Book Reviews
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Staff Picks
December 2009
The new black: mourning, melancholia and depression by Darian Leader
(Reviewed by Dave)
155.93 Lea (adult non-fiction)
Darian Leader shows us that depression is a relatively new diagnosis and that its epidemic-scale proliferation in society has to do with the fading of rituals of loss, whether it be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, etc. His theoretical spring-board is Freud’s 1917 essay Mourning and Melancholia, and he demonstrates his points through the use of art, literature and films, as well as plenty of case examples, making the ideas easy to grasp. Leader is a Lacanian analyst who bridges the gap between complex theory and popular understanding and this is a great book for anyone interested in a more psychoanalytic explanation of depression, rather than the contemporary popular understandings based on neurology and advertisements for prescriptions.
November 2009
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
(Reviewed by Jasmina)
F COE (adult fiction)
A young shepherd boy, Santiago, has a dream about hidden treasure. Soon after, he sets of on an adventure to find this treasure, leaving Spain and traveling to the pyramids in Egypt. Along his journey, he encounters several key characters, each with a lesson to teach. His journey is about enlightenment, destiny, and following your dreams. A wonderfully written book, it is sure to be enjoyed by a wide audience.
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
(Reviewed by Linda Jacobson)
F SEE (Adult Fiction)
Shanghai Girls is the story of two sisters and two cultures. May and Pearl grow up privileged and educated in Shanghai, but during the Japanese invasion in the mid-30’s, they discover that their father has gambled away all of their money and has sold them to a wealthy Chinese-
American family as brides to their sons. After a horrific escape, they arrive in the United States to begin their new lives but nothing is as expected. One sister is pregnant, one husband-to-be is 14 and the family is not wealthy although they do own several small businesses. The story follows Pearl and May through the years as family, tradition and character play important roles.
Blink [sound recording-CD] : the power of thinking without thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
(reviewed by Pam)
CD 153.4 GLA (Book on CD)
"The power of thinking without thinking" - Drawing on cutting edge neuroscience and psychology, and using fascinating examples, "Blink" reveals that great decision makers aren't those who process the most information or spend the most time deliberating, but those who have perfected the art of "thin-slicing" - filtering the very few factors that matter from an overwhelming number of variables. "Blink" changes the way you will understand every decision you make. Enjoyable "read by the author" audio book.
A land gone lonesome: an inland voyrage along the Yukon River by Dan O'Neill
(reviewed by Pam)
917.98 ONE (Adult Non-Fiction)
Alaskan author O'Neill set off in a canoe to voyage down the majestic Yukon River, beginning at Dawson (Yukon Territory), the site of the Klondike gold rush. He makes the journal to Circle City, Alaska and records his expedition into the history of the river and the inhabitants of the region, historic and contemporary. He gives us an intelligent, lyrical, and probably the last portrait of the river people along the upper Yukon.
October 2009
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
(Reviewed by Jasmina)
F BROWN (adult fiction)
The third novel featuring Harvard professor Robert Langdon follows a similar formula to that of Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code. However, readers won’t be disappointed. When Langdon is tricked into coming to Washington, D.C. by his friend’s abductor, he must use his knowledge of symbology to unlock hidden mysteries related to the Freemasons in order to save his friend’s life. Although at times slow paced, the novel is still full of suspense, surprises, and unexpected twists.
Sarah's key by Tatiana de Rosnay
(Reviewed by Chris)
F Rosnay (adult fiction)
A historical fiction novel that is told partially by a young Jewish girl living in France during the “Vel d’hiv” which was the roundup of Jewish families by the French police (ordered by the Germans) who held them in horrid conditions and then eventually sent them to their deaths at concentration camps in Germany. The other portion of the story is told by an American journalist living in Paris who was assigned to write an article for her magazine on the event. A well told, eye opening story that also gives us a history lesson of the recent past.
First as Tragedy, Then as Farce by Slavoj Zizek
(reviewed by Dave)
337.01 Ziz (adult non-fiction)
It helps to know that this book is chuck full of references – historical events, theories, psychoanalytic terms, films, political figures past and present – many of which you may not get, but that this shouldn’t deter you from reading it. The references are there just to illuminate Zizek’s audacious analysis of contemporary global politics, specifically the market melt-down, the farcical counterpart to the tragic 9/11. In a time where politics are complacently taken with a grain of salt or reacted to with a populist anger that is susceptible to manipulation, it’s a relief to have a cultural theorist of Zizek’s intellectual stature to shed some light on things.
September 2009
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
(Reviewed by Dave)
F DOS (adult fiction)
Dostoevsky’s last great novel tells the story of Fyodor Pavlovitch, a land owner, and his three sons, Mitya, Ivan and Alyosha, and their possible complicity in his death. Expecting a gothic tome, I was surprised to find a gripping story of crime, religion, passion, courtroom procedural and often written with a sly sense of humor. The pacing of the novel was just right, creating suspense that made the book hard to put down at times. Recommended for anyone looking to cross a classic off his or her list, or just in the mood to read – as it’s consider – one of the greatest books ever written.
Strength in what remains by Tracy Kidder
(reviewed by Pam)
305.896 KID (Adult Non-Fiction)
This is an inspiring account of Deogratias, a young medical student from Burundi. He has survived civil war and genocide, and plagued by horrific dreams he lands at JFK airport with $200, no English, and no contacts. He exists by delivering groceries, sleeping in Central Park, and learning English by reading dictionaries in bookstores. Then he begins to meet strangers who will change his life. It's an amazing story of heroism and hope.
In the sanctuary of outcasts : a memoir by Neil White
(reviewed by Pam)
B White (Adult Biography)
Neil White, a journalist and magazine publisher, saw his world fall apart when, due to illegal money management, a judge sentenced him to 18 months in a federal prison. But it was no ordinary prison. The isolated colony in Carville, Louisiana was also home to the last people in the U.S. diagnosed with leprosy. Hidden away for decades, these outcasts inhabited a fortress to repel the cruelty of the outside world. With the people he meets there and some assorted inmates, White rediscovers the value of friendship, simplicity, and gratitude. An uplifting memoir that reminds us of what matters most.
August 2009
Contentment: A Way to True Happiness by Robert Johnson and Jerry Ruhl
(reviewed by Linda)
152.4 JOH (adult non-fiction)
Contentment in modern society seems elusive or short lived. The psychotherapists who authored this book draw on various religious traditions to address the concept of finding peace. They suggest that it is possible to be content without necessarily being happy. This is achieved by accepting things as they are. They also emphasize that contentment comes from the inside not the outside. Throughout the book scenes from Shakespeare’s King Lear are utilized to illustrate their points. The concepts posed are convincing. The challenge for ordinary people lies in truly letting go of the idea that some specific occurrence, material item, etc. will provide lasting contentment.
Guns, Germs, and Steel, The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
(Reviewed by Ralph)
303.4 DIA (adult non-fiction)
This book chronicles the development of human civilization. The author explains how civilization developed, where it developed, why it developed in that location, and how it then spread to other parts of the world. The greatest step forward occurred with the domestication of crops and animals. This freed people to do other things, such as develop language, writing, cities, government, and technology.
But what caused certain societies to advance while others remained hunter-gatherers using stone age tools? Was it geography, environment, or race? Diamond answers these questions using interesting (and unknown to me) historical examples.
This is a big topic, but the author does an admirable job. His explanations are thorough and well researched, yet readable, making sense to a layperson like myself. The author concludes by stating we can benefit today from historical studies of human societies because it teaches us “what shaped the modern world, and what might shape our future.” I agree and that’s why I’d recommend you give this book a read.
July 2009
MI-5 by The BBC (DVD)
(Reviewed by Trish)
DVD F MI-5 Genre: SPY stories
The BBC show “MI-5”, known as “Spooks” in Britain, is a contemporary spy thriller with action-packed episodes and an intriguing cast of secret agents fighting terrorism, fanaticism, organized crime and sometimes their own bureaucracy. If you enjoy “The Sopranos” or “24” then you will probably love this series. The Park City Library currently has the First, Second and Third seasons of this addictive fast-paced drama.
The Loneliest road in America : stories by Roy Parvin
(reviewed by Pam)
F PAR (adult fiction)
A debut collection of stories revolving around the mountains of northern California and the people who live there - existing on the fringes of mainstream society. His stories are deep, rich with metaphor, intense, playful, strange, and a pleasure to read.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Societyby Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
(reviewed by Heather)
F Shaffer
A squeaky clean read! I thought the fact that the book is written in letters between the characters would be bothersome, however once I started reading I could not put it down. The main character is London writer, Juliet Ashton. As World War II has just come to a close, Juliet searches for a subject for a new book. What she discovers is an interesting “book” club formed on the island of Guernsey that was formed as an alibi when its “members” are caught breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island. A fun, easy read.
June 2009
Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas
(reviewed by Heather)
F Dallas
A squeaky clean read! I loved this book! If you like storytelling, you will enjoy Hennie’s humorous and sad stories of her 86 years on this earth. The mining history reminds me of Park City. I also love the female friendships in the story. The story takes place in the quaint mining town of Middle Swan, Colorado during the Depression. Hennie Comfort is thinking about the time she has left on this earth, when she meets newlywed and new resident, seventeen-year-old Nit. An unlikely friendship develops between the two women. The women have quilting in common and many stories revolve around the quilts in their lives.
Delicate edible birds and other stories by Lauren Groff
(reviewed by Pam)
813.6 GRO adult non-fiction
This is a book of nine stories dealing with the varied lives of 20th century American women. There are themes
of inner strength, personal freedom, and crimes of the heart. It is a meditation on the nature of change and how even if it's difficult and unsettling, it can bring joyous rewards.
The American West as living space by Wallace Stegner
(reviewed by Pam)
917.8 STE
This book contains the lectures given by Stegner at the U of M Law School in 1986. He successfully leaves an
impression of the region in all its manifestations, including its people, its splendors, and its limitations.
May 2009
Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
(Reviewed by Heather)
F ALLEN (adult fiction)
This is Allen’s second magical realism romance. This story is set in North Carolina ski resort town. Josey Cirrini, is twenty-seven and still lives at home with and takes care of her rich and domineering mother. Her only comfort is a secret stash of candy, junk food, and travel magazines in her closet. Then Della Lee shows up one November in the very same closet causing lots of changes for Josey. In this contemporary romance, Josey finally has a chance with her longtime crush, the mailman. Another great read from Allen. I can’t wait for the next book.
Victorian and Edwardian Ghost Stories, ed. by Richard Dalby
(Reviewed by Dave)
823.08 Vic (adult non-fiction)
These ghost stories are fun, and some genuinely creepy. Something about them being written a century or more ago gives them an aged feeling that adds a nice touch to the atmosphere of the stories. My favorite, Christmas Eve on a Haunted Hulk, is about a man who goes on a hunting trip, ends up stranded on an old moored boat, spends the night in pitch blackness all the while listening to the recreation of what sounds like a murder; what makes the story visceral is the misery of spending the night on the boat, only able to find cramped quarters for sleeping (which he gets very little of), cold and wet, hungry and tired, when fear forces him to scramble out of the hull, he ends up sliding through a gooey mess of God knows what. Intense reading!
The Gamble by LaVyrle Spencer
(Reviewed by Linda)
F SPE (adult fiction)
Agatha Downing, spinster milliner and temperance advocate, is dismayed to see the flamboyant new saloon owner and his staff move in next door to her shop. They become instant adversaries but when faced with some unanticipated situations begin to understand each others viewpoints and ultimately fall in love. This fun and entertaining novel takes place in the wild west of Profitt, Kansas in the late 1800’s.
April 2009
The
story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
(Reviewed by Ralph)
F WROBLEW (adult fiction)
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is about a young boy, born mute, who
helps his family raise and train a unique breed of dogs in rural
Wisconsin. Edgar’s life is serene until the mysterious death
of his father, after which his uncle steps in to fill his father’s
role as dog trainer and most disturbingly—his mother’s
suitor. There are plenty of dark secrets in this book that drive
Edgar to run away and then ultimately confront the evil in a climactic
conclusion. This book is written in rich, descriptive language.
The plot begins a bit slow, but transforms into a page turning thriller.
If you’re like me you’ll spend several late, late nights
unable to put the book down. I didn’t know until after reading
this book that the story line is based on Shakespeare’s classic
tragedy, Hamlet. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is an updated, American
tragedy.
Garden
spells by Sarah Addison Allen
(Reviewed by Heather)
F ALLEN (adult fiction)
This story follows the Waverley women and is set in small town North
Carolina, adding to the charm of this quirky Southern novel. The
story begins with sister Claire, a caterer, who is soon reunited
with half-sister Sydney, a hairdresser. The Waverley women have
unique magical gifts, such as the gift of knowing where things belong
and the gift of anticipation. The Waverleys also have an old tree
whose apples are so special that a locked fence encloses their garden.
Romance is a main theme. This is a great light-hearted, entertaining
read.
My
stroke of insight: a brain scientist’s personal journey
by Jill Bolte Taylor
(reviewed by Chris)
B TAYLOR (biography)
This is a fascinating story written by a neuroanatomist as she experiences
a stroke, seeks help and recovers from it. Her description of the
day of the stroke was so vivid and real that it was difficult for
me to read imagining what she was going through. At the same time
it was an amazing account of how she lost left brain functionality
and as her right brain took over she had a feeling of what she could
only describe as nirvana. Although she couldn’t process regular
thoughts, remember things and was quickly losing many physical functions
of her body, she was able to connect with her spiritual side and
feel at peace. Her journey through recovery gives insight to others
who may be in a similar situation or to caregivers and family members
of stroke victims.
Why
people get sick : exploring the mind-body connection
by Darian Leader and David Corfield
(Reviewed by Dave)
616.08 Lea (adult non-fiction)
This is a very measured approach between what might be thought of
as new age quackery and materialist medical dogma. Scientific and
humanistic, the authors investigate how significant dates can have
an impact on a person’s health, the power language has on
the body, how psychodynamics and family conflict can set a course
of a person’s health over a lifetime, even how beneficial
it can be for physicians to more carefully listen to their patients’
complaints. Clearly written and easy to understand, this is a great
book to help understand personal health of both body and mind and
how sometimes medical bureaucracy can get in the way.
Lost
in translation by Nicole Mones
(Reviewed by Linda J.)
F MONES (adult fiction)
Alice is an American woman who has lived in China for many years,
working as an interpreter. She is alienated from her widowed father,
a famous Texas senator. Alice is hired by an American archaeologist
who is searching for the bones of the Peking Man. This begins an
adventure in remote northwestern China that is part mystery and
part love story. The author’s comprehensive knowledge of Chinese
culture allows the reader to see and feel as if he were in China
and a part of the team. Alice is searching for herself and her place
in the world as the scientists follow clues to the bones of the
oldest human ever found.
March 2009
Losing
America: Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency by
Robert C. Byrd
(reviewed by Pam)
973.931 BYR (adult non-fiction)
Senator Byrd of West Virginia realized that after 9/11 our country
was enduring an unraveling of the people’s liberties. The
way down this path violates historic
American principles. He documents how the Bush administration has
operated under a cloak of secrecy with little regard for the balance
of powers or the role of
Congress. It invades our privacy, shows little regard for our environment,
does not deal with the realities of people who have to work for
a living. He informs us how
we have entered a war without proper consideration under a new and
dangerous doctrine – how we have a White House that favors
the rich, lavishes tax cuts on
big businesses, and pushes through unfair tax legislation. Losing
America is a call to action by one of our country’s most respected
legislators and warns us of
the sinister agenda of this power seeking administration. Senator
Byrd embodies what our Founding Fathers expounded when this country
was started – we’d do
well to have more government leaders like him.
The
Killer Mountains by Curt Gentry
(Reviewed by Dave)
979.1 GEN (adult non-fiction)
A private investigator is hired to find a lost (some argue non-existent)
gold mine in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. As he begins
researching, his skepticism turns into obsession and it’s
not long before he’s organized his own team to find the Lost
Dutchman’s Gold Mine. During the course of their search, they’re
followed, threatened, sabotaged, shot at, betrayed, conned, all
part of what seems to be a curse to those seeking out the mine.
A suspenseful and quick read for fans of true adventure.
The
Essential Chomsky by Noam Chomsky
(reviewed by Zeb)
410 CHO (adult non-fiction)
This collection of works was released in celebration of the author’s,
Noam Chomsky, 80th birthday. The compositions are largely excerpts
from previously published works, speeches and essays, which touch
on many subjects such as Chomsky’s ground breaking linguistic
studies and his critique of the government and popular media on
their portrayal of world events and the actual role the U.S. Government
has played in many of those events. While this volume contains a
great overview of Chomsky’s work, at times it may be hard
to follow without an appropriate background on the topics covered.
February 2009
The
Middle mind : why Americans don't think for themselves
by Curtis White
(reviewed by Pam)
306 WHI (adult non-fiction)
The Middle Mind is the force of the current failure of the American
imagination in media, education, politics, art, technology, and
religion. Our nation is experiencing a crisis of blindly following
the path of least resistance. This book also shows how we have forgotten
how to read, watch, and think for ourselves; a cultural wake-up
call.
Being
caribou: five months on foot with an Arctic herd by
Karsten Heuer
(reviewed by Pam)
595.65 HUE (adult non-fiction)
In April of 2003, wildlife biologist Karsten Heuer and his new wife,
Leanne Allison, set off on an epic journey to follow the Porcupine
Caribou herd as it migrated
from it’s Yukon winter range to it’s endangered calving
grounds in the Arctic Nat’l Wildlife Refuge – and back!
After over 1,000 miles on foot and skis, physically
and mentally exhausted, they walk into a dimension of conciousness
neither had experienced before. Being Caribou is more than a story
of grand adventure – it’s
about the roots of human instinct that are still alive in all of
us, and how the power of wild landscapes and wild animals can release
them from the layers of technology
and industrialization that bury them in the modern world. A personal
favorite of mine.
The
Calder game by Blue Balliett
(Reviewed by Heather)
JF BALLIETT (Juvenile Fiction)
In her third installment of the adventures of friends Calder, Petra,
and Tommy, we find seventh-grader Calder and his father in England.
Calder disappears along with an Alexander Calder sculpture which
he is very interested in. His friends fly from Chicago to help his
father find him. A great adventure. See also: Chasing Vermeer and
The Wright 3.
January 2009
Deep
dish by Mary Kay Andrews
(Reviewed by Heather)
F ANDREWS (adult fiction)
Small town Georgia girl, Gina, has her own local cooking show. Her
love life is a mess when she finds out that the Cooking Channel
is looking for a new star. Enter Tate Moody, the star of a hunting,
fishing, and cooking show named Vittles who is the competition.
Gina has her ex-boyfriend producer, a free-spirited sister and a
mother who calls every single day on her side. She needs all of
the help she can get when she and Tate are taken to an island location
for a cook-off show to find the new Cooking Channel star. Guess
what else Gina discovers?
Time
of my life : a novel by Allison Winn Scotch
(Reviewed by Heather)
F SCO (adult fiction)
Jillian has an ideal life—a home in the suburbs, a loving
husband, and a baby. She is also not happy. Could her unhappiness
have to do with the fact that Jackson, her ex-boyfriend who is a
complete opposite of her husband Henry, is getting married? One
morning, Jillian wakes up seven years in the past and has the chance
to start over with Jackson. Will she make the same choices as before?
This is a light and enjoyable read.
The
cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
(reviewed by Pam)
F GALLOWA (adult fiction)
In a city under siege a musician sees from his window 22 friends
and neighbors killed by a mortar attack. In an act of defiance he
plays his cello at the site of the attack for 22 days in their memory.
A young father, an elderly man, and a young woman sniper are ultimately
reminded of what it is to be human by their association with him.
This is a short novel of great intensity. It brilliantly explores
how war can change one’s definition of humanity, how music
affects our emotional endurance, and how even the rituals of daily
life can be a form of resistance.
The
last wild wolves: ghosts of the rain forest
by Ian McAllister
(reviewed by Pam)
KIT 599.77 MCA
The rain forest coast of northern British Columbia is one of the
few wild places left in the natural world where wolves and white
bears stalk the forest as they have for thousands of years. It’s
a compelling narrative documentary of the wolves’ complex
life. There are over 100 stunning photographs and a DVD included.
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