Reviews: Books for Adult/High School

Chaired by Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—Both victim and victimizer, and roaming through 150 years of American history, 15-year-old Zits is a tough, emotionally beleaguered foster kid, half Indian, half Irish, and, at the story's outset, completely hopeless. The acne sores and scars on his body reveal the state of his soul. Things get better—and much worse—when he consorts with a slightly older boy who calls himself Justice, and takes up the role of serial killer. However, his deadly intent sends Zits back in time, where he variously experiences life as an FBI agent pursuing Indian activists, a 19th-century Indian boy made mute by a white man's weapon, an Indian tracker working for the U.S. Cavalry at the time of Custer, and even his own drunken father at the age of 50. Alexie uses just enough magical realism to keep the story flowing between satire and fantasy, making this an ideal choice for fans of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.—Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—This is the concluding volume in Ali's trilogy about Victorian India and Afghanistan during the 1840s, and for full enjoyment and understanding, the books should be read in order. In A Singular Hostage (2002) and A Beggar at the Gate (2004, both Bantam), Mariana Givens goes to India in search of a husband, presumably among the British officers of the Raj, but marries an Indian man. Unsure of what to do in these unsettled times, she leaves her husband and returns to the British enclave. In this book, the Afghan War is beginning, and Mariana is caught in a life-or-death journey through a country at war and struggling to decide where she belongs. Ali portrays the clash of power and politics of two rigid cultures, and has re-created a lush and exotic place that exists side by side with poverty and cruelty. This final book concludes the sprawling story of an epic time in Middle Eastern history and is filled with vividly drawn characters who give the history a human face.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library District, IL

Adult/High School—This sequel to Billy Boyle (Soho, 2006) is as full of action, murder, espionage, and romance as the first book. Young Billy is an engaging Irish-American cop from Boston who somehow manages to hold his own against seemingly insurmountable odds. Last time he was in England helping Uncle Ike (known to others as General Eisenhower) solve some thorny spy and murder business, and now he is with the first wave of Allied forces sent to liberate Algeria. The landing on the beach goes well, but then things get mysterious in a hurry. Murders occur, the Vichy commanders act in inexplicable ways, and the world's first field supply of a top-secret new miracle drug called penicillin goes missing. Billy had little more than basic training as a police detective before the war started, but once again he is called upon to untangle a web fraught with danger in every direction. Often winging it, and relying heavily on the two or three others he can trust, as well as a full helping of good luck, Billy manages to live up to the expectations of Uncle Ike. Some readers may find the love angle and the humble heroism a bit too melodramatic, and the identity of the evildoers too predicable, but Benn does manage to build the suspense and manipulate the historical detail with impressive skill. The story moves quickly, is easy to follow, and offers lots of intriguing information about the war in Algeria. Most importantly, though, the main characters have enough depth and complexity to hold readers' interest and concern.—Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—The shocking opening chapter of this thriller lets readers know they're in for a rough ride through the minds of damaged people, including a drug-addicted police detective and an ambitious newspaper reporter. Two years earlier, a sadistic female serial killer captured and tortured Archie Sheridan, the lead detective on the Beauty Killer Task Force, leaving an indelible impression on his psyche and numerous physical scars. Now a new serial killer is stalking Portland, OR, and Archie is called back to duty to head a new task force. Susan Ward, a bright, offbeat reporter, is surprised to get the inside track on the investigation from him. It seems that he is finally willing to expose his feelings about Gretchen Lowell, the Beauty Killer, but Susan will have to reveal her secrets as well. Vaguely reminiscent of Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs (St. Martin's, 1988), with the setup of the serial-killer psychiatrist trading information while working her own angle, the novel has plenty of gruesome details, building suspense, false leads, and startling imagery in a setting so realistic that readers will feel damp and chilled. This one is for teens who like their stories gritty, grim, and gory.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Adult/High School—On March 6, 1457, King James II of Scotland put forth an edict banning golf (and football as well) in an attempt to force Scots to spend more time and energy perfecting their archery skills and thus better defend the realm against the English. Cupp has crafted a pleasurable tale that speculates on why he chose to issue the edict on that particular date. Full of historical detail (and including an impressive bibliography indicating extensive research), Edict presents a story in which innocence, youth, beauty, honor, and common social status are forced to confront treachery, debauchery, deceitfulness, greed, and privilege. The central characters are expertly developed, the details of daily life fully rendered, the political and economic realities of the time cleverly intertwined with the story, and background on the sport is presented in a way that should appease experts without causing novices to be lost in a sea of jargon. The author, by turns, develops intrigue, suspense, humor, and historical curiosity that should work well for most readers. An impressive debut by a man who knows his golf.—Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—Valedictorian Denis Cooverman gives a life-changing graduation speech when he declares his love for fellow classmate and head cheerleader Beth Cooper, whom he has sat behind for four long years. Thus begins the odyssey of Denis and his friend Rich, who go on to spend one night in the company of Beth and her friends. Meanwhile, her new Army boyfriend, Kevin, takes umbrage at Denis's announcement and vows to kill him, with more and more intent as the night wears on. Denis is a naive smart guy, Beth is a typical popular teen, Rich fulfills the role of the sexually ambivalent sidekick, and Kevin is the jealous bruiser in this exuberant coming-of-age tale. Although the book is replete with stock characters, Denis's commentary on his evening and the ensuing dialogue are full of memorable moments. Each chapter begins with a quote from a classic teen movie that is fun to try to identify. Additional pop references are provided by Rich, who has an almost savantlike gift of spouting movie quotes at apt but inappropriate moments, and by Denis's graduation playlist running throughout the novel. This is a quick, funny book with a protagonist readers can root for even as they groan at his geekiness.—Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA

Adult/High School—This final volume in the trilogy continues the story of the education and rise to power of Damin Wolfblade, heir to the throne of Hythria, who faces his most difficult challenge yet. He must call upon all his training and natural abilities to lead an army against the superior forces of an empire invading the borders of his homeland. Back home, his mother, Marla, finds herself pitted against powerful political forces threatening to destroy both Damin's claim to the throne and their entire family. The success of everyone rests on the shoulders of Damin's childhood friend, the revenge-seeking thief Starros, and his plot to take down Mahkas, the most tyrannical warlord in Hythria, by stealing all of Mahkas's subjects out from under him. The two previous volumes delivered tightly plotted stories of political intrigue mixed into a world of romantic fantasy. This book sticks with that formula, but Fallon also includes some moments of warfare and action to help move this story forward at a brisker pace. Damin's story line, as a young man fighting with everything he has to claim his destiny, works well as the central plot and should resonate with anyone taking those first steps into adulthood. The layers of plots and subplots will likely bore readers craving a basic hack-and-slash adventure, but those searching for fantasy-based tales that build tension through subtle subtext will find much to enjoy.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Adult/High School—Moira, like the protagonist in Fletcher's Eve Green (Norton, 2004), reflects upon her childhood and adolescence in this atmospheric novel. She was raised an only child on the coast of Wales until she was 11. Then she was sent to boarding school on the other side of England, and her sister, Amy, was born. Once away, Moira feels alienated from her parents, her classmates, and the landscape of her childhood home. That she, not her beautiful classmate Heather, attracts the attention of a local boy is as big a surprise to Moira as to anyone, even after she marries the young artist. Her deep-felt belief in her isolation stunts all of her relationships until a tragedy involving Amy makes Moira realize that she is not cold, without words, without love. When she once again embraces her abiding love for the ocean, for the coast, she opens herself up to her love for her husband, for her parents, and even for the sister whom she has always held at arm's length. Moira's story, told to a comatose Amy, alternates between the first and third person; it is confusing at first, but patient readers will find hope in Moira's growth.—Jenny Gasset, Orange County Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—All of the elements of a soap opera are here-the charismatic politician, the nagging sister, the hip artist, the multitasking campaign manager, the neurotic ex-wife, the misunderstood daughter, the Alzheimer's-stricken, once-successful painter mother, and the memory of a father wronged. The novel begins in California as Teddy Mathison attempts to be his party's candidate for U.S. Senate. Very quickly the scene changes to the sandy beaches of Nantucket when Teddy is abruptly called home to care for his estranged mother and his ex-wife insists that their moody teenage daughter Zoe join him. Over the next 14 days, many secrets are exposed and memories are challenged. Teddy watches as Alzheimer's steals his mother's mind and his relationship with his daughter deteriorates. He begins to question the memories of his childhood and eventually finds that much of what he has accepted as the "truth" is anything but. When the real truth is exposed—and accepted—Teddy and Zoe learn much about themselves and also find the resources they need to unleash and explore if they are ever to be truly happy, successful people.—Joanne Ligamari, Rio Linda School District, Sacramento, CA

Adult/High School—In a Lahore market, Changez, a Pakistani, is confronting an American spy bent on assassinating him. He manipulates the encounter, seizing the chance to tell his story—and to be heard. His narrative style (monologue, or perhaps an imagined dialogue) can be distracting, but clearly reveals his interior world and motivations. He tells of coming from an upper-crust but financially reduced family, attending Princeton on scholarship, having a romance with a fellow Ivy League student, and winning a job with the most elite of New York financial companies. To succeed, he must focus on the economic fundamentals of companies targeted for takeover while setting aside any concern about the human suffering his analysis will cause. He's willing to do this, and is very much at home in culturally diverse Manhattan, until 9/11, when everything changes for him. Then, Changez rebels. He grows a beard (in solidarity with his culture of origin, not as an indication of religious fundamentalism); though he appreciates the opportunities he's been given, he rejects the role America has been playing in the world; and he returns to Pakistan, where he becomes a popular professor known for activism. He is now, in America's view, an enemy. Multiple culture shocks over a short space of time have shaken this intense young man's life, and his journey is fast-moving and suspenseful. Some readers might not warm to Changez's cold brilliance, ambition, and class-consciousness, but the growth he experiences through college, disillusionment, and engagement with the larger world could capture the imaginations of thoughtful teens.—Christine C. Menefee, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Adult/High School—In this action-packed mystery, Jake Leeds, 15, accepts a dare to spend the night on an old, deserted baseball field. Everything is fine—until the screaming starts. Running to investigate, he sees an apparition of a young woman who has been savagely beaten. As he relates the experience to his friend, he learns about the legend of Mary McCann. Thus begins his quest to find the killer. The adventure takes him across rural Oklahoma and into dangerous situations. Jake uses subterfuge and daring as he encounters each suspect and as the mystery changes directions. As the threads begin to unravel, he learns much about himself and his family and that some family secrets are best left unsolved. Polisar has made rural, southern Oklahoma in the 1960s come alive with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the ever-changing weather.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Adult/High School—The book jacket describes Spaceman Blues as a "literary retro-pulp science-fiction-mystery-superhero novel," and it not only lives up to the hype, but may include a genre or two more besides. Mainly the backstory of how Wendell Apogee becomes Captain Spaceman, hero of Earth, against the apocalyptic invasion of aliens, the novel hops, skips, and jumps genres in a genuinely engaging, entertaining read. The love story of the title is Wendell's. Boy meets and gets boy, loses boy, and becomes something much bigger while searching for boy again. Slattery has created a fully realized world, including an underground city of suspended boxcars and buses, connected by catwalks, beneath New York. All the characters, even the most incidental, are fully fleshed out; readers get the feeling of a full city's worth of stories woven into Wendell's quest and played out against the backdrop of the end of the world as we know it. The book weaves a mixture of gritty war elements with hardboiled Hammett-like detective mystery, poetic romance reminiscent of Isabel Allende, and science fiction that brings Stanislaw Lem to mind—into something that seems fresh and compelling.—Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA

Adult/High School—A little girl slips from her mother's grasp, skips into traffic, and is struck by a truck. Lying unconscious in a hospital bed, she sinks toward death, her parents and doctors helpless to save her. The driver of the truck, overwhelmed by guilt and despair, haunts the public library day and night, seeking forgiveness and redemption by studying philosophy. Then word spreads that the touch of this comatose child can heal the sick and dying: Delusion or miracle? The work of God or of Satan? This first novel explores the confusion of well-intentioned people struggling to do the right thing in the face of events and emotions they do not fully understand, in a world where good and evil can be almost indistinguishable. Redemption, Wiersema argues, comes from within, through understanding ourselves and treating each other kindly and responsibly. Recommend this well-written and suspenseful story to older teens seeking a Christian path from the black-and-white world of childhood into the adult world of ever-shifting shades of gray.—Sandy Schmitz, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—Duty, honor, country, valor, courage: these words occur over and over in the 45 poems that focus on the most horrific day in the nation's most tragic episode, known variously as the Civil War, the War Between the States, and the War for Southern Independence. In accessible, clear, and colorful language, Conyers puts readers in the middle of the bloodbath on that Pennsylvania field on July 3, 1863. They hear the canons roar, see the shimmering bayonets, smell the stench of death, and, more importantly, enter the minds of the combatants. Writing in the first person, Conyers deftly portrays the thoughts, fears, frustrations, ambitions, and inspirations of those who fought "one instant there amongst immortals raging." He gives voice to Robert E. Lee, George Pickett, George Meade, and Winfield Hancock, of course, but also to a 14-year-old drummer boy, a former slave currently a dishwasher, and a young civilian woman caught in the crossfire while baking bread. We even hear from Ol' Dan, a caisson-pulling mule who wonders who will speak for his "sad four-legged kind,/so incapable of making carnage/which so mars the race of them." Perhaps it was on that third day of the battle when the glory of war succumbed forever to the tragedy of war. Conyers might not join the ranks of Whitman, Melville, and Benet, but Immortals is a worthy addition to any American poetry collection.—Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—Living in utter poverty in Northern India with a physically abusive father, Baby Halder was married off at the age of 12 to a man far older than she. During her teens, she continued to face hardships, including near starvation and the death of her sister. Taking her three children with her, she ran off to Delhi, where she eventually found work as a maid for wealthy families. She became a maid for Prabodh Kumar, a retired professor who encouraged her to read anything she could and to write about her experiences, without dwelling on her lack of education—"Don't worry, just write." The writing may not be exceptional, but the voice certainly is, as Halder writes simply and honestly about the heartbreaking details of her life. Moreover, her story carries a message of hope that readers will undoubtedly find empowering.—Jennifer Waters, Red Deer Public Library, Alberta, Canada

Adult/High School—More and more books are being written about hip-hop culture. T. Denean Sharpley-Whiting, in Pimps Up, Ho's Down: Hip Hop's Hold on Young Black Women (New York Univ.), takes a feminist approach to the culture, while Jason Tanz's Other People's Property: A Shadow History of Hip Hop in White America (Bloomsbury, both 2007) describes the fascination of white suburban kids with hip hop. Huntington takes an entirely different route by specifically looking at dance. Her approach is scholarly, and she spends the first part of the book discussing what might be termed a literature review, bringing together dance theory, political-economy theory, semiotics, and ethnography. The remainder of the book strongly argues a point. The author contends that hip-hop dance is a text that is written with and by the black body and, as such, can be read within a context that contains historical information about culture, resistance, and identity. For her, it speaks to how black people exist in the world. She further contends that this dance form has been commodified and sold globally in ways that support and reinforce white supremacy. Once the form is taken from its historical context and used to sell Jell-O pudding, for example, it loses its power to inform and to define its culture. Huntington presents some compelling arguments that need to be heard and discussed. This is certainly not a new story, that of exploitation and co-opting of black cultural forms, only the latest one. Although a little hard going in places, the argument is clear and well made, making this a must-read for teens interested in black dance and culture.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Adult/High School—If anything is missing here, it's probably not worth knowing. The book is comprised of pieces published in the Asia Times and Korea Times, two English-language newspapers published in Asia, and adapted and updated for this volume. The author, born and raised in Russia, studied in North Korea in the 1980s as part of a student exchange program; he has returned when possible, interviewed defectors and refugees, and closely followed developments and changes in the country over the last 20 years. He contrasts daily living and political conditions then with those of today, explaining how and why these changes have come about. The fall of the USSR in 1991 meant the end of Russian subsidies to North Korea; this triggered the partial collapse of the economy, which has given rise to the necessity of citizens finding ways to survive that don't involve the state. Thus, a market economy is growing but, unlike other failed Communist states, from the bottom up. Lankov's coverage runs from communications to cars, marriage to museums, class differences to clothing styles, and women's place to housing possibilities. Although this is not a political book, the author offers an informed opinion on the future of North Korea. Well written, comprehensive, and revelatory, this title will be valuable to students of history, international relations, culture, and Korea.—Judy McAloon, Potomac Library, Prince William County, VA

Adult/High School—An update of a valuable guide originally published in 2002. Morem covers all the basics succinctly and clearly, with enough detail to engage readers, but without causing eyes to glaze over. The author describes the myths and truths of success, how to get started, how to establish and fulfill a plan, how to prepare for interviews, what to do and not do during them, and how to avoid recurring pitfalls. Unlike many such works, this book places considerable emphasis on retaining the hard-earned job. Morem discusses performance reviews, raises, promotions, office politics, and on-the-job relationships. She assumes that readers know nothing about the job-seeking process, and therefore her advice is particularly appropriate for teens. Discussing the prospect of interviewing over a meal, she offers a long list of tips to keep in mind while dining, including "do not blow your nose at the table; don't burp; do not smoke." Other items on the list are a little less obvious. Readers are also informed that a recent survey of employers showed that nontraditional hair color and body piercing were twice as likely to have a negative influence as facial hair. The many bulleted lists and summaries as well as bold headings of different font sizes add up to a pleasing layout. The volume includes a well-selected list of recommended readings and career development/job search Web sites. A worthy addition to most collections.—Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—Nir was nine years old in 1939 when his father was shot by the Nazis, and over the next few years, many more of his relatives, friends, and neighbors disappeared under similar circumstances. In order to survive, Nir's mother took him and his sister to Warsaw and disguised them as Catholics. Days were spent in constant fear. By 14, he had learned about blackmail, sex, the tense relationship between Germans and Poles, and the obvious cruelty of war. He joined the Polish Armed Forces to help with the uprising, and in the final year of the war, he and his family became prisoners of war at a German work camp and later at a German farm, still disguising their Jewish identities. Nir posits that their survival was part perseverance and part luck, and firmly believes that forgiveness of the Germans is not possible. How can it be, when one witnessed all manner of human cruelty, from neighbors betraying one another to Nazis shooting innocent children in the street? The book was first published in 1989 (Harcourt); with this edition, Nir's story is complete for the first time. It includes passages more appropriate to mature readers not in the edition adapted for young readers (Scholastic, 2000) as well as newly updated front matter.—Jennifer Waters, Red Deer Public Library, Alberta, Canada

Adult/High School—Based on interviews conducted just prior to Gould's death, and lovingly written by his daughter and creator of the Dick Tracy Museum, this biography presents the highlights of the artist's personal and professional life. The author describes her father's humble beginnings in Pawnee, OK, his early cartoons for college bulletin boards, and his most prestigious successes and awards. Gould worked in contract positions for a number of papers, but his dream was to write and draw his own strip for the Chicago Tribune. Its editors paid him little attention until he suggested the idea of a comic strip illustrating the increasing battles between police and organized crime. Through serious research, colorful characters, and a keen sense of drama, the fledgling strip grew into a mainstay of comics that once was carried by hundreds of newspapers around the world. The volume includes dozens of photographs of Gould throughout his life, but the real gems are the black-and-white reproductions of his work. From his childhood drawings to drafts of Dick Tracy strips, readers see the evolution of Gould's work as he continually improved his craft. Serious readers will be disappointed that the author misses several opportunities for critical analysis, but fans and budding comics creators will find her unique insider view provides a delightful, albeit somewhat light, portrait of a man who succeeded through that combination of talent, innovation, and hard work.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Adult/High School—Rowell is a widely known TV actress, a classically trained ballerina, and a 13th-generation Mayflower descendant who was placed in foster care shortly after her birth. She shows how all of her surrogate parents guided her, not because she was so extraordinary, but because of who they were. The author weaves in the histories of her biological family, her foster families, her dance teachers, and other caregivers. The cast of characters is long and rich, and their stories are told with a storyteller's sensibility. She celebrates the women in her life, including her natural mother, who suffered from schizophrenia, and her longtime foster mother, who raised a household of her own children only to serendipitously become a foster mother in her retirement. Most poignant is the lack of finger-pointing, whining, or gloating. A sense of gratitude permeates Rowell's writing. She neither discredits the social-service agencies in charge of her case nor condemns her biological relatives for their choices. While the family histories might distract some readers, Rowell explains that "each woman gave me a piece of herself to sew together, to make me whole," and that is exactly how this book feels.—Jessica Mize, Newark Public Library, OH

Adult/High School—"What Would Jane Do?" No need to guess if teens have this handbook at their side. They will easily navigate the ins and outs of how genteel folk were expected to act in Regency society. Sullivan explains Austen's world and the everyday activities of its inhabitants with a gentle humor that makes their actions clear and, sometimes, even fun. Some of the activities described are outrageous for today's sensibilities, such as the idea of recruiting an actual hermit to live in your estate's hermitage "for full realism." On the other hand, "Country hospitality allows travelers to drop in and request a tour of any grand estate" is one some readers may wish was still allowed. Not all of the social hints are outdated; most of the rules on "How to Be a Good Correspondent" and those on planning a menu—"Consider what is available in the current season and what kind of food can be obtained locally, and choose your dishes accordingly"—are good contemporary advice. A valuable companion to Austen's novels.—Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA

Adult/High School—These projects will inspire experienced teen crafters and support others who may be experimenting with sewing for the first time. The introduction is no-nonsense and concise, offering recommendations for selecting fabrics and notions, pinning, cutting, and stitching buttonholes by machine. The items include eye-catchers like a pleated-vinyl handbag, a bias-cut apron, a fleece imp hat and mittens for a toddler, stitched gift wrap, and drawn-thread coasters. The directions are easy to follow and illustrated as necessary with close-up and clear color photos. Each finished piece is shown in a large color photo and the models include a variety of ages, ethnicities, and genders. A few templates are included and are printed in bold black line on the same heavy stock as the rest of the book, making them easy to trace and not inviting mutilation by successive borrowers. An excellent addition.—Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA