Starred Reviews: February 2011
By Sarah Dinowitz & Heather McCormack Feb 3, 2011February 2011 brings a whopping 85 starred reviews from our solo print issues and recent Xpress Reviews. It's been a brutal winter here in the Northeast, so I've been looking for supreme print diversions. Look no further than a coffee-table gem like Elizabeth Bray Irvine's Paul Flato: Jeweler to the Stars and an excellent craft work like Arnold E. Grummer's Trash-to-Treasure Papermaking. Poetry makes an incredibly strong showing, with new entries from Nick Flynn, Troy Jollimore, and Shara McCallum.—Heather McCormack
ARTS & HUMANITIES | AUDIOBOOKS | CHRISTIAN FICTION | FICTION | GRAPHIC NOVELS | MYSTERY | REFERENCE | ROMANCE | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | SOCIAL SCIENCES
Arkin, Alan. An Improvised Life: A Memoir. Da Capo. Mar. 2011. c.224p. index. ISBN 9780306819667. pap. $17. FILM
As honest and truthful a story of a life journey and arc toward artistic freedom as you are likely to find.
Bray, Elizabeth Irvine. Paul Flato: Jeweler to the Stars. Antique Collectors' Club. 2010. 224p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781851496242. $85. FINE ARTS
Bray has compiled a wonderful tribute to the legacy of Flato and his creations with a thoughtful text that is intertwined with a myriad of glittering images, original drawings of creations, and lavish photography, including never-before-seen photographs from the Flato family archives.
Breslin, Jimmy. Branch Rickey: A Penguin Life. Viking. (Penguin Lives). Mar. 2011. c.147p. bibliog. ISBN 9780670022496. $19.95. SPORTS
Lovers of the author, baseball, and/or Americana will be delighted to relive this trailblazer's life in this superlative gloss, which, owing to brevity, will not replace more extensive Rickey biographies.
Burgos, Adrian, Jr. Cuban Star: How One Negro-League Owner Changed the Face of Baseball. Hill & Wang: Farrar. May 2011. c.320p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780809094790. $28. SPORTS
Highly recommended for those studying baseball and African American or Latino studies.
Chinese Ceramics: From the Paleolithic Period Through the Qing Dynasty. Yale Univ. (Culture & Civilization of China). 2010. 608p. ed. by Li Zhiyan & others. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9780300112788. $85. DEC ARTS
This is essential for scholars and admirers of Chinese ceramics, the history of Asia, and art in general.
Dickman, Michael. Flies. Copper Canyon. May 2011. c.83p. ISBN 9781556593772. pap. $16. POETRY
These are devastatingly sad poems that hold pieces of Northwest sky, ocean, and pine, as well as suffering and salvage; in the words of this poet, "it serves us right to be alive."
Flynn, Nick. The Captain Asks for a Show of Hands: Poems. Graywolf. Feb. 2011. c.104p. ISBN 9781555975746. $22. POETRY
A finely crafted collection that gives testimony to moral outrage and celebrates being human; not to be missed.
Grummer, Arnold E. Trash-to-Treasure Papermaking. Storey. Feb. 2011. c.224p. illus. index. ISBN 9781603425476. pap. $16.95. CRAFTS
A gallery of clever projects with directions rounds out this friendly, accessible guide to papermaking.
Hischak, Thomas S. Off-Broadway Musicals Since 1919: From Greenwich Village Follies to the Toxic Avenger. Scarecrow. Feb. 2011. c.496p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780810877719. $75. THEATER
Your catalogers may be tempted to place this book in the reference section, but it needs to circulate because patrons will want to take it home to make lists of shows to discover.
Jollimore, Troy. At Lake Scugog: Poems. Princeton Univ. May 2011. c.96p. ISBN 9780691149424. $35; pap. ISBN 9780691149431. $16.95. POETRY
Jollimore adds buoyancy to weighty human dilemmas without trivializing or distancing them.
Komunyakaa, Yusef. The Chameleon Couch: Poems. Farrar. Apr. 2011. c.128p. ISBN 9780374120382. $24. POETRY
This is an important volume by one of the more important poets of our day, and therefore essential for lovers of the genre.
Leapman, Melissa. Mastering Color Knitting: Simple Instructions for Stranded, Intarsia, and Double Knitting. Potter Craft: Crown Pub. Group. 2010. 176p. illus. index. ISBN 9780307586506. pap. $22.99. FIBER CRAFTS
Knitters who like to design their own projects will appreciate the variety of motifs in all three techniques, which can be used to create a one-of-a-kind garment or accessory.
Manga Impact! The World of Japanese Animation. Phaidon. 2010. 304p. ed. by Carlo Chatrian & Grazia Paganelli. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780714857411. pap. $39.95. FILM
This is an essential resource for your library's anime and manga collection.
Man, Myth, and Sensual Pleasures: Jan Gossart's Renaissance; The Complete Works. Metropolitan Museum of Art, dist. by Yale Univ. 2010. 496p. ed. by Maryan W. Ainsworth. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780300166576. $85. FINE ARTS
This exceptional publication by expert contributors will be of interest primarily to graduate students, museum professionals, scholars, and art lovers.
Mann, A.T. (text) & Lynn Davis (photogs.). Sacred Landscapes: The Threshold Between Worlds. Sterling. 2010. 256p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781402765209. $35. REL
Guaranteed rapture for contemplative minds and adherents of Eastern religions; photography devotees will appreciate what amounts to a retrospective of Davis's stunning nature images.
McCallum, Shara. This Strange Land. Alice James. Apr. 2011. c.80p. ISBN 9781882295869. $19.95. POETRY
This is a marvelous collection filled with a lovely and evocative music.
Miller, Judith. Miller's Costume Jewelry. Miller's: Octopus, dist. by Hachette. 2010. 256p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781845335632. $34.99. FINE ARTS
This delightful book will captivate costume jewelry enthusiasts.
Ormond, Richard & Elaine Kilmurray. John Singer Sargent: Figures and Landscapes, 1883-1899. Yale Univ. (Complete Paintings, Vol. 5). 2010. 392p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780300161113. $75. FINE ARTS
This scholarly production with excellent color illustrations, a clear and consistent format, informative annotations, and a bargain price will appeal to Sargent's fans and general art readers.
Popular Woodworking Eds. The Weekend Woodworker's Project Collection: 40 Projects for the Time-Challenged Craftsman. Popular Woodworking: F+W. 2010. 256p. illus. index. ISBN 9781440308888. pap. $22.99. DIY
Project plans come with exploded views offering dimensions and technique tips.
Roberts, Pamela. The Genius of Color Photography: From the Autochrome to the Digital Age. Goodman: Carlton Bks., dist. by Sterling. 2010. 256p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781847960153. pap. $34.95. PHOTOG
The images in this book would sway even the staunchest monochrome mavens.
Ruck, Rob. Raceball: How the Major Leagues Colonized the Black and Latin Game. Beacon, dist. by Random. Mar. 2011. c.288p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780807048054. $25.95. SPORTS
Strongly recommended, for avid baseball readers.
Schickel, Richard. Conversations with Scorsese. Knopf. Mar. 2011. c.448p. photogs. filmog. index. ISBN 9780307268402. $30. FILM
Perhaps the definitive piece of self-commentary that will ever be produced about the work of Scorsese; required for all libraries.
Square, Vicki. The Knitter's Companion. 3d ed. Interweave. 2010. 136p. illus. index. ISBN 9781596683143. $24.95 with DVDs. FIBER CRAFTS
The illustrations are as helpful as ever, but the demonstrations on the DVDs show knitters exactly what they should be doing.
Stowe, David W. No Sympathy for the Devil: Christian Pop Music and the Transformation of American Evangelicalism. Univ. of North Carolina. Apr. 2011. c.304p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780807834589. $37.50. MUSIC
Stowe explains the early development of Christian pop and rock music more thoroughly than perhaps any other book available.
Wangerin, David. Distant Corners: American Soccer's History of Missed Opportunities and Lost Causes. Temple Univ. (Sporting). May 2011. c.264p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781439906309. $29.95. SPORTS
Wangerin's passion for the game combined with his keen insight make his book an essential read for soccer and sports fans everywhere.
Young, Kevin. Ardency: A Chronicle of the Amistad Rebels. Knopf. Feb. 2011. c.256p. illus. maps. ISBN 9780307267641. $27.95. POETRY
Ultimately, Young's retelling becomes an eloquent examination of slavery as it's felt in the human soul.
Li, Yiyun. Gold Boy, Emerald Girl: Stories. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7¾ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 9781440752223. $77.75; digital download. F
Short story and world literature fans as well as those liking poetic writing will be enchanted.
Bedford, Deborah. His Other Wife. FaithWords. Feb. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780446698672. pap. $13.99. CF
Bedford's multilayered tale is leisurely paced and full of engaging characters.
Connelly, Michael. The Fifth Witness. Little, Brown. Apr. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9780316069359. $27.99. F
The story line is compelling, intense, and terrifying while providing an in-depth look at the mortgage crisis that is surprisingly interesting.
Crummey, Michael. Galore. Other. Apr. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9781590514344. pap. $15.95. F
Newfoundland author Crummey's award-winning third novel, published in Canada in 2009, affirms that our lives are always astonishing. It's been justly compared to Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Goldman, Francisco. Say Her Name. Grove. Apr. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780802119810. $24. F
The feeling, the memorial incarnation that this book creates, is monumental. This book about tragic death is a gift for the living.
Grippando, James. Afraid of the Dark. Harper: HarperCollins. Apr. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780061840289. $25.99. F
Superb plotting, high suspense, compelling timely issues, and finely honed characters make this crime novel/international thriller a great read.
Hannah, Kristin. Night Road. St. Martin's. Apr. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780312364427. $27.99. F
Not quite at the level of a Jodi Picoult or Chris Bohjalian story but awfully darn close.
Jones, Tayari. Silver Sparrow. Algonquin. May 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9781565129900. $19.95. F
Highly recommended for all, but especially for readers of women's fiction and African American women writers.
Leon, Donna. Drawing Conclusions: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery. Atlantic Monthly. Apr. 2011. c.272p. ISBN 9780802119797. $24. M
Aficionados of literary mysteries such as those written by P.D. James and Michael Dibdin will revel in this stellar book. If you read only one mystery this year, make it this one.
Mankell, Henning. The Troubled Man: A Kurt Wallander Novel. Knopf. Mar. 2011. c.368p. tr. from Swedish by Laurie Thompson. ISBN 9780307593498. $26.95. F
Wallander might be aging, but Mankell is dead on in crafting an intricate plotline equal to the skills and insight of his famous detective.
Monroe, Mary Alice. The Butterfly's Daughter. Gallery: S. & S. May 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781439170618. $25. F
Monroe, known for her environmental fiction (The Beach House; Sweetgrass), skillfully incorporates lore about the monarch butterflies into a rich novel about generations and tradition.
Moran, Michele. Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution. Crown. Feb. 2011. c.464p. ISBN 9780307588654. $25. F
The shocking actions and behavior required of Tussaud to survive the revolution make the novel a true page-turner and a perfect reading group choice.
Orozco, Daniel. Orientation: And Other Stories. Faber & Faber. Jun. 2011. c.160p. ISBN 9780865478534. $23. F
With a strong and sure talent, Orozco helps us to see each day as a ritual of orientation, of waking up in the morning and carrying on with the business at hand.
Patterson, Richard North. The Devil's Light. Scribner. May 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9781451616804. $26. F
Discussing nuclear proliferation, counterterrorism, and loose nuclear weapons on the anniversary of 9/11 requires authority and accuracy. Patterson masterfully achieves this objective.
Phillips, Arthur. The Tragedy of Arthur. Random. Apr. 2011. c.394p. ISBN 9781400066476. $26. F
Highly recommended for all who enjoy inspired, original, entertaining writing-deftly delivered here by one of our most talented arthurs, uh, authors.
Rothfuss, Patrick. The Wise Man's Fear. DAW, dist. by Penguin. (Kingkiller Chronicle: Day Two). Mar. 2011. c.1108p. ISBN 9780756404734. $29.95. FANTASY
Reminiscent in scope of Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series and similar in feel to the narrative tour de force of The Arabian Nights, this masterpiece of storytelling will appeal to lovers of fantasy on a grand scale.
Roy, Anuradha. An Atlas of Impossible Longing. Free Pr: S. & S. Apr. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9781451608625. pap. $14. F
Roy, who works at an independent publishing house in Delhi, is a fabulous storyteller with a true gift for transporting the reader right into the heat, smells, and sights of India.
Roy, Lori. Bent Road. Dutton. Mar. 2011. c.368p. ISBN 9780525951834. $25.95. F
Roy's exceptional debut novel is full of tension, complex characters, and deftly gothic overtones.
Scottoline, Lisa. Save Me. St. Martin's. Apr. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780312380786. $27.99. F
This stand-alone work will mesmerize readers at the first page and hold them spellbound until the final word.
Stevens, Taylor. The Informationist: A Thriller. Crown. Mar. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780307717092. $23. F
Stevens has penned a fast-paced, gripping, edgy mystery with a heroine whom even Lisbeth Salander would admire.
Stuckey-French, Elizabeth. The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady. Doubleday. Feb. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780385510646. $25.95. F
Mixing the suburban angst of Tom Perrotta (The Abstinence Teacher) with the snarky humor of Carl Hiaasen (Stormy Weather), Stuckey-French has written a page-turner that is thoughtful, amusing, and nearly impossible to put down.
Valente, Catherynne M. Deathless. Tor. Apr. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780765326300. $24.99. FANTASY
This complex and invigorating reimagined piece of Russian folklore by an award-winning author will cast a spell on readers and not let go.
Waite, Urban. The Terror of Living. Little, Brown. Feb. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780316097895. $24.99. F
This remarkable debut, full of character and bleakness and written with vim and intelligence, will linger in the reader's mind long after the book is laid aside.
Wolitzer, Meg. The Uncoupling. Riverhead: Penguin Group (USA). Apr. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781594487880. $25.95. F
Wolitzer again tackles a complicated and provocative subject, female sexuality, with creativity and insight.
McCann, Jim (text) & Janet Lee (illus.). Return of the Dapper Men. Archaia. 2010. 128p. ed. by Stephen Christy. illus. ISBN 9781932386905. $24.95. GRAPHIC NOVELS
A marriage of beauty, McCann's words and Lee's artwork cohere via bits of steampunk, fairy tale, and surrealism.
Potts, Phoebe. Good Eggs: A Memoir. Harper: HarperCollins. 2010. 272p. illus. ISBN 9780061711466. $23.99. GRAPHIC NOVELS
Rarely flinching and always frank, first-time graphic memoirist Potts successfully brings us into her world of fertility treatments, mental illness, workers' unions, and Jewish Christmas without missing a beat.
Hays, Tony. The Beloved Dead. Forge: Tor. Apr. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780765326287. $25.99. M
Many complex plot threads and believable characters make this a series to be savored by historical mystery and Arthurian fiction fans.
Mackenzie, Jassy. Stolen Lives: A Jade de Jong Investigation. Soho Crime. Apr. 2011. c.256p. ISBN 9781569479094. $25. M
Mackenzie offers insight into postapartheid South Africa, an area of the world unfamiliar to most U.S. mystery buffs.
May, Peter. Blowback: The Fifth of the Enzo Files. Poisoned Pen. Mar. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781590588413. $24.95; pap. ISBN 9781590588437. $14.95. M
Caught up in the various threads, readers are lulled into a false sense of knowing where the tale is heading until May pulls the rug out from under them.
Robertson, Michael. The Brothers of Baker Street. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Mar. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9780312538132. $24.99. M
The premise here is as intriguing as that of Barry Grant's novels, which see Holmes thawed out after a century in an ice flow and living in contemporary London. Great fun.
Magill's Medical Guide. 6th ed. 6 vols. Salem. 2010. 3500p. ed. by Brandon P. Brown, M.D., & others. illus. index. ISBN 9781587656774. $495; Online: Salem Health REF
Magill's Medical Guide, by virtue of its completeness, up-to-datedness, and general authority, is highly recommended for purchase by all public and academic libraries.
The Encyclopedia of Middle East Wars: The United States in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Conflicts. 5 vols. ABC-CLIO. 2010. 1927p. ed. by Spencer C. Tucker. photogs. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781851099474. $495; Online: ABC-CLIO eBook Collection REF
An essential resource for anyone seeking detailed information and in-depth reading on U.S. actions and involvement in the Middle East region during the last 15 years.
Guhrke, Laura Lee. Scandal of the Year. Avon. (Abandoned at the Altar, Bk. 2). Feb. 2011. 356p. ISBN 9780061963162. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Witty banter, lively humor, and electric sexual tension provide an exquisite counterpoint to the more serious issues of spousal abuse and the lack of women's rights in this poignant, passionate, spicy story.
Gunn, Sophie. How Sweet It Is. Forever: Grand Central. Jan. 2011. 387p. ISBN 9780446561990. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
The writing here is crisp and astute; the dialog crackles with witty charm.
James, Eloisa. When Beauty Tamed the Beast. Avon. Feb. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780062021274. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Graced with sly humor, addictive dialog, elegant prose, and a skillfully woven subtext, this smart, deliciously sensual twist on a fairy tale classic is a breathtaking addition to James's series of reimagined fairy tales.
Jeffries, Sabrina. How To Woo a Reluctant Lady. Pocket Star: S. & S. (Hellions of Halstead Hall, Bk. 3). Feb. 2011. c.350p. ISBN 9781439167557. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Vastly appealing characters, witty badinage, and a lively sense of fun make this a delightful read and a welcome installment in Jeffries's latest series.
Crowe, Lynn & Julie Stachowiak. The Diabetes Manifesto: Take Charge of Your Life. Demos. 2011. 288p. index. ISBN 9781932603941. pap. $18.95. MED
Crowe and Stachowiak explain the most important self-management skills for dealing with any chronic illness.
Fearnley-Whittingstall, Hugh (text) & Simon Wheeler (photogs.). River Cottage Every Day. Ten Speed: Crown Pub. Group. Mar. 2011. c.416p. illus. index. ISBN 9781607740988. $32.50. COOKING
Wholesome and hearty recipes in a book to be savored.
Johnsgard, Paul A. Sandhill and Whooping Cranes: Ancient Voices over America's Wetlands. Bison: Univ. of Nebraska. Mar. 2011. c.168p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780803234963. pap. $12.95. NAT HIST
No one is better qualified than Johnsgard to discuss cranes both as objects of scientific study and as ancient, magical creatures.
Jones, Heather K. Good Housekeeping Drop 5 lbs: The Small Changes, Big Results Diet. Hearst: Sterling. 2011. 272p. ed. by Rosemary Ellis. photogs. index. ISBN 9781588167866. pap. $19.95. HEALTH
Readers will love the achievable results, and it is refreshing to have a book that does not expect great sacrifice and total lifestyle change.
Kaplan, Robert & Ellen Kaplan. Hidden Harmonies: The Lives and Times of the Pythagorean Theorem. Bloomsbury Pr., dist. by Macmillan. 2011. c.304p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781596915220. $25. MATH
Readers with some mathematical background will appreciate the geometrical and logical nuances, but even those less proficient in mathematics will grasp the essentials.
Ono, Tadashi & Harris Salat (text) & Todd Coleman & Jun Takagi (photogs.). The Japanese Grill: From Classic Yakitori to Steak, Seafood, and Vegetables. Ten Speed: Crown Pub. Group. Apr. 2011. c.192p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781580087377. pap. $25. COOKING
This beautifully simple book on a topic rarely covered in depth will please Asian cooking enthusiasts and grilling fanatics alike.
Quessenberry, Sara & Suzanne Schlosberg. The Good Neighbor Cookbook: 125 Easy and Delicious Recipes To Surprise and Satisfy the New Moms, New Neighbors, Recuperating Friends, Community-Meeting Members, Book Club Cohorts, and Block Party Pals in Your Life! Andrews McMeel. 2011. 208p. illus. index. ISBN 9780740793554. pap. $16.99. COOKING
This distinctive approach that highlights the communality of cooking is highly recommended.
Thompson, Antony Worrall with Louise Blair. The Essential Diabetes Cookbook: Good Healthy Eating from Around the World. Kyle: Kyle Cathie, dist. by National Bk. Network. 2010. 320p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781906868154. $35. COOKING
Adventurous cooks will cheer for this diabetes cookbook.
Alexis de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont in America: Their Friendship and Their Travels. Univ. of Virginia. 2011. c.784p. ed. by Olivier Zunz. tr. from French by Arthur Goldhammer. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780813930626. $60. HIST
No serious library can afford to be without this exceptional volume, which is translated and edited superbly.
Balsamo, William & John Balsamo. Young Al Capone: The Untold Story of Scarface in New York, 1899-1925. Skyhorse, dist. by Norton. Mar. 2011. c.320p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781616080853. $24.95. CRIME
Highly recommended for those interested in criminology and the psychology of crime.
Fagan, Brian. The First North Americans: An Archaeological Journey. Thames & Hudson, dist. by Norton. Apr. 2011. c.272p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780500021200. $34.95. ARCHAEOL
This highly recommended work should be read alongside David J. Meltzer's First Peoples in a New World: Colonizing Ice Age America.
Hall, David D. A Reforming People: Puritanism and the Transformation of Public Life in New England. Knopf. Apr. 2011. c.272p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780679441175. $29.95. HIST
Hall has produced a remarkably sophisticated and lucid work that ultimately shifts the established paradigm and opens up numerous avenues for further research.
Kasarda, John D. & Greg Lindsay. Aerotropolis: The Way We'll Live Next. Farrar. Mar. 2011. c.480p. bibliog. ISBN 9780374100193. $28. BUS
This thoughtful study of the aviation-centric city plan and its impact on city planning, globalization, and world trade, among other factors, should be read by business students and faculty, practitioners, and interested lay readers.
Mackintosh-Smith, Tim (text) with Martin Yeoman (illus.). Landfalls: On the Edge of Islam with Ibn Battutah. John Murray, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Mar. 2011. 370p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9780719567872. $34.95. TRAV
This book easily stands on its own as another fantastic voyage of two distinctive travel writers.
Miller, Caroline Adams & Michael B. Frisch. Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide. Sterling. Feb. 2011. c.288p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781402779985. pap. $14.95. SELF-HELP
A+ for the authors' ability to integrate science with a practical application for the general public.
Rasenberger, Jim. The Brilliant Disaster: JFK, Castro, and America's Doomed Invasion of Cuba's Bay of Pigs. Scribner. Apr. 2011. c.480p. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781416596509. $32. HIST
This important and engrossing work, offering updated history owing to recently declassified documents, will appeal to general readers and historians, especially those who enjoyed Howard Jones's The Bay of Pigs.
Rosenberg, Tina. Join the Club: How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World. Norton. Mar. 2011. c.288p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780393068580. $25.95. SOC SCI
There are, to be sure, plenty of studies documenting the negative effects of peer pressure, e.g., Pamela Paul's Parenting, Inc. This book serves as an antidote.
Rother, Caitlin. Dead Reckoning. Pinnacle: Kensington. Feb. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9780786022175. pap. $6.99. CRIME
Well researched and a quick, engrossing read, this should be popular with true crime readers, especially the Ann Rule crowd.
The Civil War: The First Year Told by Those Who Lived It. Library of America, dist. by Penguin. Feb. 2011. c.816p. ed. by Brooks D. Simpson & others. index. ISBN 9781598530889. $37.50. HIST
Readable and riveting, this "you are there" collection makes real the sense of urgency that gripped Americans as the nation came apart and as the war began, 175 years ago.
Van de Mark, Donald. The Good Among the Great: 19 Traits of the Most Admirable, Creative, and Joyous People. Columbia Island Pr. Apr. 2011. c.280p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780984606122. pap. $15.95. SELF-HELP
An essential read for those wanting to improve themselves and the world.
Wake, Jehanne. Sisters of Fortune: America's Caton Sisters at Home and Abroad. Touchstone: S. & S. Apr. 2011. c.416p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781451607611. $27. BIOG
Enhanced by illustrations revealing the homes, fashions, and personalities of the time, this fascinating book yields rich insights into a world where wealth gave certain women unprecedented access to power and influence.
Wilkinson, Toby. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt. Random. Mar. 2011. c.656p. photogs. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780553805536. $35. HIST
This book will serve as a standard for general readers and college students alike who seek to be immersed in the 3000-year pageant of Egyptian civilization.
Zuckoff, Mitchell. Lost in Shangri-La: The True Story of a Plane Crash into a Hidden World. Harper: HarperCollins. May 2011. c.400p. photogs. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780061988349. $26.99. HIST
This excellent book will be enjoyed by anyone who loves true adventure stories of disaster and rescue such as Alfred Lansing's Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage.
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