Xpress Reviews-The First Look at New Books
Jun 24, 2010Fiction
Cook, Robin. Cure. Putnam. Aug. 2010. c.416p. ISBN 978-0-399-15662-5. $26.95. F
Readers opening Cook's latest medical thriller for the first time may be intimidated by the lengthy "Key Players" list, but they will find it's not really needed as the story line plunges quickly into some of the author's familiar themes. The biomedical hook is the race to exploit induced pluripotent stem cell patents by a new company led by physician/entrepreneur Benjamin Corey. Married doctors Laura Montgomery and Jack Stapleton (Intervention, Foreign Body) reappear in their roles as medical examiners when two suspicious bodies turn up in New York City. As in previous series titles, we also see into their home life with their young son JJ, who late in the book becomes a significant part of the action. Operating behind the scenes are the Mafia and the Yakuza (Japanese mob); their presence and unique cultures add exotic twists to the biomedical story.
Verdict Cook weaves these elements and the numerous characters into a fascinating tale that never slows down and will appeal to the author's fans and other readers who enjoy such medical and/or crime thrillers. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 3/15/10.]-A.J. Wright, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham
Demas, Corinne. The Writing Circle. Voice: Hyperion. Jul. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-1-4013-4114-5. $23.99. F
When Nancy, an occasional novelist, is asked to join the Leopardi Circle, an elite writing group in her Cape Cod town, she hesitantly accepts. Not sure she wants her work held up for the criticism of other, more established writers, she nonetheless takes on the challenge. The clique is, well, complicated. Two members, Virginia and Bernard, used to be married to each other. Adam is a young, talented novelist, and Chris is a popular thriller writer. And then there is Gillian Coit, a famous poet with an equally famously difficult personality. The novel takes place over the course of one important year in the life of the circle; each short chapter is narrated by a different character, and the story quickly moves to a satisfying although not completely shocking end.
Verdict This fourth novel (The Same River Twice) by a well-established author of short stories, poetry, and children's books will appeal to readers who enjoyed Karen Joy Fowler's The Jane Austen Book Club and other novels about the writing life.-Andrea Griffith Young, New York
McKenna, Shannon. Fade to Midnight. Brava: Kensington. Jun. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-7582-2865-9. $20.95. F
Without knowing why, Edie Parrish has always been Kev Larsen's talisman, and he has always been her muse. When destiny introduces the couple, they finally feel complete. But just as their dreams start to become reality, their nightmarish past revealing who they really are and why they know each other may not only drive them apart but kill them.
Verdict Marking the author's Brava hardcover debut, McKenna's sixth entry (after Extreme Danger) in her popular series featuring the McCloud brothers reintroduces a lost sibling and blends an intensely terrifying psychic thriller with a mind-blowing erotic romance-shelve only in your adult collections. Series fans will love this, but it also stands well alone for new readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a paranormal flavor.-Debbie Haupt, St. Charles City-Cty. P.L., St. Peters, MO
Tanenbaum, Robert K. Betrayed. Gallery: S. & S. Jul. 2010. c.416p. ISBN 978-1-4391-4923-2. $26. F
Tanenbaum's 22nd thriller featuring New York District Attorney Butch Karp (after Capture) revolves around several seemingly unrelated killings. While Karp is involved with the trial of a Muslim imam for an attack on the New York Stock Exchange, his wife, Marlene Ciampi, tries to clear a courthouse newspaper vendor accused of murder. Her investigation uncovers the cover-up of a call girl murder, which in turn leads to a secretive group called Sons of Mam. This is a typical suspense story, featuring plot twists and secrets as well as interesting legal hearings to fill out the plot. Tanenbaum's legal experience helps to add credibility.
Verdict For series fans and readers who enjoy legal thrillers.-Joel W. Tscherne, Bryant & Stratton Coll., Eastlake, OH
Nonfiction
Bearss, Edwin C. with J. Parker Hills. Receding Tide: Vicksburg and Gettysburg; The Campaigns That Changed the Civil War. National Geographic, dist. by Random. 2010. c.400p. maps. index. ISBN 978-1-4262-0510-1. $28. HIST
Bearss (chief historian, emeritus, National Park Svc.) is a noted Civil War battlefield guide. This volume is packed with detailed information about the two campaigns that represented the major turning point of the Civil War, as well as Bearss's own observations and opinions. The book, however, is not without its flaws. The minutiae will please the enthusiast but may drive away the casual reader. There is an awkward shift from past to present tense early on. The book seems a literal transcription of Bearss's battlefield tours and carries that "you-are-there" approach that does not always work well on paper. Coauthor Hills's comments are separated from Bearss's and broken out in italics, which is distracting. Finally, the maps-in the galley reviewed-show geography in detail but lack the useful unit locations and troop movements. From this book, as well as Bearss's previous title, Fields of Honor, one gets the sense that his battlefield expeditions are an amazing experience but far better to appreciate in person than on paper.
Verdict In spite of its drawbacks, this volume would be a useful addition to collections catering to Civil War buffs.-Matthew J. Wayman, Penn State Schuylkill Lib., Schuylkill Haven
Einarson, John. Forever Changes: Arthur Lee and the Book of Love. Jawbone. Jun. 2010. 336p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-1-906002-31-2. pap. $19.95. MUSIC
The iconoclastic band Love, fronted by the mercurial Arthur Lee (1945-2006), never had the commercial success of fellow Los Angeles bands the Byrds and the Doors, but their 1967 orchestral pop masterpiece, Forever Changes, was a transcendent work that inspired an enduring following. Einarson (Hot Burritos: The True Story of the Flying Burrito Brothers) uses interviews with Lee's contemporaries, bandmates, and acquaintances and incorporates excerpts of Lee's never-published memoir to give a detailed look at his life and music. Einarson places Love, with their groundbreaking blend of folk, jazz, orchestration, and rock, in context with the developing L.A. music scene of the mid-1960s and documents Lee's fall into obscurity and drug use before a redemptive comeback in the early 21st century.
Verdict Currently the only book in print on Lee and Love, this will be of enormous interest to Lee's multigenerational fans, and the exclusive feature of Lee's own memories and anecdotes strengthens its importance and appeal.-Jim Collins, Morristown-Morris Twp. Lib., NJ
Gelman, Rita Golden with Maria Altobelli (text) & Jean Allen (illus.). Female Nomad and Friends: Tales of Breaking Free and Breaking Bread Around the World. Three Rivers: Crown. Jun. 2010. c.352p. illus. ISBN 978-0-307-58801-2. pap. $15. TRAV
Gelman's first book, Tales of a Female Nomad, recounts her experiences as a newly divorced woman indulging her wanderlust. Despite her publisher's advice, she insisted on including her personal email address at the end of the book and received a deluge of correspondence from like-minded readers eager to share their own adventures. Here, Gelman has combined some of the stories from her readers with more of her own, plus 33 ethnic recipes, tested by Altobelli. The brief narratives are organized into the categories Connecting, Mixed Messages, Language, Passion, and Food.
Verdict Overall, the book doesn't live up to its intent-the stories are uneven in quality and substance. The Passion section features a number of self-indulgent romantic memories. Gelman's contributions tie the collection together, but it is not the rich tapestry it could have been. For readers who do find kindred spirits here, brief bios follow most entries and include contact information. [Ebook available.]-Janet Ross, formerly with Sparks Branch Lib., NV
Gravity Pulls You In: Perspectives on Parenting Children with Autism. Woodbine House. 2010. 170p. ed. by Kyra Anderson & Vicki Forman. ISBN 978-1-60613-002-5. pap. $19.95. PSYCH
Editors Anderson and Forman, both writers and parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have compiled an anthology of essays and verse detailing experiences with ASD either as parents, teachers, advocates, or therapists. The contributors are experienced writers and parents of ASD children and candidly share their journeys and life-changing experiences. In an enlightening foreword, John Elder Robison (Look Me in the Eye) adds his unique insight as a person with ASD and the parent of a child with the disorder. The contributors also discuss how having ASD as a part of your life can make you reevaluate what is really important.
Verdict A support group that's always in session, minus the autism politics and competition, at your fingertips! What parents of children with ASD can gain from this volume is a feeling of not being alone and a situation or circumstance that they can relate to as they navigate the world of ASD. Professionals can gain a better understanding of what their clients/patients (and their parents) deal with on a daily basis. An excellent addition to any public library collection.-Lisa M. Jordan, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS
Kagan, Jerome. The Temperamental Thread: How Genes, Culture, Time, and Luck Make Us Who We Are. Dana, dist. by Univ. of Chicago. 2010. c.248p. ISBN 978-1-932594-50-8. $24.95. SELF-HELP
Kagan (psychology, emeritus, Harvard Univ.) employs the science of developmental psychology to discuss the formation of human personality. He draws on abundant research to show that the constellation of inborn traits known as temperament has an initial tendency to develop but is then shaped over time by experience, genetic predisposition, culture, ethnicity, and gender. Kagan thoroughly describes the interplay between brain chemicals and structures that could be modified, but not changed, over a lifetime.
Verdict Readers of high school age and above who are curious about the nature of personality will find this a fascinating and thought-provoking read.-Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ
Miller, Sam. Delhi: Adventures in a Megacity. St. Martin's. Jul. 2010. c.304p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-312-61237-5. $25.99. TRAV
Miller, a journalist for the BBC World Service Trust who's lived in Delhi, India, for nearly 20 years, presents a highly entertaining and witty account of a walking tour of Delhi. He describes 12 walks that begin in the center of the city and proceed outward to the satellite towns at the outskirts. Miller's portrayal of the changing landscape and street life is engrossing. A half-ruined historic stone mosque he discovers is subsequently bulldozed to make way for squash and racket courts; overall, though, he skims over most historic monuments. Miller's footnotes share factoids and list relevant websites.
Verdict William Dalrymple's City of Djinns deals more with Delhi's history and architecture; like Suketu Mehta (Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found), Miller is looking at the here and now. He provides an informative and lively pedestrian's-eye view of a city that has recently experienced extraordinary population and economic growth. Recommended for tourists and armchair travelers alike.-Ravi Shenoy, Naperville P.L., IL
Mortimer, Gavin. Double Death: The True Story of Pryce Lewis, the Civil War's Most Daring Spy. Walker. Aug. 2010. c.304p. index. ISBN 978-0-8027-1769-6. $26. HIST
Mortimer (Chasing Icarus: The Seventeen Days in 1910 That Forever Changed American Aviation) goes on his own chase after Pryce Lewis, a British immigrant detective for the Pinkerton Agency during the American Civil War era. He locates him at the center of intrigues in Washington and Richmond that ended in Lewis's capture and the conviction and hanging of better-known Pinkerton detective Timothy Webster. That death, and, one might argue-though Mortimer does not-the limited value of the private spies' intelligence on military matters, led the Union to give up any dependence on private agencies and to shift to military men doing espionage.
Verdict The result of Mortimer's own sleuthing is a very good read but a work of marginal utility. Mortimer relies on the sometimes dubious memoirs of the principals, overstates the significance of private spies in wartime intelligence gathering, and stumbles on some contextual facts. Not recommended except for those seeking comprehensive collections on Civil War topics.-Randall M. Miller, Saint Joseph's Univ., Philadelphia
Neziroglu, Fugen & Katharine Donnelly. Overcoming Depersonalization Disorder: A Mindfulness and Acceptance Guide to Conquering Feelings of Numbness and Unreality. New Harbinger. 2010. c.200p. ISBN 978-1-57224-706-2. pap. $18.95. PSYCH
Detachment and avoidance behavior can be understandable and even helpful reactions to discomfort and psychological pain, but chronic behavior of this type constitutes depersonalization disorder (DPD), which affects about two percent of the population. Research psychologist Neziroglu and behavioral therapist Donnelly, both of the Bio-Behavioral Institute, describe this disorder, tracing its causes from trauma to drug abuse and other problems and outlining treatment strategies. Four DPD patients are used to illustrate the wide-ranging characteristics of the illness, including detached and robotic behavior, spaced-out feelings, inability to concentrate, and memory difficulties. The authors advocate behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), incorporating ideas on mindfulness and psychological flexibility. Assessment tools, exercises, and inspiration are also provided, along with alternative treatments, reference materials, and an informative Q&A section.
Verdict A sensible and readable research-based self-help tool, which provides a viable alternative or complement to the pharmacological treatments in vogue today for mental illness. The book should be both comforting and challenging for DPD patients, families, and counselors.-Antoinette Brinkman, MLS, Evansville, IN
Reinfeld, Mark & Jennifer Murray. The 30-Minute Vegan's Taste of the East: 150 Asian-Inspired Recipes-from Soba Noodles to Summer Rolls. Da Capo Lifelong. Jul. 2010. c.256p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-7382-1382-8. pap. $18.95. COOKING
Speed is the name of the game in this latest cookbook by Reinfeld and Murray (coauthors, The 30-Minute Vegan). The book is divided into five parts, featuring the cooking styles of India, Thailand, China, and Japan, with the last section devoted to Asian-fusion cuisine. While the authors freely admit that some cooking times stretch past the half-hour mark, this reviewer was pleasantly surprised to find that the Kung Pao Tempeh recipe clocked in, with no rushing, at exactly 30 minutes. Other recipes, such as Sesame Tofu with Wasabi Cream Sauce, are actually part of a larger meal that takes longer to prepare. Appendixes include preparation instructions for the novice cook, recommended websites, and a glossary of unfamiliar terms. Nutritional information is not included for each recipe.
Verdict The vegan's answer to Rachael Ray and Mr. Food, this is recommended for anyone wishing to re-create their favorite Asian restaurant dishes without the meat. Readers who like this book may also enjoy Nava Atlas's Vegan Express.-Mary Schons, Hammond P.L., IN
Sinnott, Kevin. The Art and Craft of Coffee: An Enthusiast's Guide to Selecting, Roasting, and Brewing Exquisite Coffee. Quarry: Quayside. Jun. 2010. 176p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-59253-563-7. pap. $24.99. BEVERAGES
While there is a plethora of books on the history and economy of coffee, there are surprisingly few about enjoying coffee. With 200 color photos and friendly text, this highly readable and accessible coffee guide is divided into two sections, covering the beans and the brew. In addition to providing a general knowledge of coffee, Sinnott (curator, www.coffeecompanion.com) strives to give readers tools to prepare world-class coffee at home. Along with selecting, roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee, he discusses serving coffee-correct temperatures, using sugar and milk, and the equipment needed. Troubleshooting tips, charts, step-by-step instructions, and a variety of recipes add to the book's usefulness and value.
Verdict For people just beginning to develop a home coffee habit, this is a better starting point than Kenneth Davids's Coffee: A Guide to Buying, Brewing, and Enjoying, but hard-core coffee fans will want both.-Lisa A. Ennis, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Lib.
Williams, Olajide, M.D. Stroke Diaries: A Guide for Survivors and Their Families. Oxford Univ. 2010. 176p. ISBN 978-0-19-974026-0. pap. $19.95. HEALTH
Stroke is the nation's leading cause of death and disability but doesn't receive the same attention as heart disease and cancer. New York neurologist Williams attempts to remedy that situation by providing a concise introduction to brain attacks. Each chapter opens with a maudlin patient story, like Pedro, the construction worker who didn't take his medicine, which come across as "Dick and Jane have a stroke," but the follow-up information on symptoms, risk factors, and treatments is spot on. Types of strokes including transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), stroke recovery, and the clot-busting drug t-PA are covered. The writing is a curious mix of highbrow references (Themis, the goddess of law, and Herodotus) and simplistic patient dialog ("I couldn't shoot dope no more."). If you can get past the poorly written patient narratives, there is good medical information here.
Verdict There aren't enough books on stroke, and though this one isn't perfect, it does fill a gap in consumer health materials and is recommended for public libraries and consumer health collections.-Elizabeth Williams, Washoe Cty. Lib. Syst., Reno, NV
Wilson, Stephen. Art and Science Now: How Scientific Research and Technological Innovation Are Becoming Key to 21st-Century Aesthetics. Thames & Hudson, dist. by Norton. 2010. 208p. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-500-23868-4. $50. ART
This cross-disciplinary survey of contemporary art focuses on current artists who have engaged scientific and technological research at some point in the creation of visual art. Wilson (conceptual and information arts, San Francisco State) brings together diverse artists from around the world who are using (co-opting?) research in fields such as biology, ecology, medical research, physics, geology, robotics, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, information visualization, and body sensing computer interfaces (picture a work of art that alters its form based on the emotional state of the viewer). The author has helped to codify an important and growing subset of contemporary art, that which bridges modern science and technology. Each of the nearly 250 entries includes a full-color image and a lucid summation of the technology employed (no easy task). The survey lacks biographical data about the artists but does include a bibliography and full listing of online resources.
Verdict A very informative resource that will be most appreciated by students and faculty of academic institutions.-Kraig Binkowski, Yale Ctr. for British Art, New Haven, CT
