FICTION
Clark, Mary Higgins. I'll Walk Alone. S. & S. Apr. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9781439180969. $25.99. F
With the two-year anniversary of her toddler's disappearance from Central Park approaching, Alexandra "Zan" Moreland maintains hope that Matthew will be found alive. The successful interior designer continues her relentless search as incriminating evidence surfaces, linking her to the abduction. Zan fights seemingly insurmountable odds as the ongoing investigation uncovers more clues pointing to her guilt. Is her sanity slipping, or is she a victim of identity theft? Is Matthew alive? Even Zan begins questioning the facts. Clark's beloved ex–cleaning lady/lottery winning sleuth Alvirah Meehan (a recurring character first introduced in Weep No More My Lady, 2007) is closely entangled in the mystery as she attempts to exonerate Zan. As the plot unfolds, Zan's credibility and the safety of those she holds dear hang precariously in the balance.
Verdict Delivering a gripping plot, a likable female lead, and a wonderfully eclectic cast of supporting characters, the Queen of Suspense adds a 30th notch to her fiction belt; suspense devotees will rejoice. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/15/10.]—Mary Todd Chesnut, Northern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Highland Heights
McDonald, Abby. The Liberation of Alice Love. Sourcebooks Landmark. Mar. 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9781402253133. pap. $14.99. F
Alice Love is about to turn 30, and she has her life pretty much in order. She enjoys her job working for an agent in London, has been saving her money, and is just about to put that money to use as a down payment on her first home. So when her credit card is declined, she doesn't think much of it. But when another card bites the dust and her landlord evicts her, Alice realizes that someone has stolen her identity and cleared out her savings account. Alice's quest to find the person who stole so much from her—someone who's a lot closer then she realizes—brings her into close contact with handsome fraud investigator Nathan Forrest. While Nathan and others caution Alice about her obsession, Alice realizes that it is no longer just about the money. As she follows in the footsteps of her stalker/thief, Alice starts to wonder if her nemesis is living the life that Alice should be living.
Verdict This is a strong entry in the chick lit field, and Alice makes for an appealing and intelligent protagonist. Fans of Katie Fforde and Jennifer Weiner will find something to enjoy here.—Jane Jorgenson, Madison P.L., WI
McEuen, Paul. Spiral. Dial: Random. Mar. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780385342117. $25. F
Cornell University physics professor McEuen's debut thriller explores the world of nanotechnology and bioengineering and ponders the ramifications if the science is used for nefarious purposes. Six months after the end of World War II, scientist Liam Connor is shipped out to a vessel in the Pacific to investigate a mysterious outbreak that leaves no survivors. He discovers the virus is human-made, and instead of destroying the last sample, he keeps it. In the present, Liam is working at Cornell University as one of the top scientists in the country. Shortly after a young woman visits him, Liam appears to commit suicide. It's up to his daughter and a colleague at the university to uncover the truth.
Verdict Fans of Michael Crichton who have been waiting for another science-based thriller will be intrigued. The story line works well, but the author has a tendency to give away too much information, making the read seem more nonfiction than fiction. Less historical material would have made this a slam-dunk. [Library marketing.]—Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.
McMorris, Kristina. Letters from Home. Kensington. Mar. 2011. c.364p. ISBN 978758246844. pap. $15. F
World War II is well under way when Liz Stephens goes to a USO dance in 1944 to hear her roommate Betty Cordell sing. Their other roommate, Julia Renard, uses her fiancé as an excuse to refuse to dance with soldiers leaving the next day for basic training. Liz has a beau, too, but something about farm boy Morgan McClain intrigues her. Liz leaves the hall later when she sees Morgan dancing with Betty, and Betty ends up with Morgan's address. Then she asks for Liz's help in writing a letter to him.
Verdict Fans of Rostand's Cyrano will see where actress/writer McMorris's debut is heading, but the story does encounter a few original turns. While the secondary characters straddle the line between stock and disbelief (new recruit Betty working in a jungle hospital?), Liz and Morgan display some dimension, and their letters are thoughtful and heartfelt. Alternating among the characters and their locales, this tender tale of love in wartime paints a grimly detailed picture from the homefront as well as the front lines. Readers who enjoyed Elizabeth Berg's Dream When You're Feeling Blue might take a shine to this title, too. [Reading group guide.]—Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal
Shalvis, Jill. Animal Magnetism. Berkley Sensation: Penguin Group (USA). 2011. 295p. ISBN 97804250239810. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Brady Miller is always on the move as he covers global hot spots for an independent security contractor. Still, when his foster "brothers" Adam and Dell say they need his help with their veterinary practice/animal rescue business, he can't say no, though the month he promises to stay in Idaho might seem like an eternity. His visit begins with a bang when Lilah Young rear-ends his parked truck while dealing with a Jeep-ful of puppies, piglets, and a duck. Running her own kennel/pet-sitting service, finding homes for abandoned animals, and studying to be a vet take up all of Lilah's time. Brady seems like he might be too much of a distraction. A big distraction, with big muscles and a commanding presence, who already has a departure date. Oh, my.
Verdict Shalvis (Slow Heat) ramps up the pet-friendly book trend with this story of two people who are looking for very different things while reluctantly finding common ground and perhaps rescuing each other. The cute-as-can-be four-legged critters keep the humor and the humanity at full throttle. This steamy, romantic barn-burner is recommended for most collections.—Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal
NONFICTION
Bennett, Pamela. Jams & Jellies in Less Than 30 Minutes. Gibbs Smith. Mar. 2011. 128p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781423618713. $16.99. COOKING
Bennett has been making and selling jams for many years, and this cookbook, which reflects her experience, will allow anyone to create a jam or jelly successfully. Her recipes are simple, clear, and easy to follow, with brief instructions and large color photos. While some recipes call for liquid or powdered pectin, many others rely on the fruit's natural pectin. Ingredients lists are at times as simple as fruit, sugar, and a spice. Recipes are included for old favorites like Blueberry Spice and new combinations, such as Mango Madness, Mimosa Jelly, or Inferno Jelly. Savory spreads can be used for appetizers, marinades, or roasting. The recipes make small quantities that can be refrigerated or frozen but do not need to be canned. Using ingredients often at hand, a small batch of jam can be made quickly.
Verdict This is a great book for all levels of experience and a wonderful introduction for new jam makers who have been leery of jumping into the canning ordeal.—Melissa Stearns, Franklin Pierce Univ. Lib., Rindge, NH
Chattman, Lauren. Bread Making: A Home Course; Crafting the Perfect Loaf from Crust to Crumb. Storey. Mar. 2011. c.296p. illus. index. ISBN 9781603427913. pap. $16.95. COOKING
If you accept the old saying "Cooking is an art, baking is a science," then this scientific textbook for the home baker is for you. Informative and thorough, Chattman (Cake Keeper Cakes; Cookie Swap!) includes all you need to know about the protein content of flour, kneading and fermentation methods, how to use your home oven most effectively, and how to achieve the crust you want. She shares loads of recommendations for equipment, and, in Q&As at the end of each chapter, covers every imaginable question or doubt, even going so far as to recommend bread-making machines. The illustrations are clear, useful, and pertinent. The second half of the book presents techniques and recipes and features chapters on no-knead dough (the Jim Lahey method), yeast bread, sourdough breads, flat breads, whole-grain breads, and recipes for bread machines.
Verdict This may be the only bread book you will ever use. Highly recommended.—Grace Shanahan, formerly with Brooklyn P.L., NY
Edwards, Michelle (text) & Jen Gotch (photogs.). A Knitter's Home Companion: A Heartwarming Collection of Stories, Patterns, and Recipes. STC Craft: Stewart, Tabori & Chang. Mar. 2011. 160p. illus. ISBN 9781584799160. $17.95. HOME ECON
Edwards, a children's book author who also writes for Lion Brand Yarn's e-newsletter, has produced an interesting hybrid that is neither autobiography, cookbook, nor pattern collection but a blending of these things. Edwards draws from knitting technique sources, such as Elizabeth Zimmermann and the Knitting Guild Association, as well as from newer sources of knitting self-discovery and anecdote, like Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, Debbie Stoller, and Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne. But what makes this book such a gem is its mimetic depiction of a knitter's life. Children, friends, moves to new cities, and crises of all kinds insert themselves and become part of the fabric of this book as they became part of the author's experience. The included recipes and patterns are uncomplicated, concise, well written, and user friendly.
Verdict This would be an inspiring gift for a new mom home on maternity leave. A worthwhile purchase.—Felicity D. Walsh, Emory Univ., Decatur, GA
Howe, Florence. A Life in Motion: A Memoir. Feminist Pr, dist. by Consortium. (Jewish Women Writers). Apr. 2011. c.588p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781558616974. pap. $24.95. LIT
Florence Howe's Wikipedia entry says that she "is understood to be a nationally recognized [sic] leader of the contemporary feminist movement." However, without Gloria Steinem's or Betty Friedan's name recognition, Howe has her work cut out for her in making a case for her place in the pantheon of 20th-century feminists. Her accomplishments, particularly as an educator during the Civil Rights era and as a feminist publisher, are indeed considerable, but her memoir presents a curious amount of kvetching about dysfunctional family members, unsympathetic teachers, etc., and it's startling when she suddenly announces having gotten married for the first time—because why doesn't someone who can remember the details of early school papers bother to write about meeting, much less falling in love with, her first husband, particularly when, as a feminist, she is so sensitive to stereotypes and perceived gender roles? Still, Howe was part of some important history, and a number of compelling people, like Grace Paley, Tillie Olsen, and Marilyn French, make their appearances in this book.
Verdict This will be read by historians, sociologists, and women's studies scholars, although they may find it, at over 500 pages, a tough slog.—Ellen D. Gilbert, Princeton, NJ
Lillien, Lisa. Hungry Girl 300 Under 300: 300 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Dishes Under 300 Calories. Griffin: St. Martin's. Apr. 2011. c.560p. illus. index. ISBN 9780312676810. pap. $22.99. COOKING
Lillien started Hungry Girl as an email featuring low-calorie recipes and tips that she sent to family and friends. It has grown into a popular website and e-newsletter, and Lillien has produced a number of best-selling books (Hungry Girl 1-2-3; Hungry Girl Happy Hour). Her goal is to make guilt-free cooking easy for anyone to enjoy. This latest title in the series includes recipes such as Chicky Pad Thai and Just Veggin' Pizza. Each recipe has no-sweat instructions and features readily found ingredients (the most exotic is soy milk), which make this cookbook very appealing. The tips scattered throughout further guide readers to healthier eating.
Verdict It's easy to see why Hungry Girl is popular—Lillien has a fun and breezy style aimed at the busy everyday cook. This title will be popular at most libraries; highly recommended. [National tour.]—Ginny Wolter, Toledo–Lucas Cty. P.L.
MacLaine, Shirley. I'm Over All That: And Other Confessions. Atria: S. & S. Apr. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9781451607291. $22. AUTOBIOG
For some celebrities, it's not enough to give us the details of their lives and careers in a volume or two. Some are compelled to add to their oeuvre with books about their thoughts on the state of the world and advice for a happy life. Kirk Douglas and Suzanne Somers come to mind, and now MacLaine has fallen victim. After 12 books, she's showing no signs of stopping. She embarked on this path with Out on a Leash (2003), in which she shares her rather unnerving love for her dog, followed in 2007 by Sage-ing While Age-ing (a self-explanatory title). Now she wants us to know what she's over, as in, "I'm over people who repeat themselves." She is also over being polite to boring people, young people who are rude, sex, and a host of other topics. As this books attests, she is certainly not over her belief in UFOs, past lives, and the right lighting to look good at any age. But hey, at 76, she's entitled to pontificate.
Verdict A bit of fluff, but her fans will want it.—Rosellen Brewer, Sno-Isle Libs., Marysville, WA
Mrazek, Robert J. To Kingdom Come: An Epic Saga of Survivial in the Air War Over Germany. NAL Caliber: Penguin Group (USA). Mar. 2011. c.400p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780451232274. $25.95. HIST
The bombing of Stuttgart, Germany, on September 6, 1943, by 338 U.S. Army Air Force B-17 "Flying Fortresses" is used by former U.S. congressman Mrazek (A Dawn Like Thunder: The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight) to anchor two intertwined stories. The first is how thousands of brave airmen flew against hundreds of Luftwaffe fighters through flak-filled skies to deliver their payloads. Their personal accounts of surviving the horrors of deadly aerial combat to return to base, escape capture in France, or become POWs are riveting, giving readers the real flavor of the war, much more riveting than official statements and position papers. The shorter, second story is about the upper-level arguments over how to prove that massive daylight "precision" bombing was viable and who was to blame when it didn't succeed. Mrazek criticizes U.S. Army Air Force commander Hap Arnold for pushing for deep raids into Germany before there was adequate long-range fighter protection.
Verdict Recommended for World War II history buffs and all who want to read about real heroes. [See this reviewer's two-part roundup of new World War II history books coming in LJ 3/15/11 and LJ 4/1/11.—Ed.]—Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL
Philbin, Tom & Michael Philbin. The Killer Book of Infamous Murders. Sourcebooks. 2011. 272p. illus. ISBN 9781402237461. pap. $15.99. TRUE CRIME
This latest in the authors' Killer Book of... series follows the same pattern as the previous two volumes. Designed to appeal to "fans of murder," the brothers Philbin recount an even dozen juicy killings from the 1800s to today, presenting the cases in short, "just the facts, ma'am" chapters distilling the basics. Chapters also sport multiple sidebars featuring interviews with cops and lawyers, coroner's reports, trial proceedings, and murder/crime factoids. There are also "Who Am I?" quizzes on noted killers and victims. The rogues gallery of infamous cases and murderers includes Lizzie Borden, Sam Sheppard, Leopold and Loeb, the In Cold Blood tag team of Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, and Jeffrey McDonald. Note that the accompanying crime scene photos are quite graphic. The text also includes a lengthy glossary of related terms.
Verdict Although some might find the flippant approach to these stories of murder a bit tacky, those who truly are "fans of murder" will enjoy all the extra goodies. Like their earlier Killer volumes, the Philbins again deliver great ghoulish fun for true crime fans.—Mike Rogers, Library Journal
Sturma, Michael. Surface and Destroy: The Submarine Gun War in the Pacific. Univ. of Kentucky. Mar. 2011. c.260p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780813129969. $29.95. HIST
Historically, submarines have, of course, for the most part operated underwater, but there were times when they surfaced and attacked with their deck guns. This was especially true later in World War II, when there were few big Japanese targets for the U.S. submarines to attack from underwater. The Japanese transported supplies on smaller trawlers, junks, and sampans; since they could not be sunk with a submarine's torpedo, the only option for U.S. subs was a surface attack, thus exposing themselves to enemy airplanes and possible gunfire from the target vessels. Both sides sometimes shot at the survivors; Sturma (history, Murdoch Univ., Australia; The U.S.S. Flier: Death and Survival on a World War II Submarine) examines the morality of those choices. His subject is a relatively little-known aspect of the Pacific War.
Verdict Well documented, this book is recommended for those interested in World War II naval and Pacific operations.(Maps and index not seen.).[See this reviewer's two-part roundup of new World War II history books coming in LJ 3/15/11 and LJ 4/1/11.—Ed.]—Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Gage, Christos (text) & Diego Latorre (illus.). Dante's Inferno. DC. 2010. 144p. ed. by Scott Peterson. illus. ISBN 9781401228125. pap. $19.99. GRAPHIC NOVEL
Gage (WILDCATS) offers an action-packed graphic novel adaptation of Dante's The Divine Comedy. After returning from the Crusades to find his beloved Beatrice murdered, Dante Alighieri breaks open the gates of hell and begins his quest to save her soul-and his own-from eternal damnation. Gage's script is stunning, well paced, and perfectly suited to the characters. It manages to echo Dante's original text while making it just modern enough for today's readers to grasp easily. Latorre's artwork brings it all together, with blurred brushstrokes that incant the chaotic underworld.
Verdict This title is a great option not only for readers who don't want to dive into the original Inferno but also for gamers who are familiar with the new Dante's Inferno video game. If you see patrons checking out the game, tell them about the graphic novel. Recommended.—Justin Hoenke, Portland P.L., ME
Johnson, Mat (text) & Simon Gane (illus.). Dark Rain: A New Orleans Story. Vertigo: DC. 2010. c.160p. ed. by Jonathan Vankin. illus. ISBN 9781401221607. $24.99. GRAPHIC NOVEL
Johnson here follows up his critically acclaimed Incognegro with a story of two ex-cons trying to pull a heist in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. An obvious play on the infamous Black Water private security firm, the title refers to a security firm central to the story. It also reflects Johnson's need to infuse everything he writes with some racial element, while never writing dialog more profound than what's found in a bad action movie. There are a few emotionally effective moments, as when a female character trapped in her flooded home has to escape the attic by kicking through the ceiling to climb on the roof, which then exposes her to the panorama of apocalyptic devastation of her neighborhood (a scene essentially ripped from CNN). British artist Gane traveled to New Orleans to get a feel for the city, and his art is clean and efficient but nothing truly striking. To his great credit, however, he does capture a wide range of emotions without often slipping into the campy overwrought facial expressions so many artists rely on to tell serious stories.
Verdict A rather predictable mainstream attempt at capitalizing on the critical cache provided by the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina and the equally disastrous government response. Acceptable for teens and up with a predilection for pulp stories.—Robert Young, Charleston, SC
Patterson, James & Dara Naraghi (text) & Victor Santos (illus.). Witch & Wizard: Battle for Shadowland. IDW Pub. 2010. 112p. illus. ISBN 9781600107597. $17.99. GRAPHIC NOVEL
The brother-and-sister team of Whit and Wisty inhabit a dystopian future where the New Order maintains totalitarian control. Forming a resistance movement with other determined teens, they use their magical powers to battle "The one who is the one." If the drama sounds a bit overblown and artificial, it is. Characters are thin, and attempts to fit the novel's content into an abbreviated form—and keep the focus on action—result in both rushed pacing and plot gaps. What's more, the dialog (without a hint of irony) doesn't read true for teens—has anyone referred to a sibling as "sis" since the 1970s?
Verdict This is a reasonable graphic novel translation of a rather mediocre novel accessible to preteens and teens. However, even pretty pictures and an active layout can't make the story better than it is. The novel sold on Patterson's best-selling reputation, and the graphic novel may do the same, but it fails to satisfy. Buy only it if your patrons request it.—Julia Cox, Penticton P.L., BC
Robinson, James (text) & Javier Pina & others (illus.). Superman: Mon-El; Man of Valor. Vol. 2. DC. 2010. 224p. ed. by Sean Mackiewicz. illus. ISBN 9781401229375. $24.99. GRAPHIC NOVEL
If you don't know who Mon-El is, have no idea what the New Krypton story line is about, and wonder why a Superman book doesn't focus on Superman, don't read this graphic novel. Picking up after Superman's confusing reaction to his adoptive father's death and an influx of fellow Kryptonians to Earth, Man of Valor explores the pressures and strains Mon-El (a near-Superman clone) carries as he tries to step into the role so dutifully filled by Superman. Again, the story concepts—Mon-El fighting Superman baddies like Bizarro, the fear of alien assimilation through General Lane-are developed with careful thought and intelligent design. But you need the backstory to make sense of what you're reading, and, sadly, there isn't a lot of catch-up exposition in these pages.
Verdict A solid story for Superman regulars but a poor starting point for newbies and not the best selection for sometime-superhero fans looking for a quick fix.—Robert Morast, Fargo, ND
Seth. Palookaville #20. Drawn & Quarterly. 2010. 88p. illus. ISBN 9781770460188. $19.95. GRAPHIC NOVEL
A compilation of serial comic, autobiography, sketchbook, and gallery documentation, this first hardback publication of the long-running Palookaville comic series is captivating for both fans and newbies of Seth's work (George Sprott; It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken; and Wimbledon Green). An earnest introduction laments the end of a comic book format yet welcomes the opportunity for more comprehensive work. The ongoing series Clyde Fans opens this volume, depicting the decline of the Matchcard's family business through creative, fast-paced memory sequences. Readers are then invited into the author's world, literally, through photographs and an essay describing Seth's art installation Dominion City, a three-dimensional model city designed as a setting for his stories. Following are sketchbook images and an illustrated account of the author's humorous yet angst-filled experience at a book festival. A cartoonist for The New Yorker, Seth offers stylized illustrations that are well rendered and tell compelling stories.
Verdict This periodical style of serial publication is highly satisfying. Finishing the extensive "Palookaville" is analogous to watching DVD extra features of a favorite movie. Highly recommended.—Willow Fitzgibbon, Fayetteville P.L., AR
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