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Karin Slaughter’s “Pretty Girls” Page 2
ONE BOOK ONE TULSA Steve Lopez’s “The Soloist” Pages 5 & 10
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Book Reviews
INSIDE
SEPTEMBER 2016
Category
Crime Fiction
CRIME TIME
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PRETTY GIRLS By Karin Slaughter William Morrow, $15.99, 396 pages Reviewed by Carissa Kellerby, assistant manager, Hardesty Regional Library Check this out! Karin Slaughter’s latest standalone thriller, Pretty Girls, grabs you from Page one and refuses to let go. Slaughter’s clever prose and snappy dialogue weave together a startling glimpse into the darker side of humanity that is not for the faint of heart. What secrets do those closest to us keep? What would you do if your spouse was not the person you thought they were? Looking through her late husband’s office after he is brutally murdered in a mugging, Claire discovers files that color him in a more sinister light from the loving, attentive husband she knew for almost two decades. Drudging up painful memories of her oldest sister’s disappearance in her childhood and the estrangement from her remaining sister over her husband’s character, Claire struggles to come to grips with who her husband was and what her discoveries truly mean. She and her sister, Lydia, form a shaky truce to dig deeper into the mystery on their own when she feels even the police may not be trusted. Is there some connection between their missing sister and the files Claire’s husband kept on the women he stalked? Slaughter draws you in with her flawed, complex characters and keeps you reading from plot twist to chilling plot twist. Her skills as a storytelling are only surpassed by her gifts as a writer, making Pretty Girls impossible to put down. THE MURDER OF MARY RUSSELL By Laurie R. King Bantam, $28.00, 384 pages Reviewed by J. Aislynn d’Merricksson Check this out! The Murder of Mary Russell, care of Laurie R. King, is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a person oft in the background, yet of a very essential nature in the life of Sherlock, and later, of Mary. This story, despite the title, is all about Mrs. Hudson. From her earliest years to current day, we learn all about the enigmatic, ever-present lady who has tended to Sherlock and put up with his antics for a good chunk of his adult life. Now we know why. Mrs. Hudson, born Clarissa, began her life in colonial Australia after her ma conspired to get herself transported to this far distant penal colony in order to be with her husband. Talk about some kind of devotion! Sadly, her ma died soon after giving birth to a baby brother, who passed not long after his dam. Clarrie threw herself into caring for younger sister Alicia when their da succumbed to the loss of wife and son, throwing himself into the bottle. A surprising talent of Mrs. Hudson’s brings life back to her father and takes her all the way from Australia to London, where she manages to get herself in a spot of trouble after being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous nobleman. A different sort of trouble brought her to Sherlock’s attention, as he’s hunting her da. Sherlock sets her off to Australia. A year later, she re-enters Sherlock’s life, having given her infant son over to the care of her sister and sister’s husband. You might be wondering what Mrs. Hudson’s past has to do with the rather alarming title. To tell that would give far too much away! Suffice to say, it is very relevant. This young Mrs. Hudson reminds me of Sophie Devereaux and that’s how I saw her much of the story. Perceptive people will have a clue from that name as to the nature of her past. By necessity, this story jumps between past and present, and between different players. Normally stories like this annoy me. I invariably prefer one thread to the exclusion of the other. Not so here! While I definitely preferred the past thread to the present, I thoroughly enjoyed both. Just be forewarned, there’s a major change at the end, one that left me quite asea. It’s easy to get in the habit of seeing stories as time capsules unless you are reading works by George R.R. Martin. They aren’t though, are they? Major changes come to all. People come, people go. Nothing ever stays the same, no matter how much we might wish it. One thing is certain - change brings new growth, whether it is slow or swift, and that is only ever a positive thing. Highly recommended for lovers of mystery, in general, and of Sherlock and Mary Russell in particular.
A NIGHT WITH
KARIN
SLAUGHTER THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 • 7-9 P.M. Hardesty Regional Library Connor’s Cove 8316 E. 93RD ST. • 918.549.7550 Last fall, New York Times and No. 1 internationally bestselling author Karin Slaughter dazzled readers with her explosive and chilling standalone psychological thriller Pretty Girls. Digging into a buried history of dangerous secrets, cold vengeance and forbidden truths, Slaughter wove a gripping tale about estranged sisters coming together to search for the horrifying details regarding two harrowing tragedies, perpetrated 20 years apart. This fall, readers will rejoice with Slaughter’s new novel The Kept Woman, a seamless blend of twisty police procedural and ingenious psychological thriller featuring Georgia detective Will Trent, marking Slaughter’s highly anticipated return to her most popular series. “I’d follow her anywhere.” —Gillian Flynn
DESIGN FOR DYING: A LILLIAN FROST & EDITH HEAD NOVEL See CRIME FICTION, cont’d on page 15
Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 2
A book signing will follow Slaughter’s presentation. Books will be available for purchasing at the event.
Tulsa
Book Review
IN THIS ISSUE Crime Fiction..................................................2
Tulsa City-County Library 400 Civic Center Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103 Ph. (918) 549-7323 EDITOR IN CHIEF Ross Rojek Ross@1776productions.com EDITOR/COORDINATOR Jackie Hill Tulsa City-County Library GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Heidi Komlofske-Rojek
Crime Time: A Night With Karin Slaughter....2 Fiction.........................................................4-5 One Book, One Tulsa......................................5 Kids’ Books.....................................................6 Tweens........................................................7-8 Youth Nonfiction New and Coming Soon........7
COPY EDITORS Heidi Komlofske-Rojek Christopher Hayden Samantha Kingsbury EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Christopher Hayden Samantha Kingsbury WEBSITE TulsaBookReview.com
Back-to-School Picture Books New and Coming Soon...............................................7 Teens..............................................................8 Biographies & Memoirs..................................9 Nonfiction...............................................10-11 Cooking, Food & Wine.............................12-13 Science & Nature...........................................13 Speculative Fiction....................................... 14 History.........................................................15
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
Bestsellers Coming Soon...............................15
FROM THE PUBLISHER The day is nearly upon us! On Saturday, October 1, 2016, 100 years after Tulsa’s first Central Library opened at the corner of Third and Cheyenne, and 51 years after the existing Central Library first opened at the corner of Fifth and Denver, a virtually new Central Library will open in the shell of its former self. A library designed with the 21st century customer in mind; a place where Tulsa County residents will convene, collaborate and create, as well as connect with a good and likely brandnew book. The celebration will kick off at 10 a.m., followed by a ribbon cutting like no other at 11 a.m., with doors opening shortly thereafter. Leading up to the planned opening, communitywide, free ticketed events will take place in the completely renovated building. On Wednesday, September 28, at 7 p.m., the library, in conjunction with the Mental Health Association Oklahoma, will welcome One Book, One Tulsa author Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, who will present a program centered on his book The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music. Following that event, the next evening, September 29, at 7 p.m., the library will present an outdoor screening of the 2009 film The Soloist starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. Sign up for the One Book, One Tulsa author presentation at https://onebooklopez. eventbrite.com and for the film showing at http://onebookfilm.eventbrite.com or call 918-549-7323. The newly renovated Central Library and newly opened Fifth Street were funded by a mix of private and public dollars. With up to 2,500 customers expected each day, the new Tulsa Central Library will be well-used and well-loved for many generations to come. We’ll plan to see you very soon at your new Central Library!
Central Library Grand Opening Info............16 Gary Shaffer, Ph.D. Tulsa City-County Library CEO
into high gear and it is a race against time to save themselves and those around them. Beauty & the Beast: Fire at Sea holds true to the high-intensity drama of the television series. Fans of the show will enjoy the characters and storyline in this book as much as they do the show.
Category
SWEETBITTER: A NOVEL By Stephanie Danler Knopf, $25.00, 368 pages Reviewed by Margo Orlando Littell Check this out!
Fiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
HEROES VOLUME 1: VENGEANCE By Seamus Kevin Fahey, Zach Craley, Rubine (illustrator) Titan Comics, $14.99, 128 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! In the Heroes universe, many people have remarkable superhuman abilities. These people are known as Evos, and one of them is using his powers to defend the innocent in an underprivileged neighborhood. Mixing the masked superhero concept with lucha libre cultural traditions, El Vengador battles evil in all its forms, but by doing so, he makes himself a target of both angry criminals and larger forces that suspect he’s an Evo. The Heroes Reborn television show might’ve been underwhelming, but the tie-in materials have been first-rate, and Heroes: Vengeance is a wonderfully realized addition to the overall narrative of the relaunched universe. It jumps deftly between past and present, not only presenting the backstory of Evoturned-vigilante hero El Vengador, but to show us the value of heroes. The marvelous parallel drawn between luchadore culture and heroism in general is evinced through careful symbolism, and it’s a moving and effective technique. As El Vengador’s mission becomes clear, we even meet one of the new villains of the Heroes Reborn universe. The multilayered storytelling, the use of generational history and the recurring theme of masks (the colorful ones we wear and the invisible ones we hide behind) make for a topnotch reading experience. ASSASSIN’S CREED VOLUME 1: TRIAL BY FIRE By Anthony Del Col, Conor McCreery, Neil Edwards (illustrator) Titan Comics, $14.99, 128 pages Reviewed by Jordan Binkerd Check this out! The Assassin’s Creed franchise chronicles the never-ending struggle between the power-hungry Order in all its forms, from the Templars to the megacorporation Abstergo and their sworn enemies the Brotherhood of Assassins. The games have allowed players to explore such rich environs as Renaissance Italy, France and America during their respective revolutions, even the Holy Land during the Crusades. Now the first volume of Titan Comics’ new ongoing series adds a new setting: Salem, Massachusetts, during that village’s infamous witch scare. Charlotte De La Cruz is living the dream—a useless degree and a dead-end job as a teller for the same bank that holds her mountain of student debt. Her only escape is playing Abstergo’s popular VR game “Helix,” which allows players to reenact the “fictional” battles between the heroic Templars and the dastardly Assassins … until that battle finds its way into her apartment. Before she can blink, Charlotte finds herself living the adventures of her ancestor Tom Stoddard in a quest for a powerful relic, racing to warn her new friends before they unwittingly walk into a deadly trap. On the one hand, this was definitely an interesting story and a valuable addition to the Assassin’s Creed mythos. On the other, if you are unfamiliar with the franchise already you may find yourself lost. Also, this is just the first act of a larger story, not a standalone tale. BEAUTY & THE BEAST: FIRE AT SEA By Nancy Holder Titan Books, $7.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out! Beauty & the Beast: Fire at Sea, an original novel by Nancy Holder and based on the popular television series, takes us on Catherine and Vincent’s long-awaited honeymoon. Married and more in love than ever, Catherine and Vincent finally have found time to put work aside for a romantic honeymoon on a Hawaiian cruise. However, their path to love was bumpy and the same seems to be in store for their honeymoon. Catherine’s sister, Heather, has a shady new boyfriend named Ravi, who Catherine and Vincent both dislike. Ravi has gotten himself in over his head when he double crosses a Russian mobster and tries to sell a top-secret microchip he designed for the government for more money to another party, putting his life as well as Heather, Catherine, and Vincent’s in jeopardy. When things start to happen at home and on the cruise, animal and police instincts kick
Tess is a 22-year-old Midwesterner making an unsurprising life change: ditching her quiet life to move to New York City. Like so many broke young adults before her, she finds a shared apartment in Williamsburg and gets a job waiting tables in Union Square. She’s pretty, innocent, unsophisticated, and falls for the tattooed bartender. She comes of age and finds her place in the big city in a flurry of alcohol, coke and sex. Readers can be forgiven if this novel seems, at first glance, like just another coming-of-age-in-NYC cliché. It’s the details— and Danler’s gorgeous prose—that elevates the story into something remarkable. Tess’ job is in a cutting-edge restaurant where the servers swoon over chanterelles and rare vintages, and the education she receives in wine and food is as important to her evolution as love and sex. The characters are edgy and flawed; the mistakes Tess makes are messy and real. Happy endings are open to interpretation. Many, many novels have been written about falling in love with New York, but Danler makes this old story page-turningly new. A PERFECT LIFE: A NOVEL By Eileen Pollack Ecco, $26.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! After watching her mother die of Valentine’s disease, researcher Jane Weiss is determined to find the genetic marker for it. Because of her obsession, she spends most of her life at the lab; her few friends are her lab partners, and she avoids relationships to spare others the pain of marriage to someone who is doomed to a painful death. But then her father gets married, and Jane unexpectedly finds herself falling for her future stepbrother, a man who also lost a parent to Valentine’s. A man who is statistically the worst possible choice for her. If she finds the marker, will she be able to take the plunge and test herself and her sister? Will she finally allow herself to love? Eileen Pollack’s A Perfect Life tells a fascinating tale of a woman’s search for answers and the consequences of those answers. Jane and her sister, Laurel, are an interesting contrast: Jane’s reaction to her mother’s illness is to focus intently on a solution, while Laurel lives a reckless life under the assumption that she will die relatively young. The other characters too provide a great feeling of variety to this novel: solid, unflappable Willie; Jane’s eclectic but supportive coworkers; her determined father and his guarded new wife. This is not the kind of novel that will have readers flying through the pages, but instead one that draws you in and builds an emotional connection that will have readers holding their breath at certain important moments. IN THE LAND OF ARMADILLOS: STORIES By Helen Maryles Shankman Scribner, $25.00, 304 pages Reviewed by Mandy Nevius Check this out! Helen Maryles Shankman’s debut collection of eight interconnected short stories, In the Land of Armadillos, tells of the Nazis’ occupation of the Polish town of Wlodawa in 1942. An SS officer becomes emotionally attached to an internationally famous artist, a Jewish man who has been commanded to paint a bedroom mural for the officer’s son. A Polish man reflects on his time as a teenager when the Nazis forced him to murder Jews, particularly those he loved. An anti-Semite reluctantly agrees to hide a young Jewish girl in his home. A German commander, who believes he has maintained his integrity and his love for humanity, has become attached to the Jews who work for him and their families and attempts to protect their lives despite the risk to his own. These stories, along with four others, make up a poignant book that deserves a lot of attention. Inspired by the true stories of her Holocaust-surviving family, Shankman brings her narrative alive by offering unique perspectives of people, places and events, and by blending horrific realities with a touch of magical realism. With unwavering prose, Shankman’s stories are rich in heartbreaking, disturbing and shocking detail. For anyone who is interested in Holocaust fiction, In the Land of Armadillos is highly recommended. HOMEGOING: A NOVEL By Yaa Gyasi Knopf, $26.95, 320 pages Reviewed by John Murray Check this out! Homegoing is set in the latter half of the 1700s and finds two half-sisters born in different villages in Ghana. The two never meet but learn of each other only to be separated by circumstances. Effia is married off to a white man to live a relatively See FICTION, cont’d on page 5
Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 4
Book Reviews
Fiction
comfortable life in a nearby castle literally built on the back of and containing an ever-rotating dungeon of slaves. Esi is captured and sold into slavery and eventually arrives in America. The two narratives then swap back and forth following each sister’s descendants through history, both American and African. Homegoing is a powerful book. Gyasi’s writing is lyrical and flows beautifully, and the book should be read if only to experience that. However, it delves deep into issues of race, gender and identity. The early chapters especially are fantastic at painting vivid descriptions of life in 18th century America and Africa. The later chapters begin to shift into more short stories capturing snapshots of each descendant’s life at a tumultuous period in history. Despite the minor issues, Homegoing has the potential to become a modern classic.
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THE BONES OF GRACE: A NOVEL By Tahmima Anam Harper, $25.99, 416 pages Reviewed by John Murray Check this out! The Bones of Grace is a series of stories that create one larger narrative connected through the main character Zubaida Haque. The backbone of the story is Zubaida’s internal monologue as she explains everything to Elijah, the man she loves. She starts with their first meeting, their separation, her marriage to another man and her hunt for connections to the past. The narrative veers between Zubaida and Elijah, a local man and his search for his lost love, and eventually Zubaida’s search for her own biological parents. Along the way, Zubaida finds herself in increasingly exotic locations including a paleontological dig and a shipyard where massive ships are broken apart. While this book is the third in a trilogy, it can stand alone. Tahmima Anam’s writing is lyrical and intimate, granting the reader an insight into Zubaida that breathes her vividly into life. It is powerful and beautifully written, tinged with hope but beset by tragedy. It is a modern love story that examines all the various forms of love. The Bones of Grace glimmers with hope, shimmers with beautiful prose and shines with vivid characterization. SUNDAY’S ON THE PHONE TO MONDAY: A NOVEL By Christine Reilly Touchstone, $25.00, 336 pages Reviewed by Lenna Stites Check this out! This novel is about the following family: Claudio, a loving father, forever affected by a past family incident; his sister Jane, who is clinically institutionalized for schizophrenia, just trying to find the difference between her world and everyone else’s; Mathilde, an actress who now faces the practicalities of raising a family in the city; her brother Sawyer, an open homosexual who just wants to be with his partner; Natasha, the eldest daughter, the intelligent prodigy who loves to learn; Lucy, the middle child with a terminal heart condition and a big capacity for love, which only grows the more ill she falls; and Carly, adopted from China, who is preoccupied about her differences and learns how to love oneself. This family has to come together when secrets are revealed and trying times surface, and find a way to stay strong through it all. Their story is an exploration of what love means and how it is different to everyone. The plot is subtle in its progression and the way it beautifully unfolds at the end is a treat. This is a story about family, and Sunday’s on the Phone to Monday holds true to that. WINTERING: A NOVEL By Peter Geye Knopf, $26.95, 302 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out!
A communitywide reading initiative for adults featuring: In conjunction with the Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s 2016 National Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, Tulsa CityCounty Library is offering a communitywide reading initiative focusing on the nonfiction book The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez and the themes of mental illness and homelessness. In this poignant, beautifully told story, Lopez recounts his friendship with Nathaniel Ayers, who 30 years earlier had been a promising classical bass student at Juilliard until he gradually lost his ability to function, overcome by schizophrenia. When Lopez meets him, Ayers is homeless, paranoid and deeply troubled, but glimmers of that brilliance are still there. Read the book, meet the author, see the movie adaptation, plus get a sneak peek of the renewed Central Library before it officially opens to the public!
Not since Hemingway wrote his great short stories about upper Michigan or since (more recently) Christian Keifer’s The Animals took us to Idaho, has a more powerfully masculine story taken us to the wilderness in all senses of the word. Wintering takes place in upper Minnesota in 1963. The strong male voice of the novel becomes even more interesting since much of the story is told by a female character: Berit Loving. Berit’s name suggests the nature of her long lasting love of Gus’ father who has wandered off into the wilderness, much as he did 30 years earlier. This novel intertwines two stories: the one in the present and an odyssey in the past. Gus and Berit weave their memories together to try to understand the epic struggles between Gus’ father, Harry Edie, and the powerful mayor of Gunflint, Minnesota, Charlie Aas. For everyone who pictures canoeing through Northern Minnesota’s lakes as an idyllic trip, this book shows a nightmarish vision of such a voyage. The author also captures the stark freezing temperatures of Minnesota in the winter. For father and son, the trip they take will test their endurance and their bond. This book is a page-turner and modern classic.
Central Library Fifth Street and Denver Avenue
Meet Steve Lopez
Wednesday, Sept. 28 7-8:30 p.m. • First Floor Steve Lopez will discuss The Soloist, answer questions from the audience and sign books. Copies of the book will be available for purchasing, courtesy of Barnes & Noble. Sign up for the author presentation at http:// onebooklopez.eventbrite.com or call 918-549-7323.
Outdoor Film Showing: The Soloist
Thursday, Sept. 29 • 7-9 p.m. • A.R. and MaryLouise Tandy Foundation Children’s Garden • This 2009 film stars Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. Rated PG-13. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Sign up for the film showing at http:// onebookfilm.eventbrite.com or call 918-549-7323.
Opening Sept. 12 at Central Library Mon.-Sat., 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 5
Category
Kids’ Books SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
SERAFINA AND THE TWISTED STAFF By Robert Beatty Disney-Hyperion, $16.99, 384 pages Reviewed by S. D. Britt Check this out! Serafina is back in the follow-up novel of the Serafina series in Serafina and the Twisted Staff. A few weeks after defeating the man in the black cloak, Serafina feels like she finally fits in. However, when she sees all the animals leaving the forest, Serafina begins to wonder if the evil has really left the grand estate. Throughout the novel a battle is looming for the possession of Biltmore in which Serafina and Braeden find themselves encountering the worst kind of evil, leading them to believe that there are darker forces at work than the man in the black cloak. By the end of the novel, Serafina soon discovers the longunsolved mystery behind her existence, an answer she has much anticipated. Tucked inside the beautiful forests of North Carolina, the Biltmore estate houses the Vanderbilt family, their servants, guests and young Serafina. The stellar second installment, Serafina and the Twisted Staff has rivaled its predecessor through an imaginative storyline. Robert Beatty has yet again delivered a story that will live on in the hearts of young people through his inventive and creative storytelling. RETURN TO THE ISLE OF THE LOST: A DESCENDANTS NOVEL By Melissa de la Cruz Disney-Hyperion, $17.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out!
CLEAN SWEEP! FRANK ZAMBONI’S ICE MACHINE: GREAT IDEA SERIES By Monica Kulling, Renne Benoit (illustrator) Tundra Books, $17.99, 32 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! Frank Zamboni, son of Italian immigrants, along with two relatives opened an ice-skating rink in Southern California in 1940. Thanks to Frank’s inventiveness, they had the smoothest ice in their rink. No matter how smooth their ice was, they had to resurface it often as skaters chipped and grooved the ice. And the resurfacing took an hour and a half. Frank was determined to find a way to cut that time down. He started with a wooden sled—pulled by a tractor—to shave the top of the ice, but it couldn’t handle all the operations needed to do the job. Frank didn’t give up. He tried again and again. His work even was interrupted by World War II, but he still didn’t give up, and after nine years, he developed a successful machine: the precursor to today’s Zamboni. Monica Kulling has written a lively story about a man and his invention that will fascinate young readers. The writing is crisp and the research shines through. Wonderfully detailed illustrations by Renne Benoit complete this truly American story that reminds readers of how immigrant families contribute to our nation. PENNY & JELLY: SLUMBER UNDER THE STARS By Maria Gianferrari, Thyra Heder (illustrator) HMH Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 32 pages Reviewed by Sarah Perry Check this out! Penny is so excited for the Sleepover Under the Stars Night at the recreation center. She carefully prepares a list of all the items she’ll need for a successful campout, including her dog, Jelly. Then she notices that no pets are allowed! Penny has to figure out a way she can enjoy the evening with Jelly and follow the rules as well. This was a really great picture book with a protagonist who really knows how to problem solve! When Penny first realizes that her dog is not welcome at the sleepover, she tries various methods of crafting a version of her friend that she can bring. However, none of them quite measure up to the real thing. But Penny doesn’t get discouraged; she gets creative. Her determination and positive attitude make Penny a fantastic character and this book is truly a pleasure to read for both adults and children. Adorable illustrations are the perfect complement to fresh and engaging text. A highly enjoyable story for kids and their adults! THE TRUTH ABOUT MY UNBELIEVABLE SUMMER . . . By Davide Cali, Benjamin Chaud (illustrator) Chronicle Books, $12.99, 44 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!
Return to the Isle of the Lost does an excellent job of picking up where they left off with the Disney villain descendants: Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos, who all have received mysterious notes to return to the Isle of the Lost before the rising of the new moon. The mysterious change in weather across Auradon and a creature threatening the land also worries the group as they return to their former home to find out what is going on and, more importantly, how to stop it. Melissa De La Cruz once again delivers an excellent novel that is appropriate for a wide variety of readers. Focused mainly on the teenage children of beloved Disney characters – both hero and villain alike – De La Cruz creates a story that takes us back to Auradon and lets us see what has been going on since the movie. Full of adventure, love and magic, this book is appropriate for older elementary and middle-school readers or anyone who is still young at heart. WILL’S WORDS: HOW WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE CHANGED THE WAY YOU TALK By Jane Sutcliffe, John Shelley (illustrator) Charlesbridge, $17.95, 40 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!
Teachers on the first day of school often ask that dreaded question, “How did you spend your summer vacation?” Dreaded, that is, unless you happen to be a lucky young boy who had a spectacular, adventurous summer—one that starts with a message in a bottle. But it isn’t just a message. No. It is a map—a treasure map. But then a magpie comes by and steals that map right out of the boy’s hand and flies away. The boy chases the magpie to a pirate ship, but that doesn’t work out too well. He ends up almost being eaten by a giant squid, but is rescued by a submarine. The captain puts him to work right away. When they surface, they have traveled back in time. The adventure goes on, getting more interesting and outrageous until the end, where young readers will find the best twist ever. Author Davide Cali has a fantastic imagination that will keep youngsters (and the adults reading the book) laughing all through. Clever illustrations by Benjamin Chaud are full of fun details and really help to complete the story. Readers, young and old, will find this a great diversion. SUPERHERO INSTRUCTION MANUAL By Kristy Dempsey, Mark Fearing (illustrator) Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 40 pages Reviewed by Sarah Perry Check this out!
A lot of young people are intimidated by the very thought of studying Shakespeare and his words that sound so strange to modern ears, but this book is a great introduction to the language of the bard. Shakespeare not only invented words, but he shaped our language with phrases that have become very familiar and convey strong meanings. Author Jane Sutcliffe has clearly done her homework and found wonderful examples of Shakespeare’s creativity with words. Each spread in the book has a text block discussing London in Shakespeare’s time or the workings of theater in those days or something about Shakespeare’s works. In those text blocks, she uses the words or phrases common today that come from the bard. On the opposite page, she highlights the word, explains what it means and cites its usage in his plays. The writing is lively and fun and often tongue-in-cheek. Illustrations by John Shelley have a Where’s Waldo look to them and are full of fun details. By the time one is done with this cute book, one has learned quite a bit about Shakespeare and life in his time. This deserves wide readership.
If there’s a kid who’s been wondering how they can become a superhero, the book for them has arrived! Introducing the Superhero Instruction Manual! It has all the tips to help any child transform from a regular kid into a superhero. This cute picture book tells a story with the text as well as with the illustrations. The text is a flashy, action-packed guide about what any kid needs to become a superhero. The book will lead kids through choosing a superhero name, selecting a sidekick, making a uniform and more! But while all of this is happening, the illustrations tell a story of a big brother who wants to be a superhero while his little sister wants to tag along. Either oblivious or unwilling to play along, the boy goes on his superhero journey by himself until the very end. Then, the little sister manages to prove her worth and the brother finally accepts her as a worthy partner. In addition to the flashy allure of becoming a superhero, this book also manages to subtly sneak in a lesson on finding the strengths of others. Even if one of those others happens to be a pesky little sibling.
Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 6
Category
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PICTURE BOOKS
Tweens
NEW AND COMING SOON
TO TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
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THE TRIALS OF APOLLO BOOK ONE: THE HIDDEN ORACLE By Rick Riordan Disney-Hyperion, $19.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Rebecca Williams Check this out!
Otter Goes to School
Please, Mr. Riordan, please give us more Percy Jackson! And the author obliged. Zeus blames Apollo for the awakening of Gaea, so strips Apollo of his immortality and shoots him off to Earth. Of course, Apollo isn’t to blame. He’s just an innocent bystander, who’s about to be beat up for the little change in his wallet. Thankfully, Meg, a demigod, saves him. Though his small human brain holds little, Apollo remembers how to find Percy, who knows the way to Camp Half-Blood, where they both will be safe. There, Apollo learns that the Oracles, and, in fact, most forms of communication are not working. In the midst of a deadly game, Apollo learns the whereabouts of the missing Oracle, the Grove of Dodona, which could help resolve some of the communication problems, and who is behind the trouble. Of course it won’t be an easy quest, but Apollo has his new friend, Meg; several of his children; and Camp Half-Blood campers to help him out. Readers who loved Riordan’s previous series, The Lightning Thief and The Heroes of Olympus, will love the new characters and the references to favorite characters. Another excellent foray into Greek mythology!
By Sam Garton • When Otter starts a school, Teddy becomes sad because the other students are all good at something and it seems he is not.
On the First Day of Kindergarten
By Tish Rabe • A 5-year-old recounts the cool new things she got to do in the first 12 days of kindergarten.
AWESOME AMERICA: EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORY, PEOPLE, AND CULTURE By Editors of TIME for Kids Magazine Time For Kids, $24.95, 208 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!
Milk Goes to School
By Terry Border • Milk goes to school and has a hard time making friends with the other food in the class.
A lot of people think America is the greatest country on Earth. This awesome book sets out to give an interesting overview of our great land and its long history that will engage the middleSee AWESOME, cont’d on page 8
Mission: Back to School
YOUTH NONFICTION NEW AND COMING SOON
By Susan Hood • Imagined in the form of a secret agent’s set of instructions, Mason and other children negotiate the first day of school.
TO TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
Rappy Goes to School
One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote by Bonnie Worth
By Dan Gutman • On the first day of school, Rappy the Raptor uses his raps and rhymes to deal with a bully and make a new friend.
In simple rhyme, the Cat in the Hat introduces early readers to the concept and practice of voting, with a focus on the American presidency, the basic principles of democracy, how political parties are formed, why Election Day is held in early November, and much, much more!
Stunning NFL Upsets: 12 Shockers From NFL History by Matt Scheff
Describes several unexpected National Football League wins, including the New York Giants’ victory over the Chicago Bears in the 1934 Championship Game, and the Denver Broncos’ win over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII in 1998.
Ruby Rose Off to School She Goes! By Rob Sanders • Ruby Rose loves to dance, which does not please her teacher or other adults on her first day of school.
Slow, Slow Sloths by Bonnie Bader
This adorable fact-and-photo-filled book features one of the cutest and most unique animals out there – the sloth! Did you know that sloths sleep up to 20 hours a day? Did you know they descend from their trees once a week to go to the bathroom? In this nonfiction reader, kids will learn all about this sleepy, slow-moving mammal. Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 7
Disobedience School
By Kati Hites • Winnie enrolls Waldorf in her obedience school for dogs.
AWESOME, cont’d from page 7 grade reader. The TIME for Kids books cover a lot of different topics with beautiful books that are designed to capture kids’ interest. America is a pretty big topic to take on. Yet author Katy Steinmetz packs a great deal into this big, handsome book. In 14 chapters, she takes readers through a good history and geography study of our nation, filling every page with short, punchy text blocks surrounded by illustrations, photographs, maps and more. The graphics are bright and inviting. Chapters cover such topics as Our Government, Tour the Fifty States, Moments That Changed America, America’s Role in the World, and much more. A 12-page timeline, glossary and Explore Some More — a section with government websites, museums and other organizations, reference work and articles for further study — wrap things up. Young readers are sure to be enticed by this book and will be learning with every page without even knowing it. This book deserves a wide readership.
Category
Teens
GENESIS GIRL By Jennifer Bardsley Month9Books, $14.99, 280 pages Reviewed by Anastasia Gkaitatzi Check this out! Nowadays, technology has become a substantial part of our lives. Most of the things we do and who we are can be found online but that’s not the case with Blanca who’s never had access to the World Wide Web. She’s a Vestal, someone who’s never had any kind of association to technology and alongside people like her, she’s been raised at a prestigious and technology-free school called Tabula Rasa. Blanca was taught to follow orders. The thought of having free will and the ability of choosing what she wants is foreign, strange and even confusing for her at first but then she realizes that all the above was part of who she really is. Jennifer Bardsley did an amazing job with Genesis Girl. The story is well-written, action-packed and intriguing. In the beginning, the first chapters may seem confusing and may contain a lot of details but everything is essential to the book’s plot. Genesis Girl raises some extremely important and sensitive questions about technology and its impact. Looking forward to the sequel!
SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
FAITH, VOLUME 1: HOLLYWOOD AND VINE By Jody Houser, Francis Portela, Marguerite Sauvage Valiant Entertainment, $9.99, 112 pages Reviewed by Jennifer Armistead, Tulsa City-County Library’s Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service Check this out! Nerdy, friendly, bubbly and fat, Faith is pretty normal — except for the fact that she can fly. Having just broken up with her boyfriend AND her superteam, Faith, a.k.a. Zephyr, is trying to make it on her own in L.A. Under her alias Summer Smith, she works as a listicle writer. It’s not a glamorous job, but it does leave her time to do her superhero stuff. A shadowy organization is abducting “psiots” (people with paranormal abilities), and the clues lead to a bunch of extremely similar looking blond men who tend to … explosively disintegrate … when questioned. Faith will need the help of both new friends and old to thwart whoever’s behind this. Faith: Hollywood and Vine collects issues 1-4 of the Faith miniseries that broke records and sold out five times. Once you read it, it’s easy to see why. Zephyr is a breath of fresh air among all the dark, gritty comics that have been popular lately (pun intended). A fangirl and complete dork, Faith is easily one of the most relatable superheroes in recent memory. This funny, upbeat comic should not be missed, especially by fans of Ms. Marvel and The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. TRUE BORN By L.E. Sterling Entangled: Teen, $16.99, 304 pages Reviewed by Rebecca Williams Check this out! Lucy and Margot are conjoined twins, a mark on their big toes forever showing their connection at birth. They live in a world where the Plague has marked everyone: Lasters who will die of the Plague, Splicers who have the money for genetic updates, and the True Born, who have genetically evolved and are immune, but shunned by society. In the Upper Circle, children have the big Reveal at their 18th birthdays, where genetic testing has uncovered their future. Lucy and Margot are nearing their big Reveal, where more than just their blood type will be revealed. Lucy will find out more about herself, her family and her community than she wanted to know, and she will war with herself over the decision of whether to be the good girl and go along, or forge a bright new path for herself. Readers who enjoyed Inhuman by Kat Falls or Legend by Marie Lu will enjoy this postapocalyptic science-fiction thriller. The love interest can be annoying, while Lucy decides if she loves him or hates him, but overall, the story could find itself on a state nominee list or two. The followup story, True North, is slated for April 2017. TRIUMPH OF CHAOS By Jen McConnel Month9Books, $14.99, 250 pages Reviewed by Anastasia Gkaitatzi Check this out!
Apart from Darlena, one character that was introduced in the second book was Izzy from Scotland. She’s essential to the story and she helps Darlena become the witch she’s destined to become. On the other hand, Darlena is a complicated heroine. She’s brave for standing up against the gods but she also can be impulsive and sometimes a bad judge of character, and that’s what I believe makes her more original and unique. The book was well-written and although the pace was a little slow, in the end I didn’t mind at all. The plot was full of surprises and twists. I still have a few unanswered questions and I hope that the author would consider writing a novella. Jen McConnel created a fascinated world inspired by the Greek, Celtic and Egyptian mythology and made it one of my favorite YA series! I definitely recommend the Red Magic series to YA readers, especially those who love mythology!
WHEN WE COLLIDED By Emery Lord Bloomsbury USA Childrens, $17.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Elizabeth Dubos Check this out! If readers enjoy contemporary young adult novels with romance, thenWhen We Collided by Emery Lord is the book for you! This is a simple read and it’s perfect for relaxing. Emery Lord goes into complex topics ranging from mental health, grief, death and how people can use love to overcome tragedies. Emery Lord tells the story of two teenage protagonists, Vivi and Jonah, at the beginning of summer. The characters, on their own, are going through difficult personal issues. This book may be a trigger for readers with mental health issues or experiencing the loss of a beloved family member. However, the characters unexpectedly turn each other’s lives around. Their worlds, full of despair and struggle, turn into one of love and happiness. The characters grow with each other and learn how to heal. They learn how to support, care and open up to one another.<br><be>There are a multitude of emotions in this book that will affect the readers greatly. I recommend When We Collided by Emery Lord to be read by others. NEVER MISSING, NEVER FOUND By Amanda Panitch Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out! In the thriller Never Missing, Never Found by Amanda Panitch, 8-year-old Scarlett is abducted and forced to serve the owner and the women that live there. She is found years later wandering the streets barefoot and dirty. After all these years, she struggles to fit back into the family she was kept from. Now grown, she takes a job at the local amusement park where she meets new people, but is still leery of getting too close. She meets Katharina who seems to say the right things to trigger past memories of a time she would rather forget. Does Katharina know about Scarlett’s past even though she tries to hide it? Or is the past coming back for an unwanted visit? Never Missing, Never Found is a suspenseful thriller from beginning to end. Panitch does a fantastic job of weaving Scarlett’s two stories – her time in captivity and her present day life – in such a way that the story remains fluid as memories resurface and questions begin to be raised. The last few chapters will have you so hooked that you won’t want to put it down until the final page. A great young adult (age 15+) thriller that can’t be missed!
Being a Red Witch has its perks but when the gods are trying to kill you and all of mankind, that means war. Triumph of Chaos picks up approximately two months after the events of Gods of Chaos, the second book in the series. Darlena is trying to find out a way to defeat Hecate and protect humanity from complete extinction. Characters we already knew, appear again, new alliances form, old ones are broken and the stakes are higher than ever. Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 8
www.TulsaLibrary.org
SEPTEMBER 2016
918.549.READ
A FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY, ITS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
adults & all ages BIXBY LIBRARY Adult Book Discussion Group Wednesday, Sept. 28 • 2-3 p.m. Read "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee and then join us for a lively discussion. Light refreshments will be served. Copies of the books are available at the Bixby Library.
Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni Association, accomplished author and military historian, will present the intriguing history of the Oklahoma Military Academy. For adults. Great Decisions: Benjamin Peters Wednesday, Sept. 21 • 12:30-2:30 p.m. Why did the Soviets, despite 30 years of attempts, fail to construct their own Cold War Internet while the United States succeeded? Benjamin Peters, assistant professor of communication at the University of Tulsa, will discuss some of the surprising findings in his recent and highly regarded book "How Not to Network a Nation: The Uneasy History of the Soviet Internet." For adults.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY
Open Book Discussion Tuesday, Sept. 6 • 6:30-7:45 p.m. Read the 2016 One Book, One Tulsa selection, "The Soloist" by Steve Lopez, and then join fellow readers for a lively discussion. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Broken Arrow Library. Make plans to meet the author on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at a free presentation at the renewed Central Library in downtown Tulsa. For adults.
Book Discussion: "The Lake House" Monday, Sept. 12 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Close out the summer with great suspense as we read and discuss Kate Morton's "The Lake House." Set in Cornwall, England, this current bestseller is a good, old-fashioned pageturner. For adults. Participants should read the book prior to the program.
CENTRAL LIBRARY One Book, One Tulsa Presents Author Steve Lopez Wednesday, Sept. 28 7-8:30 p.m. • Location: First Floor • One Book, One Tulsa is a communitywide reading initiative focusing on the nonfiction book "The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music" by Steve Lopez and the themes of mental illness and homelessness. At this special author presentation, Lopez will discuss "The Soloist," answer questions from the audience and sign books. Copies of the book will be available for purchasing, courtesy of Barnes & Noble. Read the book, meet the author and get a sneak peek of the renewed Central Library before it officially opens to the public! Sign up for the author presentation at https://onebooklopez. eventbrite.com or call 918-549-7323. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust, Mental Health Association Oklahoma and Community Solutions, with additional support provided by the Mary K. Chapman Foundation and George Kaiser Family Foundation.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Broken Arrow Sidewalk Astronomers: Mars Madness Thursday, Sept. 1 • 6:30-7:45 p.m. Explore the Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, and construct them from images taken by European Space Agency's Mars Express Orbiter. For all ages. Great Decisions: Phil Goldfarb Wednesday, Sept. 7 • 12:30-2:30 p.m. Did you know the "West Point of the Southwest" is right here in Oklahoma? Phil Goldfarb, president of the
O P E N IN G SE P T. 1 2 AT C E N TR A L LIBR A RY F IFTH STRE ET AN D D E N VE R AVE N U E M O N .- SAT., 6 :3 0 A .M .-1 0 P.M . S UN ., 7 A.M .-5 P.M .
All Tulsa City-County Library locations will be L I B R A R Y closed Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day. Librarium CLOSINGS permanently will close on Friday, Sept. 2 after 5 p.m.
One Book, One Tulsa: Outdoor Film Showing Featuring "The Soloist" Thursday, Sept. 29 • 7-9 p.m. Location: A.R. and MaryLouise Tandy Foundation Children’s Garden • One Book, One Tulsa is a communitywide reading initiative focusing on the nonfiction book "The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music" by Steve Lopez and the themes of mental illness and homelessness. Join us for the movie adaptation of "The Soloist," starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. Rated PG-13. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Don't miss our first film event to be held in Central Library's new A.R. and MaryLouise Tandy Foundation Children’s Garden. Sign up for the film showing at http:// onebookfilm.eventbrite.com or call 918-549-7323. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust, Mental Health Association Oklahoma and Community Solutions, with additional support provided by the Mary K. Chapman Foundation and George Kaiser Family Foundation.
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COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Game On! Family Game Night Thursday, Sept. 1 • 6-7:30 p.m. Enjoy a good old-fashioned game night with family and friends. We'll provide the games. For all ages.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Start-Up Basics Thursday, Sept. 1 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Pecan Room Learn the essentials of business startups, get action steps for your business and receive one-to-one mentoring. SCORE is a nonprofit association of volunteer business experts. Registration is required. Go to www. tulsa.score.org to register. For adults. Overview of Ancestry Library Edition Wednesday, Sept. 21 • 1:30-3:30 p.m. Location: Maple Room Discover databases, indexes and records that can provide clues and answer questions as we discuss census, land, military and other resources pertinent to your family history research. For adults. Crime Time: A Night With Author Karin Slaughter Thursday, Sept. 22 • 7-9 p.m. Location: Connor's Cove Last fall, New York Times and No. 1 internationally best-selling author Karin Slaughter dazzled readers with her explosive and chilling standalone psychological thriller "Pretty Girls." Digging into a buried history of dangerous secrets, cold vengeance and forbidden truths, Slaughter wove a gripping tale about estranged sisters coming together to search for the horrifying details regarding two harrowing tragedies, perpetrated 20 years apart. This fall readers will rejoice with Slaughter’s new novel, "The Kept Woman," a seamless blend of twisty police procedural and ingenious psychological thriller featuring Georgia detective Will Trent,
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marking Slaughter’s highly anticipated return to her most popular series. Slaughter's visit is in partnership with Magic City Books and BookSmart Tulsa. A book signing will follow her presentation. Books will be available for purchasing at the event. For adults.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Books People Are Talking About Wednesday, Sept. 21 • 12:15-1:15 p.m. Author Chris Bohjalian has written three compelling novels that explore the lives of people affected by World War I and II. We will discuss the best-sellers "The Sandcastle Girls," "The Light in the Ruins" and "Skeletons at the Feast." Refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Helmerich Library. For adults.
JENKS LIBRARY Jenks Library Book Discussion Group Thursday, Sept. 15 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. We will discuss the books we've read this summer. This is a great way to build your reading list! For adults.
JUDY Z. KISHNER LIBRARY International Talk Like a Pirate Day Party Thursday, Sept. 15 • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ahoy, mateys! Come by for piratethemed fun and activities all day, with a family-friendly pirate movie at 5:30 p.m. We'll provide the popcorn! Costumes encouraged but not required. For all ages.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Zumba With Carlos Saturday, Sept. 17 • 10-11 a.m. Location: Lecture Room Learn fun dance moves set to upbeat Latin rhythms. Wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothes you can move in! For all ages. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust and Hispanic Resource Center.
Pick up your free copy today at any Tulsa City-County Library. It's northeast Oklahoma's most comprehensive resource for seniors and their families.
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DIY Fiesta! Tuesdays, Sept. 20, 27 • 4-4:45 p.m. Learn how to plan and prepare your own fiesta, complete with piñatas and more! For all ages.
Class size is limited. Registration is required and is for the series. Call 918-549-7624 to register.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY
Mystery Readers Roundtable Thursday, Sept. 1 • 2-3 p.m. Come for coffee and find out what other mystery lovers are reading. For adults.
Healthy Brain, Healthy Mind Fridays, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Developed within the University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center Department of Geriatric Medicine, this four-week program is designed to help individuals understand different techniques to help maintain a healthy brain which is vital for good mental health. Participants will learn more than a dozen ways to improve their mental and physical health. For ages 55+ and family caregivers. Registration is required. Call Devon Murray at 1-888-616-8161 or email her at devon-murray@ouhsc.edu to register. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative. Inaugural Book Discussion Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 27 • 11 a.m.-noon Read the 2016 One Book, One Tulsa selection, "The Soloist" by Steve Lopez, and then join us for a lively discussion of this timely selection as our community wrestles with the book's themes of mental health and homelessness. Make plans to meet the author on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the renewed Central Library, Fifth Street and Denver Avenue. For ages 18 and older.
OWASSO LIBRARY The Art of Tidying Up Thursday, Sept. 8 • 11 a.m.-noon Is it hard to keep your house in order? Do you struggle with stuff? Let’s create a dramatic change by applying home maintenance techniques made popular in Marie Kondo’s book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up." We will focus on simple, no-cost ways to reduce possessions. For adults. Seating is limited. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust. 1-2-3 Play With Me: A Parent/Child Workshop Fridays, Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14 10-11:15 a.m. • Join us for this fiveweek series for parents and children ages 1-3. Each program offers opportunities for children to play with developmentally appropriate toys in a play group atmosphere and for parents to visit with early childhood specialists in the areas of child development, speech and language, nutrition, play movement and music.
SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY
SUBURBAN ACRES LIBRARY Time Management Workshop Saturday, Sept. 17 • noon-2 p.m. What can you accomplish if you had more time in the day? In recognition of Self-Improvement Month, Suburban Acres Library is hosting this workshop on time management. Participants will complete pre/post assessments that will assist them in using time more wisely to get more done. For teens and adults. Class size is limited.
teens & tweens BIXBY LIBRARY Teen Manga/Anime Club Tuesday, Sept. 20 • 6-7 p.m. Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18. Crafting With Shrinky Dinks Tuesday, Sept. 27 • 6-7 p.m. We'll create jewelry, key chains, magnets and more. It's fun and easy with Shrinky Dinks! For ages 12-18.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY BATAB Thursday, Sept. 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, Sept. 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.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROGRAMS ARE MARKED WITH THIS ICON.
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BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Teen Advisory Board Friday, Sept. 2 • 3:30-4:30 p.m Work on a simple craft project while discussing book recommendations, local events and fun things to do at the library. Snacks are provided, and you'll receive volunteer hours for attending! For ages 12-18.
A CASUAL EVENING OF BOOKS, BARDS AND BITES BENEFITING TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY’S RUTH G. HARDMAN ADULT LITERACY SERVICE
FEATURING AUTHORS
ROSANNE BITTNER, ALTON CARTER AND ALISON GAYLIN PHOTO BY FRANCO VOGT
In the Middle Book Group Monday, Sept. 19 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for conversation and activities with kids your age. We'll discuss "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead. We'll have door prizes, light refreshments and a fun ice-breaker game so that you won't feel like you're hanging out with a bunch of strangers. For ages 9-12. Participants should read the book prior to the program.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Sukikyo! Anime Club Wednesday, Sept. 14 • 3:30-5 p.m. Meet up with other manga and anime fans to discuss your favorite books, movies, characters and plot twists. For ages 12-18. Play It! Gaming at the Library Wednesday, Sept. 28 • 3-4:30 p.m. Play video games with friends. For ages 10-18.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Gaming Thursday, Sept. 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. Bored? Board! Friday, Sept. 9 • 3-5 p.m. Drop in and play a board game or two! Mr. Paul will demonstrate a few of his favorites, such as Sushi Go and Codenames. You'll also learn a few ways you can use a 3-D printer to spice up your board games at home. For ages 10-15. Hardesty Teen Anime/Manga Club Saturday, Sept. 10 • 1-2:30 p.m. Location: Digital Lounge Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18. Minecraft Gaming for Tweens Thursday, Sept. 15 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 8-12.
AND DELECTABLE APPETIZERS FROM SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES
THURSDAY, SEPT. 8 • 6:30 P.M. HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY • 8316 E. 93RD ST. $50 PER PERSON
CALL 918-549-7494 FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION OR TO MAKE RESERVATIONS.
Hardesty Spilled Ink: Creative Writing Group Thursday, Sept. 22 • 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Maple 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. For ages 12-18.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Teen Lab: Fandom Tuesday Tuesday, Sept. 13 • 4:30-6 p.m. Join us to discuss books, movies and more. What is your fandom? We will make memes and crafts. Snacks are provided by the Friends of the Helmerich Library.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Night Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 21 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Join us for Minecraft gaming. You will gain technical skills, while killing
zombies! For ages 8-18. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY Zentangle for Fun and Stress Relief Thursday, Sept. 8 • 6-7 p.m. Get your creative juices flowing! Zentangle is a fun way to relieve stress. A certified Zentangle instructor will guide us through some Zentangle creations that anyone can do. All materials will be provided. For ages 10-18. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7670 to register. Craft Connection Thursday, Sept. 22 • 6-7 p.m. Have fun crafting with your friends. Supplies are provided. For ages 10-16.
SUBURBAN ACRES LIBRARY Time Management Workshop Saturday, Sept. 17 • noon-2 p.m. What can you accomplish if you had
more time in the day? In recognition of Self-Improvement Month, Suburban Acres Library is hosting this workshop on time management. Participants will complete pre/post assessments that will assist them in using time more wisely to get more done. For teens and adults. Class size is limited.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Pixel Bead Art Saturday, Sept. 17 • 2-3 p.m. Learn how to design and make your own Pixel art! Create characters from your favorite fandoms using beads and an iron. For ages 10-18. Minecraft Night Thursday, Sept. 29 • 6-7 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 10-18. Seating is limited.
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE
SEPTEMBER 2016
c o m p u t e r s ,
computers, devices &
digital services BIXBY LIBRARY Résumé and Job Hunting at Your Library Saturday, Sept. 17 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about the resources the library has to offer to help you with job hunting and creating a résumé. Basic computer skills are necessary. For adults.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Sept. 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 918-5497500 to reserve your time. For adults. Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, Sept. 28 • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 • 2-3 p.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. For adults. Registration is required. Seating is limited. Call 918-549-7500 to register.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Book-A-Librarian Sept. 1-30 • 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. For adults. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7662 to register.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Sept. 1-30 • Need individualized instruction on a library service? Whether you want to learn to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7507 to Book-A-Librarian. For adults.
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HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Sept. 1-30 • Receive individualized instruction from library staff. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. If you require additional time, you may make a follow-up appointment. Topics include navigating the library's website, database research, career services, computer skills, and audio and eBook tutorials. Call 918-549-7550 to schedule an appointment. For adults. MS Word 1 Tuesday, Sept. 6 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to use toolbars and menus, set margins, apply spell check, and preview, save and print documents. You should have some experience using a computer keyboard and mouse prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Word 2 Tuesday, Sept. 13 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and format tables, use bulleted and numbered lists, and apply and format columns in a document. You should take MS Word 1 prior to attending. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Word 3 Tuesday, Sept. 20 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and use borders and shading, headers and footers, page numbering and drawing tools. You should take MS Word 2 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Word 4 Tuesday, Sept. 27 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class explores mail merge, and shows how to use tables to perform calculations and create onscreen forms. You should take MS Word 3 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Sept. 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. BookA-Librarian appointments are available
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on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Call 918549-7631 to reserve your time. For adults.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY MS Excel 1 Saturday, Sept. 3 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create formulas, use automatic fill and change basic formatting. You should take MS Word 2 and have some experience using a mouse prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Excel 2 Saturday, Sept. 10 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and edit formulas, and apply functions and advanced formatting to your spreadsheets and workbooks. You should take MS Excel 1 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Excel 3 Saturday, Sept. 17 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create charts, apply conditional formatting and control the appearance of printed spreadsheets. You should take MS Excel 2 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS PowerPoint 101 Saturday, Sept. 24 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create group presentations and slide shows. You should take MS Word 2 prior to taking this class. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Sept. 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. BookA-Librarian appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Call 918549-7618 to reserve your time. For adults.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, Sept. 7 • 9:30-11 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class is designed for new computer users who have little
or no previous experience using computers, Windows, a mouse or the Internet, and little or no knowledge of basic computer terms. For adults. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register. Intro to MS Word 2010 Wednesday, Sept. 14 • 9:30-11 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to use toolbars and menus, set margins, apply spell check, and preview, save and print documents. You should have some experience using a computer keyboard and mouse prior to taking this class. For adults. Internet @ the Library Wednesday, Sept. 21 • 9:30-11 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class is designed for people with little or no experience using the Internet. You will learn to navigate the World Wide Web and use the library's catalog system and online resources. For adults. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register. Email 101 Wednesday, Sept. 28 • 9:30-11 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class teaches you how to set up a free account and use it to send and receive email. You should take an Internet @ the Library class or have a familiarity with the basic functions of navigating the Internet prior to taking this class. For adults. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY eBook Office Hours Wednesday, Sept. 7 • 1:30-3:30 p.m. Get one-to-one assistance on accessing all the wonderful free digital content available from your library including eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies and more. Bring your device and we will walk you through setup and answer all your questions. General questions about using your mobile device? Bring those too! For adults. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7683 to register. Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, Sept. 28 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class is designed for new computer users who have little or no previous experience using computers, Windows, a mouse or the Internet, and little or no knowledge of basic computer terms. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
c h i l d r e n just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.
children PAWS for Reading Thursday, Sept. 8 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7514 to register. Preschool Storytime Mondays, Sept. 12, 19, 26 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 2-5. Movie: "Muppet Treasure Island" Saturday, Sept. 17 • 2:30-4:30 p.m. Get ready for International Talk Like a Pirate Day by enjoying this free showing of "Muppet Treasure Island" (rated G). Bring a blanket, pillow, beanbag chair or whatever makes you comfortable, and enjoy free popcorn while watching this delightful movie. For all ages. Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day! Monday, Sept. 19 • 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Ahoy, matey! Join us for a comeand-go event celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day with games, crafts and more! Costumes are optional for all ages.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Explore and Play Thursdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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. Adventures in Science Friday, Sept. 2 • 2-3 p.m. Explore different science topics through hands-on projects that are fun for the whole family. For ages 5-12. Saturday Morning Movie Saturday, Sept. 3 • 10:30 a.m.-noon Bring the family for a Saturday morning feature "Gnomeo and Juliet," the story of two star-crossed garden gnomes who must overcome numerous obstacles to find true happiness. For ages 4-5 and their families. My First Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30-10:50 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are
Preschool Storytime Mondays, Sept. 12, 19, 26 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. PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Sept. 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. Call 918-549-7500 to register. Elementary, My Dear Book Club Thursday, Sept. 15 • 5:15-6 p.m. Who is stealing the morning snacks from West Meadows Elementary? Can Myron and Hajrah solve the mystery? Read "The Case of the Snack Snatcher" by Liam McDonnell to find out, and then join us for a book discussion, mystery activities and lots of fun. For ages 5-12. Parents are welcome to attend.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 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 Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 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 Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 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-year-olds and their caregivers. PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Sept. 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, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7662 to register.
Hispanic Heritage Celebración Thursday, Sept. 29 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join us for a bilingual storytime and a traditional craft in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Learn Spanish words, while you work on a colorful project to take home at this biblioteca fiesta! For ages 5-12.
CHARLES PAGE LIBRARY Storytime With Ms. Julia Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Join us for stories, songs and fun! Every third Tuesday of the month we do a Music and Movement Storytime, so be ready to break a sweat! For ages 5 and younger with a caregiver.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Stories From the Rocking Chair Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 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 5 and younger. PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Sept. 21 • 3-4 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 Family Storytime Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 10:30-11 a.m. • For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 4 and younger with their families.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Mr. Paul's Family Storytime Thursdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6:30-7 p.m. • Location: Storytime Room For all ages. My First Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 Mondays, Sept. 12, 19, 26 10-10:20 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Toddler Time Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 11-11:20 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 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 Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 11-11:30 a.m. • Location: Storytime Room 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.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Mr. Adam's Family Stay-and-Play Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30-11:30 a.m. • For children of all ages, playing is learning! Enjoy storytime and then stay after for toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For infants to kindergartners and their caregivers.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY My First Storytime Thursdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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-year-olds and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 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. For ages 2-5. PAWS for Reading Wednesdays, Sept. 14, 28 • 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. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7542 to register. Sensory Storytime Saturday, Sept. 24 • 10:30 a.m.-noon Does your child have difficulty sitting through storytime? If so, this inclusive, interactive program of stories, songs and activities may be just what you are looking for! Sensory Storytime focuses on learning with all five senses and is especially designed for children with a variety of learning styles or sensory integration challenges. Registration is required. Register online at http://kids. tulsalibrary.org/sensorystorytime or by calling 918-549-7542. For ages 2-7.
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE
SEPTEMBER 2016
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JENKS LIBRARY
JUDY Z. KISHNER LIBRARY
My First Storytime Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 10-10:15 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.
Hoist the Sails, Pirates! Tuesday, Sept. 20 • 6-7 p.m. Blimey, there's slime on the high seas! Bound to be fun for each and every pirate that comes! For ages 5-10.
Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 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.
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MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Bilingual Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 11-11:30 a.m. • Location: Storytime Castle Enjoy stories, songs and activities in English and Spanish. For ages 0-5.
Lego Lab Thursday, Sept. 15 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Storytime Castle 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. Class size is limited to 20 on a first-come, first-served basis. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust and Friends of the Helmerich Library.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Mrs. Cindy's Storytime Thursdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 10:30-11 a.m. • Join Mrs. Cindy for reading adventures, music and fun. For ages 7 and younger.
tulsa city-county library locations 25 Bixby Library 20 E. Breckenridge, 74008 • 918-549-7514 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 19 Broken Arrow Library 300 W. Broadway, 74012 • 918-549-7500 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 23 Broken Arrow Library/South 3600 S. Chestnut, 74011 • 918-549-7662 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 17 Brookside Library 1207 E. 45th Place, 74105 • 918-549-7507 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 9 Central Library Grand Opening Oct. 1 400 Civic Center, 74103 • 918-549-7323 8 Charles Page Library 551 E. Fourth St., Sand Springs, 74063 918-549-7521 • M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 2 Collinsville Library 1223 Main, 74021 • 918-549-7528 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 24 Glenpool Library 730 E. 141st St., 74033 • 918-549-7535 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 22 Hardesty Regional Library and Genealogy Center 8316 E. 93rd St., 74133 • 918-549-7550 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 21 Helmerich Library 5131 E. 91st St., 74137 • 918-549-7631 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 18 Herman and Kate Kaiser Library 5202 S. Hudson Ave., Suite B, 74135 918-549-7542 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 20 Jenks Library 523 W. B St., 74037 • 918-549-7570 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 3 Judy Z. Kishner Library 10150 N. Cincinnati Ave. E., Sperry 74073 • 918-549-7577 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5
11 Kendall-Whittier Library 21 S. Lewis, 74104 • 918-549-7584 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 10 Librarium Permanently closes Sept. 2 after 5 p.m. 1110 S. Denver Ave., 74119 • 918-549-7349 M-Th, 9-7; Fri.-Sat., 9-5 15 Martin Regional Library and Hispanic Resource Center 2601 S. Garnett Road, 74129 • 918-549-7590 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 7 Maxwell Park Library 1313 N. Canton, 74115 • 918-549-7610 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 14 Nathan Hale Library 6038 E. 23rd St., 74114 • 918-549-7617 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 4 Owasso Library 103 W. Broadway, 74055 • 918-549-7624 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 12 Pratt Library 3219 S. 113th W. Ave., Sand Springs, 74063 • 918-549-7638 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 6 Rudisill Regional Library and African-American Resource Center 1520 N. Hartford, 74106 • 918-549-7645 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 13 Schusterman-Benson Library 3333 E. 32nd Place, 74135 918-549-7670 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 1 Skiatook Library 316 E. Rogers, 74070 • 918-549-7676 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 5 Suburban Acres Library 4606 N. Garrison, 74126 • 918-549-7655 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 16 Zarrow Regional Library and American Indian Resource Center 2224 W. 51st St., 74107 • 918-549-7683 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5
www.TulsaLibrary.org
PAWS for Reading Saturday, Sept. 10 • 2-3 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.
OWASSO LIBRARY My First Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 10-10:25 a.m. • Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.
c h i l d r e n Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 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 Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 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 and their caregivers. Homeschool Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 • 2-3 p.m. Join us for stories and a craft. For ages 5-10.
will get to play carnival games and win books as well as school supplies. Plus, we will have drawings for backpacks full of school supplies. An adult must accompany children under age 6. Sponsored by the Friends of the Rudisill Regional Library.
First Day of Fall Fold-a-Rama! Thursday, Sept. 22 • 4-5 p.m. Celebrate the first day of autumn as we make fall-themed origami shapes. For ages 8-12.
Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 10-10:30 a.m. • Location: Storytime Room 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.
Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 11 a.m.-noon • The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 5 and younger.
LEGO Club Thursday, Sept. 15 • 3:30-5 p.m. Create and build with LEGOs. All LEGOs are provided. For all ages.
SCHUSTERMANBENSON LIBRARY
1-2-3 Play With Me: A Parent/Child Workshop Fridays, Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14 10-11:15 a.m. • Join us for this fiveweek series for parents and children ages 1-3. Each program offers opportunities for children to play with developmentally appropriate toys in a play group atmosphere and for parents to visit with early childhood specialists in the areas of child development, speech and language, nutrition, play movement and music. Class size is limited. Registration is required and is for the series. Call 918549-7624 to register.
Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30-11 a.m. • Location: Meeting Room 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 Monday, Sept. 19 • 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. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7624 to register.
My First Storytime Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 10-10:20 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 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.
PRATT LIBRARY
Stay and Play Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 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 newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.
Miss Connie's Storytime Thursdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 10:30-11:15 a.m. • Come and talk, sing, read, write and play with Miss Connie and your storytime friends! For ages 5 and younger with an adult.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Back-to-School Carnival Thursday, Sept. 1 • 3:30-5 p.m. Location: Ancestral Hall Children ages 2-12 and their parents are invited to join us for this fun backto-school carnival, featuring booths highlighting library services. Children
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Stay and Play Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 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.
PAWS for Reading Monday, Sept. 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.
SKIATOOK LIBRARY
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Stay and Play Storytime Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 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.
PAWS for Reading Saturday, Sept. 24 • 2-3 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. LEGO Club Tuesday, Sept. 27 • 6-7 p.m. Create and build with LEGOs. Work on your own creation or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. All LEGOs must stay at the library. No sign-up is required and all ages are welcome.
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Patrocinado por el Centro Hispano y el Fideicomiso de las Bibliotecas de Tulsa. Informes al 918-549-7597.
en español
TulsaLibrary.org/hrc
programas para adultos y adolescentes BIBLIOTECA REGIONAL MARTIN Zumba con Carlos Sábado, 17 de septiembre 10-11 a.m. • Empieza tu sabado con ejercicio Zumba, que utiliza dentro de sus rutinas los principales ritmos latinoamericanos, ¡es divertido y saludable! Use zapatos tenis y ropa cómoda en que se pueden mover. Para todas las edades. BIBLIOTECA NATHAN HALE Cita con una bibliotecaria El 1 a 30 de septiembre • ¿Necesitas una clase individualizada sobre algún producto o servicio que ofrece la biblioteca? Si necesitas aprender cómo bajar libros
electrónicos o mejorar la estrategia de buscar trabajo, estamos aquí para server. Citas con la bibliotecaria duran de 30 a 60 minutos. Para concertar una cita, llama a 918-549-7619. Para mayores de 16 años.
programas infantiles BIBLIOTECA REGIONAL MARTIN Cuentos Bilingües Martes, 6, 13, 20 y 27 de septiembre 11-11:30 a.m. • Cuentos, canciónes y actividades en inglés y español. Para las edades 0-5.
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.
Read and download digital issues of newspapers around the world for free! These eNewspapers are full-print, full-color duplicates of the print newspapers, containing every article, advertisement, crossword puzzle and cartoon. • Get instant access to more than 2,500 full-content newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages, with over 1,200 in English. • Stream newspapers 24/7 while at home. • Use free PressReader App to download newspapers to your mobile device by logging on to the library Wi-Fi. • Keep downloaded newspapers forever! Visit www.TulsaLibrary.org/enewspapers and use your library card to stream or the library Wi-Fi to download newspapers.
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Category
Biographies & Memoirs SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
I’M JUST A PERSON By Tig Notaro Ecco, $26.99, 128 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Imagine that over the course of four months you endure a brutal and exhausting illness, lose your mother, your relationship falls apart and you’re diagnosed with cancer. And then imagine that your job is to make others laugh. This scenario would break most people, but instead, it made Tig Notaro a household name and helped redefine her in more ways than one. I’m Just a Person is Tig’s journey in her own words, taking us through the repeated and unexpected heartaches of loss, the awkwardness and humiliation that comes with being ill, and all the social and personal struggles that come with either of those taxing situations. And yet, she has penned a very funny, deeply moving narrative. This isn’t emotional torture porn or blandly uplifting treacle; this is hardcore honesty and sincerity told through a hilarious, sardonic lens. Not only is it a terrific, meaningful read, but it was a wonderful guidebook that helped me be there for a friend who endured a similar loss. Knowing what to say and what not to say is just one worthwhile lesson Tig provided amongst all those laughs and poignant words. FOR THE LOVE OF WINE: MY ODYSSEY THROUGH THE WORLD’S MOST ANCIENT WINE CULTURE By Alice Feiring Potomac Books, $24.95, 208 pages Reviewed by Axie Barclay Check this out! Hailed as one of the strongest advocates for traditional Georgian wine making (the country not the state), Alice Feiring puts her award-winning style to work in her book For the Love of Wine: My Odyssey Through the World’s Most Ancient Wine Culture, a lovely and appetizing exploration of the world’s most ancient wine culture. Feiring brings an astute sense of observation to her work, and the sense of Georgia—its culture, even the very smells on the air—permeates her narrative. If readers don’t want a glass of wine and to throw together the recipe at the end of each of her richly detailed chapters, then I don’t know what to say. Feiring’s passion for good wine and sustainable practices suffuses the entire book, leaving readers feeling sated, but still voracious for more. From history to prehistory to ecology, agriculture, geology and the culinary arts, this book celebrates anything and everything that is traditional Georgian wine. It’s an evocative and surprisingly interesting topic, told by a writer with obvious passion and insight into, arguably, one of the original craft, artesian practices. MY LOST BROTHERS: THE UNTOLD STORY BY THE YARNELL HILL FIRE’S LONE SURVIVOR By Brendan McDonough, Stephan Talty (contributor) Hachette Books, $27.00, 288 pages Reviewed by Karen Collins Check this out! As I began writing this review, the juniper fire in Arizona had been burning for more than a month and was only 30 percent contained. Wildfires were also burning in California and New Mexico. The nightmarish news videos cannot adequately replicate the experience of being in or near a wildfire. Brendan McDonough and Stephan Talty have captured the life experienced by hotshots in the pages of My Lost Brothers. This book will take you near the extreme temperatures as they soar ever higher. You will taste the sweat, ash and dust endured by hotshots as they work to control and stop major wildfires. The book explains how fires grow, what atmospheric and geographic conditions contrib-
ute to that growth, and methods used to bring them under control in language that is not academic or boring. The most important purpose of the book, however, is to pay tribute to the 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who perished in the Yarnell Hill fire on June 30, 2013. In 2011, 19-year-old Brendan McDonough became the youngest member of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Formed in 2002, the group was the first wildfire crew to be associated with a city fire department. Eric Marsh, one of the founders, hired McDonough and was his supervisor. From McDonough’s perspective, Marsh’s most significant role was that of mentor. The respect Marsh earned in this regard is apparent throughout the book. In fact, the entire crew is given credit for their influence that contributed to McDonough becoming a capable man and firefighter. It should be noted that McDonough took initiative in reaching this goal for the sake of his daughter, who was an infant at the time he joined Granite Mountain. He willingly admits his past mistakes had reached critical mass and he needed to make a major shift in his life. Granite Mountain definitely provided that opportunity. The sheer physical strength required to succeed as a firefighter is impressive. Physical training included running at least seven miles with a 45-pound backpack, followed by an hour of pushups and other calisthenics in the searing heat of Arizona. This type of training is vital, considering the necessity to be able to fight a fire for shifts that can exceed 16 hours and last for many consecutive days. This work is generally done miles from a hospital or paramedic, so it is important to be able to handle many dangerous scenarios. Physical strength is not the only requirement to being a hotshot. Over time, they learn the nature of fires and develop a sense of where they need to be in relation to the fire. They must not only be trained to use all of the equipment, but make repairs if something breaks. Scientific knowledge is also required, such as being able to properly use a weather kit to collect data pertinent to their exact location. Despite all of the rigorous training, conditions can arise that are completely unpredictable. Such was the case on June 30, 2013, when the Yarnell Hill blaze made an unprecedented change. Years of training and experience could not save the 19 men who lost their lives that day. If readers learn only one fact from this excellent book, it should be that improvements and additional resources are needed to ensure the safety of wildland firefighters. McDonough offers suggestions based on his three seasons as a hotshot. After reading My Lost Brothers, I have enormous respect for the men and women doing this work. It is frightening to think where we would be without the protection they provide. It seems only fitting to consider ways to make their jobs safer and better. VALIANT AMBITION: GEORGE WASHINGTON, BENEDICT ARNOLD, AND THE FATE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION By Nathaniel Philbrick Viking, $30.00, 448 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out! Valiant Ambition is, as the author admits, “A Story not commonly told” in regards to Benedict Arnold and George Washington. Washington was in command of the Continental Army, overseeing a painful defeat on Long Island in late-summer of 1776. Benedict Arnold was a colonel overseeing the successful defense of Fort Ticonderoga. Two men whose paths would meet more than once, each on the same side at the beginning of the war, but divided by loyalties at the end of the war: Washington a hero, despite earlier setbacks, Arnold a one-time hero, now traitor to the revolutionary cause. Washington’s early setbacks would be offset by his Christmas victory in Trenton over the mercenary Hessians at Christmas 1776. Arnold would aid in snatching total victory from the British in Saratoga. Arnold’s upward climb would be marred by jealousy and animosity from higher ups, like Horatio Gates, a general in the Continental Army. Arnold would be sidelined by wartime injuries, impatiently waiting for his time on the battlefield and more action and accolades. Washington would suffer through the downtimes at Valley Forge, Brandywine, but strive for any advantage over the British. The eventual betrayal by Arnold would come about by various factors: marriage to Peggy Shippen who encouraged his double dealing, a court-martial by overambitious fellow soldiers, monetary concerns ... Arnold’s exposure would come about through the capture of a British Captain who was his go-between. Any chance of British victory would soon be over. Arnold wouldn’t be caught, but his mission didn’t succeed. Valiant Ambition delves into two famous soldiers: one known as the Father of our country, the other, one of the most hated traitors in our nation whose name is used to describe traitors to this day. Philbrick is fair to both of his subjects acknowledging their good traits and their foibles. Washington was about par for the course as a military leader; Arnold had tremendous courage, but also was possessed of all encompassing ambition that ultimately ate him up. An excellent read about a period that built our country. MY MAD FAT DIARY By Rae Earl St. Martin’s Griffin, $15.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out! First and foremost, I haven’t watched the television series that is based off My Mad Fat Diary by Rae Earl. And secondly, I went into reading this book practically blind not knowing what to expect and I think that’s best when it comes to this book in particular. While this book is set in England in 1989, I love that Ms. Earl didn’t do a cookie-cutter young adult romance book. Earl allows her readers to feel for her character Rae Earl through these diary entries. While this is not a conventional form of telling a story, I applaud Ms. Earl for taking a chance and doing something fresh and innovative. These diary entries truly allow readers to feel the ups and downs of what it is like being a teenager. I found these entries relatable so I liked that the author didn’t sugarcoat anything about this book. Thank you, Ms. Earl, for writing an honest, hilarious, heart-warming and raw book that allows readers to feel the vulnerability of every teen or adult out there.
Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 9
TIME TO TAKE FLIGHT: THE SAVVY WOMAN’S GUIDE TO SAFE SOLO TRAVEL By Jayne Seagrave TouchWood Editions, $16.95, 288 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out!
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Nonfiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
HOW NOT TO NETWORK A NATION: THE UNEASY HISTORY OF THE SOVIET INTERNET By Benjamin Peters The MIT Press, $38.00, 298 pages Reviewed by Mary Cotner, reference/research library associate, Herman and Kate Kaiser Library Check this out! In the book How Not to Network a Nation: The Uneasy History of the Soviet Internet, author Benjamin Peters asks an insightful question: Why didn’t the Soviet Union create something similar to the Internet before the United States? Bear in mind, this is the same Soviet Union that beat the United States in putting a man in space. Peters writes that the Soviets did try to create an interconnected network but were never able to get it right. The Soviets had no shortage of brilliant scientists that could have gotten them to that goal. But as with all things at that time in the Soviet Union, the means to execute was weighed down by an ossified bureaucracy corrupt in its inefficiency in a managed economy. The book begins with a dry overview of the global history of cybernetics and how it was used by the Soviets. Peters then details the intricacies of the mindset of the Communist party and how it was what prevented the development of any means of interconnected networks. Peters does do a great job detailing the contributions of Victor Glushkov, a leading Soviet cybernetics scientist, who created what was known as the All-State Automated System (OGAS in Russian). The OGAS could have led to an autonomous ARPANET-like network in Russia if it was ever deployed. Peters has written the definitive narrative on the topic. For those looking to understand the Communist mindset in information technology, How Not to Network a Nation: The Uneasy History of the Soviet Internet is a very interesting read.
Benjamin Peters will discuss his book on Sept. 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the South Broken Arrow Library as a part of the library’s Great Decisions series.
THE SOLOIST: A LOST DREAM, AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP, AND THE REDEMPTIVE POWER OF MUSIC By Steve Lopez G. P. Putnam’s Sons, $9.91, 273 pages Reviewed by Deborah J. Hunter, case manager, Tulsa CityCounty Library, HOT Team, Family & Children’s Services Check this out!
Have you ever felt like you need to pack your bags and just travel? Carpe Diem, as one would say. Well, the time is come to finally not just say, but do. And in Jayne Seagrave’s Time to Take Flight: The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Safe Solo Travel, she not only inspires you to take the chance, but she urges you to explore, let go and truly live the life that you want to live. Life is about experiencing, and in this savvy guide, Seagrave breaks down why YOU should travel and explore. While this book urges you to travel, Seagrave also provides the vital information, tips and tricks when it comes to solo traveling. Seagrave urges readers to discover a new culture and surroundings and I truly agree with her sentiment that it is indeed like falling in love and finding yourself. It helps you reevaluate your life, whether you are living the life you want. As an avid traveler, I love this book! I love the message, and also I love the traveling tips – especially to countries I’ve never visited. Though this book is not a worldwide traveling guide, it does provide the essential traveling information in embarking to popular destinations in Europe and North America. Through these special tidbits of each city – whether it be transportation, money, tourist destination or hotel stays – Seagrave provides all the helpful hints one would need, especially how to stay safe if you are traveling alone. MY HOLIDAY IN NORTH KOREA: THE FUNNIEST/WORST PLACE ON EARTH By Wendy E. Simmons RosettaBooks, $19.95, 312 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out! Did I ever think I would be writing a review about North Korea? Nope. Did I ever think I would be reading a book about traveling to North Korea? Nope. But here I am writing a review about, what else; North Korea. My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth by Wendy E. Simmons is one of the books where comedy, truth and horror are all mixed into one. This is one of those books where you don’t know whether to cry, laugh or be stunned that Wendy E. Simmons went to the one country that is probably the worst place on Earth. Will I be booking my ticket to NoKo anytime soon? Ummm … no. But I will applaud Simmons for giving avid travelers like myself insight to the most closed-off country in the world. I think the cover alone speaks volumes. First impression, I don’t know whether to laugh or feel saddened for this couple who just got married. Their facial expressions practically capture the sentiment of this book: comedy and horror. As far as the book alone, I enjoyed it. It was funny, witty and fascinating. Did I expect NoKo officials trying to pitch what a great and amazing country that they live in? Of course, but the beauty of this book is that with Wendy’s brilliant sense of humor and sarcasm, we know it’s all lies and a facade. Do I feel sorry for the people of NoKo? Yes, and Simmons exposes that truth. All I can say, if you have a weird fascination with North Korea and need a little laughter and raw utter truth as to what it is like vacationing there, then I urge you to go read this book. But what I can tell you is that North Korea is crazy and ridiculous, and reading this travel memoir only confirms what I think of this country. TED TALKS: THE OFFICIAL TED GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING By Chris Anderson Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $28.00, 288 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out!
Steve Lopez is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. His book The Soloist won the PEN USA award for literary nonfiction. Lopez was considering whether or not he wanted to continue in his career when he encountered a homeless man playing a cello that was missing three strings. The man said his name was Nathaniel Anthony Ayers and that he had gone to Juilliard, the worldrenowned school of music, dance and drama. Lopez wasn’t sure what to believe, but he thought he would get a good column out of it. His research revealed Ayers had indeed gone to Juilliard. Through investigation and interviews, he pieced together the life Ayers had lived up until his sudden mental break during his second year at Juilliard. What followed was Lopez’s almost desperate efforts to get Nathaniel off the streets. During the process, Lopez and Ayers became friends. Lopez actively sought guidance and knowledge about mental illness in his struggle to help connect Nathaniel Ayers to reality, services and possibly, a better life. While doing so, he gained clarity about his own life. Lopez wrote honestly about his lack of knowledge about mental illness and homelessness and questioned whether or not he was exploiting Nathaniel. He experienced firsthand the roller-coaster ride of recurring near successes and relapses that often define the lives of family members of people with schizophrenia. The Soloist is a story about an unlikely, tenuous friendship. It is full of heart, humor, sadness and hope. I highly recommend that anyone who hasn’t read it do so. Lopez’s book humanizes people with schizophrenia and shines a light on the never-ending battle that families face when someone they love is stricken with this illness.
In Ted Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking, author and head of TED, Chris Anderson, gives readers tips and tools to help make a good speech great. He defines the differences between what makes a speech great and what can make a speech less effective. Using examples of successful and unsuccessful TED speeches, Anderson makes a case for why the tips in his book for giving a good speech, such as eye contact, humor and adding a story to connect with the audience, can help it go from okay to memorable. Anderson has written an excellent book that can help someone getting ready to give his or her first speech, as well as someone who has given speeches for years. His tips, techniques and tools are carefully outlined in this book that makes them easy to follow and make a lot of sense. He backs up his TED techniques and tools for giving a speech that will reach readers and stick with audiences after the book ends. Easy to read and understand, this is a book that should be read by anyone who speaks to large groups of people for whatever reason. See Nonfiction, cont’d on page 11
Meet Steve Lopez on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at Central Library. See Page 5 for more details.
Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 10
Book Reviews
Nonfiction Highly recommended if you have one of the listed behavioral issues or know someone who does. It offers a whole new perspective on things. Also recommended for psychology students or enthusiasts.
Cont’d from page 10 M.A.S.H. FAQ: EVERYTHING LEFT TO KNOW ABOUT THE BEST CARE ANYWHERE (FAQ SERIES) By Dale Sherman Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, $19.99, 400 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!
EVICTED: POVERTY AND PROFIT IN THE AMERICAN CITY By Matthew Desmond Crown Publishing Book, $28.00, 432 pages Reviewed by Mandy Nevius Check this out!
The television show M*A*S*H has resonated so deeply with generations of viewers that it’s easy to forget the movie version exists, let alone the novels that sparked the entire franchise. But Dale Sherman hasn’t forgotten, and in M*A*S*H FAQ, he chronicles every iteration of the series, from its inspiration during the Korean War to its aftermath (and After M*A*S*H) on pop culture. How thorough is Sherman’s work? Well, you’ll be over 200 pages in before the show becomes the topic of discussion. As Sherman explores the curious history of the novels (and how certain novels deviate from the creator’s original vision), he provides valuable backstory on the war itself (including MASH units and mobile hospitals), the author H. Richard Hornberger and even a stage-play version of the story! Unfortunately, Sherman’s hard work and due diligence is undermined by a number of clumsy misprints and mistakes (including misidentified episodes like “Captain Pierce and Mr. Hyde,” which should read “Dr. Pierce”), far more than I’d come to expect in the Applause FAQ series by this point. That being said, M*A*S*H FAQ has to be considered the definitive guide to all things 4077. THE STARK NAKED 21-DAY METABOLIC RESET By Brad Davidson HarperOne, $25.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Ralph Peterson Check this out!
Harvard sociologist Matthew Desmond’s newest book Evicted chronicles the lives of a few poverty-stricken Milwaukeeans, desperate to keep from living on the street. While homeless, frostbite claimed both of Lamar’s legs, leaving him unable to find a regular job to pay for rent. Arleen is turned away by countless landlords who view her children as a liability. Since losing his nursing license because of his stealing opioids from patients, Scott, who continues to battle with drug addiction, is at risk of eviction. These stories and more make up Desmond’s striking book. To capture an honest look at destitution, particularly the deep scars caused by eviction, Desmond spent a year working as a full-time fieldworker, moving into a trailer park and later a ghetto, conducting interviews and taking detailed notes of his observations. Supported by extensive research, Evicted is a fair examination of the general housing problem in America. Although readers may find it challenging to keep intertwining stories straight, Desmond has a remarkable aptitude for reporting dialogue, reminding readers that the people in his book are real and that the stakes are tragically high as they face possible eviction. Desmond’s heart is evident in his thoughtful writing, and in his closing essay, his call for change is inspiring. See NONFICTION, cont’d on page 15
The Stark Naked 21 Day Metabolic Reset by Brad Davidson is an outshoot of a career in exercise, diet and lifestyle counseling. First the bad news, your body is continually ingesting foods that can be toxic, allergenic, fat creating, energy robbing, sleep depriving and even lethal in their effects on your metabolism. The good news is that you can easily eliminate most of the toxins, find out the allergens and stay away from them, get more energy, sleep better and live longer. The author is a textual personal trainer helping you find the reasons why you are overweight and sluggish. He does this with humor and enthusiasm, personal stories of his own trials and triumphs (although educated he is not an academic), and personal stories of many of the people he has helped achieve success with his program. A lot of his observations turn conventional wisdom on its head. This program is not hard to do. It is not starvation or deprivation, the reset just eliminates toxic materials and allows the body to catch a metabolic gasp of fresh air. The book included recipes for the reset and easy maintenance, source listings for less toxic personal products and a great bibliography to become your own expert. I recommend it as a commonsense answer to weight and well-being.
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WHY CAN’T I STOP?: RECLAIMING YOUR LIFE FROM A BEHAVIORAL ADDICTION By Jon E. Grant, Brian L. Odlaug, Samuel R. Chamberlain The Johns Hopkins University Press, $44.95, 232 pages Reviewed by J. Aislynn d’Merricksson Check this out! Dr. Grant’s Why Can’t I Stop? provides a glimpse into the world of behavior addictions. This book looks at those behavioral addictions that most closely resemble drug addiction. The beginning chapters cover what it means to have a behavioral addiction, how they may develop and the fact that they oft pair with physical addictions of some sort. The next seven chapters cover the behavioral addictions they found most resembling drug addiction – gambling, stealing, sex, Internet, food, shopping/buying, hair-pulling and skin picking. Each has its own devoted chapter that covers development, which drug addiction paths it may be similar to, genetic and environmental factors in development, treatment goals and best therapy methods. Each also has case studies to illustrate points. The final chapters cover causes of behavioral disorders and how family and friends can help. This book is written by a doctor, but it is meant for the average person to read, the people who may be burdened with one of these issues, or for the family and friends of such a person to help them better understand what is going on. Sometimes things necessarily get a bit technical, but I found it an easy read. Honestly, I had very personal reasons for reading this book. I have one of the described behavioral conditions. My past attempts at ‘resetting’ my behavior have been met with frustrating failure. Thinking of this condition in terms of a drug addiction was a bit hard to swallow at first. The mind wanted to rebel ferociously, a good sign there’s truth behind the words. My next feelings were ones of relief. I may be able to fix it after all! This book was also very helpful to my family in understanding my behavior in a different light. Reading the section most pertinent to me helped them begin to accept that the problem is real and how difficult it is for me to just stop.
Tulsa Book Review • September 2016 • 11
globe, they incorporate ingredients from many different food ways, which is lovely for variety but difficult to shop for. They are extremely elegant, even gourmet, and certainly a gift to anyone you serve, but impractical for families or anyone in a time crunch or on a budget.
Category
Cooking, Food & Wine SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
NATURALLY LEAN: 125 NOURISHING GLUTEN-FREE, PLANT-BASED RECIPES-ALL UNDER 300 CALORIES By Allyson Kramer Da Capo Lifelong Books, $22.99, 224 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! “Clean” eating is all the rage these days, but many people have no idea how to get started, while others just need more ideas for how to best utilize the fresh produce and whole grains that make up part of a healthy diet. Allyson Kramer has tons of new ideas in her cookbook Naturally Lean. Every single recipe in this book is both gluten-free and completely plant-based (vegan), and many are completely oil-free as well. Readers will be encouraged to try all kinds of new grains and vegetables, and they’ll find ideas for what to do with old favorites as well. The recipes are divided up by primary ingredient: Greens & Crucifers, Hearty Grains, Fabulous Fruits, etc. Readers will love trying recipes like Sweet Mustard-Glazed Rapini, Cinnamon Plum Streusel, White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Bites, and Carrot Rutabaga Butternut Bisque. All of the recipes are simple to follow; most of the ingredients can be sourced from a well-stocked grocery store, and the index makes it easy to find recipes based on what’s currently in the fridge. THE BASQUE BOOK: A LOVE LETTER IN RECIPES FROM THE KITCHEN OF TXIKITO By Alex Raij, Eder Montero, Rebecca Flint Marx Ten Speed Press, $29.99, 295 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out!
THE MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETARIAN COOKBOOK By Salma Hage Phaidon, $39.95, 272 pages Reviewed by Mi-Ah Kim Check this out! Salma Hage, the culinary mind behind The Lebanese Kitchen, is back with The Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cookbook. Her new cookbook contains about 150 recipes using spices and flavors from the Middle East. While all recipes are vegetarian, Hage also includes some gluten-free and vegan options for those that are interested. I thought the complexity of flavors found in Middle Eastern dishes would be a daunting task to achieve, but Hage simplifies the recipes for even the most ill-fated home cooks. This cookbook entices you from the very beginning with beautiful, clean photographs of the dishes. The ingredients list for each part of a recipe (like the sauce or main dish) is easy on the eyes, but the steps to follow would have been greatly enhanced if broken up more—allowing to find your place easily after each step. Other than that, I appreciated that many ingredients were easy to find at my local farmer’s market and stores. The flavors were there with pairings that I would have never dreamed up on my own. My picky, carnivorous man-child also didn’t complain about the complete lack of animal protein. The Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cookbook is a win. CRAVINGS: RECIPES FOR ALL THE FOOD YOU WANT TO EAT By Chrissy Teigen with Adeena Sussman Clarkson Potter, $29.99, 240 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out! I am not very up to date on social media, so I had no idea who Chrissy Teigen was before I requested this book for review. I think if I had, I might not have asked for it assuming it would be full of just salads even though it’s called Cravings. That would have been a huge mistake because this book is not like that at all. There are a couple of salads in it, but there is so much more. This woman is definitely not your typical swimsuit model because she loves to eat and cook great food that everyone will like. Teigen seems like an amazing person and I am glad I did not miss out on this book. The recipes are delicious and easy-to-follow while the pictures of the food are amazing. I really like that each recipe has an intro. It made it more fun to make the food knowing how it’s impacted her life. Teigen is very funny and easy to relate to even if our lives are worlds apart. I would definitely recommend this book if you like good food, especially if it’s not always good for you. You will not be disappointed with these recipes and neither will anyone you cook for. I’ve made a couple so far and can’t wait to try them all! FOOD WITH FRIENDS: THE ART OF SIMPLE GATHERINGS By Leela Cyd Clarkson Potter, $25.00, 208 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out! Author Leela Cyd presents an incredibly beautiful cookbook of her favored recipes, based on foods she has sampled around the globe, to which she adds her own unique touch. The photography in this book is stunning, and every single picture exudes winsome seduction and charm. However, the recipes themselves are somewhat less appealing. That her favorite meal is breakfast is clear from this book; the breakfast recipes are all delicious and can be readily prepared, but they become increasingly unfamiliar as they move into Teatime, Happy Hour, Potlucks and Desserts. Some recipes rely on fairly exotic ingredients, such as organic edible flowers; others are based on raw nuts, unusual grains, or too specific types of breads or toppings. Most recipes will not be difficult to assemble (although some will take an inordinate amount of effort), but these ingredients are probably not standard fare for most pantries; further, because they span the
It is a relief for a cookbook reviewer to find a cookbook written by chefs who successfully translated professional recipes into home kitchens. Alexandra Raij and Eder Montero did an admirable job in The Basque Book providing a large collection of excellent Basque recipes. They are not for the beginner cook— probably even intimidating for a modest cook—though many recipes are reasonably simple. Professional photo illustrations are beautiful including mostly food photos, but also sceneries. We find extensive text in the introduction (mostly about Raij’s early life and Basque cooking) and preceding each chapter—these are well-written, interesting and worth reading. So are the recipe headnotes. Since many of us know little of the location of Basque country, a location map would’ve been helpful. Also, the book designer could’ve used recipe layout more carefully so cooks don’t need to page back and forth. But most recipes are on single pages. Recipe instructions are excellent and recipes range from relatively easy to challenging. A source of Basque ingredients is useful, but the authors usually give substitutes even though most ingredients are not hard to find (though where will you find jamón ibérico fat, e.g.?). TARTS: CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY, SAVORY AND SWEET By Frédéric Anton Rizzoli, $35.00, 288 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out! This book is incredibly beautiful; each page is frame-worthy; but do not let that intimidate you. The authors, in a charming introduction, pay homage to the simple tart – that basic pattern of various fillings in a simple crust made of flour, eggs and butter. They include pastry recipes for both sweet and savory crusts, and the instructions are not at all fussy; they are easy-to-follow, practical and matter-of-fact. The authors respect that you can make these with no problems – and you can! Most of the tarts are sweet, dessert types, like Strawberry and Vanilla Mousseline, Lemon and Mint Zest, or Mango Coconut; but there are many savory tarts too, such as Onion Tart, or the iconic Quiche Lorraine (beloved, apparently, by King George V of England). The recipes yield rich, toothsome pies; as with any, starting with better ingredients gives better results, but there is plenty of room for substitution or variation; follow these recipes as-is, or feel free to improvise with whatever you have. They come together quickly, and with only a few minutes of preparation time and a stint in the oven, you will have a delightful pastry snack, meal or dessert. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF NONNA: RECIPES AND RAMBLINGS IN SOUTHERN ITALY AND SICILY By Bill Abruzzo Pelican Publishing Company, Inc., $28.95, 288 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! Every cook should have an Italian cookbook in his or her collection. In the Footsteps of Nonna is a great choice. It is a fantastic cookbook, but it is so much more. First, it’s very specific to the southern region of Italy and includes Sicily. Second, it is full of wonderful, personal anecdotes about relatives, friends, towns and villages; an old man gardening; sheep and goats blocking the road; etc. Third, in a sense, it is a bit of a travel guide and also gives a taste of history and cultural studies. Each little story is attached to a recipe of the region. There are more than 160 stories and recipes in this gorgeous book, which is also filled with wonderful photographs of the many places author Bill Abruzzo visits, as well as mouth-watering close-up photos of the final products of the recipes. These are See NONNA, cont’d on page 13
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NONNA, cont’d from page 12 not short-cut recipes. Be prepared to take your time and do things the old-fashioned way. Abruzzo has included a section on what to stock in your kitchen and what you might want to grow in your vegetable garden to enhance your cooking. Take your time and savor the savory experiences in the pages of this lovely book.
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Science & Nature SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
SHARKS GET CANCER, MOLE RATS DON’T: HOW ANIMALS COULD HOLD THE KEY TO UNLOCKING CANCER IMMUNITY IN HUMANS By James S. Welsh Prometheus Books, $19.00, 384 pages Reviewed by D. Wayne Dworsky Check this out! Cancer has plagued people, animals and even plant life forever. How we have learned to deal with the human aspect is disheartening. At last, someone’s come along quite unafraid of looking at cancer in the eye and asking, “How do I get you?” With a wealth of powerful background and experience as an MD, James S. Welsh attacks cancer head-on in his new book, Sharks Get Cancer, Mole Rats Don’t, and raises an important question of where we should look for hope for a cure. The author appears to put a lot of emphasis on immunotherapy. I personally have doubts since one of the main side effects is how this approach is too damaging to healthy cells. Yet, Welsh sees hope. Why some creatures get cancer while others don’t has been a mystery throughout the ages. Welsh has touched on a significant aspect of biological development that may change the way we think of this disease.
ables that are not so random, and intelligently assigns numbers to the odds. Then he takes on the “infallibility of DNA” to show that it is easy enough to get a false conviction based solely on DNA evidence—arguing for a more realistic approach to solving crime. He tackles the question of strokes of genius and shows that hard work is much more responsible for invention. Finally, he looks at risk and how bankers and brokers try to manage loss. The book is written well; Mazur is a math professor who can make the math seem, if not simple, very understandable. He does demystify the mysterious but does it interestingly and with good humor. This book is for those who want to know the truth of things, not just the sensational suppositions. THE UNKNOWN UNIVERSE: A NEW EXPLORATION OF TIME, SPACE, AND MODERN COSMOLOGY By Stuart Clark Pegasus, $27.95, 288 pages Reviewed by D. Wayne Dworsky Check this out! ˙ Although not so new, The Unknown Universe strikes a new chord in American cosmological thinking. Stuart Clark’s book represents an effort to incorporate a fresh view of cosmology from a new face. Clark is an emerging voice in the new chorus of cosmological thinkers. His involvement with the Royal Astronomical Society bolsters his authenticity as a genuine cosmological thinker. He’s also established himself as an acclaimed science writer, having published in several forms. Indeed, that is clearly evident in the smooth and rich style he exhibits in his prose. He has taken a comprehensive perspective to discover nuances in the meaning of well-known theories from the most celebrated theorists. In particular, he addresses many of the issues that arose from Newton, Einstein, and plagued many others involved with dispelling the myths that preceded gravity and relativity theory. Among other topics, Clark clarifies the theoretical position of many thinkers in various areas related to the characteristics within their chapters. This enriches arguments in the theoretical arena, deepening the passion that the reader will experience during his read.
sier a E g n i d n i F Making
COSMO SAPIENS: HOW WE ARE EVOLVING FROM THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE By John Hands Overlook, $39.95, 704 pages Reviewed by D. Wayne Dworsky Check this out! We have long awaited scholarly work that addresses Homo sapiens in terms of the cosmos. Cosmo Sapiens by John Hands addresses this and more. The book has been endorsed by a distinguished collection of writers and scholars. It represents a comprehensive account of research in all the related fields under cosmology and how the universe began. Hands discusses myths, orthodox theory and other cosmological conjectures. He considers the evolution of matter on both large and small scales. He incorporates these concepts into the evolution of biological entities. The book leaves the reader with a sense that the previous discussion points to a greater whole that deserves exploring. Hands is no slouch either. He has assembled an impressive resume in the United Kingdom under a number of institutions. His book is a tribute to serious, new thinkers in the field and he leads the way to opening the doors to the new and possibilities by display of literate arguments. With an extensive bibliography, a compilation of notes, and a glossary and index worth reviewing, Cosmo Sapiens scores high. I wouldn’t exactly call it light reading, but for those motivated by cosmological curiosity, this book packs a punch and will not let the reader down.
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FLUKE: THE MATH AND MYTH OF COINCIDENCE By Joseph Mazur Basic Books, $26.99, 288 pages Reviewed by Ralph Peterson Check this out! When seemingly unusual events transpire, someone is bound to ask: “What are the odds of that?” In Fluke by Joseph Mazur, the author answers that question with mathematical precision, and the answer is, usually, better than you would think. Mazur lists several examples of seemingly random happenings such as finding random objects long missing, meeting people in unexpected places and times, even random dreams, as well as other odd coincidences. He constructs the chances, the odds, the vari-
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Speculative Fiction
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THE MIRROR TEST: AMERICA AT WAR IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN By J. Kael Weston Knopf, $28.95, 608 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out!
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JUST ONE DAMNED THING AFTER ANOTHER: THE CHRONICLES OF ST. MARY’S BOOK ONE By Jodi Taylor Night Shade Books, $12.99, 348 pages Reviewed by Axie Barclay Check this out! Best described as a mad-cap dash through history told with a generous dose British humor and a surety of things blowing up, Just One Damned Thing After Another is the first of the Chronicles of St. Mary’s Series. This delightful adventure by Jodi Taylor “explores historical events in contemporary time.” Madeleine “Max” Maxwell and her compatriots bang about in history, with history just as quick to bang them back, sometimes fatally. And they aren’t just fighting history this time, but others who would use time to their own advantage. With events in history spanning from the Cretaceous period to WWI, this story of St. Mary’s should appeal to readers who like their time travel realistic and their narrative sarcastic. Max is a thoroughly hilarious and confident narrator, and the sense of real danger, interspersed with copious amounts of tea, pervades the story. This is the kind of book that you walk away from believing in time travel. It sets up the rest of the series well, and should have most readers eager to see what the St. Mary’s crew will be on to destroy next.
J. Kael Weston served in the State Department through the early 2000s in Iraq and Afghanistan. The two areas were volatile and populated with the Marines in Iraq and Army in Afghanistan. The book examines the continual wars there, the early victories by Allied Forces in both countries, the emergence of Iraq as greater evil and early declarations of victory in both countries despite sectarian conflicts within Iraq and the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan. Weston would be present for the omnipresent horrors of war, IED casualties to near-RPG hits, difficult meetings with Iraqi leaders, Afghan Warlords and Military higher-ups. The positives, such as the free elections in Iraq would be muted by mounting US casualties and backward progress in rebuilding Iraq. The goals of both conflicts would never seem completely clear which would lead to the two stalemates that would ultimately ensue. Weston has written a battlefield memoir that consumes the reader. The personalities encountered on and off the battlefield never lack color, whether one of Weston’s interpreters or US colonel who wouldn’t take tough wounds lying down.... Weston writes apolitically, praise and condemnation for the bureaucrats, congressmen, politicos.... The examination of “Operation Mend”, the tributes to the casualties are poignant and also a must-read.... Weston’s book is an insider’s view of why what may seem just or right may not always be. THE PILGRIM JOURNEY: A HISTORY OF PILGRIMAGE IN THE WESTERN WORLD By James Harpur BlueBridge, $15.95, 208 pages Reviewed by Jane Manaster Check this out!
SLEEPING GIANTS By Sylvain Neuvel Del Rey, $26.00, 320 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! An 11-year-old girl falls into a chasm, only to be caught by a giant metal hand of unknown origin. Years later, the same girl is now a top physicist who has dedicated her life to solving the mystery of the giant hand. As it turns out, there are more pieces out there, and Dr. Rose Franklin is determined to find them and crack the riddle of this amazing discovery, one that will have both personal and global ramifications. Told in journal entries and interview transcripts with a mysterious benefactor, Sleeping Giants is a wonderful mystery, dripping with intrigue and caked in sci-fi trappings. A story about interpersonal relationships on a global scale, Neuvel manages to capture our modern alarmist culture and balance it with the best and worst of humanity in a story that is all about the beautiful and terrible possibilities to be found lurking in any new scientific endeavor. It’s a stunning debut, to be sure, one that asks so many hard questions and challenges both the reader and the characters to answer them, sometimes with unsettling results. I cannot wait to see where the story goes next. I suspect Neuvel has some remarkable sights to share with us. THE GOD WAVE: A NOVEL By Patrick Hemstreet Harper Voyager, $24.99, 400 pages Reviewed by John Murray Check this out! Humans only use about 10 percent of our brains (a fact up for debate). What would happen if whatever unused portion were to be unlocked or we could be trained to do so? That’s the premise of The God Wave. A scientist studying brain waves and an aloof mathematician team up in an attempt to channel the electricity and impulses created when someone focuses intently on a task into performing that task directly. The two geniuses gather talented people from various professions (game design, construction work, art and others) and get to work. Before long the team discovers a new brain wave, the titular God Wave but with a more technical name of zeta wave. As they delve deeper into the God Wave, powers begin to manifest and draw the attention of the wrong people. The God Wave is the first of a trilogy and it shows. Hemstreet does a great job of getting right into the action and building up his sci-fi world. As the story progresses, more and more of the world opens up—which bodes well for the future of the series. As a debut novel, it suffers from some issues but nothing that really detracts from the overall story.
Since the Magi journeyed to bring gifts to the Christ child 2,000 years ago, pilgrimages have served religious, disciplinary and social functions of Christianity in the western world. James Harpur’s compact detailing of the early Irish ‘escapes from Christ’ to the ‘virtual pilgrimages’ of today vigorously embraces the mainstays and changes. The staple of Roman Christianity, journeys to view the everincreasing number of relics of the holy family and early saints later became so commercialized that their integrity became questionable. In Medieval times, pilgrims traveling to major shrines, like St. Peters in Rome, found services like dentists and cobblers supplementing the essential food stalls. Medieval penitents were obliged to travel far to receive indulgences unless it was deemed more practical to stay home and receive severe floggings. The Eastern Orthodox focus on icons, and evolving practices brought about by the Crusades and subsequently the Reformation are woven into the history of pilgrims, along with the search for miraculous cures for the incurable sought with the help of votive offerings at shrines that have emerged on the landscape over the centuries until as late as the 20th century. In some instances, a secular motivation is replacing the spiritual purpose. For whatever reason, pilgrims continue to tread the path. The numerous aspects of Christian pilgrimage are revealed in clearly organized, gracefully written pages. Even readers previously unaware or disinterested in the scope of pilgrimage will likely be fascinated by this neither sanctimonious nor irreverent book. THE BURGER COURT AND THE RISE OF THE JUDICIAL RIGHT By Michael J. Graetz, Linda Greenhouse Simon & Schuster, $30.00, 480 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out! Warren Burger had a herculean task: filling the shoes of Earl Warren as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He had ruled on some of the major civil rights decisions in the United States. Warren Burger was selected by President Richard Nixon in the hopes of overturning the more liberal rulings. Warren Burger would rule over the Supreme Court from 1969-1986, a plethora of substantial cases weaving their way through the highest court. President Nixon had appointed Burger, Harry Blackmun, Lewis Powell and William Rehnquist in the hopes of pushing the law and order agenda. Nixon’s hopes would be partially met, as See BURGER, cont’d on page 15
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BURGER, cont’d from page 14 some previous rulings would be hacked away at, but a divided court would result in the upholding of many of the Warren Court’s decisions. The court would see a gradual move to the right with subsequent retirement of the more liberal minds, but stalwarts such as Justices Marshall, White, Brennan, Stevens, with the occasional Conservative dissent would keep the laws from tilting towards the right. Michael Graetz and Linda Greenhouse’s study of this tumultuous Supreme Court covers important cases, running the gamut from abortion, civil rights, obscenity laws, to executive privilege. Every decision would be fought, partisan tendency never completely hidden. Some justices displayed a keen magnifying eye for the constitution, others looked to their party and constituents. Graetz and Greenhouse’s book is important for its look at the judicial branch as a valued and treasured check on power.
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CRIME FICTION, cont’d from page 2 DESIGN FOR DYING: A LILLIAN FROST & EDITH HEAD NOVEL By Renee Patrick Forge Books, $24.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out! Lillian Frost is a department store sales girl in 1937 Hollywood. She gave up long ago on her acting dreams and is just surviving until she finds out what she wants to do. Then her old roommate, Ruby, gets murdered wearing a gown stolen from Paramount Pictures, the department of the famous Edith Head. They begin to work together to solve this mystery in Design for Dying. I didn’t realize until I saw the back cover of this book that it was written by a husband and wife team. You couldn’t tell at all that two different people were writing this story. It very much came across as one mind. You can tell they really know their movies and Hollywood history. It was an interesting mystery, but what drew my attention more was the authors’ ability to draw you into that time period. From the way people talked, to how they dressed and what the setting was like, it felt like I was in an old movie getting to see things firsthand. I don’t think the story is very plausible, with a salesgirl and a costume designer solving the mystery, but it still captured me and left me wanting to read more. BRIGHTON: A NOVEL By Michael Harvey Ecco, $27.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out! Brighton starts off in the ‘70s with a crime being committed against a family member of Kevin Pearce, who at that time is 15. Kevin decides to take things into his own hands and get his own justice. He would have succeeded had his friend Bobby not intervened and done it for him. Bobby gets Kevin out of town and Kevin goes on to make a name for himself as an investigative journalist. Almost 30 years later, some more people get murdered, even using the same gun as in their crime and it looks like Bobby is the killer, so Kevin heads home to save his friend and their secrets. I can’t think of a better way to describe this book than a gritty look at what life was like on the tougher side of Boston. Nobody’s life was easy in this book, you start to feel like they had no other choice than to go down the path that was in front of them - everyone a victim of their past and their environment. Even though Kevin is the main character, I was drawn more to the complex Bobby. Each character was wellwritten though, and Michael Harvey definitely knows what he’s doing. NONFICTION, cont’d from page 11 TROUBLE IN THE TRIBE: THE AMERICAN JEWISH CONFLICT OVER ISRAEL By Dov Waxman Princeton University Press, $29.95, 328 pages Reviewed by David Lloyd Sutton Check this out! This is properly subtitled The American Jewish Conflict Over Israel. More, it is an exploration of the evolving foci of diaspora Jewry in the U.S. Delving into religious and political interaction, generational drift, intermarriage and denominational reproductive tendencies, it is a scholarly work, inculcating polls, surveys, statistics and history. Chapter notes alone, in a font that would induce myopia in an ant, are 71 pages long. The bibliography, equally small-writ, is another 25. Above all, the author is thorough and careful in exploring the growing schism between earlier right-or-wrong diaspora supporters of Israel and an emerging social justice generation with far less connection to holocaust immediacy and the fear of anti-Semitism, Trouble leaving no stone unturned. I said this is a scholarly work – partially because it is a numbingly repetitious read. Everything seems to be repeated about four times, lest a prior phrasing saying the same thing might have missed target. There are no short sentences. Additionally, each chapter has a Conclusion segment, sometimes approaching 10 percent of the length of the chapter text. And the book has a Conclusion segment. Absolutely necessary on the shelf of any American politician or social anthropologist; tedious but necessary.
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Digital Literacy Lab demonstrations New collection of books and materials Roaming performers And lots more!
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Fifth Street and Denver Avenue • 918.549.7323 for more information The grand opening features fun for the whole family, including:
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