Xpress Reviews-First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 11/06/2009
The week of Nov. 6, 2009
Nonfiction
Bardach, Ann Louise. Without Fidel: A Death Foretold in Miami, Havana, and Washington. Scribner. 2009. c.288p. index. ISBN 978-1-4165-5150-8. $28. INT AFFAIRS
Journalist Bardach (Cuba Confidential: Love and Vengeance in Miami and Havana) presents a fast-paced inside view of Castro’s Cuba without the political rhetoric of so many Cuba experts. Divided into three parts—"The Long Dying," "The Fidel Obsession," and "Raul’s Reign"—the book has chapters on Castro enemies Orlando Bosch Avila and Luis Posada Carriles, as well as the terrorist attack on Cubana Airlines flight 455, that progress as if they were in a spy novel. Bardach also aptly relates the Castro–Hugo Chavez connection and offers powerful insight on the county’s relations with the United States post–Fidel and on the effects of Raul’s leadership, marked by an aging group of political insiders. For Raul to be as successful as his brother, Bardach posits that Cuba’s economy must be restructured, especially after the disastrous hurricane season of 2008, which ripped the nation’s crops and agriculture industry apart.
Verdict If you want one analysis on Castro and the future of Cuba, look no further than this excellent account. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/08.]—Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Lib., AL
Basco, Monica Ramirez. The Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting Things Done. Guilford. Jan. 2010. c.180p. ISBN 978-1-60623-293-4. pap. $14.95. PSYCH
Clinical psychologist Basco (The Bipolar Workbook) offers a concise and motivating guide that will help procrastinators change their self-defeating behavior. Through quizzes, exercises, tips, and shortcuts, Basco expertly assesses why procrastinators postpone doing undesirable tasks, evade anxiety-ridden but necessary communication with significant others, and even delay deciding on menial decisions like what color to paint the living room. In separate chapters detailing specific types of procrastination that involve disorganization, self-doubt, all-or-nothing thinking, and fear. Basco posits that it is often negative self-talk and emotional pessimism that lead to procrastinating. She offers clear-cut instructions for using motivating statements instead of self-defeating ones and guides readers on how to rid themselves of procrastination fantasies.
Verdict As someone who has been there, Basco knows how to talk to her audience, suggesting that procrastinators read just one page of her guide a day. Readers who digest even one chapter will gain clarity.—Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ
Bianculli, David. Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Touchstone: S. & S. Dec. 2009. c.400p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-4391-0116-2. $24.99. TV
Beginning with his decidedly wry and ironic title, veteran television critic and current NPR Fresh Air commentator Bianculli (Teleliteracy: Taking Television Seriously) immediately sets the tone for this deliciously informative and entertaining story of the venerable Smothers Brothers’ 50--year run and their tempestuous struggles with the CBS censors during the three-season reign of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Combining extensive interviews with siblings Tom, Dick, and Sherry Smothers; Smothers stalwarts Pat Paulsen, comedian David Steinberg, and musician Mason Williams; and television industry suit Fred Silverman, this is a revelatory and surprisingly balanced treatment of the conflict between the artists and the corporatists. Bianculli excels at juxtaposing the story of the longest continuing, artistically subversive comedy team with the contemporary political landscape. Highlights include the superbly related back story of the mock "Pat Paulson for President" campaign.
Verdict This title will appeal to pop culture and 1960s counterculture fans, students of communication and the history of mass media, and to all entertainment and comedy readers.—Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX
Dumke, Nicolette M. I Love Dessert but NOT Sugar, Wheat, Milk, Gluten, Corn, Soy, Unhealthy Fat... Allergy Adapt Inc. Jan. 2010. c.725p. index. ISBN 978-1-887624-18-3. pap. $22.95. HEALTH
As the title indicates, this collection claims to offer dessert recipes that do not contain sugar, wheat, milk, gluten, corn, soy, and unhealthy fat. Unfortunately, not one recipe included here was free of all these ingredients (however, each omitted at least one). Also, although gluten-free recipes are marked, there are no quick and easy indications as to whether a recipe contains sugar, milk, corn, or soy. In the introductory section, Dumke (Allergy Cooking with Ease: The No Wheat, Milk, Eggs, Corn, and Soy Cookbook) explains the dynamics of unhealthy fats like hydrogenated and saturated fat and why most of her recipes are without them. She follows with the sections "Tricks and Tools of the Dessert Trade," "Know Your Ingredients" and "Desserts Designed for Special Diets." Nowhere in the text is there a disclaimer stating that all of the recipes shown contain at least some of the titular ingredients.
Verdict Dumke shares many good recipes, but her misleading title and the lack of clear labeling with each recipe render this unsuitable for people with severe food allergies.—Lisa Felix, Mishawaka–Penn-Harris P.L., Mishawaka, IN
Feuereisen, Patti & Caroline Pincus. Invisible Girls: The Truth About Sexual Abuse. 2d ed. Seal, dist. by Publishers Group West. 2009. c.300p. index. ISBN 978-1-58005-301-3. pap. $16.95. PSYCH
In this essential update of the 2005 edition, Feuereisen, a psychotherapist and the founder of GirlThrive, gives voice to victims of sexual abuse, no matter how young. The best way to heal, she advises, is to talk about it, as the more women and girls talk, the harder it will be to keep sexual abuses hidden. She primarily focuses on incest by abusive fathers, brothers, cousins, uncles, and stepfathers; breaches of trust in men like teachers, coaches, and clergy; acquaintance sexual abuse; and rape scenarios like stranger rape, gang rape, and date rape. The first-person accounts included in every chapter are graphic and grueling. This edition also includes coverage of sex trafficking and prostitution, resources for boys and men, and statistics that may horrify readers, including how 44 percent of rape victims are under 18 and that one out of four American girls will experience some sort of sexual abuse by 16.
Verdict This manual is excellent because it is so specific in its advice. Feuereisen clearly shows survivors of sexual abuse how to begin the process of healing.—Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA
Maehle, Gregor. Ashtanga Yoga: The Intermediate Series. New World Library, dist. by Publishers Group West. Dec. 2009. c.320p. ISBN 978-1-57731-669-5. pap. $14.95. HEALTH
This follow-up to yogi Maehle’s Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy aims to bring Ashtanga yoga practitioners to the intermediate level. It is divided into three sections: the roots of yoga in Indian spirituality, the physiology of yoga, and the intermediate Ashtanga routine is made up of 27 poses. Although the first section reads more like a religion reference than a yoga book, the other two sections focus strictly on yoga. The physiology section is superbly illustrated with cutaway depictions of the bones and muscles utilized in the poses; these illustrations are also clearly labeled with Western medical terms. The third section is also illustrated with clear, crisp photographs that carefully describe poses.
Verdict Serious Ashtanga practitioners will benefit from the author’s evident expertise, garnered from 18 years of practice and directing a yoga studio. Fitness-minded readers who practice yoga less rigorously are better off with books like Christina Brown’s Yoga Bible.—Amanda McNeil, McLean Hosp. Mental Health Sciences Lib., Belmont, MA
Mandel, Howie with Josh Young. Here’s the Deal: Don’t Touch Me. Bantam. Dec. 2009. c.240p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-553-80786-8. $25. TV
Beginning as a stand-up comedian in 1978, Mandel has also been a TV and film actor, a spokesperson, and, most recently, a game show host. Here, he offers his autobiography, revealing how in a profession known for handshakes and hugs he was able to hide his "germaphobia" (read: obsessive-compulsive disorder) for years before he began fist-bumping his way into America’s hearts as host of Deal or No Deal. Unfortunately, neither his OCD nor his attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder garners much coverage—readers get stories of the practical jokes Mandel played on friends and strangers. While the recounting of his stunts is entertaining, it would have been more interesting to hear how Mandel was able to manage his disorders in show business.
Verdict Although Mandel’s writing style is a bit frantic, this is a good start for readers looking for a solid Mandel autobiography. Fans of memoirs and comedy will also enjoy this tale about one of the greatest comedic exports from Canada. For a more in-depth look at Mandel’s disorders, as well as some extra funny stories, check out his Hidden Howie: True Stories from the Private Life of a Public Nuisance.—Christine Schonhart, Boston P.L.
Siegel, Ronald D. The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems. Guilford. Jan. 2010. c.356p. ISBN 978-1-60623-294-1. pap. $14.95. PSYCH
While most books on mindfulness are extremely general, Siegel (psychology, Harvard Medical Sch.) here offers detailed chapters on applying the concept to such specific areas as intimate relationships, medical pain, bad habits, and aging anxiety. Using case studies, assessment tools, and step-by-step instructions, Siegel helps readers to identify better the maladaptive habits of their minds, see thoughts more clearly, more aptly attune themselves to others, lessen personal suffering, and improve general spiritual/psychological well being. His suggestions range from sitting quietly and focusing on one’s breath for five minutes to writing down worrisome thoughts to focusing on a partner’s words, body language, and facial expressions.
Verdict This is an excellent, inclusive introduction for ambitious readers. Yoga practitioners may take to the exercises more easily than others. For a simpler starting point, consider Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life.—Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ
