor, and O'Connor's attention to the sentence highly recommend this.
O'Neal, Barbara. How To Bake a Perfect Life. Bantam. Dec. 2010. 398p. ISBN 9780553386776. pap. $15. F
O'Neal offers baking lore and recipes along with her narrative. Readers will be captivated by the baking process as much as they are by these complex and multidimensional women.
Preston, Douglas & Lincoln Child. Gideon's Sword. Grand Central. Feb. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780446564328. $26.99. F
This exciting action/adventure with a hero reminiscent of Indiana Jones will be a treat for adventure/thriller fans.
Rankin, Ian. The Complaints. Reagan Arthur: Little, Brown. Mar. 2011. c.448p. ISBN 9780316039741. $24.99. F
Few authors equal Rankin's character-driven crime fiction that pulls the reader into such vividly drawn place and plot.
Rosenfelt, David. On Borrowed Time. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Feb. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780312598365. $24.99. F
This bold plot summary fails to do justice to Rosenfelt's skill at throwing one baffling curve ball after another in a gripping thriller driven by questions of identity, the reliability of memory, and the difficulty of distinguishing between reality and fantasy.
Jacobson, Sid (text) & Ernie Colón (illus.). Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography. Hill & Wang: Farrar. 2010. 160p. maps. bibliog. ISBN 9780809026845. $30. BIOG
Historical contexts, maps, charts, and time lines make the story useful for all ages as a starting point for meeting the plucky Anne as not only memorializer of the Holocaust but also a delightful, perceptive heroine in her own right.
Tran, G.B. Vietnamerica: A Family's Journey. Villard: Random. Jan. 2011. 288p. ISBN 9780345508720. $30. AUTOBIOG
Tran's family memoir belongs in all public and academic libraries; older teens and up for occasionally strong language and violence. The swirly, jagged color art fits the story perfectly.
Coonts, Deborah. Lucky Stiff. Forge: Tor. Feb. 2011. c.368p. ISBN 9780765325440. $24.99. M
Watching Lucky navigate the dangerous shoals of the male-dominated world of gambling is a delight.
Helton, Peter. Falling More Slowly. Soho Constable. Jan. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781569478806. $25. M
Fans of Peter James and readers who like British police procedurals will lap this one up.
Parks, Brad. Eyes of the Innocent. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Feb. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780312574789. $24.99. M
Zany characters, witty dialog, and a plot that races to a bang-up finish are guaranteed to have readers cheering for the good guys.
Spencer-Fleming, Julia. One Was a Soldier: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Apr. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780312334895. $24.99. M
In the hands of a lesser writer, this novel would not fly, but Spencer-Fleming carries it off and concludes with a believable resolution.
Wilson, Laura. An Empty Death. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Mar. 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9780312538118. $25.99. M
Fans of the moody historical mysteries by Charles Todd and Rennie Airth will enjoy discovering a new author.
The Classical Tradition. Belknap: Harvard Univ. 2010. 1088p. ed. by Anthony Grafton & others. illus. index. ISBN 9780674035720. $49.95. REF
Even libraries with the authoritative Brill's New Pauly Online or its print volumes will want to consider this unique (and inexpensive) single-volume reference work that will bring hours of browsing pleasure, along with detailed information and keen analysis, to students, scholars, and general readers.
Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices. 2d ed. 6 vols. ABC-CLIO. 2010. 2740p. ed. by J. Gordon Melton & Martin Baumann. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9781598842036. $595; Online: ABC-CLIO eBook Collection REF
This second edition, like its predecessor, remains highly recommended for academic and large public libraries.
Black, Keda (text) & Frédéric Lucano (photogs.). Sauce Basics: 87 Recipes Illustrated Step by Step. ISBN 9781554077618.
Vassallo, Jody (text) & Clive Bozzard-Hill (photogs.). Vegetable Basics: 84 Recipes Illustrated Step by Step. ISBN 9781554077601.
ea. vol: Firefly. (My Cooking Class). 2010. 256p. photogs. index. pap. $24.95. COOKING
This series of stripped-down pictorials worth a thousand words is the missing link between elementally vague text-based cookbooks and video instruction you can't slow down enough or take into the kitchen.
Elliot, Rose. Rose Elliot's New Complete Vegetarian. Sterling. Jan. 2011. 400p. illus. index. ISBN 9781402778957. $30. COOKING
Elliot's cookbook is a definitive source for eclectic, contemporary vegetarian cuisine.
Johnson, Lorraine. City Farmer: Adventures in Urban Food Growing. Greystone: Douglas & McIntyre, dist. by PGW. Jan. 2011. 256p. index. ISBN 9781553655190. pap. $15.95. AGRI
This timely, well-written work offers an insightful and inspiring look at gaining control of one's food and references other works that provide how-to knowledge and additional discussions of the current food movement.
Lynch, Wayne. Planet Arctic: Life at the Top of the World. Firefly. 2010. 240p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781554076321. $40. NAT HIST
Recommended for readers interested in the Arctic and in beautiful photography.
Taubes, Gary. Why We Get Fat: And What To Do About It. Knopf. Jan. 2011. c.272p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780307272706. $24.95. HEALTH
An enlightening treatise that is meticulously researched yet approachable by all, this will captivate anyone interested in the science of diet and disease.
The Ultimate Wine Companion: The Complete Guide to Understanding Wine by the World's Foremost Wine Authorities. Sterling Epicure. Jan. 2011. 384p. ed. by Kevin Zraly. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9781402776663. $24.95. BEVERAGES
With its sparkling blend of practical and philosophical writing, this is a literary vintage that both wine newbies and serious drinkers will find worth savoring.
Buffett, Mary & David Clark. Warren Buffett and the Art of Stock Arbitrage: Proven Strategies for Arbitrage and Other Special Investment Situations. Scribner. 2010. c.176p. ISBN 9781439198827. $25. BUS
This book will appeal to investors looking for an introduction to arbitrage and special situations.
Cockburn, Patrick & Henry Cockburn. Henry's Demons: Living with Schizophrenia; A Father and Son's Story. Scribner. Feb. 2011. c.256p. photogs. ISBN 9781439154700. $25. PSYCH
A mind-bending, heart-rending psychological classic.
Dutton, Kevin. Split-Second Persuasion: The Ancient Art & New Science of Changing Minds. Houghton Harcourt. Feb. 2011. c.304p. illus. index. ISBN 9780151012794. pap. $26. PSYCH
Dutton's integration of new research techniques with his solid, frequently humorous style results in a valuable contribution to the psychology of human behavior that will appeal to advertising professionals, leaders of any organization, and psychology researchers, teachers, and students.
Fletcher, Joann. Cleopatra the Great: The Woman Behind the Legend. Harper: HarperCollins. Apr. 2011. c.464p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780060585587. $27.99. BIOG
Those interested in Cleopatra, ancient history, or a well-written and academically sound biography will enjoy this authentic look at a queen of Egypt who managed to be all things to all people-mother, queen, goddess, and whore.
Goldfield, David. America Aflame: How the Civil War Created a Nation. Bloomsbury Pr., dist. by Macmillan. Mar. 2011. c.640p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781596917026. $35. HIST
A provocatively written, scrupulously researched, and well-framed consideration of evangelical religion's questionable role in the antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction periods of our history.
Oliver, Chris. Introducing RDA: A Guide to the Basics. ALA. 2010. c.128p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780838935941. pap. $45. PRO MEDIA
Highly recommended for novice and experienced catalogers as well as library school faculty and students seeking basic information on RDA and its implementation.
Rose, Frank. The Art of Immersion: How the Digital Generation Is Remaking Hollywood, Madison Avenue, and the Way We Tell Stories. Norton. Feb. 2011. c.256p. index. ISBN 9780393076011. $26.95. COMM
This engrossing study of how new media is reshaping the entertainment, advertising, and communication industries is an essential read for professionals in the fields of digital communications, marketing, and advertising, as well as for fans of gaming and pop culture.
Salzberg, Sharon. Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation; A 28-Day Program. Workman. 2010. c.224p. ISBN 9780761159254. pap. $14.95 with CD. SELF-HELP
This is one of the best guides for anyone interested in exploring meditation or mindfulness.
Settersten, Richard & Barbara E. Ray. Not Quite Adults: Why 20-Somethings Are Choosing a Slower Path to Adulthood, and Why It's Good for Everyone. Bantam. Jan. 2011. c.272p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780553807400. pap. $15. SOC SCI
Based on a large, multidisciplinary study by the MacArthur Research Network, this book is myth busting and eye-opening.
Swigger, Boyd Keith. The MLS Project: An Assessment After Sixty Years. Scarecrow. 2010. 170p. index. ISBN 9780810877030. pap. $50. PRO MEDIA
An essential read for librarians and a must-have for librarianship collections.
The Offensive Internet: Speech, Privacy, and Reputation. Harvard Univ. Jan. 2011. c.304p. ed. by Saul Levmore & Martha C. Nussbaum. ISBN 9780674050891. $27.95. LAW
Indispensable! Scholars of Internet law and general readers alike will find this book informative, illuminating, and disturbing.
Thornton, Kim Campbell. Careers with Dogs: The Comprehensive Guide to Finding Your Dream Job. BowTie. Dec. 2010. c.488p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781933958194. pap. $24.95. CAREERS
Extensive references for education, training, and certification as well as cursory information on determining a career path, writing a résumé, and honing interview skills make this a valuable resource.
Wann, David. The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living. Griffin: St. Martin's. Jan. 2011. c.304p. bibliog. ISBN 9780312575434. pap. $14.99. SELF-HELP
What differentiates this from the more zealous ecological literature are Wann's 32 specific "New Normal Agenda Points," from buying organic and American to pushing for legislation to designing with nature.
Wright, Robert. Our Man in Tehran: The True Story Behind the Secret Mission To Save Six Americans During the Iran Hostage Crisis and the Foreign Ambassador Who Worked with the CIA To Bring Them Home. Other. Jan. 2011. c.432p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781590514139. $25.95. HIST
When narrative nonfiction reads like the plot of an espionage movie, readers can't help but be drawn in and held fast, as is the case here.
Armstrong, Karen. Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. Knopf. Jan. 2011. c.240p. ISBN 9780307595591. $22.95. REL
Armstrong, a splendid scholar for the popular market, does not often speak so directly in her own voice; many readers, both men and women, both thoughtful believers and nonbelievers, will take an interest in her perspectives.
Dwelling with Philippians: A Conversation with Scripture Through Image and Word. Eerdmans. Jan. 2011. c.312p. ed. by Elizabeth Steele Halstead & others. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780802866189. pap. $21.99. REL
While the prose commentaries and sidebar poems are nugatory, the illustrations are glorious, a truly evocative comment on the ancient text, and should appeal to many artists both within and without congregations.
Kugel, James L. In the Valley of the Shadow: On the Foundations of Religious Belief. Free Pr: S. & S. Feb. 2011. c.256p. bibliog. ISBN 9781439130094. $26. REL
Written with eloquence suitable to a scholar of Biblical poetry, Kugel's memoir-cum-meditation will appeal to thoughtful Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike.
Nantais, David. Rock-a My Soul: An Invitation To Rock Your Religion. Liturgical. Feb. 2011. c.140p. ISBN 9780814633540. pap. $15.95. REL
This fascinating book should prove to be of interest not only to rockers and nervous Christians but to academics and pastors as well.
The Best Spiritual Writing 2011. Penguin. 2010. 233p. ed. by Philip Zaleski. ISBN 9780143118671. pap. $16. REL
Essential for individuals who have read earlier volumes, and an excellent place to start for those who have not.
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