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Meet Billy Collins
Winner of the 2016 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award Page 8
Mr. Henry’s Books Teacher Workshop
Featuring Works of Laurie Halse Anderson, Winner of the 2017 Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature Page 11
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DECEMBER 2016
DOWNFALL: A BRADY NOVEL OF SUSPENSE By J.A. Jance William Morrow, $26.99, 400 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out!
Category
Crime Fiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
THE LAST TIME SHE SAW HIM By Jane Haseldine Kensington, $25.00, 368 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out! Thirty years ago, Julia’s brother was kidnapped from the room they shared and that was The Last Time She Saw Him. She has never been able to remember anything from that night, which has always haunted her and made her fearful for her own children. That fear becomes a reality when, on the anniversary of her brother’s abduction, her two-year-old son is kidnapped. Julia is in a race against time to find her son and perhaps discover what really happened to her brother as well. Since I happen to have a two-year-old as well, this story did not help the fears already common to a young mother. But that aside, it was a good thriller. The only downside was that you never find out what happened to her brother, which I guess is realistic, but not really what you want in a mystery. Even knowing her backstory, it was really hard to like Julia for a while. I don’t think I started caring about her until her child was kidnapped. Then I didn’t care who she was, I just wanted her to get him back. An entertaining thriller, but it does leave you hanging in the end. NIGHT SCHOOL: A JACK REACHER NOVEL By Lee Child Delacorte Press, $28.99, 384 pages Reviewed by John Murray Check this out! The year is 1996, and Jack Reacher has yet to be discharged from the Army. After receiving a medal in a subdued ceremony, he and three other top operatives are whisked away to a night school, presumably to spearhead a rather boring initiative. Except that‚‘s only the cover so the three operatives are free to leave the country unnoticed and solve a case involving a sleeper cell, a hundred million dollars, and a villain known only as The American. In typical Reacher fashion, he navigates the murky underworld of espionage, where people are never what they seem and violence is sometimes the best answer. Night School, like all the books in the Reacher series, captures the reader’s attention and never lets go. Addictive and thrilling, it is an intense joy, following the heroic Reacher as he delves in and out of danger with finesse. The mystery of The American and the hundred-million-dollar price tag weighs heavily until the satisfying ending. While it is not the best in the series, it is still an engaging page-turner that fans of the series will eagerly devour. New readers are welcome as the previous books are not required to understand and enjoy the explosive splendor of Jack Reacher. INFAMY By Robert K. Tanenbaum Gallery Books, $27.00, 368 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out! A raid on a compound in Syria that doesn’t go exactly as planned...Notable deceased bad guys...An international terrorist and assassin standing over the bodies...Intelligence personnel dumbfounded. A cover-up begins almost immediately. The questions being asked lead to an assassination of a colonel and the prosecution of an alleged crazed gunman by New York District Attorney Butch Karp. As Karp investigates the murder, he discovers a conspiracy involving international diplomacy, corruption, and a billionaire named Wellington Constantine. Constantine is an admired philanthropist with connections to the deepest corridors of power. He is also extremely dangerous and will stop at nothing to keep his plans from unraveling. But he has a worthy adversary in Butch Karp, who has the aid of an intrepid reporter, his wife, Marlene, and an assortment of colorful characters. Infamy is a thrilling read from the get-go. The action grabs hold and never relinquishes its grasp. The plot is engrossing, the characters well written, and the story fast moving. A great addition to the Butch Karp series. A must-read!
J.A. Jance never fails to please, in my opinion. Downfall is the latest installment in the Sheriff Joanna Brady series. Within the last week, Joanna’s mother and stepfather have died in a tragic accident and she has sent her daughter off to college. In a couple of months, she’s up for reelection and will give birth to another daughter. In the midst of all this, two women are found in the desert who seemingly fell off a cliff, either a double homicide or a murder/suicide. In the course of the investigation, it turns out one of the women was not who she appeared to be. Joanna must determine what happened, but getting too close turns the killer’s sights on her. I have always enjoyed the Joanna Brady series. I have missed the last couple books, but the nice thing about them is Ms. Jance makes sure you still know what’s going on without having to read them all. However, they are enjoyable enough that if you’ve missed some, you’ll want to go back and read them all. A big stack of her books would be a great way to spend a vacation. They keep you interested but allow you to just relax and enjoy. Grab a cup of coffee, a nice cozy chair, and immerse yourself in the latest Joanna Brady mystery! DISAPPEARANCE AT DEVIL’S ROCK: A NOVEL By Paul Tremblay William Morrow, $25.99, 336 pages Reviewed by J. Aislynn d’Merricksson Check this out! Tremblay‚‘s Disappearance at Devil’s Rock is a mystery/thriller that will keep you awake at night, jumping at shadows darker than night. Tommy and his friends Josh and Luis decide to sneak out of the house during a sleepover and head into the local state park of Borderland to visit a place known as Split Rock. It should have been a simple matter of adolescent boys being boys, getting up to the usual trouble. Instead, only two emerge from the woods, strangely reluctant to be entirely forthcoming about their activities. Are they merely rattled by fear, or do they know more than they are telling? Meanwhile, the missing boy‚‘s family is growing frantic the longer he is missing. After seeing shadowy figures lurking in her house, the mother, Elizabeth, becomes convinced her son is dead and she is seeing his shade. She also begins finding pages from her son‚‘s “Mental Droppings” journals. Discussed in disjointed fashion within these pages are his accounts of his and his friends’ meeting a mysterious man named Arnold, who tells them the legend of Devil’s Rock. Things begin to get creepier, laced as they are with threads of the supernatural. However, when the truth is fully revealed, it is at once tamer and infinitely more terrifying than what we are initially led to believe. This book was written in an unusual style I’ve not come across before. It is third-person present tense. I found that a bit difficult to process at first, but I got used to it soon enough. Another unusual tack of the author is to occasionally write dialogue like a screen script while at other times using standard dialogue tags. All of this together make Tremblay’s writing style very unique indeed. One thing I did find difficult was parsing the diary pages. My vision isn’t the greatest, so that’s where the difficulty lies. However, my partner had gotten the same book on Kindle, and I was reading that one night when I’d misplaced my hard copy. The diary pages were nigh on impossible for me to read on the Kindle. I recommend this book to those who love psychological thrillers and paranormal mysteries a la Session 9 and such X-Files episodes as “Paper Hearts.” BRYANT & MAY: STRANGE TIDE: A PECULIAR CRIMES UNIT MYSTERY By Christopher Fowler Bantam, $27.00, 448 pages Reviewed by Jane Manaster Check this out! Ali arrives alone in London, a refugee who sailed precariously from Libya. Scorning legitimate paths to respectability, he teams up with a young woman in a series of ventures, becoming a magician, then a popular if questionable touchy-feely practitioner. But is he responsible for the bizarre murders surrounding him? Enter the PCU (Peculiar Crimes Unit), headed by elderly police detectives Bryant and May, eager as ever to investigate crimes that are seemingly impossible to solve. May is still the stylish gent, the voice of reason, and an ideal foil for his partner. Bryant endears with his street market clothes, ill-fitting dentures, and a devoted housekeeper who preaches her Christian behavior as she fixes sardine sandwiches for him. Bryant & May: Strange Tide alludes to the other major player, the River Thames. Bryant‚‘s boundless arcane knowledge draws together the ambiguity of the river‚‘s historical past, legend, and postwar building. In an unusual reversal, facts are translated to fiction. May and the rest of the PCU endeavor to restrain Bryant as he draws in characters from the fringes of society, most of them already familiar to the series‚‘s dedicated readers. Almost the antithesis of American detective and mystery fiction, the series is quintessentially English, with discreetly horrifying murders and assorted mystics. This Christopher Fowler‚‘s best yet.
Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 2
Tulsa
Book Review Tulsa City-County Library 400 Civic Center Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103 Ph. (918) 549-7323
IN THIS ISSUE Crime Fiction..................................................2 Fiction........................................................ 4, 5
EDITOR IN CHIEF Ross Rojek Ross@1776productions.com
Nonfiction.................................................. 6, 7
EDITOR/COORDINATOR Jackie Hill Tulsa City-County Library GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Heidi Komlofske-Rojek
Biographies & Memoirs..................................8 Meet Billy Collins............................................8
COPY EDITORS Heidi Komlofske-Rojek Danielle McManus EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Historical Fiction............................................9 Bestsellers Coming Soon.................................9
Christopher Hayden WEBSITE
Teens...................................................... 10, 11
TulsaBookReview.com
Mr. Henry’s Books: Teacher Workshop.........11 Kids’ Books............................................. 12, 13 Tweens.........................................................13 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
FROM THE PUBLISHER It’s a bittersweet holiday season as I write to bid you a fond farewell, as not only the publisher of the Tulsa Book Review, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary, but also as I prepare to leave my CEO post at the Tulsa City-County Library. My colleagues and I have accomplished much over the six years since I was given the honor and privilege to work with them at the library. This all culminated with the recent opening of the totally reimagined Central Library in downtown Tulsa, as well as the launch of our new state-ofthe-art bookmobile. Prior to this we were fortunate to have moved up three slots, to number seven, in the best library system in the country ranking put together by the Most Literate Cities study; been named a finalist by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the National Medal; been given the Oklahoma Quality Award for Pursuit of Excellence by the governor and Oklahoma Quality Foundation; been named an inclusive workplace by the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Mosaic project; launched a Cherokee language module on Mango Languages, freely accessible by our customers and those at 2,000 other U.S. public libraries; and more recently been christened a star library by our leading industry publication Library Journal. Additionally, I am particularly pleased that my replacement has been named. Knowing that the library and this review will soon be in the very capable hands of 18-year Tulsa City-County Library veteran Kim Johnson, allows me to step down unfettered. So as you prepare to celebrate this holiday season, I hope you will be as grateful as I am for the amazing employees who make the Tulsa Book Review and the Tulsa City-County Library possible. In the meantime, please know that our libraries have plenty of great books to help you sail through the holidays. While all of our libraries have special hours during December (see www.TulsaLibrary.org/holidays), we still hope to see you visiting one or many of our libraries this holiday season. Until then … Happy Holidays!
Romance.......................................................15 Check This Out..............................................16 Gary Shaffer, Ph.D. Tulsa City-County Library CEO
She goes through many stages of shock, anger at herself, guilt, denial, and, at last, she begins to move forward and live life. At first, this reader had a difficult time loving Shelby. She seemed melodramatic, and it was hard to feel the seriousness and desperation that she felt after the accident. While the book does have some immaturity to it, as the plot progresses, it becomes moving and enjoyable. Shelby‚‘s life in New York, her adopted pets, and her friendships were likable plot points with humor and quirkiness. Hoffman did a nice job of making the main friendship realistic. Shelby‚‘s relationship with her mother was emotional and those with her boyfriends seemed relatable, including relationships that she walked away from and those that were cringe-worthy. Alice Hoffman‚‘s love of the slightly otherworldly, in this case a stranger who anonymously encourages her over the years, is a touch that offers the reader curiosity and hope, for those willing to go with it. In the end, Faithful is a memorable read.
Category
Fiction
CAKEWALK: A NOVEL By Rita Mae Brown Bantam, $27.00, 302 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out!
SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
THE HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF NIGHT By Catherine Banner Random House, $27.00, 432 pages Reviewed by Annie Peters Check this out! It is difficult to know where to begin in describing Catherine Banner‚‘s truly excellent debut novel. Set on the Mediterranean island of Castellamare and covering almost one-hundred years, The House on the Edge of Night tells the story of four generations as they face world wars, economic collapse, fascism, and the advent of modernity. However, this novel is so much more than that. Night begins when a young doctor with no family arrives on the island in 1914 and begins collecting the stories of its inhabitants. Those stories open each part of the book, lending the character‚‘s stories a mythic quality. As the lives of Esposito, his descendants, and the other islanders unfold over the next several decades, a sort of quiet magic envelops their lives and irresistibly draws the reader in. Furthermore, Banner masterfully imbues the lives of her characters with a sense of continuity in the bonds of family and friendship through the generations despite the hardships they face. Overall, <Night is an absolute delight for the reader and should not be missed. SMALL GREAT THINGS: A NOVEL By Jodi Picoult Ballantine Books, $28.99, 480 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out! Black or white? Right or wrong? Yes or no? Fair or Unfair? In Small Great Things, by Jodi Picoult, delivers another book that not only will draw readers in but tells a story that could be happening today. First, there is Ruth. She is nurse who has worked in labor and delivery at the same hospital and has done an exemplary job at it for years. Well- liked by her co-workers and patients alike through the happy and the sad Ruth has seen it all. She also happens to be African American. Then there are Turk and Brit. They are a young couple who have just welcomed their first child at the same hospital where Ruth works. With their newborn son Davis, they are the picture of a happy family. Turk and Brit also happen to be white supremacists. These lives collide in the hospital and it is a single post-it note and a life or death situation that change all their worlds in an instant. Now, as Turk and Brit mourn the loss of their son, Ruth finds herself without a job, nursing license and on trial for the death of Davis. Kennedy, a public defender, meets Ruth in the courtroom and asks her boss if she can take on Ruth‚‘s case. A bit out of her comfort zone, Kennedy is determined to get Ruth an acquittal based solely on burden of proof and not race. As the trial move forward emotions on both sides of the courtroom begin to boil over. Brit and Turk want justice or blood depending on how you read it. Ruth wants justice, the truth and her dignity. However, as worlds and ultimately races collide, eyes are opened as well as wounds and in the end whether there is a winner is a very fine line. Best-selling author, Jodi Picoult has once again written a novel that puts its finger on the very pulse of the nation that we live in today. We live in a time where you can‚‘st open a newspaper or magazine or turn on a television and hear about stories centered on race, right and wrong and then some. In Small Great Things, we read a story about fictional characters in a fictional situation that could be happening this very second. Picoult also brings in actual events and names into the story that add to the readers‚‘s ability to visualize what is happening in the book and allowing them the opportunity to look again at the world around them. A fantastic read from beginning to end, as can always be expected from Picoult, this novel maintains a steady, page turning pace that make it hard for readers to put down. It also allows for conversations to be had and for people to sit back and look at their life, actions (past and present) and wonder how they will move forward. This is a fantastic book not only because it addresses something that happens in America and around the world every day, but it also shows us that change is also possible too. FAITHFUL: A NOVEL By Alice Hoffman Simon & Schuster, $26.00, 272 pages Reviewed by Lynn Elizabeth Karren Marlowe Check this out! Faithful is the newest novel by Alice Hoffman. The plot covers more than ten years of the protagonist‚‘s (Shelby’s) life, from a teen to a young woman in her twenties. Shelby feels responsible for an accident that has left her best friend in a vegetative state.
Rita Mae Brown can write! Her book Rubyfruit Jungle undeniably proved that fact. While this novel isn‚‘st quite as controversial as the 1973 publication, it draws complete characters and settings. At the end of this novel, one will feel as though they have met family and friends in a post-World War I Southern world. One could almost take a seat at the tea table and gossip with them. The main character is very likable and relatable. One takeaway from the novel is that it pays to be rich and that sexuality is a continuum; labels aren‚‘st helpful. It seems that this novel is loosely autobiographical, since one character has the unusual name of Juts, which was the author‚‘s foster mother‚‘s name. The author is rueful that close ties no longer exist intergenerationally. This seems to be her way of paying respects to a simpler, easier time, a time when the Magna Carta was celebrated under the big oak tree, and the younger set made plans to honor veterans. This book is enjoyable. THE SUMMER THAT MELTED EVERYTHING: A NOVEL By Tiffany McDaniel St. Martin’s Press, $25.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Heather Clawson Check this out! Fielding Bliss will never forget the summer of 1984. That was the summer that a scorching heat wave rolled over the town of Breathed, Ohio, bringing with it Sal, a dirty, ragged, thirteenyear-old boy, who claims to be Satan himself. Believing Sal to be a runaway from another town, the Bliss family takes him in as their own, but Sal‚‘s repeated insistence that he‚‘s the devil angers the heat-addled populace, and all it takes is a series of unfortunate accidents to point the finger of blame his way. While the members of the Bliss family struggle with their private pains, a local fanatic whips the town into a frenzy of hatred that will culminate in a life-changing event for all involved. The Summer That Melted Everything will break your heart, but by the time you realize it, it‚‘s too late, and there‚‘s no going back. There’s no disentangling yourself from the sepia memories of teenage summers spent in a rural town, full of so much ambient magic that it doesn‚‘st occur to you, until much later, to examine its existence. Underneath the gauzy layers of recollection lies a devastating reminder of the vicious, destructive power of fear and selfishness. SOULMATES: A NOVEL By Jessica Grose William Morrow, $25.99, 240 pages Reviewed by Margo Orlando Littell Check this out! After a heartbreaking separation from her cheating husband, Ethan, Dana believes she finally has her life together. Working insane hours at her law firm, Dana doesn‚‘st have time to dwell on the past. Yes, she thought she was supporting Ethan‚‘s writing ambitions while he was actually spending $20,000 on yoga classes; yes, Ethan left her for a yoga teacher named Amaya. But she‚‘s made progress and finally considers herself okay. Okay, that is, until she spots a tabloid headline announcing the gruesome death of Ethan and Amaya in a cave near a swanky New Mexico yoga retreat--and Robin decides only she can solve the mystery of Ethan‚‘s death and prevent him from being branded a murderer. When she joins the yoga retreat to start digging for the truth, her life changes in ways she never expected. Told from alternating viewpoints, Soulmates toes the line between mocking high-priced, lululemon-clad spiritual searching while convincingly portraying why such pursuits often deeply resonate. Though Dana‚‘s New Age explorations begin as a front, her connection to her teacher Lo unlocks new insights into her marriage‚‘s demise--a twist that Grose handles deftly. Soulmates is an engrossing read that raises lingering questions of self, soul, and truth. HAG-SEED By Margaret Atwood Hogarth, $25.00, 293 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! One need not be a Shakespeare fan in order to love this retelling of The Tempest. The author conveniently summarizes the plot in an appendix. Anyway, the story flows along smoothly without the need for external reference. See HAG-SEED, cont’d on page 5
Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 4
Book Reviews
Fiction THE NIX: A NOVEL By Nathan Hill Knopf, $27.95, 625 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out!
Years ago, I tried reading The Handmaid’s Tale and found myself unequal to that task. The writing seemed pedantic and difficult. Now, I am encouraged to read all of Atwood‚‘s works. This book is brilliant. The hero, Felix, is the director of his experimental theater troupe who has delegated routine chores to his assistant, Tony. Tony, however, ousts Felix from his job and installs himself as the director. Felix, deeply hurt by this betrayal, takes refuge in a rural hideaway and gives up on life. However, a new job brings him hope for revenge and a restored life. He accepts a teaching job in a maximum security prison, where he will stage his unusual Tempest with prisoners and a young actress in the key roles. This book is funny and wonderful. Highly recommended for Shakespeare lovers and those seeking revenge. CAROUSEL COURT: A NOVEL By Joe McGinniss Jr. Simon & Schuster, $26.00, 368 pages Reviewed by Margo Orlando Littell Check this out! Nick and Phoebe Maguire were once on the verge of reaching out and grabbing the American Dream. Young and happily married, with a beautiful baby boy, they take a chance on a new job for Nick and move cross-country from Boston to a Los Angeles suburb. There, a large, luxurious new house awaits them--part of a slew of new construction going up fast in the hot real estate market of the early 2000s. They select top-of-the-line finishes for their home, confident they‚‘sll be able to flip it for an enormous profit. Then the bottom falls out from the real estate market as well as Nick‚‘s job prospects and their marriage. Spiraling deeper and deeper into economic disaster, they work to salvage what they can--but succeed only in alienating themselves from each other. This novel is not for the faint of heart. McGinniss‚‘s characters lie, cheat, self-medicate, inflict violence, philander, neglect their child, steal, destroy, abandon, scheme, and self-destruct relentlessly, and their once-promising suburb devolves into a seething nightmare of coyotes, gun-toting vigilante neighbors, and violent, random break-ins. It‚‘s every homeowner for him- and herself, and McGinniss skillfully explores what happens when ordinary people are forced to cobble together a new life from scorched promises. BEHOLD THE DREAMERS: A NOVEL By Imbolo Mbue Random House, $28.00, 400 pages Reviewed by Margo Orlando Littell Check this out!
Halfway through this book, I was so very excited about the author, the several nicely woven plotlines, and the suspense. I considered the author to be an heir to Tom Robbins in his style, word play, and mastery of story; however, the last half of this book was phoned in. Samuel Andersen-Anderson is a college professor who is addicted to role-playing video games. He is also quite sensitive and prone to tears. His mother left him when he was eleven years old. His grown-up self is still puzzled and angry at her desertion. He remains fixated on his childhood friends, a set of twins: one is a prodigy and the other is a trouble-maker. He remains in love with the prodigy. Samuel had early promise as a writer, but he has failed to live up to that initial fame. His publisher contacts him to assign a story about a woman who has thrown pebbles at a right-wing politician, causing him eye damage. She becomes the cause celebre of the moment. She is also Samuel‚‘s long-lost mother. All of this early story was fascinating and well written. I wish it had not fallen apart. RAZOR GIRL: A NOVEL By Carl Hiaasen Knopf, $27.95, 332 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! Since I had only known the author, Hiaasen, as a writer of children‚‘s stories, this novel came as quite a shock: it is definitely for adults. The story is madcap, layered, and very well written. The protagonists could be Bacall and Bogart or Eastwood, but the story is definitely modern day. There are reality TV stars who are not what they portray. There are unscrupulous Hollywood agents, but the main characters are a policeman who has been driven off active duty because of the tempestuous nature of his acts. He (literally) bumps into a con girl who is as aloof as she is seductive. The main character, Yancy, lives in a secluded serene part of the Florida keys, and he is determined to keep it that way in spite of the efforts of an ambulance-chasing attorney and his fiancee. When the reality TV star disappears after an un-politically correct performance, all the characters seek to find him for one reason or another, but reality TV bumps into reality, and thereby hangs one good read and a fun story.
Jenge Jonga wants one thing: to move to New York City and build a good American life for his family. When he raises enough money to leave Cameroon and embark on his longed-for journey, he‚‘s full of optimism--confident in the promise of the American Dream, secure in the knowledge that he will work as hard as necessary to create the life he wants. He gets a job as a chauffeur for a Lehman Brothers bigwig named Clark Edwards, a stroke of good fortune that seems to confirm every last one of his ambitions. Jenge‚‘s wife, Neni, even gets work as a housekeeper for Clark‚‘s wife, Cindy. Little do the Jongas know that their involvement with the Edwards family will change them forever, in ways neither of them expected or desired. Zeroing in on how the collapse of Lehman Brothers affected everyone in the bankers‚‘s orbit, Behold the Dreamers is an unsettling examination of how even the staunchest hope can buckle when opportunities, time and again, refuse to manifest. The good life Jenge seeks always seems just out of reach, and Mbue doesn‚‘st flinch from showing the full extent of the toll his searching exacts on him and his marriage. Even the most determined dreamers eventually cease to dream. ALL THAT MAN IS: A NOVEL By David Szalay Graywolf Press, $25.00, 272 pages Reviewed by Owen Hamill Check this out! David Szalay’s novel is really a collection of nine novellas, each with a different protagonist, that combines to give a picture of — if not life, then at least a life. Beginning with Simon, a seventeen year old traversing Europe, and ending with Tony, an elderly man attempting to make sense of the life he’s lived, All That Man Is mostly explores the loneliness of existence. The novel starts with younger men like Bernard, a Frenchman on holiday in Cyprus, who isn‚‘st so much in the pursuit of happiness as the pursuit of pleasure. Infatuated with a Latvian woman named Iveta, whom he sees kissing another man, Bernard, hurt (and horny), sleeps with an obese woman also on holiday. The second half of the novel, where the protagonists are older and more introspective, is more poignant. Here, the older men worry they‚‘sve wasted their lives pursuing women and money, neither of which will keep them from dying. A sad novel, its title isn‚‘st a celebration of man‚‘s limitless potential but rather a mourning of his shortcomings—lust, greed, insensitivity. Flawed, in other words, is all that man is.
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Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 5
ting an academic study, the book ends with extensive list of chapter-by-chapter notes and references and a good index.
Category
Nonfiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
SUPER SUSHI RAMEN EXPRESS: ONE FAMILY’S JOURNEY THROUGH THE BELLY OF JAPAN By Michael Booth Picador, $26.00, 336 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out! Sayonara!!!!! I’m ready to book my ticket to Japan after reading Super Sushi Ramen Express: One Family’s Journey Through the Belly of Japan by Michael Booth. Not only am I eager to jet set to Japan, but this book made me hungry!!!! Hungry to explore the tastes, sights, and sounds of the Japanese culture. If you think Japan is only known for sushi, Iím here to tell you that this book will open your culinary palate. When traveling to another country, travelers often come to experience the culture of what that country has to offer. And Japan is not only a tech-driven and -consuming country, but it is known for its exceptional cuisine. You want to experience the best ramen and soy sauce in the world, come to Japan, and Michael Booth and his family will tell you what to order and where to go. Whatís great about this book is that it is written in such a way that will entice and inform readers in great detail of what to expect and what not to do. These tips are very beneficial, especially for those who are not familiar with Japanese culture. Food, family, and exploring. What is there not to love? So if you’re ready to jet set to Japan with the family and learn about dashi, miso, wasabi, soy sauce, sumo wrestlers, and so many more fascinating things that this country has to offer, then I suggest you pick up this well-detailed guide from Michael Booth. I CONTAIN MULTITUDES: THE MICROBES WITHIN US AND A GRANDER VIEW OF LIFE By Ed Yong Ecco, $27.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Aron Row Check this out! From the time microbes were first convicted of having an unhealthy association with disease in the times of Pasteur, there has been an all-out effort to eliminate them. Sanitizers, antiseptics, and disinfectants became part of the armory, but award-winning science writer Ed Yong chronicles the amazing roles that unicellular creatures play in the human body and in our environment. Bacteria are not all bad; most are neutral, and many are essential. Whether we like it or not, the body is covered both inside and outside with countless numbers of microbes, each having different roles in the metabolism and functioning of the host. Bacteria play deciding roles in determining animal behavior, types of immunity, generating enzymes necessary for digestion, and providing biomes resistant to harmful invaders. These microbial products generate the individualís defining body odor, affect the bodyís health, aid in processing food, generate mind influencing chemicals, and are indispensable to life. The book takes the reader through an amazing story of the history of microbiology as well as the current research taking place, while at the same time beguiling the reader with unbelievable and compelling accounts of how these microscopic symbiotic and parasitic creatures influence our physical being. This engrossing narrative serves as the modern sequel to the classic Microbe Hunters. BEING A DOG: FOLLOWING THE DOG INTO A WORLD OF SMELL By Alexandra Horowitz Scribner, $27.00, 323 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! The first thought of a reviewer of Being a Dog is who the targeted readers are. Alexandra Horowitz compiled a very extensive book focusing on the dogís olfactory organ and its smelling, based partly on her own research in her Dog Cognition Lab and partly on academic literature on the subject. This volume is a scholarly treatise. Will it interest scientists of similar interest? It is certainly far more material and far more extensive detail than the average non-scientific reader would enjoy. Horowitzís writing is good but not a page-turner and not particularly entertaining. She has some stories weaved into her text, some interesting to read (smells of New York City with a British smell scientist), others not as much. Although the focus is mainly on the dogsí smelling organ, Horowitz diverts into many other related subjects, particularly the human nose and smelling (like some people have extremely sensitive taste buds, some noses are also highly sensitive). The book is entirely text with occasional mediocre sketches; it is unfortunate that it hasn’t been illustrated more extensively with visuals on the subjects. Fit-
THE TAO OF BILL MURRAY: REAL-LIFE STORIES OF JOY, ENLIGHTENMENT, AND PARTY CRASHING By Gavin Edwards Random House, $26.00, 354 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! Even if the only movie Bill Murray made was Lost in Translation, he would still be a major movie star. He has made considerably more movies—some of his best with the director Wes Anderson. The gist of this book is that Murray is unpredictable, unreachable, and a little bit dangerous. Upon reading of his exploits, the reader is sure to see them as sweet or incredibly stupid. While his accessibility to his fans is laudable, there are many occasions when he is reported by this book to act like a real jerk. James Garner said, “He’s only making an ass of himself while commenting on Murray’s golf antics. Personally, I have always enjoyed Murray’s appearances on the Letterman show, and his films are some of my favorites. That being said, I really didn’t see any it in the book but, rather, a straight-forward biography. Perhaps the elusive Murray is a bit unknowable. I expected to like this book a lot more than I did. RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! UNLOCK THE WEIRD By Geoff Tibballs (compiler) Ripley Publishing, $28.95, 256 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out! Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! has a tradition of finding the unique and unusual, the wild or just plain weird; this volume continues the Ripley’s tradition of seeking out the strange from around the globe to surprise, shock, and even sometimes disgust you with things you would never have imagined. With sections from Animals to Transport, from Feats to Art to Pop Culture, every page is crammed with bright photographs and short blurbs for something new every time you dip into it, and there is much too much here to read in one sitting. The short paragraphs work well for most items, although many leave you wishing for more information and ‘the rest of the story’; others you wish were accompanied by a picture or two. There is one huge, distasteful flaw: the sections on people are often dehumanizing, like putting people on display in a Freak Show for being conjoined twins or for having a tumor or some other physical aberration. Although the book refrains from commentary, putting people in a book subtitled “Unlock the Weird” objectifies them; there is plenty of bizarre and curious minutia in our world without this type of alienation. THE SILENCED CHILD: FROM LABELS, MEDICATIONS, AND QUICK-FIX SOLUTIONS TO LISTENING, GROWTH, AND LIFELONG RESILIENCE (A MERLOYD LAWRENCE BOOK) By Claudia M. Gold, MD Da Capo Lifelong Books, $24.99, 272 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! It’s been a trend for years now: more and more kids are getting diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety disorders at younger and younger ages and are being given strong medications to “fix” the problem. But are these medications actually helping? What kinds of long-term effects are we seeing? Claudia Gold, a pediatrician who specializes in mental health, worries about these things, especially when, in her experience, many children are being diagnosed without anyone examining the actual causes of their problems. Gold wants readers to know that, for many families, the simple act of listening can make a world of difference. In her book The Silenced Child, Gold discusses both the disturbing amount of children on intense psychiatric medicine--medicine that, in many cases, has never been properly studied for use in children—and how a simple style of therapy can help unravel the hidden causes of mental disorders. Are there drug issues within the home? Are both parents present? Is fighting and discord a daily occurrence? Readers will be amazed by the inspirational real-life stories that Gold offers throughout these pages, stories in which trying to improve life overall while providing a safe place for open discussion can lead to better outcomes than any drug can offer. OH, FLORIDA!: HOW AMERICA’S WEIRDEST STATE INFLUENCES THE REST OF THE COUNTRY By Craig Pittman St. Martin’s Press, $26.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! When someone says “Florida,” it conjures an image in your head, whether it’s The Golden Girls, Disney, brain-dead criminals, or Dave Barry-style strangeness. But the Sunshine State is much more than the weird and wacky news we’ve come to expect, and Oh, Florida! is a perfect microcosm of Florida in all its varied and curious facets. Yes, this includes plenty of the nonsense we’ve come to expect when Florida is mentioned, as well as cons, scams, crooks, and cheats. But it also includes eye-opening historical facts--like Florida welcoming the first schools in the Americas—as well as a See OH, FLORIDA, cont’d on page 7
Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 6
Book Reviews shameful past of anti-civil rights activities, like Anita Bryant’s embarrassing crusade against gay parents and teachers or the violent subjugation of protests for desegregation. At points, the book is funny, thought-provoking, and infuriating, sometimes all at once, and it’s a credit to Pittman and his encyclopedic knowledge of the state and its history that readers accept the shockingly disturbing and frustrating alongside the shockingly silly. Oh, Florida! reminds us to always look beneath the surface; there could be crocs or treasure to be found. A SQUARE MEAL: A CULINARY HISTORY OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION By Jane Ziegelman, Andy Coe Harper, $26.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Jane Manaster Check this out! A Square Meal describes the disastrous period of food inadequacy during the Depression. Early chapters tell the less familiar history of the period leading up to the 1930s. Jane Ziegelman and Andrew Coe lay culpability for shortages and malnutrition on two factors. First, migration from farmland to cities where food home-cooked in large kitchens was forfeited for meals cobbled together in minuscule urban apartment kitchens. Secondly, they point to the lack of nutrients, then on the brink of recognition, found in vitamins and produce. Still more captivating is the essential role women played through the bleakest years. Across the board, alongside men, they were researchers in sociological and dietary fields, extension agents, nutritionists, and, at least as importantly, hands-on managers of the expanded school lunches program that rescued a generation of children. In a captivating book, we learn how political parties sparred and how state and federal administrators balked at stepping in with assistance, trying to shirk responsibility. All too often, povertystricken communities were blamed for their situation. A national charity worker, after seeing the desperate conditions in Appalachia, suggested that the drought was providential and that God intended the dumb ones should be wiped out, and thus it was a mistake to feed them. NATALIE JILL’S 7 DAY JUMP START: UNPROCESS YOUR DIET WITH SUPER EASY RECIPES AND LOSE UP TO 5-7 POUNDS THE FIRST WEEK! By Natalie Jill Da Capo Lifelong Books, $27.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Well-known health and fitness blogger Natalie Jill began her journey humbly, trying to get herself back into shape after pregnancy and a stressful life had taken a toll on her body. Years later, she has countless devotees who look to her for inspiration and support. In Natalie Jill’s 7 Day Jump Start, Jill offers readers a straightforward plan to get themselves back on track. The biggest focus of her plan—and thus, this book—is food. Specifically, Jill sings the praises of unprocessed food, encouraging readers to ditch packaged goods that contain unpronounceable ingredients and any food that isnít what a caveman would eat. The result is a vegetable-heavy Paleo diet, but with the many easy and delicious-sounding recipes that are provided, it is doable for most anybody. Recipes include Blackberry Goat Cheese Meatless Sliders, Cilantro Lime Drumsticks, and Chocolate Avocado Pudding. Jill also offers workout ideas, stressing the idea of short, intensive movements for maximum effectiveness. Her workouts can literally be done anywhere, as they donít require any equipment. Jill’s friendly attitude and simple plan are sure to inspire readers to make changes! AARP MEDITATIONS FOR CAREGIVERS: PRACTICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY By Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D. and Julia L. Mayer, Psy.D. Da Capo Lifelong Books, $15.99, 221 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! As baby boomers move into old age, they find themselves caring for parents, spouses, friends, grandchildren, and others. While many roles are fully described, each demand for care is unique and calls upon special skills, particularly forbearance. This book provides support, meditations, and resources for those who have assumed a caretaking role. For those people, there is great frustration in being on call for all the demands that come with this special role and all of its duties. There is very little day-to-day support and very little value given to this work. Not only does this book provide meditations, it also has a reference section of other resources for the caregiver. There are also vignettes of caregiving moments by individuals in different situations. There is support for acceptance of feelings, even those that are painful, angry, and shameful. The role of caregiver spans the emotional gamut and calls for deep resources. This is a helpful book.
Nonfiction mats, dignitaries, and other influential officials. And they like a good belly rub from time to time. They’re the dogs who serve in the Secret Service, and for the first time, we get to go behind the scenes and learn about these remarkable animals. Secret Service Dogs explores tactical training, the rigorous selection process, and the incomparable bond between man and beast that’s formed in the line of service. It’s a fascinating read, full of tiny little details that bring these dogs and their handlers to life. And yes, like seemingly every book about dogs these days, there are sad moments that counteract the heartwarming ones. (Damn you, Goodavage, for stealing those tears from me!) But for the most part, this is a celebration of how training, heart, friendship, and duty can bring out the best in all of us. And it just goes to show you...everything’s better when dogs are involved. RAMPAGE NATION: SECURING AMERICA FROM MASS SHOOTINGS By Louis Klarevas Prometheus Books, $25.00, 350 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! In May of this year, it was reported that toddlers had shot twenty-three people this year. That’s how casual we are about gun violence these days. Mass shootings have occurred in churches, movie theaters, elementary schools, college campuses, military offices and bases, and nightclubs. What will it take to stop this? Louis Klarevas believes that first we have to understand the violence before we can stop it, and in Rampage Nation he strives to do precisely that: analyze what we know about mass shootings to help make ourselves safer. He finds fault with data analysts on both sides of the gun debate and provides his own research that stands up to far greater scrutiny. He helps provide a definition of “mass shooting,” something that has eluded both the media and law enforcement. And although you may find fault with his step-by-step breakdown of how to decrease gun violence in this country, you won’t doubt that he’s put in the man-hours and homework to conduct the right discussion on how to get started right now. Oh, and by the way, all gun-rights advocates should have to read Klarevas’s opening piece about Sandy Hook. NATURALLY SWEET: BAKE ALL YOUR FAVORITES WITH 30% TO 50% LESS SUGAR By America’s Test Kitchen, Editor America’s Test Kitchen, $26.95, 336 pages Reviewed by Africa Hands Check this out! Once again the editors and chefs at America’s Test Kitchen have created a winner—this time featuring low-sugar cakes, muffins, puddings, popsicles, and bars. The editors make it clear at the outset that this book is not geared toward people with diabetes; rather, the focus is on treats made with less-processed natural sweeteners. In these desserts, the sugar content is reduced by as much as 20 grams using sweeteners like coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, and sucanat--a natural cane sugar. As is customary with books from America’s Test Kitchen, readers can expect extremely valuable and clearly presented information. Not only does each recipe include the typical “Why This Recipe Works” explainer, the bookís introductory chapter delves into how sugar is processed and other sugar science and tips for cooking with different sweeteners. Readers especially will be thankful for the recipes’ use of everyday ingredients. Fullcolor photographs show the prep work, a special technique, or the delectable finished product. Back matter includes conversion tables, nutritional information, and an index. With its assortment of sweet treats and straightforward instructions, Naturally Sweet is a valuable addition to oneís dessert cookbook collection. RODIN By Raphaël Masson, Veronique Mattiussi, Deke Dusinberre (Translator), Jacques Vilain (Foreword) Flammarion, $29.95, 248 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out!
Who doesn’t love looking at the works by sculptor Auguste Rodin? This book also profiles his work and his life. The co-author was previously curator at the Musee Rodin in Paris, France. His careful style and descriptions are proof that he knows his subject very well indeed. I particularly loved how an entire chapter was given to his student Camille Claudel, who was so incredibly gifted but lived a very sad life. SECRET SERVICE DOGS: THE HEROES WHO PROTECT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED It seems like Rodin truly did live for his art and everything STATES and everyone else was second, if that. Rodin was born in poverty and worked tirelessly to escape By Maria Goodavage that existence. It was only later in life that he dressed well and went into society. This is not an Dutton, $28.00, 336 pages over-large coffee-table type book, but the photographs are very well done. I was not familiar with Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Rodin’s drawing and loved looking at this aspect of his work. The book quotes Rodin as saying, Check this out! “I myself was a draftsman before I was a sculptor.” He obviously carefully planned out his work. He also traveled and studied the great masters. His Gates of Hell reflects that Italian influence. If They’re the best of the best of the best: efficient, brave, capable, loyal, and in top physical condiyou collect art books, love the work of Rodin, or just want to learn more about his life and art, this tion. They risk their lives every day to protect the President and the First Family, as well as diplobook will please you a great deal. Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 7
Penn Jillette is a funny guy, a very funny guy, but he is also extremely profane. If you are offended by profanity, this is NOT the book for you. E is the most common letter in English. F is the most common letter in this book. Beyond that, it is funny, smart, full of good information, and completely, hysterically funny.
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Biographies & Memoirs SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
PRESTO!: HOW I MADE OVER 100 POUNDS DISAPPEAR AND OTHER MAGICAL TALES By Penn Jillette Simon & Schuster, $26.00, 368 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! When one reaches age sixty, has young children, systolic blood pressure off the charts, and is medically obese, one needs some magic to improve one’s life. Since Penn Jillette is one of the greatest magicians around, leave it to him to find a way to change his life in the most meaningful way. With the help of very creative former NASA scientist Ray Cronise, Jillette takes on a revolutionary and rather bizarre eating plan that begins with two weeks of eating nothing but potatoes (sweet potatoes, fingerling potatoes, baked potatoes, any potatoes that have NOTHING added to them). He is also not allowed to exercise during the time he is losing weight, and lose weight he does— 100 pounds. But it isn’t magic that does it. It’s a crazy diet that, when examined carefully, happens to make a lot of sense.
HOW TO TALK DIRTY AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY By Lenny Bruce Da Capo Press, $15.99, 188 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Lenny Bruce is remembered by some as a vulgar comedian unfit for a civilized audience, but to most people--the ones worth listening to--he was a crusader for truth and a staunch defender of the First Amendment. And his autobiography is as uncompromising as his stand-up. He speaks the truth with blistering wit and unflinchingly brutal honesty. He tolerates no hypocrisy--especially from himself--and weaves linguistic Gordian knots around the tired, manipulative double standards of society, the church, law enforcement, and more. Whether you find him funny or not, you cannot deny his insight. Plenty of the bits in How to Talk Dirty and Influence People are perfectly relevant today; just look at his dissection of Kennedy and Nixon supporters, and you’ll see the polarizing presence of Donald Trump plain as day. In Bruce’s hands, comedy was weaponized once more and aimed straight at those who deserved it most. Although reading his words loses his trademark delivery and a hefty dose of style, it’s still an effective way to introduce a landmark talent to a new generation of readers. Please do, so they can be thankful, too. FORTY AUTUMNS: A FAMILY’S STORY OF COURAGE AND SURVIVAL ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BERLIN WALL By Nina Willner William Morrow, $27.99, 373 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! For forty years, an East German family was separated by the division between East and West Berlin and the efforts of the Russian and pro-Russian German government to end emigration. The author’s mother, Hanna, is a strong-willed girl who sees the oppression around her and the change to the family’s once happy existence. Her future is limited since she has not joined the party and therefore cannot find work. Her father works as See FORTY, cont’d on page 11
Meet Billy Collins Winner of the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2016 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award
Free Public Presentation and Book Signing Saturday, Dec. 3 • 10:30 a.m. Central Library, First Floor, Fifth Street and Denver Avenue
Dubbed “the most popular poet in America” by The New York Times, internationally renowned American poet Billy Collins is famous for his conversational, witty poetry. Collins served as poet laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003 and poet laureate of New York State from 2004 to 2006. He is the author of several books of poetry, including his latest collection, The Rain in Portugal, released in October 2016. Collins’ poetry has appeared in anthologies, textbooks and a variety of periodicals, including Harper’s, Paris Review and The New Yorker. Copies of his works will be available for purchasing at the event.
PHOTO BY SUZANNAH GILMAN
Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 8
www.TulsaLibrary.org
918.549.READ
DECEMBER 2016
A FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY, ITS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE LIBRARY • PAGE 2
adults & all ages BIXBY LIBRARY Adult Book Discussion Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 2-3 p.m. Get in the holiday mood! Read the novel "A Christmas Wedding" by James Patterson and then join us for a lively discussion. Copies of the book are available for checkout. Light refreshments will be served.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Open Book Discussion Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 6:30-7:45 p.m. Read Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "All the Light We Cannot See" and join fellow readers for a lively discussion. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library. For adults. Uketide Carols Thursday, Dec. 8 • 10:30-11 a.m. Join us for a winter sing-a-long ukulele style! Bring your own small instrument or use one of ours. Most importantly, bring your love of singing with a group. For all ages.
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BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH BA Sidewalk Astronomers Thursday, Dec. 1 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Round and round we go! Map out our 26,000-year precession and find out what other stars have been our north polar star in the past and those that will be in the future. For all ages.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Brookside Book Discussion: “A Christmas Grace” by Anne Perry Monday, Dec. 12 • 1-2:30 p.m. Put a little mystery in your holiday season with this tale of a tragic legacy that haunts a once closeknit community. And then come and discuss and enjoy some holiday cheer at Brookside Library. For adults.
CENTRAL LIBRARY Water: Community Digitization Project: Mingo Creek Flood Thursday, Dec. 1 • 4-6 p.m. Location: Third Floor In conjunction with the traveling exhibit "Water: Congressional Representation to Protect a Precious Resource," brought to Tulsa from the University of Oklahoma's Carl Albert Center, we are partnering with the center to host a community
All Tulsa City-County Library locations will close at 6 p.m.
L I B R A R Y Monday-Thursday, Dec. 19-22. All libraries will be closed on C L O S I N G S Saturday, Dec. 24; Sunday, Dec. 25; and Monday, Dec. 26
for Christmas. All libraries will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 27-29.
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digitization project. Bring your items relating to local water issues, specifically the Mingo Creek flood of 1984, to be digitized for yourself and posterity free of charge. For more information, contact the Research Center at 918-549-7323 or email askus@tulsalibrary.org. Meet Poet Billy Collins Saturday, Dec. 3 • 10:30 a.m. Location: First Floor Internationally renowned poet Billy Collins, winner of the Tulsa Library Trust's 2016 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award, will talk about his life and works, answer questions from the audience and sign books. Copies of his works will be available for purchasing at the event.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY All Thumbs Knitters Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28 12:30-2:30 p.m. All levels of knitting expertise are welcome to join us for this fun and instructional afternoon. For adults. Collinsville Book Discussion Tuesday, Dec. 13 • noon-1 p.m. Read "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon and then join this fun group of readers for a lively discussion. Copies of the book are available at the library's circulation desk. For adults.
To search for events, scan this code using your mobile device and QR scanner app. Patchworkers Tuesday, Dec. 13 • 6:30-8 p.m. If you want to learn to quilt or are already an experienced quilter, join us for a fun and informative evening. For adults.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Thursday, Dec. 1 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Pecan Meeting Room Learn essentials of business start-ups, get action steps and receive one-toone mentoring. SCORE is a nonprofit association of volunteer business experts. Registration is required. Visit www.tulsa.score.org to register. Scale Model Gingerbread Building Competition Saturday, Dec. 10 • noon-4 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance (TRSA) invites you to participate in its Scale Model Gingerbread Building Competition. Participants of all ages are welcome to build their own gingerbread replica of a famous architectural building, as an individual, class or group. Visit http://tulsastem.org to view competition rules, complete an entry form and register for the competition. For all ages.
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Celebrate the Winter Cheer! Holiday Movies at the Library Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Celebrate the winter cheer with a showing of the contemporary Christmas classic “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (rated G). The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Celebrate the Winter Cheer! Holiday Movies at the Library Saturday, Dec. 17 • 2-4 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Celebrate the winter cheer with a showing of the contemporary Christmas classic “Arthur Christmas” (rated PG). Everyone knows that each Christmas Santa Claus delivers presents to every last child on Earth. What everyone doesn't know is that Santa accomplishes the feat with a very high-tech operation beneath the North Pole. But when the unthinkable happens, and Santa misses one child out of hundreds of millions, someone has to save the day. It's up to Arthur (James McAvoy), Santa's youngest son, to deliver a present to the forgotten tyke before Christmas morning dawns. Celebrate the Winter Cheer! Holiday Movies at the Library Thursday, Dec. 22 • 2-4 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Celebrate the winter cheer with a showing of the contemporary Christmas classic “Elf” (rated PG). Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father.
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Books People Are Talking About Wednesday, Dec. 21 • 12:15-1:15 p.m. Join us for an engaging conversation as we explore the social and psychological effects of our online computer network culture. We will discuss the novels "The Circle" by Dave Eggers, "The Affinities" by Robert C. Wilson and "I Know Who You Are and Saw What You Did: Social Networks and the Death of Privacy" by Lori Andrews. Light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Helmerich Library. For adults.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY Book Discussion: “The Vinegar Girl” by Anne Tyler Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 2-3 p.m. Join us for a discussion of Anne Tyler's retelling of "The Taming of the Shrew.” For adults.
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JUDY Z. KISHNER LIBRARY Holiday Art and Craft Potpourri Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 • 3-6 p.m. Find something new and different to make each week for family and friends. For all ages.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Movie Afternoon @ the Library Tuesday, Dec. 27 • 1-3 p.m. Join us for an afternoon at the movies, featuring "Inside Out." Rated PG. For all ages. Movie Afternoon @ the Library Thursday, Dec. 29 • 1-3 p.m. Join us for an afternoon at the movies, featuring "Zootopia." Rated PG. For all ages.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY
JENKS LIBRARY Jenks Library Book Discussion Group Thursday, Dec. 15 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Join us for a lively discussion of great books! You should read the selected book prior to the discussion. Call 918549-7570 for book title. For adults.
Reading Across Genres Tuesday, Dec. 27 • 11 a.m.-noon Visit Nathan Hale Library to pick up your copy of this month's invigorating selection. You should read the featured book prior to the program. For adults.
OWASSO LIBRARY Healthy Brain, Healthy Mind: Session 4 and 5 Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. This workshop will help you understand the many ways you can maintain a healthy brain. The workshop consists of an introductory session and four enriching sessions, each one hour in length. Those who take Healthy Brain, Healthy Mind will learn more than a dozen ways to improve their physical and mental health. Presented by the Northeast Center of Healthy Aging. Registration is required. Email devon-murray@ouhsc.edu or call 1-888-616-8161 to register. For adults.
SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY Mystery Readers Roundtable Thursday, Dec. 1 • 2-3 p.m. Come for coffee and find out what other mystery lovers are reading. For adults.
SUBURBAN ACRES LIBRARY Holiday Craft With Mason Jars Saturday, Dec. 10 • 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with a fun craft using mason jars. Give it as a gift or use to decorate your home or office. Supplies limited; registration preferred. Call 918-549-7655 to register. For adults.
Hardesty Regional Library • Connor’s Cove • For all ages Featuring three contemporary holiday classics:
Movies @ the Library: "Frozen" Tuesday, Dec. 27 • 2-3:40 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Join us as we return with Elsa and Anna to Arendale for a viewing of the family movie classic "Frozen." This movie runs 102 minutes and is for all ages.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Mainly Mysteries Holiday Book Swap Tuesday, Dec. 13 • 6:15-7:30 p.m. Drop in, bring a book to swap and join us for a mystery game. Light snacks are provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library. For adults.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 6-8 p.m. • Rated G
www.TulsaLibrary.org
Saturday, Dec. 17 2-4 p.m. • Rated PG
Thursday, Dec. 22 2-4 p.m. • Rated PG
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teens & tweens BIXBY LIBRARY Teen Manga/Anime Club Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 6-7 p.m. Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18.
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A Kwanzaa Community Celebration Tuesday, Dec. 27 • 6:30 p.m. • Rudisill Regional Library Celebrate Kwanzaa with the African-American Resource Center. Your unique talent is requested at the 2016 Kwanzaa Celebration. Join our African-American dancers and drummers as we celebrate the harvest and the beginning of a successful year.
You and your family (Mamanem), young and old alike, may sing, dance, enjoy spoken word or play a musical instrument in the Mamanem segment of the program. Call out names of loved ones in the candle lighting to honor those who have gone before us, including our ancestors.
Youths ages 18 and younger will receive a free book.
Christmas Crafts for Teens Tuesday, Dec. 13 • 6-7 p.m. Take a break from the holiday rush and stop by the library for some crafting fun. Supplies provided.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY BATAB Thursday, Dec. 8 • 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, Dec. 17 • noon-2 p.m. Hang out with us as we 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 In the Middle Book Club Monday, Dec. 12 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for a discussion on "Counting by 7's" by Holly Goldberg Sloan, the story of a biracial girl who discovers family is not necessarily determined by blood. For ages 9-12. LEGO Club Tuesday, Dec. 20 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Do you like to play with LEGOS? Get hands-on experience with engineering principles as you design and build with LEGOS. For ages 5-18.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Cubelets Friday, Dec. 2 • 4-5 p.m. Build and play with simple robots called Cubelets. For ages 10-18.
CENTRAL LIBRARY GIFs in a Jiff Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 4-5:30 p.m. Location: Digital Literacy Lab The GIF keyboard is the only keyboard
worth using anymore. Want to learn how to create them? Come and learn how to make GIFs using Photoshop. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7323 to register. For teens. Sewing and Decorating Holiday Stockings Thursday, Dec. 8 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Maker Space Join us as we celebrate the holiday season. Decorate your own felt stocking and learn from staff as they sew together the finished project. Class size is limited to 15. Call 918549-7323 to register. For ages 12-18. Coding for Teens: Star Wars Edition Thursday, Dec. 29 • 2-4 p.m. Location: Digital Literacy Lab Learning to code can be intimidating. Where do you start? At your library of course! Join us for an introduction to computer coding with a "Star Wars" twist! Registration is required. Class size is limited to 10. Call 918549-7323 to register. For ages 12-18.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Teen Time Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 3:30-5 p.m. Learn how to make DIY candy-corn popcorn and watch a holiday movie. Sukikyo! Anime Club Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 3:30-5 p.m. Learn Japanese holiday traditions. Make Japanese paper ornaments using Easter eggs and eat
‘kurisumasu keki’ and drink hot chocolate. For teens.
GLENPOOL LIBRARY Glittery Felted Acorns Saturday, Dec. 10 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. We will make gorgeous glittery, felted, colored acorns, using wool, real acorns and glitter. Materials are provided. Registration is required. Call 918-5497535 to register. For ages 10-18.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Thursday, Dec. 1 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 10-18. Steampunk Top-Hat Ornaments Thursday, Dec. 8 • 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Ash Meeting Room Create a Steampunk Top Hat to wear or adorn your Christmas tree. Registration is required. Call 918549-7550 or sign up at Hardesty Regional Library on the second floor at the ASK desk. For teens. Anime/Manga Club Saturday, Dec. 10 • 1-2:30 p.m. Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18.
Confectionary Carpentry Thursday, Dec. 15 • 4-5:30 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Come and build the wildest gingerbread house you can imagine. All materials are included and you will be able to take your creation home. For ages 8-12. Hardesty Spilled Ink Teen Creative Writing Group Thursday, Dec. 15 • 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Oak Meeting Room Develop your craft through writing exercises. Come with your own writings to share with the group, or just come to socialize and get to know other writers. All methods of storytelling are welcome.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Movies Magic Popcorn: Family Movie Day Saturday, Dec. 31 • 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Drop in and join us for movies this last day of the year! Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library. For ages 10-18.
JENKS LIBRARY Winter Holiday Cartooning Thursday, Dec. 8 • 4-5 p.m. Join local art teacher Romney Nesbitt and learn to draw winter holiday cartoons. Use these ideas to make greeting cards or gifts. For ages 10-18.
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE
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KENDALL-WHITTIER LIBRARY Gaming Thursday, Dec. 1 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join us for online gaming. For teens.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY LEGO Lab Thursday, Dec. 15 • 4-5 p.m. Learn new building ideas, partner with other children during team-building challenges and explore free building. Leave your LEGOS at home and come play with ours! For ages 6-12. LEGO Afternoon Wednesday, Dec. 28 • 1-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 • 1-2 p.m. Learn new building ideas, partner with other children during team-building challenges and explore free building. Leave your LEGOS at home and come play with ours! For ages 5-12.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Gaming Thursday, Dec. 29 • 2-4 p.m. We will turn our computer lab into a Minecraft Lab. Log in for free and play with friends. It's going to be super fun! Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register. For teens.
SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY Grandparent and ME: Holiday Craft Thursday, Dec. 15 • 4-5 p.m. Come with a grandparent and have some holiday fun by making a craft together! For ages 8-13. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7670 to register.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Ready, Set, Animate! Saturday, Dec. 10 • 2-4 p.m. Make your own animated minimovie using LEGOS and the free Stop Motion Studio app. Use our iPads or download Stop Motion Studio to your device and bring it with you. For ages 10-18. Minecraft Night Thursday, Dec. 15 • 6-7 p.m. Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft! For ages 10-18.
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digital services BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Dec. 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.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Book-A-Librarian Dec. 1-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or service? Whether you want to learn how to navigate the library's website and digital services or improve your computer and job skills, we are here to help. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Call 918-549-7662 to schedule an appointment.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Dec. 1-30 • 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, firstserved basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Call 918-549-7507 to book an appointment.
CENTRAL LIBRARY Intro to 3-D Printing Monday, Dec. 5 • 6-7 p.m. Location: Maker Space Get an overview of our 3-D printer equipment and software, along with a general Maker Space tools and safety overview. For all ages. Intro to Laser Engraving Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Maker Space Join us for an introduction to our Laser Engraver equipment and software, along with a general Maker Space overview. For all ages.
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Introduction to Coding for Adults Thursday, Dec. 8 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Digital Literacy Lab What is coding? Join us as we explore an online resource available for selfguided learning. You will need your log-in information for a personal Gmail account. Call 918-549-7323 to register. Intro to CNC Monday, Dec. 12 • 6-7 p.m. Location: Maker Space Join us for an introduction to our Desktop CNC mill equipment and software, along with a general Maker Space safety overview. For all ages. Digital Literacy Lab Orientation Tuesday, Dec. 13 • 6-7 p.m. Location: Digital Literacy Lab Want to learn more about the American Electric Power Foundation Digital Literacy Lab? Orientation is required before independent use of the Digital Literacy Lab. Call 918549-7323 to register. For adults. Maker Space Audio Lab Orientation Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Maker Space • Whether you're making your own music, recording vocals or learning an instrument, join us for an introduction to our Audio Lab equipment and software. Also includes a general Maker Space safety overview. For all ages. Digital Privacy Lunch and Learn Friday, Dec. 16 • noon-12:45 p.m. Location: Learning and Creativity Center • Working on your New Year’s resolutions? Consider adding “Make 2017 Secure” as one of them! Join us for lunch and learn about steps you can take to improve your digital privacy with Luke Crouch, software engineer at Mozilla. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register. Sponsored by Mozilla. For adults. Digital Privacy Workshop Friday, Dec. 16 • 12:45-1:30 p.m. Location: Learning and Creativity Center • Let “Make 2017 Secure” be one of your New Year’s resolutions! Bring a device (laptop, tablet, etc.) and learn how you can make your smart devices more secure with Luke Crouch, software engineer at Mozilla. Registration is required. Call 918-5497323 to register. Sponsored by Mozilla. For adults.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY 3-D Printer Demo Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 7-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Learn about 3-D printing at your library. For all ages.
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HELMERICH LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Dec. 1-31 • Receive individualized instruction from library staff. Topics include navigating the library's website, database research, career services, computer skills, and audio and eBook tutorials. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, firstserved basis and last 30-60 minutes. If you require additional time, you may make a follow-up appointment. Call 918-549-7631 to schedule an appointment.
JENKS LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Dec. 1-22 • 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. Call 918-549-7570 to schedule an appointment.
OWASSO LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Dec. 1-30 • 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 918-5497624 to reserve your time. For adults.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 9:30-11 a.m. This class is designed for new computer users who have little or no previous experience using computers, Windows, a mouse or the Internet, and little or no knowledge of basic computer terms. Registration is required. Call 918549-7645 to register. For adults. Introduction to MS Word 2007 Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 9:30-11 a.m. This class shows how to use toolbars and menus, set margins, apply spellcheck, and preview, save and print documents. You should have some experience using a computer keyboard and mouse prior to taking this class. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register.
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ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Dec. 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.
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BIXBY LIBRARY My First Storytime Mondays, Dec. 5, 12, 19 10:10-10:30 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.
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LEGOS @ the Library Wednesday, Dec. 28 • 4-5 p.m. Use LEGOS and your engineering skills to build a unique creation. LEGOS will be provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer. For ages 5-10.
Preschool Storytime With Miss Hannah Monday, Dec. 5 • 10:30-11 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5.
New Year’s Eve for Early Birds Saturday, Dec. 31 • 10:30 a.m.-noon Not all children are able to stay awake until midnight, but they shouldn’t miss all of the fun! We will have a New Year’s Eve party to celebrate the new year early. Supplies are limited; registration is required. Call 918-5497514 to register. For ages 3-10.
My First Storytime Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 10:30-11 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.
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Explore and Play Thursday, Dec. 1 • 10:30-11 a.m. For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! Join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 1-5 and their caregivers. Evening Family Storytime Thursday, Dec. 1 • 7-7:30 p.m. Join us for songs, stories, rhymes and other fun activities for little ones and the whole family. For ages 0-7.
PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 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. Elementary, My Dear Book Club Thursday, Dec. 15 • 5:15-6 p.m. Join us for a book discussion, mystery activities and lots of fun. This month's book is "Toys Go Out" by Emily Jenkins and Paul Zelinsky. For ages 5-12. Parents are welcome to attend.
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BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Preschool Storytime Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 10:30-11 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5. Stay and Play Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 11-11:30 a.m. For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 3-5. My First Storytime Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 10:30-11 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 3-yearolds and their caregivers. PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.
Preschool Storytime Mondays, Dec. 5, 12, 19 11-11:30 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5. PAWS for Reading Thursday, Dec. 8 • 6-7:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7514 to register. Free Movie Showing: "The Santa Clause" Saturday, Dec. 10 • 2-4 p.m. Enjoy free popcorn, hot chocolate and glow sticks while watching the popular movie "The Santa Clause" (rated PG). Bring your bean bag chairs, blankets or whatever makes you comfortable. For all ages. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town! Thursday, Dec. 15 • 6-7:30 p.m. Celebrate Christmas early by playing games, making crafts and welcoming Santa! Due to time constraints, registration is required to visit with Santa. Call 918-5497514 to register. For all ages.
Now you can get great library learning experiences in your pocket! The app combines practical literacy tips, great book suggestions and videos of library staff demonstrating brain-building (and fun!) songs, finger plays and activities to do with your child at home. The app is FREE, and you can find it in your mobile device’s app store by searching “Tulsa City-County Library.”
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE
DECEMBER 2016
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Santa Storytime Tuesday, Dec. 13 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Visit with Santa, hear a story, sing songs and make a seasonal craft. Ending time varies according to crowd. For ages 2-10. LEGO Club Tuesday, Dec. 20 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Do you like to play with LEGOS? Get hands-on experience with engineering principles as you design and build with LEGOS. For ages 5-18. Movie at the Library Thursday, Dec. 22 • 3-5 p.m. Join us for a showing of "The Polar Express" and light refreshments. For all ages.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 10:15-10:45 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5. My First Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 • 11-11:20 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.
c o n t i n u e d Friday Movie Time Friday, Dec. 9 • 3:30-5:30 p.m. Join us for our showing of "Frozen." After the kingdom of Arendelle is cast into eternal winter by the powerful Snow Queen Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), her sprightly sister Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with a roughhewn mountaineer named Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his trusty reindeer Sven to break the icy spell. For all ages. PAWS for Reading Friday, Dec. 16 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.
tulsa city-county library locations 24 Bixby Library 20 E. Breckenridge, 74008 • 918-549-7514 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 18 Broken Arrow Library 300 W. Broadway, 74012 • 918-549-7500 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 22 Broken Arrow Library/South 3600 S. Chestnut, 74011 • 918-549-7662 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 16 Brookside Library 1207 E. 45th Place, 74105 • 918-549-7507 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 9 Central Library 400 Civic Center, 74103 • 918-549-7323 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 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 23 Glenpool Library 730 E. 141st St., 74033 • 918-549-7535 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 21 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 20 Helmerich Library 5131 E. 91st St., 74137 • 918-549-7631 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 17 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 19 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 10 Kendall-Whittier Library 21 S. Lewis, 74104 • 918-549-7584 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 14 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 13 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 11 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 12 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 15 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
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CENTRAL LIBRARY Hands On! Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8 • 10:30-11 a.m. Location: Children's Storytime Room Busy hands, busy brain! Children learn through hands-on activities. At this program we will explore, experiment and create. Be ready to get messy! For ages 3-5. First Friday Art With Gilcrease Museum Friday, Dec. 2 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. Location: Children's Garden Begin your First Friday Art Crawl with Gilcrease Museum at the Central Library! Gilcrease staff will help us explore artists featured at the museum while your young
c h i l d r e n artist creates a masterpiece of his or her own! For ages 5-10. Family Fun Storytime With Santa Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 10:30-11:15 a.m. Location: Children's Storytime Room Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes about the holiday season and a visit from the man with a belly like a bowl full of jelly! For infants. Babies, Bubbles and Books Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 • 10:30-11 a.m. Location: Children's Storytime Room Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs for your little one! For infants. PAWS for Reading Saturday, Dec. 10 • 1-2 p.m. Location: Children's Storytime Room Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register. Family Fun Storytime Tuesday, Dec. 13 • 10:30-11 a.m. Location: Children's Storytime Room The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your child. Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger. Holiday Mini-Maker Fair Thursday, Dec. 15 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Children's Storytime Room Join us to make a variety of holiday crafts. For ages 5-12. Movie in the Garden: "Frozen" Tuesday, Dec. 27 • 2-3:30 p.m. Location: Children's Garden Bundle up and come to our garden to watch a movie and sing-along with Elsa, Anna and Olaf. Hot chocolate will be served! For ages 3-12.
CHARLES PAGE LIBRARY Storytime With Ms. Alice Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 • 10:30-11:30 am. Join us for stories, songs and fun! For ages 5 and younger with a caregiver. Holiday Movie Night Thursday, Dec. 15 • 6-7 p.m. Join us for the 1964 stop-motion animated television special "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." For all ages.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Stories From the Rocking Chair Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 • 10:30-11 a.m. For ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Dec. 21 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.
GLENPOOL LIBRARY Ms. Tori's Musical Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join Ms. Tori and her guitar for stories, songs and rhymes. Babies and toddlers learn through play, so stay after storytime for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. Community Christmas Party Thursday, Dec. 8 • 6-8 p.m. Join us for a holiday party with cookies, cocoa and a visit from Santa. Come in your pajamas as we watch the 2004 animated film "The Polar Express." For all ages. PAWS for Reading Thursday, Dec. 15 • 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.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Mr. Paul's Family Storytime Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8 • 6:30-7 p.m. Enjoy stories with your friends and family in our Book Jungle. For ages 3-5 and their families. My First Storytime With Ms. Julia Monday, Dec. 5 • 10-10:20 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 10-10:20 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers. Toddler Time Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 11-11:20 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 10-10:20 a.m. Enjoy stories, action rhymes, fun flannels, music, bubbles and meeting other toddlers in the neighborhood. For ages 2-3 and their caregivers. Mr. Paul's Preschool Storytime Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 11-11:30 a.m. Enjoy stories with your friends and family in our Book Jungle. For ages 3-5.
c o n t i n u e d Celebrate the Cheer! Holiday Movies at the Library Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Celebrate the winter cheer with a showing of the contemporary Christmas classic “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (rated G). The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Confectionary Carpentry Thursday, Dec. 15 • 4-5:30 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Come and build the wildest gingerbread house you can imagine. All materials are included and you will be able to take your creation home. For ages 8-12. Celebrate the Cheer! Holiday Movies at the Library Saturday, Dec. 17 • 2-4 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Celebrate the winter cheer with a showing of the contemporary Christmas classic “Arthur Christmas” (rated PG). Everyone knows that each Christmas Santa Claus delivers presents to every last child on Earth. What everyone doesn't know is that Santa accomplishes the feat with a very high-tech operation beneath the North Pole. But when the unthinkable happens, and Santa misses one child out of hundreds of millions, someone has to save the day. It's up to Arthur (James McAvoy), Santa's youngest son, to deliver a present to the forgotten tyke before Christmas morning dawns. Santa to Visit the Library Tuesday, Dec. 20 • 3-5:30 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Santa Claus will be stopping by the library to meet boys and girls of all ages. Share your Christmas wish list with Santa and make sure to bring your own camera to capture the memory! For all ages. Celebrate the Cheer! Holiday Movies at the Library Thursday, Dec. 22 • 2-4 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Celebrate the winter cheer with a showing of the contemporary Christmas classic “Elf” (rated PG). Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father.
Movies @ the Library: "Frozen" Tuesday, Dec. 27 • 2-3:40 p.m. Location: Connor’s Cove Join us as we return with Elsa and Anna to Arendale for a viewing of the family movie classic "Frozen." This movie runs 102 minutes and is for all ages.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Cookies, Cocoa and a Movie Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 10:30 a.m.-noon Join us for a holiday movie marathon during our regularly scheduled family storytime. Kick back, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and watch a holiday-themed family film. Snacks will be provided.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY My First Storytime Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime: Stay and Play Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 10:30-11:30 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 3:30-5 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. Receive a free book provided by the Tulsa library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7542 to register.
JENKS LIBRARY PAWS for Reading Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 4-5 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite book to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7570 to register. My First Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 10-10:15 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE
DECEMBER 2016
c h i l d r e n (Jenks Library continued)
Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 10:30-11 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler.
JUDY Z. KISHNER LIBRARY Family Storytime Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 11:30 a.m.-noon • Dash in for some holiday fun! Enjoy special stories and music for your little one.
KENDALL-WHITTIER LIBRARY Bilingual Storytime Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy stories, songs and activities in English and Spanish. For ages 3-5.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY LEGO Lab Thursday, Dec. 15 • 4-5 p.m. Learn new building ideas, partner with other children during team-building challenges and explore free building. Leave your LEGOS at home and come play with ours! For ages 6-12. Movie Afternoon @ the Library Tuesday, Dec. 27 • 1-3 p.m. Join us for an afternoon at the movies, featuring "Inside Out." Rated PG. For all ages. LEGO Afternoon Wednesday, Dec. 28 • 1-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 • 1-2 p.m. Learn new building ideas, partner with other children during team-building challenges and explore free building. Leave your LEGOS at home and come play with ours! For ages 5-12. Movie Afternoon @ the Library Thursday, Dec. 29 • 1-3 p.m. Join us for an afternoon at the movies, featuring "Zootopia." Rated PG. For all ages.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Mrs. Cindy's Storytime Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 10:30-11:10 a.m. Join us for reading adventures, music and fun. For ages 5 and younger.
OWASSO LIBRARY Yoga Storytime Friday, Dec. 2 • 10:30-11 a.m. Join certified yoga instructor Jeanne Doss in this participative parentchild class featuring fun stories and
yoga poses. For ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. Registration is required and class size is limited. Call 918-549-7624 to register. My First Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 10-10:30 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 • 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 10:30-11 a.m. • The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. Stay and Play Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 11-11:30 a.m. • For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger. Homeschool Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 • 2-3 p.m. Join us as we read stories and make a craft. For ages 5-12. Bounce'n Beethovens Friday, Dec. 9 • 10-10:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9 • 11-11:45 a.m. Join Katherine Battenberg from The Midtown School of Performing Arts for a high-energy parent/child music class that introduces children to a variety of musical instruments and styles. For ages 5 and younger. Registration is required and class size is limited. Call 918-549-7624 to register. PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Dec. 14 • 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 and class size is limited. Call 918-549-7624 to register. LEGO Lab and Movie Wednesday, Dec. 28 • 2-3:30 p.m. Join us for LEGO-building fun while we watch "The LEGO Movie"! Movie is rated PG and all LEGOs will be provided. For ages 5-10. Winter Break Movie: "The BFG" Thursday, Dec. 29 • 2-3:30 p.m. Join us for a showing of "The BFG" (rated PG). Popcorn will be provided. For all ages.
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Miss Connie's Storytime Thursday, Dec. 1 • 10:30-11:15 a.m. Get into the holiday spirit by making some special Christmas crafts, along with our regular storytime fun! For ages 5 and younger.
Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 • 11-11:20 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 2-5.
A Visit With Santa Claus and Annual Christmas Party Thursday, Dec. 8 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Welcome, Santa Claus! He will be here to read to the children and listen to their Christmas wishes. Don't forget your camera! You may bring goodies to share during our annual Christmas Party. For ages 5 and younger.
Stay and Play Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 11:20 a.m.-noon For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 2-5.
SCHUSTERMANBENSON LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 • 10:30-11 a.m. Join us for stories, songs and crafts! For ages 3-5. Stay and Play Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 • 11-11:30 a.m. Come and make new friends at the library! For ages 3-5. Pajama Jam: Storytime and Santa! Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 6-7 p.m. Put on your best holiday pj's and join us for songs, stories and a visit from Santa! For ages 6 and younger with their caregivers. For ages 5 and younger.
SUBURBAN ACRES LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Monday, Dec. 19 • 11-11:30 a.m. The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Stay and Play Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 10:30-11:30 a.m. For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger.
My First Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 • 10-10:20 a.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 10:30-10:50 a.m. Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers. Stay and Play Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 11-11:30 a.m. • Come and make new friends at the library! For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. PAWS for Reading Monday, Dec. 12 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7670 to register. Grandparent and ME: Holiday Craft Thursday, Dec. 15 • 4-5 p.m. Come with a grandparent and have some holiday fun by making a craft together! For ages 8-13. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7670 to register.
NOW OPEN at Central Library Mon.-Thur., 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun., 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free and Open to the Public If you are hearing-impaired and need a qualified interpreter, please call the library 48 hours in advance of the program. The Tulsa Book Review and Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide are printed on partially recycled paper.
The Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide is produced by the Public Relations Office of the Tulsa City-County Library. For questions or concerns, call 918-549-7389.
Category
Historical Fiction
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THE VELVET HOURS By Alyson Richman Berkley, $16.00, 384 pages Reviewed by Tamara Benson Check this out! On the brink of invasion, Paris in 1940 is a precarious place. For Solange Beaugiron, the coming events will change every aspect of her life. The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman tells the story of the abandoned Paris apartment she shared with her late grandmother that is rediscovered, untouched, in 2010. After the death of her beloved mother, Solange’s father introduces her to the family secret: her paternal grandmother, Marthe de Florian. Once she steps into Marthe’s world, Solange is captivated by the story of Marthe’s life and of the beauty with which she had surrounded herself. From her intriguing portrait by a renowned Italian painter to the pearls Marthe wears like talisman, she shares her adventurous past with Solange, the family she never expected to have. “Everything of value contains a story,” Marthe explains to Solange. If that truly is the case, Marthe’s and Solange’s stories of loss and love are priceless. THE TEA PLANTER’S WIFE: A NOVEL By Dinah Jefferies Crown , $26.00, 432 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out! Gwendolyn has just become The Tea Planter’s Wife. She’s only nineteen, and her new husband is thirty-seven and owns a tea plantation in Ceylon. There are secrets surrounding the death of his first wife, but Gwen decides to ignore those and travels to her new and exotic home. It’s not long before she becomes pregnant and she has her own secrets to hide. It’s 1923 and racial tensions are high. Gwen has to find her own path in a changing world and deal with both her secrets and her husband’s, as well as with a troubled sister-in-law. She is far from home and has to navigate this life mostly on her own. I really enjoyed this book. Oftentimes, you don’t even need a mystery or murder to make a story great. People are so complex and full of secrets that they can easily provide material for a book worth reading. I enjoyed Gwen’s character. She changes quite a bit throughout the story as she is forced to conceal her own secrets and try to make the right choices. The book is a compelling read that looks at the secrets we’ll keep to protect those we love and to avoid losing them. NEWS OF THE WORLD: A NOVEL By Paulette Jiles William Morrow, $22.99, 224 pages Reviewed by Danielle Urban Check this out! News of the World by Paulette Jiles is an absolute must-read for all. Here is a realistic historical tale that will tug and pull at readers’ hearts. It is a journey that is nothing but beautiful and breathtaking. An old war veteran is now jobbed with taking a small girl back to her family that still lives, but it’s not a fun travel. The girl had her parents and sister taken from her and killed when she was younger. Then, the Indians that killed her family took her into their culture. Now, at age ten she only knows the Indian way of life. It’s sad. The young girl grows up thinking the Indians are her only family and doesn’t know any English at all. It tore at me to see her taken from her original family, and then she feels she’s taken from the family she remembers, the Indians. As the veteran continues to take the little savage girl to her family, things get harder for them both. Paulette Jiles brings readers a story unlike any other. It’s deep, meaningful, and an unforgettable tale that will stay with readers for a long time to come. It’s the story of a young girl’s journey See NEWS, cont’d on page 14 Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 9
UNNATURAL DEEDS By Cyn Balog Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, $17.99, 288 pages Reviewed by Rebecca Williams Check this out!
Category
Teens
Victoria is content with her life now that she has transferred to St. Ann’s, a private school forty-five minutes away from Duchess, where she lives. She does well enough in school, doesn’t attract attention, and is happily dating the boy-next-door, Andrew. Everyone leaves her alone and she couldn’t be happier. Life is good. But who knew how much better it could get? When Z arrives, she’s swept away. He shows her a new life, one in which she might fall hard in love, go out on dates on Friday nights, and maybe, just maybe, get a part in the school play. When her life looks like it might revert back to being just enough, Vic is not ready to let go, and the cost is great. The story is told by Victoria to Andrew, as though recorded on her phone. Short clips and interviews precede each chapter that detail the mysterious police investigation. Both conclude with a bang, pulling together questions that weren’t even asked in a final confrontation. Readers who enjoyed Need by Joelle Charbonneau or The Killer in Me by Margot Harrison will find this horrific mystery perfectly explosive–this one will require a late night.
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ASHES (THE SEEDS OF AMERICA TRILOGY) By Laurie Halse Anderson 272 pages Reviewed by Leah Weyand, Teen Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library Check this out! Don’t miss this long-awaited finale to Laurie Halse Anderson’s Seeds of America trilogy! In a story set against the backdrop of colonial America, Isabel and Curzon seek Isabel’s sister Ruth, who was sold into slavery in a Southern state some years ago. Their journey tests their faith in themselves and in each other, as they must evade bounty hunters, navigate around battles in the ongoing Revolutionary War and decide what path their lives will take in the uncertainty of a brand-new country. This historical adventure series has great appeal to those interested in the American Revolution and colonial America, especially given the popularity of the Hamilton musical and the renewed interest in our country’s founding. With well-researched content and beautiful prose, Ashes will satisfy all ages of readers, from middle grade to adults. Laurie Halse Anderson is the winner of the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2017 Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature. She will receive the award at a free public presentation on Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m. at Connor’s Cove in Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St. P.S. I LIKE YOU By Kasie West Point, $17.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!
THE MOVIE VERSION By Emma Wunsch Amulet Books, $18.95, 368 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Amelia Anderson and her brother, Toby, have always been movie lovers, quoting movies back and forth, making obscure Netflix playlists, and imagining the “movie version” of their own lives, in which fun, popular Toby is always the star. But after a summer away, Amelia comes back to find everything changed. Toby has gotten secretive and strange, and Amelia can’t seem to connect with him anymore. It doesn’t help that Amelia has a boyfriend now, too (she thinks). Is Toby just going through an adolescent phase, or is it something more serious? At first glance, Emma Wunsch’s novel The Movie Version looks like another fluffy young adult novel, a story of family struggles and new relationships. Don’t be fooled, though, because this book has an unimaginable degree of depth. Readers will get an eye-opening look into the realities of mental illness: what it can look like, how it feels to have it affect someone close to you, the way it can wreak havoc in a family. Amelia’s reaction to her brother’s illness--her anger, her withdrawal from friendships--are all very realistic, and readers will be rooting for her to figure out how to deal with her new life. STAR WARS AHSOKA By E.K. Johnston, Jason P. Wojtowicz (Designer) Disney Lucasfilm Press, $17.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!
Music occupies Lily Abbott’s mind most of the time--when she isn’t thinking about how nice it would be to have a boyfriend. And when she gets bored in chemistry class, she writes a line of lyrics on the desk. The next day she finds someone has written the next line of the lyric below hers. She doesn’t think anyone else listens to the alternative bands she likes, but that line of lyrics starts an anonymous pen-pal correspondence. Lily finds herself falling in love with the guy who is writing the letters, who opens himself up to her and she to him. But when she discovers who it is, someone she has hated forever, life becomes very complicated. Author Kasie West has written a really funny and very sweet young adult novel. The writing is crisp, the dialogue is very real and snappy, and the characters are well-rounded, complex, and completely believable. There is no swearing, no violence, no sex, and a normal family with two parents present. This is a refreshing change from a lot of the YA novels of today. This terrific book deserves wide readership in the tween and YA community and beyond. GROUND ZERO: HOW A PHOTOGRAPH SENT A MESSAGE OF HOPE By Don Nardo Compass Point Books, $8.95, 64 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out! In the midst of the trauma and pain that was the aftermath of September 11, 2001, a single photograph shone a ray of hope. Three firefighters, begrimed with dust and weary, raise an American flag against the backdrop of a gray mound of broken beams, trash, and rubble. It is a perfect composition, a bright spot of color against the dust-covered destruction, that immediately became a symbol of the American character, the resilience to continue forward and upward even in the face of heartbreak. This excellent book gives the historic background to the events of the day and focuses on this single photograph to help late middle-school to high-school students make sense of this terrible American tragedy. It includes conversations with the photographer, with the firefighters, and with others who witnessed the event first-hand, and is full of additional photos and white space that keep the text from becoming too dense or overwhelming. Students will appreciate the measured and thoughtful analysis that followed the picture from its serendipitous inception (the photo was not staged or planned in any way) to its impact and importance for uniting American hearts.
In the waning days of the Republic, Jedi-in-training Ahsoka Tano left the order after being falsely accused of a crime and exiled. Years later, she reappears as Fulcrum, an intelligence expert and fixer for the nascent Rebellion. But what happened in between? Where has she been and how did she find her way into the employ of Bail Organa? Ahsoka fills that gap for fans, serving as a bridge between The Clone Wars and Rebels TV shows, sharing part of Ahsoka’s adventures between the two storylines. It’s a worthy bridge exploring what it meant to her to leave the Jedi Order, only to survive the Jedi Purge and Order 66 essentially by accident. Thankfully, unlike many entries in the Star Wars expanded universe that answer questions but fail to entertain or satisfy readers, this story enriches Ahsoka as a character. She struggles, she suffers, she makes mistakes (but not stupid, plot-driven mistakes), and she comes out stronger for it. Even if the adventure plot itself is a little pedestrian, Ahsoka the character absolutely shines, as she quite rightly deserves to. Younger readers and older fans alike will both get something out of this one. SPINDLE By E. K. Johnston Disney-Hyperion, $18.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out! From the E.K. Johnston, author of A Thousand Nights comes Spindle, a unique and unexpected twist on the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty. Generations have passed since the King Maker split his kingdom between his two sons along the mountain line, creating Kharuf and Qamih. Qamih, ruled by the Maker Kings, easily prospered, but there was a divide between the royals and subjects. In Kharuf, the king and queen ruled with love and nurturing, caring for all of their subjects. The king and queen of Kharuf were blessed with a daughter, referred to by all as the Little Rose, called Zahrah. At the celebration of her 5th birthday, magical creatures of all kinds came to bestow gifts upon her, along with a demon and a curse. One final gift is then given to the Little Rose to help counter the curse by a Piskey, but the kingdom becomes fearful and actions are taken to keep the Little Rose and the kingdom safe. Years later, all the former spinners of the Kingdom find themselves living on Silk Road in the desert, having fled from the kingdom, and the elders are now dying from their See SPINDLE, cont’d on page 11
Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 10
Book Reviews
Teens
SPINDLE, cont’d from page 10 years of spinning with no cure. In an effort to save her son, Yashaa’s mother sends him and his friends Arwa and Tyriq, joined also by Saoud, to find the Maker King so that when the Little Rose marries their Prince they can be assured a place in the treaty when the two kingdoms are reunited. However, their plans change, an unexpected member joins their party, and as danger both physical and magical closes in, they look for a way to save themselves through any means possible. Spindle is a five-star novel for young adult readers. Full of adventure, intrigue, twists and turns, it will keep readers’ attention from beginning to end. Readers will enjoy finding the parallels between Spindle and Sleeping Beauty hidden throughout the book--despite the change in location, ethnic background, and other alterations to the story--making it one book that should not be missed. SHUTTER By Laurie Faria Stolarz Disney-Hyperion, $17.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Elizabeth Dubos Check this out!
Mr. Henry’s Books TEAC H E R WO R KS H O P
Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 • 9-11 a.m.
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Audiences will be kept on the edge of their seats as they indulge in this page-turning thriller. Shutter tells the story of teenage protagonists Julian Roman and Day Baker. The novel begins with revealing facts and mysterious questions about Julian. Julian supposedly murdered his parents and now he’s escaped from prison! The public doesn’t know how dangerous he is or if he even murdered his parents. Enter photographer Day Baker. She can be described as perceptive, smart, and realistic. One day, Julian and Day cross paths, and Day begins to see that a black and white world begins to blur. Photographs never reveal the entire story, so Day is wanting to uncover more about Julian. The story becomes intense as more gets revealed. And as more gets revealed, more questions arise. Overall, it is a suspenseful plot with dynamic characters who display strong character growth. I recommend Shutter by Laurie Faria Stolarz for others to read. LUCY AND LINH By Alice Pung Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Check this out! Lucy is a homeless little white dog. Each day she finds her way through town past many places to the building with the red door where a little girl named Eleanor drops some breakfast down on a string for Lucy. Then Lucy finds a cool place to sleep and dreams of her former life. Eleanor’s father is a great juggler, but he has terrible stage fright, and it’s standing in the way of his success. Eleanor thinks she knows the best way to help her father overcome his stage fright. The stories of these three characters intersect and come to their full fruition when they all come together in a very unexpected way. This is a sweet story of different kinds of friendship, support, and happiness. This is a most unusual book for children, and one that will be a big hit with the early elementary crowd. It’s really a picture book with a longer, more involved story. For kids ready to “graduate” to “big books” from picture books, this sweet tome with illustrations and very little text on each page is perfect because it looks like a grown-up book but is written for little readers. HOLDING SMOKE By Elle Cosimano Disney-Hyperion, $17.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! John Conlan—nicknamed “Smoke” by others in the prison where he resides—is currently on the hook for two murders, only one of which he actually committed. Smoke, however, has an ability that the other inmates do not: a near-death experience left him with the ability to temporarily separate his spirit from his physical body, an ability which he uses to gain information to trade for favors within prison. When Smoke meets a girl who can actually see his psychic form, however, everything changes; she’s determined to help him prove the truth and to help him get free, but that truth turns out to be a small part of a convoluted web of lies and corruption. With Holding Smoke, author Elle Cosimano has taken an interesting concept and crafted it into a unique story, drawing extensively on her personal knowledge of both psychology and the inner workings of prisons. Smoke is an interesting character with a unique sense of right and wrong and a changeable personality that enables him to both survive a childhood with an abusive father as well as a stint in juvenile hall. As readers delve deeper into his past and further into the incident that sent him to prison, they will have a hard time putting this book down!
• Continental breakfast • 50 copies of Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, winner of the 2017 Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature • Inspirational and educational speakers • Lesson plans on how to use the works of Laurie Halse Anderson for a variety of school subjects • One lucky participant will win a visit by Laurie Halse Anderson to his or her classroom on May 5, 2017. Participants must be employed by a school district within Tulsa County. This workshop is recommended for middle and high school teachers. CEU available. Registrations are limited and must be received by Jan. 23. Mr. Henry’s Books is a program of the Tulsa City-County Library, sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust, made possible by a grant from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation.
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FORTY, cont’d from page 8 headmaster in a school that is suddenly ordered to propagate Communist party loyalty rather than educate the students. The father is caught between his high ethics and the demands of the party. Any divergence from blind allegiance to the party casts suspicion and harsh penalties on the citizens. In fact, because of the father’s outspoken lapse, he is institutionalized in a mental hospital. His daughter, meanwhile, has a life in the West but cannot freely communicate with her family; any attempt to do so would place them under severe scrutiny. Even if you well know the story of the East German sequester, you will be drawn to this family story of living through the worst of times.
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Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 11
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UNUSUAL CHICKENS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL POULTRY FARMER By Kelly Jones 216 pages Reviewed by Sarah Davis, Bilingual Children’s Library Associate, Martin Regional Library Check this out! What makes a chicken unusual? As chickens with apparent superpowers appear on the farm her family has inherited, Sophie Brown begins wondering just how these chickens became so unusual. With her parents distracted by their move to the farm, her father’s recent job loss and her mother’s freelance writing career, Sophie focuses on learning to care for her new charges. The mystery of the chickens deepens though when a neighbor attempts to steal Sophie’s unusual pets. Sophie tells her story through (mostly) one-sided correspondence to a chicken supply company and two late relatives, including her abuelita and Great-Uncle Jim, previous owner of the farm. Through her letters to these people who may or may not respond to her, Sophie explores her grief over the loss of her grandmother, her struggles moving to a new place, the difficulty of being one of the few “brown people” (as she calls herself) in her new town and her discovery of the true nature of her unusual chickens. Young readers, particularly those from third to fifth grade, will enjoy this book as an introduction to the genre of epistolary novel while also becoming intrigued by the prospect of raising chickens. With heartfelt letters, detailed full-page descriptions of different chicken breeds, chicken-care correspondence lessons, charming black-and-white illustrations and even a little mystery, Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer is a delightful and informative novel for a young reader. WE FOUND A HAT By Jon Klassen Reviewed by Laura Raphael, Children’s Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library Check this out! Parents have long wrestled with how to teach children the value of sharing … while keeping things fair. “Remember, you had the blue cup the last time we were at Grandma’s; it’s your brother’s turn today!” “No, I made sure that all of the cake slices are the same size!” In Jon Klassen’s final “hat” book, We Want a Hat (following I Want My Hat Back in 2011 and This Is Not My Hat in 2012), two turtles find themselves in a classic sibling sharing/fairness situation: they both covet a beautiful white cowboy hat. But they can’t both wear the hat, and they don’t have a parent to act as moderator. Their negotiations are not what you expect. The surprising and somewhat surreal ending follows many meandering, dreamlike pages, which match the meandering and slow movement of turtles themselves. It should also open up an interesting dialogue with your child about the turtles’ predicament and solutions. As always, Klassen’s minimalist drawings manage to show a range of subtle emotions that will generate maximum response in many readers – particularly in subsequent re-readings. A sweeter ending to a sharp-edged trilogy than you might expect, but supremely satisfying. MARY HAD A LITTLE GLAM By Tammi Sauer, Vanessa Brantley-Newton (illustrator) Reviewed by Alicia Latimer, African-American Resource Center coordinator Check this out! Edmond, Oklahoma-based author Tammi Sauer, along with illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton, has glammed up the nursery-school set with Mary Had a Little Glam, a new fashionforward children’s book. Through focus on a diverse set of characters, Sauer introduces children ages 3-8 to today’s fashionfocused vocabulary. The main character, Mary, is brown-skinned and floats glamorously along in a neighborhood peopled by characters young and old, male, female, ethnic and other. Throughout Mary’s adventures, the reader views many textures, colors and styles of fabric, accessories and yes, hair. On the day she starts school, Mary proclaims, “I must accessorize.” Off she goes, wrapped up in a floral curtain from home, yellow-framed, rose-tinted sunglasses, a little lamb purse and a redand-white (probably) designer book bag.
When she arrives at Mother Goose Elementary School, her brown-skinned teacher is already in place, with Mary’s multiethnic classmates, including Little Boy Blue, Georgie Porgie and Little Bo Peep. Mary introduces attire that will help to improve any child’s glamor sense and vocabulary, as she dresses up students, teacher and the principal. Even a top hat and monocle are placed on the classroom pet, a snake named Clark. A party ensues and all is well until recess time, when Mary leads the class outside. At the playground, Mary realizes the need to “dress down.” She then leads the other students to change their wardrobe to more appropriate playtime attire. Mary Had a Little Glam’s colorful and imaginative illustrations are amazing. On each page, the eye and imagination are drawn to delightful artistry and ideas. Kudos to Tammi Sauer for filing a too often disregarded niche for up-to-date young artistic fashionistas everywhere. I CAN MAKE MY OWN ACCESSORIES: EASY-TO-FOLLOW PATTERNS TO MAKE AND CUSTOMIZE FASHION ACCESSORIES By Louise Scott-Smith, Georgia Vaux Thames & Hudson, $19.95, 176 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! Middle-school girls are dipping their toes into the fashion world and trying to develop their own styles. This book, which can help them make that leap, opens with a page showing the essentials that will be needed to make the eight projects in the book. Most of the essentials are things found around the house or easily and inexpensively obtained. The book directs readers to the back, where they will find six pages of techniques and tips needed to complete the projects, simple things like threading a needle and doing a running stitch and sewing on fasteners. The projects—a brooch, cat ears, a bag charm, a garland, a pasta necklace, a belt, a jeweled collar, and a bear bag—will be of interest to girls from second to fourth or fifth grade, but not older than that. All the instructions are clear and very complete, with traceable patterns, stepby-step instructions and drawings showing the way, and very nice photographs of the completed projects. The writing is straightforward and encouraging. This is a really good book for the crafty young fashionistas out there. BLIP!: TOON LEVEL 1 By Barnaby Richards, Illustrator TOON Books, $12.95, 40 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! A little alien robot is flying through space when he crash-lands on a strange planet. He wanders around, looking for friendly creatures, but none of the ones he meets seem to be able to understand him! Will he ever find a friend in this new place? This adorable picture book by Barnaby Richards tells a fun little story in the simplest of ways. Blip! is told with relatively few words, and most of those are either “blip” or “bleep.” The heart of this comic book-style story is its pictures, which do most of the storytelling. The alien robot’s facial expressions, the fantastically creative scenery, the creatures, the plants, and more all do a wonderful job helping kids to understand what’s going on; not surprisingly, a book like this is ideal for beginning readers because so much can be figured out by context. At the same time, this book can just as easily be enjoyed by pre-readers, who will empathize with the alien’s situation and be able to figure out a lot with some parental guidance. This is a fun little book for the youngest comic book lovers in the house. APE AND ARMADILLO TAKE OVER THE WORLD: TOON LEVEL 3 By James Sturm, Illustrator TOON Books, $12.95, 40 pages Reviewed by Sarah Perry Check this out! A new offering in the trend of comic book/graphic novels for beginning readers, is Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World. In this book, Armadillo plays the role of the bossy, overbearing friend who dominates playtime and tends to steamroll his friend, Ape. Armadillo is determined to be an evil mastermind and concocts a plan that involves Ape doing all his dirty work. When Ape objects, they argue it out for a bit before Ape stomps off to do his own thing. Armadillo seeks out his friend to reconcile, which they do. As it turns out, Ape doesn’t want to do anything evil at all. He’d rather go get some ice cream with Armadillo. Although Armadillo’s evil plans may be a bit intense for sensitive readers--his ultimate plan is to blow up the world--the conflict resolution and conclusion with a more peaceful activity is a fulfilling story arc. SPACED OUT By Stuart Gibbs Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Rebecca Williams Check this out! Dash lives on MBA, a moon-based establishment, with his family. He talks to an alien life form, Zan, whom only he can see and hear. When Nina, the commander, disappears, the residents, except for the rich Sjobergs, look in every crevice but find no sign of their leader. Zan even jumps in to help, informing Dash that Nina is alive, but just barely. When Dash finds moon rocks in Nina’s cabin, they immediately look outside the base to find her, assuming she left to gather more of the highly-sought-after souvenirs. Dash has to deal with broken helmets, meteor showers, and a tear See SPACED OUT, cont’d on page 13
Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 12
Book Reviews
Kids’ Books
See SPACED OUT, cont’d from page 12 in his suit, all of which could lead to instant death, and the anti-social behavior of the Sjobergs’ children, which could at least lead to pain and agony. He just wants to find the commander–how hard can it be? This sequel to Space Case can be read alone, but it’s preferable to read it following the first. Zan provides a dash of fantasy in a science fiction mystery, with just a smidge of social commentary about humanity. Dash is smart and quick-witted, and many readers will enjoy the toilet humor that appears quickly and often, as is usual with Gibbs’s books. GRAVITY FALLS: JOURNAL 3 By Alex Hirsch, Rob Renzetti, Andy Gonsalves (Illustrator), Stephanie Ramirez (Illustrator) Disney Press, $19.99, 288 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! The show Gravity Falls was all about mysteries, ciphers, and fun--and boy, is this book the perfect combination of all three. Journal 3 is precisely what it promises: a real-world version of the book Dipper finds that kickstarts and fuels so many adventures, right down to his own observations, additions by his sister, and more. This book is absolutely gorgeous, the layout crisp and layered and exciting. It feels sketched in and scribbled on and weathered, even though it’s in topnotch condition. Replete with encryptions, Easter eggs, character revelations, and all sorts of delightful little asides and insights, this is a masterpiece of world-building and fan service. It does exactly what a tie-in book should: tell its own story while elevating and enhancing the universe of the original work. Even a newcomer to the show will enjoy this rich reading experience, so I have no doubt that devoted fans of the show will get much more out of it. Although it’s geared for middle-grade readers, people of all ages will find plenty here to keep them engaged. DR. FELL AND THE PLAYGROUND OF DOOM By David Neilsen Crown Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 240 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!
Three of the youngsters think something doesn’t quite add up and begin a quest to discover what’s really going on. But can they take on the strange Dr. Fell and win? Author David Neilsen has conjured up a story that will positively fascinate middle-grade readers and cast them under some kind of reading spell--a very good thing. The story is a combination mystery/supernatural/suspense/horror and will keep those eyeballs fast to the pages. Great characters and excellent writing will make this a true winner in the middle-grade category. ADDISON COOKE AND THE TREASURE OF THE INCAS By Jonathan W. Stokes Philomel Books, $16.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Sarah Perry Check this out! Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas is an exciting adventure story that’s fun for young and old alike. Addison Cooke is an intellectual seventh grader who longs to follow in the footsteps of his family and become an archaeologist. His sixth-grader sister, Molly, is a big help and a fellow adventurer. When their aunt and uncle are kidnapped by an evil rival professor looking to steal Incan treasure, Addison hatches a plan to beat him to the treasure. The hunt leads Addison, Molly, and their friends on an adventure to South America. They get through many close calls only to end up in a cave on the side of a mountain. This action-packed story is difficult to put down. Filled with exotic locations, facts about Incan civilization, and the conquest of Pizarro, young readers will learn some history in an exciting way, while traveling on this largerthan-life adventure. Thankfully, the ending of the book leaves the door open for more exciting archaeological adventures. The author has an engaging writing style and Addison has an incredible vocabulary and a style all his own. He’s an intelligent, quirky boy who you can’t help but cheer for. GRUMBLES FROM THE TOWN: MOTHER GOOSE VOICES WITH A TWIST By Jane Yolen, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Angela Matteson (Illustrator) WordSong , $17.95, 40 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! Mother Goose rhymes have been around, it seems, forever. They are familiar to nearly every child and his or her parent. There are hundreds of books of Mother Goose rhymes, so why a new one? Well, this isn’t your mother’s Mother Goose. These poems are all fresh takes on some of the most popular of the old rhymes. Imagine what the hill or the pail might have to say about Jack and Jill’s journey to fetch a pail of water. Or imagine the story of Old King Cole from his daughter’s point of view or from the fiddle’s. These are just two examples of how authors Jane Yolen and Rebecca Kai Dotlich have decided to turn these oft-read poems on their heads. The writing is fresh and very clever and funny. Readers, both kids and parents who know the original rhymes, will be amazed and amused by these new renditions. But the icing on the cake are the illustrations by Angela Matteson. Her charming, colorful illustrations are chock full of fun details that play off the poems. In addition, the original poems are printed in the back along with historical information about the originals. This is a winner.
An abandoned old house has long been the playground of the neighborhood’s children, so when moving vans show up and begin to unload, there is both curiosity and disappointment. The children feel like their best times are being taken from them. Trucks and trucks are unloaded, and a funny-looking old man moves in. A couple days later, the most amazing playground--a combination of castles, pirate ships, and other exciting things-appears outside the old house. Soon children are swarming the place and seem to fall under a spell. The old man, Dr. Fell, seems able to enthrall all the parents and cure injuries miraculously.
Category
BRIGHTWOOD By Tania Unsworth Algonquin Young Readers, $16.95, 272 pages Reviewed by Hannah, Age 10 Check this out!
Tweens
Daisy Fitzjohn lives inside of the lit halls of Brightwood. She and her mother have everything that they need inside the halls of their home. But one day Daisy’s mom leaves in the morning, and a stranger arrives later at the estate, claiming to be a distant cousin. His name is James Gritting. The days tick by. 1…2…3…4… and Gritting becomes more and more restless. It becomes more and more clear with each passing day that Gritting wants Brightwood for himself, and he will stop at nothing to get it. Daisy as a character is not bad. But I would have liked Brightwood by Tania Underworth more if she learned and grew more overall. But as I said, she is not bad. She has a friend named Frank who is a lost explorer. She teaches Daisy most of things that she learns in this book. As a person in this book, she is very noble. She can be (and most of the time is) annoying. She does learn a lot, too. I felt that she actually learns more then Daisy did. The plot is pretty good. It flows well. This book would be good for kids ages ten to sixteen who like stories with mystery.
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CHE GUEVARA’S FACE: HOW A CUBAN PHOTOGRAPHER’S IMAGE BECAME A CULTURAL ICON By Danielle Smith-Llera Compass Point Books, $8.95, 64 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out! The image is instantly recognizable. Che Guevara’s photograph has been reproduced around the world and is so ubiquitous it now encompasses perhaps every meaning. Here is the story behind the photo, laying bare the history of the man and his cause as well. This book is a great introduction to Guevara and the history of the Cuban revolution. Everyone recognizes this photo, but the history behind it is probably less well-known, especially to teens who unknowingly wear Guevara’s image on their swag, trying to project an image of rebellion and independence. This book is particularly well-suited to that audience so that teens can understand what they may be endorsing with this photo. The book is pretty well balanced; while it presents the views of those who adulate Guevara, it doesn’t shy (much) from the violence he and his men committed against civilians or from the socialist dictatorship that resulted after the revolution of which Guevara was a part, and it refuses to take a side. This is a great, short biography not only of the subject but of the photo itself, and it will spark discussion of the power of imagery and media as well as of Guevara’s controversial legacy.
Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 13
adventure, the breakneck twists and turns, but stay for the unusual characters and whip-smart dialogue. Fans of sci-fi, adventure, romance, and just a good story should pick up Time Siege as soon as possible.
Category
Speculative Fiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
WOMEN OF FUTURES PAST: CLASSIC STORIES By Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Editor Baen, $16.00, 288 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! For some reason, people think science fiction is a man’s game. That is, of course, total nonsense and utter crap. Women have been important voices in science fiction for decades and decades, and although many of their stories have been awarded top honors throughout the years, somehow they never end up in the Best of the Year collections that form the backbone of so many fans’ sci-fi knowledge. Women of Futures Past is here to correct that false notion, offering a dynamite lineup of stories from throughout the rich history of women-penned science fiction. This is a who’s who of important contributors to the genre: Andre Norton and James Tiptree, Jr. (who both went with pseudonyms to bypass close-minded editors and readers alike), C.J. Cherryh and C.L. Moore (using the old initials trick for the same reasons), icons like Connie Willis and Lois McMaster Bujold, and unsung names like Leigh Brackett and Zenna Henderson. But honestly, although the stories are topnotch and varied, showing the incredible depth and breadth of science fiction, the killer introduction is worth the price of admission alone, a crucial revision of sci-fi’s history that’s as blisteringly insightful as it is depressingly necessary. WASTELAND KING By Lilith Saintcrow Orbit, $15.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Jordan Binkerd Check this out! It all comes down to this--the Fae are going to war! The rift in the ranks of the children of Danu--cruelly beautiful and everfickle Summer locked in an endless behind-the-scenes struggle with dark, unchanging Unwinter--has festered since before mortal man ever walked the face of the Earth. Now the banners fly black and the challenge has been issued--no more games; all will end in blood. And yet, in this time of warring gods and goddesses, all will hinge on the actions of three half-blooded Fae, Jeremiah Gallow, Alastair Crenn, and Robin Ragged. The warrior, the hunter, and the damsel; they are ostensibly pawns to be disregarded in the larger game, but in truth they are the pieces that fate will turn upon. If you’re looking for lighthearted, snarky Urban Fantasy fare, look elsewhere. Lilith Saintcrow offers up a grim tale, indeed, for all its dark beauty. But if you’ve the stomach for something a bit darker, this trilogy just might be up your alley. I would highly recommend starting with Trailer Park Fae and Roadside Magic, as this final volume will make little sense without having read the first two-thirds of the story, and since the whole thing has now been released you can read them back-to-back without waiting. You lucky wight… TIME SIEGE By Wesley Chu Tor Books, $25.99, 432 pages Reviewed by John Murray Check this out! Return to the increasingly dark future ruled by corporations with a firm grasp on the chronostream. James Griffin-Mars, former chronman, finds himself on a toxic Earth on the run from the relentless Kuo. James and the woman he rescued from the past, Elise, have found allies in the seemingly savage humanity eking out an existence among the ruined and poisoned buildings of Earth. Thundering action scenes pile up as James and his allies evade the corporations and attempt to cure the Earth Plague. Time Siege is the second book in the Time Salvager series. Chu has knocked it out of the park once again. The addition of the venerated Mother of Time, Grace Priestly, is a fun one. Grace invented time travel but is crass and beholden to no one despite her advanced age. Read for the
THE MOTION OF PUPPETS: A NOVEL By Keith Donohue Picador, $26.00, 272 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! A husband and wife are separated one night when she wanders into a toy store and is transformed into one of the puppets in a traveling show. As her husband attempts to pick up the pieces of his life, wondering what’s become of the woman he loves and dealing with the accusations of police and family alike, she learns the rules of her new life among other similarly-enslaved characters. Beautiful melancholy encapsulates everything evocative and haunting about The Motion of Puppets, a reimagining of a classic Greek myth that fixates on the power of loss and how we confront the aftermath of a sudden absence. Theo’s storyline in particular is heartbreaking and enthralling, combining the best parts of The Fugitive and The Vanishing in stirring form. Although Donohue avoids the larger implications of a world with magic in it--especially regarding Kay’s transformation--he does so in order to ground the story in real world emotions, making the transformation all the more miraculous for being the only use of magic or fantastic elements that we see; otherwise, this is simply a mystery with some darker moments. The Motion of Puppets is like a Grimm’s fairy tale set in the modern world, warts and all included. STARSPAWN (PATHFINDER TALES) By Wendy N. Wagner Tor, $14.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Former pirate Jendara has been enjoying the quiet of motherhood, staying home to raise her twelve-year-old son and foregoing her former life of adventure. But everything changes abruptly when a giant tsunami heralds the arrival of a mysterious island, an island covered in riches. Jendara, her husband Vorrin, and their crew set sail to explore the island, but nothing goes as planned: not only are they not the only dungeon delvers, but there are mysterious creatures afoot, including terrifying giant spiders. Now, Jendara just wants to recover her crew and get out before it’s too late. Wendy N. Wagner’s newest addition to the Pathfinder Tales library is Starspawn, and while it’s the second novel featuring Jendara and her family, reading the first is not necessary to enjoy this one! This story starts off as a solid fantasy adventure but soon gets downright creepy, with elements of horror woven into the island experience. Jendara is a relatively level-headed protagonist, but her humanity shows clearly in the mistakes she makes while dealing with these unforeseen dangers. As the danger ramps up, this book becomes impossible to put down. GRUNGE (MONSTER HUNT MEMOIRS) By Larry Correia, John Ringo Baen, $27.00, 320 pages Reviewed by David Lloyd Sutton Check this out! Oliver Chadwick Gardenier (a name he hates) is “Chad.” His parents are extreme leftists, PC, anti-achievement, and antiAmerican. With Libertarian resentment for being controlled, he is deliberately, stubbornly, everything opposed to them. Divinely (literally) endowed with everything from musical genius to an eidetic memory, Chad has an otherworldly capacity to tack on human and other languages. Super-abilitied though he is, his trials and terrors make for a gripping read. The disaster as a Marine in the barracks bombing in Lebanon, his struggle back, and his allies evoke Barry Sadler’s Casca, though richer. This protagonist will feature in many sequels. Chad’s adult career is as a Monster Hunter, a largely commission-driven occupation involving great risks and great rewards. Over the top, action-immersive encounters dip into nearly every mythology out there. The premise of an otherworld of creatures and societies from which mankind must be shielded is open-ended fantasy and exhilarating. Told in first person, Grunge could have been overfull of telling, but the authors have used action and dialogue adroitly to avoid that trap. Telling does occur, like an engaging roller-coaster, but this is a noticeably professional and polished work. As this is collaboration, I would have expected some transitional difficulty, but noticed none. Buy into this adventure now!! NEWS, cont’d from page 9 to survive and of an older man who wants to do right by her. Soon both of their fates are brought together, and this is where readers will be awed. Johanna has suffered a lot of pain, neglect, and abuse, and now, with the Captain, she can re-enter society. Johanna can experience a family of love and care with the Captain. He ends up loving the blue-eyed blonde girl who had it hard in life. All he wants is for her to be happy and safe. Maybe they can find a peacefulness within each other’s company as the days turn into years. News of the World shows us how cruel and devastating our world can be. An orphaned girl needs a home, security, love, and, most of all, patience. Yet no one but the old Captain has given this to her. This was the first novel I have read by this talented author. I highly recommend News of the World to readers everywhere.
Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 14
THE HIGHLANDER (VICTORIAN REBELS) By Kerrigan Byrne St. Martin’s Paperbacks, $7.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out!
Category
Romance SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE? (A DUKES BEHAVING BADLY NOVEL) By Megan Frampton Avon, $7.99, 400 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out! Having been immensely disappointed with two of Megan Frampton’s other romance offerings, Put Up Your Duke and The Duke’s Guide to Correct Behavior, I was equally unimpressed with Why Do Dukes Fall In Love? Michael, Duke of Hadlow, is cold, exacting, no-nonsense, and unemotional. He hires a secretary, Edwina Cheltam, who has a daughter, Gertrude. With Edwina in his employ, he grows attached to her and her daughter. Edwina learns how to work with a difficult man and grows to love him. Frampton’s romances are more of a character study, similar to a Debbie Macomber novel, with nondescript, un-detailed settings, and extremely flat secondary characters. Her one-dimensional heroes and heroines come to realize their flaws and work to overcome them by the end. The meat of her novels is in the depictions of her main characters’ thoughts, which are overly detailed. Frampton’s romance novels have the unfortunate potential to leave readers wanting more, whether it’s a main character’s mysterious backstory or stronger conflict between the hero and heroine. Frampton’s romantic stories have a good framework, but I would honestly like to see more depth from them. Having read more meaningful romances from other authors, I know it can be done. TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: A CHRISTMAS NOVEL By Debbie Macomber Ballantine Books, $20.00, 288 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out! Debbie Macomber’s Twelve Days of Christmas is as saccharinesweet as the peppermint mochas the heroine, Julia, drinks by the gallon. When Julia notices her curmudgeonly neighbor, Cain, stealing her newspaper, she gets mad. But her friend Cammie encourages Julia to kill Cain with kindness. While neighborly conflict with Cain is brewing, Julia is trying to get a social media job in order to escape her long, grueling hours at Macy’s. As part of the strangest interview process ever, Julia must start a blog, and the candidate who has the most blog followers will be awarded the job. Julia decides to write her blog about her daily conflicts with Cain. Eventually the two become friends and more. Macomber is known for her sweet, innocent love stories, and Twelve Days of Christmas won’t disappoint. For a while I worried over details and wondered why Julia, a woman who was so websavvy as to start a blog and gain a following in the tens of thousands over the course of a few days, would still get the newspaper. But the love story was just so sweet and Julia was so utterly likable that I suspended my disbelief. Read Twelve Days of Christmas if only to remind yourself to be kind to others during the holiday season.
Kerrigan Byrne’s The Highlander attracts readers with intense, interesting characters and detailed scene-setting. Mena Lockhart used to be a viscountess, but her abusive husband sent her to an asylum where she was further abused. After the institution was raided and closed, Mena was ferried away to Scotland to live out her life as a governess to the “Demon Highlander,” Liam MacKenzie, whose exploits in war were all but legendary. The attraction between Liam and Mena is undeniable, but they must resolve their own inner demons before they can be together. The Highlander is an intense story that tackles some pretty serious material such as domestic violence, marital rape, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Between Mena’s life of abuse and trauma and Liam’s history of being through war and bloodshed, there is more than enough baggage between the two protagonists. I appreciate that their trauma isn’t simply explained away with their romance but is an issue each of the protagonists needs to address on their own. Harrowing scenes at the beginning will make readers latch onto the characters, and a mysterious story arc will drive them the rest of the way through. This is the kind of story romance novel naysayers shouldn’t underestimate. A PROMISE OF FIRE (THE KINGMAKER CHRONICLES #1) By Amanda Bouchet Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99, 448 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out! Amanda Bouchet’s A Promise of Fire was an amazing, skillfully written fantasy-romance that was an absolute joy to read. The book was written from the point of view of Cat, the Kingmaker. When people lie, it causes her physical pain. She works at a circus as a soothsayer to hide from the dreaded Andromeda, leader of Fisa, who had her in custody and tortured her. While at the circus, Cat is abducted by Griffin, an alpha-male warlord and second-in-command of the Sinta region. He wants to use Cat’s powers to advance his own agenda. Cat is combative and guarded but eventually warms to Griffin, and, like any romance novel, they fall in love. But Cat still has secrets to hide and so many people want her dead. This book has everything: a fantasy world, Greek mythology, complex characters, sizzling romance, epic battles, and powerful magic. Cat’s personality was multifaceted and realistic. Griffin, unquestionably a typical manly-man romance hero, had a softer, compassionate side as well. A Promise of Fire is one of the best romances I’ve read all year, and I can’t wait until Breath of Fire comes out in January 2017.
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THE LEGENDARY LORD By Valerie Bowman St. Martin’s Paperbacks, $7.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out! Having read Valerie Bowman’s The Untamed Earl, I knew I was in for another good story with The Legendary Lord. Sarah Highgate is a wealthy young woman who escapes London and an unwanted engagement. She accidentally ends up at Christian Bancroft’s hunting lodge instead and then immediately gets snowed in with him. What I thought was then going to be a serious case of Stockholm syndrome turned into a seriously sweet story. Sarah helps Christian overcome his conversational idiosyncrasies, and Christian helps Sarah re-enter London without scandal. It helped that Sarah’s time snowed in with Christian was brief. I was attached to Sarah as a protagonist because she did so much more than just exist while being a woman, but she wasn’t without faults. I thought the second half of the book, where Christian and Sarah waffled over whether or not they should be together, was drawn out too long. But by halfway through, I was much too invested in the characters to mind. Christian and Sarah’s mutual friend, Lucy, provided some much-needed comic relief. Grab this book if you like short, sweet, quasi-historical romances. Tulsa Book Review • December 2016 • 15
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