July Reviews of the Latest Spanish-Language Books for Adults, Fiction, Nonfiction, and Also in Translation
Jul 13, 2010
FICTION
Pobre patria mía. La novella de Porfirio Díaz.
(Poor Country of Mine: The Porfirio Díaz Novel)
Palou, Pedro Ángel.
Mexico/Spain. Ed. Planeta. 2010. 185p. ISBN 978-607-07-0395-9. pap. $14.95. FICTION
Despite its subtitle, this slim novel covers only the last four years of the Mexican dictator’s life during his exile in Europe. It is written in diary format, with the statesman chronicling the royal welcome he received, for example, accepting a sword that belonged to Napoleon in Paris. But Díaz remains obsessed with the country he has left behind, watching in horror as the revolution that ousted him spirals down into a bloodbath that takes even his nemesis, Francisco Madero. The title of the novel sums up Díaz’s belief that he was Mexico’s savior and that the country could not possibly survive without him. Although fixated on returning and in denial about his decaying health (“I don’t use a cane to lean on but to walk straighter”), he only half-heartedly supports his own relatives’ fight against the revolutionaries. In his last days, terrified to die outside of Mexico, he receives the otherworldly visits of his mother, colleague-turned-enemy Benito Juárez, and even Madero himself. He then turns his diary into a self-trial, declaring himself “guilty” of charges that are never clear. Mexican author Palou’s exploration of the dictator’s mind is persuasive, but it feels like only a preliminary sketch of the definitive “Porfirio Díaz novel” that remains to be written. Recommended for large fiction collections.—Carlos Rodríguez Martorell, East Elmhurst, NY
NONFICTION
Romper una canción. Así se escribió el disco Vinagre y Rosas, de Joaquín Sabina.
(To Break a Song: How the Record Vinagre y Rosas, by Joaquín Sabina, Was Written)
Prado, Benjamín.
Mexico: Aguilar: Santillana. 2010. 223p. ISBN 978-607-11-0398-7. pap. $16.99. MEMOIR/MUSIC
Once, when Spanish novelist and poet Prado was feeling down after a breakup, his old friend (and iconic singer-songwriter) Joaquín Sabina tapped into his hard luck, offering him a straightforward proposition. “I live in a domestic happiness that makes it impossible for any verse to come out; but you are beaten, and that’s a gold mine. I suggest that I take advantage of your misfortunes and we go somewhere to write songs against your ex….” That terrifying and tempting offer sent the two off to Prague. They started writing the first song, “Embustera” (“Liar”), on the plane. Ten days and five songs later, Vinagre y Rosas—Sabina’s latest record—was conceived. This lively, funny, and insightful chronicle of how the songs were written, and meticulously rewritten, in Prague, Madrid, and the island of Rota, will fascinate the millions of Sabina fans. In a conversational tone, “Benja” shares hilarious anecdotes, spills details of the singer’s personality and habits, and exposes the creative process that shaped each song. They tease each other constantly and celebrate every great verse with the same silly dance that makes everyone in the bar in Prague think they are gay. They don’t care. Not surprisingly, this chronicle is also a celebration of their friendship. “I wasn’t so much depressed about having lost her as I was about the many things I was forced to lose in order to keep her,” confesses Benja in the beginning of the book. By the end, the spirit of that woman, known to the readers as “Virgen de la Amargura” (“Madonna of Bitterness”), has been exorcised. A fun and relevant title for bookstores and collections with pop culture material.—Ximena Diego, Brooklyn, NY
Nueva gramática de la lengua española. Manual.
(New Grammar of the Spanish Language: Manual)
Real Academia Española & Asociación de Academias de la Lengua Española.
Mexico: Real Academia Española & Espasa: Planeta. 2010. 1038p. index. ISBN 978-607-07-0360-7. pap. $19.95. REFERENCE
The 22 academies that make up the Real Academia Española, based in nearly every single Spanish-speaking country worldwide, have put forth this new Spanish-language grammar guide—a far more accessible and user-friendly manual than the far more extensive and sometimes overwhelming two-volume hardcover from which it is drawn. The text is presented in more of an outline format, with layout following The Chicago Manual of Style: chapters are divided into sections, denoted by a period (such as 8.3), and then into subsections with further periods (8.3.2). More than a style manual, the Nueva gramática is the Spanish-language equivalent of Words into Type. To conserve space, the editors have opted to use fewer charts and tables, although readers can look forward to some in this edition. Spanish speakers of any background can also find grammatical analyses on a range of nuanced points. For example, the use of usted (the formal you) is discussed not only from a standard grammatical viewpoint but also from the cultural viewpoints of certain Central and South American countries. Strongly recommended for linguists, grammarians, and lay readers alike, as it offers something for everyone, as well as public and academic libraries and bookstores.—Vivian Gomez, Sunnyside, NY
Historia de las sociedades secretas.
(History of the Secret Societies)
Calle, Ramiro.
Spain: Hojas de luz: Sirio. 2010. 394p. bibliog. ISBN 978-84-96595-28-6. pap. $16.95. NEW AGE
Written by a Spanish scholar proficient in the Eastern traditions, this introductory book describes general characteristics (origin, location, and major protagonists) of what the author calls “the most significant spiritual and esoteric movements” of our times. Each given a single chapter, these movements were chosen because they stress the quest for transformation, internal freedom, and transcendental truth and seek to preserve mystical knowledge through rituals of initiation. The choices are not organized with a specific time frame or geographical location in mind: Greece, Egypt, India; the Templars, the Gnostics, the Alchemists; as well as Christian Science and even George Gurdjieff flow together in the text. Some of the introductory paragraphs for each chapter include broad assumptions and dramatic language, but the bibliographies are helpful and point to other sources that go into more details. The book reads like a quick reference text. Recommended for public libraries with a spiritual or esoteric collection.—Angela Lang, New York
Una autobiografía soterrada.
(A Hidden Autobiography)
Pitol, Sergio.
Mexico: Almadía. 2010. 134p. photogs. ISBN 978-607-411-038-8. pap. $18.95. ESSAYS
A national treasure who has influenced the likes of Jorge Volpi and Roberto Bolaño, Pitol has led an exceptional life. Orphaned as a toddler in the 1930s, he read like mad while bedridden till nearly his teens; served decades in the diplomatic corps, working mostly in the Eastern Bloc; translated great literature from Polish, Russian, and English into Spanish; and bloomed gradually as a fiction writer, winning critical acclaim that culminated in 2005 with the Premio Cervantes, the most prestigious prize in Spanish-language letters. This volume of six short sections comprising journal entries, essays, and an interview with lifelong friend Carlos Monsiváis—the duly revered Mexican cultural critic—gathers rich insights into what has shaped Pitol’s ever-evolving approach to his craft and his development as a human being. A journal kept while undergoing recent medical treatment in Cuba becomes a springboard for fabulous reminiscences about his first visit to the island as a youth. Other entries include analysis of the techniques and memes that guide his novels and an explanation of how they were created. This book catalogs the amazing range of authors whom he credits as influences; clearly, the man has cultivated an encyclopedic knowledge of world literature. Yet Pitol writes of all this in an airy, nonpedantic way: he seems to feel that it was his privilege to have had the chance to live and to read widely in such places as the USSR, Hungary, France, and Poland. The book is peppered with a half-dozen photos of Pitol at various stages of his life. A delightful read for students of literature; recommended for libraries and general bookstores.—Bruce Jensen, Kutztown Univ. Lib., PA
Fiction
La cúpula.
(Under the Dome)
King, Stephen.
tr. by Roberto Falcó Miramontes & Laura Manero. U.S.: Vintage español: Random House. 2010. 1136p. ISBN 978-0-307-74112-7. pap. $19.99. FICTION
A small Maine town is enclosed one October morning by an impermeable bell jar of unknown origin. Within this pressure cooker, the petty differences and power struggles of village life are magnified and accelerated. Opposing camps develop, one headed by Big Jim Rennie, the Second Selectman, and the other by Dale Barbara, a drifting Iraq vet who was nearly out of town when the Dome fell. The characters are well rounded and interesting while retaining the familiar appeal that has drawn and kept King fans for decades. [Recommended for all popular fiction collections and bookstores.—Ed.] [LJ 9/1/09.]
Eclipse.
Meyer, Stephanie.
tr. by José Miguel Pallarés. Spain/U.S.: Punto de lectura: Santillana. 2010. 636p. ISBN 978-1616050931. pap. $11.99. FICTION
In Meyer’s third title in her popular vampire series, Edward and Bella are back and the sexual tension between them has grown even stronger as Bella prepares to graduate from high school and enter into her new life as a vampire. But what about her longtime close friend Jacob (a werewolf)? How can she choose between him and Edward, and what will happen if, and when, she does? Ilyana Kadushin skillfully brings Bella to life, sharing her struggle to decide between her love for Edward and her friendship for Jacob, while striving to maintain the peace between the vampire Cullens and the werewolf Blacks. The narration easily distinguishes between characters. Fans of Meyer’s previous titles will enjoy this one. [SLJ 10/07.]
Sepulcro.
(Sepulchre)
Mosse, Kate.
tr. by Miguel Martínez-Lage. Spain/U.S.: Punto de lectura: Santillana. 2010. 777p. ISBN 978-84-66323-84-0. pap. $14.99. FICTION
Mosse’s latest novel about love and obsession smoothly alternates between historical viewpoints. First off is 1891 Paris, where young Léonie Vernier idolizes her older brother Anatole. Unbeknownst to her, Anatole hides many secrets, including his connection to the dangerously insane Victor Constant. Meanwhile, in the present day, Meredith Martin visits France ostensibly to work on her biography of Debussy; her true agenda is to investigate her own ancestors. She quickly gets caught up in a mystery concerning the death of a local hotel owner. Toss in a mystical set of tarot cards, a haunted mausoleum, an old photograph…and you have a charming, if slow-paced, tale. Mosse’s careful descriptions of the French countryside, local cuisine, and her smatterings of French and Occitan phrases make this novel both an engaging travelog and a romantic mystery. Recommended for public libraries. [LJ 2/1/08.]
Nonfiction
Me siento mal y no sé por qué. Prevención, diagnosis y tratamiento de la candidiasis.
(I Don’t Feel Well and I Don’t Know Why: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Candidiasis)
Besson, Philippe-Gaston.
tr. by Caterina Berthelot. Spain: Robin Book, dist. by IPG. 2009. 173p. ISBN 978-84-7927-972-1. pap. $17.95. ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
The author, a Swiss physician, feels that chronic Candida albicans (or yeast) infection is the cause of fatigue, weight gain, digestive disturbances, headaches, and more. He offers information about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this condition, noting that it is more common in women, and suggests a strict diet that eliminates sugars, refined flour and breads made with yeast, dairy, citrus fruits and melons, and alcohol. He also recommends many dietary supplements and colon cleansing. Although chronic yeast infection is often targeted by proponents of alternative therapies, there are no evidence-based studies to support the diagnosis proposed here. Eliminating sugar and white flour from the diet will make most people feel better because they will lose weight and consume more healthy whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, but these people do not have chronic yeast infections, which afflict those with compromised immune systems. Recommended only for libraries and bookstores with popular sections on alternative health.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA
La dieta del genotipo. El nuevo plan para adelgazar y vivir más.
(The GenoType Diet: How To Slim Down and Live Longer).
D’adamo, Peter with Catherine Whitney.
tr. by Marc Barrobés. Spain: Zeta Bolsillo: Ediciones B, dist. by Spanish Pubs. 2010. 418p. index. ISBN 978-84-9872-357-1. pap. $14.95. HEALTH
Naturopath D’Adamo takes his type-specific diet and health plan (Eat Right 4Your Type) beyond blood types, telling readers that they can reprogram genetic responses to lose weight, avoid disease, and age well. He describes six GenoTypes—hunter, gatherer, teacher, explorer, warrior, and nomad—and provides lists of foods and exercises that are beneficial for each. He also tells readers that they do not need tests to determine their GenoType. They can use a combination of fingerprints, family history, and body measurements, such as arm and leg length and dental characteristics. He also directs them to his web site (in English only) for recipes, diet, and exercise plans, and the purchase of GenoType test kits. There is a resource list, also mostly in English. Despite the lack of scientific evidence for his plan, D’Adamo is a very popular author, so purchase this for demand.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA
El lenguage de amor y respeto. Descifra el código de la comunicación con tu cónyuge.
(The Language of Love and Respect: How To Crack the Communication Code with Your Spouse)
Eggerichs, Emerson.
tr. by Grupo Nivel Uno, Inc. U.S.: Grupo Nelson. 2010. 306p. ISBN 978-1-60255-379-8. pap. $22.99. SPIRITUALITY/RELATIONSHIPS
Minister and public speaker Eggerichs, founder of the Love and Respect Ministries, developed his theory of “Love and Respect” through his work with couples. Simply stated, he found that men wish to be shown respect and women wish to be shown love, a difference that influences how a couple can communicate—or fail to communicate—with each other. The book begins by providing background in Eggerichs’s theory of communication, then discusses cycles of craziness that can occur when couples don’t communicate effectively—and the energy and satisfaction that can occur when they do. Highlighted throughout are scripts for conversations and real examples of how this theory works. Though the text is clearly written and well researched, it has some serious drawbacks. Eggerich does not take into account the complexity of communication and compromise in any relationship and also fails to consider many facts of modern life: men are not always the sole providers. Today, many women work outside of the home and often earn more than their spouses. A man is not expected to “lay down his life” for his woman, and women now participate in a decision-making process within a marriage and don’t automatically submit to a husband’s choices. Recommended for church bookstores and for popular spirituality collections.—Marie St. Pierre, Thornton, Colorado
Come, reza, ama. El viaje de una mujer por Italia, India e Indonesia en busca del equilibrio entre cuerpo y espíritu.
(Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia.)
Gilbert, Elizabeth.
tr. by Gabriela Bustelo. Spain/U.S.: Aguilar: Santillana. 2010. 350p. ISBN 978-1616052218. pap. $17.99. MEMOIRS
An interest in the human condition is the common thread that ties together Gilbert’s diverse body of work. In her new work, she continues her exploration of the human psyche through a very personal journey of self-discovery in three countries: Italy, India, and Indonesia. In Italy, her first escape, she devours the food and the melodic language with equal gusto. In India, she decamps to an ashram to learn the intense discipline prayer and spiritual pilgrimage require, in the process revealing the depths to be found in reflection, meditation, and historical teachings. In Indonesia, she generates strong friendships and gains insight into homeopathic medicines, healing, and the complexities of different cultures. Throughout, she candidly shares her observations and emotions as she grows from a woman shattered, lost, and confused to one rejuvenated, confident, and in love. A probing, thoughtful title with a free and easy style, this work seamlessly blends history and travel for a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended. [LJ 1/06]
La última lucha de Lenin. Discursos y escritos, 1922–23.
(Lenin’s Final Fight: Speeches and Writings, 1922–23)
Lenin, Valdimir Ilyich.
tr. by NA. U.S.: Pathfinder. 2010. 404p. ISBN 978-1-60488-026-7. pap. $20. ESSAYS
In October 1917, the Bolsheviks seized control of the Russian government, and the country veered into civil war. As leader of the Bolsheviks, Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, better known as Lenin, headed the fledgling Soviet state. In May 1922, however, he Lenin suffered the first of three major strokes, the most severe occurring in March 1923. This stroke left him severely physically and mentally handicapped and led to his death in January 1924. The documents found here, which include most of the speeches and writings he produced at the time, demonstrate his struggle to maintain ideological control over the revolutionary government. Originally published in 1997 (also by Pathfinder Press), this edition has essentially no changes beyond a new and informative introduction written by Jack Barnes and Steve Clark. Recommended for large academic collections with a scholarly Spanish-speaking clientele.—Mark L. Grover, Brigham Young Univ., Provo, Utah
Noética.
(Living Deeply: The Art and Science of Transformation in Everyday Life)
Mandala Schlitz, Marilyn, et al.
tr. by NA. Mexico: Martinez Roca: Planeta. 2010. 288p. ISBN 978-84-270-3620-8. pap. $22.95. RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY/SELF-HELP
In this ambitious and fascinating book, the authors present the conclusions of a ten-year investigation at the Institute of Noetic Sciences on the power and potential of human consciousness and its possibilities for positive transformation. Using a comparative and scientific method that reaches through 50 in-depth interviews with teachers and masters of the world's spiritual and religious traditions and hundreds of systematically surveyed stories, the authors highlight common elements within these diverse approaches to create a map that explores experiences of achieving and sustaining personal transformation. Each chapter ends with a summary and exercises that help the readers question the way they experience and view the world and embrace change. The language is easy to understand, and the style blends scientific and mystical terms with mastery. Recommended for public libraries with a psychology collection and a mysticism collection.—Angela Lang, New York
El poder de las relaciones. Qué hacen las personas eficaces para relacionarse.
(Everyone Communicates, Few Connect).
Maxwell, John C.
tr. by Redactores en red. U.S.: Grupo Nelson. 2010. 273p. ISBN 978-1-60255-3095. pap. $14.99. SELF-HELP/MOTIVATIONAL
Author, speaker, and leadership expert Maxwell seeks to catalyze readers’ latent potential to become highly effective and influential leaders and expert communicators who deftly establish connection with their listeners. He refutes the idea that identifying with others is an innate ability, arguing instead that it is a skill one can develop by directing one’s attention toward others and connecting enthusiastically with what they see, hear, feel, and understand. Maxwell also identifies the various practices, from self-deprecating humor to projecting confidence, exhibited by those who are adept at socializing and public speaking. The result is a pithy, practical manual with grounded examples and folksy anecdotes and quotations. Each chapter ends with bullet-point advice about how to employ the particular principle in three contexts: one to one, in a group, and in an auditorium. While much of this material is basic (“Find common ground,” “Speak more about the other than yourself”) and has been covered more extensively elsewhere (e.g., in Sonya Hamlin’s essential How To Talk So People Listen), Maxwell is adept at drawing the reader in and maintaining attention. This is an excellent starting point for public speaking neophytes but would be of much use to those who are more seasoned. Recommended for bookstores and public libraries where motivational books are popular.—Carolyn Kost, Stevenson Sch. Lib., Pebble Beach, CA
Manipulados. Un ganster económico revela por qué la economía mundial se ha venido abajo y qué hacer para rehacerla.
(Hoodwinked: An Economic Hit Man Reveals Why the World Financial Markets Imploded—and What We Need To Do To Remake Them)
Perkins, John Perkins.
tr. by Javier Fernández de Castro. Spain: Tendencias: Urano. 2009. 287p. ISBN 978-84-936961-2-2. pap. $21.95. CURRENT AFFAIRS
Perkins, once chief economist of a major consulting firm and a longtime self-confessed “economic hit man who sought advantages for American corporations worldwide—lays bare the intricacies and interconnections among multinationals, international entities, and the U.S. government. Now a concerned citizen of the world, Perkins wants ordinary people to understand the larger powers at work that have led to a variety of natural and human-made disasters. To this end, he has become involved with helping indigenous communities and “green” causes. A New York Times best seller in its original English, Perkins’s book is slick. The author gives some historical perspective to the present economic situation and also incorporates a lot of firsthand experience to illustrate how even well-educated individuals like himself can be “hoodwinked” into playing along with the system. To some, the text’s geographical and chronological hopscotching (e.g., from the 1953 coup in Iran, which eventually led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution) and mention of lesser-known examples of multinationals’ ethical and financial irresponsibility in Third World countries (e.g., by Exxon/Mobile in Ecuador) may be confusing. Nonetheless, it’s an eye-opener, showing that we do not live in pockets but are interconnected, bound together by events and decisions that happen far from our borders. Recommended for all libraries and bookstores, especially those concentrating on current events.—Catherine Rendón, Savannah, GA
El gran cambio. Creando un nuevo mundo para el 2012 y más allá.
(The Great Shift: Co-creating a New World for 2012 and Beyond)
Vallée, Martine, ed.
tr. by Antonio Cutanda. Spain: Obelisco, dist. by Spanish Pubs. 2010. 265p. ISBN 978-84-9777-613-4. pap. $25.95. NEW AGE
In contrast to the lugubrious apocalyptic hype regarding the year 2012, the year that the Mayan calendar is said to end, the sages in this book acknowledge that a shift is coming but that it will be largely a positive one that could result in deeper spirituality and interdimensional understanding. Each of the three parts of this book represents a different aspect of channeling, which entails an individual receiving messages of cosmic significance from a being that occupies a different plane of existence. In Part 1, Lee Carroll channels Kryon, who states that spirituality will become more integrated into life, that peace in the Middle East will become reality, and that Lightworkers, those on the spiritual path who labor to create a better world, will be sustained as they continue and expand their work. Through Tom Kenyon in Part 2, the Hathors and Mary Magdalene affirm the return of the feminine divine and greater balance of male and female energies. The High Council of Sirius, channeled by Patricia Cori and featured in Part 3, discuss crop circles, crystal skulls, and extraterrestrial visitors. This is an optional purchase for bookstores featuring large esoterica collections for devoted New Age clientele.—Carolyn Kost, Stevenson Sch. Lib., Pebble Beach, CA
1,001 remedios de medicina china. La sabaduría tradicional puesta al servicio de la curación.
(1,001 Chinese Medicine Remedies: Ancient Wisdom Used for Healing).
Wang, Lihua.
tr. by Francesc Navarro Fãbrega. Spain: Robin Book, dist. by IPG. 2009. 293p. ISBN 978-84-9917-008-4. pap. $29.95. HEALTH
Chinese medicine is an ancient practice with roots in Taoist philosophy. Wang, an acupuncturist trained in classical Chinese medicine who has been a visiting scholar at the Kaiser Permanent Research Center and a teacher at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, presents a basic overview of traditional Chinese therapeutic techniques for lay readers. Originally published in English as Chinese Home Remedies, this book provides simple instructions for using Chinese herbs, diet therapy, moxibustion, and practicing acupressure massage, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi. After an introduction to the techniques, the author provides an alphabetical list of common conditions and recommendations for using Chinese medicine to treat them. She encourages readers to consult a physician and follow his or her recommendations for treatment while integrating Chinese therapies where appropriate. This is an excellent book for alternative health collections in public and consumer health libraries serving Spanish speakers.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA
La naturaleza del liderazgo. Reptiles, mamíferos y el reto de convertirse en un gran líder.
(The Nature of Leadership: Reptiles, Mammals, and the Challenge of Becoming a Great Leader)
White, B. Joseph.
tr. by Rolando Cartaya. U.S.: Grupo Nelson. 2010. 213p. appendix. ISBN 978-1-60255-290-6. pap. $14.99. BUSINESS
This book is a basic introduction to the qualities, skills, and abilities needed to become an excellent leader. White uses the characteristics of reptiles and mammals to illustrate the leadership dichotomy—the need for a leader to balance the hard, disciplined, and analytical side with the gentler, flexible, and more humane side. An excellent leader, he says, is someone who successfully incorporates characteristics of both to accomplish big, transcendental changes in the organization. Compact and simply written, it features lots of personal stories from White’s corporate experience and examples of leadership challenges from the political and business worlds. In particular, Chapters 6 and 7 are filled with practical information for the leader-to-be and the appendix includes a self-assessment tool. A fine book, but readers should know that White served as president of the University of Illinois from 2004 to 2009, when he voluntarily resigned after an admissions scandal concerning the admission of politically connected applicants over more qualified ones at the Urbana-Champaign campus. White will continue as a professor of business and leadership at Urbana-Champaign; his classes on ethics and leadership will probably fill up quickly from now on. Recommended for public, academic, and special libraries with large business sections, as well as general bookstores.—Yolanda J. Cuesta, MultiCultural Consulting, Sacramento, CA
NEW TO THE MARKET
Nonfiction
Le Cordon Bleu. 1,026 recetas de cocina internacional.
(Le Cordon Bleu: 1,026 International Cuisine Recipes)
Rodríguez Fischer, Cristina & María Dolores Campoy Blanco, eds.
tr. by Ana María Pérez Martínez. Spain: Blume, dist. by IPG. 2008. 576p. photogs. ISBN 978-84-9801-037-4. $29.95 COOKING
The world-renowned Cordon Bleu cooking school is famous for its signature cookbooks featuring detailed instructions with accompanying photographs. This comprehensive recipe collection goes a step further and dedicates an entire section to selecting the right cooking utensils, eating sensibly, and avoiding bacterial contamination while cooking. Each of the 16 recipe sections covers a different meal category and opens with basic tips and techniques on everything from selecting and cleaning shellfish to getting the right liquid/dry ratio when cooking different varieties of rice. As for the recipes, the editors present a kaleidoscopic array of truly global cuisine. The grains and legumes section alone features recipes for Spanish paella, Italian risottos, New Orleans Jambalaya, and North African couscous, among other international dishes. Although some recipes are suited for novice cooks, most require at least some mastery of cooking basics. Conspicuously absent is a metric/U.S. conversion chart, which presents a challenge considering that the metric system is used in measuring all ingredients, and oven temperatures are listed in Celsius or on the ¼-to-ten-point gas-oven scale commonly used in Europe. The abundance of conversion tables from other sources, however, minimizes the issue. Recommended for bookstores and public libraries.—Pamela Corante, Los Angeles
Los otros niños del pijama de rayas. Los ángeles del holocausto.
(The Other Boys in the Striped Pajamas: The Angels of the Holocaust)
López de Casenave, Licia.
Spain: Robin Book, dist. by IPG. 2009. 188p. bibliog. glossary. photogs. ISBN 978-84-936981-3-3. pap. $18.95. WORLD HISTORY
In this well-researched compendium about the children of the Holocaust, Argentine writer López de Casenave recounts the internment of Jewish and other children during World War II. By relying on interviews, testimonies, and the diaries of children—while also reviewing the existing body of work on the subject—the author offers some sobering realities about the extent of Nazi brutality against children. This book—whose title is a riff on Irish writer John Boyne’s novel, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, about a boy during the Holocaust—is broken into three compact chapters, each interspersed with photographs of interned children and concentration camps. Whereas others have focused exclusively on the plight of Jewish children, López de Casenave also sheds some much-needed light on the experience of children interned because of their parents’ religious beliefs or political affiliations or because of their own physical disabilities. Such was the case of the Stojka clan, a gypsy family of Catholic persuasion torn apart after the annexation of Austria. The author does well to include the portraits of people like Irena Sendlerowa, a Polish woman who joined Zegota, a clandestine organization that aided Jews during the German occupation of Poland. These stories of survival, hardship, and tragedy are bookended by a brief but thorough guide of major events and key players and a detailed time line, bibliography, and glossary. Recommended for libraries with a World War II and/or Holocaust collection.—Michael Sosa, Brooklyn, NY
Apreciar el arte. Entender, interpretar y disfrutar de las obras.
(Appreciating Art)
Newall, Diana.
tr. by Maria Verdaguer Mata. Spain: Blume, dist. by IPG. 2009. 192p. ISBN 978-84-9801-362-7. pap. $14.95. ART
The art world can be intimidating. The visual language is complex, the history is rich, and the attitudes can at times feel exclusionary. Here, Newall helps the neophyte understand the historical context of the art, appreciate its significance, and, most importantly, enjoy its beauty. The book is divided in major genres, such as the nude, the portrait, still life, and landscape. Each chapter addresses the subject matter chronologically, following basic growth and trends. The text is rich with visual examples, and sidebars provide key information on vocabulary and technique. The final chapter touches on contemporary arts, but overall the text sticks to painting in the Western canon from the 14th to 20th centuries.. One of the consequences of art appreciation is a greater understanding of the scope of history, and the strength of this book is that it cross-references movements and time periods, allowing readers to learn quite a bit about the various historical periods and gain a greater grasp of the interconnectedness among art, history, and daily life. Very informative yet accessible; highly recommended for public and school libraries, as well as general bookstores.—Laura Torres, Somerville, MA
Cocinar mejor. Más de 500 utensilios, 100 recetas y técnicas paso apaso.
(Better Cooking. More Than 500 Tools, 100 Recipes and Techniques)
McFadden, Christine.
tr. by Margarita Gutiérrez Manuel. Spain: Blume, dist. by IPG. 2009. 335p. photogs. ISBN 978-84-8076-811-5. $24.95. COOKING
Culinary author and former Guild of Food Writers vice president McFadden presents a comprehensive, richly photographed manual for selecting and using cooking tools and electronic kitchen devices. The utensils, ranging from the ordinary to the esoteric, comprise everything from garden-variety bowls and measuring spoons to the Danish aebleskiver pan and a falafel press. Divided into 13 sections according to cooking technique—e.g., cutting and peeling, braising and stewing, measuring and weighing—the book includes a primer on the pros and cons of preparing food with various metals and other materials and a listing of the manufacturers whose products are featured. Culinary all-stars Jamie Oliver and Jill Dupleix, among others, share recipes for dishes as simple as a banana-cardamom smoothie to more involved creations, such as homemade tortellini. Accompanying each recipe is a list of the utensils needed to prepare the dish. With clear, step-by-step instructions on using culinary tools for fundamental techniques like trussing a chicken and deglazing a pan, the book would prove most useful to budding and hobbyist cooks. Those with more advanced skills may find the information too basic. Highly recommended for bookstores and public libraries.—Pamela Corante, Los Angeles
