Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 10/15/2007

Week of October 9

Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels

Fiction

Aaron, Relentless. Lady First. Griffin: St. Martin’s. Nov. 2007. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-312-35936-2. pap. $18.50. F

Tia Stern, wealthy, forty-something, divorced, and on the downside of her TV career, plucks 18-year-old Spencer Lewis from his Stamford, CT, grocery store hustle to be her personal assistant. The A student who is unable to afford college focuses on learning the ropes in the big-money world, doing his best to ignore Tia’s sizzling sexuality. Soon, however, Spencer caves in a high-octane scene, and the young man ponders who is being played. Fed up with his role as "Spencer the adjustable wrench" and dominated by Tia’s obsessive control, he threatens to walk out. Giving herself to her man, Tia bankrolls his dream to form Premium Fudge Unlimited, a modeling agency of gorgeous women. Spencer, finding himself worshiped by youthful and ultra-sexy cover girls, is living every man’s dream. Or is the bedroom drama every guy’s worst nightmare? Aaron’s (Extra Marital Affairs) latest effort steers away from drugs and excessive violence but is packed with steamy sex and unlimited wealth. Like a hot reality-TV show, Lady First delivers pure escapism and is a great fit for all popular fiction collections.—Rollie Welch, Cleveland P.L.

Ellison, J.T. All the Pretty Girls. Mira: Harlequin. Nov. 2007. c.416p. ISBN 978-0-7783-2443-0. pap. $6.99. F

With this debut thriller, Ellison puts her mentoring by Lee Child to good use. A serial killer named the Southern Strangler is making the rounds of several Southern states, and it’s up to Nashville homicide lieutenant Taylor Jackson and her lover, FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin, to stop him. Already on the case, John is joined by Taylor when the latest victim is found in Nashville and another young woman disappears. Though the investigation starts slowly, Ellison does a nice job of laying the groundwork and creating suspense. Equally well done are the refreshingly realistic procedural details. Taylor and John, plus a host of other characters, have their jobs to do, and they stick to them: Taylor, for instance, doesn’t dump her job in Nashville to chase the killer from state to state—she investigates what she can, using the tools that are hers; John does the same. For popular fiction collections. [Ellison has a short story appearing in the forthcoming anthology Killer Year: Stories To Die For…From the Hottest New Crime Writers, edited by Lee Child (Minotaur, January 2008).—Ed.]—Jane Jorgenson, Madison P.L., WI

Nonfiction

Banks, Tony & others. Genesis: Chapter & Verse. Thomas Dunne Bks: St. Martin’s. 2007. 360p. ed. by Philip Dodd. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-312-37956-8. pap. $29.95. MUSIC

In the late Sixties, a group of English public school boys formed Genesis, which became one of the most influential of the progressive rock bands of the 1970s and one of the biggest bands in the world by the 1980s. Former and current members Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, and Mike Rutherford were interviewed for this book, which continues a recent trend of band oral histories that serve as autobiography (e.g., The Beatles Anthology; According to the Rolling Stones). While not as accomplished or indispensable as those works—its final sections and accompanying photos resemble a glorified tour program—this is essential reading for fans of Genesis. The story is not one of excess or interband strife but rather a tale of a dedicated group of musicians who reminisce with candor as well as self-deprecating humor. Comprehensive and filled with hundreds of photographs, this is recommended for larger public libraries. [The most commercially successful lineup of Collins, Rutherford, and Banks are currently on a reunion tour.—Ed.]—Jim Collins, Morristown-Morris Twp. P.L., NJ

Brown, Nancy Marie. The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman. Harcourt. Oct. 2007. c.320p. index. ISBN 978-0-15-101440-8. $25. HIST

Medieval Icelandic sagas tell of a legendary Viking woman named Gudrid who flourished 1000 years ago and traveled far and wide, fearlessly crossing the North Atlantic numerous times and reaching such far-flung destinations as Newfoundland. Brown (A Good Horse Has No Color) investigates the life and times of Gudrid and her kin through a combination of in-depth historical, literary, and archaeological research. By matching mentions of Gudrid in various sagas with relevant archaeological findings, Brown provides a detailed portrait of the Viking way of life in the decades after Greenland was first discovered in 985. While well researched and sprinkled with compelling descriptions of the Viking economy and such traditional skills as shipbuilding and weaving, Brown’s meandering and digressive narrative can be somewhat frustrating, and at times she puts too much emphasis on her own travel and research experiences. Recreational readers may prefer the sagas themselves, which are available in anthologies such as The Sagas of Icelanders. This work is best suited to researchers interested in Viking history, Icelandic archaeology, or saga literature and is suitable for larger academic libraries.—Ingrid Levin, Salve Regina Univ. Lib., Newport, RI

Burgener, Sandy & Prudence Twigg. A Personal Guide to Living with Progressive Memory Loss. Jessica Kingsley. Nov. 2007. c.160p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-84310-863-4. pap. $21.95. HEALTH

Burgener (associate professor, Univ. of Illinois Coll. of Nursing) and Twigg (visiting lecturer, Indiana Univ. Sch. of Nursing) offer practical advice about dealing with progressive memory loss. Starting with the importance of a correct diagnosis, they discuss the emotional impact on patients, family, and friends. They supply ideas for maintaining one’s sense of personhood and the important roles in one’s life. Topics include the stigma of progressive memory loss, suggestions for staying mentally and physically active, communicating with others, medications, self-care needs, adapting activities and managing memory loss, and impaired thinking. Written for those who have been recently diagnosed and their family and caregivers, the book features personal stories that illustrate good and bad ways of dealing with the problems that may arise. The main drawbacks are the style and tone: the book reads like a textbook that has been adapted for nonspecialists. Recommended for larger gerontology collections.—Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib.

Goldstein, Melvyn C. A History of Modern Tibet. Vol. 2: The Calm Before the Storm: 1951–1955. Univ. of California. 2007. 678p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 978-0-520-24941-7. $60. HIST

Goldstein (Ctr. for Research on Tibet, Case Western Reserve Univ.) has written many books on Tibet, including the acclaimed first volume for which this is the next installment. Because he is one of a handful of knowledgeable experts on Tibet, it is difficult to compare Goldstein to others; his works are a standard. This volume may be the best full-length review available of Sino-Tibetan relations in the 1950s, during which Tibet sought to maintain political, social, and religious independence from a China newly dominated by communism under Mao. It was, however, a clash between "a premodern theocratic polity" and a rapidly industrializing and militant centralized Chinese state. It was also the conflict between Tibetan desires for self-determination—long established as a de facto reality—and Chinese national honor. China saw Tibet’s independence as a symbol of colonialism resulting from Britain’s 1903–04 invasion of Tibet and China’s weakness under Japanese occupation. This honor could only be satisfied through Tibet’s full absorption into the motherland, despite Tibet’s historic autonomy. Goldstein details the maneuvering and political interplay between the Chinese and Tibetan governments, creating a readable and logically organized work that avoids political grandstanding in favor of a nuanced and thoughtful appraisal of the main actors in the drama of 20th-century Tibet’s history. Both the Chinese and the Tibetan viewpoints are presented. With a helpful glossary; highly recommended for all academic libraries and any other library with particular concentrations in Asian history and politics.—William P. Collins, Library of Congress

Jeal, Tim. Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa’s Greatest Explorer. Yale Univ. 2007. 608p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-300-12625-9. $38. BIOG

If Henry Morton Stanley is known, it is as the brutal African explorer who colluded with King Leopold of Belgium and supposedly asked, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" Stanley should, however, be remembered as the man who solved the great mysteries of the source of the Nile and Congo Rivers, circumnavigated two of Africa’s three huge lakes, railed against the East African and Atlantic slave trades, and created the myth of Livingstone as saint. Using information obtained from previously closed collections of Stanley’s letters and diariesat the Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale in Brussels, Jeal’s (Livingstone) meticulous biography puts to rest many of the controversies and accepted "truths" about Stanley (e.g., that he was a racist, a homosexual, and a Congo land swindler and was violent and paranoid). Jeal argues convincingly, against all previous biographies, that Stanley, born John Rowlands in Wales, never met Henry H. Stanley of New Orleans, whom he claimed as his adoptive father. In addition to such lies, which crippled his autobiographical impulses, Stanley also had an unfortunate tendency to exaggerate to get attention. Yet he hated actual public notice, and his own exaggerations have been used ever since to bludgeon his reputation. Besides rescuing Stanley from an unfair but accepted caricature, Jeal skillfully illuminates Stanley’s work and its morality and separates him from King Leopold’s exploitation and oppression of the Congo. This excellent reassessment of Stanley’s life is essential for all libraries.—Margaret Atwater-Singer, Univ. of Evansville Libs., IN

Levine, Bruce E. Surviving America’s Depression Epidemic: How To Find Morale, Energy, and Community in a World Gone Crazy. Chelsea Green. Oct. 2007. c.224p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-933392-71-4. pap. $16.95. PSYCH

Studies show that the rate of clinical depression has risen tenfold over the past 50 years. Clinical psychologist Levine (Commonsense Rebellion) presents a refreshingly contrarian view of this common psychological malady. He begins with a serious critique of the dominant psychiatric paradigm, which asserts that depression is rooted in a "chemical imbalance" in the brain. This view serves powerful drug company interests, and the author cites recent research that challenges such chemical reductionism and even the premise that a measurable imbalance in the brain has been shown to exist. Similarly, the weaknesses of cognitive-behavioral therapy, a popular psychological tool for combating depression, are also suggested. In contrast to this "sick mind" approach, Levine presents an alternative theory of depression as a crisis of morale and a strategy for dealing with inevitable pain in life. The "cure" involves transcending self-absorption through compassion, community involvement, and other forms of finding new meaning in life. Though not as dogmatic as some writers (e.g., Peter Breggin’s Toxic Psychiatry), Levine candidly exposes the hypocrisy and intellectual deficits of establishment views of depression today. Thoughtful and well written, the book is recommended for mental health and counseling collections.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN

Renehan, Edward J., Jr. Commodore: The Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Basic Bks: Perseus. Oct. 2007. c.352p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-465-00255-9. $27.50. BIOG

Renehan (The Dark Genius of Wall Street: The Misunderstood Life of Jay Gould, King of the Robber Barons) reveals hidden secrets from the life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the progenitor of modern American business, who was known as the Commodore. Using several previously unreleased archives, including those of Vanderbilt’s personal physician, this biography sheds new light on the many startling aspects of his personal and business life. According to the author, Vanderbilt was hard drinking, barely literate, and an enormous egotist and womanizer lacking manners and generosity, who disliked and disinherited his many children. At one time, he was chastised in an editorial by Mark Twain for his lack of public giving. The papers of Dr. Jared Linsly reveal that Vanderbilt’s diminishment in later years was caused by the advanced stages of syphilis, acquired, apparently, in 1839. Nevertheless, Cornelius Vanderbilt was a financial genius, building his fortune in steamboats and railroads while contributing significantly to the establishment of New York City as the financial center of the United States. At his death in 1877, he left an estate of over $105,000,000, an $800,000 bronze statue of himself, and numerous battles over his final will. Recommended for all libraries.—Mary Allen, Everett P.L., WA

Graphic Novels

Aliens vs. Predator: Omnibus. Vol. 1. Dark Horse. 2007. 384p. ISBN 978-1-59307-735-8. pap. $24.95. F

One of comics’ longest-running epics, Alien vs. Predator features numerous story arcs stretching throughout the 1990s that pit the monsters from two of the most successful film franchises against each other long before the recent film. This volume collects seven stories: three feature-length and four shorter, one-shot-style stories. All of them focus on a human or group of humans caught in the midst of their conflict; the Aliens and Predators play a supporting role. The first entry—the titular story that introduced the conflict to the comics world—is worth reading simply because of its place in comics history, but it satisfies with diverse, fleshed-out characters. The next full-length story, "War," is a direct sequel to the first narrative and expands both character development and theme, exploring the concept of the outcast with less-than-subtle echoes of the wayward child trope familiar to traditional literature. The art is well done, demonstrating an attention to detail and scope and conveying the violent nature of the alien creatures at war. Each writer treats the material with respect, going above and beyond the simple carnage that they could have been by creating tangible suspense and human emotion. However, the collection is not without its disappointments: "Eternal," the story of a man who seeks immortality by implanting the organs of the Predators into his own body, has a rushed cookie-cutter ending, and each short entry feels like a mere space-filler, with the exception of "The Web," which has an amusing, if forced, ironic ending. Still, older sf fans will devour this title, and the themes of honor, courage, sacrifice, and greed that pervade each story can open up interesting discussion. Those offended by violence should approach with caution.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC

Barasui. Strawberry Marshmallow. Vol. 4. Tokyopop. 2007. 166p. tr. from Japanese by Emi Onishi. ISBN 978-1-59816-497-8. pap. $9.99. F

Nobue, a 16-year-old chain-smoking, beer drinking, apathetic student, spends each afternoon babysitting her much more serious 12-year-old sister, Chika. This usually includes taking care of Chika's friends: Matsuri, a shy crybaby; Ana, an English girl who has lived in Japan so long, she doesn’t speak English very well anymore but who refuses to speak Japanese at school; and Miu, a hyperactive troublemaker who hero-worships Nobue. Together, the five experience day-to-day adventures, including shopping, playing with dolls, taking bets on whether or not Nobue can quit smoking, and trying to convince Chika to let them copy her homework. Each chapter is a standalone vignette, and the teasing that goes on among the girls is sweet, never malicious, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Volume 1 sets up the story and, as a result, is sometimes slow. But the characters meld perfectly in Volume 2 with the introduction of Ana, and by Volume 4 the relationships among the girls are seamless and their friendship believable. The art is clean, focusing primarily on the girls rather than on backgrounds and setting, and the girls’ faces are incredibly expressive. Much of the physical humor takes place off-screen, which makes many of the jokes’ punch lines funnier and more immediate. Rated 13+, this book would be suitable for all ages if not for Nobue’s smoking, drinking, and occasional bad word. Just as Calvin and Hobbes amuses readers of all ages, so will this series; in fact, expect adults to laugh as hard, if not harder, than teens. Recommended.—Eva Volin, Alameda Free Lib., CA

Fillbach, Matt & Shawn Fillbach (text & illus.). Maxwell Strangewell. Dark Horse. 2007. 380p. ISBN 978-1-59307-794-5. pap. $19.95. F

The Fillbach brothers’ previous work on the multivolume Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures series no doubt informed this compressed space saga, their first graphic novel. An alien falls to earth and is found by Anna, who names the gentle stranger Max. Touching Anna’s forehead, Max establishes a powerful telepathic, empathic link to Anna, which she finds wonderful. What Anna doesn’t realize is that this also selects her as a bride of sorts and that Max is a Strangewell—a legendary agent of ultimate chaos. Galaxies have been waiting their entire histories for the Strangewell’s return, so as the story chugs along, a huge cast of Earthlings (including the FBI and Tibetan monks) and dozens of alien races vie for the chance to capture, kill, enslave, or worship Max for his incredible, mystical powers. The cast’s size initially makes the plot difficult to track (especially as the story is told from the viewpoints of the different factions), but puzzling out good guys vs. bad guys proves fun. The action is fast; when combined with the clean, sharp lines and "simple" black-and-white drawing style (consistent with Clone Wars and reminiscent of Phil Hester’s Ant-Man work, sans muscles), the twisty plot is even speedier. Characters are well-done pastiches (e.g., the sage, the space pirate, etc.), evoking the essentials of identity; only brave Anna develops as she becomes a Strangewell. There is some PG-13 swearing, but lacking nudity or sexuality, this is appropriate and recommended for collections serving teens and older.—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

Fujita, Maki. Platinum Garden. Vol. 4. Tokyopop. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Egan Loo. ISBN 978-1-59816-364-3. pap. $9.99. F

Delivered as a payment for her grandfather’s debts, Kazura Enomoto has taken up residence in the Magahara household and assumed the role of Mizuki Magahara’s fake fiancée. Mizuki has the power to temporarily restore a soul to its dead body, a "curse" that has generated the enormous wealth of the Magaharas while encouraging the family to despise and banish Mizuki. Most of the Magaharas oppose the match and have probed the relationship between Kazura and Mizuki in previous volumes. In this volume, Kazura begins to recover her childhood memories of a friendship with Mizuki, made possible through her gentle and tolerant grandfather, but they are memories that Mizuki may not want her to recover. This volume includes an additional story that explores how Tsukiko, Kazura’s tough female defender, earned her reputation for violence and what might have caused it. For readers of Fruits Basket, the motifs of the family curse, the ostracism of family members, and the romance between the plucky beauty and the pretty beast will seem very familiar. However, Platinum Garden lacks the tenderness and compassion of Fruits Basket, as well as the distinctively drawn characters. Enough to tide readers over until the next installment of Fruits Basket, Platinum Garden is a stock shojo romance for teens with mild sexual innuendo and implied violence, but it should be successful in public libraries with shojo fantasy readership.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton

Ganter, Amy Kim. Sorcerers & Secretaries. Vol. 2. Tokyopop. 2007. 192p. ISBN 978-1-59816-410-7. pap. $9.99. F

This concluding volume continues to follow the developing relationship between Nicole, a receptionist who escapes her mundane daily life in a vivid fantasy world, and Josh, a bookstore employee who is an incorrigible flirt. When Josh encourages Nicole to think about submitting her fantasy story to a magazine, they begin to spend time together working on her writing. An attraction develops, although they aren’t officially dating. In the meantime, Nicole’s friend Susan meets Josh’s roommate Riley, who is a worse flirt than Josh. When Nicole finds out the extent of Josh’s former habit of collecting girls’ phone numbers, their relationship derails, and she abandons her story to focus on business school. Love triumphs in the end, however, and Nicole and Josh both make positive changes in their lives as a result of knowing each other. Although some of the storylines are wrapped up a little too easily, the art is more accomplished than that found in the average global manga from Tokyopop. Ganter has been active in web comics and published stories in the popular graphic novel anthology series Flight; here, she effectively portrays the contrast between Nicole’s daily life and the fantasy world she escapes to in her dreams. Recommended for libraries where global manga is popular.—Anna Neatrour, Salt Lake City, UT

Hanamori, Pink & Michiko Yokote. Pichi Pichi Pitch. Vol. 6. Del Rey: Ballantine. 2007. 244p. tr. from Japanese by William Flanagan. ISBN 978-0-345-49201-2. pap. $10.95. F

Lucia Nanami and her friends are mermaid princesses representing the oceans of the Earth. They go to school and their jobs at the beach in human form, but they also transform into idol singers to do mystical battle with the power of their voices. This penultimate volume of the series features the final showdown, as Lucia and her five companions attempt to battle the winged menace Michel, who threatens the human world, but their collective power is weakened because their seventh and final member hasn’t been born yet. The mermaids are aided by Lucia’s human boyfriend, Kaito, who has just recovered from amnesia, but he’s paralyzed by guilt about his actions toward Michal, a girl he met while his memories were lost. When Kaito remembers his relationship with Lucia, Michal begins to be drawn toward the evil influence of Michel. This summery magical girl manga has plenty of romance, bikinis, beach scenes, and surfing competitions, and the art features great attention to the mermaid princesses’ costume detail as they switch between their various identities. Accompanied by translation notes and a preview of the concluding volume, this is rated ages 13+ by the publisher. Recommended for large manga collections, Pichi Pichi Pitch will be popular with people who enjoy similar magical girl series like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura.—Anna Neatrour, Salt Lake City, UT

Hayakawa, Tomoko. The Wallflower. Vol. 12. Del Rey: Ballantine. 2007. 175p. tr. from Japanese by David Ury. ISBN 978-0-345-49556-3. pap. $10.95. F

Four beautiful boys can live in a mansion—rent free—if they can manage one simple task: transform their landlady’s niece into a perfect lady. Their charge, Sunako, quickly turns into a challenge: desperate to remain in gothic darkness and away from the sunny beauty of her roommates, Sunako manages to resist their attempts. With little effort, Sunako outwits and confounds her male companions while winning their friendship. They love her sumptuous cooking and her straightforward sincerity, though they despise her taste in grisly movies. In this volume, the bishounen revitalize a decrepit festival, Noi and Takenaga go away on a romantic weekend, Sunako cosplays and karaokes, and Sunako and Kyohei get jobs in a video store. Though the premise seems cruel, Wallflower is a satire of vanity and romance. The bishounen—thoughtful Takenaga, romantic Ranmaru, sweet Yuki, and aggressive Kyohei—struggle with people who find them too beautiful to bother to look past their surfaces. Sunako is already a lady—a wonderful cook, a clever manager, and a loyal friend—though she prefers darkness, anatomical skeletons, and ghastly movies to sunlight and the romantic opportunities presented by living alone with four handsome men. Sunako is often depicted in chibi form, which is unusual for a shojo heroine. Wallflower is well known for the parodic use of gothic plots and costuming; however, in later volumes, the quintet has spent their days satirizing school-life and romantic conventions. ADV has licensed the Wallflower anime, so interest could surge when the series is released. Strongly recommended for public and high school libraries.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton

Knauf, Daniel & Charles Knauf (text) & Roberto de la Torre (illus.). Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Marvel. 2007. 144p. ISBN 978-0-7851-2299-9. pap. $14.99. F

This father-and-son writing duo had an uphill battle to make Tony Stark, Iron Man, popular after his questionable actions during the Civil War saga. Stark begins his new role as Director of the Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate (S.H.I.E.L.D) after the Marvel Universe has been torn apart by Civil War. Collecting Iron Man issues 15–18, this book sees Stark thrust into his superhero role once again when a new age of well-funded, genetically enhanced bioterrorists prove too powerful for the S.H.I.E.L.D. special ops. Fortunately, Stark is working with the most "prolific and innovative biotechnologist," Maya Hansen, who has been working on the next generation of bioweaponry, Extremis. Will Stark decide to develop this technology before it gets into the wrong hands? This story picks up with the same energy of Civil War’s creators Millar and McNiven—engaging writing and action-packed illustrations make this GN a necessary part of the Iron Man arc. Although the story introduces some characters and events from the past, a handy profile of Iron Man and S.H.I.E.L.D. at the book’s end will answer any questions the reader may have. The profile will also help readers bone up on Iron Man history before the Iron Man film is released May 2008. Some graphically violent frames are intended for older audiences, but nothing in the story is overtly gratuitous. Nice additions include reprintings of Strange Tales #135 (1965) showing the first involvement of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Iron Man #129 from 1979. Recommended for all graphic novel collections.—Frank Stapleton, Torrance P.L., CA

Peach-Pit. Rozen Maiden. Vol. 5. Tokyopop. 2007. 176p. tr. from Japanese by Yuko Fukami. ISBN 978-1-59816-841-9. pap. $9.99. F

Jun Sakurada refuses to leave his room. The would-be eighth grader stays home ordering voodoo dolls and other useless trinkets online. His globe-trotting parents are never home, and his big sister, Nori, tries desperately to coax Jun out of his isolation. One day, a mysterious briefcase appears on Jun’s doorstep; inside it is a childlike Victorian porcelain doll. When Jun winds it up, the doll springs to life, introducing herself as "Shinku the 5th Rozen Maiden" and declaring Jun to be her human servant. The 7 Rozen Maidens are "living dolls" with magical powers, and they can enter the otherworldly "N-field" to wage the "Alice game"—a battle for possession of the Rosa Mystica, the essence that gives the dolls sentience. In this volume, we discover the school incident that traumatized Jun. Will he have the strength to overcome his fears or shut himself off to the world completely? The story line mixes action, fantasy, humor, and psychological drama. The haunting and delicate artwork showcases the mysterious doorways, portals to dreams, the tree of life, and the subconscious realms. Fans of Gothic Lolita fashion will enjoy the elaborately atired Rozen Maidens. Free of fan service, unlike Peach-Pit’s other manga DearS, the dolls are modestly dressed and childlike. Rated ages 13+ for moderate language, fantasy violence, and occultism. This entertaining manga is made up of seven volumes. The anime based on the manga is available on DVD from Geneon. Highly recommended.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA

Robinson, Androo. Cryptozoa. SevenTen Bishop. 2007. c.160p. ISBN 978-0-9712132-6-5. pap. $14.95. F

This compilation of single-panel comics from Robinson’s many zines and sketchbooks is chock-full of intelligent, funny, philosophical comics that are rarely maudlin or saccharine. Inevitably, the comics deal with heartbreak and mundanity—filled with the inner worlds and internal monologs of people who are often lonely and far too sensitive for this world. To that end, readers get a strip about a girl who, upon learning of the swarms of microscopic creatures who inhabit her tears, resolves to never cry again for fear of killing her "internal citizenry." Similarly, if less charmingly, is another comic in which a girl with a childhood love for making cute faces on her meals develops an eating disorder "due to her unique relationship with her food." There is gentle poetry in the tale about a cellist who lost two fingers in an accident and in another where a woman does a newsletter based on events that happen in the microcosm of her garden. Cryptozoa exhibits loads of charm and observational insight from an original thinker whose most immediate predecessor may be Edward Gorey but without the strictures, rhyme, or meter. All the more impressive is that Robinson avoids the easy and endlessly tempting crutches of profanity, nudity, and drug and alcohol usage. Robinson’s biography states that he has supported his ill-paying craft with jobs ranging from construction worker to horse carriage driver to short-order cook and barista, which makes him a true embodiment of the working-class hero lurking as poet/philosopher. The book is suitable for all audiences, although it’s unlikely early teens and younger children will grasp Robinson’s abundantly dry subtleties.—Robert Young, Comics Interpreter, Charleston, SC

Tanaka, Suzuki. Menkui! Vol. 3. BLU: Tokyopop. 2007. 202p. tr. from Japanese. ISBN 978-1-59816-360-5. pap. $9.99. F

High schooler Kotori Karasawa is menkui, a sucker for a pretty face. Growing up in the shadow of his gorgeous older brother, Kotori always felt inferior. But to his surprise, Kotori finds himself pursued by a hot-looking classmate, Kaname Akaiwa. First love can be wonderful and exciting, but being in a relationship is hard work, especially when Akaiwa reveals his jealous side. Leisurely paced, this manga features simple, attractive artwork. However, the story suffers from too many side characters and fails to develop the central romance to its full potential. Also, the use of paranormal elements like ghosts and parallel worlds feels distracting and contrived. Volume 3, the series finale, includes two extra stories about teens living in postapocalyptic worlds. These tense stories have a much darker, violent, and edgy tone. Rated ages 16+ for fighting and other scenes of moderate violence, the book also features kissing and some mild sexual language. An optional purchase for libraries with yaoi collections.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA

Voutch. This Is as Bad as It Gets. Andrews McMeel. Oct. 2007. 125p. ISBN 978-0-7407-4672-7. pap. $16.95. F

Just who is this Voutch fellow? While I wouldn’t vouch for Voutch’s celebrity, at least not in the United States, This Is as Bad as It Gets should get the ball rolling for the French humorist. Voutch discovered his knack for cartooning relatively late in life; lucky for us, he didn’t miss his window altogether. This amusing and witty American debut flaunts 150 beautiful, full-color gouache painting cartoons. In a world populated by long, thin characters with tall faces and prominently exaggerated noses, Voutch’s humor is both cynical and sardonic—nothing is lost in translation. The irony of contemporary civilization shines through via tactless doctors, human clone relationship issues, and other dysfunctional personalities. Despite the sarcastic nature of Voutch’s humor, his illustrations are filled with vibrant, life-affirming colors. He is constantly aware of color scheme and has a wonderful sense of space, especially when it comes to vast skies and soaring, expansive walls. Strongly recalling mid-century stylings, Voutch’s single frame cartoons are pure works of art. It’s refreshing to see such a strong debut from a relative unknown. While the collection is not essential, it certainly could be a worthwhile experience for most readers—not bad for a one-time boomerang throwing cochampion of the world.—David Garza, AWBERC Lib., U.S. EPA, Cincinnati

Wilson, G. Willow (text) & M.K. Perker. Cairo. Vertigo: DC Comics. Nov. 2007. c.160p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1140-0. $24.99. F

Journalist Wilson’s story brings together an Egyptian journalist, an Israeli soldier, an Arab drug dealer, a spoiled liberal Californian, and a Lebanese American (on his way to becoming a suicide bomber) against a host of criminals and mystical beings in a classic thriller plot of protagonists caught up in events outside their understanding—mixed with magic. An attempt at some sort of serious commentary underlies a hunt for a "MacGuffin box" enlightenment. The commentary relies on characters development; unfortunately, the characters’ shifts in outlook are the most fantastic element of this story: abrupt and far too easy, turning a serious intent into a naive happy ending. The potential for the interesting and relevant setting (still the exotic East to most Americans) is squandered on a story that offers more by way of mystification and barely explained mythology than any real sense of place and culture (an unexpected disappointment since Wilson lived in Cairo for four years and has written about the region for major magazines). Perker’s black, white, and gray art is reminiscent of superhero comics of the 1990s—angular and often awkward or flat. A lesser book from DC’s Vertigo imprint, Cairo offers some of the same elements of a superhero comic but without the name recognition or character investment. Drugs, cursing, and bloody violence earn the "mature readers" rating for teens and up. Not recommended for any but the most indiscriminate collection.—Derik A. Badman, Temple Univ. Libs., Philadelphia, PA

Week of October 2

Fiction | Nonfiction

Fiction

Barker, Clive. Mister B. Gone. HarperCollins. Oct. 2007. c.248p. ISBN 978-0-06-018298-4. $24.95. HORROR

Narrator Jakabok Botch is a demon trapped in the pages of Barker’s latest novel. He begins the story by demanding that the reader burn the book and continues to plead, threaten, and cajole until the end. In between these asides, he tells the story of his life, culminating with an encounter with Johann Gutenberg and the first printing press. Written by a lesser author, this might have been an engaging tale, but Barker’s fans have come to expect imaginative descriptions of wonders and cruelties, and Mister B. Gone disappoints in that respect. Without his signature originality, the plot has to stand on its own, and it comes across as clunky and disjointed. It’s been three years since Barker last published a novel (the "Abarat" children’s series) and six since his novel for adults (Coldheart Canyon), so expectations are high. Unfortunately, this book falls short. Purchase only to meet demand.—Karl G. Siewert, Tulsa City-Cty. Lib., OK

Novik, Naomi. Empire of Ivory. Del Rey: Ballantine. (Temeraire, Bk. 4). Oct. 2007. c.400p. ISBN 978-0-345-49687-4. pap. $7.99. FANTASY

After a long voyage to Asia, the dragon Temeraire and his captain Laurence have returned to England, hoping to persuade the government to treat dragons as more than beasts of burden in the Napoleonic Wars. Instead, they find that a deadly plague has infected the Aerial Corps dragons, and the only hope for a cure lies in deepest Africa. To save their friends, they must journey to Cape Horn in search of a mushroom that can stop the fatal illness, but they discover that they are not the only ones who covet the cure. In the wake of the previous three books in the Temeraire series (His Majesty’s Dragon, Throne of Jade, and Black Powder War), Novik recently and deservedly won the prestigious John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. Her series cleverly melds fantasy and historical fiction genres, recalling the dash and human interest of Patrick O’Brian’s seafaring adventures. Empire of Ivory is a standout in the series so far, with its exotic African setting, a genuinely involving plot, and a cliff-hanger ending that will have readers camping out for the next installment. Highly recommended for public libraries. [Novik is married to Charles Ardai, publisher of mystery imprint Hard Case Crime, and director Peter Jackson has optioned the Temeraire series.—Ed.].—Jenne Bergstrom, San Diego Cty. Lib.

Nonfiction

Coming of Age Around the World: A Multicultural Anthology. New Pr., dist. by Norton. 2007. c.320p. ed. by Faith Adiele & Mary Frosch. ISBN 978-1-59558-080-1. pap. $16.95. SOC SCI

This impressive anthology of world literature—a companion to the editors’ Coming of Age in America: A Multicultural Anthology—explores experiences of growing up in various cultures around the world. Notable authors from every continent—including Yua Hua, Ben Okri, Marjane Satrapi, and Alexandra Fuller—worked in varied formats, including graphics, fiction, and nonfiction. The preface is an eye-opening exploration of "coming of age" as perceived and lived differently throughout our global village. Introductions to each entry provide literary and author-biographical context as well as connections to other works within the book. This interweaving device renders the anthology a holistic work, punctuating the understanding that all human experience is intricately related and relatable. This much-needed compendium offers American readers a global lens through which to view quality literature, culture, and the concept of youth. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.—Vanessa J. Morris, department of Library Science, Clarion Univ., PA

de Klerk-Rubin, Vicki. Validation Techniques for Dementia Care: The Family Guide to Improving Communication. Health Professions. Nov. 2007. c.144p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-932529-37-1. pap. $18.95. HEALTH

Alzheimer’s and other dementias are devastating illnesses that affect more than five million people in the United States. While the financial cost is staggering—more than $148 billion each year—the emotional toll on caregivers and family is even worse, particularly as the sufferer loses the ability to communicate. The validation method is a way of communicating with and helping people with dementia in a nonjudgmental, caring way. De Klerk-Rubin, a validation master trainer, offers a brief history of the disease as well as discusses what family members can expect as the disease progresses. Principles of the method are delineated and provide insights into the patient’s behaviors. The author encourages readers to empty themselves of personal emotions and conflicts, observe and identify the emotions of the patient, find an appropriate distance in which to begin communication, find empathy with what is being expressed, and use appropriate verbal and nonverbal techniques that can elicit responses. Examples, while somewhat simplistic, are helpful; this book will prove popular in consumer health collections.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans Hosp., Tampa, FL

Kao, John. Innovation Nation: How America Is Losing Its Innovation Edge, Why It Matters, and How We Can Get It Back. Free Pr: S. & S. Oct. 2007. index. ISBN 978-1-4165-3268-2. $26. BUS

A member of the Department of Defense’s Transformation Advisory Group, Kao (Jamming) draws on numerous analogies, resources, and his personal expertise in the field of innovation management to paint a picture of the past, present a critique of the present, and proffer a vision for the future of U.S. innovation. Kao contrasts innovation policies, initiatives, and educational structures throughout the world that embody the potential to solve "wicked problems" with those of the United States. His analysis leads to the conclusion that action must be taken to reaffirm and secure U.S. leadership to innovate for the future. Kao’s recommended actions include strategic new initiatives with public and private partnerships funding 20 centers of innovation, enhancing and redefining educational processes, and constructing a governing body tasked with bolstering U.S. innovative potential. A timely study and thought-provoking analysis, this is highly recommended for corporate and academic research institutions and government libraries.—Robert L. Balliot, Bristol, RI

Pearson, Felicia "Snoop" & David Ritz. Grace After Midnight: A Memoir. Grand Central. Nov. 2007. ISBN 978-0-446-19518-8. $22. TV

Born a crack baby, Pearson grew up a foster child on the tough streets of East Baltimore, where she emulated the violence and drug dealing she saw. In 1995 at age 14, she was convicted of murder and served over seven years in prison. Though Pearson eventually escaped her early life, even lucking into playing a villain on the TV drama The Wire, there is little to recommend her story. What might have been an intimate look at a young woman determined to reclaim her life, perhaps a female version of Antwone Fisher’s Finding Fish, is instead a dreary narration of sordid, violent episodes; Pearson’s overreliance on curses fast becomes tiresome, as does her constant complaining about prison life. The titular "grace" that turns Pearson from deviant to resolute remains unexplained; her intent, though specific, is feeble: "you can get over without killing people and selling packs." Though coauthor Ritz has helped many musicians (e.g., Etta James, Aretha Franklin) complete their autobiographies, this collaboration is not recommended. Instead, stick with Fisher’s book or Chris Gardner’s The Pursuit of Happyness, though there may be demand from the street-lit crowd.—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

The Philosophy of The X-Files. Univ. Pr. of Kentucky. (Philosophy of Popular Culture). 2007. c.328p. ed. by Dean A. Kowalski. index. ISBN 978-0-8131-2454-4. $35. TV

The eggheads from America’s dairy land—ten of the 13 contributors are faculty members at Wisconsin universities—take on Scully, Mulder, the Smoking Man, and our seemingly inexhaustible obsession with aliens, conspiracies, and alien conspiracies in this collection. Concentrating on the series’ first five years, essays are divided among three sections exploring the X-Files premise and explications of its most popular taglines, "the truth is out there," "trust no one," and "I want to believe." A philosophical exegesis of the show’s major characters and an examination of seminal episodes like "Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose" and "Jose Chung’s ‘From Outer Space’" constitute the other parts. Additional offerings include an episode guide and a delightful cameo appearance in the astute foreword by the Smoking Man himself, William B. Davis. Though editor Kowalski (philosophy, Univ. of Wisconsin-Waukesha; Classic Questions and Contemporary Film) keeps a tight grip on the polysyllabic reigns, this work is not for the academic faint-of-heart. Similar in scope and tone to entries in Tauris’s "Reading Contemporary Television" series, it is most appropriate for college-level American popular culture collections.—Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX

Sites, Kevin. In the Hot Zone: One Man, One Year, Twenty Wars. Perennial: HarperCollins. Oct. 2007. c.352p. ISBN 978-0-06-122875-9. pap. $14.95. POL SCI

Intrepid readers will find a friend in backpacker journalist Sites (ABC, NBC, CNN, Yahoo!). Via his collected unusual firsthand accounts of unseen and unheard-of events surrounding the conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America, they will have shockingly realistic, up-close encounters with humanity—and get the scoop on what really happened in the Iraq mosque shooting, what the people of Banda Aceh experienced after the 2004 tsunami, the conflict between blacks and Arabs in Somalia, and the fear and suffering experienced by rape victims in the Congo. Story upon story forces readers to examine their own values systems, question everything the media exposes them to, view a number of complex political situations with new eyes, and attach human faces to the tragedies that used to be worlds away but have now come too close for comfort. An essential read, especially for those who believe themselves to be world-wise or politically savvy. Get ready for a reality check and some real hard knocks. If you are a blogger or enjoy browsing the Internet, you must visit Sites’s "Hot Zone" web site.—Gloria Creed-Dikeogu, Ottawa Univ. Lib., KS

Weinberg, Stephen E., M.D. U.S. Healthcare on Life Support: Resuscitating the Dying System. Denisher Pr. Nov. 2007. c.128p. index. ISBN 978-0-9793802-3-5. pap. $15.95. MED

A cardiologist in practice for more than 30 years and a managing partner of his group practice for a dozen, Weinberg presents a look at the American health-care financing system. His hope is that the information will help readers become more knowledgeable participants in the ongoing debate over the future of that system. He starts from the increasingly accepted premise that the system is failing, using accessible statistics to explain what real costs are built in and which might be susceptible to change. As he moves through the costs and problems of wages, hospitals, private insurance, public programs, the uninsured, and pharmaceutical companies, he makes pertinent comparisons to other less-costly national systems. Ultimately, like Christine Cassel in Medicare Matters: What Geriatric Medicine Can Teach American Health Care, he suggests expanding Medicare, which he sees as providing good and more cost-effective care, as the basis of a single-payer system. A useful addition to the growing number of books on health-care reform. Recommended for public and medical libraries.—Dick Maxwell, Porter Adventist Hosp. Lib., Denver

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