2005 Staff Picks Book Reviews
Sixpence
House by Paul Collins (Reviewed by Elisabeth)
Non-Fiction
002 COL
Paul Collins relates his adventures as he, his wife, and toddler
son move from San Francisco to Hay-on-Wye, Wales. In this "Town
of Books", Paul tries to finish his first novel, find a place
to live where the houses are hundreds of years old, and wade through
his "job" sorting through hundreds of books of all types,
titles, and states of decay in one of 50 bookstores in a town of
only 1,500 inhabitants. Charming, witty, and insightful, Sixpence
House is a book for bibliophiles written by a man who loves books
so much that he took his own library of two...or was it three?...thousand
books with him when he moved!
Broken
for You by Stephanie Kallos (Reviewed by Heather)
Fiction
F KAL
In Kallos’s first novel a family is formed, but not in the
traditional sense. This is the story of Margaret, seventy years
old and living alone in her Seattle mansion, which is full of antique
porcelain treasures. She soon takes in a boarder, Wanda, who is
30-something and desperately searching for her ex-boyfriend. Both
characters are “broken” and are joined by other quirky
and delightful “broken” characters. More surprises are
unveiled concerning the origin of the antique porcelain. It is then
that redemption begins for more people and in more ways than one.
Heir
to a Silent Song: Two Rebel Women of Nepal by Barbara Nimri
Aziz (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Non-Fiction
305.42 AZI
A donation from our sister library in Dharan, Nepal, this book provides
the history of two strong women, each of whom agitated in her own
way for equal rights for the poor, women, girls, and low caste people.
Both were from Eastern Nepal where Dharan was one of the largest
cities. Yogamaya was a yogi and ascetic who led social protests
for justice and people’s rights, and for laws that were not
governed by Hindu religious dictates; she died in 1940. Durga Devi
fought for human rights in the courts through accepted legal procedures,
and died in 1983. The stories of the accomplishments of these remarkable
women are all but expunged from Nepali history, as neither woman
was a favorite of the governments against which they protested.
This is an inspirational account of struggles of ordinary people
to gain their rights.
Luna
by Julie Anne Peters (Reviewed by Teresa)
Young Adult Fiction
YA PET
This is a unique book that I had to read in one sitting because
I could not put it down. The narrator is the sister (Regan) of a
boy (Liam) who knows he is actually a girl in a boy’s body.
This book does an excellent job of showing the feelings of these
siblings as Liam struggles to become the woman he wants to be, Luna.
The flashbacks to telling incidents as they are growing up help
to complete this story of “transitioning” as a transgender.
This book is on the “2005 YALSA Best Books for Young Adults”
list.
The
Blood-Dimmed Tide by Rennie Airth (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Mystery & Historical Fiction
F AIR
The author of River of Darkness returns in this chilling murder
mystery set in 1932 post-World War I England, on the brink of World
War II. He reprises the main characters: now former (and older)
Scotland Yard Inspector John Madden, Chief Inspector Angus Sinclair,
and several others as they attempt to find the brutal killer of
young girls in Madden’s home area and abroad. The psychological
portrait of the killer emerges in detail in this gripping police
procedural. Never a dull moment in this long-awaited novel.
Pretty
Birds by Scott Simon (Reviewed by Trish)
Fiction
F SIM
Pretty Birds, written by NPR journalist Scott Simon, is a poignant
coming of age story with a heartbreaking twist. Irena Zaric is a
rising seventeen-year-old Sarajaven basketball star who is more
interested in American pop culture than in her schoolwork. On the
eve of her district basketball finals, Irena, her parents and her
African parrot, Pretty Bird, are thrust into the violent nightmare
of war. Brutalized and forced from their home by Serbian Christian
thugs, they escape to the “Muslim” section of the city
where they struggle to survive the three and a half year siege of
Sarajevo. Irena becomes the bread-winner of the family when she
makes the difficult decision to work as a sniper for the military,
shooting at “targets” on the other side where her basketball
coach and best friends now live. I was haunted by the compelling
descriptions in this book about the destruction of the Olympic venues,
which only seven years earlier had been the site of the 1984 Winter
Olympic Games. Simon, who covered the war for NPR, informs us about
the realities of this war—the religious bigotry of the Serbs
and the total ineffectiveness of the UN peacekeepers. He captures
the true cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit in this
compelling story.
The
Skeleton Man by Tony Hillerman (Reviewed by Linda)
Mystery Fiction
F HIL
In classic Tony Hillerman style, The Skeleton Man blends information
about Navajo culture, religion and customs with a mystery to be
solved. This time a historic plane crash promises lost diamonds
and a chance for a woman to prove the paternity of her wealthy father.
Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are once again brought together to solve
the case. Skeleton Man differs from Hillerman’s other stories
with its inclusion of Hopi customs, culture and religion. Hillerman’s
descriptions of scenery and places on the reservation help readers
to imagine the beauty and vastness of this picturesque area.
Eleven
on Top by Janet Evanovich (Reviewed by Juli)
Fiction
F EVA
The usual outrageous characters, exploding cars, scary situations
and heated romantic entanglements make this, the eleventh in the
Stephanie Plum series, another winner. It’s a good idea to
start with the first title (One for the Money) as the characters
continue to develop with each novel. Caution: these books will make
you laugh out loud at 2 a.m. and awaken anyone sleeping near you.
A
Long Stay in a Distant Land by Chieh Chieng (Reviewed by Teresa)
Domestic Fiction
F CHI
This first-time author has a great career ahead of him and I will
definitely be looking for his next book. A Long Stay in a Distant
Land follows three generations of the Lum family; their accidental
deaths, marriages, and child-rearing. Louis believes there is a
death curse on his family because his grandfather killed Nazis during
the war. When his uncle appears to be missing he travels to Hong
Kong to find him and to make his grandmother happy. One of the best
parts of this book is following the quick-witted dialog between
the family members. After all, there are some things that can only
be said to family. To quote the Lum’s, read it “you’re
not inventing Benadryl”.
Oh
My Stars by Lorna Landvik (Reviewed by Heather)
Historical Fiction
F LAN
The year is 1937 and Violet Mathers, tall and homely, has had a
rough 18 years. Her mother deserted her, her father hates her and
she has lost her arm in a car accident. Violet leaves her Kentucky
home for the Golden Gate Bridge, where she plans to jump and end
her life. She makes it as far as North Dakota, where her bus breaks
down and her life changes forever. She is taken in by a local family
with a handsome son, Kjel, who aspires to be musician. Violet becomes
a savvy manager for the Pearltones, a rock band formed by Kjel and
his guitar playing friend, Austin, and Austin's ex-con brother,
Dallas. They travel the country together and create quite a stir,
as Austin and Dallas are black. The times are pre rock n' roll and
color lines have not been crossed. Landvik is a wonderful storyteller
and offers wonderful surprises for the reader.
The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
(Reviewed by Leslie)
Fiction
F HAD
A murder mystery of sorts, told from the point of view of Christopher,
a 15 year-old autistic boy, with all his quirks and unique way of
thinking. Christopher wants to find out who killed his neighbor’s
dog with a pitchfork. He decides to solve the crime and write a
book about it. While investigating, he uncovers secrets involving
his own family. His adventure moves from detecting, into a suspenseful
coming of age story. The writing is simple and unadorned but far
from boring.
Sellevision
by Augusten Burroughs (Reviewed by Jill)
Fiction
F BUR
Burroughs’ freshman fiction novel is a satire on the home
shopping network industry. Following the lives of the anchors on
the Sellevision network, Burroughs weaves a story of tragedy, insanity,
and revenge. This book, which has been optioned for a movie, is
a quick read that leaves you wanting more.
You
Can’t Win by Jack Black (Reviewed by Dave)
Autobiography
B BLACK
You Can’t Win is a page turner, where you find yourself concerned
for the criminal’s welfare instead of the good guy’s.
The criminal is Jack Black and this book is the autobiography of
his professional life of crime. Safe cracking, home invasion, hop
joints and more, this cult classic is a fascinating look at late
19th century underground.
Middlesex
by Jeffrey Eugenides (Reviewed by Jill)
Fiction
F EUG
The second novel by The Virgin Suicides author follows a family
bred within itself and the pain and triumph that results. When the
main character of the novel discovers that her grandparents’
marriage has transferred a rare gene, the drama quickly becomes
apparent. The novel is deep, revealing, and painful, as you follow
a family’s plight.
People
in the ‘People’s War’ by Centre for Investigative
Journalism (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Non-Fiction
954.9 PEO
This book was donated by our Sister Library in Dharan, Nepal. For
the first time in English, these true stories written by 10 Nepalese
journalists, many published previously in the Nepalese press, depict
the problems and issues of a variety of ordinary people. Stories
discuss such issues as the origins of the insurgency; ethnic autonomy;
school students being abducted, many disappearing; the thousands
of other students going abroad to study; the effects on porters
and hence tourism; violence against women and children; the financing
of the ‘People’s War’; etc. Nepal and its people
are in a sad state, and these stories clearly depict this.
Running
with Scissors: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs (Reviewed by Jill)
Biography
B BURROUGHS
This book is a memoir of the twisted youth of a talented author.
Born into an unhappy marriage, Augusten is adopted by his mother’s
psychologist after she divorces. Honest and shocking at times, the
memoir draws you into the boy’s life and leaves you with a
desire to follow him into the future.
All
Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg (Reviewed by Linda)
Biography
B BRAGG
This touching and beautifully written memoir chronicles the childhood
to adult memories of New York Times columnist, Rick Bragg. Bragg’s
journey takes the reader from his impoverished childhood in rural
Alabama to the pinnacle of journalistic success as a New York Times
columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner. One theme which resonates throughout
the story is Bragg’s deep respect and appreciation for his
mother and the sacrifices she makes for her sons.
Lord
Krishna’s Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking
by Yamuna Devi (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Vegetarian Cookery
641.5636 DEV
Winner in 1986 (yes, 1986) of the 'International Cookbook of the
Year' award, this is a classic of Indian Vegetarian cooking. A favorite
in my kitchen, it has never failed to satisfy. With at least 500
recipes, this book has something for everyone except dedicated carnivores.
Vegetarianism has been an integral part of Indian cuisine for thousands
of years, so it is no surprise the dishes are tasty. The 'A to Z'
section contains general information about herbs, spices, spice
mixes, and various other ingredients used in Indian cooking, as
well as several recipes. The author, an American, describes in concise
language how to prepare the dishes, and the recipes are laid out
in a manner that is easy to follow. Some of the less common ingredients
may be found in Indian, Asian, and International grocery stores,
as well as by mail order.
No
God But God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam by
Reza Aslan (Reviewed by Yvonne)
History of Islam
297 ASL
This Iranian-American religious scholar explores the tumultuous
beginnings of this great religion in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad saw distinct theological differences between Islam and
the other monotheistic peoples of Judaism and Christianity, but
considered these three to be spiritual cousins. Scriptural/legal
scholars in subsequent centuries reversed many of Muhammad’s
social reforms, especially regarding Christianity and Judaism, and
women. Aslan discusses similarities among these three religions
and talks of their relatively peaceful coexistence during Muhammad’s
lifetime. In a very engaging and readable manner, he presents the
history of the formation of Islam as well as its major branches
– Shi‘ism, Sunnism, Sufism, and Wahhabism. This is a
very good overview of an important religion.
The
Winemaker’s Daughter: A Novel by Timothy Egan (Reviewed
by Teresa)
Fiction
F EGA
This novel is about water; hording, saving, sharing, buying, selling,
using, fish in streams, and fish in the ocean. Brunella Cartolano
lives in Seattle where she is trying to save a piece of the waterfront
from being developed. In Eastern Washington her father is fighting
to keep his vineyard alive during a severe drought while someone
appears to be buying up all of the water rights. When a forest fire
gets out of control and firefighters die; the investigation pulls
Brunella into the mystery that is all about water. This is a great
book that is about more than just the story.
In
The Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith (Reviewed
by Yvonne)
Fiction
F MCC
The 6th book in the series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency"
is filled with familiar beloved characters: Botswana sleuth and
detective agency founder Mma Precious Ramotswe; her assistant Mma
Grace Makutsi; her new husband and master mechanic Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni;
and several others. "We are only helping people find out things
they already know," states Mma Ramotswe, but now she finds
many challenging personal crises to deal with. Full of poetic descriptions
of Botswana, as well as sensible solutions to everyday problems,
this consistently delightful series is best read from the first
book through to the last. Traditionally built (ie, fat) Mma Ramotswe
is someone we would all like to have as a friend.
The
Middle Mind: Why Americans Don’t Think for Themselves
by Curtis White (Reviewed by David)
Social Sciences
306 WHI
In the Middle Mind, Curtis White proudly presents himself as an
example of the proper mind. It’s a mind that thinks critically
about culture: movies like “Saving Private Ryan” and
“Blue Velvet”, music like Radiohead, and subjects like
politics. So if you feel that you’re stuck in the “Middle
Mind” (although the right and left minds are necessarily better
alternatives), then you should read this book! It could change your
life, or, perhaps, your mind…*
*Book is not guaranteed to change mind or life and, in fact, probably
will not.
Skeletons
on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival by Dean King (Reviewed
by Yvonne)
Non-Fiction
916.48 KIN
A Connecticut merchant ship was shipwrecked in 1815 off the coast
of the Sahara Desert. Dean King compiled into this account the journals
of two who survived and returned to America. Captured and enslaved
by nomadic Arab tribesmen, the 12 men suffered abuse through rough
treatment, the elements, and inadequate water, food, clothing, and
shelter. Harrowing, unbelievable stories are presented of the seamen's
endurance of heatstroke, starvation, and cruelty at the hands of
their slave masters. Publication in 1817 of their plight as slaves
helped convince President Lincoln of the injustice of slavery. A
fascinating if horrific true story.
Small
Island by Andrea Levy (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Fiction
F LEV
Winner of two British literary honors: “The Orange Prize”,
and “The Whitbread Book of the Year Award”. In Small
Island, we see events unfold in the postwar England of 1948 from
the points of view of four of the characters, two Britons and two
Jamaican immigrants. As the paths of these people from two small
islands intersect, each struggles to find peace as their lives and
cultures collide. The Jamaicans are wide-eyed as they experience
unanticipated racial discrimination, while the British try (variously)
to live with the new black immigrant 'invaders'. An engaging book
with an unexpected conclusion.
Half
A Life by V. S. Naipaul (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Psychological Fiction
F NAI
Nobel laureate V. S. Naipaul blends autobiography and fiction in
a psychologically complex tale as he explores the “half lives”
of people brought up in European colonies but educated ‘abroad’
in metropolitan London. The protagonist, Indian-born Willie Somerset
Chandran, with no reliable sense of self, becomes a published author
in London. He marries a young woman from Portuguese colonial Mozambique,
moves with her to the plantation where her family lives, then spends
the next 18 years there, punctuated by many new and unexpected experiences.
This searing coming-of-age account is a novel of beautiful scenery,
poignant moments, and full of regrets, exploring the politics of
place and identity.
Me
& Emma by Elizabeth Flock (Reviewed by Paula)
Domestic Fiction
Call No. F FLO
This is a dark, sometimes heart wrenching tale told through the
eyes of Carrie, an eight year-old girl. Carrie details the life
she and her sister Emma live with their mother and step-father.
The story line is well written and pulls the reader in from the
beginning. The twist at the end will have you rereading parts of
the book.
The
Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd (Reviewed by Heather)
Adult Fiction
F KID
This is the story of the reawakening of Jessie Sullivan’s
soul. Jessie is a middle-aged mother and wife who travels to her
hometown on an island in South Carolina to care for her mother,
Nelle. She visits the monastery where her mother cooks for the monks
and where the mysterious Mermaid Chair resides. There Jessie meets
Brother Thomas, which only complicates her feelings about her already
stagnating marriage. The mystery and legend of the mermaid chair
play an important in the story, but it is the relationships between
characters that make the story fabulous. Nelle’s best friends,
Kat and Hepzibah add a sense of humor to the story as a mystery
from 30 years prior involving Jessie’s father’s death
unfolds. This novel is full of beautiful descriptive passages about
the area.
My
Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult (Reviewed by Teresa)
Domestic Fiction
F PIC
Anna was conceived as a donor for her sister. When Anna is thirteen
Kate needs one of Anna’s kidneys to survive. Anna chooses
to file for “medical emancipation” instead. Can a parent
decide what is best for all of their children when one is fighting
for her life? This is a great book about the moral and emotional
issues surrounding this current topic. Warning: Be prepared to cry!
Pen
Pals by Olivia Goldsmith (Reviewed by Mona)
Psychological Fiction
F GOL
Be prepared to burn the midnight oil as you enjoy this witty women’s
novel about a Wall Street whiz, Jennifer, who naively takes the
rap for her boss’s dubious business dealings, investment fraud.
The excitement of the charade soon turns into fear and disbelief
as Jennifer finds herself trading in her Armani and Prada attire
for an orange jumpsuit, her plush New York apartment for a cold
cement condo. Her candy coated expectations turn into harsh reality,
and Jennifer bands with cell mates to turn things around inside
and outside of the prison walls. Sound familiar to a story recently
in the news??? Guess who!!!
The
Secret Life of Bees: A Novel by Sue Monk Kidd (Reviewed by Heather)
Adult Fiction
F KID
Kidd tells the story of fourteen year-old Lily from South Carolina
who is on a quest for answers about her mother’s death and
so much more. Maternal loss and betrayal, guilt and forgiveness
entwine in a story that leads Lily to the single thing her heart
longs for most. The Secret Life of Bees is a wonderful story about
mothers and daughters and the wise, strong women in our lives that
teach us about love, life and family.
Bel
Canto: A Novel by Ann Patchett (Reviewed by Juli)
Psychological Fiction
F PAT
Art, politics, good, evil, love, opera and terrorism. The author
successfully weaves these elements into a complex and riveting story.
It will leave you with an urge to go directly to the Library in
search of other books by Ann Patchett.
Going
Postal: A Novel of Discworld by Terry Pratchett (Reviewed by
Juli)
Science Fiction
F PRA
Accidental hero, Moist Von Lipwig, barely escapes hanging by accepting
the job as Postmaster in the city of Ankh-Morpork. So begins this
hilarious, first class fantasy which should appeal to all ages.
Don’t let the Science Fiction label stop you.
Nights
of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy (Reviewed by Linda)
Psychological Fiction
F BIN
Once again Maeve Binchy expertly weaves together the life and stories
of a group of people who begin as complete strangers. In Nights
of Rain and Stars a group of tourists become acquainted in a small
restaurant when a local disaster takes place. Initially, Binchy
reveals just enough about each character to pique the interest of
the reader. As the story unfolds more information is divulged about
each of the unique and intriguing characters. The backdrop for the
story is a beautiful Greek island.
The
Egg Code: A Novel by Mike Heppner (Reviewed by David)
Psychological Fiction
F HEP
The Egg Code is a light-hearted, heavy-headed book about a group
of quirky characters whose lives are loosely interrelated around
an Internet router (that's a "very bad router") called
the Gloria 21169. One of these characters is Olden Field, who has
made it his mission to destroy the Gloria router and takes issue
with the Internet because it allows too-easy access of information
thereby decreasing the value of that information. A variety of other
ways information is transmitted in The Egg Code include the printed
word, as well as its font, motivational speeches made by a speaker
disillusioned with his own self-help advice, and perhaps most impacting
and subconscious, information is passed down through the generations
as legacies of personality and self-defeating prophecies. The Egg
Code is an amusing and rewarding read and even comes complete with
ten rules for not being a peasant.
Galileo's
Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by
Dava Sobel (Reviewed by Brian)
Non-Fiction
520.92 SOB
This book is an intimate portrait of Galileo through his daughter's
letters to him from the convent of San Mateo spanning decades in
the 1600's. She supported him always, as a loving daughter would,
even when his book discussing a sun centered universe led to accusations
of heresy by the Roman inquisition. This book shares Galileo's first
glimpse into the heavens, his faith, and his scientific observations,
which contrasted with church doctrine. His daily life is woven into
a fine tapestry by his daughter's letters and Dava Sobel's research.
Those who enjoy insights into history, science, or religion or Italy
will find this book riveting.
Serving
Crazy with Curry by Amulya Malladi (Reviewed by Teresa)
Psychological & Domestic Fiction
F MAL
Devi stops speaking after “the incident”, but expresses
herself through her cooking, which consists of twists on her mother’s
traditional recipes. American-born Devi and her Indian family residing
in California come together to deal with a family crisis, discovering
things about each other and changing their lives along the way.
A reading guide is at the back of the book for book clubs.
Thursday
Next in Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde (Reviewed by Teresa
Jan 2005)
Mystery
F FFO
This is the fourth book in the series about Literary Detective at
SpecOps and Bellman in Jurisfiction, Thursday Next. In the world
she lives in it is possible for a fictional character like Yorrick
Kaine to live outside of his book and try to become the elected
dictator and for an outlander to visit the inside of a book. Thursday
must deal with Yorrick, Hamlet, her 2-year old son, saving the world
by winning a croquet tournament, and trying to get her eradicated
husband back into the world. This book is great for those that have
read the first three in the series and does a good job tying up
loose ends.
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