Tulsa
event guide
INSIDE! January 2016
Book Review 4 7 8 14
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3
F R E E
NEW AND OF INTEREST
C H E C K
Date-onomics
I T
Connect the Stars
Where are all the good men? Page 6
Wilderness camp Page 9
O U T
Hoot Owl Fooling yourself Page 10
Dreamland
Male Bonding
A Little Life By Hanya Yanagihara Doubleday, $30.00, 720 pages Check this out! In Hanya Yanagihara’s second novel, A Little Life, four young men, alike in exceptional drive and talent, form a tight-knit bond of friendship in college, a bond that is tested during their ups and downs in New York in the decades following their graduation. A Little Life is a strange epic—brave, exciting, traumatic and affirming. It begins as a sort of bildungsroman, or coming-of-age tale, for JB, Malcolm, Willem and Jude, but eventually turns into a thematic exploration of love amongst friends, and male ones at that.
Rather than the usual ‘table for two’ tale of intimate love, or Eros, the novel’s emphasis of friendship as a type of love, or Philia, is an audacious move, or at least appears so in a culture that—via Lifetime movies, “The Bachelorette” and “50 Shades”—acts as if its sole demographic are sad and lonely women on the verge of buying their first cat. A Little Life highlights the strong foundation of love that exists between a person and his or her best friends, unions that unlike family or erotic love are neither forced nor fleeting, but freely chosen and cherished over time. As one friend states near the book’s beginning, “No one gets the parents they deserve.” While this refers to a See Little Life, cont’d on page 8
Dream a little dream Page 12
A Borrowed Man Handy and appreciated Page 14
46 Reviews INSIDE!
Write On!
&
R E A D E R S ’ A N D W R I T E R S ’ PA N E L
Saturday, Jan. 9 • 1-4:30 p.m.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY, FROSSARD AUDITORIUM 8316 E. 93RD ST. • 918.549.7550 PANEL DISCUSSION FOR ASPIRING WRITERS • 1-2:30 p.m. • MAPLE ROOM A panel of publishers and writers will share tips on getting your work published. Panelists includeTate Publishing, Total Publishing & Media, Books-A-Daisy owner and author Karen Marie Graham, Nimrod Editor-in-Chief Eilis O’Neal, authors Will Thomas and Colleen McCarty.
R E A D E R S : Meet 40 local authors, buy their books, get them signed and support library programming; 10 percent of all sales will be donated to the Tulsa Library Trust.
W R I T E R S : Attend the panel discussion, get tips from publishers and writers, and network with others. This program is in conjunction with Tulsa City-County Library’s Adult Creative Writing Contest. Deadline for entries is Jan. 31. For more details, visit: www.TulsaLibrary.org/Friends/Contest
Tammy Acuff Deniece Adsit Bob Av ey Margare t Aycoc k Scott A ycock Peter B iadasz J.L. Bro ok D.E. Ch andler Mary Co ley Joshua Danker -Dake Rita Du rrett E.P. Fer guson Jen Gen try Hannah Gray Go rdon Shirley Howard Hall Tricia H arsley Joe Har well Christin e Jarmo la J.A. Kim mel Becky K ruse
Jim Lau ghter Reneé L a Vines s Mariana Llanos Barbara Lockett Colleen McCart y Stephen McCue Jennife r McMu rrain Tammy Mullins A Murd er of St orytelle Rae Ne rs al Debbie Noble Mick Sc hovane c Dr. Mar k Sherw ood Carla St ewart Will Tho mas Linda T rout Bill Wet terman Pam W etterma n Beth S. Wilson Daniel W imberle y
Tulsa
Book Review Tulsa City-County Library 400 Civic Center Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103 Ph. (918) 549-7323
IN THIS ISSUE
Happy New Year!
Fiction............................................................4
EDITOR IN CHIEF Ross Rojek ross@1776productions.com
Romance.........................................................5
EDITOR/COORDINATOR Jackie Hill Tulsa City-County Library GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT
Nonfiction...............................................6, 7, 8
Steph Rodriguez COPY EDITORS Michelle Baker Michael Julian Heather Osborne
Tweens...........................................................9
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Christopher Hayden Faith Lewis Serena Vogel
Picture Books...............................................10
WEBSITE TulsaBookReview.com
Kids’ Books...................................................11
Teens...................................................... 12, 13
Speculative Fiction....................................... 14 The Tulsa Book Review is published monthly by City Book Review. The opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Tulsa Book Review or City Book Review advertisers. All images are copyrighted by their respective copyright holders. All words ©2016, City Book Review
FROM THE GUEST PUBLISHER
Biographies & Memoirs................................15
I love the newness of a new year. How about you? It’s exciting and it just feels like a fresh start that’s full of possibility and opportunity. There’s something about a new year that compels me to reflect and challenge myself to try new things. Tulsa City-County Library has a few new opportunities to help you kick off the new year. Chances are you own a cellphone. Yours may even be a smartphone. Did you know that 90 percent of adults own a cellphone, 64 percent have a smartphone, and 67 percent check their phones for alerts and messages even when the phone is not ringing? For your convenience, we introduce you to a new service that offers two-way, real-time text messaging so you quickly can take action on your library account. You will be able to renew books immediately, be notified of books available on the hold shelf, and know the due dates of books or what fines they have accrued. Visit www.TulsaLibrary.org/library-text-alerts for more details and to sign up for two-way text messaging. While you’re planning ahead and deciding what books will make your must-read list this year, why not make your way to Hardesty Regional Library on Saturday, January 9 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for “Write On! Readers’ and Writers’ Panel & Book Fair,” featuring 40 local authors who will have their works for sale, as well as a panel of publishers and writers who will share tips on getting your work published. Speaking of writing, if you are an aspiring writer or already a published author, you should consider entering the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries’ annual Adult Creative Writing Contest. This is the 39th year for the Friends to offer the contest. There is still plenty of time to enter as the deadline is January 31. Perhaps this is the year that you have decided to seek a new career. If that’s you, then the library’s free Job Now service can assist you with expert résumé help, interview coaching and career advice. See the back cover of this issue of the Tulsa Book Review for more details. Whatever your recreational, personal or professional goals are for 2016, your Tulsa City-County Library is here to assist you. So here’s to a great year ahead that’s full of promise and opportunity. We’ll see you at the library! Warm regards,
Kim Johnson Chief Operating Officer Tulsa City-County Library
Book Reviews
Category
Fiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Exquisite Corpse By Pénélope Bagieu First Second, $19.99, 128 pages Check this out! Exquisite Corpse is a humorous little black comedy about three not-nice people who exploit each other for financial gain and emotional security. Zoe is a young Parisienne in an awful rut. She hates her deadend job as a fulltime booth babe, her deadbeat boyfriend and her life. All of this changes, though, when she has a chance encounter with Thomas Rocher, a famous, albeit reclusive, author. Thomas’ horrible writer’s block vanishes the moment he meets Zoe. With his ex-wife and editor, Agathe, always hovering about, they form an unlikely trio. Yet, Zoe soon tires of feeding Thomas’ ego and putting up with his eccentricities. When the truth about his reclusive habits are revealed, Zoe responds in a devastating and manipulative way. The cruel and yet entertaining twist ending of Exquisite Corpse makes it a winner among standalone graphic novels. What seems to be a trite love triangle story becomes a breathtaking con job. While the book may offend some straight-laced readers with its amorality, it’s difficult not to congratulate the characters on getting their own back. Exquisite Corpse is highly recommended for anyone who deals with annoying writers, insomniac editors and clueless millennials who never read. Reviewed by Rachel Anne Calabia Exit Strategy: An EXIT Inc. Thriller By Lena Diaz Avon, $5.99, 384 pages Check this out! Calling all romantic thriller aficionados: Exit Strategy by Lena Diaz is a must read! Ms. Diaz will spellbind and bewitch her readers in the sexy, titillating, explosive, seductive romantic suspense thriller. In this compelling and action-packed read, you will not want to put the book down. Explosive!! That is one word that comes to
my mind when I read Lena Diaz’s Exit Strategy. Right at the opening pages, I was hooked, and you could not pry this book from my hands. When Sabrina Hightower awakens to the sound of an intruder, she tries her best to escape and put up a fight. She doesn’t expect to be hauled off by a sexy, muscle-bound man. Mason Hunt is an enforcer for EXIT Inc. His job is simply to eliminate any danger threatening the safety of America. In other words, his job is to kill the bad guys. So when he was assigned to get rid of Sabrina, he didn’t expect to discover his latest target is innocent, and now, he must do everything in his power to keep her safe. Sabrina is one tough, feisty and sassy heroine. She doesn’t give up, and puts up one hell of a fight, which attracts Mason to her spit-fire personality. As they try to discover why Sabrina is the target, passion, lust and attraction begin to ignite between them. But getting to know each other might be difficult when their safety is in jeopardy, as Mason tries to figure out who are really the good guys. With Sabrina’s safety at risk, since EXIT Inc. wants her eliminated, both she and Mason try to figure one exit strategy in order to ensure they both survive, as assassins try to eliminate them. Questions begin to arise. Can EXIT Inc. be trusted? Ms. Diaz does an amazing job with Exit Strategy. With continuous action, readers will be consumed, as they try to discover who to trust. All I got to say is that I loved this book. It was such a sexy, riveting, exciting and suspenseful read, full of twists and turns that will keep any reader entertained. So, if you are looking for a heartpounding, action-packed suspense that is well-written, then I highly recommend Exit Strategy. Reviewed by Michelle Tan
The Uninvited: A Novel By Cat Winters William Morrow Paperbacks, $14.99, 368 pages Check this out! All the Rowan women are cursed to see the ghosts of loved ones when death approaches. During the Great Influenza of 1918, Ivy Rowan recovers from the flu to learn of her brother’s death overseas. In a fit of revenge and rage, her father and brother brutally attack and murder a young German merchant in town. Disgusted and outraged by their actions, Ivy shatters her isolation and moves into town. There she falls down the rabbit hole into a world broken by fear and panic. Her “uninvited guests” begin to show more and more frequently, as she attempts to right her family’s wrong by aiding the German’s brother, but she falls in love instead. As jazz music permeates the air and passions ignite, Ivy struggles to face an ever increasingly unstable world. The Uninvited is an eerily haunting, beautifully tragic, dream-like, page-turner fueled by passion, fear and anger. Reviewed by John Murray The Marriage of Opposites By Alice Hoffman Simon & Schuster, $27.99, 365 pages Check this out! Three quarters of this book is quite good and well-written, particularly the descriptions of the island. Unfortunately, the last part of the book falls apart and is not resolved in any way for the reader. The characters become confusing and their motives are cloudy. Deaths and illnesses interject into the story and seem unnecessary. Alice Hoffman is an acclaimed writer with more than 30 works of fiction. This book purports to be about the family of Camille Pissarro, the great master and influencer of Impressionism. In this story, his store-keeping family despises Pissarro’s passion for art and sets up road blocks to his career. However, Pissarro is only a side character to his mother’s story. His mother sacrifices her youth and her dreams of traveling to Paris to keep the family business afloat. She becomes the mother to 10 children and the wife of a much older widower. The tropical atmo-
Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 4
sphere is brilliantly evoked — one feels the oppressive humidity and the blazing sun. Would that the characters had been deepened. Was the author on a deadline to finish? It seems that there might be a more compelling ending. Reviewed by Julia McMichael The Rumor: A Novel By Elin Hilderbrand Little, Brown and Company, $28.00, 384 pages Check this out! Oh, dear, you can feel trouble brewing! Grace, the avid gardener, and her husband, Eddie, the relentless realtor, are the parents of beautiful twins, Hope and Allegra. Madeline, the novelist and best friend of Grace, is desperately seeking an idea for her next novel. This mix becomes a recipe for, dare we say it, gossip. A rumor surely must be the fastest mode for broadcasting information on Nantucket Island. Five main characters in The Rumor, Grace, Eddie, Hope, Madeline and the island itself, take turns sharing their points of view of the happenings from April through August. These yearround inhabitants have a culture all their own. The information spread among the tightly knit coterie moves like wildfire. Summers on Nantucket Island are legendary, full of idyllic days spent frolicking on the pristine beaches and enjoying the party atmosphere encouraged by vacationers escaping city life. Author Elin Hilderbrand, herself a resident of the island, presents yet another peek into the lives of the rich and not-so rich island dwellers. By page 200, The Rumor bursts into full-blown chaos taking on a life of its own. Connoisseurs of the “summer beach novel genre” will devour her latest offering. Reviewed by Ruta Arellano
Book Reviews
Category
Romance SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Forever Your Earl: The Wicked Quills of London By Eva Leigh Avon, $7.99, 384 pages Check this out! Eleanor Hawke runs a gossip rag, collecting and publishing snippets of information about the rich and famous in Regency-era England. Her tonguewagging is meant to serve as a moral admonishment, which strikes a nerve with Daniel Balfour, Earl of Ashford. Daniel offers Eleanor the opportunity to
shadow him on his nightly conquests. Eleanor obliges him, and eventually, their time together grows into something more than a professional relationship. Sprinkled with anachronisms, Forever Your Earl brings a taste of the modern dating scene to a time when dating as we know it just didn’t happen. A secondary plot arc involved Daniel’s brother as a combat veteran, returning to society and being unable to adjust. This modern-day sentiment addressed in a novel set in the Romantic era was out of place, but it seemed like it was encouraging compassion to current-day returning veterans, in subtext. The love story is sweet, but some of the dialogue was meant to be witty, but it came off as silly and unnatural. Eleanor was a strong, decisive character, but Daniel was considerably flimsier and more difficult to care about. Forever Your Earl
is a good way to escape in the pages of a book, but is easily forgettable when it’s over. Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Sinner’s Steel (The Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club) By Sarah Castille St. Martin’s Paperbacks, $7.99, 352 pages Check this out! “She was his. And he wanted her body and soul.” If you are fan of rough, sexy, raw, intense and gritty MC romance novels then I highly recommend that you read the Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club series by Sarah Castille. In this dark and dangerous world of bikers, Ms. Castille takes her readers down a vivid and raw journey of bikers, rival clubs and the fierce ladies who are willing to go beyond the means to protect and stand by their men. In this third installment, Sinner’s Steel, Castille perfectly weaves a raw, gritty and intense perspective of bikers, MC clubs, and the code of brotherhood that these bikers live and die for. In this gripping and riveting tale, the author immerses her readers in this all-consuming complicated love story in the background
Jan. 20
PARIS TO SPAIN WITH TEENAGERS by Stacy Nyikos, author Enjoy a merry gallop across the fantastic city of Paris to the beaches of Mallorca with teenagers in tow. Join us on the musical steps of Sacre Coeur to the shaded courtyards in Valldemossa where Chopin visited for inspiration. There is something for everyone!
Jan. 27
Wednesdays 12:10-12:50 p.m.
University Village Retirement Community Stovall Theater 8555 S. Lewis Ave. Coffee provided by University Village Sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries
EAST AFRICA PHOTO SAFARI by Jan Reese, retired associate dean of students, Chicago Medical School A photo safari in Tanzania and Kenya provided opportunities to explore many animals and varied areas of the Serengeti, the Masai Mara and the Ngorongoro Crater. The highlight was viewing over 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, tracked by Africa’s predators, on their great migration.
Feb. 3
MADAGASCAR by Dale Wilkerson, retired vice president and controller, Alliance Resource Partners Come to the fourth largest island in the world, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southeast Africa. It is a biodiversity hotspot with over 90 percent of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Join us as we look for lemurs in the forests of this unique spot.
of revenge, first love, second chances, loss, forgiveness and chicanery. So when two former lovers are reunited and have their lives collide, can passion, memories, lust, desire and forgiveness be enough to reignite the sparks for a second chance at love? Or will the years separated forged two different paths in their lives? Zane “Tracker” Colter, a VP for the MC club Sinner’s Tribe, has been living the outlaw life for nine years. With a warrant for arrest back in his hometown of Stanton, Montana, Zane knew he could never go back. Accused for a murder he didn’t commit, he has been living with a secret that he knows will destroy the woman he loves. Evie has always been the one. She owned his heart the moment he laid his eyes on her when he was 10 years old. Zane and Evie promised each other forever, but when Zane suddenly had to disappear, she was destroyed. When Zane returned back for Evie, he was too late because she seemed to have moved on. Zane and Evie’s lives collide nine years later, a possible second chance to reignite that love lingers. But what happens when Zane learns that Evie is now dating the rival MC president of the Sinner’s Tribe. Can he just sit back and let Evie be with an evil man? How far will Zane go to get back the girl he lost? The sexual chemistry and bond that exists between Zane and Evie was sizzling and palpable. Their connection was the cementing foundation of what it means to sacrifice, Sinner’s Steel cont’d on page 15
Feb. 10
INDIA AND NEPAL IN 1995 by Gary Mailes, retired accountant with Atlantic Richfield Oil Co. Explore a country that is one-third the size of the U.S. but has almost four times the population – India. Its neighbor to the north, Nepal, has eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world on its border. Cap off the journey with a bird’s eye view of Mt. Everest from a plane instead of the usual hike.
Feb. 17
A VISIT TO ANTARCTICA by Howard Barnett, president, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa From the tip of South America sail for 10 days aboard Le Boreal, a French exhibition ship. Encounter four different kinds of penguin, more birds than one is able to count, along with whales, walruses and seals.
Feb. 24
PANAMA CANAL PLUS by Tom Campbell, president, Campbell Organizational Services Inc. Acquire some canal history as you cruise through the Panama Canal and ports beyond. Visit the historic center of Cartagena, Colombia (one of the most raided ports during colonial times), and a Costa Rican rain forest before riding a submarine in the Cayman Islands.
Book Reviews
Category
Nonfiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Date-onomics: How Dating Became a Lopsided Numbers Game By Jon Birger Workman Publishing Company, $15.95, 224 pages Check this out! Demographics show that there are, in fact, many more college-educated women than men. Author Jon Birger explains the historical reasons for this discrepancy, and the resulting (rather dismaying) dating implications. For example, where there are more women than men (e.g., NYC and many college campuses) relationships tend to be much more casual, fluid and sexualized. Most frighteningly, micropopulations with this dynamic tend to have higher
rates of sexual violence. A dearth of women tends to lead to longer, more stable relationships, higher marriage rates and increased achievement by the men seeking to woo them. Perhaps in- tuitively not surprising, still this is fascinating stuff, backed by solid studies and statistics. The author does offer some recommendations for solving the dilemma: professional women might have
better luck finding a soul mate at maledominated STEM schools, or by dating outside their educational or occupational class (‘mixed-collar’ relationships). The picture painted for white-collar heterosexual men (lots of sex, little commitment) is either rosy, or disgusting, depending on your point of view. The writing is focused and brisk, easy and entertaining as befits a popular psychology book. Romance may not be dead, but it doesn’t hurt to play the numbers. Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Birds of South America: Passerines By Ber van Perlo Princeton University Press, $29.95, 464 pages Check this out! For those who are new to bird watching, excellent field guides are necessary to making the experience great. This guide covers 1,952 passerines (those birds which have feet adapted for perching and including all songbirds) that are found in South America. An introductory section has a very nice description
39th annual adult
writing contest 2016 Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 6
of each family of birds and other helpful notes. There are nearly 200 color plates, each with around 10 birds represented, some showing both male and female. The drawings, though small, show a great deal of detail and are beautifully rendered. On the pages facing the plates, short but very complete descriptions of each bird are included. These descriptions contain the bird’s common name, its scientific name, size in centimeters, similarities to or differences from other birds on the page, a description of the bird’s song and what the specific habitat is. In addition, there is a tiny map for each bird showing what area in South America it can be found. The very small size (7.5 inches by 5 inches by 1.5 inches) makes this a perfect guide for travelers, although it is a little heavy for purse or pocket, weighing over 12 ounces. This is an excellent resource. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Orange Is the New Black and Philosophy By Richard Greene, Rachel Robison-Greene (editors) Open Court, $19.95, 288 pages Check this out! Similar to others in the Pop Culture and Philosophy series, this book critically examines the popular Netflix series as well as the original book by Piper Kerman from a philosophy standpoint. Multiple essayists write on
deadline: Jan. 31 cash prizes awarded Children’s fiction informal essay poetry short story
entry forms are available at all tulsa city-county library locations or online at www.tulsalibrary.org/friends. sponsored by the friends of the tulsa city-county libraries.
Book Reviews
different themes, including ethical practices, selfidentity, friendship and existentialism. Multiple authors noted similarities between Sartre’s concept of existentialism and the way that prisons reduce individuals to a state of existentialism impossible to reach under normal conditions. Another discussed the literal “Prisoner’s Dilemma” situation that took place in Season 2 of the series; some compared Litchfield to the famed Panopticon prison, and one even pointed out similarities between Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren and Don Quixote. Strangely, one chapter simply summarizes a history of women in prison without going into much analysis, which seemed a little beside the point, as did the segment about “shipping” relationships in fiction. However, the variety of viewpoints— one chapter is written by a transgender lawyer to whom the effects and shortcomings of the prison-industrial complex are more than familiar—makes for a thought-provoking read. For any fan of Orange Is the New Black who wishes to dig even deeper into the subtle philosophical underpinnings of both the book and the television series, this book is a must. Reviewed by Jackie Bussjaeger
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments By Ali Almossawi, Alejandro Giraldo (illustrator) The Experiment, $14.95, 64 pages Check this out! This short book claims to outline the most common logical fallacies we make. Each of the 19 fallacies gets two pages: one page which explains the fallacy, and the facing page which illustrates it as a cartoon. While written as a children’s book, the reading level is better suited for those in high school. Logical fallacies illustrated in this book are visually classified as formal and informal. The informal category groups some of these fallacies as red herrings. To explain a fallacy in one short page is not always easy – especially the more complex ones. Hence, in some areas, the text requires a closer reading to understand the fallacy. While not as frequent, in some cases the illustration requires some interpretation to see how it relates to the fallacy being considered. While not comprehensive, it is a good book to help high-school students and adults label and perhaps identify common logical fallacies. Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali
Writing the War: Chronicles of a World War II Correspondent By Charles Kiley Prometheus Books, $25.00, 470 pages Check this out! This is a beautiful, moving collection of letters between a journalist for the U.S. Army’s Stars and Stripes newspaper and the woman he would marry. Journalist Charles Kiley reported on the war from London, Normandy, Paris, Reims, Belgium and Germany from 1942 until the war’s end in 1945. (Indeed, Kiley was the only reporter present to witness Germany’s u nc ond it ion a l surrender on May 7, 1945.) This is a love story and a story of war. The letters are from Charles to his fiancée, Billee, who worked in a defense industry plant, sold war bonds, and was a civil defense plane spotter and a Red Cross volunteer. Their exchanges, interspersed with Charles’ articles from the Stars and Stripes, provide an in-the-moment glimpse of wartorn Europe, as well as the anxious life on the homefront. From London, September 1943, Charles writes, “Whenever I begin to write, the first thought in my mind borders on something akin to the whole world being against me, and us. I suppose I should be trying to make you smile, instead of looking across the ocean at you with sad eyes. In May 1944, Billee writes to Charles from her home in Asheville, NC: “The WACs are really on a recruiting drive around here. They’ll be snatching us off the streets first thing I know….Yesterday was a busy day. We had 12 for dinner … I had to stay up until two am to put five soldiers to bed: One of the USO centers in town reserved rooms for five from Camp Croft, and they didn’t show up until that time.” From Paris, in December 1944, Kiley writes, “We are billeted in a fourth-rate hotel, two men to a room with hot water about three days a week. Still, it’s better than most have here and nobody is kicking.” Charles and Billee were married in 1944. After the war ended, they had six children; Charles worked at The New York Herald Tribune for 20 years, then was editor-in-chief of The New York Law Journal for another 20 years. He died in 2001. Compiled and edited by the couple’s son, daughter and son-in-law, Writing the War is an extraordinary tribute to Charles and Billee and others of their “greatest generation.” Reviewed by Molly Culbertson
Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 7
BESTSELLERS COMING SOON
TO TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
Book Reviews One-Skein Wonders for Babies: 101 Knitting Projects for Infants & Toddlers By Judith Durant (editor) Storey Publishing, LLC, $18.95, 288 pages Check this out! There is not a parent anywhere who doesn’t absolutely love a hand-knitted gift for their new baby. For a goodsized collection of (mostly) simple knitting projects for babies and toddlers, look no further than One-Skein Wonders for Babies. This collection, edited by Judith Durant, features 101 fun knitting projects for the little ones in your life. There are a wide variety of ideas in this book: the usual hats, booties and blankets; shirts and pants; dresses; jackets for all ages; and even a selection of stuffed animals and other snuggly toys. There are practical items, like the Bath Toy Hammock, and even Mom’s Stress Reducer (because parenting is hard sometimes!). The patterns are all clearly written with enough detail to walk knitters of any experience level through, and there are plenty of photographs showing what the finished projects look like. And the best part? Each project uses a relatively small amount of yarn, meaning that none of them are expensive, and many can easily be made out of the stash a dedicated knitter already has at home! One bothersome inclusion is the Car Seat-Friendly Baby Sack, which seems like a cute idea but is, in reality, very dangerous to use on a baby buckled into a car seat. That project aside, most of this book is filled with cute projects to challenge knitters of all levels. Reviewed by Holly Scudero Farmhouse Rules: Simple, Seasonal Meals for the Whole Family By Nancy Fuller, Jamie Prescott (photographer) Grand Central Life & Style, $30.00, 284 pages Check this out! Farmhouse Rules, by Nancy Fuller, is a cross between coffee-table book and cookbook, but more the former. Its weight n e a r l y equals three pounds of butter – impractical as a cookbook. It is filled with a huge number of photos: food, farm scenes, and an embarrassingly large number of the author and her family. These are book fillers. Some of the photos are poorly placed: a cute lamb
Nonfiction next to lamb burger recipe and a sad looking cow next to hamburger. Or a young pig next to picnic pork recipe. Another filler is the introduction comprised of the author’s biography. The 15 farm rules are basic for any good cook. The recipes are good, but can be rich. They are often complex, but using readily available ingredients. The recipe layout is nice and instructions are easy-to-follow. The emphasis of the book is family and family dining together. The book is divided by the four seasons, and recipes of each season are given according to the meals of the day. The book is not written for beginner cooks, many with discouragingly long lists of ingredients; but to the advanced cook, it will definitely be a challenge. The index is good and clearly written. Overall, a weighty book, but it could be ideal for the right cook. Reviewed by George Erdosh Coconut Kitchen: Cooking With Nature’s Most Beautifying Superfood By Meredith Baird Familius, $19.95, 184 pages Check this out! Single-topic cookbooks are rarely useful unless you use that product a lot. Coconut particularly fits this category. Coconut Kitchen is an unusual cookbook in which Meredith Baird promotes both the flavor of dishes cooking with coconut, but, equally well, coconut’s health and nutritional benefits. Most of the recipes are vegan, raw and gluten-free. This trade paperback is nicely produced, with many professional food photos. The recipes are well laid out for the cook’s convenience, and they are mostly fairly simple—often no more than mixing raw ingredients. Baird starts with the basics: all about coconuts and many of the practical aspects of using coconut in the kitchen, including 15 benefits of eating coconut. Before using the recipes, you need to have a well-stocked health-food store as you will be looking for some truly unusual ingredients (matcha, hijik, maca, chlorophyll, Bulgarian rose water, etc). The cookbook is not very practical, using small amounts of perishable ingredients you may not have on hand. The chapter headings are logical according to meals except the first: Ferments. This is using kefir in a number of recipes. The last chapter (clearly for women) is on skin and body care using coconut. Index is simply by ingredients. Reviewed by George Erdosh The Price of Thirst: Global Water Inequality and the Coming Chaos By Karen Piper Univ Of Minnesota Press, $26.95, 296 pages Check this out!
The Price of Thirst: Global Water Inequality and the Coming Chaos by Karen Piper is a lucid, reasoned and alarming description of the privatization of one of the world’s most precious resources: clean water. Karen Piper examines the water situation in Chile, California, South Africa, India, Egypt and Iraq, and finds a disheartening array of corporate interests dismantling local access to water, the hydraulic environment, and/or both, in pursuit of corporate profit. The Price of Thirst is informative, wellresearched and well-reasoned. It is also a provocative assault on traditional ideals of liberal economics. Piper examines free trade and liberalism through the lens of political power, and finds that power being wielded across the globe to further disenfranchise the powerless. In the cases Piper examines, she finds that disenfranchisement takes the form of unsanitary drinking water, cholera, dysentery and dehydration. While the author’s political views are evident and certainly color the work’s interpretation of the data, the writing stands on its own; readers from across the spectrum will enjoy the work. The Price of Thirst will be a thought-provoking read for students of economics and political science, whether formal, armchair, or otherwise. Reviewed by Brett Peterson Metamorphosis: Astonishing Insect Transformations By Rupert Soskin Bloomsbury USA, $50.00, 256 pages Check this out! Most have had the experience of witnessing, either in person or through photographs, the beautiful metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, but few have seen or even thought about the process for other insects, though many have a similar journey. Some are quite beautiful in this process, but others are strange or even terrifying in these stunning close-up, highly magnified photographs. These creatures have fangs and pincers and strange antennae and weird eyes. They are armored or hairy or translucent or pitted or polka dotted. This incredible book will give anyone interested in insects, or in biology in general, a view of these creatures not easily found. The accompanying text is quite thorough without being daunting in any way.
Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 8
The information is very accessible for nonscientists, yet it’s very complete and never talks down to the reader. But it is the photographs that really carry this book. The glory of nature is front and center in every photograph of these strange, mysterious little animals. Broken into two main sections — insects that undergo partial metamorphosis through molting, and those that undergo a complete metamorphosis such as butterflies — this is a satisfyingly complete study of this process. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Little Life cont’d from cover realization among the four friends about their own parents, or lack thereof, the statement also makes clear how important friendship is in today’s digital age. A Little Life reflects the central idea of friends as one’s second family, with the latter’s same tics of loyalty, anger and devotion, “but this time, with feeling.” That is, while all bloodrelations end up thrown together by the happenstance of birth, real friendships are the opposite of arbitrary and are tested over time. Friendship is a mutual agreement and cannot fall back on shared genes during periods of disagreement or indifference. And while friendship has always existed, A Little Life makes clear it has entered a new phase of importance in an era of Facebook ‘friends’ and Twitter followers, with the latter’s superficial gloss making real friendship all the more valuable, desired and hard to come by. The novel, while epic in size and scope, focuses solely on the personal lives of its characters rather than mixing these with the larger historical events surrounding them. It is indeed a unique doorstopper of a book in that it turns upside down what is usually prioritized in epics like David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas or Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The horrible childhood and resulting psychological trauma for Jude, which is the primary story in the latter half of the book, reads instead like a War and Peace turned inward as Yanagihara depicts the battlefields of Jude’s own heart and mind. Be forewarned: Yanagihara’s focus on Jude as a young man who resorts to self-harming after decades of childhood abuse takes up a majority of the novel’s 700 pages and is intensely disturbing. A Little Life asks a lot from its readers, but ultimately rewards them by viscerally reminding them of the importance of real friendship and the love therein, a truth we have each known since childhood but as adults sometimes forget. Reviewed by Duggan Phillips, Circulation Department, Central Library
www.TulsaLibrary.org
918.549.READ
JANUARY 2016
A FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY, ITS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
adults & all ages BIXBY LIBRARY A-Book-A-Month Discussion Group Wednesday, Jan. 27 • 2-3 p.m. Read Emma Donoghue's "Astray," "Frog Music" or "Room," and then join us for this lively discussion. For adults.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Open Book Discussion Group Tuesday, Jan. 5 • 6:30-7:45 p.m. Read "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton and then join us for this lively discussion. For adults.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 4-29 • Need individualized instruction on a library service? Whether you want to learn how to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. Call 918549-7507 to Book-A-Librarian. For adults. Brookside Book Discussion Monday, Jan. 11 • 1:30-2:20 p.m. Read "The Rosie Project" by Graeme C. Simsion and then join us for this lively discussion. For adults.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY All Thumbs Knitters Wednesdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 12:30-2:30 p.m. All levels of knitting expertise are welcome to join us for this fun and instructional afternoon. For adults. Collinsville Book Discussion Tuesday, Jan. 12 • noon-1 p.m. Read "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett and then join this fun group of readers for a lively discussion. For adults.
L I B R A R Y CLOSINGS
Patchworkers Tuesday, Jan. 12 • 6:30-8 p.m. If you want to learn to quilt or are already an experienced quilter, join us for a fun and informative evening. For adults.
COMMUNITY VENUES Travels With Tulsans Wednesdays, Jan. 20, 27 12:10-12:50 p.m. • LOCATION: University Village Retirement Community, Stovall Theater, 8555 S. Lewis Ave. Jan. 20 • "Paris to Spain With Teenagers" by author Stacy Nyikos. Jan. 27 • "East Africa Photo Safari" by Jan Reese, retired associate dean of students, Chicago Medical College. Coffee provided by University Village. Sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries.
GLENPOOL LIBRARY Extreme Green Second Saturday Fiber Arts Saturday, Jan. 9 • 1-3 p.m. We will make Extreme Green Woolly Dryer Balls, which will help your clothes dry faster and with less static. All materials will be provided but please register in advance so we can have LOTS of wool on hand. Also, if you have a fiber project in progress, you can work on it too, while having good conversation and fun at the same time! Call 918-549-7535 to register.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 4-31 • Receive individualized instruction from library staff. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, firstserved basis and last 30-60 minutes. If you require additional time, you may make a follow-up appointment. 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.
All Tulsa City-County Library locations will be closed Friday, Jan. 1; Saturday, Jan. 2; and Sunday, Jan. 3 for New Year’s. All libraries will be closed Monday, Jan. 18 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Write On! A Panel Discussion for Aspiring Writers Saturday, Jan. 9 • 1-2:30 p.m. Location: Maple Room • A panel of publishers and writers will share tips on getting your work published. Panelists include Tate Publishing, Total Publishing & Media, Books-A-Daisy owner and author Karen Graham, Nimrod Editor-in-Chief Eilis O'Neal, and authors Will Thomas and Colleen McCarty. For adults. Write On! Local Authors Book Fair Saturday, Jan. 9 • 1-4:30 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Meet 40 local authors, buy their books, get them signed, and support library programming; 10 percent of all sales will be donated to the Tulsa Library Trust. A wide variety of genres will be represented. There will be something for everyone! For adults. 3-D Printer Demonstration Saturday, Jan. 16 • 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 ● 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27 ● 7-8 p.m. Location: Digital Lounge See what 3-D printing is all about with a demonstration of the Ultimaker2 3-D printer! For all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Very Basic DNA for Genealogy Thursday, Jan. 21 • 7-8 p.m. Location: Maple Room This class is a very basic overview of the types of DNA tests for genealogy and how they can be useful in your research. For adults. DIY for Adults: Using a Sewing Machine Saturday, Jan. 23 • 1:30-3:30 p.m. Location: Maple Room • Have you always wanted to learn to sew, but have been intimidated by your machine? Let us show you the basics of sewing. Learn to wind a bobbin, thread your machine, plus basic machine care and maintenance. Also, learn basic stitches and get started on your first sewing project. We will provide you with resources to pursue your own DIY sewing projects. Please bring your own sewing machine.
DIY for Adults: Learn to Line Dance Thursday, Jan. 28 • 7-8 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Join Curtis and Sherri Hale from Just Gotta Dance as they teach step-by-step several varieties of line dancing. Don’t have a partner and have two left feet? No worries, line dancing is for everyone from novices to the experienced.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 4-30 • 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 918549-7631 to reserve your time. For adults. Books People Are Talking About Wednesday, Jan. 20 • 12:15-1:15 p.m. Location: Meeting Room • Writers Ivan Doig and Kent Haruf specialized in quiet, lyrical novels of the people, towns and landscapes of the rural American West. Join us to discuss their award-winning work. For adults. Light refreshments are provided.
JENKS LIBRARY Jenks Library Book Discussion Group Thursday, Jan. 21 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Join this fun group for a relaxed discussion on a variety of books. You should read the selected book prior to the program. Call 918-549-7570 for title.
LIBRARIUM 3-D Printer Orientation Tuesday, Jan. 5 • 3:30-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 ● 3:30-4:30 p.m. Explore the emerging world of 3-D printing and carving. For all ages. To search for events, scan this code using your mobile device and QR scanner app.
a d u l t s
&
a l l
(Librarium continued)
KnitWits Knitting Group Wednesday, Jan. 13 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Do you like to crochet or knit? Join us! All skill levels are welcome. We have kits available for checkout. For all ages. Book Discussion Wednesday, Jan. 27 • 2-3 p.m. Read "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins and then join us for this lively discussion. For adults.
a g e s
c o n t i n u e d
Language Program will teach participants the basics of this language. For all ages. Sponsored by American Indian Resource Center.
teens & tweens
OWASSO LIBRARY
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY
Radical Home Economics: Healthy Frugal Meals Saturday, Jan. 16 • 10-11:30 a.m. Location: Meeting Room • Learn how to make easy, satisfying meals that everyone will love. Make sure to come hungry because we will make and taste test a few meals. For adults. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Call 918546-7624 to register. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust and Sprouts Farmers Market.
Read or Die Anime Club Saturday, Jan. 16 • noon-2 p.m. Location: Conference Room We like to hang out, cosplay, eat snacks and watch anime. Come as you are or in cosplay. For ages 12-18.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Friends Brown Bag Book Discussion Tuesday, Jan. 26 • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Ancestral Hall • Join the Friends of the Rudisill Regional Library for lunch and to discuss "An Hour Before Daylight" by Jimmy Carter. You may bring your lunch or purchase one from the Friends of the Rudisill Regional Library for $7. If you would like to purchase a lunch, please RSVP by Jan. 25 by calling 918549-7645. For adults. Participants should read the book prior to the program.
SKIATOOK LIBRARY Osage Language Class Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 6:30-7:30 p.m. • The Osage Nation Language Program will teach participants the basics of this language. For all ages. Sponsored by American Indian Resource Center.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Osage Language Class Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 6:30-7:30 p.m. • The Osage Nation
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Tangles for Teens Friday, Jan. 8 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Transform your doodles into works of art! Enjoy snacks and hot tea as we explore Zentangles – a great way to clear your mind and exercise your creativity. All supplies will be provided. For ages 12-18. In the Middle Book Group Monday, Jan. 11 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. In the future, everyone will be given a job, nobody will go hungry, and war will be abolished. Sounds like a perfect world ... or is it? Read Lois Lowry's "The Giver" and talk about this thought-provoking futuristic tale at our monthly discussion group for kids ages 9-12. Enjoy games, giveaways and light refreshments!
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Sukikyo! Anime Club Wednesday, Jan. 13 • 3-4:30 p.m. Meet up with other manga and anime fans to discuss your favorite books, movies, characters and plot twists. For ages 12-18. Learn the Art of Origami Monday, Jan. 25 • 3-4 p.m. By folding paper we can make easy and fun designs. For ages 10-18.
YOU CAN RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES WHEN • Items you requested are ready to pick up • Items you have checked out are due soon • Items you have checked out are overdue YOU ALSO CAN SEND TEXT MESSAGES TO • Renew items you have checked out • Search for an item at the library Texts are available in English and Spanish, and multiple accounts can be tracked from one phone number. Visit www.TulsaLibrary.org/library-text-alerts for instructions today.
www.TulsaLibrary.org
/
t e e n s
&
t w e e n s
GLENPOOL LIBRARY Teen Lounge Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 27 • 4-5 p.m. Bring your friends and join us for Wii, board games, snacks and some crafty things. But most of all, we'll have fun! For ages 10-18.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Gaming Thursday, Jan. 7 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab • Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 12-18. Hardesty Teen Anime/Manga Club Saturday, Jan. 9 • 1-2:30 p.m. Location: Digital Lounge • Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18.
HELMERICH LIBRARY h-tag# Tuesday Tuesday, Jan. 26 • 4:15-6:30 p.m. Join us for the new year! Bring a friend, pick a book, have a snack, discuss what you are reading or review a movie. For teens.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Puffy Paint Snowflakes Wednesday, Jan. 6 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Location: Storytime Castle • Make and take home a puffy paint snowflake that clings to your window. Wear old clothes as the paint can be messy. For ages 9-12. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7590 to register. Lego Lab Saturday, Jan. 9 • 2-3 p.m. Location: Storytime Castle Learn new building ideas, partner with other children during team building and explore free building. Leave your Legos at home and come play with ours. For ages 6-12. Registration is required, Class size is limited. Call 918549-7590 to register, starting Jan. 4. Teen Time Wednesday, Jan. 13 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Auditorium • Play Wii games after school. For ages 10-18. Manga-Ai! Manga/Anime Club Saturday, Jan. 23 • 2-3:30 p.m. Location: Conference Room Join other otaku (fans) and watch Japanese anime! For teens.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Night Thursday, Jan. 28 • 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.
/
c o m p u t e r s
computers, devices &
digital services HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY MS Word 1 Tuesday, Jan. 5 • 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. For adults. Class size is limited. MS Word 2 Tuesday, Jan. 12 • 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. For adults. Class size is limited. Facebook 101 Thursday, Jan. 14 • 10-11:30 a.m. Join us for an introduction of how to create and use your Facebook account. Learn more about the features and settings available to help you share and keep you connected with friends and family. Class size is limited. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7550 to register. For adults. MS Word 3 Tuesday, Jan. 19 • 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. For adults. Class size is limited. MS Word 4 Tuesday, Jan. 26 • 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. For adults. Class size is limited.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY MS Excel 1 Saturday, Jan. 9 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab • This class shows how to create formulas, use automatic fill and change basic formatting. For adults. Class size is limited. MS Excel 2 Saturday, Jan. 16 • 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. For adults. Class size is limited. MS Excel 3 Saturday, Jan. 23 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab • This class shows how to create charts, apply conditional formatting and control the appearance of printed spreadsheets. For adults. Class size is limited.
c o m p u t e r s , MS Publisher 101 Saturday, Jan. 30 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab • This class shows how to create fun and colorful signs and fliers. For adults. Class size is limited.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY eBooks and More: Digital Downloads Wednesday, Jan. 13 • 1:30-3 p.m. Location: Computer Lab • Did you receive a new mobile device for the holidays? Come and learn more about the digital content you can access with your library card. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. eBook Office Hours Wednesday, Jan. 20 • 1:30-3:30 p.m. Location: Computer Lab • Get oneto-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. For adults. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7683 to register. Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, Jan. 27 • 1:30-3 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.
children
d e v i c e s
&
d i g i t a l
My First Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 10:30-10:50 a.m. • For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Explore and Play Thursdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 10:30-11 a.m. • Join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 1-5 and their caregivers. PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Jan. 13 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Conference Room For ages 5-12. Class size is limited. Please register by phone in advance. Call 918-549-7500 to register. Elementary, My Dear Book Club Thursday, Jan. 28 • 5:45-6:30 p.m. Join us for a book discussion, craft activity and fun! You should read the selected book prior to the program. Call 918-549-7500 for book title. For ages 5-10.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 10:30-11 a.m. • For ages 2-5. My First Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 10:30-11 a.m. • For newborns to 3-year-olds and their caregivers. PAWS for Reading Friday, Jan. 15 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. For ages 5-12. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7662 to register. Stay and Play Tuesdays, Jan. 19, 26 • 11-11:30 a.m. After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 2-5.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY
MY FIRST STORYTIME Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime.
My First Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 11-11:20 a.m. • For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.
PAWS FOR READING Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids 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.
PAWS for Reading Friday, Jan. 15 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. For ages 5-12. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7507 to register.
BIXBY LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Monday, Jan. 25 • 11-11:30 a.m. For ages 2-5.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Mondays, Jan. 4, 11, 25 • 10:30-11 a.m. For ages 3-5.
Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 10:15-10:45 a.m. • For ages 2-5.
CHARLES PAGE LIBRARY Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 10:30-11:10 a.m. • For ages 5 and younger with a caregiver.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Stories From the Rocking Chair Tuesdays, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 10:30-11 a.m. • For ages 2-4 and their caregivers.
s e r v i c e s
c o n t i n u e d
PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Jan. 20 • 3-4 p.m. For ages 5-12.
GLENPOOL LIBRARY Ms. Tatiana's Family Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 10:30-11 a.m. • Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For newborns to 4-yearolds and their caregivers and siblings.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY My First Storytime Mondays, Jan. 11, 25 Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 10-10:20 a.m. • For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Mr. Paul's Preschool Storytime Mondays, Jan. 11, 25 • 11-11:30 a.m. Location: Storytime Room • For ages 3-5. Toddler Time Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 11-11:20 a.m. • Enjoy stories, action rhymes, fun flannels, music, bubbles and meeting other toddlers in the neighborhood. For ages 2-3 and their parents/caregivers. Minecraft Gaming Thursday, Jan. 14 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 7-11. Mr. Paul's Family Storytime Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 • 6:30-7 p.m. Location: Storytime Room • For all ages.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 10:30-11:30 a.m. • For ages 2-5. PAWS for Reading Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 27 • 3:30-5 p.m. For ages 5-12. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7542 to register. My First Storytime Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 10:30-11:30 a.m. • For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Sensory Storytime Saturday, Jan. 30 • 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 2-9.
/
c h i l d r e n
JENKS LIBRARY My First Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 10-10:15 a.m. • For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 10:30-11 a.m. • For ages 3-5.
LIBRARIUM PAWS for Reading Saturday, Jan. 9 • 1-2 p.m. For ages 5-12.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Lego Lab Saturday, Jan. 9 • 2-3 p.m. Location: Storytime Castle • Learn new building ideas, partner with other children during team building and explore free building. Leave your Legos at home and come play with ours. For ages 6-12. Registration is required, Class size is limited. Call 918549-7590 to register, starting Jan. 4. Bilingual Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 19, 26 • 11-11:45 a.m. Location: Storytime Castle • Enjoy stories, songs and activities in English and Spanish. For ages 5 and younger.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Mrs. Cindy's Storytime Thursdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 10:30-11 a.m. • For ages 7 and younger. Bilingual Storytime With Señorita Brenda Thursday, Jan. 14 • 10-11 a.m. This storytime comes with something extra – ¡ESPAÑOL! For ages 7 and younger. PAWS for Reading Saturday, Jan. 16 • 2-3 p.m. For ages 5-12.
OWASSO LIBRARY My First Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 10-10:25 a.m. • For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 10:30-11 a.m. • For ages 3-5. Stay and Play Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 11-11:30 a.m. • After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger. Homeschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 • 2-2:45 p.m. Join us as we read stories and make a craft. For ages 5-10.
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE
JANUARY 2016
c h i l d r e n (Owasso Library continued)
PAWS for Reading Friday, Jan. 15 • 4-5 p.m. For ages 5-12. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7624 to register.
First Thursday of the Month Feb. 4, March 3, April 7, May 5 10-11 a.m. • Gilcrease Museum
SCHUSTERMANBENSON LIBRARY
Kids Site and Creative Learning Center 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Road Free with museum admission For ages 3-6 with a caregiver
PAWS for Reading Monday, Jan. 11 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. For ages 5-12. Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 10:30-10:50 a.m. • For ages 3-5.
Learn about animals that live in different parts of America. Listen to their stories, legends and folktales. Afterward, create your own artwork relating to the stories you have just heard. Kids Dig Books is presented in collaboration with the Tulsa City-County Library children’s department. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Call 918-596-2774 or email sarah-wright@utulsa.edu for reservations and more information.
My First Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 10-10:20 a.m. • 10:30-10:50 a.m. For newborns to 3-year-olds and their caregivers. Mad Science Monday Monday, Jan. 25 • 4-4:45 p.m. Enjoy fun and interactive experiments. For ages 5-12.
c o n t i n u e d
SKIATOOK LIBRARY
Storytime in Skiatook Wednesdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 11-11:30 a.m. • Hear exciting stories, sing songs and just have a good time! For ages 6 and younger.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY PAWS for Reading Saturday, Jan. 16 • 2-3 p.m. For ages 5-12.
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.
tulsa city-county library locations 25 Bixby Library Closed for updates Jan. 11-18 20 E. Breckenridge, 74008 • 918-549-7514 M-W, 10-6; Th, 12-8; Fri., 12-6; Sat., 11-5 19 Broken Arrow Library 300 W. Broadway, 74012 • 918-549-7500 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 23 Broken Arrow Library/South 3600 S. Chestnut, 74011 • 918-549-7662 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 17 Brookside Library 1207 E. 45th Place, 74105 • 918-549-7507 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 9 Central Library Closed for renovation 400 Civic Center, 74103 • 918-549-7323 8 Charles Page Library 551 E. Fourth St., Sand Springs, 74063 918-549-7521 • M, 10-6; T, 10-8; W-Fri., 10-6; Sat., 11-5 2 Collinsville Library 1223 Main, 74021 • 918-549-7528 M, 10-6; T, 12-8; W-Th, 10-6; Fri., 11-6; Sat., 10-5 24 Glenpool Library 730 E. 141st St., 74033 • 918-549-7535 M, 10-6; T, 12-8; W-Th, 10-6; Fri., 12-6; Sat., 11-5 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, 10-6; Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 11-5 3 Judy Z. Kishner Library 10150 N. Cincinnati Ave. E., Sperry 74073 • 918-549-7577 M, 10-6; T, 12-8; W-Th, 10-6; Fri., 12-6; Sat., 11-5
11 Kendall-Whittier Library 21 S. Lewis, 74104 • 918-549-7584 M-Th, 10-6; Fri., 11-6; Sat., 10-5 10 Librarium 1110 S. Denver Ave., 74119 • 918-549-7349 M-Th, 9-7; Fri.-Sat., 9-5 15 Martin Regional Library and Hispanic Resource Center 2601 S. Garnett Road, 74129 • 918-549-7590 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 7 Maxwell Park Library 1313 N. Canton, 74115 • 918-549-7610 M-Th, 10-6; Fri., 11-6; Sat., 10-5 14 Nathan Hale Library 6038 E. 23rd St., 74114 • 918-549-7617 M-Th, 10-6; Fri., 11-6; 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, 10-6; Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 11-5 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, 10-6; Th, 12-8; Fri., 11-6; Sat., 10-5 5 Suburban Acres Library 4606 N. Garrison, 74126 • 918-549-7655 M-Th, 10-6; Fri., 12-6; Sat., 11-5 16 Zarrow Regional Library and American Indian Resource Center 2224 W. 51st St., 74107 • 918-549-7683 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5
www.TulsaLibrary.org
The Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide is produced by the Public Relations Office of the Tulsa City-County Library. For questions or concerns, call 918-549-7389.
Book Reviews Category
meets his abusive father. Then, everything changes. When Gary D. Schmidt has a new book come out, it is cause for celebration in the world of middle-grade readers. His sense of story and his elegant writing carries readers through even the most difficult of subjects, and Schmidt never shies away from honestly examining the difficult things young people face. This moving comingof-age tale is one of his finest books and deserves readership far beyond the middlegrade crowd. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck
Tweens SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Connect the Stars By Marisa de los Santos HarperCollins, $16.99, 352 pages Check this out! Audrey knows when someone is lying. She is never wrong. It’s a gift, or maybe a curse, for this 13-year-old girl. When she realizes her best friend has not only lied to her, but hung her out to dry, it’s almost more than she can bear. No point in having friends if you can’t trust them. Aaron, also 13, remembers everything he has ever read or heard. Everything. He may know a lot of facts, but that doesn’t mean he really understands anything. Both of these kids find themselves at a wilderness camp with about a dozen other kids and a very scary camp guide. Some want to be there, some don’t. Some are angry, some are sad, some are lost. But something happens that forces everyone to work together, and everyone is changed by it. Marisa de los Santos and David Teague have written a taut, exciting story that will draw kids (and anyone else lucky enough to get their hands on the book) in and keep them turning pages. The dual points of view and beautiful writing make this story a real standout and a very satisfying read. This should become a middle-grade classic. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Rules for Stealing Stars By Corey Ann Haydu Katherine Tegen Books, $16.99, 336 pages Check this out! Silly and her three sisters are having a tough time in the New Hampshire house. It is not a joyful house, but their father says they needed to move to help their mom be happy again. Except she’s not happy: she’s volatile and drinks suspicious things out of mugs as she wanders the closets, opening doors and staring deep into each one. It’s no wonder these neglected girls must go in search of their own entertainment – whether it’s Eleanor with her se-
cret boyfriend, Astrid with her dioramas, Marla moping after her mother, or Silly simply wondering what everyone else is up to; each one needs a small happy place to run away from the deep sadness that encompasses their young lives. And that’s when they discover what the closets can do! Rules for Stealing Stars is a deeply heartfelt story about sisterhood and family. Corey Ann Haydu creates vulnerable and flawed characters, which feel very real in their struggle to rise up to their unique challenges, but at the same time, need to escape the troubled circumstances thrust upon them. While weaving a tale of pain, loss and suffering, she also weaves in hope, love and perseverance, all strung up in the sky like bright and shining stars. Reviewed by Ruth Duran-Chea
Juba!: A Novel By Walter Dean Myers Amistad, $17.99, 208 pages Check this out! Juba lives with Stubby, another young black man, in a room they rent from a white man in New York City. It is 1842 and neither has much in the way of future prospects, but both have dreams. Stubby wants to be a great chef and Juba a dancer. Mostly they help their landlord in his smoked fish business, but it is barely enough to keep body and soul together. Juba dances wherever and whenever he gets a chance, making very little money doing it, but his fortunes change a bit when Charles Dickens attends a performance. Dickens is dazzled
Orbiting Jupiter By Gary D. Schmidt Clarion Books, $17.99, 192 pages Check this out! Jack gets the news his parents are taking in a foster child, a boy Jack’s age who will share his room and chores on the farm. They both also will be going into sixth grade. But when Jack finds out Joseph had spent time in juvenile hall for trying to kill a teacher and that he is a father, Jack wonders what they’ve gotten themselves into. There are no secrets that last very long in a small-town middle school, and word about Joseph soon travels through the halls, and bullies get to work. But Jack has Joseph’s back, even though it costs him. As time goes on, Jack learns Joseph’s whole, heart-breaking story and Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 9
by Juba’s fast, intricate footwork. When Dickens returns to England, he writes about Juba which leads to what seems to be a great opportunity for Juba to work in London. But is it? Walter Dean Myers brings the true story of Juba to life for modern readers with a first-person narrative based on impeccable, deep research. The voice is so real, readers will forget this is historical fiction and will come to believe they are reading a diary. Adding to the realism, it is illustrated with maps, photographs, and reprints of handbills and newspaper ads, stories and drawings. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck
Traveling the Mother Road this Winter?
Download the Guide to Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives for diners on this route and many others.
Book Reviews
Category
Picture Books SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep By Jane Cabrera Holiday House, $16.95, 32 pages Check this out! A little girl needs some wool for a few knitting projects, so she naturally goes to her friend, the black sheep, who has m o r e t h a n enough. The girl t houghtf u l l y gives gifts to all of her friends, but when she discovers that Black Sheep has given up all of his wool, she decides that some more presents are in order! Jane Cabrera has developed an entire story inspired by the classic children’s poem and song. Baa, Baa, Black Sheep is certain to be a delight to young readers everywhere, whether parents sing the words as they go (the original goes to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star), wait until the very end to sing it all at once, or forego singing at all. Cabrera’s lovely illustrations further add to this book ’s charm, with plenty of bright colors, familiar characters and smiling faces. This picture book will quickly become a favorite for many; don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular fixture in the bedtime story rotation. Reviewed by Holly Scudero Nerdy Birdy By Aaron Reynolds Roaring Brook Press, $16.99, 40 pages Check this out! Nerdy idolizes the cool birds. He thinks they are wonderful. But the cool birds don’t think much of Nerdy and fly away, leaving him behind. And alone. Then a new bird challenges Nerdy, claiming the cool birds don’t even like Nerdy. The new bird invites Nerdy to hang out with “us.” Nerdy begins to realize they all look like him, with big glasses, small wings, and they like to read. Then he realizes the cool birds don’t have friends. So
Nerdy j o i n s the new flock. B u t then a v u lt ure appears. The cool bi rd s a r e unimpressed and fly away to leave the vulture alone. Seeing her down below, Nerdy invites the bird to hang out with them. But the rest of the flock is not so sure that is a good idea and reject her. Nerdy thinks being alone is bad, so he leaves behind his flock and makes friends with the vulture. Sadly, in the short picture-book format, the story relies heavily on stereotypes. However, the pen-and-ink, watercolor illustrations are perfect, showing, from many interesting angles, the ‘nerdy’ look. The story’s theme of differences and discrimination rings true with a kid’s playground experiences. Reviewed by Susan Roberts Goodnight, Good Dog By Mary Lyn Ray, Rebecca Malone (illustrator) HMH Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 32 pages Check this out! Each page of Mary Lynn Ray and illustrator Rebecca Malone’s book is a treat. The story follows a restless little dog who doesn’t want to go to sleep, as he watches the world around him close down for the night. Though some concepts might be a little complex for very young readers, most children will relate to the dog’s reluctance to stop playing and instead lay down to rest after a fun-filled day. That the dog finally does sleep, by first remembering the fun day he just
had and imagining a new day to come, is a great lesson for parents to share with children who are just starting to explore their own imaginations. Goodnight, Good Dog is a fun read for parents and children alike, offering opportunities to share thoughts on what it means to end one day while excitedly anticipating the next. Ray’s words often read like poetry while Malone’s illustrations bring life to a world we all know too well; the quiet solitude of nighttime after a day well spent. Reviewed by Daniel Pereyra Stanley at School By Linda Bailey, Bill Slavin (illustrator) Kids Can Press, $17.95, 32 pages Check this out! This is the best book; it’s good, it’s really good. The dogs they are like, “Hey where are the kids going?” So then they go to the school and eat all the gummy bears, but nobody is angry. Then kids come and then the policeman comes. He is very angry and chases them out. The dogs run all around the school and try to paint, but the boss lady catches them and they think she is very angry. They wait, but s h e i s n ’ t angry! No, she isn’t! S h e l i kes t h e m a n d p e t s t h e m like I pet my dog, but my dog is named Bear. I say to him “I love you Bear, good doggie.” But Bear never eats my lunch, my mom won’t let him. This book is good; I like it, I want to read it again and again! Then the dogs will be waiting outside of my school, maybe. But Bear will stay home because he can’t get out. Reviewed by Tallujah, age 6 Vincent Paints His House By Tedd Arnold Holiday House, $16.95, 32 pages Check this out! Vincent is a painter. He is painting his house. He has a brush and paint and a scarf. He has lots of different paint colors to pick from. He can’t decide what color to paint his house. The animals help him by telling him what colors to paint. I would tell him to paint it purple because that is my favorite color. But the pa i nter can’t m a k e
Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 10
up his mind. The snake is green and he tells the painter to paint his house green. And the bat is black so he likes black. I don’t really like beetles but purple is my favorite color. Vincent the painter tells the bugs and animals the colors are nice. He keeps painting every color that they tell him to. His house will soon look like a rainbow. At the end his house is very colorful, like a rainbow. I wish that I lived there but I would paint it more purple. Everyone lives in the house so they are very happy together, even the painter is happy with his house. Reviewed by Tallujah, age 6 Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise By Sean Taylor, Jean Jullien (illustrator) Candlewick, $15.99, 48 pages Check this out! It is very late. Hoot Owl is very hungry. He spots a tasty little rabbit and decides it will ma ke t h e per fec t supper. B u t H o o t Owl is not an ordin a r y owl. No, he is a master of disguise. So rather than simply grabbing up that little rabbit, Hoot Owl disguises himself as a big, orange carrot, and waits for the rabbit to come to him. But, alas, it does not work. Hoot Owl is still hungry. He flies through the dark night and spots a juicy little lamb. It would make a perfect supper for Hoot Owl. But does he swoop in and snatch up that little lamb? No, he is Hoot Owl and is a master of disguise. He disguises himself as a mother sheep and waits. But it does not work. Hoot Owl flies off again, still very hungry. Will he ever get supper? Sean Taylor has written a perfectly silly story for very young children. There is a lot of repetition allowing youngsters to get a handle on the story and understand the silliness of it. The bright, colorful and very simple illustrations are a great complement to Taylor’s story. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck
Book Reviews
Category
Kids’ Books SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Inkblot: Ideas, Advice and Examples to Inspire Young Writers By Rebecca Langston-George, Laura Purdie Salas, Heather E. Schwartz, Nadia Higgins Capstone Press, $14.95, 208 pages Check this out! By the time youngsters are in fourth or fifth grade, they have enough mastery of the language to start doing some serious creative writing. This nifty little book is the perfect jumping off point for those budding writers. Comprised of four chapters, it covers the four major kinds of writing — Short Stories (fiction), Poetry, Plays and Nonfiction. Each chapter breaks down the kind of writing covered to look at each element, such as plot and characterization and point of view in the fiction section, and in poetry different types of poetry, such as haiku and cinquain, are covered. There are plenty of examples for young writers to read, since reading good writing is the best way to learn how to write. Author profiles are scattered throughout along with writing exercises abound. All of this is done with short segments of text, illustrated with fun drawings and photos. The writing is lively and entertaining, and has a very encouraging tone. This wonderful book should become required reading in fourth- through seventhgrade language arts. Students would have so much fun; they would never know they were learning. It would also be a perfect gift for young writers. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Pig Is Big on Books: An I Like to Read® Book By Douglas Florian Holiday House, $14.95, 24 pages Check this out! As the title asserts, Pig IS big on books. He reads all kinds of books in all sorts of locations with anyone who wants to join him. He’s also perfectly happy to read them alone. Then comes the day when Pig has no books to read. What does Pig do? He writes his own book. Soon the reader discovers that Pig Is Big on Books is Pig’s book, carefully written and illustrated by Pig. Pig Is Big on Books features simple language that even the most novice readers will under-
stand. It’s fun to follow Pig and to see the places he reads. The illustrations are simplistic, appearing to be drawn with a variety of media, including collage, by a relatively unskilled illustrator. It is the illustrations that pave the way for the reader to discover the true creator of the book, Pig. My children were delighted and surprised by the revelation. They wanted to read the book multiple times in order to uncover any hints they had missed. This book will entertain beginning readers with charming artwork and empower them with language that is easy to read. Reviewed by Tammy McCartney Forgotten Bones: Uncovering a Slave Cemetery By Lois Miner Huey Millbrook Pr Trade, $30.65, 112 pages Check this out! Imagine running a backhoe to dig a trench and coming up with a human skull. That is what happened a few years ago in Albany, NY, and when it did, everything came to a stop. As specialists were called in, it was ascertained the skull was at least 100 years old. Archaeologists came to the site and discovered it was the location of a slave cemetery. Most people don’t realize slaves were held in northern cities, but they were. In fact, this cemetery with 13 graves is the third slave cemetery found in the North. One was in New Hampshire, and one with over 400 graves was found in New York City. Lois Miner Huey, an archaeologist for the state of New York, takes readers on a journey through the discovery, recovery, study and preservation of the remains. The writing is crisp, accessible for middle-school readers, and absolutely fascinating. Huey has filled the pages with engaging photographs and drawings to help bring the story alive. This wonderful book will engender budding archaeologists. Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck
Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 11
, CHILDREN S NONFICTION NEW AND COMING SOON
TO TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine
by Laurie Wallmark Offers an illustrated telling of the story of Ada Byron Lovelace, from her early creative fascination with mathematics and science and her devastating bout with measles, to the groundbreaking algorithm she wrote for Charles Babbage’s analytical engine.
Quiz Whiz 6: 1,000 Super Fun, Mind-Bending, Totally Awesome Trivia Questions
by National Geographic Society Presents 1,000 trivia questions and answers on various subjects, from geography and nature to popular culture and history, as well as map, photographic and game-show quizzes.
3-D Engineering: Design and Build Your Own Prototypes With 25 Projects
by Vicki V. May How did somebody come up with the idea for bridges, skyscrapers, helicopters and nightlights? How did people figure out how to build them? In this book, young readers tackle real-life engineering problems by figuring out real-life solutions. Creating prototypes is a key step in the engineering design process, and prototyping early in the design process generally results in better processes and products. 3-D Engineering gives kids a chance to figure out many different prototypes, empowering them to discover the mechanics of the world we know.
The Grasshopper & the Ants
by Jerry Pinkney In this retelling of the classic Aesop fable, hardworking ants stock up for the winter while a fun-loving grasshopper plays all year long, until the cold weather arrives and he realizes his mistake in not planning ahead.
Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a Young Artist in Harlem
by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts This book recounts how the young Jacob Lawrence, as a boy recently arrived in Harlem, reacted to the world around him and translated his responses into art at an after-school arts center.
LEGO Star Wars: Small Scenes From a Big Galaxy
by Vesa Lehtimäki LEGO® Star Wars® sets and minifigures come to life in this beautiful photography book. Created by Finnish photographer Vesa Lehtimäki using his son’s favorite toys, the book features painstaking recreations of classic movie moments and hilarious new takes on fan-favorite characters and themes. Informative captions give technical details for each scene, while anecdotes from Lehtimäki offer background insights to his creative process.
Book Reviews
Category
Teens SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
YOUTH FICTION COMING SOON
TO TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 1: Squirrel Power by Ryan North
A Step Toward Falling By Cammie McGovern HarperTeen, $17.99, 384 pages Check this out! The perfect balance of drama, romance and reality, A Step Toward Falling takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of two teenage girls who both have been affected by a horrible incident. Belinda, who has been different since birth, has to find a way to navigate through this life and learn how to blend into high school. Emily has been there. She started high school with no friends and knows what it’s like to be an outcast. Their worlds collide one night at a football game. Emily and Belinda have many things they could learn from one another, although it takes them time to see it. This story is perfect for anyone who has been through high school. McGovern makes the reader forget they are not actually inside the story, witnessing these events firsthand. Everyone will be able to relate to at least one character in this book, whether you personally connect or know someone very similar. This one is hard to put down, as more and more drama unfolds with every turn of a page. This is a story in which you will become so enthralled you will be rushing to read how it sums up, but you will not want it to end. Reviewed by Jenna Beattie Dreamland By Robert L. Anderson HarperTeen, $17.99, 336 pages Check this out! Odea Donahue has a secret: she can walk through peoples dreams with the help of a personal item. When a new boy moves in across from her, she soon attains one of his personal affects and walks through his dreams, only to stumble onto something huge: an unsolved murder that killed Conner’s mother and younger brother on Christmas night. Also, there’s one more issue: if a dream walker enters the same person’s dreams more than once, monsters catch
their scent and hunt them down. Odea must face the risks of being found along with solving a murder, and she’s running out of time. Dreamland is a complex novel that will keep you turning pages. It involves a type of detective work never seen before: picking through someone’s dream and figuring out the guilty party. It reminds me closely of the Wake Trilogy in how both main characters have the ability to walk through dreams. Dreamland was truly an interesting work. I can’t wait to see if there will be more. Reviewed by Lauren Rademacher The Sleeper and the Spindle By Neil Gaiman, Chris Riddell (illustrator) HarperCollins, $19.99, 64 pages Check this out! An unnamed queen and her three dwarf companions embark of a journey to free a kingdom that has fallen asleep, literally. The kingdom’s citizens seem to be frozen in time, spider webs coating everything being the sole sign that there is still life in the kingdom. The cause of this is a story we all know—a young princess pricked her finger and therefore evoked an eternal sleep with the only cure being true love’s kiss. But as the queen approaches the castle where the princess sleeps, she finds that the socalled witch may be who we least expected. Sleeper and the Spindle was nothing like I would have expected from a story I’ve known since I was young. It broke away from the cookie-cutter Sleeping Beauty in such an enchanting way that I was hooked from the very first page. One concern I have doesn’t really relate to the story at all, as the book I received wasn’t bound. Hopefully this problem will be resolved with later copies. Reviewed by Lauren Rademacher
Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 12
Wolverine, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Thanos: There’s one hero that’s beaten them all, and now she’s got her own ongoing series! (Not that she’s bragging.) That’s right, you asked for it, you got it, it’s Squirrel Girl! (She’s also starting college this semester.) It’s the start of a brand-new set of adventures starring the nuttiest and most upbeat superhero in the world!
Secret Avengers Vol. 1: Reverie by Nick Spencer
The new Nick Fury leads an all-new, ultra-covert Avengers strike team including Hawkeye, Black Widow, the Hulk, Winter Soldier, Maria Hill and Phil Coulson on missions so dangerous that even the team members themselves can’t know about them!
American Ace by Marilyn Nelson
Connor’s grandmother leaves his dad a letter when she dies, and the letter’s confession shakes their tightknit Italian-American family: The man who raised Dad is not his birth father. But the only clues to this birth father’s identity are a class ring and a pair of pilot’s wings. And so Connor takes it upon himself to investigate – a pursuit that becomes even more pressing when Dad is hospitalized after a stroke. What Connor discovers will lead him and his father to a new, richer understanding of race, identity and each other.
Speechless
by Hannah Harrington
After her behavior causes her to lose her popular friends and results in one person being hospitalized, Chelsea takes a vow of silence.
This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp
Minutes after the principal of Opportunity High School in Alabama finishes her speech welcoming the student body to a new semester, they discover that the auditorium doors will not open and someone starts shooting as four teens, each with a personal reason to fear the shooter, tell the tale from separate perspectives.
Never Never
by Brianna R. Shrum
James Hook, a child who only wants to become an adult, finds himself trapped in Neverland, a world where children are never to grow up, held against his will by Peter Pan.
First & Then by Emma Mills
Devon is a high-school senior, wondering if she really wants to go to college, what to do with her cousin Foster (a freshman) who has moved in with her family in Florida, and whether she likes Ezra, the stuck-up football star at her school, or cannot stand him.
Book Reviews
The Unquiet By Mikaela Everett Greenwillow Books, $17.99, 464 pages Check this out! In Lira’s world, there are two versions of Earth, both with the same cities and people. But the people and things on her home Earth are disappearing, a bit at a time. So Lira and others have been trained since they were very young to be sleepers — to infiltrate the other Earth and replace their alternates, waiting until they can wage war and take over the world that isn’t disappearing. Lira only knows how to fight and kill and act like her alternate while she’s in training and after she replaces Lirael. She has been trained not to feel, but it still bothers her, almost on the edges of her consciousness, that all she knows is killing and pretending—being someone else and never just herself. She lives a half-life, existing, waiting. The premise of The Unquiet is fascinating and could go in so many directions. Rather than being full of action and intrigue, however, it’s more of a character study of a teen who’s only ever known violence and being controlled. It’s somewhat difficult for readers to get attached to her because she is so detached from everything herself for so much of the story, so the book’s strength contributes to its weakness. But the conclusion was intriguing and I enjoyed how things came together. Reviewed by Cathy Carmode Lim This Monstrous Thing By Mackenzi Lee Katherine Tegen Books, $17.99, 384 pages Check this out! In Mackenzi Lee’s riveting and gothic debut, Alisdair Finch is in a dark place, living with a secret that is tearing him apart and keeping him prisoner. It’s a secret that is suddenly laid bare by the publication of a book from an anonymous author—a book called Frankenstein. He is a Shadow Boy, someone who fuses clockwork to flesh and bone, and tensions are running high from those who disagree with the practice. Now he must figure out who betrayed him, as the world around him boils into a rebellion.
Teens This Monstrous Thing is every bit as gruesome and dark as one would expect of a story surrounding the legendary work of Frankenstein. Alistair and Oliver are brothers, both close to each other and as opposite as two can be. Their relationship and Alistair’s memories drive the story with grinding conflict. While not a fast-moving plot, the intensity and drama of the writing will entrance readers. There are scenes of stomachchurning horror and hope and wonder, all brought to life with vivid prose. It’s about family, loyalty, dreams and freedom. This story is a haunting steampunk thriller that readers won’t find easy to forget after the last page. Reviewed by Becky Vosburg Underneath Everything By Marcy Beller Paul Balzer + Bray, $17.99, 304 pages Check this out! Betrayal and heartbreak don’t always come in a clear package. Sometimes it’s hidden in the form of friendship, as Mattie realizes after Jolene leaves her confused and alone. Now almost a year later, Mattie realizes how toxic Jolene was, but that still doesn’t keep her from going to the bonfire her senior year. Just like she promised Jolene all those days before, she would meet her there. And although Mattie went to the bonfire for a different reason, to get back what Jolene had stolen from her– her crush, Hudson– Jolene captivates Mattie, and she has no choice but to see her again. But when being with Jolene begins to be more dangerous than being without her, how will Mattie survive without someone she has become so dependent on as they have both grown? Overall, the toxic and alluring dynamic of the friendship between Mattie and Jolene was what lured me in to reading this book. It is almost poetic and poignant, with each mystery unraveled and each experience Mattie goes through revealed through witty quotes and clever quips that leave you wondering what could possibly happen next. Reviewed by Maddie Hudspeth Sway: A Novel By Kat Spears St. Martin’s Griffin, $9.99, 320 pages Check this out! Jesse Alderman is the man that other high-school students—and sometimes adults, too—come to when they need something done: exams and essays, protection from bullies, even illegal substances. He’s good at getting things done
without letting emotions get in the way. So he thinks nothing of helping football star and all-around jerk, Ken Foster, get a date with the beautiful and kind Bridget Smalley. What Jesse wasn’t counting on was falling for Bridget himself! Kat Spears has written something relatively rare in the world of YA lit: a teen romance told from the point of view of the boy. Jesse, sometimes known by the nickname “Sway,” is sarcastic and arrogant … and not nearly as stone-faced as he’d like everyone to believe. Readers will enjoy watching as Jesse tentatively allows some new people into his life, and the way his friendship with Bridget and her brother affect other aspects of Jesse’s personality. Bridget makes Jesse want to become a better person, and soon he is standing up for the bullied, visiting the old folks’ home and more. This is a fun novel that will be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. Reviewed by Holly Scudero The Weight of Feathers: A Novel By Anna-Marie McLemore Thomas Dunne Books, $18.99, 320 pages Check this out! Sixteen-year-old Lace has grown up traveling with her family, the Palomas, putting on “mermaid” shows in small bodies of water around central California. Cluck has grown up in a similar situation with his traveling performing family, the Corbeaus, who wear wings and do shows in the branches of trees. For 20 years, the families have not only been rivals, but bitter enemies. When tragedy strikes a small town in the Central Valley where both families are doing shows (and where past events cemented their enmity), Lace and Cluck are thrown together. Lace feels compelled to spend time with the Corbeaus, where few, even the ostracized Cluck, who lives on the fringes of his family, know her background. Thus plays out a Romeo-andJuliet tale, where the weight of the past, of secrets and superstitions, threatens to bury not just two young people, but whole families. The Weight of Feathers features writing that’s so masterful, it’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. The language and style are lovely, and the story flows by
Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 13
on the current of that beautiful prose. A bonus for California readers is that it references cities and counties of the Central Valley that may be familiar. It’s a hyped book that lives up to the talk. Reviewed by Cathy Carmode Lim The Sister Pact By Stacie Ramey Sourcebooks Fire, $9.99, 320 pages Check this out! Allie Blackmore, a promising art student, is about to start her junior year of high school – weeks after her older sister’s suicide. While Allie stammers that she’s “fine” to her mother, father, teachers, friends and her therapist, she’s barely keeping her head above water trying to figure out why Leah killed herself – and why she did it without her. They had made a promise. They had a pact. As secrets begin to unfold, Allie realizes Leah wasn’t as perfect as she always envisioned her older sister to be. And when things begin to get sticky with her best friend, a longtime crush and new boy Nick, Allie turns to pills and self-medication to numb the pain. How will she get past all the pain and funnel it back into her art in time to submit to her portfolio for college? The Sister Pact by Stacie Ramey explores the intricate ins and outs of a sisters’ bond as the pair navigate their way through adolescence dealing with the pains of high-school drama, as well as having to deal with the implications of being stuck in the middle of their parents’ unraveling marriage. Reviewed by Ashley Horning
Book Reviews
Category
Speculative Fiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
The End of All Things (Old Man’s War) By John Scalzi Tor Books, $24.99, 384 pages Check this out! The End of All Things, the fifth entry in John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War series, consists of four novellas plus an alternate version of the first. In the first novella, the Colonial Union’s newest adversary, the shadowy group known as Equilibrium, abducts Rafe Daquin. The Equilibrium removes Rafe’s brain and connects it directly to a ship, forcing Rafe to run missions. The second novella switches tone to a political intrigue inside the other major organization, the Conclave. The third novella once again switches tone and POV to a more granular level, a Colonial Defense Force solider on the frontlines. The concluding novella wraps up the Equilibrium issue definitively. Moving forward, there is a new balance in the universe. The End of All Things is a fantastic entry in the series. It may not be accessible to new series readers, but it is highly accessible sci-fi. Scalzi explains just enough of alien languages and strange new tech to allow the reader to understand without inundating with minutiae. A solid collection of popular sci-fi novellas and bodes well for the future of the series. Reviewed by John Murray Death Wave (Star Quest Trilogy) By Ben Bova Tor Books, $25.99, 416 pages Check this out! Jordan Kell has traveled back to Earth with one of the aliens from New Earth, who looks human. She also happens to be his new wife, and he wants to show her off to the world and let them know of this New Earth. But there is also something far more important to bring to the attention of the people of planet Earth. A death wave is traveling through the universe, composed of lethal gamma radiation. It decimates everything in its path, wiping out all life. It will eventually reach Earth, millennia from now, but in the meantime, it will destroy many intelligent civilizations. Kell launches a campaign to build starships
to help save these civilizations.The people of New Earth have the technology to save themselves, but not the ability. However, Kell must contend with an obstinate world government, operating essentially as a dictatorship. Will he be able to overcome the obstacles in his way to save the planet? Like his previous books, Farside and New Earth, Death Wave features short chapters, and conflicts are quickly, and relatively easily, solved. This is deep, hard, complex science fiction, but a fun story that keeps you turning the page, wanting to know what happens next. Reviewed by Alex Telander A Borrowed Man By Gene Wolfe Tor/Forge, $25.99, 304 pages Check this out! In the near future, cloning technology has improved enough that you can not only check out the books by an author who has been dead for decades, but also a copy of the author himself. E. A. Smithe is one such clone of a famous mystery writer. When he is checked out by Colette Coldbrook, he is needed, not just for his expertise as a writer, but for his expertise as a crime solver. Coldbrook’s father and brother both have died recently of mysterious circumstances, and the only clue she has is a copy of Smithe’s book. Science fiction works best when it asks uncomfortable questions. Smithe is a thinking, breathing individual … yet he is aware of his artificial nature and his condition as a piece of property. Some of the tropes of classic noir and pulp mysteries are subverted in the book … the growing relationship between Smithe and Coldbrook starts out like something out of a Sam Spade mystery. The power dynamics shift and change between Man and Woman,
property and Human, someone who is familiar with the modern world and someone who has led a sheltered life. When Coldbrook vanishes halfway through the book, you get a glimpse in how vulnerable a piece of property might be, even one that can think and interact. Wolfe is a veteran author, with a list of publications as long as my arm. While this is a solid outing for him, I can’t help but look at his previous works and wonder. This is no Book of the New Sun or Fifth Head of Cerebrus. The characters are somewhat flat, with Coldbrook being mostly a stock Femme Fatal character from out a pulp novel. His friend, Georges, pretty much tags along to occasionally pull Smithe out of occasional trouble. Despite being threatened several times and being mostly powerless for the whole book, Smithe is cool, competent and utterly in control. A Borrowed Man asks an important question, and with a bit more care toward the characters could have been a fantastic novel. As is, it is still a good read, quick to read and fun to follow. Reviewed by Jason Lang Strands of Sorrow By John Ringo Baen, $25.00, 352 pages Check this out! John Ringo has many titles to his credit, most of which have sequels. He is notorious, not only for his fantastic imagination, but for
immersing his victims ... excuse me ... readers in action. Fast. I list the previous books in this series, in which the Smith family must escape a zombie apocalypse and build forces to reclaim the world for humanity – Under a Graveyard Sky, To Sail a Darkling Sea, Islands of Rage and Hope. It is imperative that you read them in order. The Smith daughters, now thoroughly experienced at dealing final deaths to the infected, are beginning to show some wear. Faith, in particular, has begun to realize, even as she is in the throes of puberty, that she has become not just hardened, but brittle. As the forces of Wolf Squadron advance down the Carribean, shooting, slashing and sometimes just crushing the infected, they must also cope with re-emergent former authority figures who do not understand who the squadron have become. Integrating different experience levels, competencies and traditions is half the battle. Now I understand that this may not be the last of this series, so you do need to go book shopping. Reviewed by David Lloyd Sutton
? s d r o w e Lov
Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 14
Book Reviews
Category
Biographies & Memoirs SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
Brief Candle in the Dark: My Life in Science By Richard Dawkins Ecco, $27.99, 404 pages Check this out! There is a trend in publishing of printing a series of autobiographies of famous people. When one has three such books, there is increasingly nothing new to say. Thus, these books read like the author’s laundry lists: people they know, where they go and what they do. Hence there is very
It
little of interest unless one is a rabid fan of the author. Richard Dawkins has many such fans. Because of his work in evolutionary biology and his previous books, the author believes that scientists such as himself are the candles enlightening the world from superstition and ignorance, albeit in a brief lifetime. He has done just that with his life. In 14 previous books, he has coined new terms and developed a huge reader fan base. He has added to his popularity by defending reason over faith and the scientific method of inquiry and curiosity over religion. This book will be of interest to his followers. For those of us with only a passing knowledge of his life and work, this book does not enlighten. The most interesting passages are those having to do with biology. Reviewed by Julia McMichael
Behind the Curtain: A Peek at Life From Within the ER By Jeffrey E. Sterling Brown Books Publishing Group, $18.95, 184 pages Check this out! Dr. Jeffrey Sterling has worked over 20 years as an emergency room physician, and seen everything from cockroaches in the ears – multiple times – to a man with a potato stuck up his behind. He has learned how to keep calm and appear unruffled, in both life threatening situations and cases so hilarious laughter seems the only possible response. In Behind the Curtain, Sterling takes the reader with him through some of his most memorable and definitive cases over the years and the patients they involved. Though the book starts out with a few short chapters of explanations of treatment methods and Sterling’s own bugaboo – smoking – it then eases into over 50 minichapters of his experiences. Sterling’s sense of humor is dry and incisive providing both chuckles and full on belly laughs, often just at the title of the chapter itself, such as the chapter titled “Why Do You Have Gonorrhea in Your Eye?” The author is careful to explain any
medical jargon in layman’s terms so that the reader also learns something in the process. The short chapters are enjoyable quick reads and the writing is top-notch. In Behind the Curtain, Dr. Sterling easily proves that he is at the top of his game as a writer as well as a doctor. Reviewed by Stacy Shaw Forever cont’d from page 5 honor, respect and fight for your love. Though their love may be complicated, I loved how Ms. Castille kept their romance heated with passion as danger and doubts begin to surface. Sinner’s Steel was such an intense perspective of the world of bikers and biker clubs. The writing was so gripping that you can’t help but be immersed into the story as you await what danger, unexpected surprises and twist of events that awaits for Zane and Evie. Beyond the scars, heartaches, sadness, loss and time lost, lies a story of what it means to truly protect the ones you love even if it means death. Reviewed by Michelle Tan
pays to carry the
MY TULSA LIBRARY COMMUNITY CARD. Each swipe benefits the campaign to renovate the Central Library. The Visa Debit Card is available with an Oklahoma Central Credit Union checking account. There are no annual fees and it can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Visit any Oklahoma Central Credit Union location or go to me.occu.org for more information. This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Tulsa Book Review • January 2016 • 15
checkthis
out
AT TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY
Get Job Help Now! Powered by Brainfuse JobNowTM
Get free online job assistance from your home or library. Job Now provides live interactive online help combined with online resources to guide you through the necessary tasks to get a job.
Ace the Interview
Get one-to-one LIVE interview coaching and brush up on your interview skills (available daily 2-11 p.m., Central Standard Time).
Résumé Builder
Craft a winning résumé! Submit your résumé and get expert analysis within 24 hours.
Career Resources
Access informative, easy-to-use resources for job seekers, including personality and career assessments.
Visit www.TulsaLibrary.org/jobhelp and use your Tulsa City-County Library card to access Brainfuse JobNowTM. DON’T HAVE A LIBRARY CARD?
Apply online at www.TulsaLibrary.org/application and get instant access to this service and more!
FUNDED BY: