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INSIDE! December 2014
Book Review 5 7
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2
F R E E
NEW AND OF INTEREST
C H E C K
The Hundred-Year House Secrets within secrets Page 4
I T
The Magician of Auschwitz
O U T
The Paddington Treasury
Hope and magic Page 6
Charming collection of bear’s adventures Page 8
10
Lock In
This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage
13
By Ann Patchett Harper, $17.70, 306 pages Meet Author Ann Patchett on Dec. 6 at Hardesty Regional Library. See Page 4 for more details. Reading Ann Patchett’s latest book, This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, a collection of previously published essays, is like settling in with a cherished confidante to ponder matters of importance. Patchett is the award-winning author of both novels (Bel Canto, State of Wonder, Run, etc.) and nonfiction (Truth and Beauty). She began her career writing for popular magazines, and this collection of accessible, conversational pieces demonstrates that journalistic
background while simultaneously digging deep to dissect and reflect upon the meaning of life. Patchett, who comes from a tradition of divorce, reveals her fear of marriage and the startling event that propelled her to overcome it. She describes her devotion to her dog Rose, while at the same time explaining her decision not to become a mother. “I went home to my dog. I rubbed her pink belly See Happy Marriage, cont’d on page 11
What if a disability turned you into robocop? Page 12
Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One’s Looking) Who are you? Page 13
54 Reviews INSIDE!
Book Reviews Category
Crime Fiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
The Drop By Dennis Lehane William Morrow, $14.99, 224 pages Check this out! Bob is walking home from work one night and finds a badly abused puppy in a trash can. In doing so, Bob meets a woman, lonely and somewhat damaged, much like Bob. The puppy binds them together, although the relationship is ambiguous for some time. He works at his cousin Marv’s bar. Well, it’s not really Marv’s bar anymore. The Chechens own it, but it seems like Marv’s bar most of the time. The bar is robbed, the Chechens are mad, the cops are less than helpful, and a string of ugly incidents shine a light on this seamy place and gritty characters who populate—like a bad car accident you don’t want to look at, but you just can’t tear your eyes away. An old mystery is at the heart of all of this. Dennis Lehane has a new book out. For those who are fans of his work, this is cause for celebration. Nobody does it better in the category of mystery/crime/thrillers. Nobody creates more interesting and real characters. Nobody can take readers to the seamiest places in Boston like Lehane can. This is classic Lehane and will not disappoint. Don’t miss it. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Seven for a Secret By Lyndsay Faye Berkley Trade, $16.00, 496 pages Check this out! NYPD officer Timothy Wilde is still ruffling feathers politically and socially as he tries to solve crimes in a corrupt city. Only six months into the experiment, most New Yorkers distrust the NYPD, making Timothy’s job even harder. But when a woman comes to him, claiming her sister and son have been wrongfully taken by slave catchers, Timothy uncovers new depths of darkness and sin in his city. How far will Timothy go to see justice done and what will it cost him?
Seven for a Secret is a pull-nopunches follow-up to Lyndsay Faye’s magnificent novel The Gods of Gotham, and treads more unsettling territory than the first. Faye effectively crafts a fully-realized New York City, populated with good and bad and all sorts in-between, raising tough questions and tossing our idealistic Timothy into the metaphorical meat grinder. But Faye also takes the opportunity to expand several of the side characters. Bird, Valentine and Mercy all get new wrinkles, new color and depth, and through the lens of their interactions with Timothy are allowed to grow. It’s confident storytelling and world-building, done with grace. Quite simply, Seven for a Secret is another home run for Lyndsay Faye. Reviewed by Glenn Dallas A Cry From the Dust By Carrie Stuart Parks Thomas Nelson, $15.99, 384 pages Check this out! G w e n Marcey was at the top of her field in forensics. After a bout with cancer, being abandoned by her husband and rebellious teenage daughter, Gwen starts a new life in Utah, reconstructing faces from a massacre site where the Mormon fanatics, the Avenging Angels, slaughtered 120 people. As she is finishing up the job, things take a turn for the worse. After she is called on by local police to help in the investigation of a ritualized murder, she discovers a much deeper, much more sinister plot and a rebirth of the Avenging Angels. And she is their next target.
Parks clearly did an extensive amount of research on the Mormon church and its history. As a real-life forensic artist, Parks is able to make Gwen Marcey a very believable character. A Cry From the Dust is a fastpaced novel with a good dose of humor and nonstop suspense and tension. As one mystery is solved, another one crops up to take its place. At times, it can be overwhelming and I found myself longing for a break but for the most part it was enjoyable. I would recommend it to most people who enjoy a fast-paced cerebral thriller. Reviewed by Maggie Marshall River of Glass By Jaden Terrell The Permanent Press, $28.00, 288 pages River of Glass is the third book to feature the tough ex-cop Jared McKean who now makes his living as a PI. The first two novels established the characters in his life, in-
cluding his disabled son, and set the scene for this “adventure” that comes all unlooked for one night. He’s suddenly pitched into a people trafficking investigation as first the body of an Asian woman is found in a dumpster at the back of his office block, and then an older woman appears claiming to be his half-sister from Vietnam. Over the last two years, a number of message books have been published where the authors discuss contemporary issues and indicate quite firmly how we should feel about them. This book has a well-established context for the issue and, more importantly, allows matters to develop organically, rather than foist ever darker situations on to our plates to engage our sympathies. Our hero’s niece has gone missing after arriving in America. It’s likely she’s being sold. Because family is involved, our hero gets actively engaged in chasing down every clue. All is told in pleasingly spiky prose that positively bristles with the darker side of wit. This is strongly recommended. Reviewed by David Marshall
Try Mobius If you don’t find a title reviewed in the Tulsa Book Review listed in Tulsa City-County Library’s catalog, just click on the “Search MOBIUS” link to access it. We can get it for you quickly and free through our new partnership with Missouri and Colorado libraries.
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IN THIS ISSUE Crime Fiction..................................................2
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Try MOBIUS....................................................2 Meet Ann Patchett..........................................4 Fiction........................................................ 4, 5
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FROM THE PUBLISHER It’s hard to believe that 2014 already is coming to a close! It’s been a busy year at the Tulsa City-County Library as we’ve welcomed many great authors to Tulsa through our partnerships with BookSmart Tulsa, Tulsa Reads and many other community organizations. Of course the grand finale takes place this month when Ann Patchett comes to Tulsa to receive the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2014 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award. Ms. Patchett will receive the award at a black-tie dinner on Friday, Dec 5. She then will speak and sign books at a free public presentation on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in Connor’s Cove at the Hardesty Regional Library. Her books will be available for purchasing at the event, courtesy of Barnes & Noble. This year, the library’s gift to our customers comes in the form of Library ELF. If you haven’t used Library ELF (Everybody’s Library Friend) you don’t know what you’re missing! Library ELF is your best friend if you like to borrow items from the library. Library ELF lets you know when library items you requested are available for you to pick up and reminds you BEFORE items are due back or in need of online renewal. It can be set up to remind you via email, text message or both. You also can consolidate all of your family’s library cards into one Library ELF account. Best of all it’s free! So sign up for Library ELF at www.tulsalibrary.org/libraryelf. Request items featured in this issue of the Tulsa Book Review or others, and then watch for a message from Library ELF letting you know the items are ready for pickup. It’s that easy. In the interim, we look forward to seeing you at Ms. Patchett’s program on Dec. 6, as well as wish you and your family a very happy holiday season!
Library Holiday Gift Shop.............................12 Speculative Fiction.......................................12 The Tulsa Book Review is published monthly by City Book Review. The opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Tulsa Book Review or City Book Review advertisers. All images are copyrighted by their respective copyright holders. All words ©2014, City Book Review
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Coming Up! Attention: aspiring writers! Put your skills to the test by entering the 2015 Adult Creative Writing Contest, sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries. The contest is open to any person 18 years or older who resides, works or attends school in Tulsa County, or has a nonresident Tulsa City-County Library card. Cash prizes are awarded. The deadline to enter is Jan. 31, 2015. Visit www.tccl.us/friends/contest for an entry form and more details.
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Book Reviews
SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage: A novel By Haruki Murakami, Philip Gabriel (translator) Knopf, $25.95, 400 pages Check this out! After the long-w indedness and lengthiness of Haruki Murakami’s previous 1Q84, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage is short and to the point, featuring some great characters and the sort of story fans have come to love from Murakami. It is the story of five young high school friends who become as close as siblings and do everything together. And then something happens that breaks the group apart and all their lives are changed forever. Tazaki is told to leave the group and never return. He does not know what he has done and the four friends refuse to tell him. Tazaki lives his life through his 20s and early 30s as a designer of railway stations. Upon meeting an interesting girl who he begins to care greatly for, she tells him he should visit each of these former friends and find out why they abandoned him so suddenly. His pilgrimage will take him back home, as well as to Europe. Along the way he will learn a lot, but because this is a Murakami book, Tazaki will not always know why. Nevertheless, like all good Murakami, Colorless Tsukuru sucks you in and doesn’t let you go until the last word is read. Reviewed by Alex Telander The Hundred-Year House By Rebecca Makkai Viking Adult, $26.95, 352 pages Check this out! In its 100-year history, Laurelfield has had a variety of occupants: it’s either housed outliers of the Devohr family or an artists’ colony. As Y2K approaches, Gracie Devohr and her husband, Bruce, live there. Then Gracie’s only child, Zee, a college professor, moves in to the coach house with her hus-
band, Doug, a writer trying to tackle his magnum opus on the life of obscure poet Edwin Parfitt. Parfitt had been a visiting artist at L aurelf ield decades before. Doug is frustrated that his mother-in-law won’t let him search the house’s attic for information on Parfitt. Zee is frustrated her husband can’t just buckle down and get his book done, and she hates having to live at her old home. Doug does eventually manage to wrangle entrance to the attic—and what he discovers is not what he expected. The house holds myriad secrets. Makkai eventually takes readers deeper into the house’s past, revealing layers of personalities, frustrations and deceptions. The Hundred-Year House satisfies most in its structure, the way the plot unfolds and elements come together, just as one of its resident artist’s mosaics. Satisfying, too, are Makkai’s metaphors, which are clever, intricate and perfect. Most of the characters are not people one would want to spend much time with, but the book is enjoyable as the house eventually yields its full story. Reviewed by Cathy Carmode Lim Fall of Night (Dead of Night) By Jonathan Maberry St. Martin’s Griffin, $15.99, 368 pages Check this out! Against all odds, two cops, a reporter and hundreds of schoolchildren have survived zombies and an aggressive military response, fortifying the school and waiting to see what the government’s next move will be. As a serial killer spreads, the zombie plague beyond Stebbins County, Dez, JT, and Billy find themselves in a standoff with the president’s top advisors as everyone races to stop the zombie threat. But time is running out, and as the nuclear option looms large, their brave efforts may prove all for naught.
Tulsa Book Review • December 2014 • 4
Free Public PreseNTaTioN aNd book sigNiNg
Saturday, Dec. 6 • 10:30 a.m.
Hardesty Regional Library, Connor’s Cove • 8316 E. 93rd St. Hailed as one of the most interesting and unconventional writers of her generation, Ann Patchett has dazzled readers for the last two decades with her award-winning books, including The Patron Saint of Liars, Taft, the critically acclaimed The Magician’s Assistant, Bel Canto, Run, and her most recent work, State of Wonder, a provocative and ambitious novel set deep in the Amazon jungle. Her nonfiction works have intrigued readers as well. Titles include Truth & Beauty: A Friendship, a memoir about her friendship with writer Lucy Grealy; What Now?, an expansion of her graduation address at Sarah Lawrence College; and, most recently, This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, a collection of essays that examines the theme of commitment. Patchett also is the co-owner of an independent book store, Parnassus Books, in Nashville, Tenn.
c E l E b r aT E a n n paT c h E T T Novel Talk: M us ic , T h e uN iv e r sa l l a Ng uag e
Wednesday, Dec. 3 • 7 p.m. • AHHA • 101 E. Archer St. Panelists will explore Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto. Panelists are Sloan Davis, assistant English professor, Tulsa Community College; Linda Strummer, former opera singer; and Keith Jemison, librarian, opera singer and avid reader.
Book Reviews Fall of Night is the relentless sequel to Maberry’s Dead of Night, which offered a curious new take on zombies. Combining superhero-esque elements with the spirit of The Walking Dead’s humans-are-worsethan-zombies mentality, and a little bit of West Wing “speaking truth to power” for flavor, Fall of Night is survival horror with some unexpected twists. Maberry has clearly given careful thought to how an outbreak would play out, and as the story progresses, it richly details the outbreak’s many vectors, filling in the small gaps so many films and stories leave to avoid tough questions. Maberry’s outbreak is covered step by step, effectively enhancing the scenario’s many potential horrors. Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Missing Reels By Farran Smith Nehme Overlook Hardcover, $26.95, 352 pages Check this out! The Time: late 1980s. The Place: New York City. The Protagonist: Ceinwen, a rural Mississippi girl. As a sales girl earning minimum wage and a resident of a rundown apartment on Avenue C, Ceinwen’s primary getaway is in watching old movies. That is, until Ceinwen stumbles on a mystery: Ceinwen suspects that Miriam, her classy downstairs neighbor, starred in a lost silent film, and she becomes determined to track down the missing reels. Eccentric film buffs, aging film stars and a compelling English math professor are roped into her quest. This is a well-researched mystery that film buffs will enjoy for its discussion of lesser-known films, ideal projection speeds, modern film curation, as well as the famous directors and actors whose talent made Hollywood’s Golden Age. The novel initially struggles with minimal description and heavy reliance on dialogue, which occasionally results in confusing and abrupt scene changes. Yet, readers are encouraged to overlook this deficit as her profuse dialogue is skillfully written and manages to relay characters’ underlying emotions through their casual comments to one another. All in all, Nehme’s passion for films and her sym-
Fiction pathetic, if believably flawed, characters will keep readers engrossed and steadily flipping pages. Reviewed by Kasey Beduhn Crave the Night: A Midnight Breed Novel By Lara Adrian Delacorte Press, $25.00, 272 pages Check this out! Book 12 of the “Midnight Breed” series is not as long as some of the previous installments, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in intensity. The looming conf rontation between the Breed and Atlanteans is heating up. We still do not know the Atlanteans’ motivation for showing themselves now after living in secret for so long, but the anticipation feels as if it is leading up to something epic. After enduring years in Dragos’ labs, Nathan couldn’t fathom himself ever being capable of experiencing love. However, in the relentless quest for clues about the Atlanteans and Opus Nostrum, the Breed finds out that Jordana is a major player in the coming battle, so Nathan makes it his purpose in life to ensure her safety. Lara Adrian has managed to find a way to continue the “Midnight Breed” series for a dozen installments without the series getting stale. She has created a series about a race of immortals capable of having children, so we get to experience a second and third generation. Crave the Night is a great addition to the series and builds anticipation for the future. Reviewed by Jennifer Moss Shoplifter By Michael Cho Pantheon, $19.95, 96 pages Check this out! Reviewers aren’t supposed to toss hyperbole around lightly, but it must be said: I loved every cringe-inducing moment of Shoplifter. It’s been ages since a graphic novel spoke to me on such a personal level. I wish I had the cash to buy copies for every friend who reminds me of the protagonist: overeducated, unfulfilled and stuck in a rut. Shoplifter focuses on Corinna Park, a writer plagued with ennui and lack of motivation. Life hasn’t turned out as she envisioned it, and now she’s merely going through the motions at her ad agency job, where she gets to write copy for silly products that nobody needs. Corinna’s only thrill in life is minor pilfering. Corinna knows she has the potential to do great things; she just can’t fathom how to get there.
Having met a fair share of shoplifters and disenchanted co p y w r ite r s over the years, I can sympathize with Cor i n n a’s first-world problems while wanting to hit her with a bat at the same time. Corinna’s doubts, fears and failed attempts feel intensely real. I wish there were more stories like Shoplifter out there: short, elegant and even a little groan-inducing. Reviewed by Rachel Anne Calabia The Ripper’s Wife By Brandy Purdy Kensington, $15.00, 368 pages The alleged murder of James Maybrick, a middle-aged English cotton-broker, by his young American wife, Florence, caused a media sensation in 1889. The discovery of a diary a century later, allegedly written by the former in which he confesses to being Jack the Ripper, brought with it accusations of sensationalism from most in the media. The release of a book 125 years later is unlikely to cause a sensation, yet The Ripper’s
Wife, a work of historical fiction told through the eyes of the latter, should receive sensational reviews all the same. I say this because the Maybrick trial and Whitechapel murders have both been chronicled many times before, and yet the author, Brandy Purdy, maintains an astonishing level of suspense – so astonishing that some Ripperologists might think they have developed amnesia. What makes Purdy’s novel particularly memorable is her poetic prose, which takes readers beyond courtship-to-court, and onto the love “Florie” holds for her children: James and Gladys. Biographer Kate Colquhoun refuses to answer her own question in Did She Kill Him? and settle the hotly disputed issue. Although some may question Purdy’s paragraph-length sentences and period prose, no one can dispute that The Ripper’s Wife is a gripping page-turner. Reviewed by Lee P. Ruddin
My Tulsa library CoMMuniTy Card.
Each swipe will benefit the campaign to renovate the Central Library. The Visa Debit Card is available with an Oklahoma Central Credit Union checking account. There are no annual fees and it can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Visit any Oklahoma Central Credit Union location or go to me.occu.org for more information. This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
Tulsa Book Review • December 2014 • 5
Book Reviews Category
Kids’ Books SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold By Joyce Sidman, Rick Allen (illustrator) HMH Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 32 pages Check this out! The winter is quiet and deep, cushioned by snow, frozen and icy. But there are living things— moose and birds and snakes and bees and beavers and trees—all surviving in different ways. Joyce Sidman has created a collection of poems about trees, snow, and creatures that are both beautiful and authentic. Often speaking in the voice of the subject, these poems take a variety of forms to interest young readers and listeners. Each poem is accompanied by information about the subject of the poem that gives an explanation of the subject, its environment, habits, etc. Curious young minds will be grateful for this extra information, but it also will likely engender questions and more love of nature and learning. Linoleum cut prints by Rick Allen have an icy look to them and are stunning in their beauty. While there is no poem about a fox in the book, a smiling brightorange fox visits many of the spreads in the book bringing a sense of fun to the illustrations, a sense of fun that is already apparent in the poems. This book is a must-have for any fans of children’s poetry, excellent and creative illustration, or books on nature. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck While You Were Napping By Jenny Offill, Barry Blitt (illustrator) Schwartz & Wade, $16.99, 40 pages Check this out! No young child likes to take a nap, and the little boy in this story is no exception. His mother promises he isn’t going to miss anything. But, it seems, while he is napping, quite a lot of incredible things happen. Because no one else has to take naps, all the other children have a party and play outside. Construction workers come and let the kids take over the bulldozers. One of the kids finds a dinosaur skeleton and gives every-
one a bone. Robots show up and fix a great meal – the kind no mother would ever fix. Then pirates…well, you get the idea. Simply the best of days with tons of wonderful things happening all while the boy naps. The story is told from the older sister’s point of view, an older sister doing her best to make her little brother miserable, and she has quite the imagination. Jenny Offill’s absolutely charming text is completed by Barry Blitt’s brilliant illustrations. This laughout-loud funny picture book is bound to become a favorite with youngsters as well as those who read to them. Not to be missed. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Tracks Count: A Guide to Counting Animal Prints By Steve Engel, Alexander M. Petersen (illustrator) Craigmore Creations, $17.99, 32 pages Check this out! W h i l e it’s sold as a counting book—which it is—Track Counts is so much more. Each number, beginning with zero, includes a few educational words about each animal, one to four short sentences early readers can practice reading on their own and a richly rendered illustration of the animals belonging to the foot prints. My favorite is the five baby raccoons peering out from a tree hollow—irresistible. It would be easy for a young reader to want to read/hear the story several times to spend time with the young animals. While the book includes animals one would expect, like bears and wolves, it also
introduces readers to lesser-known animals like the tapir and coatimundi. The book includes an introduction, for the adults; a twopage spread showing the numbers 1-10 with their foot prints, for the kids; and a short description of each of the animals featured. The book easily can be used as a reference book. A perfect book for early counters, children will have fun counting all the toes, claws and hooves of the animals—there’s a lot of counting going on in this book! Reviewed by Susan Roberts The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus By Jen Bryant, Melissa Sweet (illustrator) Eerdmans, $17.50, 42 pages Check this out! Young Peter Roget lost his father at a young age. Consequently, his family moved often and Peter had few friends. Instead, he had books and they became his friends. When he was 8, Peter began to write a book himself, but didn’t write stories. Instead, he wrote lists. He started with lists of Latin words and English meanings. They helped him learn his lessons. Each year, Peter came up with new lists, which also helped him as he learned about science and nature. He went on to study medicine and eventually became a doctor, but he kept on with his lists. He always was searching for just the right word, and categories of words became his passion. As time went on, his children convinced him to publish his book of synonyms. Jen Bryant has clearly researched the life and times of Peter Roget, and she represents his work very well in this charming book. The illustrations and design of the book by Melissa Sweet are every bit as important to the overall charm. It might be considered difficult to get children interested in a book about the man who wrote a book of synonyms, but this book will enchant them. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck The Magician of Auschwitz By Kathy Kacer Second Story Press, $18.95, 32 pages Check this out! Young Werner arrives at the Family Camp of Auschwitz, but is aware this is a prison camp run by Nazis. He finds a spot on the third tier of sleeping pallets. In the middle of one night, he is awakened by guards. They don’t want Werner. They want the pale, older man who also sleeps there. The guards tell Herr Levin to perform tricks. They give him a deck of cards, and he performs flawless tricks. As time goes on and the guards come again and again, Herr Levin adds other
Tulsa Book Review • December 2014 • 6
magic tricks. He explains to Werner, it is a matter of life and death to perform well. It’s hard to know how and when to introduce the story of the Holocaust to young children. This book is marketed for third- to fifth-graders, and that is probably appropriate placement. It gives an introduction to the Holocaust without going into the true horrors of the time. This is a good introductory piece with a compelling true story. The back matter gives the facts of the story and some information about the Holocaust. This is a fine book, well designed and written for such a young age group. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Scarlett the Cat to the Rescue: Fire Hero By Nancy Loewen, Kristin Sorra (illustrator) Window Picture Books, $14.95, 32 pages Check this out! This book is based on a true story of Scarlett, who rescued her five kittens by carrying them one by one out of a raging fire. Animals, especially cats, do not generally return to a fire once they are out, yet Scarlett did four times. When a fireman discovered five kittens, he looked for the mother and found her across the alley in a vacant lot, her paws, eyes and face burned. Rushed to an animal clinic, a team worked on all six patients. Their lungs were damaged by smoke and they were contained in a large oxygen tent to keep them alive. After three months in the clinic, the kittens were old enough to find their own homes. But Scarlett was a special-needs cat, requiring daily eye drops for the rest of her life. After careful consideration, they found the perfect home seeking an animal with special needs. The computer-generated illustrations by Kristin Sorra perfectly support the story, featuring the felines in a scarlett-toned smoky haze giving the appearance and feel that they were in the fire. Readers will have instant compassion for the cats whose expressions reveal their emotions. A wonderful book for animal lovers. Reviewed by Susan Roberts
Book Reviews Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting With the Great Whites of California’s Farallon Islands By Katherine Roy David Macaulay Studio, $17.99, 48 pages Check this out! T h e thought of a great white shark can bring a chill to the bone of any young reader, yet they are curious and want to know much more about these amazing and terrifying creatures. This book starts out looking like a picture book for very young readers, except for the subject matter, but after six spreads of little text and big illustrations (more than a quarter of the book), it becomes much more appropriate for the third- to fifth-grade set. The text is significant and well-written for that age group. While the information is highly scientific, it will not overwhelm youngsters. The accompanying illustrations support the science with explanatory graphics. Kids will be fascinated to find out how sharks can project their jaws, which are not fused to their skulls, to assist them in eating their large prey. Sharks highly sensitive eyes, very unlike other animals’ eyes, are critical to their hunting success. Scientists are able to learn a great deal about these captivating creatures as they spend a large part of the year only a few miles from San Francisco. This book does a good job of giving an introduction for youngsters to the great white shark. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck If Kids Ruled the World By Linda Bailey, David Huyck (illustrator) Kids Can Press, $16.95, 32 pages Check this out! When you are a kid, it seems like the world is nothing but rules, and those rules seem to be for the sole purpose of keeping kids from having any fun at all. But if kids were in charge, the rules would be far different from what they are. Birthdays would be every day and birthday cake would be healthy for you to eat. Beds would be for bouncing on, not sleeping in. Closet monsters would be scared of kids instead of the other way around. Kids could pick out their own clothes and they wouldn’t have to match or be sensible. They could just be fun. Linda Bailey has written a text that will
Kids’ Books resonate with kids everywhere. She manages to think just like a kid as she writes this fun litany of how rules would change, how things would be turned on their heads, if only kids were in charge. David Huyck has illustrated this story with bright, imaginative paintings that are full of fun details. These are the kind of wacky illustrations in which one will find something new with every reading. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Horton and the Kwuggerbug and More Lost Stories By Dr. Seuss, Charles D. Cohen (contributor) Random House Books for Young Readers, $15.00, 56 pages Check this out! Horton and the Kwuggerbug and More Lost Stories are a set of short works that first appeared in Redbook Magazine during the 1950s. Dr. Charles Cohen, author of The Seuss, the Whole Seuss, and Nothing but the Seuss, discovered these stories that, as he states, “were tossed out when the next month’s issue arrived, and the stories were largely forgotten.” This almost-forgotten compilation is replete with lessons to be learned. Following in his typical anapestic-tetrameter style and laced with his inimitably recognized illustrations, Seuss’ stories feature the beloved Horton (from the Horton stories), who is confronted by a patronizing bug with his “a deal is a deal” reminder in “Horton and the Kwuggerbug.” Another much-loved character, Marco (from the “Mulberry Street” stories), has a great story to explain why he’s late for school in “Marco Comes Late.” In “How Officer Pat Saved the Whole Town,” Officer Pat (also from the “Mulberry Street” stories) foresees a disastrous chain of events, while a surprisingly mild mannered Grinch — a fresh twist to the bad tempered one — succumbs to a conniving salesman in “The Hoobub and the Grinch.” Horton and the Kwuggerbug and More Lost Stories is a wonderful addition for Seuss book collectors. Reviewed by Anita Lock Margret & H.A. Rey’s Curious George Goes to a Bookstore By Julie M. Bartynski HMH Books for Young Readers, $13.99, 32 pages Check this out! When George’s favorite picture book author comes to the opening of a brand-new bookstore, the man with the yellow hat takes him to meet her and get a book signed.
Tulsa Book Review • December 2014 • 7
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Book Reviews But waiting in such a long line is tough for a curious little monkey, and George inevitably finds himself exploring the store. He discovers a cafe with free samples, an exciting display of dinosaur books and a pile of mysterious boxes, which just so happen to contain copies of the newest Penny the Penguin picture book! But shouldn’t they be on display too? George decides to rectify that situation. As always, Curious George is a delight that both parents and children will enjoy. This latest installment, Curious George Goes to a Bookstore, is written and illustrated in the style of the original creators of Curious George, Margret and H.A. Rey. The pictures are darling, and children will delight in watching as their favorite adventurous monkey explores and gets into his usual brand of harmless trouble, while parents will enjoy this gentle introduction of the magical place that is a bookstore. All children seem to love Curious George, and this book will be a much-loved addition to your home library. Reviewed by Holly Scudero Bruno and Titch By Sheena Dempsey Candlewick, $16.99, 32 pages Check this out! Told from the point of view of the guinea pig, Sheena Dempsey completely has captured the joy of having a guinea pig— or should I say, of a guinea pig having a “Big Person.” Titch is sure the big person entering the pet shop will not choose him, but Bruno, a highly imaginative boy, based on his colander hat and tool apron he wears, stops and smiles at Titch. “It’s finally happening! My very own Big Person AT LAST!” Titch shouts. But Titch finds Bruno likes strange foods, like pancakes, while Titch prefers fresh apples. They do everything together. Then, one day, Bruno starts acting strange. He measures Titch, draws some pictures, and leaves Titch alone for a very long time. Titch becomes afraid that Bruno no longer wants him as a friend and that he might be returned to the pet store. But no, Bruno had built Titch a guinea-pig palace, complete with his own Jacuzzi, fruit-salad bar and a hammock. Titch exclaims, “I waited a long time for my Big Person. But now I have Bruno. And he has me.”
Kids’ Books A delightful story that moves quickly and captures perfectly the curious and loving expressions of the characters. Reviewed by Susan Roberts My Bibi Always Remembers By Toni Buzzeo, Mike Wohnoutka (illustrator) Disney-Hyperion, $16.99, 32 pages L i t t l e Tembo is the smallest elephant in the family. Her family is in search of water as there has been a drought in the place where they all live. But Tembo is not worried. Her grandmother, Bibi, will lead them, and when she calls, they will follow, one by one, searching for the place where they will find water. But Tembo remembers a game she has played and lags behind to play again. When she looks up, she is alone, but soon Mama comes back to find her. After a while, Tembo is distracted again, and Auntie needs to come back for her. Again, Tembo loses her way. Will the family come to her rescue again? Will they find water in the drought? Toni Buzzeo has written a charming story of a family living in the wild through difficult times. The writing has lots of repetition to engage little ones in this sweet read-aloud book. The illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, with their soft colors and lovely details, are absolutely enchanting. This is a book that the youngest listeners will want read to them over and over, and their parents won’t mind at all. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Imani’s Moon By Janay Brown-Wood, Hazel Mitchell (illustrator) Mackinac Island Press, $17.95, 32 pages Imani is the smallest in her village. The other children tease her endlessly. Soon, Imani starts to believe what they say. But when Imani listens to her mother’s stories, Imani wonders if she might do something great like the characters in the stories. Her mother assures Imani if she believes in herself, she will be able to do whatever she dreams. Imani decides she will touch the moon, then everyone will know being small cannot stop her. She tries to reach the moon by climbing a very high tree, but Nyoka the snake jeers at her. Other days bring other obstacles, but Imani keeps trying.
JaNay Brown-Wood has written an absolutely magical story of one child’s journey from disappointment and fear to joy and success. This is placed in a village of the Maasai, an African tribe and is imbued with their culture and framed by their jumping dance. The charming, colorful illustrations by Hazel Mitchell complete this gentle story perfectly. The combination of story and pictures will enchant every reader and will give young readers a new reason to believe in their own dreams. This is a very special book that will demand to be read over and over. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck The Paddington Treasury: Six Classic Bedtime Stories By Michael Bond, R.W. Alley (llustrator) HarperCollins, $21.99, 160 pages Paddington is simply irresistible. In this collection of six of Michael Bond’s stories about the charming, but inadvertently troublemaking bear, readers get to enjoy the marmalade-loving, diminutive “Mr. Brown” in a variety of scenarios: when he first meets the Brown family at Paddington Station; venturing out to Buckingham Palace and Hampton Court Palace with friend Mr. Gruber, and the zoo with human siblings Jonathan and Judy; and learning to garden. This book is a collection of six picture books that have simplified versions of Paddington’s adventures accompanied by plenty of big, colorful, adorable illustrations. Bond also wrote more fleshed-out versions of Paddington’s stories in chapter books for middle-grade readers, which are wonderful because of all the great detail that can be included in the longer books. So those who are hoping (as I was) for a collection of the chapter books might be a bit disappointed that these are abbreviated versions of the bear’s exploits (it does make for a better, funnier story when readers get to know the fleshedout version of Paddington’s first bath at the Browns’ home, for instance). However, Paddington in any form is bound to be charming, and this collection is perfect for readaloud time with children of any age. Reviewed by Cathy Carmode Lim Construction By Sally Sutton, Brian Lovelock (illustrator) Candlewick, $15.99, 34 pages Written in perfect rhyme with dozens of onomatopoeias, this book identifies construction equipment and how work gets done on a construction site. It features a special concrete pumping truck, a mobile crane, as well as a loader crane and a cool looking excavator. Construction is perfect for boys
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and girls fascinated with big machines and building things. It shows how cranes lift very large windows into place. It shows how electrical work and water pipes are being installed. And, of course, it shows the messy task of painting. At the end of the story, it has a whole page of machine facts for children to learn even more. Parents and readers will be surprised to learn the building being constructed is a library! Brilliant on the part of the author. Fine artist Brian Lovelock has rendered illustrations that feature simple clear drawings of big, bright construction equipment and workers. Deftly using brushstrokes and splatterings of pigmented ink, he enhances the feel of activity of a busy site. Using words sparsely, this could easily be an early reader. Reviewed by Susan Roberts My Grandfather’s Coat By Jim Aylesworth, Barbara McClintock (illustrator) Scholastic Press, $17.99, 32 pages There was a time when nothing was thrown out, ever ything was reused. No one thought it odd to recycle whatever one had, because most had very little. This is the story of the handsome coat a very poor, young tailor makes for his wedding day. As time goes on, the coat becomes tattered and worn. The tailor cuts and trims, saving the cloth that is still good. He stitches and sews, until he has a fine new jacket. As time goes on and his family grows and changes, so does his handsome garment. This charming story written by Jim Aylesworth reflects the history of one family with the story of grandfather’s coat as the centerpiece. It is an immigrant story, a Jewish story, a family story, with some lovely lessons hidden carefully in the story so no children will suspect they are learning anything. The perfect complement for this story is a set of enchanting illustrations by Barbara McClintock. The colors are soft and the illustrations have an old-fashioned quality to them. They tell the story every bit as much as the writing. This is a book adults reading to their children will enjoy as much as the youngsters will. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck
TulsaLibrary.org
918.549.READ
DECEMBER 2014
A FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY, ITS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
adults & all ages BIXBY LIBRARY A-Book-A-Month Discussion Group Wednesday, Dec. 17 • 2-3 p.m. Read a Christmas novel or mystery and then join us for this lively discussion. For adults.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Open Book Discussion Tuesday, Dec. 9 • 6:30-7:45 p.m. Read “To Marry an English Lord” by Gail McColl or “The Habits of the House” by Fay Weldon and then join us for this lively discussion about the phenomenon of The Buccaneers in the 19th and 20th centuries. For adults.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Broken Arrow Great Discussions Wednesday, Dec. 3 •12:30-2:30 p.m. Are you interested in discussing current issues with other people in the community? If so, join us for a lively and informative discussion on the Arkansas River. Our guest speaker is Ann Patton, who will talk about her new book “Tulsa River,” which uses photography, historical documents and interviews to tell the story of Tulsa’s most important waterway. For adults.
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BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Brookside Book Discussion Monday, Dec. 8 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Enjoy a little warmth, humor and grand storytelling from Maeve Binchy with "A Week in Winter," a fun and light read for a busy time of year. For adults.
COLLINSvILLE LIBRARY All Thumbs Knitters Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 17 • 1-3 p.m. All levels of knitting expertise are welcome to join us for this fun and instructional afternoon. For adults. Collinsville Book Discussion Tuesday, Dec. 9 • noon-1 p.m. Join this fun group of readers for a lively discussion of "The Two Faces of January" by Patricia Highsmith. Call 918-549-7528 to reserve a copy of the book. For adults. Sponsored by the Friends of the Collinsville Library. Patchworkers Tuesday, Dec. 9 • 6:30-8 p.m. If you want to learn to quilt or are an experienced quilter, join us for an informative and fun evening. For adults.
COMMUNITY vENUES
circumstances, and is it possible that these extreme circumstances can compel us to create new and possibly better selves? These questions will be the topic for discussion when three experts in music and literature talk about Ann Patchett's novel "Bel Canto." Join English teacher, writer and actor Sloan Davis, renowned international opera soprano and teacher Linda Roark Strummer, and librarian, opera singer and avid reader Keith Jemison for this lively panel discussion. For adults. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Start-Up Basics Thursday, Dec. 4 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Want to start a business? Get the help you need with SCORE experts. Learn the essentials of business start-ups, get action steps for your business and receive one-to-one mentoring. SCORE is a nonprofit association of volunteer business experts. Registration is required. Go to www.tulsa.score.org to register. Meet Ann Patchett, Winner of the Tulsa Library Trust's 2014 Peggy v. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award
Novel Talk: Music, the Universal Language Wednesday, Dec. 3 • 7-8:30 p.m. LOCATION: AHHA, 101 E. Archer St. Can music transform lives? Does it provide a means of universal comfort and communication? How do people bond under extreme
CLOSINGS
Broken Arrow Library is closed through Dec. 7. Librarium will be closed Dec. 5. Hardesty, Martin, Rudisill and Zarrow Regional libraries will be closed Dec. 14, 21, 28. All libraries will close at 6 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, 29, 30. All libraries will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 for Christmas. All libraries will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 31.
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and works, answer questions from the audience and sign books. Patchett is the author of "The Patron Saint of Liars," "The Magician's Assistant," "Bel Canto," "State of Wonder" and other critically acclaimed works. Her books will be available for purchasing, courtesy of Barnes & Noble. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust. Delights of December Tuesday, Dec. 9 • noon-1 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Enjoy music and poetry celebrating the holidays in December with emcee Karen Larsen, KJRH Channel 2 news anchor. Light refreshments will be served. Kick off Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa in style. For adults. Sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Books People Are Talking About Wednesday, Dec. 17 • 12:15-1:15 p.m. We'll enjoy holiday treats as we discuss the novels and essays of the 2014 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award winner Ann Patchett. Her newest book is a collection of essays, “This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage.” Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY
Saturday, Dec. 6 • 10:30 a.m. Location: Connor's Cove Ann Patchett will talk about her life
Family Fun Friday Friday, Dec. 12 • 1:30-3 p.m. Enjoy stories, crafts, games, a science activity and fun for all ages.
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Jenks Library Book Discussion Group Thursday, Dec. 18 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Join us for a lively discussion. Call 918-549-7570 to see what book we will be discussing. You should read the book prior to the program. For adults.
A Pratt Library Family Christmas Saturday, Dec. 6 • 1-2 p.m. We invite young and old alike to join us for an old-fashioned Christmas party. You may bring treats to share. We will have crafts, songs and fun from days gone by. For all ages.
LIBRARIUM 3-D Printer Orientation Monday, Dec. 22 • 1:30-2 p.m. Stop by during winter break for 3-D printer orientation. After you attend the orientation, you can make an appointment to use the 3-D printer yourself. For all ages.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Start-Up Basics Saturday, Dec. 20 • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location: Greenwood Room Want to start a business? Get the help
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you need with SCORE experts. Learn the essentials of business start-ups, get action steps for your business and receive one-to-one mentoring. SCORE is a nonprofit association of volunteer business experts. Registration is required. Go to www. tulsa.score.org to register. For adults.
SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY Mystery Readers Roundtable Thursday, Dec. 4 • 2-3 p.m. Looking for a new author? Come for coffee and find out what other mystery lovers are reading. For adults.
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SKIATOOK LIBRARY Osage Language Class Mondays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 • 6-7 p.m. A representative from the Osage Nation Language Department will teach participants the basics of the Osage language. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust and American Indian Resource Center. For all ages.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Osage Language Class Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 • 6-7 p.m. A representative from the Osage Nation Language Department will teach participants the basics of the Osage language. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust and American Indian Resource Center. For all ages.
teens & tweens BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH In the Middle Book Group Monday, Dec. 15 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your favorite book of the year to share with other kids your age, and then stay for games, giveaways and other book-related FUN! For ages 9-12. Next Life: Reincarnate Your Books Tuesday, Dec. 16 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Breathe new life into old books. We'll upcycle discarded library books into quirky gifts and decorations, just in time for the holidays! Join us in the teen area inside the library. For ages 10-18.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Make a Bracelet! Friday, Dec. 5 • 3-5 p.m. Using a variety of beads, create a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or for a loved one. All materials are provided. Registration is required and limited to 14 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 918-549-7508 to save a spot. For ages 10-18. Wrapaganza Saturday, Dec. 13 • 1-3 p.m. If you've always wanted to learn how to wrap a present, this is the
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event for you! We'll show you how to wrap your small and medium gifts, and decorate with bows and ribbon for the ultimate look! Supplies are provided. For ages 5-18.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Utime@yourlibrary Monday, Dec. 8 • 2:30-4:30 p.m. Learn to crochet, read to our PAWS for Reading dog Jack, play Wii games, enjoy snacks and have fun. For teens. Sponsored by the Friends of the Collinsville Library. Sukikyo! Anime Club Wednesday, Dec. 10 • 3-4:30 p.m. Meet up with other manga/ anime fans to discuss your favorite books, movies, characters and plot twists. For teens. Sponsored by the Friends of the Collinsville Library.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Gaming Thursday, Dec. 4 • 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 10-18. Anime/Manga Club Saturday, Dec. 13 • 1-2:30 p.m. Location: Digital Lounge Get ready for the holidays manga style with refreshments and a 3-D printer demonstration. For ages 10-18.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Board Games and Maker Space Tuesday, Dec. 30 • 2:30-4 p.m. Bring a friend and join us for board games, origami and tessellation, too! For ages 10-18. Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY Family Fun Friday Friday, Dec. 12 • 1:30-3 p.m. Enjoy stories, crafts, games, a science activity and fun for all ages.
JENKS LIBRARY J-TAG Holiday Get Together Tuesday, Dec. 2 • 4-5 p.m. Join Jenks Teen Advisory Group's endof-the-year extravaganza for food, fun, discussion, and a chance to create awesome gifts for your loved ones and friends. For ages 10-18.
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LIBRARIUM Holiday Mini Maker Fair Monday, Dec. 22 • 1-3 p.m. Kick off your winter break with a visit to the library! Make holiday and winter-themed crafts to decorate or give away to loved ones. We'll have some 3-D printed items and other ideas ready to go. For ages 5-18.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Teen Time Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 17 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Auditorium Join us for fun activities, Wii gaming and board games. For ages 10-18. Minecraft Night Thursday, Dec. 11 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 10-18. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Manga Ai! Manga/Anime Club Saturday, Dec. 27 • 2-3 p.m. Location: Conference Room Join other manga/anime fans to discuss your favorite books, movies, characters and plot twists from this popular Japanese publishing trend. For ages 12-18.
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NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Game Day Friday, Dec. 19 • 3:30-4:45 p.m. If you like to sing, dance or play an instrument, we have the musical equipment to create a show. Come and enjoy electronic gaming and fun with Mario and Luigi. For ages 11-18. Class size is limited.
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The Craft Connection: Kindness Workshop Monday, Dec. 1 • 6-7 p.m. Make as many handmade gifts as you can before we run out of time or supplies at this crafty holiday gathering. What’s the catch? You must give away everything you make – an exercise in generosity! Give your creations to friends and family, or hide them in sneaky places where strangers will find them. We’ll have various projects and supplies, hot tea, music and books for inspiration. For ages 10-18.
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ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Shrinky Dinks Workshop Thursday, Dec. 4 • 6-8 p.m. Join us for some retro DIY fun. Turn Shrinky Dinks into magnets, key chains, jewelry or other wearable art. Materials are provided. For ages 10-18. Minecrafternoon Saturday, Dec. 27 • 2-4 p.m. Join us for a special winter break session of Minecraft! Put your imagination to the test building your own world in this popular computer game. For ages 10-18.
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LIFELONG LEARNING WITH Take noncredit continuing education courses for free 24/7 via the Internet. Attend class and do assignments on your schedule. Each course has a real instructor who you may communicate with using email. Universal Class features more than 500 online courses, including the following areas of study: • Accounting • Arts and photography • Business • Computer training • Cooking • Entrepreneurship
• Finance • General education • Health and medicine • Home and garden • Homeschooling • Language arts/ESL
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MS Excel 2 Tuesday, Dec. 9 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and edit formulas, and apply functions and advanced formatting to your spreadsheets and workbooks. You should take MS Excel 1 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Word 1 Saturday, Dec. 13 • 9:30-11:30 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to use toolbars and menus, set margins, apply spell check, and preview, save and print documents. You should have some experience using a computer keyboard and mouse prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Social Media for Grownups Wednesday, Dec. 10 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Social media websites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are everywhere these days but can be confusing for those of us who grew up in a different era! Come and learn the ins and outs of using and enjoying today's social media. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. eBook Office Hours Wednesday, Dec. 17 • 2-4 p.m. Get one-to-one assistance from trained library staff on accessing eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, music downloads, streaming movies and more. Bring your device, and we will walk you through setup and answer all your burning questions about library eContent. For all ages. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7683 to register.
START LEARNING NOW! Visit TulsaLibrary.org/universalclass and use your Tulsa City-County Library card to access Universal Class.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY MS Excel 1 Tuesday, Dec. 2 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create formulas, use automatic fill and change basic formatting. You should take MS Word 2 and have some experience using a mouse prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.
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MS Excel 3 Tuesday, Dec. 16 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create charts, apply conditional formatting and control the appearance of printed spreadsheets. You should take MS Excel 2 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.
MS Word 2 Saturday, Dec. 13 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and format tables, use bulleted and numbered lists, and apply and format columns in a document. You should take MS Word 1 prior to attending. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY
MS Word 1 Saturday, Dec. 6 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to use toolbars and menus, set margins, apply spell check, and preview, save and print documents. You should have some experience using a computer keyboard and mouse prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, Dec. 3 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class is designed for new computer users who have little or no previous experience using computers, Windows, a mouse or the Internet, and little or no knowledge of basic computer terms. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Growing Readers Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9 • 10:30-11 a.m. Ready, set, READ! Bring your emergent readers to this beginning reading storytime with Miss Laura. We focus on helping children develop important literacy skills while emphasizing the fun of reading. Stay for early literacy stations from 11 to 11:30 a.m. For ages 2-5. My First Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 • 10-10:30 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Toddler Time Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 • 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy stories, action rhymes, music, bubbles, and meeting other toddlers in the neighborhood. For ages 2-3 and their caregivers. Santa! Santa! Santa! Tuesday, Dec. 16 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. This storytime will be ALL THINGS SANTA ... Santa stories, Santa crafts, Santa songs and who knows? Maybe even Santa Claus himself! For ages 10 and younger.
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BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 10:15-10:45 a.m. • The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers. My First Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 11-11:20 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Wrapaganza Saturday, Dec. 13 • 1-3 p.m. If you've always wanted to learn how to wrap a present, this is the event for you! We'll show you how to wrap your small and medium gifts, and decorate with bows and ribbon for the ultimate look! Supplies are provided. For ages 5-18.
CHARLES PAGE LIBRARY PAWS for Reading Monday, Dec. 1 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Preschool Storytime Tuesdays • 10:30-11:15 a.m. Dec. 2 • Who Stole the Cookie? Dec. 9 • Monkey Shines Dec. 16 • Happy Holidays 1 Dec. 23 • Happy Holidays 2 Dec. 30 • Happy New Books The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 5 and younger.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Stories From the Rocking Chair Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 • 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. For newborns to 4-years-old and caregivers.
GLENPOOL LIBRARY Ms. Tatiana’s Family Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 10:30-11 a.m. • For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! Enjoy storytime and then stay after for
games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger with their caregivers.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Toddler Time Mondays, Dec. 1, 8 • 10-10:20 a.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9 • 11-11:20 a.m. Enjoy stories, action rhymes, fun flannels, music, bubbles and meeting other toddlers in the neighborhood. For ages 2-3 and their caregivers. Mr. Paul’s Preschool Storytime Mondays, Dec. 1, 8 • 11-11:30 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5. Marvelous Monday Stories Monday, Dec. 1 • 6:30-7 p.m. Join Ms. Karen for stories and other fun activities. For all ages. My First Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9 • 10-10:20 a.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 • 10-10:20 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime With Ms. Kristie Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 • 11-11:30 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5. Holiday Storytime and Visit From Santa Monday, Dec. 8 • 6:30-7:45 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Santa is coming to storytime! Bring your cameras. For all ages.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY My First Storytime Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, 18 • 10-10:25 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, 18 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 3-5.
c o n t i n u e d PAWS for Reading Wednesdays, Dec. 10, 17 • 3:30-5 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7542 to register. Family Fun Friday Friday, Dec. 12 • 1:30-3 p.m. Enjoy stories, crafts, games, a science activity and fun for all ages. Sensory Storytime Saturday, Dec. 20 • 10:30 a.m.-noon Does your child have difficulty sitting through storytime? If so, this inclusive, interactive program of stories, songs and activities may be just what you are looking for! Sensory Storytime focuses on learning with all five senses and is especially designed for children with a variety of learning styles or sensory integration challenges. Registration is required. Register online at http:// kids.tulsalibrary.org/sensorystorytime or by calling 918-549-7542.
JENKS LIBRARY My First Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 10-10:15 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 10:30-11 a.m. Dec. 3 • Gingerbread Family Dec. 10 • Oh Christmas Tree Dec. 17 • Santa Stories The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5. Holiday Craft Creation Tuesday, Dec. 9 • 4-5 p.m. Get ready for the holiday season creating awesome crafts. Snacks are included. For ages 12 and younger. PAWS for Reading Tuesday, Dec. 16 • 4-5 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7570 to register.
JUDY Z. KISHNER LIBRARY Elves and Evergreens Tuesday, Dec. 9 • 3-4 p.m. Start December with an element of fun and frolic! For ages 10 and younger.
KENDALL-WHITTIER LIBRARY Bilingual Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 10-10:45 a.m. • Enjoy stories, songs and activities in English and Spanish. For ages 3-5.
LIBRARIUM Family Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 11-11:30 a.m. • Enjoy stories, finger plays and songs. For ages 5 and younger and their families. Holiday Mini Maker Fair Monday, Dec. 22 • 1-3 p.m. Kick off your winter break with a visit to the library! Make holiday and winter-themed crafts to decorate or give away to loved ones. We'll have some 3-D printed items and other ideas ready to go. For ages 5-18.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Fun Fun Music Saturday, Dec. 6 • 11:30 a.m.-noon Are you ready to sing, hop and jump to songs in Japanese and English? Join the Konnichiwa group for a fun-filled musical program. For ages 5 and younger.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Storytime With Mrs. Cindy Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, 18 • 10:30-11 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5.
OWASSO LIBRARY My First Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 9:30-9:50 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.
T ulsa city - county library e v ent guide
december 2 0 1 4
c h i l d r e n (Owasso Library continued)
Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 10-10:30 a.m. • The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5. Stay and Play Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 10:30-11 a.m. • For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that
c o n t i n u e d
foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger. Homeschool Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 • 2-3 p.m. Join us for fun stories and a craft. For ages 5-10. Sensory Storytime Friday, Dec. 5 • 4-5 p.m. Does your child have difficulty sitting through storytime? If so, this inclusive, interactive program of stories, songs and activities may be just what you are looking for! Sensory Storytime focuses on learning with all five senses and is especially designed for children with a variety of learning styles or sensory integration challenges. Registration
is required. Register online at http:// kids.tulsalibrary.org/sensorystorytime or by calling 918-549-7624. PAWS for Reading Thursday, Dec. 11 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. All Aboard the Polar Express! Monday, Dec. 15 • 6-6:45 p.m. Bring the whole family to the library for a reading of “The Polar Express,” yummy hot chocolate and other fun activities.
tulsa city-county library locations 25 Bixby Library
20 E. Breckenridge, 74008 • 918-549-7514 M, 10-8; T-Th, 12-8; Fri., 12-6; Sat., 10-5 19 Broken Arrow Library 300 W. Broadway, 74012 • 918-549-7500 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 • (closed through Dec. 7 for improvements) 23 Broken Arrow Library/South 3600 S. Chestnut, 74011 • 918-549-7662 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 17 Brookside Library 1207 E. 45th Place, 74105 • 918-549-7507 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 9 Central Library Closed for renovation 400 Civic Center, 74103 • 918-549-7323 8 Charles Page Library 551 E. Fourth St., Sand Springs, 74063 918-549-7521 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 2 Collinsville Library 1223 Main, 74021 • 918-549-7528 M-Th, 12-8; Fri., 12-5; Sat., 10-5 24 Glenpool Library 730 E. 141st St., 74033 • 918-549-7535 M-Th, 12-8; Fri., 12-5; Sat., 10-5 22 Hardesty Regional Library and Genealogy Center 8316 E. 93rd St., 74133 • 918-549-7550 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 21 Helmerich Library 5131 E. 91st St., 74137 • 918-549-7631 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 18 Herman and Kate Kaiser Library 5202 S. Hudson Ave., Suite B, 74135 918-549-7542 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 20 Jenks Library 523 W. B St., 74037 • 918-549-7570 M-T, 12-8; W-Th, 10-6; Fri., 12-5; Sat., 10-5 3 Judy Z. Kishner Library 10150 N. Cincinnati Ave. E., Sperry 74073 • 918-549-7577 M-T, 12-7; W, 10-5; Th, 12-7; Fri., 12-5; Sat., 10-5
11 Kendall-Whittier Library
21 S. Lewis, 74104 • 918-549-7584 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 10 Librarium 1110 S. Denver Ave., 74119 • 918-549-7349 M-Th, 9-7; Fri.-Sat., 9-5 15 Martin Regional Library and Hispanic Resource Center 2601 S. Garnett Road, 74129 • 918-549-7590 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 7 Maxwell Park Library 1313 N. Canton, 74115 • 918-549-7610 M-F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 14 Nathan Hale Library 6038 E. 23rd St., 74114 • 918-549-7617 M, 10-8; T-Th, 10-6; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 4 Owasso Library 103 W. Broadway, 74055 • 918-549-7624 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 12 Pratt Library 3219 S. 113th W. Ave., Sand Springs, 74063 • 918-549-7638 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 6 Rudisill Regional Library and African-American Resource Center 1520 N. Hartford, 74106 • 918-549-7645 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 13 Schusterman-Benson Library 3333 E. 32nd Place, 74135 918-549-7670 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 1 Skiatook Library 316 E. Rogers, 74070 • 918-549-7676 M, 12-8; T-Th, 10-6; Fri.-Sat., 11-5 5 Suburban Acres Library 4606 N. Garrison, 74126 • 918-549-7655 M-Th, 10-6; Fri.-Sat., 11-5 16 Zarrow Regional Library and American Indian Resource Center 2224 W. 51st St., 74107 • 918-549-7683 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5
T u l s a L i b r a r y . o r g
PRATT LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, 18 • 10:30-11:15 a.m. Dec. 4 • Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! Dec. 11 • Christmas Craft Day Dec. 18 • Merry Christmas Party (you may bring food to share) The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 5 and younger with their caregivers. A Pratt Library Family Christmas Saturday, Dec. 6 • 1-2 p.m. We invite young and old alike to join us for an old-fashioned Christmas
c h i l d r e n party. You may bring treats to share. We will have crafts, songs and fun from days gone by. For all ages.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Tuesday, Dec. 2 • 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 • 10-10:30 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Santa visits Storytime Tuesday, Dec. 9 • 10-10:30 a.m. Santa's making a special stop at Rudisill for storytime. Santa will read a few of his favorite stories. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
SCHUSTERMANBENSON LIBRARY Preschool Stay and Play Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 6 and younger. My First Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 31 10-10:20 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.
en español
TulsaLibrary.org/hrc Patrocinado por el Centro Hispano y el Fideicomiso de las Bibliotecas de Tulsa. Informes al 918-549-7597. BIBLIOTECA KENDALL-WHITTIER Cuentos Bilingües Miércoles, 3, 10, 17 de diciembre 10-10:45 a.m. • Cuentos, canciones y actividades en inglés y español. Para niños de 4 a 5 años.
c o n t i n u e d Stay and Play Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 31 10:30-10:50 a.m. • For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. PAWS for Reading Monday, Dec. 8 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Santa Pajama Jam Thursday, Dec. 11 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wear your best winter pajamas and join us for songs, stories and pictures with Santa! For ages 10 and younger. Mad Science Monday Monday, Dec. 15 • 4-4:30 p.m. Learn a new science experiment. Will they work or explode? Or were they supposed to explode in the first place? Join us for messy excitement! For ages 5-12.
SKIATOOK LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, 18 11 a.m.-noon • The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5. PAWS for Reading Saturdays, Dec. 6, 20, 27 noon-1 p.m. • Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 3-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Seating is limited.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Stay and Play Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 31 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes, and then stay after for games and activities that foster early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger. PAWS for Reading Saturday, Dec. 13 • 2-3 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.
Research Center
Your Source for Lifelong Learning, Working and Dreaming
Visit the Research Center and: • • • • • •
Explore Tulsa’s colorful past through historical newspapers, memoirs and books. Learn the lay of the land with an extensive map collection. Fix cars and electronics with hundreds of diagrams and schematics. Meet industrial standards using ANSI, API, ASME or ASTM. Explore oil, gas and geology with a world-class collection. Stay informed with access to federal, state and local government information. While Central Library is closed for renovation, the Research Center has been relocated to a nonpublic facility at 6500 E. 44th St. Call 918-549-7323 to schedule an appointment to use the Research Center or visit TulsaLibrary.org/research for additional research resources.
Free and Open to the Public • If you are hearing-impaired and need a qualified interpreter, please call the library 48 hours in advance of the program. The Tulsa Book Review and Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide are printed on partially recycled paper. The Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide is produced by the Public Relations Office of the Tulsa City-County Library. For questions or concerns, call 918-549-7389.
38th annual
adult creative writing contest 2015 Deadline: Jan. 31 Cash prizes are awarded. Entry forms are available at all Tulsa City-County Library locations or online at TulsaLibrary.org/friends. Sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries.
T u l s a L i b r a r y . o r g
Book Reviews Category
don’t be expecting too much real history here (the author’s note maps out what details are true), but it was a wild romp through possibilities in politics and the occult. Reviewed by Randy-Lynne Wach
Teens SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Faces of the Dead By Suzanne Weyn Scholastic Press, $17.99, 208 pages Check this out! Young Marie-Thérèse, daughter of MarieAntoinette, has little interest in the formalities of court life. Fortunately Ernestine, the daughter of a palace chambermaid, looks remarkably like the princess. So, as often as possible, the girls switch places. One day, Marie-Thérèse (as Ernestine) gets the chance to ride out to Paris, where she meets Henri, a handsome young man who works at the wax museum. She also gets a little taste of the fever for revolution the common people are feeling. As revolution reaches the palace, the switch becomes permanent. MarieThérèse and Henri are given the awful task of gathering the heads of the rich and pow-
erful from the guillotine. Mademoiselle Grosholtz has been ordered to make death masks, but what else is she working on? This description makes the book sound like historical fiction—a princess and the pauper story set in the French Revolution. And much of the book is, indeed, just that. About two-thirds of the way in, however, it takes a turn toward the truly bizarre. So
Bloody Mary, Book 1: Mary: The Summoning By Hillary Monahan Disney-Hyperion, $16.99, 256 pages Check this out! For Jess, Kitty, Shauna and Anna, playing Bloody Mary was supposed to be just like it was when they were kids, just a game. Jess had done all the research — the four girls need to join hands in front of a mirror, light a candle and chant Bloody Mary three times, and never, ever, break the chain. No one expects to actually summon Bloody Mary, but when she rushes the mirror, the girls break hands, allowing Mary to slip into their world. Now, with
Stream digital graphic novels, comic books and manga 24/7 for free! • Have immediate access to thousands of titles that are always available. No waiting! • Access from any Wi-Fi or Internet-connected mobile device, tablet or PC. At the library, at home or on the go, Comics Plus: Library Edition always will be there! Visit TulsaLibrary.org/comics and use your Tulsa City-County Library card to access this free service. This service is funded by:
Tulsa Book Review • December 2014 • 9
wicked intent, Mary terrorizes the girls through every reflective surface. They are left scrambling to discover the truth about her legacy in order to find a way to send her back, before each of them gets pulled into Bloody Mary’s world forever Hillary Monahan spins a classic urban legend on its head, breathing life and fear into it. Mary: The Summoning, is the first truly scary book that I’ve read in a long time, mixed with equal amounts of terror and fear. This read will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning, with a jar of salt nearby and all your mirrors covered. A perfect read for Halloween. Reviewed by Amy Shane Afterworlds By Scott Westerfeld Simon Pulse, $19.99, 608 pages Check this out! Darcy is a high school graduate who, during November of her senior year, managed to not only write a 60,000-word novel, but to get it published by a prestigious New York agency. As she embarks upon a new journey and moves to New York City to pursue her dream, Darcy starts to realize that the life of a writer may not be as glamorous as she thought. While Darcy struggles to edit her novel, Afterworlds, by her deadline, we also get a look inside the story, which features
Book Reviews a girl named Lizzie who, after a brush with death, has been given a new calling: guiding the spirits that walk our world. A f t e rworlds is both clever and intriguing and won’t disappoint fans of Westerfeld’s bestselling Uglies series. Stories cut into two halves typically aren’t my favorite, but in Darcy and Lizzie’s case, I actually thought it worked well. I started out liking Darcy’s story better, but as the novel progressed, my intrigue shifted to Lizzie’s tale, so I enjoyed both halves throughout the book. And the way Westerfeld juxtaposes Darcy’s struggle in the literary world with the content of Lizzie’s paranormal experiences makes the story so enjoyably ironic. Reviewed by Bailey Tulloch In Real Life By Cory Doctorow, Jen Wang (illustrator) First Second, $17.99, 192 pages Check this out! Best-selling author Cory Doctorow, of Little Brother and For the Win, and Jen Wang, known for her work with the Adventure Time comics and her graphic novel Koko Be
Good, join forces to create a graphic novel about teenage girls, massive multiplayer online games and what gold farming really means. It’s a funny, addictive, entertaining, but also sobering story that any gamer will soon become a big fan of. Anda, a chubby teenager, gets introduced to a massive online game (MMO) called Coarsegold Online, where she joins a female-only guild and has lots of fun leveling and gaining loot. She soon learns about gold farming from a friend in game, which consists of players from developing countries illegally collecting valuable objects and selling them to players from developed countries. But she soon befriends a gold farmer and discovers, while it may be illegal in game, it’s this boy’s life and how he makes money and supports himself and his family. Anda changes her stance about gold farmers and wants to see if she can help her new friend in some way to improve his way of life. Reviewed by Alex Telander
lenging, thought-provoking situations and an array of fascinating characters. Young readers will get a real picture of the times and learn a good deal, all the while being captured by this riveting story. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Side-by-Side Baseball Stars: Comparing Pro Baseball’s Greatest Players By Matt Chandler Sports Illustrated Kids, $7.95, 48 pages Check this out! Who really was the greatest long-ball hitter in the majors – Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron? That’s a pretty tough question, but it might be easier to settle it if one can compare statistics side by side. This slim little volume takes a good look at a dozen pairs of players with comparative records spelled out. Some are old-timers and some
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The Paper Cowboy By Kristin Levine Putnam Juvenile, $16.99, 352 pages Check this out! It is the 1950s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;High Noonâ&#x20AC;? reigns at theaters, and Joe McCarthy rides roughshod over anyone he chooses. Tommy wants to be a cowboy, but he is a bully, and one of his pranks threatens to destroy some people who are kind to him. His mother is mentally ill and beats him; his father wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand up to her; Tommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister is badly burned in an accident; and his two little sisters are often left in Tommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charge. He is pretty angry and unhappy and takes those feelings out on those who are weaker. He knows itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong, but canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to help himself from
Nest By Esther Ehrlich Wendy Lamb Books, $16.99, 336 pages Check this out! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1972. Eleven-year-old Chirp has a pretty terrific life, except for being the only Jewish person in her class. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awkward. The new boy across the street, Joey, seems a little odd, but maybe they can be friends. Still, she lives on Cape Cod with her older
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are contemporary players, but for kids who love baseball, these are all players they have heard about. Besides the stats, there is a short write-up on the players that goes beyond the statistics and includes interesting quotes from the players and their colleagues, and allows for a more in-depth comparison. Matt Chandler has been a newspaper writer for a number of years, and it shows here. He has done good research and put together a book that will find an audience with young sports fans. Besides the double spreads on the pairs of players, there is a section in the back named Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Call, where the author gives his own opinion about the matchups and his reasoning for his choices. Some resources for teachers and for further reading are nice, extra touches. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck
doing it. Can he turn his life around? Kristin Levine has written a gripping historical novel that is based on true happenings in her fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. It is hard to root for Tommy (the main character) a lot of the time, and that is quite a risk for the author, but she pulls it off. This is a gritty story with chal-
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Book Reviews sister, Rachel, her psychiatrist dad, and her stay-athome mom, a dancer. When Mom is diagnosed with MS, she spirals into a deep depression, landing in a mental hospital for months. Dad leaves the girls on their own a lot. Chirp feels deserted and Rachel tries to take on the role of mother. When Mom comes home, it is not what Chirp has hoped for, and things get worse than she can imagine. Esther Ehrlich has written a powerful debut novel with great characters and a terrific coming-of-age story. The setting of Cape Cod is so perfect, creating beauty and mystery. The accepted ideas of the 1970s, particularly those regarding mental illness and child abuse, will be eye-opening for young readers, as they create credible conflict through the story. The writing is beautiful. Though marketed as a middle-grade book, Nest will transcend that group and find fans among teens and adults. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Nanny X By Madelyn Rosenberg Holiday House, $16.95, 112 pages Check this out! Ali, age 10, and Jake, age 8, aren’t too happy about Mom going back to work, but they are even unhappier about having a nanny. When the new nanny comes in dressed in a black leather motorcycle jacket and mirrored sunglasses and announces they can call her Nanny X, they know things are going to be a little strange, but they have no idea how strange things will get. Nanny X seems to know a lot of things she has no business knowing, and she does odd things like talking into their little sister Eliza’s spare diaper. But when a really bad guy shows up on the scene, suddenly the kids realize having a nanny, especially this nanny, might not be so bad. Madelyn Rosenberg has written a very witty, engaging story kids of all ages will like. Grandparents who decide to share this
Tweens book with their young grandchildren (ages 8 to 12) will be reminded of the old TV show “Get Smart,” with all kinds of silly spy equipment. The writing is smart, the action is nonstop, and the characters are appealing. The middle-grade set will love this real romp of a read. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood From America’s Presidents By David Stabler, Doogie Horner (illustrator) Quirk Books, $13.95, 224 pages Check this out! When one sees the president of the United States, one sees a person who is confident, educated and tidy. But he didn’t start out life that way. He was a kid once, and life was probably not nearly so tidy then. Some came from very privileged backgrounds, but probably as many came from quite ordinary circumstances. In any case, many had difficulties to overcome or unusual interests. Would it surprise you to know that Gerald Ford was nicknamed Junie growing up and had a bad temper, along with a terrible stutter? He did. He wasn’t the only one with a terrible temper. Dwight Eisenhower also had a temper he had to overcome, and in so doing, he taught himself some good leadership skills. Teddy Roosevelt started a museum in his home with the skull of a harbor seal as his first exhibit. David Stabler has gathered a nice collection of stories about the childhoods of quite a few presidents that will fascinate young people and start them on the road to being historians without them realizing they are learning. The cute illustrations by Doogie Horner nicely enhance the stories and make this a perfect book for middle-graders. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Best Party Book Ever!: From Invites to Overnights and Everything in Between By Editors of Faithgirlz! and Girls’ Life Magazine Zonderkidz, $12.99, 160 pages Check this out! Who doesn’t love to celebrate? When I was younger, I swore I would celebrate any smallest occasion. That hasn’t exactly happened, and I may even be a little bit of a grinch about it (parties mean cleanup, after all), but this book makes me want to pull together a fiesta … or at least open up my home to my children’s friends so they can party. Full of inspiration (fun ideas offered
up, but never forced upon you) for festivities from a formal New Year’s Fête to a cozyi n -you r - pj ’s Movie Night Slumber Party, and sprinkled with ideas for making every day a little bit special, there’s something here for everyone. Each party has suggestions for creative decorating, invitations, snacks, crafts and activities. Also included are timelines and checklists to make getting ready for a party as stress-free as possible, and tips on how to be a good hostess (or a gracious guest). Hints on how to help everyone feel involved without letting any one person take over the show are particularly helpful—having specific ideas on how to deal with potentially uncomfortable situations is especially handy for someone (like me) who doesn’t exactly have great people skills. Reviewed by Randy-Lynne Wach
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Happy Marriage, cont’d from Cover until we were both sleepy. I imagine there are people out there who got a dog when what they wanted was a baby, but I wonder if there aren’t other people who had a baby when all they really needed was a dog.” In a lengthy composition called “The Wall,” she describes the grueling process she undertook to prepare for the Los Angeles Police Academy test. She never intended to join the academy, but wanted to know firsthand what it took to be a part of the organization that her father had nobly served. She also talks a great deal about the writing life and about the bookstore she co-owns in Nashville, where she lives. Patchett’s novels are wonders of the imagination, revealed through lyrical prose, compelling plotting, genuine characters and substantial themes. She knows how to tell a story, whether conjured or real, and by the end of this collection, the reader will consider her a close friend. Reviewed by Cindy Hulsey
Visit TulsaLibrary.org/music and use your Tulsa City-County Library card to download up to five free songs a week into your iTunes account or to your smartphone, PC, Mac or any other MP3 music player, or use your card to stream unlimited music from the Freegal collection 24/7.
• Choose from 7 million songs and more than 10,000 music labels, including Sony Music. • Download selections in a high-quality, DRM-free MP3 format. • Find new songs and music labels added weekly. • Keep songs forever! Powered by
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Lock In By John Scalzi Tor Books, $24.99, 336 pages Check this out! It is the near future, and a highly contagious virus has swept across the globe. For most of the world population, it is nothing worse than a heavy case of the flu, but for the unlucky one percent, it causes a condition known as “lock in” or “Haden’s syndrome,” where victims are fully awake and aware, but their bodies are completely paralyzed. But there are “threeps,” mechanical human-looking bodies that these victim’s consciousness can be downloaded into and used. Then there are “integrators,” special people who, after suffering from the virus,
have the ability to have consciousness downloaded into their minds also and have their bodies taken over for a limited time. The story focuses on rookie FBI agent Chris Shane on his first case with tough partner Leslie Vann, investigating a Haden-related murder at the Watergate Ho-
tel. The victim is also an Integrator which complicates things greatly. In a world where everyone has an opinion about Haden victims and they are about to lose some significant government funding, Shane finds himself involved in a seminal case that will have a great influence on how Haden victims will be seen and viewed by everyone. Lock in is just good science fiction, with a diverse cast of men and women who feel real, living in a very real world. It forces the reader to question and debate their thoughts and feelings on anyone with a disability. Scalzi poses perhaps the most important thought in the book when there are those looking to “cure” Haden’s syndrome, while Haden victims just want to be accepted into society as fellow people. Science fiction is supposed to make you think and question the status quo, and Lock In does this very well. Reviewed by Alex Telander Archetype: A Novel By M.D. Waters Plume, $16.00, 384 pages Check this out! Emma wakes up in a hospital-like facility, knowing very little about her past. Her husband, Declan, and her caregiver, Dr. Travista, both tell her she has been in an accident and try to train her to return to a normal life. At the facility, Emma takes up painting
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and running, but at night, dreams of a past life haunt her. In one set of nightmares, she is a woman named Adrienne, floating lifeless in a tube while a man named Noah and a woman named Sonya watch her. In another, she falls in love with a man named Mr. Tucker. In the third, she recalls time at a work camp where women are trained to be good wives to men. Emma tries to discover the truth about her past and what happened to her, as well as the world around her. Through a voice in her head, she learns to manipulate and lie to the men around her to earn more freedom. Archetype is similar to Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale or P.D. James’ The Children of Men. Readers learn about Emma’s world as Emma does, making for a gripping, terrifying, but ultimately satisfying reading experience. Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer
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The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century By Steven Pinker Viking Adult, $27.95, 368 pages Check this out! If you are a word person, you’re going to love The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century. Actually, if you’d rather use Strunk and White’s Elements of Style to balance your wobbly dining table than for your prose, you’ll devour Steven Pinker’s latest language missive. From the second page, I found myself reaching to underline passages and take notes. This contribution to the style guide genre reads as if you are having a language discussion with a close friend, who just happens to be a very smart cognitive scientist. Oops! Strike the very in the previous sentence, see page 45. One (of many) strengths in this book is that Pinker meanders into and out of contemporary events and examples, providing examples that introduce a matter of style with the reasoning behind the choices, so that the rule or, better yet, the author’s choice makes sense. Pinker’s writing is humorous, yet packs priceless nuggets of information that stick with you. If you want to ditch the style manuals of yesteryear and dip into a refreshing read, pick up The Sense of Style. Reviewed by Elizabeth Humphrey Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One’s Looking) By Christian Rudder Crown, $28.00, 304 pages Check this out! Christian Rudder is a co-founder and the analytics team member of the dating site OkCupid. Rudder has made use of the massive amount of data collected by his website. He ventures beyond the two basic and common data perceptions — government spying and commercial manipulation to encourage purchases. Rather, he has added a third use — an unprecedented look into the
human story. The OkCupid site yields not only the responses to its in-depth questionnaires, but also the transactions or communications between site users. Much is revealed regarding our prejudices and preferences through text and graphic depictions. Data geeks and everyone else will benefit from reading this fascinating mainstream science book. It is definitely not in the popscience genre. Rudder’s smooth writing style is surprising for a data person. Perhaps his Harvard education included writing classes or he had an excellent editor. The comfortable sentence structure provides a balance of tech data and human warmth. It’s only fair to note that Dataclysm requires an attentive reader who has a commitment to the subject matter. The payoff is worth the effort. Reviewed by Ruta Arellano Reading With Pictures: Comics That Make Kids Smarter By Josh Elder, Editor Andrews McMeel Publishing, $19.99, 184 pages Check this out! Reading With Pictures asserts that high-quality comics can be a great tool to introduce children to complicated concepts. The idea is that children love to learn when information is presented in an engaging, succinct style, so this book presents specific, short concepts in core academic areas of Language Arts, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies. Various artists are represented. Links to a website of lesson plans and potential uses
of the book are included. Most of the pieces I did find both engaging and informative, but others I felt took too much exposition to introduce characters and backstory before getting to the concept, and others I could not find the point at all (although they were fun to read). Sometimes the learning got completely lost in the comic. However, when it was done well, it was an effective tool, and this collection should convince educators that this can be an effective learning method. Students will enjoy engaging with the characters in some of these stories in future adventures, and more information could be presented, faster, if new characters did not have to be introduced each time. I hope many more volumes are to come. Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner West of the Revolution: An Uncommon History of 1776 By Claudio Saunt W. W. Norton & Company, $26.95, 288 pages Check this out! As momentous as the American Revolution was to the colonists of the East Coast, the history of the United States, as we know it, is much more involved. West of the Revolution details several events that also happened around 1776. The Lakota Sioux moved into the Black Hills, terrorized the trading villages on the Mississippi River, and generally gained control of a huge swath of the upper Midwest. The Russians, causing the near extinction of sea otters, fur seals, walrus and whales, were attempting to colonize California. The Creek Indians tried to establish a link with the Spanish, even sending a trade mission to Cuba as a hedge against the encroachment of white settlers and the Osage. The Osage themselves were beginning to feel the pressure of disease and populations migrating westward. In the Southwest, San Diego had its own war, and in the dry interior, Spain was attempting to broaden its footprint in the new world. The book is written very well, with enough facts to be believable and enough personal history to be enjoyable. Most of all, it affirms that the United States never existed in a vacuum and that our history is much more than just that of the East Coast. Reviewed by Ralph Peterson
Tulsa Book Review • December 2014 • 13
The Skeleton Crew: How Amateur Sleuths Are Solving America’s Coldest Cases By Deborah Halber Simon & Schuster, $25.00, 304 pages Check this out! There are unidentified bodies all over the United States, stowed away in morgues and hospitals, buried in potters’ fields and John Doe graves, each one with a name missing and a family left uninformed of their passing. But some of those bodies have found their way home, thanks to intrepid Internet sleuths who have pieced together their identities by combing through missing persons reports and newspaper clippings, reuniting names and bodies. The Skeleton Crew explores the rise in Internet detectives and their work with law enforcement to close some of the oldest cold cases in U.S. history. It’s a fascinating look at the crossroads of information availability, serious dedication and the spark of human intuition that no machine could replicate. Halber interviews several sleuths who have given years at a time to certain cases, revealing both the pluses and minuses of amateur policework, but without casting judgment herself. The reading experience is marred a bit by the pettiness of some of the players involved, but unfortunately, every group seems to have its trolls, fameseekers and grudgeholders. Nonetheless, Halber presents a thoroughly engaging and worthwhile look at an important (and unexpected) Internet subculture. Reviewed by Glenn Dallas All the Truth Is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid By Matt Bai Knopf, $26.95, 288 pages Check this out! Politics in the 1980s were conducted completely d if ferent ly from now. Before a tattered Senator Gary Hart left the presidentia l race in 1987, it was unheard of to ask a politician about his private escapades. Prior to the events that forced Hart to leave the race, journalists routinely ignored any private dalliances of a promising politi-
Book Reviews cian. According to Matt Bai, a confluence of events changed that as he writes in All the Truth Is Out, which focuses on the week that changed the relationship between journalists, politicians and the public, and dissects what happened and why, and what those events say about the electorate. Bai, who spent about 20 hours interviewing Hart about those days, also talked to journalists who reported the story that became a seemingly perfect storm of events that involved stakeouts and the then-burgeoning 24-hour news cycle. Bai’s telling of the events offers an amazing glimpse of how the public perception has shifted through the years— when did the senator challenge journalists to follow him? Did damning photos of Hart accompany the initial stories or not? The answers are fascinating and they seem to startle Bai. This book should be mandatory reading for American politics students, if it isn’t already. Reviewed by Elizabeth King Humphrey The Spinner’s Book of Fleece: A Breedby-Breed Guide to Choosing and Spinning the Perfect Fiber for Every Purpose By Beth Smith, Deborah Robson (foreword) Storey Publishing, LLC, $29.95, 256 pages Check this out! For those who are serious about spinning, weaving and knitting, knowing about the length, crimp structure, fineness or coarseness, and breed origin for fleeces is really important. Wool isn’t just wool. Every breed of sheep produces wool with particular characteristics that are different from other breeds. To really understand what kind of yarn one will end up with, one has to understand the particular qualities of the various kinds of fleece. Beth Smith has put together a spectacularly complete guide for choosing and spinning that is organized into eight rich chapters covering such topics as the dos and don’ts of buying fleece, fine wools, longwools, multicoated breeds and more. The information is well laid out, well indexed and easy to access. The color photographs throughout are really beautiful. Even a photograph of combs looks like a piece of art, and the photographs of sheep are especially charming. Close-up photos of finished yarn and knitted samples are very useful. An excellent glossary, pages on measurements and metric conversions and WSDA Standard Wool Specifications, a reading list and a resources page polish off a very useful, wellwritten book. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck
Nonfiction Candy Aisle Crafts: Create Fun Projects With Supermarket Sweets By Jodi Levine Potter Craft, $16.99, 112 pages Check this out! T h e r e are plenty of things in supermarket aisles anyone can use to make really cute crafts. And who better to write such a book than a woman who spent 19 years as the craft editor for Martha Stewart Living magazine? Jodi Levine is one crafty lady, and she shares a great deal of her knowledge in this terrific book that will be loved by kids and their parents. It is chock-full of fun ideas for all kinds of sweet crafts—everything from cake toppers to candy bowls to cookie castles to candy necklaces to a gummy animal menorah. All of these can be made by kids; however, because of the need for heat on many of these, parents will need to lend a hand. Every craft has a supplies list, very clear instructions, and photographs showing steps and the completed product. These are projects that don’t cost much to make, give kids lots of room for their own creativity, and don’t require making a big mess in the kitchen. This is a perfect book to help fill long winter afternoons. With nearly 40 different projects to choose from, readers may feel like, well, a kid in a candy store! Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck The Gourmet Jewish Cookbook: More Than 200 Recipes From Around the World By Denise Phillips Thomas Dunne Books, $29.99, 272 pages Check this out! J e w ish cooking awakens memories from the immigrant tenement kitchens of my childhood, recipes that I’ve since forgotten. Time has changed food types, cooking utensils and eating cultures. Denise Phillips has revived the spirit and flavor of kosher cooking together with a brief history of the origin of the dishes. In her delightfully detailed recipe collection, each of the recipes is introduced with a history of its origin, special features of the ingredients and amusing anecdotes. The seven chapters begin with starters, such
as hummus and baba ganoush, along with soups and breads. Next, salads, such as a Sicilian aubergine salad or a sushi plate, are described. Beef and fish dishes that cause the mouth to water are followed by classics, such as stuffed brisket or matzoh granola. There is one section dedicated to the special eater, such as the vegan, diabetic and gluten sensitive, which includes lettuce wraps, orange couscous and many others. And, finally, to complement every meal, something sweet is a chapter full of scrumptious desserts. Holiday specials are also listed. I tried the Tzimmes Chicken recipe, including sweet potatoes, apples, carrots and prunes, and was transported back to childhood memories. Unfortunately the book needs improved photos to illustrate the dishes, and the ingredients listings needs to be in bolder, larger type; otherwise this is a deliciously conceived cookbook for anyone interested in Jewish style cookery. Reviewed by Aron Row
One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals From Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot and More By Editors of Martha Stewart Living Clarkson Potter, $26.00, 256 pages Check this out! From the kitchens of Martha Stewart Living comes their newest collection of recipes, tailored for those of us who love the result of a home-cooked meal without having to dirty every pot in the house. This book is nicely arranged and features an array of creative cooking, each chapter highlighting a different kind of cookware: roasting pans, slow cookers, Dutch ovens, pressure cookers, stockpots and baking sheets. On one hand, this makes it great for those of us looking for just slow cooker or Dutch oven recipes, but, on the other hand, makes it so that you need all the different cookware to fully get your worth out of this book. For instance, I don’t own a pressure cooker, so an entire chapter is lost on me. Still, it certainly tempts me to get one! While each recipe has been simplified
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Tulsa Book Review • December 2014 • 14
Book Reviews to use only one pot, they still have the elegance expected from a Martha Stewart Living collection. As is the norm for every book I’ve seen from this company, the food photography is mouth-wateringly gorgeous, and knowing that the kitchen will not be overtaken with pots and pans afterward makes these creations all the more appealing. Reviewed by Becky Vosburg Mexican Flavors: Contemporary Recipes From Camp San Miguel By Hugh Carpenter, Teri Sandison (photographer) Viking Adult, $26.95, 207 pages Check this out! Author Hugh Carpenter and photographer Terri Sandison have chosen a northern Mexican town of Camp San Miguel as a focus of their Mexican cookbook, Mexican Flavors. A useful introduction discusses fresh and dried chilies and other essential Mexican ingredients. Carpenter stresses that his book is for American home cooks with Mexican flavors and, true enough, this is not a Mexican cookbook. It has contemporary American recipes with Mexican ingredients, including such non-Mexican items as pesto, risotto, rice pilaf, wild rice and chocolate chip cookies, though they are flavored with Mexican ingredients. The traditional chile relleños has untraditional goat cheese, for example. Don’t expect easy and quick recipes: they are mostly rather complex with long list of ingredients (mostly available in any wellstocked market), meant for cooking with plenty of time on hand (meatballs with 15 ingredients). Many recipes are different, such as tangerine-serrano salsa. Recipe layout is excellent, with recipes on single and facing pages. Recipe instructions are easyto-follow. Chapters are logical from appetizers to desserts and drinks. Headnotes are good and worth reading. Photo illustrations are also good, but not outstanding; they show local scenery, people and foods. Index is nicely cross-referenced. Reviewed by George Erdosh Cool Layer Cakes: 50 Delicious and Amazing Layer Cakes to Bake and Decorate By Ceri Olofson Barron’s, $17.99, 160 pages Check this out! You don’t need to look farther than the cover page to know that in Cool Layer Cakes we are in the professional baker’s arena. Author Ceri Olofson presents 50 recipes of layer cakes (this means at least three layers) each illustrated by a large photo, and each
Nonfiction one exemplifies a masterpiece worthy of exhibition. Not many home bakers are able to reproduce these, even with her very good recipe instructions and many thumbnail-size photo series illustrating the more difficult techniques. The recipes use basic, easily found ingredients, but that’s the painless part. Assembling them is hard for nonprofessionals, and besides trained techniques, artistic ability is virtually essential. The book starts with descriptions of layer cake essentials: standard and special tools and decorating kit, followed by decorating instructions and techniques. With each recipe, Olofson provides a tiny sketch that must have been the guide for her cake creation. Besides more common beautiful layer cakes, she provides some unusual ones: vertical layer cake, mini layered cake, and for those with plenty of disposable income, edible 24-karat gold-leaf decorated cake. She also provides tips and even how to make your own natural food dyes. Reviewed by George Erdosh Rebel Souls: Walt Whitman and America’s First Bohemians (A Merloyd Lawrence Book) By Justin Martin Da Capo Press, $27.99, 322 pages Check this out! A lt houg h the time period of this book is the Civil War, the title does not refer to that conflict, but to a group of revelers who nightly sat around a long table at a bar in New York City run by a German immigrant, Herr Pfaff. Although Walt Whitman is the most well-known regular in this circle, it was headed by Henry Clapp Jr., the editor of a literary journal and a major supporter of Whitman’s poetry, known for his wit and bon mots. The book is very interesting, not so much for its cast of characters, but for Martin’s excellent writing. The circle was composed of eight regulars. Henry Clapp had been to Paris, where he discovered bohemian clubs, women and hard drink. Upon his return to New York, Clapp instituted this Bohemian group at a bar located under the streets of Broadway, unusual for its time because women were allowed to be served within the bar and were
regular participants at the Bohemian table. Among these women was actress Adah Isaacs Menken, who was famous for her “naked lady” bareback ride in the play Mazeppa. Edwin Booth, the Shakespearean actor, was also peripheral to this group as was the first stand-up comedian, Artemus Ward. It is fascinating to read of this group who brought the bohemian lifestyle to the states. Reviewed by Julia McMichael Watercolor Fairy Art: How to Bring Your Fairy Realm Art to Life By Sara Burrier Barron’s Educational Series, $21.99, 128 pages Check this out! Explore the fascinating world of w ate rcolor, with illustrator and author Sara Burrier. Let her guide you on an artistic journey, within the magical realm of fairies, using the rules of both drawing and watercolor to harness the magic behind creating believable characters through detailed, step-bystep techniques.
Within this comprehensive manual, every detail is highlighted to help bring your fairy to life. More than 75 detailed guidelines including drawing tools, materials, anatomy, proportions, lighting to even prepping paper texture are discussed. Helping to define your own personal style, techniques are explored to discover your muse, to choosing the right finishing touches, with everything from wings, poses, hair, costumes and fairy settings. Watercolor Fairy Art is not only an instruction book, but a beautiful book filled with full-color art that romanticizes the technique of watercolors. I am in awe of the extensive detail, explosive use of color and the artistic ability that has these fairies practically leaping off the pages. This book is great for artists of any medium that would like to create magical paintings and take themselves to their highest potential with the most detailed instructions and guidance. Reviewed by Amy Shane
Traveling the Mother Road this Winter?
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Tulsa Book Review • December 2014 • 15
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