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Book Review TULSABOOKREVIEW.COM
JULY 2016
FAMILY HISTORY MONTH
A Deep Novel Rich and Pretty By Rumaan Alam Page 10
Thrilling, charming, witty, dark and moving
The Trouble With Goats and Sheep: A Novel By Joanna Cannon Page 12
Seeking comfort in the wrong places Raymie Nightingale By Kate DiCamillo Page 14
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INSIDE
ROMANCE
BESTSELLERS COMING SOON
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THE WEDDING SISTERS By Jamie Brenner St. Martin’s Griffin, $15.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out!
Search the library’s catalog at www.TulsaLibrary.org to reserve your copies now.
Jamie Brenner invites her readers to the wedding of a lifetime or, in this case, to the three weddings of the Becker sisters. It’s always been a mother’s dream to see her daughter get married, but what happens when all three of her daughters find themselves getting engaged around the same time to prominent males? Meryl Becker and her husband, Hugh, knew financially that they couldn’t afford three separate weddings so one grand wedding became the solution. It seems to be a logical plan, but nothing goes as planned especially when chaos, secrets and everything in between begins to unravel. As the big day approaches, will everyone be walking down the aisle to happily ever after? The Wedding Sisters was a refreshing, emotional and entertaining read. Brenner charms her audience with this beautiful story centering on the concept of family. I loved that this book allows readers to feel the raw, emotional vulnerability of each family member. So if you are looking for a book telling a heartwarming tale that doubles as the perfect weekend read, I would recommend The Wedding Sisters. THE DARKEST TORMENT (LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD) By Gena Showalter HQN Books, $22.99, 448 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out! I know many people are probably screaming and wondering why the latest installment to the Lords of the Underworld series happens to focus on Baden. I happen to be in the small minority of people who was excited that it was Baden and I knew I couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Darkest Torment. Gena Showalter once again proves to loyal PNR fans why we need to read her books. Ms. Showalter not only gave readers a story to get lost in, but she delivered a story that exceeded my expectations. She held me hostage and immersed into a whole new world where my main focus was on Baden and Katrina. The outside world did not exist. Ms. Showalter beautifully tormented our imaginations with this intense, burning passion brewing between the two. Lives clashed and collided, ultimately stunning the readers and leaving them begging for more. So if you are looking for a story where action, suspense, darkness, grittiness, and passion are intricately weaved into a story, then this book is for you. As always, Ms. Showalter’s wicked prose and raw storyline will keep readers of this series entertained and begging for the next installment: The Darkest Promise. IMMORTAL’S SPRING (THE CHRYSOMELIA STORIES) By Molly Ringle Central Avenue Publishing, $16.95, 448 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! After the death of her parents and the destruction of her home, Sophie Darrow, her brother Liam and her immortal friends – incarnations of ancient Greek gods – are on the run from the evil cult Thanatos. Sophie struggles to heal from the trauma and her relationship with Adrian is suffering, but she finds solace in the memories of her many past lives: as Persephone and many others. But Thanatos won’t rest for long; under new membership, the cult has plans to take the Underworld by force and destroy the Tree of Immortality forever. Author Molly Ringle finishes off her Chrysomelia Stories trilogy with a bang! Immortal’s Spring pulls readers right back into this reimagining of the Greek myths and emergence of modern-day gods and goddesses. This novel is just as hard to put down as the previous two. There is plenty more Sophie-and-Adrian, for whom readers will cheer as they renew their romance. Still, there is also plenty of delving into Zoe and her past life as Hekate paired with intriguing plot twists relating to the modern-day identities of other key immortals. An exciting and satisfying end to a fantastic series.
ROMANCE CONT’D ON PAGE 8
Tulsa Book Review • July 2016 • 2
Tulsa
Book Review
IN THIS ISSUE Romance......................................................................2
Tulsa City-County Library 400 Civic Center Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103 Ph. (918) 549-7323 EDITOR IN CHIEF Ross Rojek Ross@1776productions.com EDITOR/COORDINATOR Jackie Hill
Bestsellers Coming Soon.........................................2 Cooking, Food & Wine...........................................4-5 Adult Summer Reading Program............................5
Tulsa City-County Library GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Heidi Komlofske-Rojek COPY EDITORS Caryn Shafer Kelsey Zimmerman John Murray Michelle Baker Samantha Kingsbury EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Christopher Hayden Faith Lewis Samantha Kingsbury WEBSITE
Nonfiction................................................................ 6-7 Biographies & Memoirs.............................................8 July Event Guide Teens............................................................................9
TulsaBookReview.com
Fiction....................................................................10-11 Speculative Fiction...................................................11 Crime Fiction........................................................12-13 History........................................................................13 The Tulsa Book Review is published monthly by City Book Review. The opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Tulsa Book Review or City Book Review advertisers. All images are copyrighted by their respective copyright holders. All words ©2016, City Book Review
FROM THE PUBLISHER Libraries are all about family this summer. Sometimes to escape the heat, families come to the library often together – to attend events, use the library’s many free services and collectively join the Summer Reading Program (adults join too, modeling good reading behavior for their children). Another way libraries are all about family is through genealogy research. Considered America’s No. 2 hobby, just behind gardening, genealogy is a passionate pursuit of many. With the Internet and Tulsa City-County Library’s Genealogy Center at your side, there is so much to discover about your family’s roots. July is Family History Month at the Tulsa CityCounty Library. Whether you are an avid genealogist or just contemplating poking around the edges of your family tree, July is the month to get started or redouble your efforts. The Genealogy Center, located at the Hardesty Regional Library, is holding 13 programs this month, starting with a beginning genealogy workshop on Saturday, July 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center also is bringing in nationally renowned speaker and professional genealogist Mark Lowe for a weekend of workshops on July 23 and 24. Plus, Genealogy Center staff will conduct workshops at the Bixby and Nathan Hale libraries as well. Please see the July Event Guide insert in this issue of the Tulsa Book Review for a complete schedule of Family History Month workshops. Tulsa City-County Library’s Genealogy Center is the preeminent center for genealogy in the state of Oklahoma, with its expansive location on the second floor of the Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St. The center features an extensive genealogy collection, access to specialized databases, as well as a computer lab. It is open to the public seven days a week, for a total of 69 hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. If you decide to dabble a little in genealogy this summer, please know that the books you read might just be about you! We hope to see you at the nice cool library soon! Warmest regards,
Kids’ Books......................................................... 14-15 Check This Out! Your Library on the Go.......................................16
Gary Shaffer, Ph.D. Tulsa City-County Library CEO
COOKING, FOOD & WINE SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
THE VEGETABLE BUTCHER: HOW TO SELECT, PREP, SLICE, DICE, AND MASTERFULLY COOK VEGETABLES FROM ARTICHOKES TO ZUCCHINI By Cara Mangini Workman Publishing Company, $29.95, 346 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! Here is an exceptional cookbook that should be on every home cook’s bookshelf. The Vegetable Butcher should have the highest rating, but unfortunately it’s not without faults. For one thing, page numbers referred to in recipes for other preparations are sometimes incorrect—very frustrating for the cook. Equally annoying is recipe layout; for many you need to leaf pages to overleaf and back again while following instructions. If you can live with these problems, Cara Mangini did an awesome job dealing with just about every vegetable available to us, including selection, storage, with what to partner them, beautiful photos and well-written recipes. She arranged the vegetables alphabetically from artichoke to zucchini. She provided many great step-by-step instructions accompanied by helpful photos. With many recipes, she includes nice notes and occasionally recipe variations. Sidebars labeled “Butcher Notes” are also useful and excellent. An extensive section on basics introduces us to everything we need to know about dealing with vegetables, including equipment, knife skill and side preparations (nuts, seeds, breadcrumbs, cheese). In many recipes she uses a beet symbol; these are freestyle recipes you are encouraged to vary and play with. The inclusion of a cross-referenced index is perfect. THE POWER OF PULSES By Dan Jason Douglas & McIntyre, $24.95, 192 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! Many readers may be puzzled by the term “pulses” in the book The Power of Pulses. It is an agricultural/gardening term; cooks know these better by the name legumes. This book by Dan Jason, Hilary Malone and Alison Malone Eathorne is mostly a gardening book as well as a reference book on pulses. Nearly one-half of the book is on information and history of pulses, planting the seeds, caring for the plants, harvesting and storing. The remainder is a collection of some 50 vegetarian or vegan recipes using legumes. The authors have chosen five of the most commonly known pulses for the detailed discussions for the gardeners and for the recipe collection: dry peas, beans, chickpeas, fava beans and lentils. The recipes are for a limited number of cooks: vegetarians and vegans mostly. The recipes are good, but not exceptional and inconsistent in use of legumes (some use cups of dry legumes, others use cups of cooked ones; no conversion given). Recipe layout is unfortunate as many will be leafing back and forth to follow instructions. We have many photo illustrations, some good quality, but many are not in focus and poorly shot. THE ONE TRUE BARBECUE: FIRE, SMOKE AND THE PITMASTERS WHO COOK THE WHOLE HOG By Rien Fertel Touchstone, $25.00, 274 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! The result of four years of long road trips, eating as many as five barbecues a day and endless hours of writing, The One True Barbecue is a historic and documentary study of Southern barbecue. A historian and writer, Rien Fertel has collected information while tasting countless barbecues along the way for Southern Food Alliance. This book is the excellent, well-written result of those four years. Nevertheless, it is far too detailed for most readers — long chapters of unillustrated pages of text would make most readers lose interest unless they are intensely interested in Southern barbecue. Fertel visited many barbecue joints in the Southern states and two in New York, 25 of which appear on his location map, including a detailed history of the place and bio of the pit master. He included few illustrations — his traveling companion and photographer supplied a number of blackand-white photos and eight in-bound color photos. Most readers would’ve liked much more, as the subject is visual as well as gustatory. But we learn a lot about barbecue, in which, generally whole hogs are smoked and slowly cooked over specific wood fire. Some of these joints are huge — cooking as many as 100 whole hogs a day! THE CHEW: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO COOKING AND ENTERTAINING: RECIPES, WIT AND WISDOM FROM THE CHEW HOSTS (ABC) By Ashley Archer, Editor Kingswell , $19.99, 256 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out!
show in this new paperback. The scope of recipes is quite varied. The recipes are easy-to-follow and clearly written with varying degrees of difficulty and complexity. Photos of the recipes are nicely done, in full color, but unfortunately most of the photos are actually of the hosts of The Chew. Photos of the hosts grinning, eating, talking, goofing off—all very friendly and fun, but it seems like an extended advertisement for the show, with some recipes thrown in. Rather like watching it, I suppose—but not what you desire in a cookbook. Recipes in the chapter “Back to Basics” seem rather beyond “basic”—including such dishes as Slow-roasted Salmon with Avocado Salad and Chicken Paillard with Grilled Pineapple Salsa. “Comfort Classics,” “Family Favorites,” “Old Faves, New Flaves” and “Guilty Pleasures” round out the book. You will enjoy the different twists on familiar recipes, such as Italian Biscuits and Gravy, using a flatbread instead of biscuits. If you are a fan of The Chew, you will enjoy this; otherwise, grab the recipes from the website. PROJECT SMOKE By Steven Raichlen Storey Publishing LLC, $22.95, 336 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out! I am not going to lie. I may have drooled at every recipe and picture in Steven Raichlen’s Project Smoke. Just looking at the cover alone, I already can imagine myself smelling and tasting the savory smokiness that we foodies love. So yes, if there is a book worth drooling over, this is the book. Project Smoke, or should I say the Bible of Smoke Foods, is a crash course for anyone and beginners like myself. Did you know you can smoke a cheesecake, ice cream, mayonnaise and butter? Well, I didn’t. So if you are ready to learn how to smoke delicious meats, seafood and poultry, then be sure to fire up those smoke pits because Steven Raichlen will have us addicted to these savory smoked dishes. In this beautifully and detailed book, Raichlen has perfectly outlined, in precise detail, information on what is needed for each dish - whether smoking brisket, salmon or smoked chocolate bread pudding. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions on how to smoke the dish and a little insider tip on how to make the dish stand out. I immediately knew I wanted to try smoking Raichlen’s smoked shrimp cocktail with chipotle-orange cocktail sauce. And let me tell you, it was so easy to make and tasted like smoky heaven. While I was finding my smoky groove, I decided to test out Raichlen’s method for infusing smoke into a cocktail. The Mezcalini cocktail recipe is so addictive and refreshing and includes smoked ice cubes. Go read this fun and creative cookbook. I will definitely be using this book to master smoking with the result of more creative food, desserts and cocktails. This book has it all and, like I said, it’s practically the Bible of Smoking. If you are looking for an easy and helpful guide on how to smoke those dishes you find at a restaurant, then look no further than Project Smoke. MODERN ECLAIRS: AND OTHER SWEET AND SAVORY PUFFS By Jenny McCoy Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $20.00, 288 pages Reviewed by Faith Lewis Check this out! What can you do with seven ingredients? Make pasta? Soup? How about pâte á choux? Wait! Don’t go to Google translate — you’ll get something along the lines of “paste of cabbage.” But if we take things a little less literally, we arrive at something closer to “a pastry that puffs”: cream puffs and eclairs. Let me tell you, this is the best paste of cabbage you’re ever going to taste. After clearly outlining the optimal ingredients and tools, Jenny McCoy goes on to offer an array of beautiful éclair recipes. Basic techniques are outlined with step-by-step pictures for a visual learner like myself. The flavors of the book cover the gauntlet from fruity to chocolate (yay!) to savory. I love the format of this book. Everything from its slightly unorthodox shape to the playful font and bright colors, plays off of the creativity of the eclairs themselves. I have no complaints about this book. McCoy makes eclairs look easy and promises desserts to impress. HUNGRY GIRL CLEAN & HUNGRY: EASY ALL-NATURAL RECIPES FOR HEALTHY EATING IN THE REAL WORLD By Lisa Lillien St. Martin’s Griffin, $19.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out! The Hungry Girl has done it again. Hungry Girl Clean & Hungry by Lisa Lillien has over 100 all-natural recipes that not only fit the “clean eating” trend, but are also everyday realistic. From breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, Lillien covers it all. She also manages to add in gluten-free and vegetarian recipes too. Eating healthy is the first step to healthy living. It might as well taste good too. With 10 best-selling Hungry Girl cookbooks to date, Lillien has outdone herself with Hungry Girl Clean & Hungry. All of the recipes have less than 15 steps, which is a big bonus, because who has time to follow a three-page recipe? She also offers a key in the front that lets you know which recipes are vegetarian, gluten-free, have five ingredients or less, and more. Shopping will take a little more time, as some of the ingredients are ones you probably don’t have in your kitchen, like chia seeds. Also, some recipes are only single servings, which needs to be taken into consideration when making more. Overall, this is one cookbook that needs to be in every kitchen!
The hosts of the popular cooking show The Chew have compiled a cookbook of their favorite and most-requested recipes from the Tulsa Book Review • July 2016 • 4
COOKING, FOOD & WINE CONT’D ON PAGE 5
COOKING, FOOD & WINE (CONT’D)
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY’S 2016
HEALTHY SPEEDY SUPPERS: QUICK, HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR BUSY PEOPLE By Katriona MacGregor Nourish, $9.99, 176 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! Katriona MacGregor has written an excellent cookbook, Healthy Speedy Suppers; however, it’s not without fault. The most glaring ones are typos and even grammatical errors you quickly spot on the first few pages. MacGregor is British, which means American cooks will be inconvenienced by American measurements converted from metric — in many measurements the metric is a whole number, but in the converted units you are dealing with fractions. Since the author has a thyroid condition, she tries to use little wheat, cow’s milk, fat, refined carbohydrates and sugar. She promises that no recipe takes more than 40 minutes to prepare and she clearly indicates (and colorcodes) total time with each recipe. For the average home cook, these times are very conservative; they do not include peeling, chopping, dicing, grating, etc. We can safely double these times. She also underestimates such times as sautéing, frying, reducing liquids, presumably tested on powerful professional ranges. Again, doubling the times is reasonable. The recipes are original and excellent, well-written with good recipe headnotes. Most ingredients are easy to find, but a search is needed for some (vacuum-packed chestnuts, wild garlic leaves). The numerous photo illustrations are great. FRESH FISH By Jennifer Trainer Thompson Storey Publishing, $19.95, 352 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! New Englanders certainly will enjoy Fresh Fish more than cooks elsewhere, nevertheless Jennifer Trainer Thompson created a superb cookbook on fish and seafood. This is more than a cookbook; it is filled with local history from the Pilgrims on and contains plenty of good food information on fish and other foods (cleaning and grilling fish, buying guide, cleaning clams, shucking oysters, sea salt and so on). The recipes are very good and laid out well with clear instructions. Many of them are not for quick everyday cooking, but the author provided simpler recipes as well. Most cooks would have liked to find some general cooking instruction on fish/seafood for a busy-day simple dinner plan. Many recipes contain unusual preparations (frizzled leeks, pistachio crust), or hard-to-find ingredients (chouriço, blood oranges), but generally you’ll have no problem on your shopping trips. The book is filled with gorgeous photos, many little tidbits on local history and foods, quotes, and a little bit of the author’s life history. Recipe headnotes are worth reading. We also have many useful cooking instructions like lobster-clambake step-by-step, complete with photos. This trade paperback cookbook is complete with sides, cocktails and sweet endings. The index is excellent and well cross-referenced. APERITIVO: THE COCKTAIL CULTURE OF ITALY By Marisa Huff Rizzoli, $35.00, 224 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! Filled with stunning photographs of Italian street scenes, restaurant and bar serving staff, and, of course, foods and aperitivos, this gorgeous book, Aperitivo gives us the recipes and preparations for Italy’s famed cocktails and accompanying foods. Marisa Huff presents these in four chapters centered on four major cities, but additional chapters called “Farther Afield” add another three chapters. Too bad she didn’t think of including a sketch of a location map (where is the Ligurian Coast? Or Piedmont?). Her writing is delightful, her recipe headnotes interesting and informative, recipe instructions clear. The layout of many recipes is a problem for the cook—they spill inconveniently to overleaf pages. Many recipes are labeled with the establishment of its origin, such as Bar Cavour or Rebelot (presumably a restaurant). Needless to say, you must have an exceptionally well-stocked bar to be able to reproduce many of the beverages. Some items are going to be tough to find: peppadew peppers, chinotto or pane carasau, for instance. It seems this book was written more for travelers visiting Italy though the book is too big to heft around. Huff even provides a list of 74 city-by-city bars and caffés as guides to visit.
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Tulsa Book Review • July 2016 • 5
NONFICTION
Some are only words long. The words are beautiful. This book tries to piece together the life that Sappho lived and the poems she wrote. In order to flesh out a full book, the author fills in details of life as it would have been, perhaps, for Sappho at that time. Many of these details are astonishing. Sappho lived on the island of Lesbos during a politically charged time. When her leaders fell out of favor, Sappho was exiled to Sicily. One of her saddest poems is not being able to provide her daughter with a headband. For those of us in search of a woman’s voice in poetry, this is a good volume to find. One would hope that more fragments can be found to piece together these extraordinary poems.
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THE WORLD ACCORDING TO STAR WARS By Cass R. Sunstein Dey Street Books, $21.99, 256 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Star Wars is not just a franchise, an empire or a phenomenon it’s a way of life these days. Even those rare few who have never seen the films know plenty about them simply by being part of society. You’d think that everything there is or was to say about Star Wars would’ve been said by now, but Cass R. Sunstein proves you wrong in The World According to Star Wars, plunging into the depths of what Star Wars is, could be and what it all means. This book is all about spinning certainty on its head. Sunstein asks whether it was destined to become the center of a pop-culture phenomenon or just benefited from timing, considering that it was widely expected to be a flop. He ponders if it’s a political statement, a commentary on free speech, a Christian allegory, a treatise on how technology dehumanizes us, or all of those at once. He even ponders which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars? This is less a book about Star Wars itself and more about what it means to us. And that makes for an intriguing, enjoyable, unexpected read. THE MACKAY CREEK SERIES: PAINTINGS BY RON DEN DAAS By Bill Jefferies, Brian Riddle (contributor) Black Dog Publishing, $29.95, 127 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! This beautiful, large-format art book contains 60 oil paintings by British Columbia artist Ron den Daas, entitled The Mackay Creek Series. The book features little text by the artist, but includes a foreword by Brian Riddell of the Pacific Salmon Foundation and an essay by Bill Jeffries — a teacher, gallery owner and environmentalist — who explain the project the artist had in mind and its ecological significance. Den Daas has undertaken this project for environmental reasons — the midsize creek is close to his studio, and it is now part of a habitat for the migrating and spawning coho salmon. He painted the panels at the same location 60 times over the period of November 2008 through October 2010. Each panel is full-page and the artworks are beautiful. Though they depict the same stream at the same location, den Daas changed the view slightly, including a little more foreground or background or side views from painting to painting. Each is labeled with a number and date. In addition, he included 10 full-sized paintings (all the way to edge of the paper), some showing details of paintings, others on slightly different topics. But most readers may get bored viewing similar paintings 60 times. SNOWBALL IN A BLIZZARD: A PHYSICIAN’S NOTES ON UNCERTAINTY IN MEDICINE By Steven Hatch Basic Books, $27.99, 312 pages Reviewed by Karen Collins Check this out! Snowball in a Blizzard is named for an expression that has been used in mammography to describe the difficulty in arriving at a definite conclusion based on what often appears in the test result. Dr. Steven Hatch provides detailed examples of uncertainty within various specialties. The book is written in a style that readers can follow, even though Dr. Hatch includes statistics, citations, quotes from studies, and other medical literature. His claims are well-supported. I am making the book sound dry and lifeless but rest assured he occasionally peppers his writing with wry humor where appropriate, and succeeds in making the situations relatable and interesting. One of the most interesting aspects of the book explores the evolution of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of certain diseases. His careful explanations of clinical trials and the protocols required go a long way in helping the reader inject some independent thinking when presented the usual media sound bites concerning some new miracle cure or wonder drug. Dr. Hatch provides valuable insight into the questions we laypersons should be asking. It is worth taking the time to read to carefully understand his rational and balanced message. SEARCHING FOR SAPPHO: THE LOST SONGS AND WORLD OF THE FIRST WOMAN POET By Philip Freeman W. W. Norton & Company, $26.95, 306 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out!
RESTORING THE REPUBLIC: A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT FOR WE THE PEOPLE By Bear Kosik bearly designed, $3.25, 322 pages Reviewed by Claire Lejeune Check this out! The crisis today’s modern political regimes face is, to a great extent, a crisis of meaning: our democracies are no longer truly democracies, equality is but an abstract dream, freedom is but an empty utopia. The very language we use to describe our political institutions and the principles underpinning them seems to fail us, as a growing distrust in the traditional political establishment fuels the rapid ascension of charismatic figures we call “populists,” and whose main line is that they, unlike the members of the establishment, say things as they are. It is in this context that Bear Kosik calls for a “restoration” of the Republic, in a book that resonates as an appeal to recall what words originally meant. “Democracy” means the power of the people: power should, in that case, be given back to “the people,” to the 99 percent. Yet things are never so simple: not only must the power be given back to the people, but the people must also be willing and able to take it back and use it adequately. For this reason Kosik calls out less to the political establishment than to us, ordinary citizens. Through an in-depth analysis of the classic trends in political philosophy, in particular around the all-important notion of “social contract,” and also drawing upon detailed references to historical events in the United States, Europe and countries with political traditions less familiar to us, Kosik reassesses and reasserts the meaning and the value of the principles that have shaped our institutions. He chooses to tackle this paradox: there is a clear need for an overhaul of the system, but such a sea change would entail mobilizing a huge amount of energy and willpower; yet politics, for many, now boils down to casting a ballot once in a while. Representative democracy has become delegation democracy and thus is not really democracy any longer. Kosik’s statements are reminiscent of Tocqueville’s De la démocratie en Amérique, in which he warned against the excessive focus democratic societies tend to lay on the private sphere: this would inevitably lead to apathy in the public sphere, and reduce politics to a game played solely by professional politicians. Another good reason to read Kosik’s Restoring the Republic, in addition to its importance concerning theory, is the pleasant blend of tones the author has masterly achieved: the reader will alternately be asked to rack his brains, so as to weigh the importance of each step of his line of reasoning, be moved by the sincere belief he expresses in core values that have brought us together and kept us together up to now, and also without doubt will enjoy the occasional pun or joke- which does not go unappreciated in a book as demanding as this one. It is demanding because politics is demanding, because living together is demanding. Restoring the Republic will take efforts on all parts, and first of all requires that “we the people” stand up as such and voice our claims. Our Western political systems are at a crossroads; the world is watching. This book can be likened to a signpost, signalling the direction we will be heading toward should we choose one path or another. But the choice, at the end of the day, remains in the hands of the people – or at least it will should they choose to take up the challenge. PRISONERS OF HOPE: LYNDON B. JOHNSON, THE GREAT SOCIETY, AND THE LIMITS OF LIBERALISM By Randall B. Woods Basic Books, $32.00, 480 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out! Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” tends to get lost in the shuffle in the tumult of the 1960s. Johnson took the country’s helm after the assassination of JFK in 1963. His pursuit of victory in Vietnam tends to overshadow any legislative gains he might have made. Randall Woods’ book looks to right that. The “Great Society” was an attempt to tackle various issues: Civil Rights, Medicare, Poverty ... issues that mattered to a majority of the population, but tended to be ignored by those that could make the major changes. Johnson utilized his own advisers, Walter Jenkins, Jack Valenti, Horace Busby, along with JFK men like Richard Goodwin and Arthur Schlesinger, to craft laws that would change the status quo. Johnson’s legislative push would start to make an impact in early 1964 with the Economic Opportunity Act; he cast the passage of Civil Rights legislation as a moral issue in order to defeat the racist Southern senators who blocked any attempts at changing the order of things. Johnson would attempt to unify Republicans in getting bills passed. Johnson would be successful in passing some of the legislation, but would be forced to deal with the deepening quagmire that was Vietnam, along with a fractured country that was divided on racial and classist lines. His victories ultimately would be undone by the defeats. But should his progress be deterred by urban unrest and an unwinnable war? Woods’ subject matter is not so much Johnson as it is a particular time period: 1963-1968. This passage of time would see assassinations, riots, war, poverty, conservatism/liberalism and good/bad. Johnson was seen as the puppet master of both - doing some good, but not enough. Any good was torn asunder by the war in Southeast Asia. Woods doesn’t paint a halo around Johnson, but does give a second look at the troubled 36th president and what he aimed to do.
Imagine the task of assembling poems of someone who lived over 2,000 years ago in ancient Greece. While more recent than Homer by 100 years, Sappho’s poems are only fragments on strips of damaged papyrus which are still being discovered. Unlike Homer, she does not sing of war, but of family, weddings and her child. Tulsa Book Review • July 2016 • 6
NONFICTION CONT’D ON PAGE 7
NONFICTION (CONT’D) LIFE MOVES PRETTY FAST: THE LESSONS WE LEARNED FROM EIGHTIES MOVIES (AND WHY WE DON’T LEARN THEM FROM MOVIES ANYMORE) By Hadley Freeman Simon & Schuster, $16.00, 352 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Everyone loves ‘80s movies. Whether it’s The Princess Bride, 48 Hours, Footloose or GhostBusters, Dirty Dancing or Pretty in Pink, there’s at least one that dwells in the back of your mind, pumping glorious throwback affirmations, jokes, quotes and insights into your brain. Hadley Freeman is a self-confessed diehard ‘80s-movie fan, but she’s focused that obsessive fandom into this razor-sharp look at the lessons you might not have even realized you’d learned from classic ‘80s movies. Whether it’s how masculinity is portrayed in GhostBusters, the demonization of working women since the days of Baby Boom, or the myth of “women’s movies” not making money, this love letter to iconic ‘80s films is as insightful as it is funny. Although my favorite ‘80s movie isn’t mentioned—Better Off Dead, you taught me so much—Hadley does a bang-up job culling important lessons about race, culture and the increasingly myopic view of marketability in studio filmmaking today, all while offering some very personal, very funny glimpses of how these movies affected her. Life may move pretty fast, but not too fast for Freeman to pen a killer treatise on one of cinema’s greatest decades. JAPANESENESS: A GUIDE TO VALUES AND VIRTUES By Yoji Yamakuse Stone Bridge Press, $12.95, 160 pages Reviewed by Faith Lewis Check this out! By taking a close look at 76 core values of Japanese culture, author Yoji Yamakuse offers an informative window into Japanese culture while raising the question of what constitutes “Japaneseness” and how this fits with the modern era. In the end, all the cultural values in traditional Japanese society come back to harmony and the seamless cooperation of values within this system leads to an overall tranquil culture. This interaction of values eventually leads to a development of virtue and an appreciation of beauty. Among the ideas examined are thoughtfulness, moderation, temperance and devotion. Japaneseness presents an interesting perspective on Japanese culture. It is written in very short sections, which makes it the perfect bedside book—read a little and then mull it over as you’re waiting for sleep to quell your mind. I can see the practicality of many of the values discussed in this book, but somehow I doubt they could be applied to my own life with much success. It very much felt like I was reading about another culture, rather than reading how to adapt the values of another culture to my own. Still, it was eye-opening and resolved a lot of misconceptions I held without even realizing it. IT’S ONLY THE HIMALAYAS: AND OTHER TALES OF MISCALCULATION FROM AN OVERCONFIDENT BACKPACKER By S. Bedford Brindle & Glass, $15.95, 224 pages Reviewed by David Sutton Check this out! Hilarious, risqué and, as with most adventures, engaging reading when it isn’t your fright and misery. My first writing teacher used to say that if you were not embarrassing yourself writing about personal experiences, you weren’t doing it right. Young Susanka has obviously arrived at that maxim independently. She says her parents will receive a censored version of the book. Probably wise. Arriving in Cape Town with her frenemy Sara, they repair to Gansbaai, for great white sharks. A bladder-threatening account, despite cages! Thereafter, the ladies spend less-than-ladylike time skirting the dark continent’s wilder element, sleeping on hard ground, encountering mosquitoes, dassies, lions, flooding and hippopotami. Kathmandu becomes their Nepalese introduction, with fathers recruited for shared “adventuring.” The mastery of immediacy and sensorial impact exhibited by this fine writer is astounding. Readers suffer through oxygen debt, physical exertion, bean-soup poisoning and poorly equipped despair. (Only the Himalayas, after all.) Chicom paranoia, primitive latrining and monasterial grandeur characterize Tibet. Urban filth and misery in India precede chaotic introspection in a rural ashram, then Indonesia, Borneo, Laos, Thailand ... too many drinks, men (and almost a woman). Fine insights, personal and societal, a wise set of warnings for any world traveler; highly recommended!
INVISIBLE INFLUENCE: THE HIDDEN FORCES THAT SHAPE BEHAVIOR By Jonah Berger Simon & Schuster, $26.99, 272 pages Reviewed by Randy-Lynne Wach Check this out! Whether you’re a business person wanting to understand what drives customers’ purchasing decisions or a consumer looking to avoid falling into marketing traps, there is something in this book for you. The idea seems so simple—that other people affect our decisions—but as Berger illustrates, people don’t always see what can seem so obvious to an outsider. Berger shows how everyone feels a certain social influence in their purchasing decisions: buying to be like others, distinguishing themselves from others, refusing to buy something in order to spite others, or some combination. Sometimes I am disappointed when a book has insufficient or irrelevant examples to prove the premise. That didn’t happen with this book. It’s packed with multiple examples and case studies, all shared in an engaging conversational tone, to demonstrate every point made. I read this book aloud to my teen children and it sparked hours of lively discussions, as we all considered new ideas and/or were reminded of our own experiences with the subjects covered. I don’t often say this about nonfiction books, but it was a joy to read, and I recommend finding a friend to read it at the same time, because you’re going to want to talk about it. BE YOUR OWN HERBALIST: ESSENTIAL HERBS FOR HEALTH, BEAUTY, AND COOKING By Michelle Schoffro Cook Ph.D. New World Library, $15.95, 256 pages Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali Check this out! Herbs have been used for medical purposes since ancient times. Today, pharmaceutical companies have synthesized the active ingredient of many medicines, yet there is still a large movement of those who want to return to the natural medicines, foods, and health or beauty products. All these require a steady supply of herbs – and many different kinds of herbs. While some of us are content to buy them, there are others who wish to grow or harvest them. For those who are considering growing or harvesting their own herbs, this book can serve as an excellent introduction. It has 30 chapters with each devoted to a specific herb. Each chapter starts with a personal reflection relevant to the herb. This is followed by a short history of the herb. Next section focuses on growing, harvesting and using the herb. The last part of the chapter provides recipes on medicines, topical treatments, or health and beauty products that use the herb under discussion. There are several encyclopedias on various facets of herbs available. The intent of this work is not to be an encyclopedia but an introduction of the most common herbs used in the United States for those who are interested in growing, harvesting or using them. Recommended for those just starting out or exploring herbs and their benefits. AMERICA’S GREAT NATIONAL FORESTS, WILDERNESSES, AND GRASSLANDS By Char Miller Rizzoli, $50.00, 272 pages Reviewed by Faith Lewis Check this out! The National Forest System is often overlooked for its big brother, the National Park System, but America’s Great National Forests, Wildernesses, and Grasslands proves that, without a doubt, the beauty of these forests and other landscapes can be just as captivating as the National Parks. The book is broken into seven sections by region and then is further divided to focus on individual forests. Historical, geographical and climate information is presented in simple language alongside beautiful photography. Being a California native, I immediately was drawn to this section (1 state, 18 national forests, 1 national grassland, 21 million acres, 24.6 million visitors, so I was informed). The photographs in this section do a phenomenal job of illustrating the vast variety of landscapes that can be found in California, and while I have explored many of them myself, this proved to me just how little of the state I truly have seen. Although this book is better viewed at arm’s length, as some of the photos begin to get a little fuzzy if you try to look too closely, the landscapes were nonetheless breathtaking. It’s safe to say I’ve added a few destinations to my bucket list.
Tulsa Book Review • July 2016 • 7
AVAILABLE: A MEMOIR OF HEARTBREAK, HOOKUPS, LOVE AND BRUNCH By Matteson Perry Scribner, $24.99, 244 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out!
BIOGRAPHIES & MEMOIRS SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
THE VANISHING VELÁZQUEZ: A 19TH CENTURY BOOKSELLER’S OBSESSION WITH A LOST MASTERPIECE By Laura Cumming Scribner, $28.00, 304 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Much of history is reminiscent of a partially solved mystery; some details like identities, locations and the chain of events are known to you, but others, the connective tissue that binds the elements together, are missing. This proves doubly true of art history, where mistaken identity, forgery and differing expert opinions run rampant. The Vanishing Velázquez highlights the weird nebulous world of art analysis and criticism while delivering an impressive mystery tale about the identity of a painting, its creator, and the life of the man who helped bring a missing masterpiece to light. Cumming accomplishes a lot in less than 300 pages, not only providing a timeline of the mystery itself and the life of Velázquez, but building a profile of Velázquez as an artist and helping the reader to understand his work (both through modern eyes and in the time of the intrepid John Snare, the virtual unknown who championed the Velázquez painting that serves as the centerpiece of the narrative). And the true highlight of the book? The introduction, a magnificent, heartfelt paean to the immensely personal, transformative nature of art, and how a piece can speak to you in a vulnerable moment. SO AS I WAS SAYING ... : MY SOMEWHAT EVENTFUL LIFE By Frank Mankiewicz Thomas Dunne Books, $26.99, 267 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love, and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black.” - Robert Kennedy on the assignation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The prescient quote above was taken on another dark day in American history, but it rings as true today; nothing has really changed. For many years the author of this book, Frank Mankiewicz traveled with Robert Kennedy as his press secretary. Although Mankiewicz was born to movie-industry heavyweights, he preferred to enter the world of politics. He helped found National Public Radio, served as a regional director of the Peace Corps, and a mentor to many presidents and presidential contenders. This is an “as told to” book based on the conversations the writer had with Mankiewicz over many years. Thus, the book is anecdotal in nature. With such an interesting subject, I would have preferred a full-on biography. I wanted more personal information about this famous player in American politics. This book is filled with fragments and stories from a famous life and the people he knew. There are nice photographs included of Mankiewicz’s famous father, uncle and family. If you have no famous favorite uncle to tell you stories, then this is the book for you. CHARLOTTE BRONTË: A FIERY HEART By Claire Harman Knopf, $30.00, 480 pages Reviewed by Annie Peters Check this out! In Charlotte Brontë: A Fiery Heart, Claire Harman tackles the life of one of the most famous women writers in British history. In just under 400 pages, Harman relates Brontë’s life from birth until her untimely death from what Harman believes was hyperemesis gravidarum resulting from a pregnancy during her brief, but happy marriage to Arthur Nicholls. Along the way, Harman details Brontë’s isolated childhood, her difficult years as a teacher and governess, her yearning to return to her family, her unrequited passion for two men, her and her sisters’ struggles to become published, the death of her siblings, and the celebrity her work eventually engendered. Through this biography, Harman establishes Brontë as a surprisingly strong, at times difficult, but passionate woman who relied deeply on her own experiences to create her work. As a result of Brontë’s close ties to her sisters, Harman also provides interesting insights into Emily and Anne Brontë’s lives. For those intrigued by the woman behind Jane Eyre and Villette, this meticulously researched and detailed biography is sure to please.
Suffering from a breakup, the writer details his dating life. What saves this book from total misogyny is that it is funny and seems true. After a bad breakup, Perry determines to avoid his serial monogamy and have casual sex. His character is emboldened by these experiences. The transformation from a timid and self-effacing shy guy to a bold and daring character is entertaining. It culminates with travel to the millennial rite of passage: Burning Man. He gets drugged up and enjoys himself. This book reads like a male version of Sex and the City. He has the requisite small group of buddies that share their adventures and ultimately their girlfriends. They meet and have brunch in a Los Angeles bonding ceremony. It is very funny how the writer describes the difference between breakfast and LA brunch. His coining of “manic pixie dream girl” for his girlfriend who dumps him is also very amusing. So, like many of us, the writer goes from naive to worldweary, ultimately finding that one can’t outrun heartbreak; there is no cure except through feeling it. AN ABBREVIATED LIFE: A MEMOIR By Ariel Leve Harper, $26.99, 273 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out! This is a great memoir about growing up rich, but not privileged. The author was surrounded by material comforts and famous people, but had no one to care for her. Her father lived in Southeast Asia and her mother was impressive and witty, but overbearing and intensely needy. The author is a very good writer. This memoir has immediacy. One can see the little girl trying to get sleep on a school night while the party rages on. One can see the little girl so eager for happy contact with an unfortunate mother with no boundaries. One can see the little girl clinging to her abusive nanny because the woman does care about her in her own way. The poignancy of this memoir comes as the grown-up little girl struggles to overcome the past without any guidelines for living a “normal” life. The breakthrough comes when she no longer sees her mother and hides from her on the other side of the world. This memoir rings very true; childhood abuse has long-lasting effects. One hopes that this remarkable writer will be freed of them.
ROMANCE (CONT’D FROM PAGE 2) DIRTY: A DIVE BAR NOVEL By Kylie Scott St. Martin’s Griffin, $14.99, 288 pages Reviewed by Christina McPherson-Mock Check this out! Lydia is literally a runaway bride. Just moments before preparing to walk down the aisle, she receives evidence that her fiancé is cheating ... with his best man. Lydia flees the only way she can, out the back door and through the garden. In a move out of Goldilocks’ playbook, she finds a small, unkempt and seemingly abandoned bungalow next door; that is until Vaughan, the home’s owner returns. be exactly what he needs to move on? Will obligations to his family and friends keep him from returning to L.A.? In this spin-off of Scott’s Stage Dive series (you needn’t read it in order to enjoy the series), we are treated to a cameo from our favorite drummer Mal, coupled with an ensemble cast of easily likeable characters. This series is a hit in the making. There were some minor subplots that felt as though they could have been thoroughly explored or resolved, but this book is enjoyable and can easily be devoured in one sitting.
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www.TulsaLibrary.org
918.549.READ
JULY 2016
A FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY, ITS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
adults & all ages BIXBY LIBRARY Overview of the Genealogy Center Thursday, July 7 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tulsa City-County Library's Genealogy Center is one of the largest collections of genealogy materials in Oklahoma. Featuring both print and online sources as well as subscription databases, this comprehensive collection contains valuable resources useful to all levels of genealogists. For adults. Adult Book Discussion Wednesday, July 27 • 2-3 p.m. Read "Sweet Salt Air" by Barbara Delinsky and then join us for a lively discussion. Light refreshments will be served.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Open Book Discussion Tuesday, July 5 • 6:30-7:45 p.m. "The Dream Lover" by Elizabeth Berg is a lush, richly detailed fictionalized biography of George Sand. Read the novel that Kirkus Reviews describes as a "thoroughly pleasant escape" and then join us for a lively
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discussion. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Broken Arrow Library. For adults.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian July 1-30 • Need individualized instruction on a library service? Whether you want to learn to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7507 to Book-A-Librarian. For adults. Brookside Book Discussion Monday, July 11 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Beloved young adult author Judy Blume returns with the adult novel "In the Unlikely Event," the story of Miri Ammerman who returns to her hometown of Elizabeth, N.J., to attend a commemoration of the worst year of her life – when a succession of airplanes fell from the sky, leaving her community reeling. For adults. Participants should read the book prior to the program.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY All Thumbs Knitters Wednesdays, July 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.
All Tulsa City-County Library locations are closed on Monday, July 4 for Independence Day.
CELEBRATE FAMILY HISTORY MONTH!
Events Events are are marked marked with with this this icon. icon. Patchworkers Tuesday, July 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 Music Sandwiched In: Arabesque Monday, July 11 • noon-12:40 p.m. LOCATION: Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Fleming Center, 4134 E. 31st St. Become mesmerized by the world fusion sound of Arabesque duo Miranda Arana and Steve Vanlandingham as they play a unique blend of Arabic and Celtic music on the flute and various string instruments. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust and Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries. Music Sandwiched In: Meredith Berzas Monday, July 25 • noon-12:40 p.m. LOCATION: Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Fleming Center, 4134 E. 31st St. Listen to the soothing melodies of 15-year-old Tulsa Youth Symphony
harpist Meredith Berzas, who has been studying the harp since the age of 10. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust and Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries.
GLENPOOL LIBRARY Beginning Mvskoke (Creek) Language Tuesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 6:30-7:45 p.m. • John Skeeter will teach the basics of the Mvskoke (Creek) language. For third-graders through adult. Sponsored by American Indian Resource Center.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Start-Up Basics Thursday, July 7 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Pecan Room Learn the essentials of business startups, get action steps for your business and receive one-to-one mentoring. SCORE is a nonprofit association of volunteer business experts. Registration is required. Go to www. tulsa.score.org to register. For adults.
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Beginning Genealogy Workshop Saturday, July 9 • 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Pecan Room Today's family history researcher has more resources available than ever before. However, with all that's out there, it is hard to know where to start and what to do. Kathy Huber, Genealogy Center manager, will guide you through the process and explain the records and sources that will help you get started on your journey. For adults. Exploring Genealogy Software Saturday, July 9 • 2:30-4 p.m. Location: Pecan Room Genealogy software can help you organize and share your family history research. Join Nancy Shively, IT training coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library, and learn how to choose the software that is right for you. Shively will demonstrate various products and explain how to transfer your files from an old program to a new one. For adults. DNA 101 Saturday, July 16 • 9:30-10:30 a.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Genealogists are using DNA test results to further their family history research and connect with others who are researching their family. Join Liz Walker, Genealogy Center library associate, for an overview of the different kinds of tests and what results to expect from each one. For adults. Tulsa Genealogical Society Library Saturday, July 16 • 10:45-11:45 a.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium The Tulsa Genealogical Society (TGS) recently donated its library collection to Northeastern State University's Broken Arrow campus. The collection is now available and open to the public. Join Dorothy Becknell, TGS president, as she shares the latest updates on accessing and using this research collection. For adults. Genealogy Writers Workshop: Documenting Our Families Saturday, July 16 • 1:30-3:30 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Join a panel of genealogists who have written and published their families' stories and history. Discover the steps and processes they took to achieve a finished product. Following their presentations, a question-and-answer time will allow participants to get advice from panel members. Later, Genealogy Center manager Kathy Huber will share resources available at the center that will aid writers in creating their own family book. For adults.
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"How Do You Dewey?" Trivia Night Tuesday, July 19 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Test your trivia smarts as we explore the fields of science, literature, history and more on our trek through the Dewey Decimal System. Registration is required. To register as a team (maximum of four players per team) or an individual, call 918549-7323. Space is limited. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust. Genealogy Workshop With Mark Lowe Saturday, July 23 • 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Professional genealogist, speaker and researcher, Mark Lowe returns to Tulsa for a full weekend of genealogy programming. Lowe's warm personality and down-to-earth approach has made him popular with the Tulsa research community. He will begin the day showing how maps, atlases and gazetteers can be used to locate family farms and residences. Following a break, he will follow a case through court, explaining the basic records of the legal system. After lunch he will discuss private claims made by civilian families requesting payment for services or damages. Learn how and when these requests were honored, ignored or lost, and what information might be found in them. We will end the day with a behind-the-scenes look at the research and preparation done before those genealogical TV programs are aired. Using clips and actual research problems, Lowe will show us how the story is told. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust. Testing Outrageous Family Stories Sunday, July 24 • 1:30-4 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Most genealogists have heard undocumented outrageous family stories. Join professional genealogist Mark Lowe for this lighthearted look at some outrageous family stories. Using these examples, Lowe will share some strategies and suggestions that can be used to test the stories and determine their likely truths. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust. The National Archives at Your Fingertips Saturday, July 30 • 9:30-10:30 a.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium Meg Hacker, archives director, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Fort Worth, will provide an overview of NARA's genealogical information available online, highlighting an array of military, naturalization and federal population census records. Learn where to find these important records on NARA's online website. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust.
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National Archives' Online Resources Relating to American Indians Saturday, July 30 • 10:45-11:45 a.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is creating Web pages full of information and resources for researching American Indian ancestors. With a focus on the American Indian tribes in Oklahoma, Meg Hacker, archives director at NARA at Fort Worth, will demonstrate how to use these online guides which make this vast collection of records easily accessible to family history researchers. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust. Honoring the Survivors Saturday, July 30 • 2-2:45 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium The Oklahoma Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association is locating and marking the graves of survivors of the forced removal of the Five Civilized Tribes, which occurred in the 1830s. Join chapter representative David Hampton as he describes the efforts taken to determine who is eligible, the research conducted on the individual and their descendants, and how this research is used during a ceremony conducted at the grave site. For adults. American Indian Resources at the Genealogy Center Saturday, July 30 • 3-4 p.m. Location: Frossard Auditorium The Genealogy Center maintains a large collection of resources for researching American Indian ancestors. Join Kathy Huber, Genealogy Center manager, for a brief overview of these materials. For adults.
JENKS LIBRARY Jenks Library Book Discussion Group Thursday, July 21 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Join us for a lively discussion of great books. For adults. Participants should read the book prior to the program. Call 918-549-7570 for book title or more information.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Start Your Research @ the Library Wednesday, July 6 • 10:30 a.m.-noon Tulsa City-County Library offers many helpful services to family history researchers. Join Lisa Hansen, Genealogy Center library associate, for an overview of these useful resources. For adults.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Phetote Mshari Speaks Wednesday, July 13 • 7-8 p.m. Location: Ancestral Hall Phetote Mshari is a spokenword performer who focuses on social justice
and empowerment. He will appear for a single night at Rudisill Regional Library to speak about those things that we cannot ignore and that we all need to think about and hear. His repertoire includes poetry about domestic violence against men, mental disorders, and the need to be proud of yourself and be worthy of pride from others. For adults. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust.
teens & tweens For additional events scheduled in July, see the Teen/Tween Summer Reading Program Event Guide.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Watch the Movie: "Cool Runnings" Saturday, July 16 • 2-4 p.m. Location: Connor's Cove Come and enjoy a free movie in Connor's Cove and a chance to win a pair of movie tickets to a local theater. Bring your friends! Glow bracelets will be provided. This movie is rated PG. For teens. Watch the Movie: "Miracle" Thursday, July 21 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Connor's Cove Come and enjoy a free movie in Connor's Cove and a chance to win a pair of movie tickets to a local theater. Bring your friends! Glow bracelets will be provided. This movie is rated PG. For teens.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Night Wednesdays, July 6, 20 • 6-8 p.m. Location: Computer Lab Build your own world and fight off zombies in Minecraft. For ages 10-18. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Teen Time Wednesday, July 13 • 4-5 p.m. Location: Auditorium Play classic video games on our big screen. For ages 10-18.
SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY Craft Connection Thursday, July 28 • 6-7 p.m. Stop by and make some cool crafts. Supplies are provided. For ages 8-16. Hearing loop available. Switch hearing aid to T-coil.
c o m p u t e r s ,
computers, devices &
digital services BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian July 1-30 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or service? Whether you need to learn how to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Book-A-Librarian appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Registration is required. Call 918-5497500 to reserve your time. For adults.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Job Lab Monday, July 18 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Make an appointment to get oneto-one assistance with your job search. Library staff will help you update your résumé, create an email address, search for jobs online, complete online applications, or explore a new career in this special lab just for job seekers. You will have access to Microsoft Office software and the Internet. USB flash drives are available for purchasing, or you can bring your own to save your work. Standard printing charges apply. For adults. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7528 to register.
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian July 1-30 • 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. Computers for Seniors Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab • Do your computer skills need an upgrade? These classes are designed for people ages 55 and older who want to learn basic computer skills in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere. Each session builds on the one before, so make plans to attend all four! Classes are: July 8, "Hardware Boot Camp"; July 15, "Internet Basics"; July 22, "Fun With Files"; July 29, "Email 101." Registration is required for the series; class size is limited to 12 participants. Call 918-549-7550 to register.
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MS Word 1 Tuesday, July 12 • 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. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis. 3-D Printer Demonstration Thursday, July 14 • 7-8 p.m. Saturday, July 23 ● 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27 ● 3:30-4:30 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. MS Word 2 Tuesday, July 19 • 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. Class is limited to 18 on a firstcome, first-served basis. MS Word 3 Tuesday, July 26 • 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. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.
HELMERICH LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian July 1-30 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or service? Whether you need to learn how to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Book-A-Librarian appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Call 918-549-7631 to reserve your time. For adults.
LIBRARIUM Introduction to 3-D Printing Thursday, July 7 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, July 18 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. In this short orientation class, we'll explain what 3-D printers are and what kind of models you can create and print. This class also will allow you permission to use our 3-D printers for your own personal printing. For all ages. An adult must accompany children under age 6.
MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY MS Excel 1 Saturday, July 9 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create formulas, use automatic fill
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and change basic formatting. Class is limited to 12 on a firstcome, first-served basis. MS Excel 2 Saturday, July 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. Class is limited to 12 on a firstcome, first-served basis. MS Excel 3 Saturday, July 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. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. MS Publisher 101 Saturday, July 30 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create fun and colorful signs and fliers. Class is limited to 12 on a firstcome, first-served basis.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, July 6 • 9:30-11 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class is designed for new computer users who have little or no previous experience using computers, Windows, a mouse or the Internet, and little or no knowledge of basic computer terms. For adults. Registration is required. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 918-549-7645 to register. Intro to MS Word Wednesday, July 13 • 9:30-11 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to use toolbars and menus, set margins, apply spell check, and preview, save and print documents. You should have some experience using a computer keyboard and mouse prior to taking this class. For adults. Registration is required. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 918-549-7645 to register. Internet @ the Library Wednesday, July 20 • 9:30-11 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class is designed for people with little or no experience using the Internet. You will learn to navigate the World Wide Web and use the library's catalog system and online resources. For adults. Registration is required. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 918-549-7645 to register.
c h i l d r e n Email 101 Wednesday, July 27 • 9:30-11 a.m. Location: Computer Lab This class teaches you how to set up a free account and use it to send and receive email. Registration is required. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 918-549-7645 to register.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, July 27 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Location: Computer Lab This class is designed for new computer users who have little or no previous experience using computers, Windows, a mouse or the Internet, and little or no knowledge of basic computer terms. For adults. Class is limited to 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
children For additional events scheduled in July, see the Children's Summer Reading Program Event Guide.
BIXBY LIBRARY PAWS for Reading Mondays, July 11, 25 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7514 to register.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Mrs. Cindy's Storytime Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 10:30-11 a.m. Join Mrs. Cindy for adventures in reading, singing, rhymes, finger plays and fun. For ages 7 and younger. PAWS for Reading Saturday, July 23 • 2-3 p.m. Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE
JULY 2016
TO SEARCH FOR EVENTS, SCAN THIS CODE USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICE AND QR SCANNER APP.
TULSA DRILLERS
@ ONEOK Field Saturday, July 30 • 7:05 p.m. Arkansas Travelers vs. Tulsa Drillers
TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC @ ONEOK Field Thursday, Aug. 4 • 7:30 p.m. Orange County Blues vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Free and Open to the Public If you are hearing-impaired and need a qualified interpreter, please call the library 48 hours in advance of the program.
Children and teens must complete the Summer Reading Program to earn a free ticket to each game. Visit www.TulsaLibrary.org/Summer for more details.
The Tulsa Book Review and Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide are printed on partially recycled paper.
NEW HOURS STARTING IN JULY
tulsa city-county library locations 25 Bixby Library 20 E. Breckenridge, 74008 • 918-549-7514 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 19 Broken Arrow Library 300 W. Broadway, 74012 • 918-549-7500 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 23 Broken Arrow Library/South 3600 S. Chestnut, 74011 • 918-549-7662 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 17 Brookside Library 1207 E. 45th Place, 74105 • 918-549-7507 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 9 Central Library Closed for renovation 400 Civic Center, 74103 • 918-549-7323 8 Charles Page Library 551 E. Fourth St., Sand Springs, 74063 918-549-7521 • M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 2 Collinsville Library 1223 Main, 74021 • 918-549-7528 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 24 Glenpool Library 730 E. 141st St., 74033 • 918-549-7535 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 22 Hardesty Regional Library and Genealogy Center 8316 E. 93rd St., 74133 • 918-549-7550 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 21 Helmerich Library 5131 E. 91st St., 74137 • 918-549-7631 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 18 Herman and Kate Kaiser Library 5202 S. Hudson Ave., Suite B, 74135 918-549-7542 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 20 Jenks Library 523 W. B St., 74037 • 918-549-7570 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 3 Judy Z. Kishner Library 10150 N. Cincinnati Ave. E., Sperry 74073 • 918-549-7577 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5
at the Bixby, Charles Page, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Judy Z. Kishner, Kendall-Whittier, Maxwell Park, Nathan Hale, Pratt, Skiatook and Suburban Acres libraries.
11 Kendall-Whittier Library 21 S. Lewis, 74104 • 918-549-7584 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 10 Librarium 1110 S. Denver Ave., 74119 • 918-549-7349 M-Th, 9-7; Fri.-Sat., 9-5 15 Martin Regional Library and Hispanic Resource Center 2601 S. Garnett Road, 74129 • 918-549-7590 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 7 Maxwell Park Library 1313 N. Canton, 74115 • 918-549-7610 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 14 Nathan Hale Library 6038 E. 23rd St., 74114 • 918-549-7617 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 4 Owasso Library 103 W. Broadway, 74055 • 918-549-7624 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 12 Pratt Library 3219 S. 113th W. Ave., Sand Springs, 74063 • 918-549-7638 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 6 Rudisill Regional Library and African-American Resource Center 1520 N. Hartford, 74106 • 918-549-7645 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 13 Schusterman-Benson Library 3333 E. 32nd Place, 74135 918-549-7670 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 1 Skiatook Library 316 E. Rogers, 74070 • 918-549-7676 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 5 Suburban Acres Library 4606 N. Garrison, 74126 • 918-549-7655 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 16 Zarrow Regional Library and American Indian Resource Center 2224 W. 51st St., 74107 • 918-549-7683 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5
www.TulsaLibrary.org
The Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide is produced by the Public Relations Office of the Tulsa City-County Library. For questions or concerns, call 918-549-7389.
TEENS
SAMURAI RISING: THE EPIC LIFE OF MINAMOTO YOSHITSUNE By Pamela S. Turner, Gareth Hinds (illustrator) Charlesbridge, $16.95, 256 pages Reviewed by Elizabeth Dubos Check this out!
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BONE GAP By Laura Ruby Balzer + Bray, $10.58, 368 pages Reviewed by Leah Weyand, Teen Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library Check this out! “The people of Bone Gap called Finn a lot of things, but none of them was his name. When he was little, they called him Spaceman. Sidetrack. Moonface. You. As he got older, they called him Pretty Boy. Loner. Brother. Dude.” When beautiful and kind Roza disappears from Finn and Sean O’Sullivan’s farm as mysteriously as she arrived, Finn O’Sullivan knows it was more than chance— but no one believes his claims of abduction. With the help of a fascinating girl named Petey, Finn will slide through the gaps in his world to find Roza—before it’s too late. This Printz Award-winning novel by Laura Ruby explores absence, loss and identity in a small-town setting where corn whispers and everyone knows your name. Bone Gap’s tale of Finn and his town has haunting echoes of mythology, magical realism and contemporary issues layered into a story that swirls around the reader like a dream. A National Book Award finalist, Bone Gap will keep you winding through the cornfields until you finish it—though its words will resonate past the last page. THE SAFEST LIES By Megan Miranda Crown Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 368 pages Reviewed by Elizabeth Dubos Check this out! If readers love suspense, thriller, mystery and contemporary, The Safest Lies is the book for you! The Safest Lies is a book about a mother who was held captive 17 years ago and now raises her daughter Kelsey to see danger everywhere. Kelsey is aware of her surroundings and always plans escape routes wherever she is whether it’s at school or home. Teenage Kelsey is starting to yearn more for a life outside being careful all the time. This ache to live life on the edge results in Kelsey needing to be saved by her handsome classmate and local firefighter Ryan Baker. Ryan is sweet, caring, dependent and thoughtful. Then, tragedy strikes again: Kelsey’s mother is missing! Kelsey fears someone took her mother and now is coming after her. Kelsey starts to learn that maybe her mother’s ideals for staying safe weren’t so crazy after all. If readers liked the movie The Panic Room, then readers will love The Safest Lies by Megan Miranda too. I recommend The Safest Lies to readers who need a thrilling yet light summer read. THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER (HARLEQUIN TEEN) By Jennifer L. Armentrout Harlequin Teen, $18.99, 480 pages Reviewed by Elizabeth Dubos Check this out! This is an absolutely magnificent book to read for summer vacation. The Problem With Forever starts with the protagonist who is a girl named Mallory “Mouse” Dodge. She learned at an early age that silence was the key to survival in the foster-care system. Then, the story jumps to when Mallory is homeschooled with loving adoptive parents. She decided to spend her senior year of high school at a public school. There, she meets Rider Stark, a childhood friend. Rider can be described as friendly and protective. Rider and Mallory still hold a strong connection toward each other. As their relationship grows, Mallory learns Rider still carries the horrors of his past. Mallory is put in an extremely difficult position as she watches Rider’s life spin out of control. She faces the major choice of speaking up or keeping silent about the truths that need to be heard, both for the person she loves and the life she desires. The Problem With Forever has strong character development for Mallory and Rider, as readers will see their growth in life and in their relationship. I suggest that readers prepare their hearts for a roller coaster of love, happiness and growth. I highly recommend The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout for others to read.
If readers enjoy books in the vein of the young adult adventure genre with a focus on historical elements of Japanese culture, then Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune by Pamela S. Turner is the book for you! Readers will need to keep an open mind that this book isn’t filled with violence and war. It’s a story about vengeance, pride and politics. Turner depicts a nonfiction biography of the Japanese warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune, showing the horrors of how Yoshitsune became one of the greatest samurai in Japanese history. She starts telling the story of him at a young age, when he was just a baby. His father was killed while at war with another family, his mother was captured, his only sibling - a half-brother - was banished, and then baby Yoshitsune was sent to live in a monastery. Turner gives vivid details of Yoshitsune not being the typical warrior as he was unskilled, small and skinny. Then, Yoshitsune escapes and trains extensively to become a strong skilled samurai to avenge his family. The book was set during the 12th century and author Pamela S. Turner didn’t have many sources; however, she managed to successfully write a historically accurate book that will grab the reader’s attention. Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune is a thrilling and insightful book about a dangerous world. I recommend it for others to read. ROMANCING THE NERD By Leah Rae Miller Entangled: Teen, $9.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Dan and Zelda used to be close friends until circumstances drove them apart. Dan went through a growth spurt and his dad forced him to try out for basketball. As a result, he quickly became part of the popular crowd—despite his efforts to drive them away. Zelda, meanwhile, remains quite the nerd: band geek, comic-book lover, live-action role player. And now she’s got a grudge against Dan for a few things he did in the past, things that she doesn’t know the full story behind. Deep down the two are perfectly suited for one another — despite these faults — and they’re beginning to realize it. In Romancing the Nerd, author Leah Rae Miller takes us back to the town of her previous novel and gets us better acquainted with some new characters. Dan is struggling under his dad’s strict rules and finds solace in his online friendship with the incognita Zelda. She wants revenge for perceived slights, but she soon finds herself softening as she realizes Dan hasn’t actually changed at all. This is a cute romance novel for young adults, especially those who love some of the nerdier things in life. GOODNIGHT PUNPUN, VOL. 1 By Inio Asano VIZ Media LLC, $24.99, 448 pages Reviewed by Kevin Winter Check this out! This is a bit of an odd duck. It is a slice of life story with great visuals until you get to meet the main character, Punpun, and his family. They are all drawn in a crude, linear fashion, and, in a way, stand out from the rest of the visuals that are highly detailed. As a slice-of-life story, there is no overarching bad guy, except maybe life itself or the passage of time. Punpun is an average kid going to an average school, but his home life is in shambles and gets worse when his father is sent to jail. He has a crush on the new girl in school, but he has no idea where it will lead, if anywhere. He just wants to be recognized as a person, but does he get what he wants? Not all the time. For people who read manga, they will find many things that can be found in other coming-of-age stories; however, this time, the main character is undefined. In a way, you can fill yourself into his nothingness. An interesting concept.
Tulsa Book Review • July 2016 • 9
FICTION
THE LOSS OF ALL LOST THINGS By Amina Gautier Elixir Press, $19.00, 216 pages Reviewed by Check this out!
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WHAT IS NOT YOURS IS NOT YOURS By Helen Oyeyemi Riverhead, $27.00, 336 pages Reviewed by Mandy Nevius Check this out! Helen Oyeyemi’s playful collection of short stories, What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours, is unapologetically odd – a goldmine for those who crave magical realism with surprising twists told through spectacular writing. The book opens with the strongest of its nine stories, “Books and Roses,” which converges the histories of an orphan and a painter, unexpectedly linked. Another highlight in this collection examines the conflict-riddled history between two of Cambridge University’s social clubs, one of which is an all-female group called the Homely Wench Society. Other stories follow a husband and wife who undergo an experiment, a young man whose parents try to persuade him to work with them at a hotel, students at a peculiar puppetry school, an inventive weight-loss facility and a distressed ghost. In fairy-tale fashion, Oyeyemi seamlessly intermixes the ordinary with the fantastical. Keys are a recurring symbol throughout the collection, which unearth unsolved problems, secrets and love. Oyeyemi is unafraid of ambiguity and deviations from the original story; it’s frustrating at first when these moments arise, but readers will learn to trust Oyeyemi’s skillful storytelling. Readers should take their time with each story, possibly rereading, to glean as much of Oyeyemi’s intent and meaning as possible. THIS WAS NOT THE PLAN: A NOVEL By Cristina Alger Touchstone, $26.00, 352 pages Reviewed by Tina Jaspersen Check this out! You’ll find yourself cringing at single-dad Charlie’s missteps and cheering at his successes in Cristina Alger’s This Was Not the Plan. In the second novel by Alger, the story of a workaholic 1-Percenter, who finds himself suddenly in a position he’s never faced before will make you laugh even as it pulls at your heartstrings. Alger’s writing is as precise as it is in depth; each word contributes perfectly to the story, and the relationships are complex, raw and real, making this a bittersweet novel featuring exactly the right amount of dysfunction and truth. Written with wit and humor, this novel has believable characters and a storyline that flows smoothly. The chapters are short, making it easy to take a break and pick up where you left off, but you’ll find yourself wanting to find out what comes next for Charlie and his sparkle-loving son. An uplifting tale, the story is of a man surfacing for air while being surrounded by people who’ve been handing him life jackets for as long as he can remember. Fun yet emotive, this is a book I’ll be recommending to friends as a perfect rainy Saturday read. THE SUMMER GUEST: A NOVEL By Alison Anderson Harper, $27.99, 400 pages Reviewed by Annie Peters Check this out! The Summer Guest is a beautiful novel which interweaves the stories of three women. In the summer of 1888, Zinaida Lintvaryova, a young doctor recently blinded by a terminal illness, begins a journal which records her new friendship with a summer guest on her family’s property in the Ukraine—Anton Chekhov. In London in 2014, Katya, a young Russian immigrant, places great hope in the publication of Zinaida’s journal as she struggles with mysterious marital difficulties and the impending failure of her publishing business. Finally, a translator in a small French village becomes enthralled by the possibility of an undiscovered novel by Chekhov that she might translate. This novel has been termed “evocative” and “atmospheric,” and it is difficult to find better words to describe it. In particular, Zinaida and Anton’s discussions about life, death, immortality and art haunt the reader. Furthermore, Alison Anderson masterfully closes the novel by tying the three storylines together with a delightfully unexpected twist. Finally, it may further intrigue readers to know that Anderson based the Lintvaryovas and the Chekhovs on historical people, further blurring the line between reality and fiction. The Summer Guest is a delightful novel to savor this summer.
A collection of short stories, The Loss of All Lost Things is both gripping and compelling. While none of the 15 stories ran longer than about 20 pages, each felt as complete and was as fleshed out as an individual novel should hope to be. Author Amina Gautier has certainly found the secret to writing short fiction, as even when the subject was dark and haunting, it was also incredibly beautiful. As the reader mourns the losses – friendships, loves, childhoods, even children, there’s still something oddly comforting about each one. Written from a variety of voices and about a variety of different topics, the common theme, loss, is something everyone can identify with in some way. Whether it’s a loss we’ve experienced told back to us eloquently from a point of view we wish we could articulate – a loss we fear spelled out in a haunting worst case scenario, or a loss we’ve caused someone else to feel given back to us from another perspective – each story resonates differently, yet profoundly with the reader. It was entirely too tempting to read The Loss of All Lost Things in one sitting, and yet I found myself putting it down simply to prolong the experience of reading it for the first time. This is, to me, the mark of a truly great book, and I will certainly be passing this one along to friends and family. SARONG PARTY GIRLS: A NOVEL By Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan William Morrow, $25.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Michelle Tan Check this out! On my recent flight to Singapore, I thought it was fitting to read Sarong Party Girls by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan, because this book takes place in Singapore. As I was reading the novel, it reminded me a bit of Crazy Rich Asians, so I was thoroughly invested into the vivid and crazy antics Ms. Tan was able to portray with her characters. Sarong Party Girls somewhat stays true to young Asian women in Singapore, where fashion, money, glamour and social status is a must. Tan dives right into her book as she introduces readers to Jazzy with her colorful and entertaining life that consists of social mingling and lots of partying. This book, of course, contains loads of craziness to keep readers entertained, all while serving a small taste of what Singapore is like. As I was finishing up this book in Singapore, I can actually picture the taste and sounds of Singapore because I did find certain hotels and bars in the city to be pretentious - immediately, I thought of Jazzy and her friends. But life can’t be all about money and glam. And soon Jazzy will discover that there is more to life. So if you are looking for a book that was hilarious, witty, smart, fun, fresh and insightful, then this book is for you. RICH AND PRETTY By Rumaan Alam Ecco, $25.99, 304 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Sarah and Lauren have been friends for decades and their friendship has endured many important periods of their lives. Now in their 30s, their lives are starting to pull farther and farther apart—Sarah works at a charity and is getting married, while Lauren is steadfastly single and works in publishing—and now, both women are starting to feel the distance. Both are beginning to question their friendship. Are they still friends due to convenience and habit? Or is there truly something deeper there? Rumaan Alam’s Rich and Pretty explores ideas that are understandable and recognizable for today’s professional women. Along with the essential questions about friendship and time, this novel will get readers thinking about relationships, marriage, babies, age and more. The writing style might be a little hard for some readers to embrace at first, but once readers get deeper into the story they’ll have a hard time putting the book down. It covers a wide span of time, stretching from the early stages of wedding planning to years beyond that monumental event, with flashbacks that give readers a window into childhood. This is a deep, multilayered novel. HIGH DIVE By Jonathan Lee Knopf, $26.95, 336 pages Reviewed by Lenna Stites Check this out! Based on true events in 1984 England, High Dive is about an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on Oct. 12, when a long-delay time bomb exploded at the Grand Hotel in Brighton. It’s a novel that carefully weaves the stories of its main characters in a plot about family, love and the ambition to be a part of something bigger. Roy Walsh, motivated by the death of his father, joins the IRA and jumps at the chance to be involved in his most high-profile assignment to date. Moose, the deputy hotel manager, just wants the best for his daughter Freya, and works tirelessly to make up for a lifelong past of shoddy failures with the Grand’s success. Freya struggles to find herself as she’s about to graduate high school, learning how to reconcile her own wants against those of her father. Not necessarily a novel that is fast-paced nor intense until its climax, the strength of this novel really lays with the phenomenal characters that really developed over the course of the prose. And Jonathan Lee’s descriptions of the people alone is reason enough to enjoy High Dive’s literary merit.
Tulsa Book Review • July 2016 • 10
FICTION (CONT’D)
SPECULATIVE FICTION (CONT’D)
A HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS: A NOVEL By Amulya Malladi Lake Union Publishing, $14.95, 328 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Priya and her husband are wealthy and happy, but unable to have a child of her own. Desperate, Priya turns to a surrogacy center in India, where women like Asha can rent out their bodies in order to better the lives of themselves and their families. There is much disagreement between the two, but as the months pass and Priya’s baby grows, Asha slowly learns to trust Priya’s motives. They’ll never be friends, but the two can definitely help one another out. A House for Happy Mothers delves into the growing phenomenon of surrogacy, specifically surrogacy in foreign countries. The perspective alternates between Priya and Asha, each of which faces a myriad of other issues in their day-to-day life alongside the emotional upheaval of a surrogate pregnancy. Author Amulya Malladi does a fantastic job getting into the minds of each woman, Priya’s inadequacy and fears paired with Asha’s bitterness and longing. Readers will get a sense of what the process feels like along with an idea of some of the reasons why women may choose to undergo the process. This well-written novel will leave readers wondering about what the future holds for each woman. A CERTAIN AGE: A NOVEL By Beatriz Williams William Morrow, $26.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Qurratulayn Muhammad Check this out! A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams is a beguiling novel set in New York in the 1920s. Inspired by Richard Strauss’ comic opera Der Rosenkavalier, A Certain Age alternates between Mrs. Theresa Marshall of Fifth Avenue, who is falling in love with her paramour, the young Octavian Rofrano, recently back from the Great War, and Sophie Fortescue, a bright young thing engaged to be married to Theresa’s brother, Ox. The scandal begins when, engaging in a long-standing family tradition, Ox sends Octavian to Sophie to act as his cavalier and ask for Sophie’s hand in marriage in his stead. The two fall for each other, and coupled with a shocking family secret, the story is set for a year of intrigue, romance and scandal. I enjoyed A Certain Age. While I haven’t seen the opera it was inspired by, my enjoyment of the decadent plot wasn’t dulled in the least. I was able to guess a few of the twists before they were revealed, but coupled with Williams’ expert execution, that knowledge of the plot twists didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I found myself eager to find out what happened next. It was great for anyone in love with the Jazz Age.
SPECULATIVE FICTION SNAP IT for additional book summaries.
THE SHARDS OF HEAVEN By Michael Livingston Tor Books, $25.99, 416 pages Reviewed by Jordan Binkerd Check this out! https://tccl.bibliocommons.com/item/ show/3312034063 Julius Caesar is dead, assassinated just before his finest moment, and now the civilized world is ripped in two. Tensions run high between Rome and Alexandria, with the fate of an empire hanging in the balance. In Egypt, Antony has aligned himself with Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, the blood heir of Julius Caesar. In Rome, Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian, gathers his forces for a war that seems inevitable. Meanwhile, the Numidian prince, Juba, searches the world for an object of power that will allow him to bring justice to Rome for the subjugation of his people. What he finds could bring the world to its knees. The Shards of Heaven is the first in a new series that takes the real-life history of the birth of the Roman Empire and infuses it with a healthy dose of historical fantasy that results in a fast-paced romp full of engaging characters. If you know your history, then you know certain characters are doomed from the start, but that doesn’t stop you from rooting for them. The central conflict here is that there are several artifacts which have shaped history through the ages, giving rise to myth and legend, always half-remembered versions of the truth: Poseidon’s trident, Moses’ staff, Zeus’ Aegis and the Ark of the Covenant – the most powerful Shard of Heaven in existence – and some things were not meant for the hands of man.
THE COLD BETWEEN: A CENTRAL CORPS NOVEL By Elizabeth Bonesteel Harper Voyager, $16.99, 528 pages Reviewed by John Murray Check this out! Surprisingly out of character, Elena Shaw connects with and takes a man home while on shore leave. Elena is shocked to discover her crewmate, Danny, was murdered during the night. The culprit is the very man she spent the night with—obviously a frame job. Elena and Trey, a retired PSI captain, go rogue to find the real killer. Before long they’re embroiled in a mystery involving corrupt governments, power hungry psychopaths and the aftermath of a horrific accident. The Cold Between by Elizabeth Bonesteel is the first book in the Central Corps series. Bonesteel hit it out of the park with this one. It masterfully balances sci-fi, adventure, mystery and heady romance. The characterization is stellar—pun intended. Elena and Trey’s romance blossoms and staggers under the weight of everything thrown against them. Even secondary characters are fully fleshed out. The world building pushes the story to greater heights, slowly teasing out details about the Central Corps, the PSI and the main characters themselves. Simply put, this is an incredible start to the series and everyone will find something to love here. Bonesteel sets a wonderful stage with dynamic characters and a well-paced plot. Read it. IT HAPPENED ONE DOOMSDAY By Laurence MacNaughton Pyr, $18.00, 280 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Dru lives on the outskirts of a world filled with magic – overshadowed and intimidated by the raw power of sorcerers – while she does what she can with her crystal magic. But when a demon-afflicted man named Greyson walks into her shop looking for help, Dru steps up, unknowingly putting herself in the path of dark forces. It’s the end of the world, Greyson is destined to become one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and Dru is his only hope. It Happened One Doomsday is a curious beast: a rom-com with an apocalyptic bent. We have our delightful downtrodden protagonist torn between her stock douche-bag poorly matched boyfriend and the intriguing bad boy, with all the attendant awkwardness you’d expect. But the twists on this love triangle are what push the book to greater heights. For one thing, Dru’s posse of supportive female friends is both hilarious and badass, offering great banter along with impressive superpowers. She’s also supported by an interesting magic system and a bookish background that makes her an immensely engaging underdog. I don’t know if the rom-com tropes will continue, but I sincerely hope the series does. This was fun. DREAMS OF DISTANT SHORES By Patricia A. McKillip Tachyon Publications, $15.95, 336 pages Reviewed by Axie Barclay Check this out! World Fantasy Award-winning author Patricia A. McKillip shines in this collection of tales. Dreams of Distant Shores compiles neverbefore-released short stories that exemplify her lyrical style and poet’s ear for storytelling. From a goddess imbued in the statue of a mermaid, to a young artist’s possession by his muse, these powerful stories are seductive and strange, a combination that makes for stories like no other. Monsters, witches, magic and death coexist and intermingle with the everyday, with artists, sailors and waitresses. Part fairy tale, part lucid dreams, these tales are elegant, beautiful and heartbreakingly vivid. Reading one is like everything wonderful about a McKillip novel distilled into concise, precise bites. Elegant and absorbing, her work never reads as stiff or formal, as some fantasy stories can lean toward, and the language, while beautiful, never loses the reader, but instead remains both lyrical and deeply visceral. There is nothing quite like the experience of reading a McKillip novel. Fans of her work will not be disappointed in this collection, and likewise new readers will find themselves enchanted.
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ALMOST INFAMOUS: A SUPERVILLAIN NOVEL By Matt Carter Talos, $15.99, 328 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Superheroes aren’t just real in Aidan’s world; they’re dominant. These days, no villain would dare stand against The Protectors; that is, until Aidan puts his own burgeoning powers to the test, becoming the villain Apex Strike by accidentally killing a superhero in his first outing. Aidan is soon captured, only to find himself with an opportunity: playing a villain so that the heroes remain important. It seems like a path to power, money, girls and everything Aidan ever dreamed of ... but is it? Almost Infamous has a tough job: telling a compelling story where most, if not all, of the characters are bad guys. But Matt Carter makes it seem effortless, offering a funny, dark and thoroughly SPECULATIVE FICTION CONT’D ON PAGE 12
SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE PATCHWORK DEVIL By Cavan Scott Titan Books, $14.95, 296 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!
SPECULATIVE FICTION (CONT’D) enjoyable story about friendship, heroism and the lengths to which we’ll go to disrupt the status quo when needed. Playfully riffing on the coming-of-age hero-worship tones of the film Almost Famous, this novel manages to feel both personal and epic in equal measure, reminding us of the individual and global stakes in Aidan’s actions, but never losing sight of who the characters are. Even at his most villainous or most heroic, Aidan remains kind of a jerk. That’s part of the charm.
CRIME FICTION SNAP IT for additional book summaries. WARLOCK HOLMES: A STUDY IN BRIMSTONE By G.S. Denning Titan Books, $12.95, 336 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! This is not the Holmes and Watson you know. Instead of a staunch defender of logic and reason, we have a mad, unobservant warlock with his greatest nemesis locked away in his head. Instead of the capable detectives of Scotland Yard, we have a secretive vampire and a brutish troll. And while Watson remains much the same, the burden of friendship between him and Holmes proves much greater when it turns out Holmes has the power to condemn the world. Injecting magic into the Holmes canon is an interesting idea, and G.S. Denning does an impressive job of carving his own unique path. But he should count himself lucky that A Study in Brimstone is only the lead work in a collection of stories, because it is by far the weakest. The five shorter stories that follow it are punchier, smoother and altogether more enjoyable, and although that’s partly due to the lead story doing some of the expository heavy lifting, it does make for an uneven reading experience. That being said, Denning does some remarkably twisted things with the established characters, making each new story an intriguing experience. A Study in Brimstone takes a lot of risks, and many (not all) of them pay off. VIOLENT CRIMES: AN AMANDA JAFFE NOVEL By Phillip Margolin Harper, $26.99, 304 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Something sinister is going on at the law firm of Hamilton, Masterson. A top employee is found beaten to death, then one of the senior partners turns up dead. What’s going on here? It’s up to lawyer Amanda Jaffe, her top investigator and the local police to uncover what’s behind all this chaos. Is this the work of an eco-warrior whose gone too far? A rogue partner with something to hide? Or a soldier-turned-lawyer with a history of violence? Violent Crimes hits plenty of the classic thriller buttons — wrongful imprisonment, shadowy conspiracy, 11th-hour twist — but manages to do so without feeling cliché. Phillip Margolin accomplishes this in a surprisingly simple and effective way: he allows the characters to do their jobs. We have a lawyer who avoids being an action star, cops who actually get to collect evidence and do the job, and villains whose motivations and schemes make sense. It’s amazing what competent characters bring to a thriller! Margolin balances these many ingredients well. What could have been an overdone mess, instead feels like a complex, evolving sequence of events. It all comes together quite nicely while avoiding the heavy-handedness common to the genre. THE TROUBLE WITH GOATS AND SHEEP: A NOVEL By Joanna Cannon Scribner , $26.00, 352 pages Reviewed by Mandy Nevius Check this out! In her masterful debut novel The Trouble With Goats and Sheep, Joanna Cannon invites readers to explore the puzzling disappearance of Mrs. Creasy, whose sudden absence brings a host of other mysteries to light. Dwelling on the novel’s 1970s British avenue is a colorful cast of characters with incriminating secrets of their own. Cannon shifts between narrators, the most captivating of which is Grace, a lively and determined 10-year-old girl full of curiosity about many of life’s toughest questions. Motivated by the neighborhood’s vicar, Grace and her best friend Tilly are convinced that in order to find Mrs. Creasy, they must first find God. Thrilling, charming, witty, dark and moving, Cannon’s novel is a must-read. Cannon’s prose is simply electric, but the magic of Cannon’s writing lies in the way she embraces ambiguity. With impeccable timing, she slowly unfolds the novel’s plot; however, she withholds certain details, letting the many possibilities fill the reader’s mind. Cannon also has imagined a hodgepodge community of neighbors that will leave readers wanting more; with incredible sensitivity, Cannon sheds a sympathetic light on all of her characters despite their faults, making each person wonderfully complex. The Trouble With Goats and Sheep is literary fiction at its best.
Holmes and Watson have gone their separate ways — Sherlock with his bees, Watson with his second wife — but the discovery of a severed hand reunites them. When the aging heroes are nearly killed by a monstrous assailant, they’re then warned off the case by Sherlock’s brother Mycroft. What hornet’s nest have they stumbled into and will either of them survive the investigation? The Patchwork Devil is a pretty entertaining mixture of war, friendship, science, and faith. Scott clearly tries to show both why Watson and Holmes are so effective, while also not ignoring the faults of either man. Unfortunately, in doing so, he manufactures a snippiness and aggression in the duo that overshadows some of their exchanges. That being said, for the first time in a long time, you believe as a reader that Holmes and Watson are truly in danger, which is a coup in and of itself. Plus, Scott manages to leave a little mystery for the reader, which was a pleasant surprise, as all too many Holmes stories wrap up with a neat little bow. The Patchwork Devil is far from perfect, but it is interesting and exciting in ways that few Holmes stories are these days. KILLER DEAL (EMMA SKÖLD) By Sofie Sarenbrant, Paul Norlen (translator) Stockholm Text, $16.95, 400 pages Reviewed by Kevin Winter Check this out! Someone is killing people in homes that are for sale and are hosting an open house. Cornelia Goransson is trying to divorce her husband, sell her home and start her new life somewhere else, but someone has other plans as they kill her husband during the night of the open house. With no other suspects, suspicion naturally falls onto Cornelia and it is up to Emma Sköld and the other detectives to find out what is really beneath the surface of the posh Stockholm suburb. But then another person, a real-estate agent, is killed during the night of another open house. Now it is a race to find the killer before they can strike again. Why does the killer keep striking open houses that are for sale? This is a decent novel, but not the best. There are so many subplots going on at the same time that it can be hard to keep track. And the ending felt rushed after a lot of setup. Overall, the book felt a bit uneven, but there is some definite talent in her writing. EXTREME PREY By John Sandford G.P. Putnam’s Sons, $29.00, 416 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out! Lucas Davenport is in the midst of a reluctant retirement and is fixing his cabin when he receives a call to aid in the investigation of a possible assassination attempt. The current Minnesota governor (and possible VP pick) has enlisted his aid in finding out who is attempting to thwart the campaign of Michaela Bowden, a serious front-runner in the upcoming elections. Davenport’s investigation leads him into the turbulent world of antigovernment extremists in the heartland. Progressive movements have deteriorated into farright fringe groups with evil intent. Marlys Purdy is a farmer who has hit hard times financially and is looking for a little payback, she hopes to get some with the aid of her war-damaged son Cole. Davenport will have to weave a path through the shifting police and investigative bureaucracies that caused him to quit, while dodging bullets and false leads from some dangerous radicals. The only question is can he stop the worst from unfolding in time? Extreme Prey is a quick and fun read that will leave the reader looking for the next chapter. Davenport is snarky and smart, his prey is callous, deadly, but also occasionally sympathetic in a way. The story unfolds quickly, but doesn’t blow by the reader. John Sandford has delivered a blockbuster. BOAR ISLAND (ANNA PIGEON MYSTERIES) By Nevada Barr Minotaur Books, $26.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Annie Peters Check this out! When the young daughter of Anna Pigeon’s friend Heath becomes the target of a vicious cyber stalker bent on destroying the young girl’s life, all three escape to Boar Island off of the Maine coast, where Anna fills in for an absent chief park ranger. Not long after they arrive, however, they realize the stalker has followed them. At the same time, Anna accidentally becomes the target of an exceedingly disturbed ranger named Denise, who murders the abusive husband of her newly discovered twin. Boar Island is exactly the kind of mystery readers have come to expect from Nevada Barr. The protagonists are fierce women who do not take anything lying down. Heath, in particular, has a biting sense of humor that is a delight to read. The antagonists are deeply twisted. Furthermore, Barr uses a rotating point of view to let her readers fully understand her major characters. Finally, she knows how to pace a story to build the
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CRIME FICTION CONT’D ON PAGE 13
HISTORY
CRIME FICTION (CONT’D) greatest amount of tension possible. For those new to this series and for veteran fans, Boar Island will not disappoint.
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BEFORE THE FALL By Noah Hawley Grand Central Publishing, $26.00, 400 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out! Before the Fall tells the story of a horrible plane crash, but without getting into the particulars of the crash. David Bateman is the successful head of ALC, a Fox News-type media goliath, who is heading back to NY with his wife, Maggie, and their two children. His former Mossad bodyguard is also along for the ride. Their trip from Martha’s Vineyard is joined by Ben Kipling, who is currently under SEC investigation for money laundering, and his wife, Sarah. The trip is about to set off when a last-minute invitee named Scott Burroughs boards the luxury plane. Within minutes, the plane has crashed in the water; Scott is clinging to life when he discovers the Bateman’s young son and swims him back to shore. Burroughs wants to stay below the radar, but is thrust into the spotlight when the glare of the media lands upon him. His striving for anonymity is met with suspicion by the firebrand anchor of ALC, who seems hell-bent on proving Burroughs is a terrorist. The book weaves through the backgrounds of the victims along with Burroughs’ quest for normalcy in an ever-growing insane environment. Noah Hawley’s latest book is a mystery mixed with character-driven drama. The interweaving of the crash victims’ backstories - with the whodunit of the crash itself - makes for a compelling read. Readers will find themselves drawn to the stories of each character, along with the protagonist hoping for the best, but knowing that the worst for some is just around the corner. A book not to be missed. A+ ALL THINGS CEASE TO APPEAR: A NOVEL By Elizabeth Brundage Knopf, $26.95, 416 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out! All Things Cease To Appear is the story of George Clare, who comes home from work one day to find that his wife is murdered and his 3-year-old daughter is the only witness. They had recently moved into an old farmhouse that had a tragic past in rural, upstate New York. The murder occurs in early 1979, yet the story follows George from when he first met his wife until the end of the book, 25 years after the murder. Most of the suspicion falls on George and slowly events come to light that reveal what kind of person he really is. This novel is not a whodunit kind of mystery; it is more the why and what led to this tragic story. It was unique in that there are no quotation marks in the entire book. That did make it interesting, but sometimes it made it very difficult to tell if the character was speaking or if they were just having a thought. The author also changed perspectives quite often and I didn’t realize until I was halfway through a page that I was seeing from a different character’s eyes than I was a couple of paragraphs earlier. Overall, it was a thought-provoking read with a great storyline, though it was a little bit hard to get used to the lack of quotation marks. ALL THE MISSING GIRLS: A NOVEL By Megan Miranda Simon & Schuster, $25.00, 384 pages Reviewed by Christina Boswell Check this out! One day. That is how long it took me to read this novel. All the Missing Girls is the story of Nic Farrell, a young woman who has a successful life she has to leave behind when she gets a call from her brother telling her to come home. Nic left 10 years earlier when her best friend disappeared and was never found. Not long after she returns, another young woman goes missing and Nic starts putting all the pieces together - finding out that sometimes you keep secrets from the ones you love and, even, from yourself. This was one of the most unique books I have ever read. Once the second woman disappears, the story is told in reverse from day 15 to day one. Every chapter made the mysteries of the previous one more clear. The author did an amazing job telling a fantastic story and making it hard to put down. Megan Miranda brought the characters to life in a way that you could understand the decisions they made, even if they were wrong, knowing that if you were in their place you might do the very same thing.
THE TIME TRAVELER’S HANDBOOK: 18 EXPERIENCES FROM THE ERUPTION OF VESUVIUS TO WOODSTOCK By Johnny Acton, David Goldblatt, James Wyllie Harper Design, $21.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Faith Lewis Check this out! This is your basic travel guide manual. Just like Rick Steves’ books or the popular Lonely Planet guide books, The Time Traveler’s Handbook outlines the optimal journey: where to stay, where to eat, where to seek out local knowledge, how to stay out of trouble and what to see. The catch? It is, as the title suggests, a guide for traveling to some of the most influential moments in history. Maybe you’ve always wanted to see the opening night at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London, or maybe you’d prefer something a little more adventurous. You could always opt for joining Marco Polo or exploring Pompeii during the most famous volcanic eruption of all time. While this book is clearly satirical, there was a part of me that wished it wasn’t. It certainly wasn’t a typical work of fiction as it’s formatted exactly like the information you’ll find on tour companies’ websites. It uses the same enticing details and paints a vivid picture that makes you want to take this trip. Despite the nontraditional style, it was very fun to read and I found myself lost in it just like I would have been if it were a collection of short stories about people who did take these trips. THE NAZI HUNTERS By Andrew Nagorski Simon & Schuster, $30.00, 416 pages Reviewed by Faith Lewis Check this out! Contrary to popular belief, Hitler wasn’t the only Nazi during WWII. The Nazi Hunters is a historical account of the years that followed World War II. It moves swiftly through the trial that immediately followed the Allied victory—where several of the top Nazi officials were executed. However, where most other accounts of the tumultuous postwar period follow the political attention of the time to focus on the rising threat of the Cold War, The Nazi Hunters instead takes the reader along the road less traveled, one traversed by only a few men and women hell-bent on seeing justice prevail: the Nazi hunters. This is not a topic that I usually would have delved into for pleasure reading, but my younger brother recently was accepted into the Air Force Academy, so there’s been a lot of military talk around the house lately and it caught my attention. Whether my picking it up was a fluke or my brother’s enthusiasm rubbing off on me, I’m glad I followed through. This book was both intriguing and well-written—both a plus—but what made it really stand out to me is that it so perfectly captured a time in history that so few people know about. It completely changed my understanding of WWII and helped me feel a connection to a time and events that really aren’t all that long gone—and yet already feel so forgotten. THE MIDNIGHT ASSASSIN: PANIC, SCANDAL, AND THE HUNT FOR AMERICA’S FIRST SERIAL KILLER By Skip Hollandsworth Henry Holt and Co., $30.00, 336 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out! Everyone knows Jack the Ripper, the serial killer who stalked the streets of Whitechapel and then vanished, but did you know that the city of Austin, Texas, of all places, was home to its own Ripperlike murderer years before Jack sliced up his first streetwalker? The Midnight Assassin takes us into the formative years of the Texas capital as it was held hostage by a cunning and devious beast, who brutalized numerous victims, claiming the lives of several women. Hollandsworth painstakingly recounts the events of the time, assembling scant fragments of evidence from newspaper coverage, spotty record keeping, and interviews with descendants of those involved. And the portrait he paints is one of a terrorized city, a police force outmaneuvered at every turn, and a mystery as engaging as it is frustrating in its lack of answers. Dark and fascinating and confounding all at once, The Midnight Assassin is a travelogue of a terrifying moment in time, one that steps back and allows you to experience that moment and make your own assumptions. Hollandsworth has no great reveal or ace in the hole when it comes to the murderer’s identity, he’s merely the ringmaster of a particularly brutal and mysterious media circus.
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KIDS’ BOOKS
pizza, Broc-O-Tree Bisque (a delicious — and green — broccoli soup), a variety of salads, and yes, even desserts like No-Bake Chocoballs or No-Bake Coconut Grass Shacks. Many of the recipes do require some adult assistance, but much of the work can be done by the kids themselves, giving them pride in a job well done and inspiring them to try some new foods. Every recipe in this book is also completely plant-based, and parents will love seeing their kids trying new produce as a result. Young readers can easily understand the instructions, and they’ll love the factoids about ingredients and the environment. On top of all this, the book is extremely visually appealing; kids and parents alike will love Roth’s illustrations!
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HURRY UP, ALFIE! By Anna Walker Clarion Books, $14.99, 24 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! It’s time for a certain little crocodile named Alfie to get up and get ready to face the world! His mom suggests a play date at the park with Alfie’s best friend, but that’s dependent on Alfie getting dressed. But life can be so distracting and Alfie can do so many fun and silly things instead! Will they ever make it out the door? Young readers everywhere will identify with Alfie, a youngster who is just so easily distracted by the world around him and all of the neat things he can do. Hurry Up, Alfie! tells a story many young readers—and their parents—will be quite familiar with: the simple struggle of getting ready to go within a timely fashion. Australian author and artist Anna Walker tells this sweet story perfectly, with a relative minimum of words, letting her adorable collages do most of the talking. The pictures are relatively simple, but also very fun; readers will delight in Alfie’s antics even as parents sympathize with his mom’s determination to get him dressed and ready. This is an adorable picture book that kids will love. SOMETIMES I GET THE WIGGLES: BE A SEIZURE HERO! By Andee Cooper, Thomas Hilley (illustrator) The RoadRunner Press, $26.95, 30 pages Reviewed by Becky Jordan, youth librarian, Herman and Kate Kaiser Library Check this out! Kannon says, “I get the wiggles.” His statement on the very first page sounds very typical, but we quickly learn Kannon has epilepsy, a condition that can affect 1 in 26 people in the United States. However this is more than a story about a boy with epilepsy. Sometimes I Get the Wiggles: Be a Seizure Hero! is also about informing and inspiring readers to step up and assist others who may need help during a “stormy” time. This children’s book is written in clear sentences using many rhyming words as well as concrete descriptions that give the reader insight into the impact of epilepsy on the body. Based on a true story and written by Kannon’s mother, Sometimes I Get the Wiggles also sends a strong anti-bullying message, and inspires others to have empathy and compassion and to be a “seizure hero.” The colorful and bold illustrations assist in giving readers insight into Kannon’s condition, as well as a greater understanding of what happens when someone has epilepsy. This is an excellent book for parents and educators to share with special-needs children or any elementary school-aged child as it teaches children about anti-bullying and what they should do if someone has a seizure. WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES: POEMS FOR ALL SEASONS By Julie Fogliano, Julie Morstad (illustrator) Roaring Brook Press, $18.99, 56 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! The spring equinox is, to many, the beginning of the new year. Plants sprout, animal young arrive, flowers bloom, birds return, spring rains fall, and more sweet sights and sounds of a freshening are apparent. This journal of sorts, carrying readers from one spring equinox to the next, is filled with charming writings on various, random days reflecting the times of the year and changes of the seasons. Poet Julie Fogliano observes all that is around her with lyrical language and a childlike sense of wonder. This marvelous collection of poems for young people, and any others lucky enough to find it, will satisfy anyone who enjoys nature and simple, but elegant poetry. Some poems are only two or three lines long and others may range close to 20 lines, and yet, each and every one is full and rich, complete and perfectly enchanting. Equally enchanting are the beautifully detailed illustrations by Julie Morstad filled with colorful flowers, berries, birds, butterflies and children enjoying all nature has to offer. The combination of these quiet poems and illustrations makes for one of the most stunning books of children’s poetry to be published recently. THE HELP YOURSELF COOKBOOK FOR KIDS: 60 EASY PLANT-BASED RECIPES KIDS CAN MAKE TO STAY HEALTHY AND SAVE THE EARTH By Ruby Roth Andrews McMeel Publishing, $19.99, 144 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! What better way to get kids interested in healthy eating than to get them into the kitchen? Ruby Roth, who has written and illustrated a number of other books for kids, has created an amazing children’s cookbook with The Help Yourself Cookbook for Kids. Unlike so many other cookbooks that seem to rely on processed ingredients and an abundance of sweet treats, this cookbook seeks to get kids interested in real food; these recipes are packed full of fresh fruits and veggies, “superfoods,” whole grains, and nuts. Kids can make five-minute tomato sauce to use on pasta or
TEN KISSES FOR SOPHIE! By Rosemary Wells Viking Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 32 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Aunt Prunella’s birthday party is tomorrow and Sophie and her mama are making a delicious treat: chocolate kisses with pistachio buttercream filling. There are 10 of them, just enough for all the guests with one for Sophie too, of course. Sophie’s so excited, but when one more guest shows up unexpectedly, she’s desperately worried that she won’t get one of the delicious kisses. Fortunately, Granny figures out the cause of Sophie’s distress and comes up with a way to save the day. Fans of Rosemary Wells’ previous books, especially the previous books about Sophie and her family, will love Ten Kisses for Sophie! Young readers will easily identify with Sophie’s fears that she’ll be the one left out when it comes time for dessert, just as they’ll understand her intense desire to eat them right away and the anxiousness that makes it hard for her to fall asleep that night. The illustrations are, of course, absolutely adorable, with bright colors and recognizable facial expressions and plenty of visual love. This is an adorable book that younger readers will love reading at bedtime, in the morning or whenever! SPLAT!: THE MOST EXCITING ARTISTS OF ALL TIME By Mary Richards Thames & Hudson, $19.95, 96 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out! Here we have an exceptionally informative art book. This was not meant to be a coffee-table book to leaf through, rather an educational volume. Splat! by Mary Richards may be read and enjoyed by young people interested in art and wishing to learn more about it, or by people who love art and would like to have a bit more exposure to the works of some of the greatest artists. Richards starts with a brief timeline beginning with cave paintings some 35,000 years ago, and gives short thumbnail reviews of the great artists up to modern times. She has chosen 20 artists, from Michelangelo to Andy Warhol, and in two or three pages summarizes their lives, works, history and art showing a full page of one of their artworks, and a number of smaller ones with brief, but good explanations. With each artist we have a very short bio with a sentence about the artist’s personality, background and most famous pieces. For each artist she also adds a sidebar describing the artist’s technique in one or two sentences, their influence in a few bullets, and art movement around the time of the artist’s life. A short quote by the artist is another nice addition. For many artists Richards adds a sidebar called “Extra,” giving further interesting information related to that artist—these also include thumbnail pictures. Everything is very readable, easy to absorb as Richards uses short sentences, plenty of good graphics, pictures and a short text giving an outline about that artist. The book even has the occasional “How To” sidebars, like “How to Draw Shadows and Highlights” or “How to Play ‘Exquisite Corps.’” The artists are all painters except for one modern sculptor. Following the 20 artists, Richards adds a list of “Movers and Shakers: Art Outside,” giving onesentence bios of four artists that created artwork outside their studios; under “Moving Pictures” four more artists in the movie industry; five artists in “Dramatic Art”; and another five artists in “Art to Join in With” that give viewers a chance to be part of the artwork. At the end of the book, Richards provides a nice, detailed glossary to define terms used in the art world. The index is basically a list of artists, also including some subjects. Richards selected artists with much varied styles of artworks—they are in chronological order so we can see how art evolved throughout the centuries. This is a superb art book for people of all ages. RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE By Kate DiCamillo Candlewick Press, $16.99, 272 pages Reviewed by Bailey Tulloch Check this out! The summery hometown charm of DiCamillo’s renowned Because of Winn-Dixie comes in full force throughout the tale of Raymie Nightingale, a girl trying to win back her long-lost father by competing as a baton twirler in the Little Miss Central Florida Tire contest. Raymie enters her baton twirling lessons with the sole purpose of winning the competition and getting her picture in the newspaper so that her father will see her and come home. But it isn’t long until Raymie gets to know her fellow baton twirlers and competitors. She soon realizes that winning may not bring her the comfort she has been longing for. DiCamillo has a true gift for weaving childhood summers into magical tales of friendship, heartbreak and, ultimately, joy. I find myself feeling nostalgic each time I read one of her books and Raymie Nightingale is certainly no exception. It is a charming story, delightfully fun for readers of any age, and a great read to put on your summer beach list.
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KIDS’ BOOKS CONT’D ON PAGE 15
KIDS’ BOOKS (CONT’D) NOW YOU SEE THEM, NOW YOU DON’T: POEMS ABOUT CREATURES THAT HIDE By David L. Harrison, Giles Laroche (illustrator) Charlesbridge , $17.95, 32 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out! All kinds of creatures, great and small, use the art of camouflage to help them stay alive or find and obtain food. What could be more fascinating for young readers than to combine the topics of animals and secretiveness into charming, often humorous poems by David L. Harrison and stunning, multilayered illustrations by Giles Laroche? This delightful compendium of 19 poems is broken into five sections — sea life, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, insects and spiders, and birds — with a fun selection of interesting creatures in each section from ghost crabs to a wicked-looking copperhead to a snowy polar bear to a bumblebee moth to a great blue heron, some are the most common creatures and some quite exotic. In addition, there are several pages in the back with a paragraph about each animal that are full of fun facts. The writing is lively and will keep young eyes on the page and young minds learning. For each animal group, there is also a suggestion for a further age appropriate book to answer the curiosity all youngsters seem to exhibit when it comes to animals. This will be a terrific addition to any child’s library. NOBODY LIKES A GOBLIN By Ben Hatke First Second, $17.99, 40 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! It’s a regular day for Goblin and his best friend Skeleton, until a group of adventurers raid the dungeon where they peacefully live! The adventurers take everything—including Skeleton—and it’s up to Goblin to rescue his friend. But it’s true that nobody likes a goblin and all kinds of people chase Goblin away. It’s only when Goblin finds a whole group of other goblins that they’re able to defeat the adventurers for good. This fantastic picture book is certain to appeal to readers of all ages. Kids will love Nobody Likes a Goblin because of the clever story featuring an underdog hero who ultimately saves the day, while adults—especially those who are into tabletop gaming—will love it because of its obvious references to a certain dungeon-plundering roleplaying game. Author Ben Hatke does a good job of turning a goblin, usually portrayed as a bad character in most stories, into a hero and giving readers an idea of what an adventure story might look like from the other side. Hatke’s delightful illustrations really bring this story to life while his story is funny, cute and so fun that parents and kids alike will want to read it over and over again.
BEACHY AND ME By Bob Staake Random House Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 40 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! Pixie Picklespeare is the only kid on her island and she is so lonely. But one day, a whale accidentally beaches itself on the beach. Pixie tries to help and a unique friendship is born. They play together endlessly and Pixie learns all kinds of new tricks. But when Beachy has to leave for awhile, to migrate as all whales do, will their friendship endure? Young readers of all kinds will surely love Beachy and Me, a picture book about the true depths of friendship. Told in cute rhyme with a pleasant cadence, this picture book is fun to read aloud together, for both parents and kids. The illustrations by Bob Staake are fantastically cartoony and kids will love the overly exaggerated expressions on Pixie’s face throughout the story. The whale, too, is quite friendly looking, while the island and the other sea life are all bright and colorful. It’s not a book with any kind of exceptionally deep meaning, but it’s a cute story that little ones are sure to love. BARNACLE IS BORED By Jonathan Fenske Scholastic, $14.99, 40 pages Reviewed by Sarah Perry Check this out! A barnacle on a dock bemoans his predictable, boring existence. He watches a colorful fish swim by and imagines all the wonderful adventures he has, that is, until Barnacle sees something that makes him realize his boring life might not be so bad after all. Barnacle Is Bored has the same sarcastic tone as another fun sea book, I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry. They also share a similar dark humor as the punch line of the book. The illustrations in this book are simple and whimsical which perfectly complement Barnacle’s tale of woe. A book of few words, this is a simple, yet humorous story that reminds children that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side.
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK’S HALLOWEEN By Alice Schertle, Jill McElmurry (illustrator) HMH Books for Young Readers, $12.99, 16 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out! It’s Halloween and Little Blue Truck is off to a party with his friend Toad. Once there, Little Blue encounters all kinds of interesting costumes: a clown, a pirate, a dragon and more. Which of his farmyard friends are hiding underneath each of these costumes? Where are Little Blue’s good friends Pig, Duck and Cow? Young readers will delight in lifting the flaps of this sturdy board book in order to find the animals underneath. Little Blue Truck’s Halloween is written by Alice Schertle in the same cheerful rhyme as the past Little Blue Truck books, and children will recognize Jill McElmurry’s colorful illustrations. Fun to read, don’t be surprised if little ones want to read it over and over again; the cadence is fun and the costumes, while fairly standard for Halloween, are well-designed and entertaining to look at. This book is sure to become a seasonal favorite, or maybe even a year-round favorite. GATOR DAD By Brian Lies HMH Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 32 pages Reviewed by Josh Harrison Check this out! It should come as a surprise to no one that Gator Dad is a charming tale about a gator dad who spends the day romping and reading with his three little gators. A note on the back explains that the story was inspired by the author/illustrator Brian Lies’ experience as a male minority at the playground. This background informs the story in terms of both content and style. Gator Dad does some things with the kids that are clearly masculine in tone, like joyfully smelling food that’s gone bad or tearing the house apart. The story starts with “Let’s squeeze the day” and completes the circle by ending with “Let’s squeeze tomorrow too.” The cold-blooded characters display nothing but warmth for each other as Gator Dad leads them on adventures at the park and at home, including plenty of reading. Lies’ sumptuous illustrations masterfully use shadows to create dark without being scary and make the characters’ warm yellow eyes pop on the page.
Tulsa Book Review • July 2016 • 15
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