Starred Reviews: July 2011
by Sarah Dinowitz & Heather McCormack Jul 5, 2011July 2011 brings 46 starred reviews from our solo issue and recent Xpress Reviews (online only). We're happy to announce that going forward we will be including multimedia in this column, audiobooks for starters, but then videos as well. Among notable print works, film buffs shouldn't miss Patrick McGilligan's Nicholas Ray: The Glorious Failure of an American Director, a perfect read-alike for that summer standard, Rebel Without a Cause. Rob Shapiro's reading of James Gleick's The Information scores bit, as does The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture. For more on positive reviews and their relationship to collection development, don't miss my interview with Wendy Bartlett.—Heather McCormack
ARTS & HUMANITIES | AUDIO | FICTION | GRAPHIC NOVELS | MYSTERY | REFERENCE | ROMANCE | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | SOCIAL SCIENCES | SPIRITUAL LIVING
Bartlett, Rosamund. Tolstoy: A Russian Life. Houghton Harcourt. Nov. 2011. c.544p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780151014385. $35. LIT
Written for both the curious, educated reader and the academic scholar, Bartlett's book is an exemplary literary biography.
The Complete Book of Home Crafts: Projects for Adventurous Beginners. Skyhorse, dist. by Norton. 2011. 352p. ed. by Carine Tracanelli. illus. ISBN 9781616083229. $24.95. CRAFTS
The projects are enough to start crafters on a new hobby, and most could be easily modified to suit individual taste.
The Complete Photo Guide to Window Treatments. 2d ed. Creative Pub: Quayside. 2011. 320p. ed. by Linda Neubauer. illus. index. ISBN 9781589236073. pap. $24.99. DIY
Fabric recommendations and materials lists introduce each style of window treatment, with clear, step-by-step instructions.
Gilbert, Sandra M. Aftermath. Norton. Jul. 2011. c.96p. ISBN 9780393081121. $24.95. POETRY
A highly recommended book by an important poet.
McGilligan, Patrick. Nicholas Ray: The Glorious Failure of an American Director. It: HarperCollins. Jul. 2011. c.560p. photogs. filmog. index. ISBN 9780060731373. $29.99. FILM
Fans of Ray's work will consider this book, at once meticulously researched and gratifying, a biographical page-turner.
Spera, Keith. Groove Interrupted: Loss, Renewal, and the Music of New Orleans. St. Martin's. Aug. 2011. c.256p. ISBN 9780312552251. $26.99. MUSIC
The research is strong, the writing is personable and engaging, and the spirit of America's most musically diverse and unusual city emerges at every turn.
Tregidgo, Jan. Torchon Lacemaking: A Step-by-Step Guide. Crowood, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Aug. 2011. 240p. illus. index. ISBN 9781847972019. $39.95. FIBER CRAFTS
Most libraries' bobbin lace books date from the 1970s, so this is a much-needed update.
Atkinson, Kate. Started Early, Took My Dog. 11 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 12½ hrs. Hachette Audio from AudioGO. 2011. ISBN 9781609416485. $79.99; 11 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
This work unravels beautifully in the skilled hands of actor/narrator Graeme Malcolm, who delivers the characters in an understated yet effective manner.
Boyle, Gregory. Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7½ hrs. HighBridge Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781611744361. $66; 7 CDs. retail ed.; digital download. SOC SCI
A beautiful, heartbreaking, and humanistic tale essential for all libraries; simply breathtaking.
Gleick, James. The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood. 14 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 16½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 9780307914989. $50; 14 CDs. retail ed.; digital download. SCI
Actor/voice-over artist Rob Shapiro's masterly, impressive narration of this densely packed, empowering material is tailor-made for a multipart PBS special.
McCall Smith, Alexander. The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8½ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2011. ISBN 9781456116224. $77.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Actor/narrator Lisette Lecat's sensitive reading makes this a party not to be missed.
Mrazek, Robert J. To Kingdom Come: An Epic Saga of Survival in the Air War over Germany. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10½ hrs. Tantor Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781452630908. $83.99; 9 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. HIST
Mrazek's well-told and splendidly researched account of the Stuttgart raid is bolstered by narrator David Drummond's appealing and razor-sharp performance.
Wong, Alison. As the Earth Turns Silver. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 4½ hrs. Bolinda Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781742149080. $77.95; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Actress Heather Bolton's graceful narration is a perfect match for Wong's lyrical, powerful prose.
Brown, Sandra. Lethal. Grand Central. Sept. 2011. c.472p. ISBN 9781455501472. $26.99. F
Fast paced and full of surprises, this taut thriller, marking the author's return to Grand Central, features a large cast of superbly drawn characters and the perfect amounts of realistic dialog and descriptive prose.
Dietrich, William. Blood of the Reich. Harper: HarperCollins. Jul. 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9780061989186. $25.99. F
Dietrich has created a wonderful web of intrigue, using history, vibrantly depicted settings, and great character development that leaves the reader unsure of whom to trust until the very end.
Disher, Garry. Wyatt. Soho Crime. (Wyatt Wareen Thriller). Aug. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781569479629. $25. F
Disher's depiction of Melbourne's underworld is a revelation-undeniably lurid and harsh yet humming with a vibrancy that lends a soulful note to the story.
Enright, Anne. The Forgotten Waltz. Norton. Oct. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9780393072556. $25.95. F
A breathtaking work that will surprise you; highly recommended.
Evans, Justin. The White Devil. Harper: HarperCollins. 2011. c.366p. ISBN 9780061728273. $24.99. F
Intelligent, accessible, and just plain scary, this literary ghost story hails back to the classic traditions of Charles Dickens, Shirley Jackson, and Daphne du Maurier-the days before "horror" was synonymous with "vampire."
Gregory, Daryl. Raising Stony Mayhall. Del Rey: Ballantine. Jul. 2011. c.448p. ISBN 9780345522375. pap. $15. FANTASY
Part superhero fiction, part zombie horror story, and part supernatural thriller, this luminous and compelling tale deserves a wide readership beyond genre fans.
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales Retold. Night Shade. Jun. 2011. c.480p. ed. by John Klima. ISBN 9781597802208. pap. $15.99. FANTASY
Entrancing, rich, and strange.
Jahn, Ryan David. Good Neighbors. Penguin. Jun. 2011. c.280p. ISBN 9780143118961. pap. $15. F
This remarkable novel, a lean, psychologically unsettling noir tale, will stay with you long after you put it down and regretfully say, "I wish I wrote that."
Kepler, Lars. The Hypnotist. Sarah Crichton: Farrar. Jul. 2011. c.512p. tr. from Swedish by Ann Long. ISBN 9780374173951. $27. F
While Kepler's protagonists lack Lisbeth Salander's charisma and the loose ends are too neatly tied up, the high-octane plot will capture readers bored by Stieg Larsson's sometimes glacial social and political asides.
Meyer, Deon. Trackers. Atlantic Monthly. Sept. 2011. c.480p. tr. from Afrikaans by K.L. Seegers. ISBN 9780802119933. $24. F
With a fine eye for detail, an unflattering image of South African culture, and clear sympathy for the downtrodden, Meyer still never loses his focus on page-turning suspense and riveting mystery.
Miéville, China. Embassytown. Del Rey: Ballantine. 2011. 345p. ISBN 9780345524492. $26. SF
Overall, this is one of the best sf books of this or any decade and likely to reach beyond the genre to appeal to book clubs and other literary fiction readers.
O'Connor, Scott. Untouchable. Tyrus. 2011. c.380p. ISBN 9781935562382. $24.95; pap. ISBN 9781935562504. $15.95. F
Like Jodi Picoult, the author doesn't flinch from the realities of life and death that can create madness or the solutions that can restore wholeness.
Ondaatje, Michael. The Cat's Table. Knopf. Oct. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9780307700117. $26. F
Writing in a less lyrically wrought style than usual, Ondaatje turns in a quietly enthralling work.
Sem-Sandberg, Steve. The Emperor of Lies. Farrar. Aug. 2011. c.672p. tr. from Swedish by Sarah Death. ISBN 9780374139643. $30. F
This portrait of hell is highly recommended to knowledgeable readers with a love of world literature and an interest in the era.
Slaughter, Karin. Fallen. Delacorte. Jun. 2011. c.389p. ISBN 9780345528209. $26. F
Suspenseful, quick-moving, and dappled with Atlanta locale, each novel in Slaughter's Georgia series offers more insight into her well-crafted characters but can still stand on its own for new readers.
Waldman, Amy. The Submission. Farrar. Aug. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780374271565. $26. F
This is an insightful, courageous, heartbreaking work that should be read, discussed, then read again.
Evens, Brecht. The Wrong Place. Drawn & Quarterly. 2010. 176p. illus. ISBN 9781770460010. pap. $24.95. F
With beautiful, frame-worthy art and astute commentary on the listlessness of youth, this graphic novel won't be easy to tuck back onto the shelf. Highly recommended for adult collections.
Smith, Kevin (text) & Walter Flanagan & others (illus.). Batman: The Widening Gyre. DC. 2010. c.200p. ed. by Bob Joy. illus. ISBN 9781401228750. $19.99. F
As polarizing as it is, this is an essential read for all Batman fans because of the distinctive presentation of the iconic superhero.
Hunt, James Patrick. Police and Thieves. Five Star: Gale Cengage. Sept. 2011. c.240p. ISBN 9781432825072. $25.95. M
Spare prose and minimal embellishments make this excellent lone-wolf entry shine.
McPherson, Catriona. Dandy Gilver and the Proper Treatment of Blood Stains. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Aug. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780312654184. $23.99. M
A strong traditional offering with sly humor, a love of dogs, and not too much violence.
Morton, Carson. Stealing Mona Lisa. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Aug. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780312621711. $24.99. M
Great characters, a captivating tale, and vivid descriptions of old Paris make this debut a pleasurable read.
Ridpath, Michael. Where the Shadows Lie. Minotaur: St. Martin's. Aug. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780312675035. $24.99. M
With Tolkien groupies, Internet hacking, and revenge, this title has no shortage of appeal.
Sharp, Deborah. Mama Sees Stars: A Mace Bauer Mystery. Midnight Ink. Sept. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780738726984. pap. $14.95. M
The mystery aisles can always use more humor, and Sharp delivers with this light feature full of stereotype-bending characters.
Dilevko, Juris & others. Contemporary World Fiction: A Guide to Literature in Translation. Libraries Unlimited: ABC-CLIO. 2011. 526p. index. ISBN 9781591583530. $85. Online: ABC-CLIO eBook Collection. REF
Highly recommended for the casual reader wishing to discover international contemporary fiction and for students of literature.
The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture. Vol. 17: Education. Univ. of North Carolina. 2011. 400p. ed. by Clarence L. Mohr. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780807834916. $45; pap. ISBN 9780807872017. $24.95. REF
This excellent (and singular) source of scholarship on education from a unique cultural perspective will be a welcome addition to academic libraries, especially in those institutions with strong education programs.
Burrowes, Grace. The Soldier. Sourcebooks Casablanca. Jun. 2011. c.406p. ISBN 9781402245671. pap. $6.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
The Soldier is flawless; highly recommended for its exceptional storytelling and its unforgettable characters.
Luchetti, Emily & Lisa Weiss. The Fearless Baker: Scrumptious Cakes, Pies, Cobblers, Cookies, and Quick Breads That You Can Make To Impress Your Friends and Yourself. Little, Brown. 2011. 288p. illus. index. ISBN 9780316074285. $29.99. COOKING
Novice bakers will immediately gravitate toward Luchetti and Weiss's down-to-earth writing style and will find the authors' zesty enthusiasm for their subject inspiring.
McVicar, Jekka (text) & Hanna McVicar (illus.). Jekka's Herb Cookbook. Firefly. Jun. 2011. 352p. illus. index. ISBN 9781554078141. $29.95. COOKING
An important addition to cooking and gardening collections that will serve readers well all year long.
Farmer, Paul. Haiti After the Earthquake. PublicAffairs: Perseus. Jul. 2011. c.464p. ed. by Abbey Gardner & Cassia Van Der Hoof Holstein. photogs. index. ISBN 9781586489731. $27.99. INT AFFAIRS
Farmer demonstrates his deep love for Haiti while at the same time pushing for the drastic foreign and domestic reforms needed to rebuild this troubled nation.
Fuller, Alexandra. Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness. Penguin Pr: Penguin Group (USA). Aug. 2011. c.237p. photogs. ISBN 9781594202995. $25.95. AUTOBIOG
Unsparing, well written, and spiced with many compelling anecdotes, this vivid tale of a one-of-a-kind matriarch and her family's fortitude through adversity and absurdity will be relished by memoir fans and recreational readers interested in Africa.
Hill, Janelle & others. Life After the Military: A Handbook for Transitioning Veterans. Government Institutes. 2011. c.240p. bibliog.. index. ISBN 9781605907406. $34.95. SELF-HELP
Excellent for a new vet, this is an essential purchase for public libraries.
Mason, Walter. Destination Saigon: Adventures in Vietnam. Allen & Unwin, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Aug. 2011. 260p. bibliog. ISBN 9781741759495. pap. $16.95. TRAV
Armchair travelers as well as all readers interested in Vietnam or Buddhism will love this delightful book.
Gulley, Philip. The Evolution of Faith: How God Is Creating a Better Christianity. HarperCollins. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9780060736606. $24.99. REL
Gulley gives focus to the liberal movement of many denominations and believers, and his book should be of interest to individuals and church study groups.
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