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AUGUST 2016 TULSABOOKREVIEW.COM
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INSIDE
Page 13
Page 2
CHAPTERS: A Casual Evening of
Books, Bards and Bites SEE PAGE 8 FOR INFO
Page 9
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DO NOT FORSAKE ME By Rosanne Bittner Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99, 471 pages Reviewed by Katlin Seagraves, shelver, Broken Arrow Library Check this out!
Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
Jake Harkner, previously a notable outlaw, is serving out the remainder of his jail sentence as a U.S. Marshall in 1892 Guthrie, Okla. After 26 years of marriage, Jake and his fiercely loyal wife, Randy Harkner, are settled and surrounded by their loving family. When an arrest turns sour, the Harkner men and women must work to protect their family from the attempted revenge of a prisoner’s family. Jeff Trubridge, an inquisitive reporter out of Chicago, has come to Guthrie in the hopes of writing a book about the charismatic and notorious Jake Harkner. Jeff’s questions force the Harkner family to come to terms with details of their past, and his observant nature helps keep Jake out of danger. This western romance by Rosanne Bittner explores family, forgiveness and overcoming the past in a dusty town where disorder and lawlessness creep in from the unorganized territory of Oklahoma. Do Not Forsake Me is an action-packed and expansive tale of the Harkner family and their struggle for survival. Fans of epic historical romances and the Wild West will enjoy this heartfelt, dramatic and steamy story of a man and wife overcoming whatever struggles come their way. Meet Rosanne Bittner at “Chapters” literacy fundraiser on Sept. 8! See Page 8 for details. UNDER THE SURFACE By Anne Calhoun St. Martin’s Paperbacks, $7.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out! Under the Surface by Anne Calhoun is the first book that I have read from this author and it surely won’st be my last. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, which is one of my favorite trope, then this book is right up your alley. I loved that Ms. Calhoun was able to weave steam, banter, sexual tension, romance and, of course, some grit into this sexy romantic suspense. As a pastor’s daughter, Eve Webber decided to pursue a career that is far from what is expected of her. As a bar owner, Eve has a lot on her plate to make sure her bar, Eye Candy, is successful. As a savvy business woman, Eve runs a tight ship and when she hires a new bartender, Eve finds herself enthralled with the newest eye candy: Chad Henderson. When Eve hires Chad, they hit it off and readers can instantly feel the sexual chemistry brewing between them. But what Eve doesn’t know is that Chad is an alias and he is really Detective Matt Dorchester. Matt goes undercover to make sure Eve is protected and that she stays true to being an informant for a case that he and his task force are putting on. Eve is unaware of who really Chad is but the chemistry between these two is palpable from the start. What happens when Eve learns of Matt’s true identity? Will she be able to trust him with her safety with her life on the line? Under the Surface was a fast-paced romantic suspense that will keep readers entertained. I instantly fell in love with Eve’ss personality and charm so I knew she and Matt would hit it off because she brings out the playful and fun side in him. This book definitely made me want to check out more works from Anne Calhoun. The writing was fresh, sexy and had that suspense aspect to keep me engaged with the storyline. So if you are looking for a great summer read, I would suggest you give this book a try.
The Seventh Plague by James Rollins
THE UNTAMED EARL By Valerie Bowman St. Martin’s Paperbacks, $7.99, 304 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out! Alexandra Hobbs always has come second to her older sister, Lavinia, in everything. At a young age, Alexandra falls in love with Lord Owen Monroe, but her parents make a marriage arrangement between Owen and Lavinia instead. Owen’ss father threatens to cut him off from his fortune if he doesn’st woo Lavinia. Alexandra offers to help Owen get into Lavinia’ss good graces, but Owen ends up falling in love with Alexandra instead. With a romance novel as good as this one, it’ss difficult to accept anything less from other Regency romance novels. Reading The Untamed Earl was a completely immersive experience and the pages flew by quickly. While the story of the rake and the lovestruck innocent has absolutely been done before, Valerie Bowman adds new freshness to the relationship between Alexandra and Owen. One qualm I did have with the story was in Owen’ss efforts to teach Alexandra to flirt. These moments made the hero look condescending. But the characters were deep and meaningful, and their connections to each other were simple and heartwarming. It was my first time reading anything from Bowman, but I’sll definitely look for more of her work in the future.
Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 2
The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke
Tulsa
Book Review
IN THIS ISSUE Romance......................................................................2
Tulsa City-County Library 400 Civic Center Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103 Ph. (918) 549-7323
Fiction...................................................................... 4, 5
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Kids’ Books............................................................ 6, 7
Ross Rojek Ross@1776productions.com EDITOR/COORDINATOR Jackie Hill Tulsa City-County Library GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Heidi Komlofske-Rojek COPY EDITORS Samantha Kingsbury Heidi Komlofske-Rojek Michelle Baker EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Christopher Hayden Faith Lewis Samantha Kingsbury
FROM THE PUBLISHER We have entered the dog days of summer, an ancient expression imported from Europe, which possibly goes back further to Egyptian antiquity. The term describes the hottest days of the year, which happen to coincide with the
Tweens.........................................................................7
rise or appearance of the “dog star” Sirius in the night sky of the Northern Hemisphere. To me, the term means time to enjoy a nice cool library! What better way to stay cool than while reading a good book, such as this year’s One Book, One Tulsa pick – The Soloist by Pulitzer Prize finalist Steve Lopez. The book recounts Lopez’s real-life
Children’s Nonfiction New & Coming Soon...........7 Chapters: A Casual Evening of Books, Bards & Bites..........................................................8
encounter and friendship with a mentally ill former musical prodigy, Nathaniel Ayers, who happens to be homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. You may remember that in 2009 the book was made into a film starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. This month also marks back-to-school time in Oklahoma, which makes it a great time to make
Teens............................................................................9 Teen Fiction Coming Soon.......................................9
sure all the children in your life have a library card. Reason No. 1, so that they can access all the online homework support the library offers; and No. 2, so that they can get all the books they need to help them complete assignments. Our No. 1 online resource for students is a parent’s best friend and a student’s secret weapon for
WEBSITE TulsaBookReview.com
Nonfiction......................................................10, 11, 12 Get Job Help Now.....................................................11 Learn a New Language............................................12 Crime Fiction.............................................................13 Biographies & Memoirs...........................................14
success. It’s called Homework Help Now powered by Brainfuse. This resource connects your student with a live tutor who also happens to be a grade-level subject expert. As last school year was coming to a close, tutors helped Tulsa-area students with Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Biology and Chemistry homework. While they didn’t do the homework for them, they did get them “unstuck.” August also will be the month library staff start moving some of the books listed in this issue of the Tulsa Book Review and others back into the Central Library. The library will host the building’s grand opening on Saturday, October 1, 2016. We’ll plan to see you at the grand opening and another library branch near you in the interim. Until then … happy reading!
Speculative Fiction...................................................14 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 ©2016, City Book Review
Free Music Streaming and Downloading.............15 Homework Help........................................................16
Gary Shaffer, Ph.D. Tulsa City-County Library CEO
FICTION
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OUR EXPANDING UNIVERSE By Alex Robinson Top Shelf Productions, $19.99, 256 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Three close friends and their wives confront the realities of adulthood as kids, money troubles, work, infidelity and confidence issues begin to fray the seemingly unbreakable bonds of friendship. As they ponder the universe around them, these men and women will face tough choices, make big mistakes, and stumble towards the future as best they can. Our Expanding Universe is a funny, dark and realistic look at how friendships and relationships grow and evolve as parenthood and children enter the picture. The simplistic art and conversational dialogue allow the stories and the character decisions to take center stage. A cheating storyline feels tacked on for extra drama and the planetarium speech is a little heavy-handed, but otherwise the narrative rings true. Little incidents blow up into huge issues, friendships are strained, and some relationships survive the test while others lapse (or collapse). This is a graphic novel that makes everyday life feel weighty and important, utilizing its black-andwhite imagery to great effect, drawing out anxiety and uncertainty from each and every stroke of the pen. Our Expanding Universe is a slice-of-life, but a slice that may not leave the best taste in your mouth. BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT GENESIS By Peter J. Tomasi, Viktor Bogdanovic DC Comics, $19.99, 144 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! The Arkham series of Batman games have been heralded as masterpieces of the video game genre, and the fourth installment of the series, Arkham Knight, has been similarly celebrated. Arkham Knight: Genesis takes us deeper into the video game’s lore, providing backstory to one of the game’s big reveals: the identity of the Arkham Knight, a dark counterpart to Batman. It’s hard to review this book because how you react to it depends greatly on who you are as a fan. If you liked the game, then this tie-in prequel enriches that play experience. If you were underwhelmed by the “big” twist, then the depth of insight provided by this comic will help mitigate that disappointment. If you’re a fan of the comics, it feels a little bit like a retread of something quite similar we’ve already seen, though admittedly in greater detail and with richer, more satisfying storytelling. Although the strong narrative and striking visuals work under any of those conditions, hewing so closely to the Red Hood storyline of the comics detracts a bit from the reading experience. What could be an entirely fresh, vibrant read is simply a very good one instead. MY MRS. BROWN: A NOVEL By William Norwich Simon & Schuster, $24.00, 201 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! If you want to feel good about the world and the people in it, please read this wonderful book immediately. Like The #1 Lady Detective Agency, it is so sweet without ever approaching sentimentality. Mrs. Brown is making ends meet by working a variety of odd jobs since her husband died of a heart attack. She is frugal and very modest in her desires. She is also quite genteel. She sweeps up in a beauty shop and helps take inventory at the estate of a rich woman. It is at that estate that Mrs. Brown sees a dress which captivates her. It is an Oscar de la Renta design and it displays fine craftsmanship along with a very high price tag. Mrs. Brown makes up her mind to have the dress. The reader does not know why Mrs. Brown is so determined, let alone where she will ever wear such a fine dress. That mystery is at the heart of this beautiful novel. Along the way, Mrs. Brown receives unexpected good luck along with heartbreaking losses. When you finish this book — or even before — Mrs. Brown will live for you and you will find yourself loving her as much as I do.
A communitywide reading initiative for adults featuring: In conjunction with the Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s 2016 National Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, Tulsa CityCounty Library is offering a communitywide reading initiative focusing on the nonfiction book The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez and the themes of mental illness and homelessness. In this poignant, beautifully told story, Lopez recounts his friendship with Nathaniel Ayers, who 30 years earlier had been a promising classical bass student at Juilliard until he gradually lost his ability to function, overcome by schizophrenia. When Lopez meets him, Ayers is homeless, paranoid and deeply troubled, but glimmers of that brilliance are still there.
Central Library Fifth Street and Denver Avenue • 918.549.7323
Author Presentation Featuring Steve Lopez
Wednesday, Sept. 28 Read the book, meet the author, see 7-8:30 p.m. • First Floor the movie adaptation, plus get a sneak Steve Lopez will discuss The peek of the renewed Central Soloist, answer questions from Library before it officially the audience and sign books. opens to the public! Copies of the book will be available for purchasing, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
Outdoor Film Showing: The Soloist
Thursday, Sept. 29 • 7-9 p.m. A.R. and MaryLouise Tandy Foundation Children’s Garden • This 2009 film stars Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. Rated PG-13. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
FICTION CONT’D ON PAGE 5
FICTION CONT’D ON PAGE 8
Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 4
FICTION (CONT’D FROM PAGE 4) BLACK WINGS OF CTHULHU 4 By S.T. Joshi, editor Titan Books, $14.95, 400 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! When you deal with stories inspired by and based in the Cthulhu Mythos and the works of H.P. Lovecraft, you anticipate a certain level of weirdness. Whether it’s mind-bending or horrific, enthralling or baffling, the weirdness remains. The tales collected in Black Wings of Cthulhu 4 are no exception. There are wheels of weirdness within wheels of weirdness in these stories. In one, a man becomes so obsessed with dark matter that he loses all connection with reality. In another, a girl begs her boyfriend to go into a cave and stare at the moon so she’ll understand what drove her father mad. There are militaries at war with demons and inmates whose very dreams are gateways to evil and Native American myths about the old ones. And although not all of the stories are satisfying – in fact, most of them seem determined to be more confounding than engaging – the ones that do wriggle inside you and resonate are invariably ones that feel like nothing you’ve read before. They make you look around the world and question it, making everyday life just a tiny bit stranger and more ominous. THE EXCELLENT LOMBARDS By Jane Hamilton Grand Central Publishing, $26.00, 288 pages Reviewed by Margo Orlando Littell Check this out! Mary Frances Lombard, who goes by Frankie in childhood and then “MK” in adolescence, thinks she knows what she wants from life: to take over her family’s apple orchard and run it with her brother William. Life on the orchard involves hard work, patience and a high tolerance for family eccentricities. There’s the terrifying, elderly Aunt May Hill, for one, and a rotating cast of cousins and siblings, all of whom have ties to the orchard. When a cousin named Philip arrives and stakes his claim as May Hill’s favorite – and a potential heir – Mary Frances’ world trembles. And when William commits the ultimate betrayal in heading off to college, Mary Frances must come to terms with the idea that the future is not as certain as she’d thought. Jane Hamilton writes movingly of a young girl’s changing views of her life and ambitions, and one of the most poignant elements of The Excellent Lombards is Mary Frances’ realization that she too may be destined for a world beyond the orchard. A place of safety and certainty gives way to previously unconsidered possibilities and Mary Frances is poised to gain a new understanding of what she owes her family and herself. ALL STORIES ARE LOVE STORIES: A NOVEL By Elizabeth Percer Harper, $25.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out! First and foremost the cover to All Stories Are Love Stories by Elizabeth Percer is so simple yet so beautiful. The title alone will give readers a brief insight as to what expect. Of course, the main emphasis of this book is L-O-V-E. Four letters, one word yet love can mean a variety of things for a person. And in this devastatingly beautiful and touching story, Percer will grip and consume her readers as they are doused with an array of emotions as three main characters have their lives intertwined when they are rocked by an earthquake. Two earthquakes struck San Francisco on Valentine’s Day so Percer presents three characters who all face their own personal struggle to survive, live, love and hope. The earthquake did not only shake the city but it also laid bare the faults of three different paths. In this engrossing tale, Percer elegantly entices readers with a punch of raw emotions as these three individuals fight to find the hope, forgiveness and light in this harrowing time in their life. If you are looking for a story that has depth, meaning and beauty during the backdrop of a tragic earthquake, then this book is for you.
THE ATOMIC WEIGHT OF LOVE: A NOVEL By Elizabeth J. Church Algonquin Books, $25.95, 320 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! Meridian Wallace is 17 when she leaves her home and goes to the University of Chicago to study ornithology. It is there, in 1941, she meets physics professor Alden Whetstone, who challenges her mind and appreciates her intellect, unlike the boys she meets in her classes. She falls in love and, when he takes a job in Los Alamos, New Mexico, she marries him and delays graduate school to follow him there. As with many women of the time, Meri ends up giving up her dreams for her husband’s. As time goes on, she returns to her study of birds, albeit on her own without the support of anyone, and it is during her studies in a desert canyon, she meets Clay, a survivor of the war in Vietnam. That is when life becomes very complicated — for Meridian, for Alden and for Clay. Debut author Elizabeth J. Church writes of timeless topics in a setting which everything is structured by the period she writes in. The characters are achingly real and the complications they face are completely relatable. The writing is simply gorgeous. This story has legs and deserves a very wide readership. KATHERINE OF ARAGON, THE TRUE QUEEN: A NOVEL (SIX TUDOR QUEENS) By Alison Weir Ballantine Books, $28.00, 624 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out! Even though they are quite prevalent, it was impossible not to get excited about another novel involving the wives of the infamous King Henry VIII.Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen did not disappoint. This is the first in a series of six novels – each following one of his wives. The story starts out with Katherine preparing for her wedding to Prince Arthur, Henry’s older brother. He dies shortly thereafter, and Katherine’s future is unsure. She waits for eight years before Henry finally marries her and they have a happy life together. However, after many miscarriages, stillbirths and no son for an heir, things become strained. Then, Anne Boleyn comes onto the scene. Henry attempts to divorce Katherine, and in doing so, declares himself the head of the Church of England. Until her dying day, Katherine does not give up that she is the true and rightful Queen. It is very apparent that Ms. Weir did her research through the utilization of real letters and testimonies from that time. There was so much detail that it was easy to be transported to that life. You could not help but take Katherine’s side. Because Anne Boleyn was made to be quite the villain in this novel, I can’t wait to see what her side of the story is in the next book. A long read, but well worth it.
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HITMAN ANDERS AND THE MEANING OF IT ALL By Jonas Jonasson, Rachel Willson-Broyles Ecco, $15.99, 312 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Anders is a hitman who stumbled into his line of work. Upon his latest release from prison, he finds a curious pair of allies: a downon-his-luck hotel receptionist and an atheist con woman who used to be a vicar. Although all Anders wants is to drink wine, his cohorts build a very successful hitman/leg-breaker-for-hire business around him. That is, until Anders finds religion and their plan falls apart. How will the plotting duo deal with gangsters who want them dead and a hitman who shall not kill? Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All is a curiously comic look at what motivates us – from money and wine to sex and religion – and honestly, the best thing about it is that it feels strangely realistic in its pacing. It’s less of a traditional narrative arc and more an ever-growing pile of events. Although the book is not as funny as it thinks it is, the madcap spirit informs all the best moments; whether it’s people finding love while discovering they hate all the same things or the awkwardness of criminal life post-betrayal, there’s a lot of comedic situations here, even if the book isn’t laugh-outloud funny. Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 5
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KIDS’ BOOKS
MOM SCHOOL By Rebecca Van Slyke, Priscilla Burris (illustrator) Doubleday Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 32 pages Reviewed by Eric Giannini Check this out!
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FEROCIOUS FLUFFITY: A MIGHTY BITE-Y CLASS PET By Erica S. Perl, Henry Cole (illustrator) Abrams Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 32 pages Reviewed by Cindy Lister, children’s and teen library associate, Nathan Hale Library Check this out! In Erica S. Perl’s hilarious picture book Ferocious Fluffity: A Mighty Bite-y Class Pet, the latest from the creators of Chicken Butt, Fluffity looks so cute and adorable sitting in her little cage when Mr. Drake brings her to classroom 2-D. With her big eyes and soft, furry little body, she is so cuddly, but unbeknownst to the students, this tiny pet is really a ferocious beast. No one is safe when Ferocious Fluffity is let out of her cage one day. Parents and teachers will enjoy reading this adventurous book to their children along with discussing the importance of choosing the right pet for their family or classroom.
Where do mothers learn how to be mothers? Mom School is a great resource for just such a question. Written by Rebecca Van Slyke, the book’s daughter narrator asks: Where does mom learn how to build forts out of couch cushions, bake amazing cupcakes, multitask, talk on the phone, fix hair, or all of these simultaneously? The answers to the questions arise naturally over the course of the story. The role reversal in daughter thinking of mother as a student escorts Priscilla Burris’ illustrations of grocery stores, circle readings, bedrooms, fairs, garages, kitchens, gardens and living rooms. These images suggest the nature of Mom School visually. Life is where mothers learn how to be who they are. Maternal recipients of Mom School may delight in extending the role reversal beyond the aforementioned topics. Questions such as, “Does mom go to ‘Mom School’ to learn how to drive, or bicycle, or anything,” might urge young female readers to speak up! Festive as cotton candy, Mom School is a place where all moms “get an A+.” Motherly life, however, may not be as sweet. HOW THINGS WORK By Sophie Dauvois Thames & Hudson, $18.95, 64 pages Reviewed by Ariel Plotnik Check this out! How Things Work encourages inquisition throughout with questions like “How was this book made?” or “How [do you] build a house?” strengthening natural preadolescent curiosity in the world. The book emphasizes conservationism, such as wearing sweatshirts in place of a heater, reusing or recycling materials, turning off lights or water. Climactic is its proclamation to mimic nature, echoing the reverberating wings of Da Vinci’s “flying machines.” Globalized names, like Koko or Alex, accompany a refreshing flow of new animating waves of animals (hedgehogs, rabbits, little birds or squirrels), creatures, or hands intrigued with ramps, seesaw catapults, pulley systems or various machines in the backdrop of “cog mayhem.” These stunningly detailed diagrams inspire a deepening imaginative mapping for the interrogative architecture of questions. Roll a pair of die to “Marhaban” in the United Arab Emirates, “Hola” in Spanish, or “Hello” in the United Kingdom; unfortunately, no greeting from Africa or South America supplant the myriad of Eurocentric salutations. Interactive tutorials, however, argue for experimentation with the world in various spheres, such as music or cinema. The book is powerful in its emphasis on practice.
DIGGER AND DAISY PLANT A GARDEN By Judy Young, Dana Sullivan (illustrator) Sleeping Bear Press, $9.99, 32 pages Reviewed by Sarah Perry Check this out! Digger and Daisy are two puppies who want to plant their own edible garden. They carefully set to work and plant a variety of tasty vegetables, however, Digger plants a secret item. As everything else starts to come up, Digger’s secret remains hidden under the dirt. Finally, Digger reveals what he planted and it’s definitely a surprise! This beginning reader is a cute story for young children who are starting to read on their own. The simple, repetitive story will help new readers build confidence, while the humor and whimsical illustrations keep it fresh and fun. The story also lends itself as a conversation starter for classrooms or families about healthy plants, fruits and vegetables, and what the child might like to grow and eat from a garden. Overall, a cute addition to the beginning reader category.
A HOLE IN THE WALL By Hans Wilhelm Holiday House, $16.95, 32 pages Reviewed by Africa Hands Check this out!
THE SLOWEST BOOK EVER By April Pulley Sayre, Kelly Murphy (illustrator) Boyds Mills Press, $16.95, 176 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! Everyone is probably familiar with the story of the tortoise and the hare. Upon reading the story, one is reminded that slow and steady is often a pretty good way to go and when reading this book, it definitely pays to slow down and savor all the wonderfully slow things presented. There are nine sections including nature, animals, plants, geology, stuff and more. There are also “Two pages on which to rest your face as you ponder the slowness of the universe.” That alone give one a flavor of the book which is a bit irreverent and fun. Author April Pulley Sayre has explored the world far and wide to find the slowest things to talk about — everything from the expected snail to the largely unexpected cow digestion, the weathering of tombstones and the incredibly slow growth of the Atlantic Ocean. Super fun illustrations — all in black, white and various tones of orange — help tell the stories and keep young readers interested. Sayre includes a good glossary and index which sandwich a mustbe-read endnotes section. The writing in this terrific tome is superb — crisp, funny and smart. Kids will love this one. OUTDOOR MATH: FUN ACTIVITIES FOR EVERY SEASON By Emma AdBåge Kids Can Press, $15.95, 26 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! All kids love to play outdoors, but who says that playing and learning can’t go hand-in-hand? The next time your little ones are out of playtime ideas, turn to Emma AdBåge’s book Outdoor Math for assistance. This clever book gives ideas for games and activities that youngsters will enjoy immensely, but which also happen to engage their minds in new ways. Divided by season, there are two dozen different fun games that will help kids work with numbers and early math concepts, plus a few pages in the back that focus on the specifics of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In the spring, try a group treasure hunt, complete with hand-drawn maps. In the summer, count clouds or try the Secret Number Line game. Autumn is a great time for outdoor tic-tac-toe, while in winter kids can time how long it takes a snowman to melt. These are simple games that are perfect for kindergartners and early elementary school-age students, great for playing outside of school or for incorporating into a homeschool environment. With colorful pictures and easy instructions, this book is sure to be a hit!
Inspired by a Mark Twain fable, Hans Wilhelm presents four animal friends who have a falling out over what they each see in a hole in the wall. Looking through the hole, dog sees another dog and excitedly shares the news with his friends. One by one each friend peers into the hole and one by one each report seeing an animal identical to himself: warthog sees a warthog, lion sees a lion, elephant sees an elephant. How can this be? Someone’s not telling the truth. The four friends march angrily to the hole, peer inside, and low and behold they were all right. The hole isn’t a hole after all. Wilhelm’s digital cartoon-style pencil illustrations show a range of expressions in the animals – curiosity, surprise, confusion, anger, determination and happiness. Focused squarely on the animals, the illustrations contain no extraneous images that may divert attention. This abbreviated retelling of the Twain fable (included in the endnotes) is a suitable read-aloud for children between the ages of 3 and 6. It’s gratifying and not overtly instructive, allowing adults to explain the moral or not. A FRIEND FOR MOLE By Nancy Armo Peachtree Publishers, Ltd., $16.95, 32 pages Reviewed by Africa Hands Check this out! Mole loved the cozy, safe solitude of his home underground. Listening to sounds from above he could imagine what was happening in the outside world. One day his curiosity gets the best of him and he leaves his burrow to investigate all the shouting and laughing from up above. Unfortunately, the brightness and unfamiliar smells and sounds prove too much for Mole. In a panic to return to his burrow, he trips and falls into a dark quiet place similar to his home but it may not be as safe for in the darkness Mole sees a pair of eyes staring back at him. Maybe Mole should have stayed tucked away in his little burrow. Pencil and watercolor illustrations in earth tones aptly lend an outdoorsy feel to the story. In early spreads, readers experience the world from Mole’s vantage point as the little guy with large animals scurrying about above ground. By the end we have a more complete view – a sign that Mole emerges from the darkness much more comfortable with the world above his burrow. A cute addition to the genre of friendship twosome picture books, A Friend for Mole touches on themes of bravery, honesty and helping others without boring readers.
Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 6
KIDS’ BOOKS (CONT’D ON PAGE 7)
, CHILDREN S NONFICTION NEW AND COMING SOON
KIDS’ BOOKS (CONT’D FROM PAGE 6) POOL PANIC (JAKE MADDOX GIRL SPORTS STORIES) By Jake Maddox, Katie Wood (illustrator) Stone Arch Books, $5.95, 72 pages Reviewed by Rebecca Williams Check this out! Jenny really enjoys swimming, especially with her best friend Maya. When school starts, Maya convinces Jenny to try out for the school’s swim team. Practice is fun and Jenny enjoys working with the other girls and the coach. She’s ready for the meet, until she realizes the stands are full, and she develops a case of stage fright. This distraction proves to be too much and she lets her team down. Her coach suggests doing activities that might be out of her comfort zone, like the morning announcements. She still worries about swimming in front of others so she decides to get some practice laps in when she notices a small child having difficulty in the deep end. Seeing the lifeguard is busy, she jumps in and pulls the young girl to safety. Realizing she did this without worrying about who was watching, Jenny wonders if she can do this at a meet now too. The Jake Maddox collection of sports stories are perfect for reluctant readers. These books cover just about every sport and every kind of athlete, and include realistic problems they may experience. This one is no exception – a good fast-moving story with a relatable theme.
TO TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
TWEENS
Flying Frogs and Walking Fish
by Steve Jenkins• A red-lipped batfish waddles across the sea floor on its fins, searching for small sea creatures to eat. Other animals may fly or glide, or jet-propel themselves to get around. These creatures come equipped with legs, wings or tentacles, and they often move from place to place in surprising ways. In the latest eye-catching escape into the kingdom of Animalia, Caldecott Honor-winning team Steve Jenkins and Robin Page show how animals roll, fly, walk, leap, climb, swim and even flip! This fascinating and fun illustrated nonfiction melds science, art, biology and the environment together in a detailed and well-researched book about how animals move in our world today.
Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still
SNAP IT for additional book summaries. THE NINJA LIBRARIANS: SWORD IN THE STACKS By Jen Swann Downey Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, $16.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! They say adventures await you at the local library, but for Dorrie and Marcus that has proven doubly true. Dorrie and Marcus uncover a secret clan of warrior librarians that not only travel the stacks, but through time itself by way of a magical library. Now they are serving as apprentice librarians, learning the ways of Petrarch’s Library. But with sinister forces at work, mistakes occurring across time and rivalries forming between students, it’s going to be a steep learning curve! Sword in the Stacks is the second novel in The Ninja Librarians series and it certainly doesn’t wait for new readers to catch up before plunging into several major plotlines and a half-dozen smaller character arcs. There is a huge cast of characters (from librarians and historical figures to the students themselves) and it seems like virtually everyone is up to something. And although that could be overwhelming, it’s not. It’s madcap, bordering on full-blown chaos, but it’s the chaos of growing up, learning about responsibility, honesty and doing what’s right. An inattentive reader may get lost, but most readers will muddle through just fine, latching onto favorite personalities and riding the waves through to the conclusion. THE NAMELESS CITY By Faith Erin Hicks First Second, $14.99, 240 pages Reviewed by Kevin Winter Check this out!
by Karlin Gray • Nadia Comaneci was a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. But as readers will see in this first-ever illustrated picture book about Nadia’s journey to Olympic gold, the road from small-town girl to world-class athlete was full of many imperfect moments.
Hacks for Minecrafters: Mods
by Megan Miller • Minecraft was designed to allow other people to modify it. And while there are several successful game guides on the market already, this book is the first unofficial superguide dedicated to adding mods (modifications) to your Minecraft game. Written for 7- to 12-year-old Minecrafters, this is the ultimate guide on Minecraft mods to keep your game new and exciting with all these expert tips and tricks.
Living in China
by Chloe Perkins • Ni Hao! My name is Jin, and I’m a kid just like you living in China. China is a country filled with ancient wonders, high-tech cities and lots of people – more than any other country on Earth! Have you ever wondered what China is like? Come along with me to find out!
Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare
Continuing the trend of young adult comics taking place in Asian countries of no determinate origin comes the beginning of a new series by Faith Erin Hicks, who is well-known in the young adult community for her previous titles. In this world, which could take place in China, we are in a city that has been conquered many times by many different groups. Each time it has been conquered the conquerors have changed the name - to the point the city has no name. And since the city sits at the spot where the river meets the ocean it is always under siege. Into this world steps Kaidu, a young man sent to the city to be trained as a warrior under the ruling Dao. One day he meets up with a young city girl named Rat, who aims to show him the true side of the city. But threats are ever mounting. This is a decent beginning, a lot of setup; but that is something to expect with the first volume. Good pacing paired with an easy-to-follow storyline should keep tweens’ attention.
Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 7
by Gene Barretta • How much could Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy have in common? A surprising number of things. Some were coincidence – both were over six feet tall, both studied law, both were soldiers and boat captains. But Lincoln and Kennedy also shared similar agendas during their time in office. In this illuminating book, Gene Barretta brings insight to this study of two of the country’s most famous presidents.
My Weird School Fast Facts: Sports
by Dan Gutman • Did you know that the only sport that’s been played on the moon is golf? Did you know that an NFL quarterback once threw a touchdown pass to himself? Learn more weird-but-true sports facts with A.J. and Andrea from Dan Gutman’s best-selling My Weird School series. This all-new series of nonfiction books features hundreds of hysterical facts, plus lots of photos and illustrations.
A CASUAL EVENING OF BOOKS, BARDS AND BITES BENEFITING TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY’S RUTH G. HARDMAN ADULT LITERACY SERVICE
PHOTO BY
FRANCO VO
GT
FEATURING AUTHORS:
ROSANNE BITTNER
ALTON CARTER
ALISON GAYLIN
ALSO FEATURING DELECTABLE APPETIZERS FROM SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES
THURSDAY, SEPT. 8 • 6:30 P.M. HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY • 8316 E. 93RD ST.
$50 PER PERSON • PLEASE RESERVE BY THURSDAY, SEPT. 1.
CALL 918-549-7494 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE RESERVATIONS. SPONSORED BY DELECTABLE NIBBLES PROVIDED BY Barnes & Noble Bodean Seafood Restaurant Catering by Cindy Creative Catering by Sherian HoneyBaked Ham of Tulsa India Palace KEO Asian Cuisine Napa Flats Oklahoma Joe’s Oliveto Italian Bistro Panera Bread Pepper’s Grill
Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits Reasor’s Sweet Devotion Cakery Toni’s Flowers & Gifts Trader Joe’s Tulsa Library Trust Whole Foods Market The Wild Fork Yokozuna PUBLISHER TulsaPeople Magazine
EDITOR SemGroup Foundation Charles and Marion Weber Foundation AUTHOR Linda and Doug Farquharson Donna and Will Farrior Gelvin Foundation READER Lauren Liles and Dick Ekdahl Karen Mildren Reasor’s Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation
Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 8
PATRON COUPLE Stephanie and Travis Biggert Cheryl and Larry Chambers Dr. Bruce and Beverly Dieterlen Ros and Jim Elder Terry and Mike Fenner Sally and James Frasier Margaret and Curt Holdridge Feng Ren and William Lohrey Lynn and Bill Peacher Donna and Jim Redyke Lacy and Al Whitehead
PATRON INDIVIDUAL Brenda Barnes Katherine Coyle Ellen Duecker Cindy Rothenbucher Bob Stewart ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY The Mary K. Chapman Foundation George Kaiser Family Foundation
www.TulsaLibrary.org
AUGUST 2016
918.549.READ
A FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY, ITS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
adults & all ages BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Open Book Discussion Tuesday, Aug. 2 • 6:30-7:45 p.m. Read "The Expats" by Chris Pavone and then join us for a discussion of this psychologically astute, characterdriven and utterly absorbing novel. Copies are available for checkout at the Broken Arrow Library. For adults.
COMMUNITY VENUES Libraries Are for Making! Saturday, Aug. 27 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. LOCATION: Expo Square, Central Park Hall, 4145 E. 21st St. Stop by and visit Tulsa City-County Library's booth at this year's Tulsa Mini-Maker Faire in Central Park Hall at Expo Square. We'll have a 3-D printer on hand for demonstration, along with a table for children and teens to work on STEMrelated activities. For all ages.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Start-Up Basics Thursday, Aug. 4 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Pecan Room Learn the essentials of business startups, 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. LibCon! A Celebration of Fans! Saturday, Aug. 27 • 1-4 p.m. Are you a “fan?” One of those fans who have multiple copies of Harry
Potter that are battered and worn from being read over and over? Are you in limbo, waiting for the Doctor to return in his blue box? Or counting down the days to the next Star Trek/ Star Wars movie? Can’t get enough Marvel/DC superheroes? Do you need more? If so, we have got the event for you! Join us for arts, crafts, fun and games celebrating your favorite fandoms. Get your picture taken with cosplayers and participate in the costume contest. Attend one of our DIY Maker panels and learn how to get started e-publishing with local authors Gary Jonas and Bill Allen, and how to get started cosplaying. Attend a 3-D printing demonstration. Special guests include DC Marvel League, Mandelorian Mercs, Oklahoma Star Cars, Tuck’s Costumes, professional cosplay photographer George Jones and Green Country Cosplayers. Note: Fake weapons will not be allowed in the library. For all ages.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Books People Are Talking About: The Best of Summer Reading Wednesday, Aug. 17 • 12:15-1:15 p.m. Like books? Let's talk! Our monthly book discussion kicks off a new season with the Best of Summer Reading. We want to hear about your favorite summer reads. And we will receive a variety of excellent recommendations for a new year of reading – guaranteed! For adults. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library. Mainly Mysteries Book Club Tuesday, Aug. 30 • 6:15-7:15 p.m. We will share debut authors. Pick your own (published within the last 3 years), and bring along your favorite series that you have read. Light refreshments will be served. For adults. Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library.
GRAND OPENING of the
CENTRAL LIBRARY
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Mainly Mysteries: Addendum Tuesday, Aug. 30 • 7:15-7:45 p.m. Join us for a session on NoveList, as we search out crime, police procedurals, cozies, crafty crime, historical mysteries, gum shoes and flat foots, and fatally funny mysteries on the library database. For adults.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY Book Discussion: "The Swans of Fifth Avenue" by Melanie Benjamin Tuesday, Aug. 23 • 2-3 p.m. Read the book and then join us for a lively discussion! For adults.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Back-to-School Community Resource Fair Thursday, Aug. 18 • 10-11:30 a.m. Location: Auditorium Calling all families! This come-andgo event will feature more than 35 local organizations with information on programs and services including homework help, nutrition, sleep techniques and more. We will give out free school supplies for the first 200 children. Free immunizations and free eye screenings also will be available. For more information, call 918-549-7590. For all ages. Sponsored by Tulsa City-County Library and Coalition of Hispanic Organizations.
teens & tweens BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY BATAB Thursday, Aug. 11 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join the Broken Arrow Teen Advisory Board for snacks and activities while giving input for future library programs and displays. For ages 12-18. Read or Die Anime Club Saturday, Aug. 20 • noon-2 p.m. Hang out with us. We'll watch anime, talk manga (and other stuff) and eat snacks. Come in cosplay or as you are! For ages 12-18.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Teen Advisory Board Friday, Aug. 5 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Work on a simple craft project while discussing programming ideas, book recommendations and fun things to do at the library. Snacks are provided, and you'll receive volunteer hours for attending! For ages 12-18.
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HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY LibCon! A Celebration of Fans! Saturday, Aug. 27 • 1-4 p.m. Are you a “fan?” One of those fans who have multiple copies of Harry Potter that are battered and worn from being read over and over? Are you in limbo, waiting for the Doctor to return in his blue box? Or counting down the days to the next Star Trek/ Star Wars movie? Can’t get enough Marvel/DC superheroes? Do you need more? If so, we have got the event for you! Join us for arts, crafts, fun and games celebrating your favorite fandoms. Get your picture taken with cosplayers and participate in the costume contest. Attend one of our DIY Maker panels and learn how to get started e-publishing with local authors Gary Jonas and Bill Allen, and how to get started cosplaying. Attend a 3-D printing demonstration. Special guests include DC Marvel League, Mandelorian Mercs, Oklahoma Star Cars, Tuck’s Costumes, professional cosplay photographer George Jones and Green Country Cosplayers. Note: Fake weapons will not be allowed in the library. For all ages.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Teen Lab Tuesday Tuesday, Aug. 16 • 4:30-6 p.m. Join us for the first session of teen advisory. Drop in, bring a friend. We will discuss books, movies and more, plus enjoy snacks, too!
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY STEAM Workshop: Cats of the Internet Wednesday, Aug. 3 • 1-2 p.m. Location: Storytime Castle Come and make a felt cat and learn about Cats of the Internet: Neko Atsume, Pusheen, Grumpy Cat and more! For ages 8-14. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7595 to register. Minecraft Night Wednesdays, Aug. 10, 24 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Come and learn survival skills against marauding zombies in multiplayer Minecraft. For ages 10-18.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Night Thursday, Aug. 25 • 6-7 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 10-18. Seating is limited.
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computers, devices &
digital services BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Aug. 1-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or service? Whether you need to learn how to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Book-A-Librarian appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Registration is required. Call 918-5497500 to reserve your time. For adults.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Aug. 1-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library service? Whether you want to learn to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7507 to Book-A-Librarian. For adults.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Aug. 1-31 • Receive individualized instruction from library staff. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. If you require additional time, you may make a follow-up appointment. Topics include navigating the library's website, database research, career services, computer skills, and audio and eBook tutorials. Call 918-549-7550 to schedule an appointment. For adults. MS Word 4 Tuesday, Aug. 2 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class explores mail merge, and shows how to use tables to perform calculations and create onscreen forms. You should take MS Word 3 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis. Computers for Seniors Tuesdays, Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30 1:30-3:30 p.m. • Location: Computer Lab • Do your computer skills need an upgrade? Designed for people ages 55 and older who want to learn computer skills in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere, each session builds on the one before.
www.TulsaLibrary.org
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Make plans to attend all four! Aug. 9, "Hardware Boot Camp"; Aug. 16, "Internet Basics"; Aug. 23, "Fun With Files; and Aug. 30, "Email 101." Registration is required. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 918-549-7550 to register.
how to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Book-A-Librarian appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Call 918-549-7631 to reserve your time. For adults.
MS Excel 1 Tuesday, Aug. 9 • 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.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY
Résumé Tips & Tricks Saturday, Aug. 13 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab Whether you already have a résumé or need to start from scratch, we have the tools you need. In this handson class, we will explore the many resources the library offers to help you get your résumé right. Then, we will use MS Word to create a professional looking résumé using basic formatting tools. Bring your job history and a USB drive to save your work. Basic MS Word skills required. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Excel 2 Tuesday, Aug. 16 • 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 Excel 3 Tuesday, Aug. 23 • 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 PowerPoint 101 Tuesday, Aug. 30 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create group presentations and slide shows. You should take MS Word 2 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Aug. 1-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or service? Whether you need to learn
MS Word 1 Saturday, Aug. 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. MS Word 2 Saturday, Aug. 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. MS Word 3 Saturday, Aug. 20 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and use borders and shading, headers and footers, page numbering and drawing tools. You should take MS Word 2 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Word 4 Saturday, Aug. 27 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class explores mail merge, and shows how to use tables to perform calculations and create onscreen forms. You should take MS Word 3 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Aug. 1-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or service? Whether you need to learn how to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Book-A-Librarian appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. For adults. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7683 to schedule an appointment.
save the date
GRAND OPENING of the
CENTRAL LIBRARY
Saturday, Oct. 1 • 11 a.m.
Fifth Street and Denver Avenue
The renewed Central Library is now a 21st century library where children first discover the world; where people access technology of all kinds, and find resources for work and education.
The spectacular grand opening features fun for the whole family, including: • Children’s activities • Children’s interactive learning and activity center • Roaming performers • Musical performances • Maker Space demonstrations • Digital Literacy Lab demonstrations • Food trucks • New collection of books and materials • And lots more!
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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. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7662 to register.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY
HELMERICH LIBRARY
PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Aug. 10 • 4-5 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. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7500 to register.
Enchanted Engineering: Three Billy Goats Gruff Saturday, Aug. 27 • 11-11:45 a.m. The Three Billy Goats Gruff need some STEAM experts to help them. They are tired of the mean ole' troll. We will design something to get across the water using STEAM engineering. Will it float? Come and find out! For ages 7-9. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Call Darla at 918-5497631 to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Aug. 3 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent
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MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY STEAM Workshop: Cats of the Internet Wednesday, Aug. 3 • 1-2 p.m. Location: Storytime Castle Come and make a felt cat and learn about Cats of the Internet: Neko Atsume, Pusheen, Grumpy Cat and more! For ages 8-14. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7595 to register.
SKIATOOK LIBRARY PAWS for Reading With Miss Marley Thursdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 • 3:304:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to our furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.
en español TulsaLibrary.org/hrc Patrocinado por el Centro Hispano y el Fideicomiso de las Bibliotecas de Tulsa. Informes al 918-549-7597. BIBLIOTECA REGIONAL MARTIN Jueves, 18 de agosto • 10-11:30 a.m. Feria de recursos para el regreso a la escuela ¡Atención familias! Esta feria de recursos contará con más de 35 organizaciones locales con información sobre programas y servicios, incluyendo ayuda con tareas, nutrición, técnicas de dormir, ¡y más! Material escolar para los primeros 200 niños. Inmunizaciones gratis. Examen de los ojos gratis. Para más información, llama al 918-549-7597.
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE
AUGUST 2016
TO SEARCH FOR EVENTS, SCAN THIS CODE USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICE AND QR SCANNER APP.
TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC
@ ONEOK Field Thursday, Aug. 4 • 7:30 p.m. Orange County Blues vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC
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.
Children and teens must complete the Summer Reading Program to earn a free ticket to the game. Visit www.TulsaLibrary.org/Summer for more details.
The Tulsa Book Review and Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide are printed on partially recycled paper.
NEW HOURS
tulsa city-county library locations 25 Bixby Library 20 E. Breckenridge, 74008 • 918-549-7514 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 19 Broken Arrow Library 300 W. Broadway, 74012 • 918-549-7500 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 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, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 2 Collinsville Library 1223 Main, 74021 • 918-549-7528 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 24 Glenpool Library 730 E. 141st St., 74033 • 918-549-7535 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; 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, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 3 Judy Z. Kishner Library 10150 N. Cincinnati Ave. E., Sperry 74073 • 918-549-7577 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5
at the Bixby, Charles Page, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Judy Z. Kishner, Kendall-Whittier, Maxwell Park, Nathan Hale, Pratt, Skiatook and Suburban Acres libraries.
11 Kendall-Whittier Library 21 S. Lewis, 74104 • 918-549-7584 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; 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, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 14 Nathan Hale Library 6038 E. 23rd St., 74114 • 918-549-7617 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; 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, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; 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, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 5 Suburban Acres Library 4606 N. Garrison, 74126 • 918-549-7655 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 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
www.TulsaLibrary.org
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.
TEENS SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
TEEN FICTION COMING SOON
TO TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
THE BOY WHO CARRIED BRICKS By Alton Carter The RoadRunner Press, $18.95, 179 pages Reviewed by Holly Embry, youth associate, South Broken Arrow Library Check this out!
The Boy at the Top of the Mountain
There’s something very powerful about a true story, and The Boy Who Carried Bricks is no exception. The autobiographical account of Alton Carter’s childhood spent in a variety of abusive situations is painful at times, but also inspiring as you accompany a young man who ultimately rises above these circumstances. It is in no way a sob story, as readers will realize the more Carter lets down his guard and achieves tremendous growth even in unfavorable conditions. Carter’s writing style is descriptive enough to trigger a sense of empathy in readers, but also humorous and heartfelt. Carter addresses important issues with sensitivity, touching on racial relations in our own state of Oklahoma and his struggles to find a nurturing environment after being removed from his mother’s home at age 9. The story is not without a sense of adventure, including several boyhood brawls and the big surprise Carter received after accusing a genuinely caring teacher of racism. Readers will delight in the wisdom of Carter’s grandpa, a lovable tinkerer who rebuilt a lawnmower for Carter and taught him the value of a strong work ethic and a good vocabulary. Be prepared to experience both sorrow and triumph in this moving account of a young man finding his way in the world. Meet Alton Carter at “Chapters” literacy fundraiser on Sept. 8! See Page 8 for details.
by John Boyne • A young orphan ends up living in Hitler’s home during WWII.
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don’t.
The Bitter Side of Sweet
by Tara Sullivan • Kept as forced labor on a chocolate plantation in the Ivory Coast, Amadou and his younger brother Seydou had given up hope, until a young girl arrives at the camp who rekindles the urge to escape.
After the Woods by Kim Savage On the eve of the year anniversary of the Shiverton Abduction, two former best friends grapple with the consequences of that event.
TWO SUMMERS By Aimee Friedman Point, $17.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Emma McGorray Check this out! Summer is ready to embark on an amazing summer in France to visit her artist father in Provence. Before she boards the plane, her phone rings. In Two Summers, Aimee Friedman takes the reader on two journeys: the story of what happens if Summer answers the phone and hears her father tell her not to get on the plane and the story of what happens if Summer doesn’t answer the call and travels to her father’s home in France. In alternating sections showing Summer’s life at home and Summer’s life in France, Summer faces crucial teenage tribulations: her coming-of-age as an artist, her friendship troubles, her romantic involvements, and revelations about her family and her place within it. Friedman easily moves between these two parallel universes with ease and without confusion. Summer’s character is well-defined and will be relatable to teenagers trying to work out their places in relationships – romantic and otherwise. Through dual situations, Friedman shows that it is the person and not the circumstances which determine the emotional lessons we must learn. While Summer’s conclusions about these emotional lessons are sometimes sentimental, they are always heartfelt. A TOTALLY AWKWARD LOVE STORY By Tom Ellen, Lucy Ivison Delacorte Press, $17.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Now that the stress of exams is over, Hannah is ready to get on with the business of summer: finally losing her virginity and finding her “lobster” – her soul mate – not necessarily in that order. Sam, terrified that he bombed one of his exams, just wants to enjoy his summer. The two meet in strange circumstances: in the bathroom of Hannah’s best friend during a crazy party. They connect for about 10 minutes. Can the two find one another again and overcome the misunderstandings that continuously separate them? As the title implies, this is indeed A Totally Awkward Love Story. This novel by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison is a bit contrived at times and mildly frustrating to read as a result. So much of the awkwardness could have been avoided through simple communication! But the book is well-written and generally entertaining despite its plot failings. Hannah and Sam have unique voices and their senses of humor will have readers chuckling throughout.
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Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse In 1943 Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, teenage Hanneke – a ‘finder’ of black-market goods – is tasked with finding a Jewish girl a customer had been hiding, who has seemingly vanished into thin air, and is pulled into a web of resistance activities and secrets as she attempts to solve the mystery and save the missing girl. Wanderlost by Jen Malone A teen girl goes out of her comfort zone to help her sister by taking her summer job – leading a tour group of seniors (and the tour company owner’s handsome son) through Europe. Smash & Grab by Amy Christine Parker Ocean’s Eleven meets the starcrossed lovers of West Side Story. Grab some popcorn and get ready for an adrenaline-filled heist! Winning by Lara Zeises Deloza
Who ever said being nice would get you to the top? Certainly not Alexandra Miles. She isn’t nice, but she’s more than skilled at playing the part. She floats through the halls of Spencer High, effortlessly orchestrating the actions of everyone around her, making people bend to her whim without even noticing they’re doing it. She is the queen of Spencer High – and it’s time to make it official.
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CANDID CREATURES: HOW CAMERA TRAPS REVEAL THE MYSTERIES OF NATURE By Roland Kays The Johns Hopkins University Press, $39.95, 280 pages Reviewed by Alex Telander Check this out!
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WAKING UP TO THE DARK: ANCIENT WISDOM FOR A SLEEPLESS AGE By Clark Strand, Will Lytle (illustrator) Spiegel & Grau, $26.00, 160 pages Reviewed by Josephine Stafford Check this out! Waking Up to the Dark: Ancient Wisdom for a Sleepless Age centers on an intense spiritual theory. There is an hour of darkness that most of us sleep through, leaving us lost and misinformed about what can be found when we remove the light and embrace the dark. Not to be confused as a religious book, Clark Strand’s explanation of what our nights are missing comes straight from his midnight journaling. While I was initially impressed with Strand, his writings quickly wandered into the realm of apparitional science fiction. Understanding that there is an audience for Strand’s message, I found that I may not be included. Unfortunately, the format of his book leaves me in the dark - perhaps this realization is exactly what Strand is hoping for. However, I am left scanning the last few pages, grasping for quality in all of the content. I would forewarn those without a strong devotion to tread lightly throughout the long chapters, and, as hoped for by Strand, I will be more mindful of the hour of darkness awaiting me each night I slumber. A MIND OF YOUR OWN: THE TRUTH ABOUT DEPRESSION AND HOW WOMEN CAN HEAL THEIR BODIES TO RECLAIM THEIR LIVES By Kelly Brogan, M.D., Kristin Loberg Harper Wave, $26.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Rates of depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses have skyrocketed in the past few decades, as have the use of prescription medications to treat them. What are some of the causes of these rising rates? How effective are antidepressants (not very), and are there any effective natural alternatives (there are)? Psychiatrist Kelly Brogan used to be a by-the-book doctor until her own experiences prompted her to reach outside the box. In A Mind of Your Own, Brogan introduces readers to both the causes of mental illness – the food we eat, the chemicals in our environment, the medications we take and how all of those disrupt our gut microbes – and offers new ideas for how to treat depression without antidepressants. This book offers the same basic plan that she uses with her own patients and it involves cleaning up your diet, embracing practices of mindfulness, reducing chemical exposure at home and elsewhere, taking up exercise and modifying sleep habits. Readers will be shocked to learn how the things we take for granted may be affecting our moods and our brain, as well as the fact that the popular notion of something being “off” in the brain is completely unsupported by science. Meticulously researched, Brogan’s book presents a ton of fascinating and important information in an easily readable format. VISUAL INTELLIGENCE: SHARPEN YOUR PERCEPTION, CHANGE YOUR LIFE By Amy E. Herman Eamon Dolan/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $28.00, 336 pages Reviewed by Randy-Lynne Wach Check this out! Visual Intelligence is the text version of “The Art of Perception” workshop that the author has taught for 14 years — using art to help medical students, police officers, business people, etc. to hone their powers of observation, analysis and communication. Halfway through the introduction, I thought to myself, “That is the coolest thing I’ve ever heard of anyone doing with an art history degree!” After completing the book, I am even more impressed. This program goes far beyond simply teaching you to be more aware of details. The four sections lead readers through seeing and assessing information, analyzing it for meaning (as objectively as possible), articulating that meaning to others and adapting to real-world situations. As might be expected, this is a highly visual book. Illustrations are not so many as to be overwhelming, but sufficient to keep readers engaged and connected. Very few works of art are mentioned that are not also included in the images. The writing style is also full of imagery — friendly, conversational, informative and bursting with detailed examples for every claim. Examples come from the author’s life, experiences of past workshop attendees, art history and recent news events from around the world. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to more fully experience life.
We’ve all seen those spectacular National Geographic covers of a leopard at night, a bird of paradise in full plumage, or an elephant shrew deep beneath the ground doing whatever an elephant shrew does. But how did that photographer get that precise, beautiful shot? Most times it involves a specially placed camera in a camera trap and when the animal goes by, the camera is activated to take a number of shots, hopefully capturing that exact one you’ve been looking for. Candid Creatures is a coffee-table book bursting with photos of many different kinds of wildlife, all caught using these camera traps. The photos give a different, lesser-seen side to viewing the animals in their natural habitat, where no human is involved. The book provides lots of information on camera traps and creating them, as well as on the different species. The only real lacking with the book is that while the photos are colorful and breathtaking, they are sadly small, and the book could’ve used lots more giant splash pages of these wondrous animals and less words on the page. STRANGE GLOW: THE STORY OF RADIATION By Timothy J. Jorgensen Princeton University Press, $35.00, 512 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out! What is radiation? Is all radiation harmful? Are there health risks? If so, what are they? Author Timothy Jorgensen answers these questions and many more in this intriguing book. Radiation research, and even its medical use, has been extant for over a century, and here readers become acquainted with radiation heroes, such Wilhelm Roentgen, who discovered X-rays; and villains, such as the Ingersoll Watch Company, which used radium-laced paint for its glow-in-the-dark watches. Different types of radiation are all discussed in terms of health and risk, and the author is careful to explain how risks are calculated, what the numbers from risk factors mean, where the measurements have come from and how trustworthy they are. The book is a pleasure to read, written for an audience without technical jargon or medical bombast, but concentrating on the stories of those who discovered and researched various types of radiation. Throughout, the implications of their findings and their impact on the researchers’ health, as well as modern readers’ health, is also clearly explained in a balanced, reasoned, objective approach that leaves room for the reader to weigh risks with many (enumerated and significant) benefits. The stories are personalizing and immediate, and carry the greater narrative of radiation history; these scientists, researchers, patients and victims become real to the reader, as their lives are impacted (for good and ill) by wars and disasters, family and friends. This book is a well-written, engaging and fascinating journey through radiation from history to health. BURN MATH CLASS: AND REINVENT MATHEMATICS FOR YOURSELF By Jason Wilkes Basic Books, $29.99, 400 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out! This is an interesting way to approach mathematics. Author Jason Wilkes wants to remedy the normal tedium and confusion of teaching math by walking readers through the process of inventing math to show how math can be discovered and how it is connected – both to itself and in real life. His process turns mathematical study on its head, starting from scratch, and beginning with calculus, before moving to geometry and trigonometry. Of course this book can’t cover everything, but it covers a lot and gives you the tools to think differently about math – to make you want to discover more for yourself. The book is chatty and wordy, sometimes excessively so, but takes pains to make sure that all abstractions and symbols are understood and clear, written in prose. There is a running screenplay where mathematics, anthropomorphized, interacts with the author and reader – again, this gets a little wordy, but is a fun break from the math exploration. This is not elementary. It takes thought to work through, but it is accessible and friendly. It would be a great introductory text for high-school level or above. ALGORITHMS TO LIVE BY: THE COMPUTER SCIENCE OF HUMAN DECISIONS By Brian Christian, Tom Griffiths Henry Holt and Co., $28.00, 368 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Computers these days are very impressive. They can do mindboggling calculations, process hundreds of thousands of requests at once and outpace humans at seemingly every turn. And yet, they pale in comparison to the visual and deductive processing power of the human brain. But what if we take the comparison one step further, analyzing the brain as we would a computer? What insights could we draw on the subject of strong decision making by treating our brains like top-notch machines? Plenty, as it turns out. Algorithms to Live by explores how concepts like programming and algorithms – so common in modern
NONFICTION (CONT’D ON PAGE 11) Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 10
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NONFICTION (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10) computers – apply to how we organize our thoughts and the items in our home, like clothes and books (sorting and caching), to how our memories work, and how we prioritize both inconsequential choices and life or death decisions. It’s a marvelously accessible way to look at the incredible complexity of the brain, taking ideas like buffering and optimization and applying them to everyday life. “We say ‘brain fart’ when we should really say ‘cache miss.’” Although it’s a dense read, it’s worthwhile, one that challenges you and expands your mind all at once.
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YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: TASTE IN AN AGE OF ENDLESS CHOICE By Tom Vanderbilt Knopf, $26.95, 320 pages Reviewed by Stacy Shaw Check this out! You May Also Like deals with the subject of individual taste and how we have come to manage it in an age where choice is ubiquitous in day-to-day life. Author Tom Vanderbilt delves into the psychology of what influences us and the ways our likes/dislikes are formed with interesting results. This book felt like the kind of subject that Malcolm Gladwell or Tom Standage might tackle but the approach was different. Gladwell and Standage employ a sharper writing style that gets to the point quickly whereas Vanderbilt’s sentences tend to meander a bit more. This isn’t necessarily bad, it just takes more effort to stay with the train of thought. The research Vanderbilt has done for every subject he tackles from MRE’s to cat competitions is extensive. The writing is well-organized and the subjects are interesting – especially the sections on Netflix and Pandora and how they track user preferences. This is not a breezy beach or vacation read, but one that requires the utmost concentration when reading it. That being said, the reward for such concentration is some very insightful and interesting points of view. You May Also Like may not supply all the answers regarding tastes, but it does give the reader pause to really think about why they like something and what may be influencing them. THE NETWORK: THE BATTLE FOR THE AIRWAVES AND THE BIRTH OF THE COMMUNICATIONS AGE By Scott Woolley Ecco, $26.99, 280 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! Here is a very well-written nonfiction book that reads like good fiction. The Network is a superb book – interested readers will have weeks of fascinating facts and stories researched and written by Scott Woolley. Woolley is a technology and business writer, but don’t expect a dry text of technical writing or technical jargon; this is filled with stories and anecdotes (but almost no fillers and quotes) that grab your attention from the first page on. The three sections build chronologically from the early phases of communications (undersea cables) in very early 1900s through the wireless network introduced in 1920. We learn about how the military took over control of all national and international airwaves during WWI and much more fascinating information. This book deals with technology of wireless communication through vacuum tube transmitters (by RCA), the communication satellite bill in 1962 and AT&T’s fight against it. This is also a book of big business – filled with lawsuits, patent infringements, teams of lawyers and predominantly of the two major figures of communication. Edwin Armstrong and David Sarnoff started off as good friends but ended up as bitter rivals. The book has no illustrations but they are not needed. THE BAD-ASS LIBRARIANS OF TIMBUKTU: AND THEIR RACE TO SAVE THE WORLD’S MOST PRECIOUS MANUSCRIPTS By Joshua Hammer Simon & Schuster, $26.00, 288 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!
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The words “badass” and “librarian” don’t appear together as often as they should. And that combination is definitely warranted here. We’re talking about people not only building libraries themselves, but protecting the centuries-old manuscripts and books inside from murderous terrorists hellbent on destroying any artifacts that don’t support their twisted ideologies. The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu details the incredible efforts made by a select few to preserve the fragile history of one of Africa’s most wondrous civilizations, a history endangered by self-important dictators, European colonial intrusions and Islamic fundamentalism. Along the way, we get important backstory on several terrorist leaders and the rise of Timbuktu to prominence. The only downside is that we get so much backstory that our aforementioned badass librarians get shortchanged a bit in the narrative, only popping up once the numerous expositional interruptions are done. The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu deserve more of the spotlight, in my opinion. This book is a particularly adventurous and impressive example of the fact that, even with time, water, fire, mold and termites, humanity remains the greatest threat to books and our literary, historical and creative heritage.
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NONFICTION (CONT’D ON PAGE 12) Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 11
NONFICTION (CONT’D FROM PAGE 11) ROUGH RIDERS: THEODORE ROOSEVELT, HIS COWBOY REGIMENT, AND THE IMMORTAL CHARGE UP SAN JUAN HILL By Mark Lee Gardner William Morrow, $26.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out! Rough Riders is not just another biography of Theodore Roosevelt as much as a biography of a ragtag group of men who gathered out of a sense of patriotism to fight against a natural enemy, in this case, Spain. Teddy Roosevelt had a cross to bear as his father had skipped out on service in the Civil War – calls of entitlement had dogged him throughout the years. He became assistant secretary of the Navy in 1897, but would seek active service in the U.S. Military as the country girded for war against Spain, especially after the sinking of the Maine in 1898. Roosevelt would become a lieutenant colonel in the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry that would set out for Cuba. The mass of volunteers would be hindered by the limited amount of space in the regiment. Colorful characters from New York all the way to Arizona would merge into a cohesive group that would face limited supplies, hazardous weather conditions, food-borne illness, and still manage to triumph in Cuba and defeat the Spaniards. Rough Riders is an examination of soldiers fighting for their country, led by an intrepid adventurer with something to prove. Roosevelt loved his country and longed to prove his mettle. His men loved him, his leadership wasn’t perfect, but he was effective and knew when to take chances. Mark Lee Gardner’s trip back into the turbulent 1890s conflict illustrates Roosevelt as a natural born leader who would march from leadership of the Rough Riders to running the United States only three years later. It would be a stepping stone that he wouldn’t take for granted. A great must-read about a fascinating individual. FRIEND AND FOE: WHEN TO COOPERATE, WHEN TO COMPETE, AND HOW TO SUCCEED AT BOTH By Adam Galinsky, Maurice Schweitzer Crown Business, $27.00, 320 pages Reviewed by Josephine Meeker Check this out! Friend and Foe by Adam Galinsky and Maurice Schweitzer is a succinct book whose content is right on the cover page: “When to Cooperate, When to Compete and How to Succeed at Both.”
Unfortunately, this book does not give quite enough. It pieces together interesting stories but fails to fully connect the dots between what others have done and what one should do in order to ‘strike the right balance’ in our own lives. While there is a superb introductory piece for conflict resolution and teamwork, I truly think that the authors could have made this book longer and better. They could have included more research – more hard evidence to back up their theories on innate human behavior and the sociology behind cooperation and competition. Overall, it is a bit disappointing to read something from two Ph.D.s that doesn’t have more heft to it. This book feels rushed, like a rough draft edited only for grammar not for content. For example, Page 217 starts the section entitled “How to Avoid Being a Racist” and ends with a conclusion about perspective taking. Wonderful, only between these two points there seems to be an emphasis on thinking about race and about suppressing thoughts. No offense, but this only applies if you yourself might have racist tendencies. How does this help me? I happen to be a person of color (or however I should be appropriately labeled to make you feel more comfortable) so how should I interact in the world to either cooperate, compete or do both with others who might be racist or who might have a different perspective than me? That is the actual content that books should be made out of, that this book, a self-proclaimed how-to book, should be helping me with. There were sections that I did find incredibly insightful – “How to Get Others to Put Their Trust in You” is fabulous; if the whole book could be like this one, well, this review would have been shorter. Perhaps Galinsky was wrong, perhaps the book Schweitzer was going to write alone would have been better than what they have written together. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION By Tom Blagden Jr. Rizzoli, $50.00, 224 pages Reviewed by Faith Lewis Check this out! Acadia National Park: A Centennial Celebration is photographer Tom Blagden Jr.’s second book of photography on Acadia. In addition to sharing the beauty of the national park with both those who know and love it and those who have never ventured into the park, this book is a celebration of the century that has passed since Acadia was first recognized as a national park; a portion of the proceeds support Friends of Acadia—a group that works to preserve the natural beauty of the park. Blagden’s photography directs the viewer’s eye to moments, not locations, within the park. A wave crashes white against a cliff of black stone, bright moss creeps over the gnarled roots of a tree beside a stone bridge, the night sky is pinpricked with stars. Each of these photographs succeeds in capturing the beauty of the park, of course, but more remarkable is the unspoken encouragement to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the moment. I absolutely love the photography in this collection—it’s hard to find any faults. While you get plenty of the typical sunset over a still-lake type of photos, Blagden also has done an incredible job of photographing the wildlife at the park—namely the birds of prey, but also baby foxes, hummingbirds and harbor seals. There are also some amazing close-up shots of flowers and dewdrops. Across the board, this is a great book for nature lovers, photography buffs, ocean-goers or any combination thereof.
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MURDER NEVER KNOCKS (MIKE HAMMER) By Mickey Spillane, Max Allan Collins Titan Books, $22.99, 296 pages Reviewed by Ryder Miller Check this out!
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WHAT REMAINS OF ME By Alison Gaylin William Morrow, $25.99, 374 pages Reviewed by Melissa Smith, site manager, Bixby Library Check this out! What Remains of Me, a psychological suspense novel, intricately weaves the story of Kelly Lund and the high-profile murders she supposedly has committed, both 30 years ago and present day. The setting is Hollywood and all of the trappings that goes along with it: power, money and secrets. The alternating plot between teen Kelly and Kelly in her 40s, along with a medley of characters, keeps the story moving along in an intriguing fashion. While the protagonist has served her time for the first murder of an Oscarnominated director when she was a naïve teen, it isn’t until the second murder of her father-in-law happens that doubt begins to seep in about her involvement. The detail the author gives to the media sensationalism around the two murders reminds the reader of true life cases and how often journalism can twist the truth into a believable lie. In a February interview with Huffington Post, Alison Gaylin said: “For What Remains of Me, inspiration came from several news stories where the press created a persona because the accused didn’t act according to some prescribed script. The trial of Amanda Knox comes to mind. That story inspired me. If your exterior isn’t viewed as likable, or if you don’t seem as contrite as people think you ought to be, a narrative builds up around you, and you become a ‘monster.’” Gaylin’s writing is similar to Laura Lippman and Gillian Flynn and gives the reader many surprises in her storylines. This book is perfect for summer reading and will leave you thirsting for more. Meet Alison Gaylin at “Chapters” literacy fundraiser on Sept. 8! See Page 8 for details. WAR HAWK: A TUCKER WAYNE NOVEL By James Rollins and Grant Blackwood William Morrow, $27.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Debbie Suzuki Check this out! This is the second book in the new Tucker Wayne series from James Rollins. Former Army Ranger Tucker Wayne and his faithful companion, war dog Kane, are enlisted by an old friend to track down who is killing her former colleagues (all of whom worked on a top-secret project). Little do they know, this investigation will draw them into a conspiracy that could rock the entire world. This is a spin-off series from the Sigma Force series, but while James Rollins’ trademark action-packed storytelling is present, it does have a very different feel to it. Tucker Wayne is more of a lone-wolf hero and, while he does eventually acquire some co-conspirators, the story is missing the team dynamic that is present in the Sigma Force titles. Still, the storyline was intriguing – with Kane really stealing the show – and will draw in any dog lover. Readers even get Kane’s point of view throughout the story, which is a nice touch. Those who do not mind the lone-wolf hero and are fans of Rollins will more than likely also enjoy this book. SUPERNATURAL: COLD FIRE By John Passarella Titan Books, $7.99, 334 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!
Murder Never Knocks finds iconic detective Mike Hammer in the line of fire of a hit man he does not know and must seek him out. It is a game of wits that Hammer usually wins, but here it is not clear that he is really the target or who else is involved. Murder Never Knocks is a novel started by Mickey Spillane (1918-2006), but finished by mystery writer Max Allan Collins who found it a big honor to get these novel completion assignments from Spillane, the best-selling American mystery writer of the 20th century. This story has Hammer working with Broadway producers and is set in the greater New York City area. There are scenes in the city and nearby areas. The book requires a close read, and it is not really clear who is responsible for the problem until the end of the book. Hammer entertains as a wise-cracking detective and some of the regulars in his novels are here, including his colleague and sometime ladylove Velda. A sadistic Hammer goes about setting things right in a tale that keeps one guessing. DYING FOR A TASTE: A SALLY SOLARI MYSTERY By Leslie Karst Crooked Lane Books, $25.99, 304 pages Reviewed by Susan Miller Check this out! Dying for a Taste is as delicious as a four-course meal. Sally Solari is helping her father manage his restaurant in Santa Cruz, Calif. Shortly after Sally’s arrival, Aunt Letta is found murdered in her own restaurant, called Gauguin. Police suspect Javier, the chef at Gauguin, is responsible for the murder. Sally isn’t as easily convinced though. She has known Javier for a long time and can’t imagine what motives he would have to commit murder. Now, Sally has two responsibilities: looking after Gauguin and finding the real killer to help Javier stay out of jail. Sally will have to tread lightly because not everyone is thrilled by her amateur detective investigation. The characterization of Sally Solari is what makes this book work. She’s smart, witty, thoughtful and not lacking in a sense of humor. She is able to bring the reader right into the heart of the story, making him or her feel like a part of the family or a cherished customer at the restaurant. This is an enjoyable culinary mystery that will no doubt leave readers hungry for more. Hopefully, Sally will be back soon with more tasty mysteries to solve.
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Unexplained murders are plaguing the town of Braden Heights, Indiana, as several men find their insides shredded and their eyes removed. The monster-hunting trio of Sam and Dean Winchester and the angel Castiel investigate, uncovering an unlikely connection: fatherhood. As the bodies pile up and the town’s secret history is revealed, Sam, Dean and Cas face a serious threat, one with dire stakes for all of the families in Braden Heights. Cold Fire is a poorly titled, but intriguing story about consequences and secrets. Dean’s one-liners are choice, and Cas’ subplot regarding his daughter Claire is well-executed, but, unfortunately, Sam fades into the background pretty quickly. Also, it’s set during one of the most dour storylines in the show’s history – Dean’s losing battle with the Mark of Cain – which casts a bummer tone over the whole affair. The monster is supercreepy, violent and creative enough to engage fans who have seen all sorts of bitey-slashy creatures, but there’s so much going on with it – attacking men, feeding on babies, inducing comas in some and violent fits in others – that it starts to feel overpowered just to fill pages. All in all, this is an uneven but entertaining read.
Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 13
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LOUISA: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF MRS. ADAMS By Louisa Thomas Penguin Press, $30.00, 512 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out! Louisa Adams was the sixth first lady of the United States. She was far more complicated than a simple title. Louisa Catherine Johnson was born in London to Joshua and Catherine. Her father was a merchant who wouldn’t wed Catherine until after all their children had been born. Louisa would acquire an independent streak while spending time with good friends of her parents. Louisa would meet John Quincy Adams in 1795; John Quincy originally courted Catherine’s sister. John Quincy would hold off on marriage until his law practice was established, Louisa and her parents questioning the wait. John Quincy had held a position as diplomat in Holland and had been offered a position in Prussia. He would assume the job and marry Louisa in 1797. Financial trouble with her family would lead to martial strain; Louisa would make the most of her time in Prussia socializing with the royals while enduring the pain of multiple miscarriages. The pain would eventually subside with the welcoming of sons, George Washington Adams, John Adams. She would journey to America with her family where John Quincy would be elected to the Senate. Louisa would travel with her husband and youngest son to Russia in 1809, where John Quincy reigned as ambassador. Her separation from her other children, the loss of her only daughter and her estrangement from John Quincy made for tough times. Her marriage weathered many crises and doubts. Eventually John Quincy would be elected to the presidency in 1824, making Louisa first lady. Unfortunately, four years of quiet would not be in the cards. Louisa Thomas’ biography of Louisa Adams reads like a novel. The book is full of complex personalities, such as Louisa, John Quincy Adams, John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Adams and Henry Clay. Louisa Adams is presented as a woman who loved her husband, her children, her family (Johnson & Adams), but also stubborn, depressed and spoiled. She was possessed of a complex dynamic, but was never dull. She would be the storyteller in writing her history, but not always completely honest with her readers or herself. The truth may not be what is wanted, but it is what counts. HER AGAIN: BECOMING MERYL STREEP By Michael Schulman Harper, $26.99, 293 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! There are over a dozen books about the life of Meryl Streep. The subtitle of this one is Becoming Meryl Streep. This deals with her life before Sophie’s Choice and The French Lieutenant’s Woman. This book is about her early years as she endured scathing criticism and competition for coveted roles. At the heart of this book is her love affair with a fellow actor and his death from cancer. It is undeniable that this loss created a deepening of character and greater empathy for her in her work as an actress. This book also details the abuse that every actress is subject to by famous directors and actors who view them as property. But even before that, drama school sounds like a microcosm of that cutthroat world. That talent can even be sustained while being shaped by whimful artists seems a miracle. The portrait which emerges in this book is about someone who was born to act – endless curiosity, a desire to fit in and be liked, and an ability to become someone else. Meryl Streep is married and has four children. She is widely considered to be the best actress of her generation. One would hope that this is a happy ending for our national treasure. THE LAST GOODNIGHT: A WORLD WAR II STORY OF ESPIONAGE, ADVENTURE, AND BETRAYAL By Howard Blum Harper, $28.99, 528 pages Reviewed by C.D. Quyn Check this out! The title of this fast-paced biography of the American spy for British Intelligence Betty Pack refers to some old “spook” advice about keeping a watchful eye on the one in bed with you. In the world of spy craft, technology has ushered in many changes, but some things like money, ideology, coercion and excitement remain the handiest tools for any operation. Written with all of the complex plot layers and suspense of a novel, this book offers insights into the intelligence business while describing one of its most valued and secret assets. “The Service had all manner of agents. There were operatives who could break into enemy headquarters and make off with battle plans. Others who could ingeniously spike an ambassador’s phone. And there were teams of scalp hunters available for wet work, agents ready to cut a throat or put a bullet between the eyes. But there were few – arguably none – with Betty’s soft, coaxing touch.” Howard Blum, a seasoned writer, takes risks which pay great dividends to the reader who will find
himself or herself easily caught up in the magical web fashioned by the elusive Betty Pack, code name, Cynthia. A LUCKY LIFE INTERRUPTED: A MEMOIR OF HOPE By Tom Brokaw Random House Trade Paperbacks, $16.00, 256 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out! Anyone who is familiar with Tom Brokaw’s journalism knows he has had a lucky life. He has reported the news from all over the world and remains a voice of baby boomers everywhere, even today, well into his 70s. But Brokaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that also affects bones, in his early 70s. Brokaw’s new book, A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope, is his diary during the time of his cancer treatment. During that time, Brokaw fought his battles with cancer privately, letting his wife know, as well as a few close friends. Brokaw details the moment he found out about his cancer, as well as the day-in, day-out routine of his treatment. Like a good journalist, Brokaw makes connections between himself and those his age with similar health problems. He documents his state of mind during treatment. He even includes medical facts about his illness, as well as statistics about the state of the health-care system today. Interwoven in his narrative are anecdotes about his fellow journalists and foreign dignitaries he met in remote corners of the world as well as all of the opportunities that have been afforded to him in his long, storied career. I definitely found hope in Brokaw’s story. While his book The Greatest Generation discusses baby boomers and their impact on American life, A Lucky Life Interrupted seems to find hope in the future, in children, in the country and in the young doctors who treat aging cancer patients.
SPECULATIVE FICTION SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
THE FIREMAN By Joe Hill William Morrow, $28.99, 768 pages Reviewed by Alex Telander Check this out! After delighting growing fans with a classic ghost story in Heart-Shaped Box and a tale of terrifying horror in NOS4A2, in his latest tome, weighing in at 768 pages, Joe Hill presents his world on the edge of apocalypse. No one really knows how or where it started, but wildfires are tearing through the country and they’re being caused by people. Now, when I say “people,” I literally mean people are bursting into flame and starting these fires. Doctors call it Draco Incendia Trychophyton, but everyone else refers to it as Dragonscale. It’s a highly contagious spore – you know you’ve got it when you find these lustrous black and gold bands on your body. It’s unknown what happens in between getting the scale and spontaneously combusting, but there are a lot of people burning up and society is starting to fall apart. There are roving gangs looking to put an end to anyone with Dragonscale to prevent it from spreading further. Meanwhile, the government says it’s working on a cure, but really has no idea what it’s doing. Things escalate and continue to get worse and worse. Our story focuses on Harper Grayson, a talented and compassionate nurse who cares greatly for others and is working her butt off with the current crisis. Her husband, Jacob, barely sees her and doesn’t really get why she’s trying to save all these people with Dragonscale. When Harper contracts the spore, he goes off the deep end mentally, and it turns into a very different relationship. Harper doesn’t need convincing and tries to get the heck out of dodge, but Jacob has other plans. Harper makes it out of the house, but the maniac formerly known as her husband is after her. That’s when the tall drink of water with a British accent known as The Fireman comes to save the day. The Fireman is a wonderfully original tale that takes a few elements like plague and fire and churns them into a compelling story. As with all stories of an apocalyptic nature, it is ultimately about the choices and decisions that people make to survive. Hill’s characters are varied and interesting and they definitely give the novel a realistic feel. The middle of the book lags a little and, overall, could have had some pages editorially excised. But the last third of the book is nonstop action, and, even though Joe Hill seems to suffer from his dad’s problem of executing a good ending for the book, The Fireman is a fun escape from your mundane life into a world of fire and fighting and people who give a damn. CHILDREN OF EARTH AND SKY By Guy Gavriel Kay NAL, $27.00, 592 pages Reviewed by Alex Telander Check this out! Best-selling author Guy Gavriel Kay’s previous two books were fantasy-tinged sweeping works of historical fiction set within the Tang dynasty of eighth-century China. In his latest novel, Children of Earth and Sky, he returns to his alternate quasimedieval Europe that readers have come to know in his Sarantine Mosaic duology and The Lions of Al-Rassan.
Tulsa Book Review • August 2016 • 14
SPECULATIVE FICTION CONT’D ON PAGE 15
SPECULATIVE FICTION (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14) Kay throws the reader right into the story by introducing them to the main characters as seen through their eyes. There is Marin Djivo, a merchant in an important family; Lenora Valeri, a disgraced woman who had a child out of wedlock and is now a spy; and Pero Villani, a talented painter who is being sent to do a portrait of the great Khalif and possibly assassinate him. They are traveling on Marin’s vessel with goods he is bringing to Dubnrovnik to trade. On the way they run into a marauding ship of pirates who attack them. The doctor, who is Lenora’s fake husband, is killed, but young pirate Danica Gradek volunteers to go with them to atone for the blatant murdering of the doctor by one of the pirates who Danica promptly killed; she can now never return to her home without fear of being attacked by the family of the pirate killed. And so begins this traveling tale that has a feel of The Canterbury Tales, with characters that meet and interact with other characters, sometimes working together, sometimes going it alone. This is a story about dipping in and out of these peoples’ lives. There are deaths. There are rejoices. There is suffering. There is laughter. There is sex. Children of Earth and Sky is a living tale of Kay’s invented world as he brings his characters and stories to the reader’s eye and passes it into the reader’s mind in his own unique style. Guy Gavriel Kay’s work can never be called, nor considered, a fast-read, but is itself a long and, at times, hard journey that, by the end, is so worthwhile and rewarding.
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