http://www.lipulse.com/ en info@lipulse.com Copyright 2015 2015-05-11T13:29:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/never-miss-a-thing http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/never-miss-a-thing#When:16:00:00Z “One Night” by Eric Jerome Dickey c.2015, Dutton                               $26.95 / $31.00 Canada                 357 pages Would you look at that. Actually, probably, you already have. You’re one of the most observant people you know, never missing a thing, always noticing. You make a great witness because you see everything. And in the new book One Night by Eric Jerome Dickey, you see two people about to make a mistake. It was pouring rain that evening and it perfectly matched her mood. Once she’d been a comedian and an actress. She’d been someone’s mother but now she was dressed in a pilfered shirt from an electronics store, driving a stolen truck and trying to con somebody into paying for a box of rocks because the rent was due and she didn’t have it. The man putting gas in his expensive car looked like an easy mark. He had a bruise over his eye, which was fine: she had a bruised heart. She offered the box for sale and he handed her the money, knowing full well that it was a con. He also handed her a business card with an Orange County number before he drove off.  She knew he wouldn’t get far; L.A. traffic was backed up, police were everywhere, sirens blasting. Her boyfriend wasn’t answering his phone, so she dialed the man’s number to explain that conning really wasn’t what she was all about. He was skeptical. She challenged him to meet her at a diner. Dinner was strained but pleasant, a get-to-know-you where very little information was exchanged. She didn’t want to be alone; he didn’t want to go home to a wife he no longer loved, so they went to a movie before he kissed her in a way she’d never been kissed. She was the first to mention a hotel. He paid for the luxury room. She thought she’d been in love before: with the father of her daughter, certainly with her daughter but she’d never been with a man who did to her what the man from Orange County did. He made her moan and call out things that she didn’t know she had a voice for calling. It was only supposed to be a one-night stand. But she wasn’t being entirely truthful with him. And he definitely wasn’t telling her everything, either… Let’s start here: “One Night” is steamy. Like, burn-your-mind, hott-with-two-Ts steamy. But it’s not just that. Author Eric Jerome Dickey ekes this novel out slowly, minute-by-minute, like a slow dance between two people who aren’t forthcoming with facts to one another – or to readers. That can be snail-like, but it’s also fascinating: we know there’s something we’re not quite seeing, but we’re too distracted by the tryst to figure it out – that is, until Dickey repeatedly interrupts the action with smartly-timed shocks that reset everything. There are a few moments of silliness in this book but overall, I couldn’t let it go and if you can handle the lengthy bedroom scenes, you won’t be able to, either. For readers who crave a boatload of spice with their novels, One Night is worth two looks. “One Night” by Eric Jerome Dickey c.2015, Dutton                               $26.95 / $31.00 Canada                 357 pages Would you look at that. Actually, probably, you already have. You’re one of the most observant people you know, never missing a thing, always noticing. You make a great witness because you see everything. And in the new book One Night by Eric Jerome Dickey, you see two people about to make a mistake. It was pouring rain that evening and it perfectly matched her mood. Once she’d been a comedian and an actress. She’d been someone’s mother but now she was dressed in a pilfered shirt from an electronics store, driving a stolen truck and trying to con somebody into paying for a box of rocks because the rent was due and she didn’t have it. The man putting gas in his expensive car looked like an easy mark. He had a bruise over his eye, which was fine: she had a bruised heart. She offered the box for sale and he handed her the money, knowing full well that it was a con. He also handed her a business card with an Orange County number before he drove off.  She knew he wouldn’t get far; L.A. traffic was backed up, police were everywhere, sirens blasting. Her boyfriend wasn’t answering his phone, so she dialed the man’s number to explain that conning really wasn’t what she was all about. He was skeptical. She challenged him to meet her at a diner. Dinner was strained but pleasant, a get-to-know-you where very little information was exchanged. She didn’t want to be alone; he didn’t want to go home to a wife he no longer loved, so they went to a movie before he kissed her in a way she’d never been kissed. She was the first to mention a hotel. He paid for the luxury room. She thought she’d been in love before: with the father of her daughter, certainly with her daughter but she’d never been with a man who did to her what the man from Orange County did. He made her moan and call out things that she didn’t know she had a voice for calling. It was only supposed to be a one-night stand. But she wasn’t being entirely truthful with him. And he definitely wasn’t telling her everything, either… Let’s start here: “One Night” is steamy. Like, burn-your-mind, hott-with-two-Ts steamy. But it’s not just that. Author Eric Jerome Dickey ekes this novel out slowly, minute-by-minute, like a slow dance between two people who aren’t forthcoming with facts to one another – or to readers. That can be snail-like, but it’s also fascinating: we know there’s something we’re not quite seeing, but we’re too distracted by the tryst to figure it out – that is, until Dickey repeatedly interrupts the action with smartly-timed shocks that reset everything. There are a few moments of silliness in this book but overall, I couldn’t let it go and if you can handle the lengthy bedroom scenes, you won’t be able to, either. For readers who crave a boatload of spice with their novels, One Night is worth two looks. Bookworm Blog, 2015-05-06T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/something-that-cant-be-found http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/something-that-cant-be-found#When:16:00:00Z Cuba Straits by Randy Wayne White c.2015, Putnam                       $26.95 / $31.00 Canada               314 pages It was not where you put it last. How many hours – days? – of your life are wasted looking for something you can’t find?  You spend so much effort searching for that which isn’t where it’s supposed to be - and what’s worse, as you’ll see in the new thriller Cuba Straits by Randy Wayne White, is helping an old friend whose search could cost more than just time.  Marion “Doc” Ford had a lot on his mind. Recently, on the same beach, the marine biologist found an unusual turtle and a beautiful woman. He freed the former from ocean debris, spent the night with the latter, and could get neither out of his mind, which is why he was barely listening to his buddy Tomlinson prattle about baseball. Ford was even more distracted when he spotted someone he never thought he’d see again, sitting in the bleachers. General Juan Simόn Rivera had once tried to kill Ford but they’d recently managed to forge a shaky sort of friendship. Ford knew that Rivera had taken a risk in coming from Cuba to Florida, so whatever he wanted had to be big. But the General only wanted a favor from an old friend. Rivera had figured out a way to smuggle Cuban baseball players into the U.S. , but he’d lost a shortstop. Not lost, exactly; the player wandered away, and had taken with him a briefcase with which Rivera had entrusted him. Rivera needed Ford’s help to find the shortstop and, though he wouldn’t exactly say why, he also wanted Ford to travel to Cuba , too. Finding the shortstop had been simple dumb luck: Tomlinson, who lived for baseball, stumbled upon Figueroa Casanova in a park, and they’d bonded over the game. Casanova claimed that he hadn’t looked in the briefcase – but Tomlinson did, and he realized that a lot of people would be looking for its Castro-era contents. Though Casanova had a reputation for being insane, Tomlinson learned that it was a ruse; the little shortstop was on the ball more than anyone thought. But why did Rivera want a bunch of sixty-year-old letters and how were they tied to the murders of three little girls? In answering those questions, Ford found big trouble… Let’s put this on the table first: “Cuba Straits” is anything but straight. Though readers will find a good bunch of thrilling moments in this novel, there’s also a lot of convoluted plot-twisting, far-fetched clues, torturous red herrings, and maybe one or two side-plots too many. I have to admit that the thriller parts were heart-pounding and I quite enjoyed the ruthless evil killers, but the books’ other facets made the story often hard to follow. I don’t know, therefore, that I can recommend this book for anyone but fans of author Randy Wayne White’s Doc Ford. For sure, if you’re new to this series, this isn’t the book to begin with. Instead, pick up one of the earlier books in the series and start there, because “Cuba Straits” may only make you lost. Cuba Straits by Randy Wayne White c.2015, Putnam                       $26.95 / $31.00 Canada               314 pages It was not where you put it last. How many hours – days? – of your life are wasted looking for something you can’t find?  You spend so much effort searching for that which isn’t where it’s supposed to be - and what’s worse, as you’ll see in the new thriller Cuba Straits by Randy Wayne White, is helping an old friend whose search could cost more than just time.  Marion “Doc” Ford had a lot on his mind. Recently, on the same beach, the marine biologist found an unusual turtle and a beautiful woman. He freed the former from ocean debris, spent the night with the latter, and could get neither out of his mind, which is why he was barely listening to his buddy Tomlinson prattle about baseball. Ford was even more distracted when he spotted someone he never thought he’d see again, sitting in the bleachers. General Juan Simόn Rivera had once tried to kill Ford but they’d recently managed to forge a shaky sort of friendship. Ford knew that Rivera had taken a risk in coming from Cuba to Florida, so whatever he wanted had to be big. But the General only wanted a favor from an old friend. Rivera had figured out a way to smuggle Cuban baseball players into the U.S. , but he’d lost a shortstop. Not lost, exactly; the player wandered away, and had taken with him a briefcase with which Rivera had entrusted him. Rivera needed Ford’s help to find the shortstop and, though he wouldn’t exactly say why, he also wanted Ford to travel to Cuba , too. Finding the shortstop had been simple dumb luck: Tomlinson, who lived for baseball, stumbled upon Figueroa Casanova in a park, and they’d bonded over the game. Casanova claimed that he hadn’t looked in the briefcase – but Tomlinson did, and he realized that a lot of people would be looking for its Castro-era contents. Though Casanova had a reputation for being insane, Tomlinson learned that it was a ruse; the little shortstop was on the ball more than anyone thought. But why did Rivera want a bunch of sixty-year-old letters and how were they tied to the murders of three little girls? In answering those questions, Ford found big trouble… Let’s put this on the table first: “Cuba Straits” is anything but straight. Though readers will find a good bunch of thrilling moments in this novel, there’s also a lot of convoluted plot-twisting, far-fetched clues, torturous red herrings, and maybe one or two side-plots too many. I have to admit that the thriller parts were heart-pounding and I quite enjoyed the ruthless evil killers, but the books’ other facets made the story often hard to follow. I don’t know, therefore, that I can recommend this book for anyone but fans of author Randy Wayne White’s Doc Ford. For sure, if you’re new to this series, this isn’t the book to begin with. Instead, pick up one of the earlier books in the series and start there, because “Cuba Straits” may only make you lost. Bookworm Blog, 2015-04-29T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/not-your-usual-hollywood-celebrity-bio http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/not-your-usual-hollywood-celebrity-bio#When:16:00:00Z “Born with Teeth: A Memoir” by Kate Mulgrew c.2015, Little, Brown                 $28.00 / $31.00 Canada               320 pages Inside you lives the tenacity of a terrier. Once you’ve got something, you never let go, whether it’s a coveted item or a new idea. You’re dogged in your determination, seizing things with a grip that doesn’t let up. It’s a personality trait that’s served you well, and in the new book Born with Teeth by Kate Mulgrew, you’ll meet a kindred spirit. Though in later years, she’d make a different kind of entrance, Kate Mulgrew came into this world with a set of choppers already in her mouth. That, and the fact that Mulgrew was the family’s first daughter, particularly delighted her mother. There were, of course, more children to come; always another baby in the bassinette. The Irish-Catholic Mulgrew family was eccentric: Mulgrew’s father was a hard drinker; her mother preferred painting over caring for her children, who were raucous and tight-knit amongst themselves. There was never enough food in their Iowa home, and never enough attention paid to each child. It was, then, a noteworthy day when Mulgrew’s mother attended Mulgrew’s fifth-grade poetry recital. When it was over, she said she thought Mulgrew could choose someday to be a “mediocre poet or a great actress.” From that day on, Mulgrew threw herself into “all things dramatic,” applied for early graduation from high school, and set her sights on the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Deemed too young for London , she instead moved to New York , which was good for her: she completely embraced acting school, having quickly decided that University wasn’t for her and neither was unemployment. It didn’t take long for her to land two plum roles – one on stage and one on TV. Between acting gigs, she fell in love and, at twenty-one, discovered she was pregnant. Says Mulgrew about her career: “I set myself on a course and didn’t look back.” But throughout her life, though men came and went, roles were won and ended, and she had two other children, there was always one question: where was the child she gave up for adoption? Early in her story, author Kate Mulgrew admits pride at having written poetry. That lyric talent, though it takes a couple pages to settle into, very much shines in this fine memoir. What’s most refreshing, I think, is that “Born with Teeth” is not your usual Hollywood celebrity bio. Mulgrew’s life is the focus in this book, not who she worked with and what she starred in. Oh, you’ll find some of that here, yes, but this memoir seemed to me to be more feisty than fan-fodder. That casualness and the offhanded way with which it’s told set the tone just right for me. Though I have to admit that I liked the beginning and the end of this book more than its middle, I still couldn’t tear myself away from it. I think you’ll like it, too – especially if you’re a fan of Mulgrew’s many roles. If that’s you, then Born with Teeth is a book to sink your fangs into. “Born with Teeth: A Memoir” by Kate Mulgrew c.2015, Little, Brown                 $28.00 / $31.00 Canada               320 pages Inside you lives the tenacity of a terrier. Once you’ve got something, you never let go, whether it’s a coveted item or a new idea. You’re dogged in your determination, seizing things with a grip that doesn’t let up. It’s a personality trait that’s served you well, and in the new book Born with Teeth by Kate Mulgrew, you’ll meet a kindred spirit. Though in later years, she’d make a different kind of entrance, Kate Mulgrew came into this world with a set of choppers already in her mouth. That, and the fact that Mulgrew was the family’s first daughter, particularly delighted her mother. There were, of course, more children to come; always another baby in the bassinette. The Irish-Catholic Mulgrew family was eccentric: Mulgrew’s father was a hard drinker; her mother preferred painting over caring for her children, who were raucous and tight-knit amongst themselves. There was never enough food in their Iowa home, and never enough attention paid to each child. It was, then, a noteworthy day when Mulgrew’s mother attended Mulgrew’s fifth-grade poetry recital. When it was over, she said she thought Mulgrew could choose someday to be a “mediocre poet or a great actress.” From that day on, Mulgrew threw herself into “all things dramatic,” applied for early graduation from high school, and set her sights on the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Deemed too young for London , she instead moved to New York , which was good for her: she completely embraced acting school, having quickly decided that University wasn’t for her and neither was unemployment. It didn’t take long for her to land two plum roles – one on stage and one on TV. Between acting gigs, she fell in love and, at twenty-one, discovered she was pregnant. Says Mulgrew about her career: “I set myself on a course and didn’t look back.” But throughout her life, though men came and went, roles were won and ended, and she had two other children, there was always one question: where was the child she gave up for adoption? Early in her story, author Kate Mulgrew admits pride at having written poetry. That lyric talent, though it takes a couple pages to settle into, very much shines in this fine memoir. What’s most refreshing, I think, is that “Born with Teeth” is not your usual Hollywood celebrity bio. Mulgrew’s life is the focus in this book, not who she worked with and what she starred in. Oh, you’ll find some of that here, yes, but this memoir seemed to me to be more feisty than fan-fodder. That casualness and the offhanded way with which it’s told set the tone just right for me. Though I have to admit that I liked the beginning and the end of this book more than its middle, I still couldn’t tear myself away from it. I think you’ll like it, too – especially if you’re a fan of Mulgrew’s many roles. If that’s you, then Born with Teeth is a book to sink your fangs into. Bookworm Blog, 2015-04-22T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/everything-you-thought-you-knew-about-weight-is-a-lie http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/everything-you-thought-you-knew-about-weight-is-a-lie#When:16:00:00Z “Body of Truth” by Harriet Brown c.2015, DaCapo LifeLong             $25.99 / $32.50 Canada               274 pages Your summer clothes don’t fit this year. You’ll admit that you weren’t paying attention: too many holiday cookies, too little New Years’ resolving. The pounds crept up and you need to lose them before they multiply again. It’s for your health and well-being, right? Or maybe not. In the new book Body of Truth by Harriet Brown, you’ll see that everything you thought you knew about weight may be a big fat lie. Some twenty-five years ago on a “sticky summer evening,” Harriet Brown sat in a therapist’s chair, sobbing about her weight. Once, she’d been thin but “three pregnancies and a whole lot of living” later, she couldn’t take off the pounds. She was absolutely stunned when the therapist asked if she could learn to be okay with the body she had. She “couldn’t even consider the possibility” that having a few extra pounds wasn’t such a bad thing. Even the language we use for weight has changed in the past few years: what was once chubby or husky is now “obese” or “overweight,” words that carry a meaner stigma. Yes, as a society, we’ve gained weight but our eating habits and our sedentary lives are not solely to blame. There are, says Brown, several reasons for weight gain, one of which is that dieting is generally detrimental. Statistically speaking, just five percent of dieters keep the weight off, long-term; the other 95 percent of calorie-counters usually gain back any weight lost, and then some. We understand that yo-yo dieting is unhealthy, but we may not know that some researchers believe there’s no increased risk of death due to extra weight. Even so, says Brown, physicians sometimes admit to having “weight bias,” and treat (or don’t treat) patients accordingly. But our obsession with weight goes much deeper than just physical effects. Negative social pressure can affect our mental health, which suffers when we loathe our bodies and indulge in “fat talk.” What’s worse is that our emphasis on weight adversely affects future generations: some pediatricians recommend that infants be put on diets and one study found three-year-old children who were “unhappy with their bodies.” Says Brown, “Something is definitely wrong with this picture.” Food for thought. No pun intended, but that’s what you’ll find in “Body of Truth.” You’ll also find a good amount of controversy. For readers who struggle with their weight, there’s a certain Ahhhhh-feeling of freedom that comes with author Harriet Brown’s urging for acceptance. It’s hard not to see that our attitudes about being overweight have gone overboard, and it’s equally hard to argue with the experts and research she cites. Definitely, this could cause weight-watching readers’ heads to spin – but Brown is quick to reassure the flummoxed: “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach…” when it comes to weight or loss thereof. Overall, I really liked this book – in part, because it provides more balance in a world where new diets come out seemingly every day. If you’ve grown weary of that, then read Body of Truth. You may have nothing to lose. “Body of Truth” by Harriet Brown c.2015, DaCapo LifeLong             $25.99 / $32.50 Canada               274 pages Your summer clothes don’t fit this year. You’ll admit that you weren’t paying attention: too many holiday cookies, too little New Years’ resolving. The pounds crept up and you need to lose them before they multiply again. It’s for your health and well-being, right? Or maybe not. In the new book Body of Truth by Harriet Brown, you’ll see that everything you thought you knew about weight may be a big fat lie. Some twenty-five years ago on a “sticky summer evening,” Harriet Brown sat in a therapist’s chair, sobbing about her weight. Once, she’d been thin but “three pregnancies and a whole lot of living” later, she couldn’t take off the pounds. She was absolutely stunned when the therapist asked if she could learn to be okay with the body she had. She “couldn’t even consider the possibility” that having a few extra pounds wasn’t such a bad thing. Even the language we use for weight has changed in the past few years: what was once chubby or husky is now “obese” or “overweight,” words that carry a meaner stigma. Yes, as a society, we’ve gained weight but our eating habits and our sedentary lives are not solely to blame. There are, says Brown, several reasons for weight gain, one of which is that dieting is generally detrimental. Statistically speaking, just five percent of dieters keep the weight off, long-term; the other 95 percent of calorie-counters usually gain back any weight lost, and then some. We understand that yo-yo dieting is unhealthy, but we may not know that some researchers believe there’s no increased risk of death due to extra weight. Even so, says Brown, physicians sometimes admit to having “weight bias,” and treat (or don’t treat) patients accordingly. But our obsession with weight goes much deeper than just physical effects. Negative social pressure can affect our mental health, which suffers when we loathe our bodies and indulge in “fat talk.” What’s worse is that our emphasis on weight adversely affects future generations: some pediatricians recommend that infants be put on diets and one study found three-year-old children who were “unhappy with their bodies.” Says Brown, “Something is definitely wrong with this picture.” Food for thought. No pun intended, but that’s what you’ll find in “Body of Truth.” You’ll also find a good amount of controversy. For readers who struggle with their weight, there’s a certain Ahhhhh-feeling of freedom that comes with author Harriet Brown’s urging for acceptance. It’s hard not to see that our attitudes about being overweight have gone overboard, and it’s equally hard to argue with the experts and research she cites. Definitely, this could cause weight-watching readers’ heads to spin – but Brown is quick to reassure the flummoxed: “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach…” when it comes to weight or loss thereof. Overall, I really liked this book – in part, because it provides more balance in a world where new diets come out seemingly every day. If you’ve grown weary of that, then read Body of Truth. You may have nothing to lose. Bookworm Blog, 2015-04-15T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/tthe-future-really-isnt-in-your-hands http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/tthe-future-really-isnt-in-your-hands#When:16:00:00Z You have little-to-no control Deny no more. You’ve finally come to accept it: the future really isn’t in your hands. You have no control over others, either, which is the hardest lesson to learn. And certainly, in the new book Endangered by C.J. Box, there’s no control over who becomes the victim of a crime. Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett was used to carnage.  He’d seen plenty of blood from man and beast, but the illegal massacre of an entire lek of politically-loaded sage grouse really set him back on his heels. The slaughter had been senseless and near-complete but before he could collect his thoughts or evidence, Pickett received a call that made him forget about dead birds: a girl resembling his daughter, April, had been found in a roadside ditch, beaten half to death. Immediately, Pickett had his suspicions: some months before, April had run away with rodeo star Dallas Cates, the cocky youngest son of two irritating edge-of-the-law lowlifes living nearby. Pickett was even more suspicious when Brenda and Eldon Cates showed up at the sheriff’s office, preemptively, to say that their boy was innocent. Dallas, they claimed, had been badly hurt riding a bull. He couldn’t have harmed April and besides, April had broken up with Dallas. Pickett doubted all that was true but when April’s belongings were discovered in the possession of a local survivalist, he had to put his skepticism aside. “Endangered” by C.J. Box c.2015, Putnam $26.95 / $31.00 Canada   384 pages But as April lay in a Billings hospital in a medically-induced coma, Pickett learned that she wasn’t the only VIP patient: his old friend, Nate Romanowski, falconer and sometime outlaw, was also hospitalized, having been shot by persons unknown. Pickett thought Nate had been set up; it appeared he’d been ambushed in the middle of nowhere. Now he, too, was unconscious. Nate’s girlfriend, Olivia Brannan, and his van were missing. Pickett sensed that the Cates family was somehow involved – but how?  Surely it was no coincidence that Pickett’s daughter and his closest friend were both hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Could the clues from one massacre stop another? No matter where you are in the world, when you’ve got a book by author C.J. Box in your hands, you’re in the West. That may be due to a mixture of characters, led by the wonderfully stoic, thoughtful Joe Pickett – or it may be due to the natural beauty of which Box so perfectly describes. And in Endangered, he does a lot of that: Pickett is sent all over Wyoming and into Montana here, which gives Box plenty of room for literary roaming. Meanwhile back home in Saddlestring, we’re left to squirm with new Bad Guys that may be the baddest that Box ever offered. I wish you could see my copy of this book. I read it hard because it was that good. And yes, this is the latest in a series but it can be read alone, so don’t be afraid to give it a try. Just be warned: once you start Endangered, your reading time may be out of control. You have little-to-no control Deny no more. You’ve finally come to accept it: the future really isn’t in your hands. You have no control over others, either, which is the hardest lesson to learn. And certainly, in the new book Endangered by C.J. Box, there’s no control over who becomes the victim of a crime. Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett was used to carnage.  He’d seen plenty of blood from man and beast, but the illegal massacre of an entire lek of politically-loaded sage grouse really set him back on his heels. The slaughter had been senseless and near-complete but before he could collect his thoughts or evidence, Pickett received a call that made him forget about dead birds: a girl resembling his daughter, April, had been found in a roadside ditch, beaten half to death. Immediately, Pickett had his suspicions: some months before, April had run away with rodeo star Dallas Cates, the cocky youngest son of two irritating edge-of-the-law lowlifes living nearby. Pickett was even more suspicious when Brenda and Eldon Cates showed up at the sheriff’s office, preemptively, to say that their boy was innocent. Dallas, they claimed, had been badly hurt riding a bull. He couldn’t have harmed April and besides, April had broken up with Dallas. Pickett doubted all that was true but when April’s belongings were discovered in the possession of a local survivalist, he had to put his skepticism aside. “Endangered” by C.J. Box c.2015, Putnam $26.95 / $31.00 Canada   384 pages But as April lay in a Billings hospital in a medically-induced coma, Pickett learned that she wasn’t the only VIP patient: his old friend, Nate Romanowski, falconer and sometime outlaw, was also hospitalized, having been shot by persons unknown. Pickett thought Nate had been set up; it appeared he’d been ambushed in the middle of nowhere. Now he, too, was unconscious. Nate’s girlfriend, Olivia Brannan, and his van were missing. Pickett sensed that the Cates family was somehow involved – but how?  Surely it was no coincidence that Pickett’s daughter and his closest friend were both hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Could the clues from one massacre stop another? No matter where you are in the world, when you’ve got a book by author C.J. Box in your hands, you’re in the West. That may be due to a mixture of characters, led by the wonderfully stoic, thoughtful Joe Pickett – or it may be due to the natural beauty of which Box so perfectly describes. And in Endangered, he does a lot of that: Pickett is sent all over Wyoming and into Montana here, which gives Box plenty of room for literary roaming. Meanwhile back home in Saddlestring, we’re left to squirm with new Bad Guys that may be the baddest that Box ever offered. I wish you could see my copy of this book. I read it hard because it was that good. And yes, this is the latest in a series but it can be read alone, so don’t be afraid to give it a try. Just be warned: once you start Endangered, your reading time may be out of control. Bookworm Blog, 2015-04-08T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/what-your-shoes-say-about-you http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/what-your-shoes-say-about-you#When:16:00:00Z “Shoes: An Illustrated History” by Rebecca Shawcross c.2014, Bloomsbury                 $40.00 / $50.00 Canada                   256 pages You couldn’t resist: last week, you bought a piece of art. It’s not something you’ll ever hang on your wall. And though it might be tempting to put this art on show, a pedestal won’t be needed. No, you’ll display this art just below your ankles and, as you’ll see in Shoes: An Illustrated History by Rebecca Shawcross, you’ll be in good historical company. While nobody knows who invented shoes, we know that they were worn on human feet at least 5,500 years ago. Shoes were simple then, made of animal hide and grasses which, said researchers wearing reproductions, were dry and cozy. Very early shoes were often sandal-like and utilitarian, but footwear was also a sign of status for ancient Romans. That remained true throughout the Dark Ages and into medieval times, when shoemaking became a profession and extremely long, pointy-toed footwear was popular with the wealthy. Called “poulaines,” those shoes were nearly unwearable without a toe-to-waist cord to avoid tripping, frippery that working folk could ill-afford. Disco-era super-high platform shoes had nothing on fifteenth-century chopines, which resembled small benches on which to walk. Henry VIII’s court loved the “footbag,” a shoe name that practically begs for revival. And during the Renaissance, even men wore fabulous shoes embellished with fist-sized roses. Royalty, by the way, always left their footprint: though black was often a shoe color restricted to kings, Louis XIV laid claim to red as the color of royal footwear (Louboutin, anyone?). Charles II loved his buckles, and Louis XV’s mistress gave her name to heels. Madame Pompadour, incidentally, had nothing to do with naming winklepickers or brothel creepers. As humans walked through history, we learned that shoes should be made for left and right feet and that sizing offers a better fit. Woven-grass cords gave way to shoestrings. Shoemakers added heels for both men and women in wood and metal, in heights both kittenish and “killer.” We’ve “concealed” shoes, tied them to cars and with superstitions, given them their own stores, and added bling and endorsements. And in the end, we can still wear sandals, just like those of ancient fashionistas. So how many pairs of shoes do you own?  It’s the rare person who has just one or two, but even if you’ve reached Imelda Marcos status (which author Rebecca Shawcross calls “modest” at 1,250-3,000 pairs), you’ll want to take a giant step into this book. That’s because “Shoes: An Illustrated History” isn’t just about those things we stuff on our tootsies; there’s Hollywood here, as well as biographies, pop culture, and plenty of history to dip your toes into. And while you’ll find a satisfying amount of narrative, what’s especially appealing are the dozens and dozens of full-color pictures of shoes, including bygone styles perfect for today’s runway, and footwear you’d likely boot to the curb. I think anyone with more than ten pairs of shoes in the closet is missing something if this book isn’t laying next to the bed. For you, Shoes: An Illustrated History is a real kick. “Shoes: An Illustrated History” by Rebecca Shawcross c.2014, Bloomsbury                 $40.00 / $50.00 Canada                   256 pages You couldn’t resist: last week, you bought a piece of art. It’s not something you’ll ever hang on your wall. And though it might be tempting to put this art on show, a pedestal won’t be needed. No, you’ll display this art just below your ankles and, as you’ll see in Shoes: An Illustrated History by Rebecca Shawcross, you’ll be in good historical company. While nobody knows who invented shoes, we know that they were worn on human feet at least 5,500 years ago. Shoes were simple then, made of animal hide and grasses which, said researchers wearing reproductions, were dry and cozy. Very early shoes were often sandal-like and utilitarian, but footwear was also a sign of status for ancient Romans. That remained true throughout the Dark Ages and into medieval times, when shoemaking became a profession and extremely long, pointy-toed footwear was popular with the wealthy. Called “poulaines,” those shoes were nearly unwearable without a toe-to-waist cord to avoid tripping, frippery that working folk could ill-afford. Disco-era super-high platform shoes had nothing on fifteenth-century chopines, which resembled small benches on which to walk. Henry VIII’s court loved the “footbag,” a shoe name that practically begs for revival. And during the Renaissance, even men wore fabulous shoes embellished with fist-sized roses. Royalty, by the way, always left their footprint: though black was often a shoe color restricted to kings, Louis XIV laid claim to red as the color of royal footwear (Louboutin, anyone?). Charles II loved his buckles, and Louis XV’s mistress gave her name to heels. Madame Pompadour, incidentally, had nothing to do with naming winklepickers or brothel creepers. As humans walked through history, we learned that shoes should be made for left and right feet and that sizing offers a better fit. Woven-grass cords gave way to shoestrings. Shoemakers added heels for both men and women in wood and metal, in heights both kittenish and “killer.” We’ve “concealed” shoes, tied them to cars and with superstitions, given them their own stores, and added bling and endorsements. And in the end, we can still wear sandals, just like those of ancient fashionistas. So how many pairs of shoes do you own?  It’s the rare person who has just one or two, but even if you’ve reached Imelda Marcos status (which author Rebecca Shawcross calls “modest” at 1,250-3,000 pairs), you’ll want to take a giant step into this book. That’s because “Shoes: An Illustrated History” isn’t just about those things we stuff on our tootsies; there’s Hollywood here, as well as biographies, pop culture, and plenty of history to dip your toes into. And while you’ll find a satisfying amount of narrative, what’s especially appealing are the dozens and dozens of full-color pictures of shoes, including bygone styles perfect for today’s runway, and footwear you’d likely boot to the curb. I think anyone with more than ten pairs of shoes in the closet is missing something if this book isn’t laying next to the bed. For you, Shoes: An Illustrated History is a real kick. Bookworm Blog, 2015-04-01T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/holes-in-your-knowledge-you-might-lke-to-fill http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/holes-in-your-knowledge-you-might-lke-to-fill#When:16:00:00Z “ASAP Science” by Mitchell Moffit & Greg Brown c.2015, Scribner                     $22.99 / $27.50 Canada                   256 pages Hey, what do you know? It’s a good question, and the answer is that you probably know a lot. You know enough to do your job, not run with scissors, find food, and keep out of trouble. You, in fact, know more than you think you know. But then again, there are a few holes in your knowledge that you might like to fill. And in the new book ASAP Science by Mitchell Moffit & Greg Brown, you’ll use science to do it. You hear rumors. On social media, at the club, from your friends, wrong information is passed around, taken as truth, and passed back. And if it still doesn’t sound right, it genuinely makes you wonder… Which, for instance, really did come first: the chicken or the egg?  It might seem like a no-brainer because everything comes from an egg, doesn’t it?  The total answer has to do with semantics, genetics, and mutations, and it might surprise you. Your grandma always told you not to go outside without a coat or you’ll catch a cold. No matter how many times you told her that a cold was a virus, she insisted. So would you believe that Granny might’ve been a little bit right? Or, take shaving: once you start, you have to keep doing it because the hair grows back thicker and darker, right? Wrong! This book will tell you why, and it will also explain why men seem to be hairier than women. Drop your food and call “Five Second Rule” – or not? High-tech studies (done with bologna and plain old flooring) show that it all depends on what you drop and where. Overall, what scientists say may change your mind in one second. In this book, you’ll learn who feels pain more, men or women. You’ll see why you close your eyes when you sneeze (and it’s not to keep your eyeballs from falling out). You’ll learn whether you’re in danger of spontaneously combusting, why snot is good, whether a zombie apocalypse could really happen, how to heal heartbreak, and why the simple act of reading can help you lose weight. And a cure for hiccups?  It’s here, too, but you probably won’t like it… Chicken or egg?  Dance or sit it out? Beer before liquor or…? It’s those hard questions that make you lose sleep, so just stop tossing and turning. Instead, turn to “ASAP Science.” By using colorful drawings and the mind-bending subjects they’re known for on their YouTube channel, authors Mitchell Moffit & Greg Brown solve the kind of niggling conundrums that plague every bar bet, idle thought, and embarrassing kids’ question known to humankind. They’re playful in doing that – but they’re not silly. No, Moffit and Brown prove (and disprove) rumors and “unexplained phenomena” through real scientific methods and authentic research. And that makes serious fun. If you’ve ever wondered about the Big Questions but didn’t know where to ask, stop now and find this book. For grown-up kids, ASAP Science solves mysteries and you’ll like that, you know? “ASAP Science” by Mitchell Moffit & Greg Brown c.2015, Scribner                     $22.99 / $27.50 Canada                   256 pages Hey, what do you know? It’s a good question, and the answer is that you probably know a lot. You know enough to do your job, not run with scissors, find food, and keep out of trouble. You, in fact, know more than you think you know. But then again, there are a few holes in your knowledge that you might like to fill. And in the new book ASAP Science by Mitchell Moffit & Greg Brown, you’ll use science to do it. You hear rumors. On social media, at the club, from your friends, wrong information is passed around, taken as truth, and passed back. And if it still doesn’t sound right, it genuinely makes you wonder… Which, for instance, really did come first: the chicken or the egg?  It might seem like a no-brainer because everything comes from an egg, doesn’t it?  The total answer has to do with semantics, genetics, and mutations, and it might surprise you. Your grandma always told you not to go outside without a coat or you’ll catch a cold. No matter how many times you told her that a cold was a virus, she insisted. So would you believe that Granny might’ve been a little bit right? Or, take shaving: once you start, you have to keep doing it because the hair grows back thicker and darker, right? Wrong! This book will tell you why, and it will also explain why men seem to be hairier than women. Drop your food and call “Five Second Rule” – or not? High-tech studies (done with bologna and plain old flooring) show that it all depends on what you drop and where. Overall, what scientists say may change your mind in one second. In this book, you’ll learn who feels pain more, men or women. You’ll see why you close your eyes when you sneeze (and it’s not to keep your eyeballs from falling out). You’ll learn whether you’re in danger of spontaneously combusting, why snot is good, whether a zombie apocalypse could really happen, how to heal heartbreak, and why the simple act of reading can help you lose weight. And a cure for hiccups?  It’s here, too, but you probably won’t like it… Chicken or egg?  Dance or sit it out? Beer before liquor or…? It’s those hard questions that make you lose sleep, so just stop tossing and turning. Instead, turn to “ASAP Science.” By using colorful drawings and the mind-bending subjects they’re known for on their YouTube channel, authors Mitchell Moffit & Greg Brown solve the kind of niggling conundrums that plague every bar bet, idle thought, and embarrassing kids’ question known to humankind. They’re playful in doing that – but they’re not silly. No, Moffit and Brown prove (and disprove) rumors and “unexplained phenomena” through real scientific methods and authentic research. And that makes serious fun. If you’ve ever wondered about the Big Questions but didn’t know where to ask, stop now and find this book. For grown-up kids, ASAP Science solves mysteries and you’ll like that, you know? Bookworm Blog, 2015-03-25T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/almost-scared-to-death http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/almost-scared-to-death#When:16:00:00Z “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania ” by Erik Larson c.2015, Crown                               $28.00 / $32.50 Canada                 431 pages It almost scared you to death. That’s what it seemed like: heart pounding, palms sweaty, legs weak - but still in one piece, breathing again, thankful that you only had a near-miss. History, however, is not so benign, as you’ll see in Dead Wake by Erik Larson. William Thomas Turner “excelled” at his job. Though no one would call him charming – he hated pretending as such – Turner had steadfastly worked through the ranks to become Captain of the Cunard Steam-Ship Company’s Lusitania, a premiere ocean liner. With over 200 successful trips across the Atlantic Ocean , “The ship endured.” That record was important to her 1,265 passengers. Each of them appreciated the luxury (lengthy menus, gardens, and “20 cubic feet” of luggage allowed), and speed (up to 25 knots) that the Lusitania promised. And since Germany had issued warnings to all ships entering British waters, passengers appreciated the ships’ safety, and they scoffed. “The Lusitania was simply too big and too fast” for any real threat. In Washington D.C. , President Woodrow Wilson was doubly-bereft: with his wife Ellen dead not quite a year, he’d fallen in love again. Edith Bolling Galt gently discouraged him as was war waged between Britain and Germany , but Wilson would do “all he could to keep America neutral”… and to get Edith to marry him. To those who served with him, Kptlt. Walther Schweiger was a conundrum: known for his sense of humor with those aboard Unterseeboot-20, Schweiger was also renowned for his “callousness.” Life aboard a German U-boat was not pleasant, but Schweiger ensured that his men were happy. He had much less compassion for anyone on a ship in his sights. On May 1, 1915, the Lusitania prepared to leave New York City en route to Liverpool but first, it had business to tend to: a nearby British luxury liner had been conscripted and its passengers re-assigned. Getting them aboard took an extra two hours; the Lusitania , therefore, was late getting out to sea.  Says Larson, “Even the briefest delay could shape history.” So you think you know what happened nearly a century ago. So did author Erik Larson but as he researched, he “quickly realized how wrong” he was about the Lusitania . And so will you, as you immerse yourself inside Dead Wake. This story of a ship, however, wouldn’t be nearly as fascinating without the story of those hating it, in charge of it, on it, and not on it. Indeed, as Larson tells a thousand tiny stories of passengers and foes, bravery and duty, we become wrapped up in each tale, needing to know each individual fate. It’s also, therefore, easy to become uneasy: menace is like fog here because we know. Larson’s account of this historic event made me want to scream “Watch out!” loud enough to be heard 100 years ago. While it’s a sure-bet for historians, I also think thriller fans will love this book, too. If your heart doesn’t pound while reading Dead Wake, in fact, get it checked. You might be dead, too. “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania ” by Erik Larson c.2015, Crown                               $28.00 / $32.50 Canada                 431 pages It almost scared you to death. That’s what it seemed like: heart pounding, palms sweaty, legs weak - but still in one piece, breathing again, thankful that you only had a near-miss. History, however, is not so benign, as you’ll see in Dead Wake by Erik Larson. William Thomas Turner “excelled” at his job. Though no one would call him charming – he hated pretending as such – Turner had steadfastly worked through the ranks to become Captain of the Cunard Steam-Ship Company’s Lusitania, a premiere ocean liner. With over 200 successful trips across the Atlantic Ocean , “The ship endured.” That record was important to her 1,265 passengers. Each of them appreciated the luxury (lengthy menus, gardens, and “20 cubic feet” of luggage allowed), and speed (up to 25 knots) that the Lusitania promised. And since Germany had issued warnings to all ships entering British waters, passengers appreciated the ships’ safety, and they scoffed. “The Lusitania was simply too big and too fast” for any real threat. In Washington D.C. , President Woodrow Wilson was doubly-bereft: with his wife Ellen dead not quite a year, he’d fallen in love again. Edith Bolling Galt gently discouraged him as was war waged between Britain and Germany , but Wilson would do “all he could to keep America neutral”… and to get Edith to marry him. To those who served with him, Kptlt. Walther Schweiger was a conundrum: known for his sense of humor with those aboard Unterseeboot-20, Schweiger was also renowned for his “callousness.” Life aboard a German U-boat was not pleasant, but Schweiger ensured that his men were happy. He had much less compassion for anyone on a ship in his sights. On May 1, 1915, the Lusitania prepared to leave New York City en route to Liverpool but first, it had business to tend to: a nearby British luxury liner had been conscripted and its passengers re-assigned. Getting them aboard took an extra two hours; the Lusitania , therefore, was late getting out to sea.  Says Larson, “Even the briefest delay could shape history.” So you think you know what happened nearly a century ago. So did author Erik Larson but as he researched, he “quickly realized how wrong” he was about the Lusitania . And so will you, as you immerse yourself inside Dead Wake. This story of a ship, however, wouldn’t be nearly as fascinating without the story of those hating it, in charge of it, on it, and not on it. Indeed, as Larson tells a thousand tiny stories of passengers and foes, bravery and duty, we become wrapped up in each tale, needing to know each individual fate. It’s also, therefore, easy to become uneasy: menace is like fog here because we know. Larson’s account of this historic event made me want to scream “Watch out!” loud enough to be heard 100 years ago. While it’s a sure-bet for historians, I also think thriller fans will love this book, too. If your heart doesn’t pound while reading Dead Wake, in fact, get it checked. You might be dead, too. Bookworm Blog, 2015-03-18T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/when-you-cant-bounce-back http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/when-you-cant-bounce-back#When:16:00:00Z “Resilience: Two Sisters and a Story of Mental Illness” by Jessie Close with Pete Earley c.2015, Grand Central Publishing             $27.00 / $30.00 Canada         306 pages Your friends think you’re made of rubber. You always bounce back, as they point out. You’re always happy when the good times roll but when they don’t, you reach for your bootstraps. Nothing lays you low for long because you just bounce back. And it seemed that way for Jessie Close. But in her new memoir Resilience: Two Sisters and a Story of Mental Illness (with Pete Earley), she wasn’t bouncing back. She was bouncing around. The Creature lived right behind her left ear. It had been screaming “over and over and over again,” taunting Jessie Close to kill herself. She didn’t want to do it, but that wasn’t the first time suicide had entered her mind. Born the last of four children, Close had always been “the family troublemaker.”  The trouble, however, wasn’t all hers: when she was five years old, Close’s parents joined the Moral Re-Armament, which was “a cult, plain and simple.” The family moved to New York , to an MRA estate where they were purposely separated. Eventually, Close’s father was sent to Africa and the family joined him there. By that time, Close was “isolated and lonely,” prone to picking at a spot on her hand until it bled. She felt abandoned, and started acting out until she was sent back to the States, to various family members and schools in an attempt to control her behavior. She began drinking and sleeping around, much to her parents’ horror. At seventeen, she married her first of five husbands, a man whose abuse drove her further into the mania she’d been experiencing for years. But the relationship Close had with him wasn’t the only thing that turned bad: through the ‘60s and ‘70s, she held a series of jobs in various parts of the country, married and left men impulsively, had an abortion and gave birth to three children. She received tentative diagnoses and medications but their effects didn’t last. By the time Close neared her 50s, the Creature was winning…. Of course, there’s much more to this story and therein lies the issue I had with this book: there’s almost too much to take in when you’re reading Resilience. Author Jessie Close (with Pete Earley) packs a tornado in this memoir, in the form of multiple moves, jobs, and loves. She’s here on one page and there a page later, only to move the story to a new locale again in a few paragraphs. Yes, you could argue that the narrative explains the illness, but it was a bit too much. The appeal of this book, I think, lies between those lines. Close brings readers to the edge with her, clearly giving us a sense of the helplessness and fear that accompanied her mental illness. That, not the frenzied travelogue, is what’s worth reading. Add in a few second-viewpoint chapters from big sister Glenn and you’ve got a memoir that, as a whole, is pretty powerful.  See if you can overlook the relentlessness of it, and Resilience could be a book you’ll bounce for. “Resilience: Two Sisters and a Story of Mental Illness” by Jessie Close with Pete Earley c.2015, Grand Central Publishing             $27.00 / $30.00 Canada         306 pages Your friends think you’re made of rubber. You always bounce back, as they point out. You’re always happy when the good times roll but when they don’t, you reach for your bootstraps. Nothing lays you low for long because you just bounce back. And it seemed that way for Jessie Close. But in her new memoir Resilience: Two Sisters and a Story of Mental Illness (with Pete Earley), she wasn’t bouncing back. She was bouncing around. The Creature lived right behind her left ear. It had been screaming “over and over and over again,” taunting Jessie Close to kill herself. She didn’t want to do it, but that wasn’t the first time suicide had entered her mind. Born the last of four children, Close had always been “the family troublemaker.”  The trouble, however, wasn’t all hers: when she was five years old, Close’s parents joined the Moral Re-Armament, which was “a cult, plain and simple.” The family moved to New York , to an MRA estate where they were purposely separated. Eventually, Close’s father was sent to Africa and the family joined him there. By that time, Close was “isolated and lonely,” prone to picking at a spot on her hand until it bled. She felt abandoned, and started acting out until she was sent back to the States, to various family members and schools in an attempt to control her behavior. She began drinking and sleeping around, much to her parents’ horror. At seventeen, she married her first of five husbands, a man whose abuse drove her further into the mania she’d been experiencing for years. But the relationship Close had with him wasn’t the only thing that turned bad: through the ‘60s and ‘70s, she held a series of jobs in various parts of the country, married and left men impulsively, had an abortion and gave birth to three children. She received tentative diagnoses and medications but their effects didn’t last. By the time Close neared her 50s, the Creature was winning…. Of course, there’s much more to this story and therein lies the issue I had with this book: there’s almost too much to take in when you’re reading Resilience. Author Jessie Close (with Pete Earley) packs a tornado in this memoir, in the form of multiple moves, jobs, and loves. She’s here on one page and there a page later, only to move the story to a new locale again in a few paragraphs. Yes, you could argue that the narrative explains the illness, but it was a bit too much. The appeal of this book, I think, lies between those lines. Close brings readers to the edge with her, clearly giving us a sense of the helplessness and fear that accompanied her mental illness. That, not the frenzied travelogue, is what’s worth reading. Add in a few second-viewpoint chapters from big sister Glenn and you’ve got a memoir that, as a whole, is pretty powerful.  See if you can overlook the relentlessness of it, and Resilience could be a book you’ll bounce for. Bookworm Blog, 2015-03-11T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-most-revolutionary-year-in-music http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-most-revolutionary-year-in-music#When:17:00:00Z “1965: The Most Revolutionary Year in Music” by Andrew Grant Jackson c.2015, Thomas Dunne Books               $27.99 / $32.50 Canada             352 pages You turned up the volume – again. Surely, the guy in the car next to yours must think you’re weird. There you are, groovin’ to your tunes, seat-dancing, singing along like you were in-concert. Really, is there such a thing as having the music too loud? No. There’s not, so turn up the volume one more time and read 1965: The Most Revolutionary Year in Music by Andrew Grant Jackson. As the year 1965 began, more than forty percent of Americans were under twenty years old. Teens emulated their parents then: boys wore short hair, girls wore long skirts. Segregation was common, color TV was new, eighty percent of America was white, and the country’s youth had tasted The Beatles and loved them. Bob Dylan did, too, though John Lennon had once dismissed his music. The Rolling Stones were singing “puppy love” songs, while Barry Gordy hoped his Supremes might follow in Dean Martin’s footsteps since the “big money” was in nightclubs. Marvin Gaye, meanwhile, wanted to be “singing Cole Porter,” Malcolm X (who would soon be assassinated) met Martin Luther King, and thousands marched to Montgomery . As winter turned to spring, Roger Miller captured six Grammys; Charlie Pride struggled with recording deals in a segregated music industry; and Johnny Cash accidentally, drunkenly, set fire to five hundred acres of California forest. The Byrds’ music “gave birth to the West Coast hippie dance style…” Girls wore shorter skirts and boys wore longer hair, which “angered” future presidential candidate Mitt Romney and he gave a classmate an impromptu haircut. By the summer of 1965, President Johnson launched Medicaid, Medicare, and escalated America ’s presence in Vietnam . Sonny and Cher got you, Babe; everybody was dancing at discotheques; Barry Gordy hired “a charm school teacher” to prepare the Supremes for stardom… and Watts burned. With 1965 winding down, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass’s album whipped up interest. Frank Sinatra insisted that Sammy Davis, Jr. be allowed to stay at Rat Pack hotels, and Paul McCartney allowed a string quartet on “Yesterday.” Cass Elliot became a Mama, John Lennon insulted Carol King, and drug songs were hip. And so, at years’ end, was the premiere of A Charlie Brown Christmas. I looked it up: time travel remains merely theoretical. Still, you can have the next best thing by reading “1965.” This book will have you humming along with songs you remember (or recognize, if you weren’t around then). Author Andrew Grant Jackson melds history, music, and little-known anecdotes as seamlessly as butter but what’s most fascinating about this book is seeing how times changed so completely in one year: we went from flattops to Beatle mops, from black segregation to Black is Beautiful, from “I Feel Fine” to “I Feel Good.” And, indeed, it was. So is this book, and I think 1965: The Most Revolutionary Year in Music is what you should reach for next. If you’re an oldies fan, a follower of culture, or if you remember the year with fondness (or regret), how could you turn it down? “1965: The Most Revolutionary Year in Music” by Andrew Grant Jackson c.2015, Thomas Dunne Books               $27.99 / $32.50 Canada             352 pages You turned up the volume – again. Surely, the guy in the car next to yours must think you’re weird. There you are, groovin’ to your tunes, seat-dancing, singing along like you were in-concert. Really, is there such a thing as having the music too loud? No. There’s not, so turn up the volume one more time and read 1965: The Most Revolutionary Year in Music by Andrew Grant Jackson. As the year 1965 began, more than forty percent of Americans were under twenty years old. Teens emulated their parents then: boys wore short hair, girls wore long skirts. Segregation was common, color TV was new, eighty percent of America was white, and the country’s youth had tasted The Beatles and loved them. Bob Dylan did, too, though John Lennon had once dismissed his music. The Rolling Stones were singing “puppy love” songs, while Barry Gordy hoped his Supremes might follow in Dean Martin’s footsteps since the “big money” was in nightclubs. Marvin Gaye, meanwhile, wanted to be “singing Cole Porter,” Malcolm X (who would soon be assassinated) met Martin Luther King, and thousands marched to Montgomery . As winter turned to spring, Roger Miller captured six Grammys; Charlie Pride struggled with recording deals in a segregated music industry; and Johnny Cash accidentally, drunkenly, set fire to five hundred acres of California forest. The Byrds’ music “gave birth to the West Coast hippie dance style…” Girls wore shorter skirts and boys wore longer hair, which “angered” future presidential candidate Mitt Romney and he gave a classmate an impromptu haircut. By the summer of 1965, President Johnson launched Medicaid, Medicare, and escalated America ’s presence in Vietnam . Sonny and Cher got you, Babe; everybody was dancing at discotheques; Barry Gordy hired “a charm school teacher” to prepare the Supremes for stardom… and Watts burned. With 1965 winding down, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass’s album whipped up interest. Frank Sinatra insisted that Sammy Davis, Jr. be allowed to stay at Rat Pack hotels, and Paul McCartney allowed a string quartet on “Yesterday.” Cass Elliot became a Mama, John Lennon insulted Carol King, and drug songs were hip. And so, at years’ end, was the premiere of A Charlie Brown Christmas. I looked it up: time travel remains merely theoretical. Still, you can have the next best thing by reading “1965.” This book will have you humming along with songs you remember (or recognize, if you weren’t around then). Author Andrew Grant Jackson melds history, music, and little-known anecdotes as seamlessly as butter but what’s most fascinating about this book is seeing how times changed so completely in one year: we went from flattops to Beatle mops, from black segregation to Black is Beautiful, from “I Feel Fine” to “I Feel Good.” And, indeed, it was. So is this book, and I think 1965: The Most Revolutionary Year in Music is what you should reach for next. If you’re an oldies fan, a follower of culture, or if you remember the year with fondness (or regret), how could you turn it down? Bookworm Blog, 2015-03-04T17:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/when-religion-fails http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/when-religion-fails#When:17:00:00Z Throughout your life, the faith you’ve held has sustained you. In times of fear, you’ve prayed for courage. On troubled days, you’ve asked for favors. You’ve thrown gratitude heavenward, and you’ve demanded condemnation from the Higher Power you know. Some prayers are answered, some are not. But what if your religion failed you or, as in the new book A History of Loneliness by John Boyne, if it quietly eased away? Once Odran Yates’ mother informed him that he had “a vocation,” Odran never questioned that he would someday be a priest. She told him that, shortly after their family of five became three in a tragedy they rarely discussed. She said it after she’d become devout and made Odran and his sister, Hannah, attend Mass every Sunday – and her proclamation made sense to him. So, as a sixteen-year-old, Odran went to Clonliffe College seminary in his native Ireland , where he roomed with Tom Cardle, the boy he considered his best friend. While Odran was certain that he was perfectly suited to be a priest, Tom was another matter. Once, while in seminary, Tom tried to leave but his father brought him back, black and blue, and left him. Odran had wondered if that was why Tom was prone to fits of strangeness. He’d lost contact with Tom years ago, but Odran had heard rumors that his friend was moved a lot, parish to parish. That seemed odd, and it’d been upsetting that Archbishop Cordington wanted Odran to leave his beloved position as librarian at a boys’ college to take over in Tom’s latest move. The Archbishop promised that it would be a short-term change, but weeks would become years. With his sister ailing, his nephews estranged, and the job he loved lost, Odran hated being a mere parish priest, and he “didn’t know what to think.” “But there’s the lie,” he said. “… I did know what to think. Only I could not bring myself to think it.” Respectfully outraged, timely, scandalous, and loaded with more than a little controversy, “A History of Loneliness” shimmers like a multifaceted diamond. Indeed, I barely know where to start – perhaps with the character of Odran…. Odran is a simple man, a clueless go-along-to-get-along kind of guy who likes to think of himself as responsible and intuitive. He’s a likeable lad but not really friendship material; he’s predictable, gossipy, and staid except on the occasions when he doubts his faith and his vows. That’s when he surprises himself, as well as us but author John Boyne doesn’t stop there: in a setting of modern-day Ireland and Rome, Boyne populates this tale with close-lipped, complicated people; gives it dialogue rich with Irish brogue; and hands his readers plenty of exceptional back-plots. That adds up to a stunner of a novel that feels like reading a movie, one that needs to jump to the top of your To-Read list today. But first – clear your calendar. Once you start A History of Loneliness,  you don’t have a prayer. Throughout your life, the faith you’ve held has sustained you. In times of fear, you’ve prayed for courage. On troubled days, you’ve asked for favors. You’ve thrown gratitude heavenward, and you’ve demanded condemnation from the Higher Power you know. Some prayers are answered, some are not. But what if your religion failed you or, as in the new book A History of Loneliness by John Boyne, if it quietly eased away? Once Odran Yates’ mother informed him that he had “a vocation,” Odran never questioned that he would someday be a priest. She told him that, shortly after their family of five became three in a tragedy they rarely discussed. She said it after she’d become devout and made Odran and his sister, Hannah, attend Mass every Sunday – and her proclamation made sense to him. So, as a sixteen-year-old, Odran went to Clonliffe College seminary in his native Ireland , where he roomed with Tom Cardle, the boy he considered his best friend. While Odran was certain that he was perfectly suited to be a priest, Tom was another matter. Once, while in seminary, Tom tried to leave but his father brought him back, black and blue, and left him. Odran had wondered if that was why Tom was prone to fits of strangeness. He’d lost contact with Tom years ago, but Odran had heard rumors that his friend was moved a lot, parish to parish. That seemed odd, and it’d been upsetting that Archbishop Cordington wanted Odran to leave his beloved position as librarian at a boys’ college to take over in Tom’s latest move. The Archbishop promised that it would be a short-term change, but weeks would become years. With his sister ailing, his nephews estranged, and the job he loved lost, Odran hated being a mere parish priest, and he “didn’t know what to think.” “But there’s the lie,” he said. “… I did know what to think. Only I could not bring myself to think it.” Respectfully outraged, timely, scandalous, and loaded with more than a little controversy, “A History of Loneliness” shimmers like a multifaceted diamond. Indeed, I barely know where to start – perhaps with the character of Odran…. Odran is a simple man, a clueless go-along-to-get-along kind of guy who likes to think of himself as responsible and intuitive. He’s a likeable lad but not really friendship material; he’s predictable, gossipy, and staid except on the occasions when he doubts his faith and his vows. That’s when he surprises himself, as well as us but author John Boyne doesn’t stop there: in a setting of modern-day Ireland and Rome, Boyne populates this tale with close-lipped, complicated people; gives it dialogue rich with Irish brogue; and hands his readers plenty of exceptional back-plots. That adds up to a stunner of a novel that feels like reading a movie, one that needs to jump to the top of your To-Read list today. But first – clear your calendar. Once you start A History of Loneliness,  you don’t have a prayer. Bookworm Blog, 2015-02-11T17:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/our-brains-can-easily-deceive http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/our-brains-can-easily-deceive#When:17:00:00Z Abracadabra. Now you see it. Now you don’t because a good magician knows to hide his props behind his fingers, beneath her clothes, in his pockets. And yet we flock to see that sleight of hand, the illusions, the chance to be awe-struck, entertained, and fooled. Now you see it. Now you don’t. And in the new novel The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister, the only thing she’s hiding is the truth. Officer Virgil Holt figured his life was over. Just that week, he’d learned that the bullet he carried in his body could kill him at any time. Once the sheriff found out, he’d strip Virgil of his badge; he’d lose his wife, his home, everything he’d worked for. So when a dead man was found in a theatre basement, gruesomely chopped in half, Virgil almost wished he could trade places. But then something happened that could save him: Virgil captured The Amazing Arden, illusionist, wife of the dead man. Virgil had seen her stage show. He knew she cut men in two and he had her now, triple-handcuffed to a jailhouse chair. He wanted a confession but instead, Arden began telling Virgil a story… Once, long ago when she was called Ada , her mother taught her to dance and she had big plans. Then a cousin ruined everything by throwing Ada off a beam onto a barn floor. Just before fleeing for her life, she learned of her own healing powers. As a runaway, Ada took a job as a kitchen maid where she met a boy and fell in love; he took her to New York , then broke her heart. Shortly afterward, she found work with a magic show, the owner of which taught Ada everything about illusion, and about pleasing a crowd. Ada grew to crave applause. When the man she loved came back into her life, Ada became Arden , famous for her daring stage shows. She was in love, and happy until everything changed, all because of a fire and a chance meeting that nearly killed her. She was a victim. She didn’t kill her husband. She didn’t know who did. At least that’s what she said… So you might be a little gullible. You know when someone’s fibbing – more or less.  But the one thing you’ll know for sure when you read this book is that you’ve got a winner in your hands. Set around the turn of the last century, The Magician’s Lie proves, like any good stage show, that our brains can easily deceive us: never mind the characters, we readers don’t truly know if Arden is spinning a fable or giving an alibi. I’m still reeling from the possibilities myself, because author Greer Macallister’s conjured up the kind of novel that pulls readers in, shakes us up, and leaves us feeling sawed in two. That, and the lingering sense of having just been happily duped, makes this one very satisfying novel and you know you want it. Go now, find The Magician’s Lie, and watch your time disappear.  Abracadabra. Now you see it. Now you don’t because a good magician knows to hide his props behind his fingers, beneath her clothes, in his pockets. And yet we flock to see that sleight of hand, the illusions, the chance to be awe-struck, entertained, and fooled. Now you see it. Now you don’t. And in the new novel The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister, the only thing she’s hiding is the truth. Officer Virgil Holt figured his life was over. Just that week, he’d learned that the bullet he carried in his body could kill him at any time. Once the sheriff found out, he’d strip Virgil of his badge; he’d lose his wife, his home, everything he’d worked for. So when a dead man was found in a theatre basement, gruesomely chopped in half, Virgil almost wished he could trade places. But then something happened that could save him: Virgil captured The Amazing Arden, illusionist, wife of the dead man. Virgil had seen her stage show. He knew she cut men in two and he had her now, triple-handcuffed to a jailhouse chair. He wanted a confession but instead, Arden began telling Virgil a story… Once, long ago when she was called Ada , her mother taught her to dance and she had big plans. Then a cousin ruined everything by throwing Ada off a beam onto a barn floor. Just before fleeing for her life, she learned of her own healing powers. As a runaway, Ada took a job as a kitchen maid where she met a boy and fell in love; he took her to New York , then broke her heart. Shortly afterward, she found work with a magic show, the owner of which taught Ada everything about illusion, and about pleasing a crowd. Ada grew to crave applause. When the man she loved came back into her life, Ada became Arden , famous for her daring stage shows. She was in love, and happy until everything changed, all because of a fire and a chance meeting that nearly killed her. She was a victim. She didn’t kill her husband. She didn’t know who did. At least that’s what she said… So you might be a little gullible. You know when someone’s fibbing – more or less.  But the one thing you’ll know for sure when you read this book is that you’ve got a winner in your hands. Set around the turn of the last century, The Magician’s Lie proves, like any good stage show, that our brains can easily deceive us: never mind the characters, we readers don’t truly know if Arden is spinning a fable or giving an alibi. I’m still reeling from the possibilities myself, because author Greer Macallister’s conjured up the kind of novel that pulls readers in, shakes us up, and leaves us feeling sawed in two. That, and the lingering sense of having just been happily duped, makes this one very satisfying novel and you know you want it. Go now, find The Magician’s Lie, and watch your time disappear.  Bookworm Blog, 2015-02-04T17:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-brutal-sport http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-brutal-sport#When:17:00:00Z Your favorite player was out for most of the season. Last fall, he took a hit mid-pass and went down like a sack of rocks. They checked him over, took him off the field, and that was that. He hasn’t been back since. Every now and then, someone mentions him and you wonder how he’s doing, whether he’ll ever play again. In the new book Is There Life after Football? by James A. Holstein, Richard S. Jones & George E. Koonce, Jr., you’ll get a glimpse of a possible future. A helmet to the head, helmet to the chest, a cleat to the leg, and it’s big news: football is a brutal sport and we all know its potential career-ending effects. But what happens after the cheers go silent?  To understand, we have to understand the backstory, too. Many little boys dream of playing football, of course, but the truth is that relatively few actually make it. The journey to the NFL starts with laser-focus on a dream, incessant practice, high school, then college. By that point, future NFLers have been convinced that they’re “special;” college perks underscore that notion. “Dreaming of a lucrative NFL career is a relatively recent phenomenon,” say the authors. “In 1956, the minimum NFL salary was reported as $5,000,” but the kind of money that today’s young player gets is often more than he’s ever seen in his life. The NFL promotes financial responsibility, but a new hire often goes wild with new-found wealth; later, he might go broke. Being in the NFL, say the authors, is expensive. When it’s over, that’s tough to take. Living without praise, paychecks, and the social structure within the NFL is a challenge - as is living with “a lifetime of hurt.”  Almost twenty-five percent of all current former players claim game-related brain injuries. Surgery is “routine.” Some injuries are the result of a “suck it up” mentality: players are more likely to shake off an injury than to seek treatment for it, until it’s too late. And those are just the physical ailments… But the news isn’t all bad, and that’s the pleasant surprise inside Is There Life after Football? Authors Holstein , Jones, and Koonce, Jr. give their readers balance – and if you’re first inclination is to forego sympathy due to high salaries, you’ll get a dose of truth, too. Using statistics you won’t see in the game, NFL history, and personal stories, this book offers a litany of things that should give fans pause: ruined lives for both players and families, ruined health, and financial ruin. But before we turn off the TV in dismay (just kidding!), we’re encouraged to lift our jaws off the floor with tales of success and of the men who’ve stepped off-field and into their own personal second half. This is a book fans should read before the next game – or before they let their own son suit up. If you’ve ever wondered “What ever happened to….?” then Is There Life after Football? is a book you shouldn’t pass. Your favorite player was out for most of the season. Last fall, he took a hit mid-pass and went down like a sack of rocks. They checked him over, took him off the field, and that was that. He hasn’t been back since. Every now and then, someone mentions him and you wonder how he’s doing, whether he’ll ever play again. In the new book Is There Life after Football? by James A. Holstein, Richard S. Jones & George E. Koonce, Jr., you’ll get a glimpse of a possible future. A helmet to the head, helmet to the chest, a cleat to the leg, and it’s big news: football is a brutal sport and we all know its potential career-ending effects. But what happens after the cheers go silent?  To understand, we have to understand the backstory, too. Many little boys dream of playing football, of course, but the truth is that relatively few actually make it. The journey to the NFL starts with laser-focus on a dream, incessant practice, high school, then college. By that point, future NFLers have been convinced that they’re “special;” college perks underscore that notion. “Dreaming of a lucrative NFL career is a relatively recent phenomenon,” say the authors. “In 1956, the minimum NFL salary was reported as $5,000,” but the kind of money that today’s young player gets is often more than he’s ever seen in his life. The NFL promotes financial responsibility, but a new hire often goes wild with new-found wealth; later, he might go broke. Being in the NFL, say the authors, is expensive. When it’s over, that’s tough to take. Living without praise, paychecks, and the social structure within the NFL is a challenge - as is living with “a lifetime of hurt.”  Almost twenty-five percent of all current former players claim game-related brain injuries. Surgery is “routine.” Some injuries are the result of a “suck it up” mentality: players are more likely to shake off an injury than to seek treatment for it, until it’s too late. And those are just the physical ailments… But the news isn’t all bad, and that’s the pleasant surprise inside Is There Life after Football? Authors Holstein , Jones, and Koonce, Jr. give their readers balance – and if you’re first inclination is to forego sympathy due to high salaries, you’ll get a dose of truth, too. Using statistics you won’t see in the game, NFL history, and personal stories, this book offers a litany of things that should give fans pause: ruined lives for both players and families, ruined health, and financial ruin. But before we turn off the TV in dismay (just kidding!), we’re encouraged to lift our jaws off the floor with tales of success and of the men who’ve stepped off-field and into their own personal second half. This is a book fans should read before the next game – or before they let their own son suit up. If you’ve ever wondered “What ever happened to….?” then Is There Life after Football? is a book you shouldn’t pass. Bookworm Blog, 2015-01-28T17:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/children-of-parents-with-unusual-careers http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/children-of-parents-with-unusual-careers#When:13:35:00Z You are a chip off the old block. You’re just like your father. Just like your mother. Cut from the same cloth and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – which was okay when you were a kid. Back then, you wanted to grow up just like them anyhow. Or not. When you’re the child of a parent with an unusual career – for instance, if you’re “The Undertaker’s Daughter” – you might, as did Kate Mayfield, pick another path. Kate Mayfield spent most of her young life surrounded by death. Just after she was born in the late 1950s, her parents moved the family to tiny Jubilee, Kentucky , where Mayfield’s father had decided to open a funeral home. There were two funeral homes there – one for Jubilee’s black residents and one for whites – but he reasoned that there was room for competition. He didn’t reckon on the town’s Old Guard, which closed ranks among themselves and almost stopped the newcomer in his tracks. Slowly, though, and with the help of one of the town’s most eccentric and forward-thinking residents, Mayfield’s father was accepted in the small town and his business thrived. He hired a few locals for help when times were busy and, as was the norm then, he also ran one of the town’s ambulances. The family lived in an apartment above the coffins and embalming room, Mayfield’s mother worked her way into the town’s social life, the Mayfield children settled into Jubilee’s schools, and the dead came and went at Mayfield and Son Funeral Home. But Jubilee was no Mayberry. Racism was a way of life there and, though Mayfield says that the family maid was sometimes her only friend, there was an otherwise strict separation of black and white. As time passed, life in the small-town became a cauldron of gossip and sniping; Mayfield was reprimanded by teachers and taunted by schoolmates for liking a black boy; and The Old Guard continued to plague her father, whose secrets began to affect everyone around him. Mayfield, a teenager by then, knew her family would never leave Jubilee…. but she couldn’t wait to go. Have you ever gotten a gift that was different – and better – than you expected?  That’s what happens when you open “The Undertaker’s Daughter.” You might think, for example, that the title indicates a tale of living with a funeral director, but you’d only be partially correct. Author Kate Mayfield includes plenty of funny, heartfelt, sad memories of life above death, though she starts her book with a game of bridge and a love letter to small town life, a lifetime ago. And yet – we see the dark spots, and the love letter soon becomes a Dear John letter. For that, I buried myself in this book. While you may (rightly) see comparisons to a couple of popular works of fiction, remember that this book is a memoir - and a good one at that. Look for “The Undertaker’s Daughter” and you’ll be glad to block off your time for it. You are a chip off the old block. You’re just like your father. Just like your mother. Cut from the same cloth and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – which was okay when you were a kid. Back then, you wanted to grow up just like them anyhow. Or not. When you’re the child of a parent with an unusual career – for instance, if you’re “The Undertaker’s Daughter” – you might, as did Kate Mayfield, pick another path. Kate Mayfield spent most of her young life surrounded by death. Just after she was born in the late 1950s, her parents moved the family to tiny Jubilee, Kentucky , where Mayfield’s father had decided to open a funeral home. There were two funeral homes there – one for Jubilee’s black residents and one for whites – but he reasoned that there was room for competition. He didn’t reckon on the town’s Old Guard, which closed ranks among themselves and almost stopped the newcomer in his tracks. Slowly, though, and with the help of one of the town’s most eccentric and forward-thinking residents, Mayfield’s father was accepted in the small town and his business thrived. He hired a few locals for help when times were busy and, as was the norm then, he also ran one of the town’s ambulances. The family lived in an apartment above the coffins and embalming room, Mayfield’s mother worked her way into the town’s social life, the Mayfield children settled into Jubilee’s schools, and the dead came and went at Mayfield and Son Funeral Home. But Jubilee was no Mayberry. Racism was a way of life there and, though Mayfield says that the family maid was sometimes her only friend, there was an otherwise strict separation of black and white. As time passed, life in the small-town became a cauldron of gossip and sniping; Mayfield was reprimanded by teachers and taunted by schoolmates for liking a black boy; and The Old Guard continued to plague her father, whose secrets began to affect everyone around him. Mayfield, a teenager by then, knew her family would never leave Jubilee…. but she couldn’t wait to go. Have you ever gotten a gift that was different – and better – than you expected?  That’s what happens when you open “The Undertaker’s Daughter.” You might think, for example, that the title indicates a tale of living with a funeral director, but you’d only be partially correct. Author Kate Mayfield includes plenty of funny, heartfelt, sad memories of life above death, though she starts her book with a game of bridge and a love letter to small town life, a lifetime ago. And yet – we see the dark spots, and the love letter soon becomes a Dear John letter. For that, I buried myself in this book. While you may (rightly) see comparisons to a couple of popular works of fiction, remember that this book is a memoir - and a good one at that. Look for “The Undertaker’s Daughter” and you’ll be glad to block off your time for it. Bookworm Blog, 2015-01-21T13:35:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-good-fairy-tale-begins http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-good-fairy-tale-begins#When:17:00:00Z Once upon a time… Everybody knows that’s how a good fairy tale begins. Once upon a time – and then the evil witch arrives, chaos ensues, horses and carriages, something-something, the prince whisks in and saves the princess, The End. Everyone knows that’s how it goes. But it doesn’t – and in the book “While Beauty Slept” by Elizabeth Blackwell, the truth is finally told. Elise Dalriss was quite dismayed. Her beloved great-granddaughter, Raimy, was surely entertaining, acting out all the parts of a fairy tale for her young siblings, and the children were simply enthralled. Someday, Raimy would be a great actress but Elise was troubled. The girl had the story all wrong. Once upon a time, as Elise knew was true, a handsome king and his beautiful queen lived inside a grand fortress surrounded by the village of St. Elsip . The castle was large in young Elise’s imagination then but, as the daughter of peasants, she seldom ventured into the village and had never been inside castle walls - though she knew her mother had, long ago. What was it like in the castle?  Elise pestered her mother for an answer, never believing she’d see it herself. She knew a secret about her own birth, but she also knew that peasant girls didn’t mix with royalty. Still, when her mother died of the pox, Elise heeded her last words and went in search of work in the castle. To her surprise, she was hired immediately. For many months, she worked diligently, absorbing all she could about life devoted to the Royal Family. She also learned that Queen Lenore cried almost every morning, and that gossip spread quickly behind castle walls, so she kept mum - a discretion that garnered the trust of the Queen, who requested Elise as a personal attendant. As the years passed, Elise proved herself essential to the Queen’s court. She had so many memories of her time behind castle walls: special friendships, the birth of Princess Rose, falling in love. Her loyalty had kept her at the Queen’s side. Her wits kept little Rose safe. But when war broke out in a faraway land and evil strode across the drawbridge, could she protect the kingdom? Happily ever after?  Once upon a time, that was possible but the story’s a little different in “While Beauty Slept.” Author Elizabeth Blackwell takes a classic fairy tale, gives it new characters with rich lives inside a bustling castle, and then she delivers a fierce twist with lightly-modern touches. That may sound like too much of a departure from the story we’ve all grown up with but Blackwell surely makes it work, managing to keep it all within the very basic confines of the Grimm Brothers’ original. That kept my pages turning, and I think it’ll satisfy you ever-after, too. So grab “While Beauty Slept” but don’t wait – if you’ve wanted to be a princess, if you love a good jousting tale, or crave a very well-done Medieval-ish novel, then your Once Upon a Time is now. Once upon a time… Everybody knows that’s how a good fairy tale begins. Once upon a time – and then the evil witch arrives, chaos ensues, horses and carriages, something-something, the prince whisks in and saves the princess, The End. Everyone knows that’s how it goes. But it doesn’t – and in the book “While Beauty Slept” by Elizabeth Blackwell, the truth is finally told. Elise Dalriss was quite dismayed. Her beloved great-granddaughter, Raimy, was surely entertaining, acting out all the parts of a fairy tale for her young siblings, and the children were simply enthralled. Someday, Raimy would be a great actress but Elise was troubled. The girl had the story all wrong. Once upon a time, as Elise knew was true, a handsome king and his beautiful queen lived inside a grand fortress surrounded by the village of St. Elsip . The castle was large in young Elise’s imagination then but, as the daughter of peasants, she seldom ventured into the village and had never been inside castle walls - though she knew her mother had, long ago. What was it like in the castle?  Elise pestered her mother for an answer, never believing she’d see it herself. She knew a secret about her own birth, but she also knew that peasant girls didn’t mix with royalty. Still, when her mother died of the pox, Elise heeded her last words and went in search of work in the castle. To her surprise, she was hired immediately. For many months, she worked diligently, absorbing all she could about life devoted to the Royal Family. She also learned that Queen Lenore cried almost every morning, and that gossip spread quickly behind castle walls, so she kept mum - a discretion that garnered the trust of the Queen, who requested Elise as a personal attendant. As the years passed, Elise proved herself essential to the Queen’s court. She had so many memories of her time behind castle walls: special friendships, the birth of Princess Rose, falling in love. Her loyalty had kept her at the Queen’s side. Her wits kept little Rose safe. But when war broke out in a faraway land and evil strode across the drawbridge, could she protect the kingdom? Happily ever after?  Once upon a time, that was possible but the story’s a little different in “While Beauty Slept.” Author Elizabeth Blackwell takes a classic fairy tale, gives it new characters with rich lives inside a bustling castle, and then she delivers a fierce twist with lightly-modern touches. That may sound like too much of a departure from the story we’ve all grown up with but Blackwell surely makes it work, managing to keep it all within the very basic confines of the Grimm Brothers’ original. That kept my pages turning, and I think it’ll satisfy you ever-after, too. So grab “While Beauty Slept” but don’t wait – if you’ve wanted to be a princess, if you love a good jousting tale, or crave a very well-done Medieval-ish novel, then your Once Upon a Time is now. Bookworm Blog, 2015-01-14T17:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/an-interest-six-feet-under http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/an-interest-six-feet-under#When:17:00:00Z Everybody’s good at something. You may have an aptitude for numbers. You might be a master at chess, multitasking, organizing, or people skills. Your real talents could be hidden, or maybe the whole world knows how good you are. Author Judy Melinek, M.D. loved doing surgery, but it had its drawbacks. And besides, as you’ll see in “Working Stiff” (with T.J. Mitchell), her real interest lay just this side of six feet under… From the time she was very small, Judy Melinek’s father shared with her a fascination with the human body. He was a doctor; Melinek dreamed of becoming a doctor, too, and making him proud but she “never got the chance.” He committed suicide when she was just thirteen. Still, she forged ahead and, upon graduation from UCLA medical school, she decided to become a surgeon. That specialty turned out to be a bad fit for Melinek, so she resigned from her residency position and turned instead to a medical branch that also intrigued her: forensic pathology. Forensic pathologists, she says, investigate “sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths by visiting the scene, reviewing medical records, and performing an autopsy” while gathering evidence for possible legal reasons. You learn a lot about the human body when you’re a forensic pathologist and if “you knew how much hardware some of your fellow citizens are toting around in their knickers, you might see the world as a stranger… place.” Forensic pathology only barely resembles what you see on TV. “Everyone thinks ‘murder’ when you say you work as a medical examiner,” she says, “but homicides are rare.” Still, in her career, she discovered evidence of them. She also investigated overdoses and mis-doses, though “alcohol is the deadliest drug.”  She helped police solve a crime in which a driver swore he didn’t hit-and-run. She gave comfort to the loved ones of the deceased she autopsied, and she learned why you want to brew coffee when investigating a long-dead body. And on September 11, 2001, she got a call to help investigate “the largest mass murder in United States history.” Visit your local library or bookstore and you’ll find a very long, long shelf of books by medical examiners. “Working Stiff” is one of the better ones. Part of the reason for that, I think, is what you won’t see in this book: author Judy Melinek, M.D. doesn’t write about celebrities’ deaths. Her work was performed on regular people who likely would’ve lived long, anonymous lives but who died under circumstances that needed investigation. The other appeal here is what you will see: interesting stories of crime, death, the human body, and the ways they might intersect. Melinek (with T.J. Mitchell) is perfectly willing to share stories of that intersection, which is exactly why I loved this book. Be aware that this is probably not something you’ll want to read at lunch. It can be gruesome and detailed but oh-so-fascinating, so if you’re strong-stomached and up for a slice-of-life book on slicing at death, then “Working Stiff” is a good one. Everybody’s good at something. You may have an aptitude for numbers. You might be a master at chess, multitasking, organizing, or people skills. Your real talents could be hidden, or maybe the whole world knows how good you are. Author Judy Melinek, M.D. loved doing surgery, but it had its drawbacks. And besides, as you’ll see in “Working Stiff” (with T.J. Mitchell), her real interest lay just this side of six feet under… From the time she was very small, Judy Melinek’s father shared with her a fascination with the human body. He was a doctor; Melinek dreamed of becoming a doctor, too, and making him proud but she “never got the chance.” He committed suicide when she was just thirteen. Still, she forged ahead and, upon graduation from UCLA medical school, she decided to become a surgeon. That specialty turned out to be a bad fit for Melinek, so she resigned from her residency position and turned instead to a medical branch that also intrigued her: forensic pathology. Forensic pathologists, she says, investigate “sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths by visiting the scene, reviewing medical records, and performing an autopsy” while gathering evidence for possible legal reasons. You learn a lot about the human body when you’re a forensic pathologist and if “you knew how much hardware some of your fellow citizens are toting around in their knickers, you might see the world as a stranger… place.” Forensic pathology only barely resembles what you see on TV. “Everyone thinks ‘murder’ when you say you work as a medical examiner,” she says, “but homicides are rare.” Still, in her career, she discovered evidence of them. She also investigated overdoses and mis-doses, though “alcohol is the deadliest drug.”  She helped police solve a crime in which a driver swore he didn’t hit-and-run. She gave comfort to the loved ones of the deceased she autopsied, and she learned why you want to brew coffee when investigating a long-dead body. And on September 11, 2001, she got a call to help investigate “the largest mass murder in United States history.” Visit your local library or bookstore and you’ll find a very long, long shelf of books by medical examiners. “Working Stiff” is one of the better ones. Part of the reason for that, I think, is what you won’t see in this book: author Judy Melinek, M.D. doesn’t write about celebrities’ deaths. Her work was performed on regular people who likely would’ve lived long, anonymous lives but who died under circumstances that needed investigation. The other appeal here is what you will see: interesting stories of crime, death, the human body, and the ways they might intersect. Melinek (with T.J. Mitchell) is perfectly willing to share stories of that intersection, which is exactly why I loved this book. Be aware that this is probably not something you’ll want to read at lunch. It can be gruesome and detailed but oh-so-fascinating, so if you’re strong-stomached and up for a slice-of-life book on slicing at death, then “Working Stiff” is a good one. Bookworm Blog, 2015-01-07T17:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/magic-words http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/magic-words#When:14:00:00Z Please. It’s such a basic word. One syllable, easy to pronounce, with a satisfying purse of the lips in the beginning and a drawn out middle that makes you smile if you stretch it out. As your mother might’ve once said, it is, indeed, a “Magic Word.” So why is it so difficult for your child to say? There could be a scientific answer to that aggravation. In the book “Parentology” by Dalton Conley, you’ll see how manners and more are now coming from the lab. From the moment a dad- or mom-to-be announces they’re expecting, they usually receive overwhelming amounts of parenting advice. That’s because, says Conley, we lack a “common culture,” and we’re “constantly improvising” on child-raising. To counteract that childrearing willy-nilliness, Conley says that he raised his kids with “parentology,” a method which “involves first and foremost reading and deciphering the scientific literature… and applying them to your kids.” When he and his then-wife were expecting their firstborn, for instance, he says they carefully researched how birth weight affects a fetus – not just immediately, but in decades to come: their daughter E was born prematurely, which could have affected her likelihood of graduating high school. Maternal experiences also matter; pregnant mothers living near the epicenter of Chilean earthquakes birthed children who “suffered in their reading and math scores later on.” A kid born in the fall does “best,” says Conley, and what you name that kid really does matter. Siblings (and space between them) might make a difference in a child’s future socioeconomic success, perhaps because they affect parental involvement. And talking to your kids as babies – even if it’s just narrating your day or reading aloud – can be a major key in development. Know the statistics about schools and homework, and don’t worry about the former too much. Let your kids have “a healthy dose of germs” and be open to having pets; both might help boost immune systems. Insist that manners extend to people in all walks of life, and teach the difference between “front stage and backstage.” And don’t sweat it if you make a mistake: parental actions mean a lot, but so does your child’s DNA. If you’re a parent, you may take away a lot of information in “Parentology.”  Or, on the flip-side, you might also rear up in horror. As for me, I liked this book. Author and social scientist Dalton Conley meshes parenting with science quite nicely but it’s important to note that, in the beginning, he says one of the hallmarks of Parentology is “drawing your own conclusions…” That might not include allowing your child to aim profanity at you (as Conley does) or co-sleeping well into childhood (ditto) but, as he indicates, it worked for his family. Go back and read that again: “drawing your own conclusions…” In other words, like with most parenting books, use what you can here and throw out the rest. You might be happy with your own parenting style, but what you’ll find in “Parentology” may also make you pleased. If you’re a parent, you know by now that a sense of humor is imperative – which is why you may also want to look at “How Not to Calm a Child on a Plane” by Johanna Stein. No, it won’t teach you how to put a baby down for a nap or how to lose those last 10 pounds of baby weight… but it will teach you how to laugh about both. Please. It’s such a basic word. One syllable, easy to pronounce, with a satisfying purse of the lips in the beginning and a drawn out middle that makes you smile if you stretch it out. As your mother might’ve once said, it is, indeed, a “Magic Word.” So why is it so difficult for your child to say? There could be a scientific answer to that aggravation. In the book “Parentology” by Dalton Conley, you’ll see how manners and more are now coming from the lab. From the moment a dad- or mom-to-be announces they’re expecting, they usually receive overwhelming amounts of parenting advice. That’s because, says Conley, we lack a “common culture,” and we’re “constantly improvising” on child-raising. To counteract that childrearing willy-nilliness, Conley says that he raised his kids with “parentology,” a method which “involves first and foremost reading and deciphering the scientific literature… and applying them to your kids.” When he and his then-wife were expecting their firstborn, for instance, he says they carefully researched how birth weight affects a fetus – not just immediately, but in decades to come: their daughter E was born prematurely, which could have affected her likelihood of graduating high school. Maternal experiences also matter; pregnant mothers living near the epicenter of Chilean earthquakes birthed children who “suffered in their reading and math scores later on.” A kid born in the fall does “best,” says Conley, and what you name that kid really does matter. Siblings (and space between them) might make a difference in a child’s future socioeconomic success, perhaps because they affect parental involvement. And talking to your kids as babies – even if it’s just narrating your day or reading aloud – can be a major key in development. Know the statistics about schools and homework, and don’t worry about the former too much. Let your kids have “a healthy dose of germs” and be open to having pets; both might help boost immune systems. Insist that manners extend to people in all walks of life, and teach the difference between “front stage and backstage.” And don’t sweat it if you make a mistake: parental actions mean a lot, but so does your child’s DNA. If you’re a parent, you may take away a lot of information in “Parentology.”  Or, on the flip-side, you might also rear up in horror. As for me, I liked this book. Author and social scientist Dalton Conley meshes parenting with science quite nicely but it’s important to note that, in the beginning, he says one of the hallmarks of Parentology is “drawing your own conclusions…” That might not include allowing your child to aim profanity at you (as Conley does) or co-sleeping well into childhood (ditto) but, as he indicates, it worked for his family. Go back and read that again: “drawing your own conclusions…” In other words, like with most parenting books, use what you can here and throw out the rest. You might be happy with your own parenting style, but what you’ll find in “Parentology” may also make you pleased. If you’re a parent, you know by now that a sense of humor is imperative – which is why you may also want to look at “How Not to Calm a Child on a Plane” by Johanna Stein. No, it won’t teach you how to put a baby down for a nap or how to lose those last 10 pounds of baby weight… but it will teach you how to laugh about both. Bookworm Blog, 2014-12-31T14:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/more-than-a-home http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/more-than-a-home#When:14:00:00Z Remodeling never ends. That’s a fact when you’re a homeowner. There’s always something to do, something to upgrade, some way to make a house your own. New flooring, paint, move the fixtures, add another room, and, well, you know where this is going. But where did it begin?  Who created the place you call home?  Author Henry Petroski decided to find out, and in “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors,” he embarks on a hunt inside his summer residence… Henry Petroski and his wife, Catherine, had spent many a happy summer in Maine , far from their house in North Carolina . So when they decided to buy a vacation home-away-from-home, New England was where they started looking. Petroski said they agreed that they “would happily look at any nice small… house on a nice quiet street in a nice quiet town available for a nice affordable price.” And that nicely described the property just off Spinney Mill Road near Arrowsic. Sitting next to the Kennebec River , the compound included a garage and a guest house. The main house had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a large living room and a huge fireplace. The view from its windows was incredible – but it had its quirks. Ever a curious man, Petroski “became determined to uncover… elements of the original” house and to “glimpse the intent of its maker…”  Who, for instance, created handmade doors that graced the house? Why were so many boards fastened with four nails, when two would do? He couldn’t ask the home’s builder. Bob Phinney had been dead for years. Still, the clues were there: Petroski found cleverly engineered windows, craftily hidden nails, and walls that defied drafts. He marveled at the massive stone fireplace, and the work it took to make it. He wondered why the home’s roof was flat, in an area where heavy snow was common. He became delighted by the personality that Phinney left behind in the home. Says Petroski, “A Mainer might say he made a wicked good house…” Let me start by saying that I liked “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors.”  But… But there’s a lot of detail inside author Henry Petroski’s house and inside this book and that could be confusing for anybody who’s not a carpenter by trade or hobby. Petroski’s sleuthing is a pleasure and his glee becomes ours, too, but his use of terms without explanation seemed to assume a lot; namely, that we’d always know what he’s talking about. Yes, that’s informative – but maybe too much so. What kept me around here was watching Petroski make friends with the long-dead Phinney and his methods. Yes, Phinney used building-overkill, but I enjoyed Petroski’s joy in finding examples of it and the respect that those findings led to. Decorators and breezy homeowners may like this book, but I really think builders, remodelers, and fixer-upper-owners will get so much more out of it. If a house, for you, is more than just a home, then find “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors” and make it your own. Remodeling never ends. That’s a fact when you’re a homeowner. There’s always something to do, something to upgrade, some way to make a house your own. New flooring, paint, move the fixtures, add another room, and, well, you know where this is going. But where did it begin?  Who created the place you call home?  Author Henry Petroski decided to find out, and in “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors,” he embarks on a hunt inside his summer residence… Henry Petroski and his wife, Catherine, had spent many a happy summer in Maine , far from their house in North Carolina . So when they decided to buy a vacation home-away-from-home, New England was where they started looking. Petroski said they agreed that they “would happily look at any nice small… house on a nice quiet street in a nice quiet town available for a nice affordable price.” And that nicely described the property just off Spinney Mill Road near Arrowsic. Sitting next to the Kennebec River , the compound included a garage and a guest house. The main house had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a large living room and a huge fireplace. The view from its windows was incredible – but it had its quirks. Ever a curious man, Petroski “became determined to uncover… elements of the original” house and to “glimpse the intent of its maker…”  Who, for instance, created handmade doors that graced the house? Why were so many boards fastened with four nails, when two would do? He couldn’t ask the home’s builder. Bob Phinney had been dead for years. Still, the clues were there: Petroski found cleverly engineered windows, craftily hidden nails, and walls that defied drafts. He marveled at the massive stone fireplace, and the work it took to make it. He wondered why the home’s roof was flat, in an area where heavy snow was common. He became delighted by the personality that Phinney left behind in the home. Says Petroski, “A Mainer might say he made a wicked good house…” Let me start by saying that I liked “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors.”  But… But there’s a lot of detail inside author Henry Petroski’s house and inside this book and that could be confusing for anybody who’s not a carpenter by trade or hobby. Petroski’s sleuthing is a pleasure and his glee becomes ours, too, but his use of terms without explanation seemed to assume a lot; namely, that we’d always know what he’s talking about. Yes, that’s informative – but maybe too much so. What kept me around here was watching Petroski make friends with the long-dead Phinney and his methods. Yes, Phinney used building-overkill, but I enjoyed Petroski’s joy in finding examples of it and the respect that those findings led to. Decorators and breezy homeowners may like this book, but I really think builders, remodelers, and fixer-upper-owners will get so much more out of it. If a house, for you, is more than just a home, then find “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors” and make it your own. Bookworm Blog, 2014-12-24T14:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/perfect-gifts-for-book-lovers http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/perfect-gifts-for-book-lovers#When:14:00:00Z Every year, your gift list gets longer. Some of the newbies on your list are also new to the family. Some are friends to whom you’ve grown close. There’s that neighbor who’s so awesome, the new supervisor at work, an uncle who’s visiting this year, your child’s new teacher, and a Secret Santa program you’ve joined. And usually, you’re able to keep up with your list and know exactly what to give… but then there’s that one person who’s so hard to shop for. Why not give a book?  Books never run out of batteries, they don’t have to be turned off before bedtime, and they’re totally calorie-free. Take a look at these suggestions… The Neil Gaiman fan on your list is in luck this year: first, “The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains,” illustrated by Eddie Campbell is a novel with aspects of graphic novels and the flair that Gaiman fans relish. FICTION If historical fiction is of great interest to someone on your gift list, then look for “Desert God” by Wilbur Smith. This novel, set in ancient Egypt, includes a hero who is very close to the Pharaoh… almost too close. Magic, love, war – what else could your giftee want? The Neil Gaiman fan on your list is in luck this year: first, “The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains,” illustrated by Eddie Campbell is a novel with aspects of graphic novels and the flair that Gaiman fans relish. And your giftee will know that this years’ best gift came from you when you wrap it up with “The Art of Neil Gaiman” by Hayley Campbell, foreword by Audrey Niffenegger, a book filled with notes, artwork, poetry, reflections, and more from The Master. Western lovers will love reading “The Ploughmen” by Kim Zupan, a story of a green lawman and the older jailed killer he’s tasked with watching. Set in the Old West, this book is laced with a tautness that modern readers will love. Wrap it up with “Painted Horses” by Malcolm Brooks, a novel with a modern setting and a romantic spin. For the suspense fan who loves a little ghost story, too, how about “Haunted” by Randy Wayne White?  This suspense novel features White’s newest character, Hannah Smith, who is tasked with saving a supposedly-haunted house. But is the rumor of a ghost worse than the reality of a murderous flesh-and-blood human? Wrap it up with “Remains of Innocence” by J.A. Jance, a suspenseful novel about a dying woman and her money, a dead man and a scandal, and the sheriff who must solve both terrible cases. The thriller fan on your list will love “Mercy 6” by David Bajo, a novel about a mystery disease that’s killing people in a California hospital – or is it? Are the patients dying of illness or something else?  Grab this one, and toss “Bones Never Lie” by Kathy Reichs, in the bag, too. It’s a novel of suspense featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. If you’ve got someone on your gift list who’s itching to start all over, preferably as someone else, then “How to Build a Girl” by Caitlin Moran could be the just-right gift. This sassy novel is about a teenager who tries to reinvent herself but, of course, things like that don’t always work so well… You may have a visitor to Mitford on your gift list this year, and there’s no doubt that she misses her favorite town and her favorite pastor – so “Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good” by Jan Karon is a sure-fire gift. In this book, Father Tim returns to Mitford with his wife and family after a five-year absence, only to find that some things change – and not just a little. For the reader who loves faction (fact + fiction), you’ll want to find “The True and Splendid History of the Harristown Sisters” by Michelle Lovric. Based on a real family of sisters who grew their hair long (LONG!!) and performed in public, this book imagines their relationships with one another, the jealousy, and the scandal. For the parent on your list – particularly for the parent of a picky toddler – wrap up “You Have to F*cking Eat” by Adam Mansbach, illustrated by Owen Brozman. It’s the follow-up to the sleep book from a few years ago, the one that made parents hysterical with laughter. Be aware – I can’t stress this enough – that this book has profanity, so it’s NOT for kids but it IS for folks with a great sense of humor. GENERAL NON-FICTION There is absolutely no trivia fan in the world who could be without “1,339 Quite Interesting Facts to Make Your Jaw Drop” by John Lloyd, John Mitchinson, and James Harkin. This totally fun book is filled with I-didn’t-know-that facts that practically beg to be read aloud. It’s the kind of book you want to take on the ride to Grandma’s this holiday, so you can share it on the road. If there’s someone on your gift list who likes to poke the bear and stir up trouble, then “Villains, Scoundrels, and Rogues” by Paul Martin may be the right thing to wrap. This book is filled with short chapters on all kinds of real-life troublemakers and shady citizens. How fun is that? Wrap it up with “Madam Belle: Sex, Money, and Influence in a Southern Brothel” by MaryJean Wall, for an even more rascally gift. The person on your list who lives by the motto “I (Heart) NY” will absolutely swoon over “A History of New York in 101 Objects” by Sam Roberts. This book is a love story to The Big Apple, complete with pictures, stories, and tiny little things that make NYC so FUN. Wrap it up with “Confessions of a New York Taxi Driver” by Eugene Salomon, a name-dropping, jaw-dropping collection of memories of fares, no-fairs, stars, scandalous behavior, and tourists. Who could miss that? Your card sharp will find Lady Luck smiling when he (or she!) opens “Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, The Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker” by Doug J. Swanson. This is a book to prove that what happens in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas – and that’s a good thing. What makes a good love last?  Someone on your gift list wonders that same thing, and in “Love Cycles” by Linda Carroll, she (or he!) will find the answer. Wrap it up with two tickets to anywhere, and wish the happy couple well. The gardener on your list is going to go wild for “A Garden of Marvels” by Ruth Kassinger. This is a book about the secret lives of plants: what they eat, how they mate, and how they grow. Wrap it up with a trowel and a few packages of seeds, for a nice promise-of-spring gift. For the person on your list who seems to be Google’s biggest user, “Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It” by Ian Leslie could be just right to give. This book proves that curiosity isn’t at an all-time high, like you might think; in fact, it’s on the wane and that’s bad. For the musician or lover of classical music, “The Late Starters Orchestra” by Ari L. Goldman will be a nice surprise this holiday. It’s the story of a group of amateur musicians of all ages who get together once a week to do something that makes their hearts soar – and it’ll put a song in the heart of your giftee. The outdoorsman on your list doesn’t need another pair of hand warmers or wool socks – so wrap up “The Three-Minute Outdoorsman” by Robert M. Zink instead. This book is full of short, just-a-few-pages essays on hunting, fishing, and nature, and (believe it or not) science. He (or SHE!) is going to love this book. For the True Crime aficionado, “Death Dealer: How Cops and Cadaver Dogs Brought a killer to Justice” by Kate Clark Flora might be the most thrilling gift she opens this year. It’s the story of a missing woman, murder, and the cooperation between law enforcement departments in two countries. Your connoisseur of cocktails will love opening “Bourbon: A History of the American Spirit” by Dane Huckelbridge. This book takes a look at this drink that’s older than you think, and uniquely American.  Pair it up with a couple of good glasses and “Moonshine Nation” by Mark Spivak. It’s a history of the spirit, and your giftee will absolutely love that it contains party-worthy recipes! For the lead on the debate team, “Impolite Conversations” by Cora Daniels and John L. Jackson Jr. will be a welcome gift. This discussion on all the things that start an argument in polite circles (race, politics, sex, cash, and God) may poke thoughts or anger; either way, it’s perfect for the person who loves a good, challenging argument. Add “Living with a Wild God” by Barbara Ehrenreich – a nonbeliever’s quest for a higher power – for a debatably perfect gift. The animal lover on your list will sit up and beg for “Animal Madness” by Laurel Braitman. It’s a book about how neurotic, anxiety-ridden, misbehaving animals – domestic and otherwise – may hold clues to our own behavior. Pair it up with “Wild Connection” by Jennifer L. Verdolin, a book about animal courtship and how we’re more like them than we know… And for any dog lover you know, a two-pronged book will be just right. First, you’ll want to fetch “Dogs in Cars” by Lara Jo Regan, a pictorial of (you guessed it) very happy dogs in very cool cars. Then add “Shake Puppies” by Carli Davidson, a book filled with pictures of (guessed it again) puppies in the midst of a good soul-fixing shake. For sure, these books made me hug my fur-boys, and they’re double delight for your doggie demands. I was, by the way, completely, totally charmed by “Harlow & Sage (and Indiana)” by Brittni Vega, a tale (with pictures!) of three four-footed best friends and their adventures. It’s absolutely something your dog-lover would beg for. For the spiritual person on your gift list, “The Grateful Table” by Brenda Knight, foreword by Nina Lesowitz will be an excellent book to wrap up. It’s filled with prayers, graces and thoughts meant for mealtime, but not only. Your giftee will be more than welcome to use it anytime… maybe even right after it’s opened! Pair it up with “Having the Time of Your Life: Little Lessons to Live By” by Allen Klein, a book of quotations to further enhance joy. The movie buff on your list will eat up “The Zombie Book: An Encyclopedia of the Living Dead” by Nick Redfern, with Brad Steiger. It’s filled with entries on the genre, including directors, plots, and TV shows. Innocent fun – no. A welcome gruesome gift – absolutely yes!  Wrap it up with “The Government UFO Files: The Conspiracy of Cover-Up” by Kevin D. Randle for a gift that creeps on giving. One more thing for your movie buff: “The Sci-Fi Movie Guide” by Chris Barsanti. It’s packed with SF goodness, facts, and bios, and when you add in a DVD of your favorite oldie-but-a-goodie, you know it’ll be the best thing beneath the tree. So there’s a mathematician on your gift list, or someone who loves numbers?  Then look for “Whatever Happened to the Metric System?” by John Bemelmans Barciano. It’s a great account of why we don’t largely use millimeters and centimeters, but why science does and Europeans definitely do. It’ll be a great gift – count on it. Historians who also love a little geography in their books will love “Empire’s Crossroads: A History of the Caribbean from Columbus to the Present Day” by Carrie Gibson. HISTORY The Royal Watcher on your list might like watching back a few hundred years with “How to Ruin a Queen” by Jonathan Beckman. This book is about Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, their lives and times – but it also focuses on a true crime mystery of missing diamonds. A curious history for those on the go is “Winnebago Nation” by James B. Twitchell. This book examines our love of RVs, campers, and travel, and it includes plenty of old ads and pictures. Wrap it with a journal and a map for a great gift. World War II buffs probably have shelves and shelves of books about the War, but here’s an unusual book that might work as a gift this year: “The Dog Who Could Fly” by Damien Lewis, It’s the tale of a two-legged airman and his four-legged co-pilot, a small German shepherd that accompanied his human on many flights and even saved his life. BIOGRAPHIES and MEMOIRS Surely, there’s an adrenaline junkie on your list who will relish the chance to read “Alone in Antarctica” by Felicity Aston!  This memoir from the first woman to ski across the globe’s southern-most continent all by herself is filled with danger, adventure, and everything armchair daredevils want. The romantic soul on your list will LOVE “Romance is My Day Job” by Patience Bloom. Bloom is an editor at romance-novel giant Harlequin, but she’d never found love herself. She’d given up on it, in fact, until a tiny little chance encounter changed everything. Happy ending?  I’m not saying, but it’s a romance, after all, you know… Historians who also love a little geography in their books will love “Empire’s Crossroads: A History of the Caribbean from Columbus to the Present Day” by Carrie Gibson. It’s a sweeping brick-of-a-book that encompasses the whole area, the countries that have laid claim to it over the years, and the people who live there now. The art lover on your list will smile enigmatically when opening “Mona Lisa: A Life Discovered” by Dianne Hales. It’s the story of da Vinci’s most famous model, her life, and what life was like when she sat for her portrait. HEALTH-RELATED BOOKS What do you give to the person who’s going through the trial of her life?  You might wrap up “A Breast Cancer Alphabet” by Madhulika Sikka. In here, your friend will find advice, a bit of humor, information from the Been-There, Done-That crew, and more. Bonus: it’s an easy book to browse. For the forward thinker on your list, “Cannabis Pharmacy” by Michael Backes may be just the right thing to wrap. This is a book about growing, using, and knowing about medical marijuana, from the plant to the end user and everything in between. If there’s a First Responder on your gift list, you can’t go wrong when you give “Bulletproof Spirit” by Captain Dan Willis. In the wake of the Sandy Hook incident, “The Price of Silence” by Liza Long asks the question that many mothers asked: what if the shooter was my child? This book takes a look at mental illness in children, from the perspective of a family member, and it’s a fascinating book that could make a stellar gift. And there you are! A whole lot of ideas for that hard-to-buy-for person on your gift list. Best of all, if these ideas don’t fill the bill, then you can always give a gift certificate, or you can throw yourself at the mercy of your friendly bookseller. Yes, he or she is absolutely brimming with ideas for everybody on your gift list, so what are you waiting for? Season’s Readings! Every year, your gift list gets longer. Some of the newbies on your list are also new to the family. Some are friends to whom you’ve grown close. There’s that neighbor who’s so awesome, the new supervisor at work, an uncle who’s visiting this year, your child’s new teacher, and a Secret Santa program you’ve joined. And usually, you’re able to keep up with your list and know exactly what to give… but then there’s that one person who’s so hard to shop for. Why not give a book?  Books never run out of batteries, they don’t have to be turned off before bedtime, and they’re totally calorie-free. Take a look at these suggestions… The Neil Gaiman fan on your list is in luck this year: first, “The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains,” illustrated by Eddie Campbell is a novel with aspects of graphic novels and the flair that Gaiman fans relish. FICTION If historical fiction is of great interest to someone on your gift list, then look for “Desert God” by Wilbur Smith. This novel, set in ancient Egypt, includes a hero who is very close to the Pharaoh… almost too close. Magic, love, war – what else could your giftee want? The Neil Gaiman fan on your list is in luck this year: first, “The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains,” illustrated by Eddie Campbell is a novel with aspects of graphic novels and the flair that Gaiman fans relish. And your giftee will know that this years’ best gift came from you when you wrap it up with “The Art of Neil Gaiman” by Hayley Campbell, foreword by Audrey Niffenegger, a book filled with notes, artwork, poetry, reflections, and more from The Master. Western lovers will love reading “The Ploughmen” by Kim Zupan, a story of a green lawman and the older jailed killer he’s tasked with watching. Set in the Old West, this book is laced with a tautness that modern readers will love. Wrap it up with “Painted Horses” by Malcolm Brooks, a novel with a modern setting and a romantic spin. For the suspense fan who loves a little ghost story, too, how about “Haunted” by Randy Wayne White?  This suspense novel features White’s newest character, Hannah Smith, who is tasked with saving a supposedly-haunted house. But is the rumor of a ghost worse than the reality of a murderous flesh-and-blood human? Wrap it up with “Remains of Innocence” by J.A. Jance, a suspenseful novel about a dying woman and her money, a dead man and a scandal, and the sheriff who must solve both terrible cases. The thriller fan on your list will love “Mercy 6” by David Bajo, a novel about a mystery disease that’s killing people in a California hospital – or is it? Are the patients dying of illness or something else?  Grab this one, and toss “Bones Never Lie” by Kathy Reichs, in the bag, too. It’s a novel of suspense featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. If you’ve got someone on your gift list who’s itching to start all over, preferably as someone else, then “How to Build a Girl” by Caitlin Moran could be the just-right gift. This sassy novel is about a teenager who tries to reinvent herself but, of course, things like that don’t always work so well… You may have a visitor to Mitford on your gift list this year, and there’s no doubt that she misses her favorite town and her favorite pastor – so “Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good” by Jan Karon is a sure-fire gift. In this book, Father Tim returns to Mitford with his wife and family after a five-year absence, only to find that some things change – and not just a little. For the reader who loves faction (fact + fiction), you’ll want to find “The True and Splendid History of the Harristown Sisters” by Michelle Lovric. Based on a real family of sisters who grew their hair long (LONG!!) and performed in public, this book imagines their relationships with one another, the jealousy, and the scandal. For the parent on your list – particularly for the parent of a picky toddler – wrap up “You Have to F*cking Eat” by Adam Mansbach, illustrated by Owen Brozman. It’s the follow-up to the sleep book from a few years ago, the one that made parents hysterical with laughter. Be aware – I can’t stress this enough – that this book has profanity, so it’s NOT for kids but it IS for folks with a great sense of humor. GENERAL NON-FICTION There is absolutely no trivia fan in the world who could be without “1,339 Quite Interesting Facts to Make Your Jaw Drop” by John Lloyd, John Mitchinson, and James Harkin. This totally fun book is filled with I-didn’t-know-that facts that practically beg to be read aloud. It’s the kind of book you want to take on the ride to Grandma’s this holiday, so you can share it on the road. If there’s someone on your gift list who likes to poke the bear and stir up trouble, then “Villains, Scoundrels, and Rogues” by Paul Martin may be the right thing to wrap. This book is filled with short chapters on all kinds of real-life troublemakers and shady citizens. How fun is that? Wrap it up with “Madam Belle: Sex, Money, and Influence in a Southern Brothel” by MaryJean Wall, for an even more rascally gift. The person on your list who lives by the motto “I (Heart) NY” will absolutely swoon over “A History of New York in 101 Objects” by Sam Roberts. This book is a love story to The Big Apple, complete with pictures, stories, and tiny little things that make NYC so FUN. Wrap it up with “Confessions of a New York Taxi Driver” by Eugene Salomon, a name-dropping, jaw-dropping collection of memories of fares, no-fairs, stars, scandalous behavior, and tourists. Who could miss that? Your card sharp will find Lady Luck smiling when he (or she!) opens “Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, The Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker” by Doug J. Swanson. This is a book to prove that what happens in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas – and that’s a good thing. What makes a good love last?  Someone on your gift list wonders that same thing, and in “Love Cycles” by Linda Carroll, she (or he!) will find the answer. Wrap it up with two tickets to anywhere, and wish the happy couple well. The gardener on your list is going to go wild for “A Garden of Marvels” by Ruth Kassinger. This is a book about the secret lives of plants: what they eat, how they mate, and how they grow. Wrap it up with a trowel and a few packages of seeds, for a nice promise-of-spring gift. For the person on your list who seems to be Google’s biggest user, “Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It” by Ian Leslie could be just right to give. This book proves that curiosity isn’t at an all-time high, like you might think; in fact, it’s on the wane and that’s bad. For the musician or lover of classical music, “The Late Starters Orchestra” by Ari L. Goldman will be a nice surprise this holiday. It’s the story of a group of amateur musicians of all ages who get together once a week to do something that makes their hearts soar – and it’ll put a song in the heart of your giftee. The outdoorsman on your list doesn’t need another pair of hand warmers or wool socks – so wrap up “The Three-Minute Outdoorsman” by Robert M. Zink instead. This book is full of short, just-a-few-pages essays on hunting, fishing, and nature, and (believe it or not) science. He (or SHE!) is going to love this book. For the True Crime aficionado, “Death Dealer: How Cops and Cadaver Dogs Brought a killer to Justice” by Kate Clark Flora might be the most thrilling gift she opens this year. It’s the story of a missing woman, murder, and the cooperation between law enforcement departments in two countries. Your connoisseur of cocktails will love opening “Bourbon: A History of the American Spirit” by Dane Huckelbridge. This book takes a look at this drink that’s older than you think, and uniquely American.  Pair it up with a couple of good glasses and “Moonshine Nation” by Mark Spivak. It’s a history of the spirit, and your giftee will absolutely love that it contains party-worthy recipes! For the lead on the debate team, “Impolite Conversations” by Cora Daniels and John L. Jackson Jr. will be a welcome gift. This discussion on all the things that start an argument in polite circles (race, politics, sex, cash, and God) may poke thoughts or anger; either way, it’s perfect for the person who loves a good, challenging argument. Add “Living with a Wild God” by Barbara Ehrenreich – a nonbeliever’s quest for a higher power – for a debatably perfect gift. The animal lover on your list will sit up and beg for “Animal Madness” by Laurel Braitman. It’s a book about how neurotic, anxiety-ridden, misbehaving animals – domestic and otherwise – may hold clues to our own behavior. Pair it up with “Wild Connection” by Jennifer L. Verdolin, a book about animal courtship and how we’re more like them than we know… And for any dog lover you know, a two-pronged book will be just right. First, you’ll want to fetch “Dogs in Cars” by Lara Jo Regan, a pictorial of (you guessed it) very happy dogs in very cool cars. Then add “Shake Puppies” by Carli Davidson, a book filled with pictures of (guessed it again) puppies in the midst of a good soul-fixing shake. For sure, these books made me hug my fur-boys, and they’re double delight for your doggie demands. I was, by the way, completely, totally charmed by “Harlow & Sage (and Indiana)” by Brittni Vega, a tale (with pictures!) of three four-footed best friends and their adventures. It’s absolutely something your dog-lover would beg for. For the spiritual person on your gift list, “The Grateful Table” by Brenda Knight, foreword by Nina Lesowitz will be an excellent book to wrap up. It’s filled with prayers, graces and thoughts meant for mealtime, but not only. Your giftee will be more than welcome to use it anytime… maybe even right after it’s opened! Pair it up with “Having the Time of Your Life: Little Lessons to Live By” by Allen Klein, a book of quotations to further enhance joy. The movie buff on your list will eat up “The Zombie Book: An Encyclopedia of the Living Dead” by Nick Redfern, with Brad Steiger. It’s filled with entries on the genre, including directors, plots, and TV shows. Innocent fun – no. A welcome gruesome gift – absolutely yes!  Wrap it up with “The Government UFO Files: The Conspiracy of Cover-Up” by Kevin D. Randle for a gift that creeps on giving. One more thing for your movie buff: “The Sci-Fi Movie Guide” by Chris Barsanti. It’s packed with SF goodness, facts, and bios, and when you add in a DVD of your favorite oldie-but-a-goodie, you know it’ll be the best thing beneath the tree. So there’s a mathematician on your gift list, or someone who loves numbers?  Then look for “Whatever Happened to the Metric System?” by John Bemelmans Barciano. It’s a great account of why we don’t largely use millimeters and centimeters, but why science does and Europeans definitely do. It’ll be a great gift – count on it. Historians who also love a little geography in their books will love “Empire’s Crossroads: A History of the Caribbean from Columbus to the Present Day” by Carrie Gibson. HISTORY The Royal Watcher on your list might like watching back a few hundred years with “How to Ruin a Queen” by Jonathan Beckman. This book is about Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, their lives and times – but it also focuses on a true crime mystery of missing diamonds. A curious history for those on the go is “Winnebago Nation” by James B. Twitchell. This book examines our love of RVs, campers, and travel, and it includes plenty of old ads and pictures. Wrap it with a journal and a map for a great gift. World War II buffs probably have shelves and shelves of books about the War, but here’s an unusual book that might work as a gift this year: “The Dog Who Could Fly” by Damien Lewis, It’s the tale of a two-legged airman and his four-legged co-pilot, a small German shepherd that accompanied his human on many flights and even saved his life. BIOGRAPHIES and MEMOIRS Surely, there’s an adrenaline junkie on your list who will relish the chance to read “Alone in Antarctica” by Felicity Aston!  This memoir from the first woman to ski across the globe’s southern-most continent all by herself is filled with danger, adventure, and everything armchair daredevils want. The romantic soul on your list will LOVE “Romance is My Day Job” by Patience Bloom. Bloom is an editor at romance-novel giant Harlequin, but she’d never found love herself. She’d given up on it, in fact, until a tiny little chance encounter changed everything. Happy ending?  I’m not saying, but it’s a romance, after all, you know… Historians who also love a little geography in their books will love “Empire’s Crossroads: A History of the Caribbean from Columbus to the Present Day” by Carrie Gibson. It’s a sweeping brick-of-a-book that encompasses the whole area, the countries that have laid claim to it over the years, and the people who live there now. The art lover on your list will smile enigmatically when opening “Mona Lisa: A Life Discovered” by Dianne Hales. It’s the story of da Vinci’s most famous model, her life, and what life was like when she sat for her portrait. HEALTH-RELATED BOOKS What do you give to the person who’s going through the trial of her life?  You might wrap up “A Breast Cancer Alphabet” by Madhulika Sikka. In here, your friend will find advice, a bit of humor, information from the Been-There, Done-That crew, and more. Bonus: it’s an easy book to browse. For the forward thinker on your list, “Cannabis Pharmacy” by Michael Backes may be just the right thing to wrap. This is a book about growing, using, and knowing about medical marijuana, from the plant to the end user and everything in between. If there’s a First Responder on your gift list, you can’t go wrong when you give “Bulletproof Spirit” by Captain Dan Willis. In the wake of the Sandy Hook incident, “The Price of Silence” by Liza Long asks the question that many mothers asked: what if the shooter was my child? This book takes a look at mental illness in children, from the perspective of a family member, and it’s a fascinating book that could make a stellar gift. And there you are! A whole lot of ideas for that hard-to-buy-for person on your gift list. Best of all, if these ideas don’t fill the bill, then you can always give a gift certificate, or you can throw yourself at the mercy of your friendly bookseller. Yes, he or she is absolutely brimming with ideas for everybody on your gift list, so what are you waiting for? Season’s Readings! Bookworm Blog, 2014-12-12T14:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/treasure-in-the-back-yard http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/treasure-in-the-back-yard#When:14:00:00Z “Lives in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble” by Marilyn Johnson c.2014, Harper                           $25.99 / $31.99 Canada                 275 pages Your back yard was filled with treasure. When you were a kid, you were sure of it – and while it mightn’t have been Pirate booty, there were certainly other riches there. Fossils beneath the grass, remnants from long-ago warriors, glass bottles, even coins awaited discovery. Alas, all you ever found were chicken bones but when you read “Lives in Ruins” by Marilyn Johnson, you’ll remember how digging for them was so much fun. Like many children, Marilyn Johnson grew up looking for fossils in her parents’ garden. The possibility of what she might find underground excited her then so, a few years ago, she decided to “collect” archaeologists and the knowledge they have. When most people think of archaeology, they think of Indiana Jones or dinosaurs. Both are incorrect, says Johnson; Indy was a curator. Dino diggers are paleontologists, while archaeologists look for “people and the things that they leave behind…”  To become the latter, you’ll need an extensive apprenticeship for which you’ll pay. Then you’ll “work hard under primitive conditions,” in an industry with notoriously low wages. Johnson’s education would be a little different, though. She started in the National Museum of Ireland, where human remains from the country’s peat bogs lie, awaiting study. They were “riveting,” she says, but she was surprised to learn that bog bodies do not require “a lot of excavations…” From there, she worked on St. Eustatius , a Caribbean island where the surroundings were “toxic” and projects were plentiful, but not as eagerly excavated as they once were. She spent time with a New York archaeologist who makes Stone-Age tools in order to fully understand how they work. She learned how ancient science is teaming up with craft breweries to create beverages from residue found in thousand-year-old pots. She fell in love with “pig dragons,” saw why the “future of archaeology lies underwater,” and discovered how women fought for a spot in the trenches. She visited “the most important archaeological site in the United States ” and learned how archaeology played a part, post-9/11. And she writes about how amateurs are the thorn in – and possibly the future of –archaeology today. Is one man’s trash another man’s treasure? Could be - and bones, too, as author Marilyn Johnson indicates, but she also shows that archaeology isn’t Indiana-Jones-romantic, either; in fact, it’s backbreaking, sometimes thankless work that many countries and businesses don’t perceive as important. Time and again, Johnson writes about projects scuttled, archaeologists discouraged, and history lost because bones and detritus were lost due to lack of money or corporate pressure. And yet, despite that which surely will make historians gasp, there’s a certain kid-like fascination locked in this book. Johnson’s enthusiasm for her subject is infectious and she shares what she learned in the field. Her curiosity lays ours to rest, and I loved it. Read this book, and you’ll never look at dirt quite the same. You’ll never step outside without wondering what you’re stepping on. Read it, because “Lives in Ruins” is a book you can really dig. “Lives in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble” by Marilyn Johnson c.2014, Harper                           $25.99 / $31.99 Canada                 275 pages Your back yard was filled with treasure. When you were a kid, you were sure of it – and while it mightn’t have been Pirate booty, there were certainly other riches there. Fossils beneath the grass, remnants from long-ago warriors, glass bottles, even coins awaited discovery. Alas, all you ever found were chicken bones but when you read “Lives in Ruins” by Marilyn Johnson, you’ll remember how digging for them was so much fun. Like many children, Marilyn Johnson grew up looking for fossils in her parents’ garden. The possibility of what she might find underground excited her then so, a few years ago, she decided to “collect” archaeologists and the knowledge they have. When most people think of archaeology, they think of Indiana Jones or dinosaurs. Both are incorrect, says Johnson; Indy was a curator. Dino diggers are paleontologists, while archaeologists look for “people and the things that they leave behind…”  To become the latter, you’ll need an extensive apprenticeship for which you’ll pay. Then you’ll “work hard under primitive conditions,” in an industry with notoriously low wages. Johnson’s education would be a little different, though. She started in the National Museum of Ireland, where human remains from the country’s peat bogs lie, awaiting study. They were “riveting,” she says, but she was surprised to learn that bog bodies do not require “a lot of excavations…” From there, she worked on St. Eustatius , a Caribbean island where the surroundings were “toxic” and projects were plentiful, but not as eagerly excavated as they once were. She spent time with a New York archaeologist who makes Stone-Age tools in order to fully understand how they work. She learned how ancient science is teaming up with craft breweries to create beverages from residue found in thousand-year-old pots. She fell in love with “pig dragons,” saw why the “future of archaeology lies underwater,” and discovered how women fought for a spot in the trenches. She visited “the most important archaeological site in the United States ” and learned how archaeology played a part, post-9/11. And she writes about how amateurs are the thorn in – and possibly the future of –archaeology today. Is one man’s trash another man’s treasure? Could be - and bones, too, as author Marilyn Johnson indicates, but she also shows that archaeology isn’t Indiana-Jones-romantic, either; in fact, it’s backbreaking, sometimes thankless work that many countries and businesses don’t perceive as important. Time and again, Johnson writes about projects scuttled, archaeologists discouraged, and history lost because bones and detritus were lost due to lack of money or corporate pressure. And yet, despite that which surely will make historians gasp, there’s a certain kid-like fascination locked in this book. Johnson’s enthusiasm for her subject is infectious and she shares what she learned in the field. Her curiosity lays ours to rest, and I loved it. Read this book, and you’ll never look at dirt quite the same. You’ll never step outside without wondering what you’re stepping on. Read it, because “Lives in Ruins” is a book you can really dig. Bookworm Blog, 2014-12-08T14:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/holiday-gift-guide-books-for-kids-and-teens http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/holiday-gift-guide-books-for-kids-and-teens#When:14:00:00Z LITTLE KIDS I seriously don’t think I know one little kid who doesn’t like a bedtime story. Heck, I like a bedtime story, and I liked “Day is Done: Prayers and Blessings for Bedtime” by Elena Pasquali, illustrated by Natascia Ugliano. This is one of those books that can be read quietly for a soothing night-night, both for adult and for child.  Wrap it up with “Little Owl’s Day” by Divya Srinivasan, a cute story about a little guy whose inability to sleep gets him into a big adventure. Board books are always great gifts for the smallest person on your list, and “I Love Hockey” is just right for the future sticks fan. And keep this one in mind: “Little Birthday,” a book of riddles. Yes, unlike most board books, these two have a good amount of narrative, so they’re also presents you can read aloud. The mini-farmer on your list will want to unwrap “I Love You Just Enough” by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen, illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen.  It’s the tale of a wild baby duck and the girl who raised him after he was separated from his mother. But ducks grow faster than do little girls, and it causes a bit of concern… Who has enough books?  Not your giftee, and not the kids in “The Children Who Loved Books” by Peter Carnavas. It’s the tale of too many and too few, but having enough of the important things. Wrap it up with “If You Wish” by Kate Westerlund and Robert Ingpen, a beautifully illustrated story of a little girl who learns that books can take her to all kinds of places without even leaving her house. For the child who loves making friends, you can’t go wrong with “Jenny & Lorenzo” by Toni Steiner and Eve Tharlet. It’s the tale of a mouse and her very unusual friendship with someone who wants to have her for dinner. MIDDLE GRADERS The budding politician (or the 7-to-13-year-old current events fan) will love owning “The U.S. Congress for Kids” by Ronald A. Reis, foreword by Rep. Henry A. Waxman, afterword by Rep. Kristi Noem. This book includes history, stats, facts, pictures, graphs, and activities that underscore what your child learns. This is a great gift for the kid who just returned from or is going to visit the Capital this year. If there’s a mystery lover on your list, then look for “Somebody on this Bus is Going to Be Famous” by J.B. Cheaney.  A strangely empty bus stop. A bus full of kids, each with one clue. A bus driver who acts all weird. Can your whodunit fan solve the mystery before the kids on the bus do it?  “The Original Folk & Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm” translated & edited by Jack Zipes, illustrated by Andrea Dezso may be a challenge for kids this age. You might have to help with some of the words or you may even want to read it aloud together. But if your 7-to-12-year-old enjoys fables and such, then you can’t go wrong with this heavy, elegant investment in their reading future. Young science fans will devour “Before the World Was Ready: Stories of Daring Genius is Science” by Claire Eamer, pictures by SA Boothroyd. It’s a book about scientific theories that were originally ridiculed (along with their creators) and how those unfortunate men were eventually vindicated. For the lover of espionage, “Top Secret Files: World War II” by Stephanie Bearce will be a great gift. This is a nonfiction book about undercover work during the War, including spies and secret missions, rat bombs, double agents, and more.  Bonus: it might get the kids interested in history, too. TEEN READERS Teen readers who love futuristic novels (but can’t handle a whole lot of fantasy) will love “The Scavengers” by Michael Perry. It’s the story of a young woman who’s left behind by her family when they leave town, and the only way she can survive is by scavenging – alone. Excitement. Danger. What more could your teen want? Wrap it up with “The Girl From the Well” by Rin Chupeco for a gruesome gift duo. For the teen who enjoys history, or for a diary-keeper, “Yoko’s Diary,” edited by Paul Ham might make a great gift. This is the true story of a 13-year-old Japanese girl who lived near Hiroshima during World War II. It’s a powerful book, made even more so by the editor’s notes. I also liked “Colonial Comics: New England, 1620-1750,” edited by Jason Rodriguez. It’s a graphic book (a sort of comic book, if you’re wondering) about the early years of America, written by various authors and illustrated by various artists. So your teen has loved The Wizard of Oz since toddlerhood?  Then wrap up “Dorothy Must Die” by Danielle Paige. It’s the story of the anti-Dorothy – a girl named Amy, who’s been trained as a warrior. Dark?  Yep, but great for your fave fantasy fan. Wrap it up with “Night Sky” by Suzanne Brockmann and Melanie Brockmann. It’s a thriller about a kidnapping and a different kind of hero that may – or may not – save the day. (And yes, by the way, that’s novelist Suzanne Brockmann, of course). Novel lovers will completely enjoy “Boys Like You” by Juliana Stone, the story of a girl with a guilty broken heart and a boy with a different sort of painful burden, and how they find each other to help mend the ache. If these ideas don’t fill the bill, then you can always give a gift certificate, or you can throw yourself at the mercy of your friendly bookseller. Yes, he or she is absolutely brimming with ideas for everybody on your gift list, so what are you waiting for? Season’s Readings! LITTLE KIDS I seriously don’t think I know one little kid who doesn’t like a bedtime story. Heck, I like a bedtime story, and I liked “Day is Done: Prayers and Blessings for Bedtime” by Elena Pasquali, illustrated by Natascia Ugliano. This is one of those books that can be read quietly for a soothing night-night, both for adult and for child.  Wrap it up with “Little Owl’s Day” by Divya Srinivasan, a cute story about a little guy whose inability to sleep gets him into a big adventure. Board books are always great gifts for the smallest person on your list, and “I Love Hockey” is just right for the future sticks fan. And keep this one in mind: “Little Birthday,” a book of riddles. Yes, unlike most board books, these two have a good amount of narrative, so they’re also presents you can read aloud. The mini-farmer on your list will want to unwrap “I Love You Just Enough” by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen, illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen.  It’s the tale of a wild baby duck and the girl who raised him after he was separated from his mother. But ducks grow faster than do little girls, and it causes a bit of concern… Who has enough books?  Not your giftee, and not the kids in “The Children Who Loved Books” by Peter Carnavas. It’s the tale of too many and too few, but having enough of the important things. Wrap it up with “If You Wish” by Kate Westerlund and Robert Ingpen, a beautifully illustrated story of a little girl who learns that books can take her to all kinds of places without even leaving her house. For the child who loves making friends, you can’t go wrong with “Jenny & Lorenzo” by Toni Steiner and Eve Tharlet. It’s the tale of a mouse and her very unusual friendship with someone who wants to have her for dinner. MIDDLE GRADERS The budding politician (or the 7-to-13-year-old current events fan) will love owning “The U.S. Congress for Kids” by Ronald A. Reis, foreword by Rep. Henry A. Waxman, afterword by Rep. Kristi Noem. This book includes history, stats, facts, pictures, graphs, and activities that underscore what your child learns. This is a great gift for the kid who just returned from or is going to visit the Capital this year. If there’s a mystery lover on your list, then look for “Somebody on this Bus is Going to Be Famous” by J.B. Cheaney.  A strangely empty bus stop. A bus full of kids, each with one clue. A bus driver who acts all weird. Can your whodunit fan solve the mystery before the kids on the bus do it?  “The Original Folk & Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm” translated & edited by Jack Zipes, illustrated by Andrea Dezso may be a challenge for kids this age. You might have to help with some of the words or you may even want to read it aloud together. But if your 7-to-12-year-old enjoys fables and such, then you can’t go wrong with this heavy, elegant investment in their reading future. Young science fans will devour “Before the World Was Ready: Stories of Daring Genius is Science” by Claire Eamer, pictures by SA Boothroyd. It’s a book about scientific theories that were originally ridiculed (along with their creators) and how those unfortunate men were eventually vindicated. For the lover of espionage, “Top Secret Files: World War II” by Stephanie Bearce will be a great gift. This is a nonfiction book about undercover work during the War, including spies and secret missions, rat bombs, double agents, and more.  Bonus: it might get the kids interested in history, too. TEEN READERS Teen readers who love futuristic novels (but can’t handle a whole lot of fantasy) will love “The Scavengers” by Michael Perry. It’s the story of a young woman who’s left behind by her family when they leave town, and the only way she can survive is by scavenging – alone. Excitement. Danger. What more could your teen want? Wrap it up with “The Girl From the Well” by Rin Chupeco for a gruesome gift duo. For the teen who enjoys history, or for a diary-keeper, “Yoko’s Diary,” edited by Paul Ham might make a great gift. This is the true story of a 13-year-old Japanese girl who lived near Hiroshima during World War II. It’s a powerful book, made even more so by the editor’s notes. I also liked “Colonial Comics: New England, 1620-1750,” edited by Jason Rodriguez. It’s a graphic book (a sort of comic book, if you’re wondering) about the early years of America, written by various authors and illustrated by various artists. So your teen has loved The Wizard of Oz since toddlerhood?  Then wrap up “Dorothy Must Die” by Danielle Paige. It’s the story of the anti-Dorothy – a girl named Amy, who’s been trained as a warrior. Dark?  Yep, but great for your fave fantasy fan. Wrap it up with “Night Sky” by Suzanne Brockmann and Melanie Brockmann. It’s a thriller about a kidnapping and a different kind of hero that may – or may not – save the day. (And yes, by the way, that’s novelist Suzanne Brockmann, of course). Novel lovers will completely enjoy “Boys Like You” by Juliana Stone, the story of a girl with a guilty broken heart and a boy with a different sort of painful burden, and how they find each other to help mend the ache. If these ideas don’t fill the bill, then you can always give a gift certificate, or you can throw yourself at the mercy of your friendly bookseller. Yes, he or she is absolutely brimming with ideas for everybody on your gift list, so what are you waiting for? Season’s Readings! Bookworm Blog, 2014-12-05T14:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/men-are-a-foreign-country http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/men-are-a-foreign-country#When:11:28:00Z There are aliens among us. That’s how it might seem when you’re dealing with members of the opposite sex. You often feel, for instance, as though you speak different languages. Surely, you see the world in ways they don’t, and they intuitively understand certain things you never will – hence, they must be from another universe or… something. But you love ‘em anyhow, and so does Laura Kipnis. In her book “Men: Notes from an Ongoing Investigation,” she writes about some she’s known. While rifling through a bunch of her old critiques and essays, Laura Kipnis, a “daddy’s girl who grew into a wayward woman” realized that many of those articles were about men, mostly those of the rascally, “immoderate” kind. Despite having written extensively about them, “men are still a foreign country,” she says, but she’s drawn to them, particularly those who “laugh too loud and drink too much… who have off-kilter politics and ideas.” Men like Larry Flynt, publisher of a notorious men’s magazine, about whom Kipnis wrote, never thinking that she’d actually meet him – but she did, several times. His magazine was “disgusting” but she found Flynt to be an interesting, multi-layered convention-breaker. He “challenged” Kipnis at her “corked-up core.” “Men: Notes from an Ongoing Investigation” by Laura Kipnis c.2014, Metropolitan Books           $25.00 / $28.99 Canada               211 pages Or, men like Ron Galella, “celebrity stalker-photographer” who trailed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for much of her life. He annoyed her, sued her (and vice versa), and paid little attention to court orders in order to get her picture. Today, he considers Onassis as somewhat of a muse but, says Kipnis, “it’s not exactly evident that being an artist and being an upstanding guy were ever one and the same thing.” There are the “juicers” who are criticized for doing whatever it takes to get a leg-up on the competition.  There are the vulnerable and “Lotharios,” both of whom seem to make a mess of relationships; and men who get into trouble for their bumbling attempts at “regular human mating conduct…” Overall, says Kipnis, there’s “something delicious” about the list she’s made here “in search of our split-off other halves…”  It’s not a definitive list, and was never meant to be so. Still, she promises, “Consider this an interim report.” While I have to admit that “Men: Notes from an Ongoing Investigation” is wonderfully, wickedly barbed, it’s also a bit of a challenge. Author Laura Kipnis points out a lot of things that many women aren’t brave enough to say out loud or, in this case, to put to paper. Her insights are as sharp as her wit but, because of the many literary references and nods to other critics here, there’s a definite East Coast / New York aspect to some of what Kipnis writes. That may not resonate quite so well with anyone unfamiliar with those figures. Still, savvy readers will be rewarded by filling in those blanks, which enhances the observations and the enjoyment. If you can do that, you’ll understand that “Men: Notes from an Ongoing Investigation” is, down-deep, a profane, zinger-filled love letter to the bad boys of this world. There are aliens among us. That’s how it might seem when you’re dealing with members of the opposite sex. You often feel, for instance, as though you speak different languages. Surely, you see the world in ways they don’t, and they intuitively understand certain things you never will – hence, they must be from another universe or… something. But you love ‘em anyhow, and so does Laura Kipnis. In her book “Men: Notes from an Ongoing Investigation,” she writes about some she’s known. While rifling through a bunch of her old critiques and essays, Laura Kipnis, a “daddy’s girl who grew into a wayward woman” realized that many of those articles were about men, mostly those of the rascally, “immoderate” kind. Despite having written extensively about them, “men are still a foreign country,” she says, but she’s drawn to them, particularly those who “laugh too loud and drink too much… who have off-kilter politics and ideas.” Men like Larry Flynt, publisher of a notorious men’s magazine, about whom Kipnis wrote, never thinking that she’d actually meet him – but she did, several times. His magazine was “disgusting” but she found Flynt to be an interesting, multi-layered convention-breaker. He “challenged” Kipnis at her “corked-up core.” “Men: Notes from an Ongoing Investigation” by Laura Kipnis c.2014, Metropolitan Books           $25.00 / $28.99 Canada               211 pages Or, men like Ron Galella, “celebrity stalker-photographer” who trailed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for much of her life. He annoyed her, sued her (and vice versa), and paid little attention to court orders in order to get her picture. Today, he considers Onassis as somewhat of a muse but, says Kipnis, “it’s not exactly evident that being an artist and being an upstanding guy were ever one and the same thing.” There are the “juicers” who are criticized for doing whatever it takes to get a leg-up on the competition.  There are the vulnerable and “Lotharios,” both of whom seem to make a mess of relationships; and men who get into trouble for their bumbling attempts at “regular human mating conduct…” Overall, says Kipnis, there’s “something delicious” about the list she’s made here “in search of our split-off other halves…”  It’s not a definitive list, and was never meant to be so. Still, she promises, “Consider this an interim report.” While I have to admit that “Men: Notes from an Ongoing Investigation” is wonderfully, wickedly barbed, it’s also a bit of a challenge. Author Laura Kipnis points out a lot of things that many women aren’t brave enough to say out loud or, in this case, to put to paper. Her insights are as sharp as her wit but, because of the many literary references and nods to other critics here, there’s a definite East Coast / New York aspect to some of what Kipnis writes. That may not resonate quite so well with anyone unfamiliar with those figures. Still, savvy readers will be rewarded by filling in those blanks, which enhances the observations and the enjoyment. If you can do that, you’ll understand that “Men: Notes from an Ongoing Investigation” is, down-deep, a profane, zinger-filled love letter to the bad boys of this world. Bookworm Blog, 2014-12-03T11:28:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/stories-of-our-food http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/stories-of-our-food#When:12:00:00Z Everything looks so delicious. It all smells great, too, and you can’t decide what you like best. The meat is done just right, potatoes are mashed to perfection, biscuits are to die for. And then there’s dessert!  But – wait, leftovers. That’s your favorite… You’ve got a lot on your plate this month, in more ways than one. And in “The American Plate” by Libby H. O’Connell, PhD, you’ll learn the stories our food can tell. Imagine inviting a long-ago ancestor to dinner this week. What he’d find at the table might astound him; surely, there’d be some dishes he wouldn’t even recognize. That’s because “remarkable changes in ingredients, recipes, and menus over the centuries” have changed how – and what – we eat. That ancestor, for instance, might’ve enjoyed dining on grilled beavertail. Yum. Then again, he’d know maize (corn, to us) very well. Native Americans grew it more than 9,000 years ago, and your ancestor might have had it in his garden, along with beans and squash, a farming method called the Three Sisters. If he lived near the East Coast, he might’ve relished cod, though your Friday Night Fish Fry would seem pathetic to him. The cod he ate came in six foot long slabs, dried, salted, and kept stacked in his pantry. He might’ve added cow’s butter, dyed with gold flower petals, maybe some eel on the side, and bon appetit. Of course, our ancestors had turkey, but they also ate offal (which sounds really awful). Those from the Netherlands brought doughnuts to the table. The British gave us syllabub. The Chinese gave us a dish, the words of which mean “odds and ends,” or chop suey. Pie was a group effort, originating from several different cultures. Food played a role in who won The War Between the States, when Rebel forces nearly starved while Union soldiers enjoyed a bounty. At the turn of the last century, food created the first celebrity chefs. It became politicized some eighty-five years ago, then was frozen, served in front of the TV, and made fast. And what does the future hold?  Well, pull up a chair. That entrée isn’t done yet. Ask five of your friends about their favorite comfort foods, and you’ll get five different stories that start out, “My mom made the best….” Chances are that those dishes are found somewhere in “The American Plate.” So many things that you’ll eat in the next few weeks are in this book, in fact, and there’s a story behind every one of them. Author and historian Libby H. O’Connell fills our minds with the things with which we fill our bellies, letting us literarily play with our food. We get plenty of aside-dishes, and – surprise! – recipes, so you, too, can try roast beavertail, syllabub, Hangtown Fry, scrapple, or Red Cross War Cake. Historians and cooks will obviously love this book, but I think it’s also very appropriate for anyone who likes to eat. If that’s you, then dig in. You’ll devour “The American Plate” until there’s nothing left over. Everything looks so delicious. It all smells great, too, and you can’t decide what you like best. The meat is done just right, potatoes are mashed to perfection, biscuits are to die for. And then there’s dessert!  But – wait, leftovers. That’s your favorite… You’ve got a lot on your plate this month, in more ways than one. And in “The American Plate” by Libby H. O’Connell, PhD, you’ll learn the stories our food can tell. Imagine inviting a long-ago ancestor to dinner this week. What he’d find at the table might astound him; surely, there’d be some dishes he wouldn’t even recognize. That’s because “remarkable changes in ingredients, recipes, and menus over the centuries” have changed how – and what – we eat. That ancestor, for instance, might’ve enjoyed dining on grilled beavertail. Yum. Then again, he’d know maize (corn, to us) very well. Native Americans grew it more than 9,000 years ago, and your ancestor might have had it in his garden, along with beans and squash, a farming method called the Three Sisters. If he lived near the East Coast, he might’ve relished cod, though your Friday Night Fish Fry would seem pathetic to him. The cod he ate came in six foot long slabs, dried, salted, and kept stacked in his pantry. He might’ve added cow’s butter, dyed with gold flower petals, maybe some eel on the side, and bon appetit. Of course, our ancestors had turkey, but they also ate offal (which sounds really awful). Those from the Netherlands brought doughnuts to the table. The British gave us syllabub. The Chinese gave us a dish, the words of which mean “odds and ends,” or chop suey. Pie was a group effort, originating from several different cultures. Food played a role in who won The War Between the States, when Rebel forces nearly starved while Union soldiers enjoyed a bounty. At the turn of the last century, food created the first celebrity chefs. It became politicized some eighty-five years ago, then was frozen, served in front of the TV, and made fast. And what does the future hold?  Well, pull up a chair. That entrée isn’t done yet. Ask five of your friends about their favorite comfort foods, and you’ll get five different stories that start out, “My mom made the best….” Chances are that those dishes are found somewhere in “The American Plate.” So many things that you’ll eat in the next few weeks are in this book, in fact, and there’s a story behind every one of them. Author and historian Libby H. O’Connell fills our minds with the things with which we fill our bellies, letting us literarily play with our food. We get plenty of aside-dishes, and – surprise! – recipes, so you, too, can try roast beavertail, syllabub, Hangtown Fry, scrapple, or Red Cross War Cake. Historians and cooks will obviously love this book, but I think it’s also very appropriate for anyone who likes to eat. If that’s you, then dig in. You’ll devour “The American Plate” until there’s nothing left over. Bookworm Blog, 2014-11-26T12:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/one-of-a-kind-kid http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/one-of-a-kind-kid#When:17:00:00Z You are a one-of-a-kind kid. There’s nobody else like you. Nobody has eyes like yours, or fingers like yours, or ears that fold like yours. You think for yourself, have your own likes and hates, and people love you just the way you are. In the new book “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings, pictures by Shelagh McNicholas, you’ll read about a girl who’s just like other girls… only different. Jazz is a little girl who loves the color pink. It’s been that way for as long as she can remember; she also loves silver and green, maybe because they’re sort of mermaid colors and Jazz loves mermaids, too. Like a lot of girls, Jazz spends her days doing “favorite things.”  She likes to dance and sing and pretend that she’s someone famous. She draws, plays soccer, swims, and she loves makeup and dress-up. But when Jazz was a very little kid, there were people who didn’t want her to do any of those things. That’s because Jazz has “a girl brain but a boy body.” She’s transgender, and she was born just like that. For sure, that caused a lot of confusion when Jazz was small because her family didn’t understand. Though she looked like a boy, she had to remind them that she was really a girl inside and reminding made her sad. Her brothers said that pink and mermaids were “girl stuff.” Her sister laughed when Jazz talked about “girl thoughts.” Their parents made Jazz wear boy clothes (ugh!) until they saw a new doctor. The doctor said that Jazz was transgender – and since Jazz’s parents love Jazz “no matter what,” they decided to let her be herself, to wear pretty pink clothes and play with the toys she liked. That wasn’t an easy thing for others to accept at first, but it’s getting better. Some people are understanding, while some kids still tease Jazz and call her names - but then she remembers that those are the ones who don’t really know her very well. Those are the kids who can’t see the important parts of a person. They’re kids who can’t understand different, and “different is special!” I really like this book. I like it’s perky, friendly cover and the kid-magnet colors that artist Shelagh McNicholas uses. I like the basic premise, and the answers it offers curious kids, parents, and teachers. Those are the things that struck me immediately about it. Looking deeper, though, I discovered what truly makes “I Am Jazz” so valuable: it’s a unique, no-secrets tale written in a kid-friendly, easy-to-grasp, matter-of-fact way, told in part by author Jazz Jennings herself. That, with co-author Jessica Herthel, makes this story glow with a personal, upbeat and spirited touch that’s relatable for all children. Meant for 4-to-8-year-olds, I think kids up to age 10 could very much appreciate this book, especially if there’s a transgender child in their school. For them – and for any adult who may need it – “I Am Jazz” is a one-of-a-kind tale. You are a one-of-a-kind kid. There’s nobody else like you. Nobody has eyes like yours, or fingers like yours, or ears that fold like yours. You think for yourself, have your own likes and hates, and people love you just the way you are. In the new book “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings, pictures by Shelagh McNicholas, you’ll read about a girl who’s just like other girls… only different. Jazz is a little girl who loves the color pink. It’s been that way for as long as she can remember; she also loves silver and green, maybe because they’re sort of mermaid colors and Jazz loves mermaids, too. Like a lot of girls, Jazz spends her days doing “favorite things.”  She likes to dance and sing and pretend that she’s someone famous. She draws, plays soccer, swims, and she loves makeup and dress-up. But when Jazz was a very little kid, there were people who didn’t want her to do any of those things. That’s because Jazz has “a girl brain but a boy body.” She’s transgender, and she was born just like that. For sure, that caused a lot of confusion when Jazz was small because her family didn’t understand. Though she looked like a boy, she had to remind them that she was really a girl inside and reminding made her sad. Her brothers said that pink and mermaids were “girl stuff.” Her sister laughed when Jazz talked about “girl thoughts.” Their parents made Jazz wear boy clothes (ugh!) until they saw a new doctor. The doctor said that Jazz was transgender – and since Jazz’s parents love Jazz “no matter what,” they decided to let her be herself, to wear pretty pink clothes and play with the toys she liked. That wasn’t an easy thing for others to accept at first, but it’s getting better. Some people are understanding, while some kids still tease Jazz and call her names - but then she remembers that those are the ones who don’t really know her very well. Those are the kids who can’t see the important parts of a person. They’re kids who can’t understand different, and “different is special!” I really like this book. I like it’s perky, friendly cover and the kid-magnet colors that artist Shelagh McNicholas uses. I like the basic premise, and the answers it offers curious kids, parents, and teachers. Those are the things that struck me immediately about it. Looking deeper, though, I discovered what truly makes “I Am Jazz” so valuable: it’s a unique, no-secrets tale written in a kid-friendly, easy-to-grasp, matter-of-fact way, told in part by author Jazz Jennings herself. That, with co-author Jessica Herthel, makes this story glow with a personal, upbeat and spirited touch that’s relatable for all children. Meant for 4-to-8-year-olds, I think kids up to age 10 could very much appreciate this book, especially if there’s a transgender child in their school. For them – and for any adult who may need it – “I Am Jazz” is a one-of-a-kind tale. Bookworm Blog, 2014-11-19T17:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/to-vaccinate-or-not http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/to-vaccinate-or-not#When:13:00:00Z You’ve got a big job. You took it on the moment your child was born, knowing that protecting him was a lifetime assignment. And now, as part of that job, you’re questioning the viability of a rite that children have undergone for decades: vaccinate or not? You’ve read the pros and the cons, and your mind swims. But once you read “On Immunity: An Inoculation” by Eula Biss, you’ll understand a little more. While modern medicine is surely that, vaccination has been around for quite awhile: in the mid-1700s, many noticed that milkmaids exposed to cowpox were immune to smallpox, and they acted accordingly. Even before that, though, parents in China and India practiced a form of vaccination called variolation. And before that, birth was “the original inoculation.” As the daughter of a doctor, Eula Biss got the full round of vaccines that most babies of her generation received. She debated, however, about vaccinating her own son from a strain of flu that was going around when he was an infant, which led to the greater question: which vaccines – if any - are necessary? The complication, she learned, is that we can’t see vaccine “just in terms of how it affects a single body, but also in terms of how it affects the collective body of… community.” Total world-wide immunization against disease is nearly impossible, but statistics show that if the right percentage of a population is immunized, it can halt an epidemic. The majority effectively protects the minority. So is it better to receive natural immunity from a disease by contracting it? Not necessarily, says Biss. While it’s true that we wouldn’t be a species without viruses (a “surprising amount” of our genomes consist of “debris from ancient viral infections”), allowing your children to catch certain childhood diseases now can be detrimental to them later in their lives. Hand sanitizers aren’t the answer, either, since they kill “indiscriminately,” promote antibiotic resistance, and leave behind traces of unsavory chemicals. And part of the vaccine-or-not issue is that misinformation can, well, go viral. And yet, “uncomfortable with both sides” of the argument, and “overwhelmed by information,” Biss went ahead with the schedule of inoculations for her son. “I still believe,” she says, “there are reasons to vaccinate that transcend medicine.” When you see something these days about vaccinations, it’s easy to conclude that it might fiercely be for or against.  Not so with “On Immunity.” With cautious deliberation and careful reflection, author Eula Biss offers readers a good balance in this debate, which is delightfully welcome. As a mother, she’s obviously had to ponder the issue and her conclusions are based in fact and personal anecdote, although she also includes the perfect amount of history and literature for entertainment. I’m not sure this book will change any minds, but it does offer a fair mix to consider if you’re a parent facing the decision. For you, or for anyone who’s interested in a hidden history of medicine, “On Immunity” is worth a shot. You’ve got a big job. You took it on the moment your child was born, knowing that protecting him was a lifetime assignment. And now, as part of that job, you’re questioning the viability of a rite that children have undergone for decades: vaccinate or not? You’ve read the pros and the cons, and your mind swims. But once you read “On Immunity: An Inoculation” by Eula Biss, you’ll understand a little more. While modern medicine is surely that, vaccination has been around for quite awhile: in the mid-1700s, many noticed that milkmaids exposed to cowpox were immune to smallpox, and they acted accordingly. Even before that, though, parents in China and India practiced a form of vaccination called variolation. And before that, birth was “the original inoculation.” As the daughter of a doctor, Eula Biss got the full round of vaccines that most babies of her generation received. She debated, however, about vaccinating her own son from a strain of flu that was going around when he was an infant, which led to the greater question: which vaccines – if any - are necessary? The complication, she learned, is that we can’t see vaccine “just in terms of how it affects a single body, but also in terms of how it affects the collective body of… community.” Total world-wide immunization against disease is nearly impossible, but statistics show that if the right percentage of a population is immunized, it can halt an epidemic. The majority effectively protects the minority. So is it better to receive natural immunity from a disease by contracting it? Not necessarily, says Biss. While it’s true that we wouldn’t be a species without viruses (a “surprising amount” of our genomes consist of “debris from ancient viral infections”), allowing your children to catch certain childhood diseases now can be detrimental to them later in their lives. Hand sanitizers aren’t the answer, either, since they kill “indiscriminately,” promote antibiotic resistance, and leave behind traces of unsavory chemicals. And part of the vaccine-or-not issue is that misinformation can, well, go viral. And yet, “uncomfortable with both sides” of the argument, and “overwhelmed by information,” Biss went ahead with the schedule of inoculations for her son. “I still believe,” she says, “there are reasons to vaccinate that transcend medicine.” When you see something these days about vaccinations, it’s easy to conclude that it might fiercely be for or against.  Not so with “On Immunity.” With cautious deliberation and careful reflection, author Eula Biss offers readers a good balance in this debate, which is delightfully welcome. As a mother, she’s obviously had to ponder the issue and her conclusions are based in fact and personal anecdote, although she also includes the perfect amount of history and literature for entertainment. I’m not sure this book will change any minds, but it does offer a fair mix to consider if you’re a parent facing the decision. For you, or for anyone who’s interested in a hidden history of medicine, “On Immunity” is worth a shot. Bookworm Blog, 2014-11-12T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/beasts-to-scare-you http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/beasts-to-scare-you#When:13:00:00Z The nights are getting longer. Dark falls much earlier these days; there are more shadows and more things hiding in corners, beneath, and behind. More beasts to scare you. More creatures to catch you. You can probably name a few of them but do you know what, exactly, lurks where you’re not expecting it?  Read “M is for Monster” by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Gerald Kelley and find out… if you dare! A is at the top of the alphabet, so maybe it’s right that we start at the top of the world where A is for Amarok. It’s a fierce wolf-like creature that’s almost as big as a man and that hides in the forest. The Inuit fear the Amarok – and you should, too. “Almost every culture has its own favorite dragon,” says J. Patrick Lewis, so that’s what D stands for: dragons. Most of them breathe fire and they make excellent guards for your castle. Some are tamed, but there’s no word on housebreaking issues. If you live in a big city, you might be familiar with Gargoyles, which is the G word here. Originally meant to help keep buildings safe from rainwater, there’s an interesting (and frightening) myth that goes along with them. No wonder the stone beasts are so scary! Is it a bird?  Is it a snake?  It’s both, because Q is for Quetzalcoatl, a creature that appears to be many parts, including a bit of human. He’s huge and he’s terrifying, but he’s not such a bad guy underneath: the Aztecs thought he invented books and calendars and that he brought corn, so they worshipped him. U is for unicorn, a creature that’s hardly a monster. Legend has it that the shy, gentle horse-with-a-horn can cleanse water and heal injuries, and it’s attracted by purity and innocence. In truth, however, the creatures have never been seen – although several kinds of animals could really fool you. And then we end at the end with Z for zombies. Yes, the Undead are shocking – maybe because they’re portrayed as a sign of the end of the world! Looking for a great book for sleepovers and campfires this fall?  “M is for Monster” fits that fine, but beware of who you’re scaring… You probably wouldn’t think, for example, that an alphabet book is for older kids but this one definitely is. Author J. Patrick Lewis offers a basic intro to twenty-six monsters from different cultures, while illustrator Gerald Kelley’s artwork enhances the narrative to lend an eerie feeling to each creature profile. But there’s the beware: small, sensitive children may run, screaming, into a bedtime full of nightmares after they see what’s inside this book. The artwork is incredible but it works its magic entirely too well for little ones. And so, while you may want to keep this out of 3-to-6-year-old hands, I think 7-to-12-year-olds (and some adults) will cherish this book for its info and its art. “M is for Monster” may be something they’ll want to read a little longer. The nights are getting longer. Dark falls much earlier these days; there are more shadows and more things hiding in corners, beneath, and behind. More beasts to scare you. More creatures to catch you. You can probably name a few of them but do you know what, exactly, lurks where you’re not expecting it?  Read “M is for Monster” by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Gerald Kelley and find out… if you dare! A is at the top of the alphabet, so maybe it’s right that we start at the top of the world where A is for Amarok. It’s a fierce wolf-like creature that’s almost as big as a man and that hides in the forest. The Inuit fear the Amarok – and you should, too. “Almost every culture has its own favorite dragon,” says J. Patrick Lewis, so that’s what D stands for: dragons. Most of them breathe fire and they make excellent guards for your castle. Some are tamed, but there’s no word on housebreaking issues. If you live in a big city, you might be familiar with Gargoyles, which is the G word here. Originally meant to help keep buildings safe from rainwater, there’s an interesting (and frightening) myth that goes along with them. No wonder the stone beasts are so scary! Is it a bird?  Is it a snake?  It’s both, because Q is for Quetzalcoatl, a creature that appears to be many parts, including a bit of human. He’s huge and he’s terrifying, but he’s not such a bad guy underneath: the Aztecs thought he invented books and calendars and that he brought corn, so they worshipped him. U is for unicorn, a creature that’s hardly a monster. Legend has it that the shy, gentle horse-with-a-horn can cleanse water and heal injuries, and it’s attracted by purity and innocence. In truth, however, the creatures have never been seen – although several kinds of animals could really fool you. And then we end at the end with Z for zombies. Yes, the Undead are shocking – maybe because they’re portrayed as a sign of the end of the world! Looking for a great book for sleepovers and campfires this fall?  “M is for Monster” fits that fine, but beware of who you’re scaring… You probably wouldn’t think, for example, that an alphabet book is for older kids but this one definitely is. Author J. Patrick Lewis offers a basic intro to twenty-six monsters from different cultures, while illustrator Gerald Kelley’s artwork enhances the narrative to lend an eerie feeling to each creature profile. But there’s the beware: small, sensitive children may run, screaming, into a bedtime full of nightmares after they see what’s inside this book. The artwork is incredible but it works its magic entirely too well for little ones. And so, while you may want to keep this out of 3-to-6-year-old hands, I think 7-to-12-year-olds (and some adults) will cherish this book for its info and its art. “M is for Monster” may be something they’ll want to read a little longer. Bookworm Blog, 2014-11-05T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/books-to-scare-you http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/books-to-scare-you#When:16:00:00Z The days of plastic masks are over for you. No more Mom’s makeshift monster costumes; no more department-store, mass-produced everybody’s-wearing-its. You dress yourself on Halloween because you know you create a better costume than anybody, a fact you’re proud of. You might know make-up, but there are scares you just can’t make up. You’ll find them in “Haunted Stuff” by Stacey Graham and “ America ’s Most Haunted” by Theresa Argie and Eric Olsen. “America ’s Most Haunted” by Theresa Argie and Eric Olsen, c.2014, Berkeley, $16.00 / $18.00 Canada, 341 pages Those old Halloween decorations you brought home last year are going to scare the Dickens out of the neighborhood kids. You can’t wait to put them up – but maybe you should. In “Haunted Stuff,” you’ll see why you should wait, maybe forever. Cast-off belongings, you see, could be thick with things you can’t see. It’s fun to find a bargain, for instance, but Graham says that many second-hand items – including clothing, toys, furniture, and collectibles – may’ve had owners that are still quite attached to them. Bring the item home, she says, and you could be inviting a spirit into your house. That could be charming… or it could be terrorizing. “Haunted Stuff” by Stacey Graham, c.2014, Llewellyn, $15.99 / $18.50 Canada, 240 pages Once-loved dolls, for instance, could be imbedded with the spirit of the child who played with them, but that’s not all. She includes stories of demon dolls that caused mayhem (at best) and insanity (or worse). And whatever you do, don’t think badly about those toys because, well, they’ll know. And if you’re a brave soul and things don’t scare you, let’s see how you do with places. In “ America ’s Most Haunted,” you’ll learn about paranormal homes, hotels, and hotspots that you can actually visit. In Ohio , you could meet a ghost from the long-ago past who may haunt in tandem with a ghost from the 1990s. In West Virginia , tour a former “lunatic asylum” that might harbor Civil War spirits. In Colorado , take a room-by-tunnel trip in a hotel where the scenery is beautiful and the screamery is boooo-tiful. In California , you can visit a ship that one Hollywood star admitted has an “otherworldly” feel about it. What’s nice about this book is that it’s so thorough. The authors tell you where you’ll have the best likelihood of spotting or hearing something eerie; whether it can be explained by natural reasons; and phone numbers, addresses, and tips on going there to see for yourself. Halloween: fun & games, or frights & ghouls?  How about both? I, personally, find the cover of “Haunted Stuff” to be deliciously disturbing. Happily, the inside matches the outside but beware: read it, and you’ll think twice about bargain-hunting, forever.  And if a good old-fashioned ghost story completes your Halloween, then “ America ’s Most Haunted” is your (spooky) book. Just remember, as you’re reading: it’s all chillingly true! Bear in mind that these hair-raising paperbacks are not for the kiddies; in fact, the cover of one of them is nightmarish. “Haunted Stuff” and “America’s Most Haunted” are great to have, but be sure to keep them out of little hands because sometimes, Halloween isn’t for kids – and neither are these books. The days of plastic masks are over for you. No more Mom’s makeshift monster costumes; no more department-store, mass-produced everybody’s-wearing-its. You dress yourself on Halloween because you know you create a better costume than anybody, a fact you’re proud of. You might know make-up, but there are scares you just can’t make up. You’ll find them in “Haunted Stuff” by Stacey Graham and “ America ’s Most Haunted” by Theresa Argie and Eric Olsen. “America ’s Most Haunted” by Theresa Argie and Eric Olsen, c.2014, Berkeley, $16.00 / $18.00 Canada, 341 pages Those old Halloween decorations you brought home last year are going to scare the Dickens out of the neighborhood kids. You can’t wait to put them up – but maybe you should. In “Haunted Stuff,” you’ll see why you should wait, maybe forever. Cast-off belongings, you see, could be thick with things you can’t see. It’s fun to find a bargain, for instance, but Graham says that many second-hand items – including clothing, toys, furniture, and collectibles – may’ve had owners that are still quite attached to them. Bring the item home, she says, and you could be inviting a spirit into your house. That could be charming… or it could be terrorizing. “Haunted Stuff” by Stacey Graham, c.2014, Llewellyn, $15.99 / $18.50 Canada, 240 pages Once-loved dolls, for instance, could be imbedded with the spirit of the child who played with them, but that’s not all. She includes stories of demon dolls that caused mayhem (at best) and insanity (or worse). And whatever you do, don’t think badly about those toys because, well, they’ll know. And if you’re a brave soul and things don’t scare you, let’s see how you do with places. In “ America ’s Most Haunted,” you’ll learn about paranormal homes, hotels, and hotspots that you can actually visit. In Ohio , you could meet a ghost from the long-ago past who may haunt in tandem with a ghost from the 1990s. In West Virginia , tour a former “lunatic asylum” that might harbor Civil War spirits. In Colorado , take a room-by-tunnel trip in a hotel where the scenery is beautiful and the screamery is boooo-tiful. In California , you can visit a ship that one Hollywood star admitted has an “otherworldly” feel about it. What’s nice about this book is that it’s so thorough. The authors tell you where you’ll have the best likelihood of spotting or hearing something eerie; whether it can be explained by natural reasons; and phone numbers, addresses, and tips on going there to see for yourself. Halloween: fun & games, or frights & ghouls?  How about both? I, personally, find the cover of “Haunted Stuff” to be deliciously disturbing. Happily, the inside matches the outside but beware: read it, and you’ll think twice about bargain-hunting, forever.  And if a good old-fashioned ghost story completes your Halloween, then “ America ’s Most Haunted” is your (spooky) book. Just remember, as you’re reading: it’s all chillingly true! Bear in mind that these hair-raising paperbacks are not for the kiddies; in fact, the cover of one of them is nightmarish. “Haunted Stuff” and “America’s Most Haunted” are great to have, but be sure to keep them out of little hands because sometimes, Halloween isn’t for kids – and neither are these books. Bookworm Blog, 2014-10-29T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-leaving-time http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-leaving-time#When:12:00:00Z A good mother loves her child unconditionally. She cares for her little one, making sure the baby is dry, safe, and comforted. She feeds her child and tends to him, no matter what time of day or night. You can add to this list at will, because we all know what a good mother does. But, as in the new book “Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult, a good mother does not abandon her child. Thirteen-year-old Jenna Metcalf had a routine that she kept every morning: she got dressed and logged on to the Department of Justice website to see if her mother had been found yet. A decade before, after one of the caretakers at their elephant sanctuary was trampled by accident, Jenna’s mother, Alice, was found nearby, unconscious, and was taken to the hospital. When she regained her wits, Alice bolted from the building and disappeared. It haunted Jenna ever since. What kind of mother abandons her little daughter?  Was Alice hurt or killed?  That was something Jenna absolutely needed to know – and so, old enough to have saved money from babysitting and birthday gifts, she hired a psychic and a detective. Once upon a time, Virgil Stanhope was proud of his career. He’d been one of the lead detectives on the death of the elephant caretaker and the disappearance of Alice Metcalf – but he was having second thoughts. He knew back then that he’d done a hack job. Why hadn’t he dug further into this case? It had been a long time since The Dead had spoken to Serenity Jones, and she missed it. Ever since a brash, egotistical mistake ruined her TV career, she couldn’t get a human to talk to her, much less a spirit. So when Jenna showed up on Serenity’s doorstep, asking for help, and messages began whispering in Serenity’s head, what could the seer do but listen? For most of her life, Alice Metcalf was devoted to the study of elephants. They were fascinating to her, and the ultimate reason her life had turned out as it had. She saw so many parallels between pachyderms and humans: love, joy, grief. Especially grief… Got a calendar? Clear it. Cancel your plans. Once you’ve got “Leaving Time” in your hands, you won’t want to do anything but spend time with this book. Through the voices of four main characters, author Jodi Picoult gives readers the kind of novel they’ve come to expect, but with a twist: there’s some mystery in this book. We aren’t sure what happened to Alice , if she’s a killer, a victim, or something else. That keeps-you-guessing factor appears in every Picoult novel, but in this book, it’ll make you page back to see how you didn’t catch the clues and to marvel at where you went in the meantime. And I’m going to stop there. I can’t bear to ruin your enjoyment of unwrapping the layers in this excellent book. Just know that if you’ve got “Leaving Time,” you’ll only want everyone to leave you alone to read. A good mother loves her child unconditionally. She cares for her little one, making sure the baby is dry, safe, and comforted. She feeds her child and tends to him, no matter what time of day or night. You can add to this list at will, because we all know what a good mother does. But, as in the new book “Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult, a good mother does not abandon her child. Thirteen-year-old Jenna Metcalf had a routine that she kept every morning: she got dressed and logged on to the Department of Justice website to see if her mother had been found yet. A decade before, after one of the caretakers at their elephant sanctuary was trampled by accident, Jenna’s mother, Alice, was found nearby, unconscious, and was taken to the hospital. When she regained her wits, Alice bolted from the building and disappeared. It haunted Jenna ever since. What kind of mother abandons her little daughter?  Was Alice hurt or killed?  That was something Jenna absolutely needed to know – and so, old enough to have saved money from babysitting and birthday gifts, she hired a psychic and a detective. Once upon a time, Virgil Stanhope was proud of his career. He’d been one of the lead detectives on the death of the elephant caretaker and the disappearance of Alice Metcalf – but he was having second thoughts. He knew back then that he’d done a hack job. Why hadn’t he dug further into this case? It had been a long time since The Dead had spoken to Serenity Jones, and she missed it. Ever since a brash, egotistical mistake ruined her TV career, she couldn’t get a human to talk to her, much less a spirit. So when Jenna showed up on Serenity’s doorstep, asking for help, and messages began whispering in Serenity’s head, what could the seer do but listen? For most of her life, Alice Metcalf was devoted to the study of elephants. They were fascinating to her, and the ultimate reason her life had turned out as it had. She saw so many parallels between pachyderms and humans: love, joy, grief. Especially grief… Got a calendar? Clear it. Cancel your plans. Once you’ve got “Leaving Time” in your hands, you won’t want to do anything but spend time with this book. Through the voices of four main characters, author Jodi Picoult gives readers the kind of novel they’ve come to expect, but with a twist: there’s some mystery in this book. We aren’t sure what happened to Alice , if she’s a killer, a victim, or something else. That keeps-you-guessing factor appears in every Picoult novel, but in this book, it’ll make you page back to see how you didn’t catch the clues and to marvel at where you went in the meantime. And I’m going to stop there. I can’t bear to ruin your enjoyment of unwrapping the layers in this excellent book. Just know that if you’ve got “Leaving Time,” you’ll only want everyone to leave you alone to read. Bookworm Blog, 2014-10-22T12:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-the-language-of-houses http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-the-language-of-houses#When:13:00:00Z “The Language of Houses: How Buildings Speak to Us” by Alison Lurie, c.2014, Delphinium Books, $24.95, 311 pages. The building must be nearly done. Every day for months, you’ve seen it on your way to work. You’ve watched it go from a hole in the ground, to a steel skeleton, to a behemoth structure that you’re glad you’ll never have to enter. The whole place seems unwelcoming. But why?  Why get the heebie-jeebies over a building?  In the new book “The Language of Houses” by Alison Lurie, you’ll see how that place and your home both have a lot to say. Ask any preschooler to draw a house and, if she’s happy and secure, you’ll probably get “Happy House” with peaked roof, a door in the lower middle and symmetrical windows, surrounded by trees and a smiling sun. Yes, even at that age, we tend to instinctively link a simple home with good feelings. We also instinctively know what a building is for, just by looking at it. There’s no mistaking a hospital, for instance, with a night club. A public building constructed of wood “is slightly suspect unless it’s a church.” Huge stone columns generally indicate that we’re entering somewhere formal (real or imagined), just as a porch swing and flowers (even artificial ones) say “welcome.” A building’s color says a lot, too: like business clothes, public buildings are usually neutrally-toned. Colors can indicate an intended décor or the kind of merchandise you’ll find in a store. Even lack of color speaks volumes about the people inside. As for that interior, we expect it to match the exterior. In our minds, therefore, Victorian charmers shouldn’t contain post-modern furniture. Ranch homes, once the most popular builds, should be cozy and relaxed. It feels wrong to find otherwise. On that note, consider this: many newly-built houses contain rooms that are rarely, if ever, used. Or this: when you were a kid, you were likely familiar with your friends’ bedrooms. That’s probably not the case now. Houses speak of gender, status, and age of their occupants. They can speak with local dialect or foreign accents. And despite that they’re inanimate objects, we fondly remember some and mourn others – and that’s natural. “After all,” says Lurie, “we are a territorial species.” When you think about it, what’s in “The Language of Houses” is quite commonsensical. And maybe that’s the point: author Alison Lurie makes you think about your home, your workplace, and what the outside world knows from them. Indeed, after reading this book, it’s really very difficult not to look at buildings in a different way – and that includes churches, prisons, hospitals, and schools, all of which Lurie touches upon here. You’ll also learn about the things inside our buildings, why we place furniture as we do, what specific rooms say about who we think we are, and a basic history of housing and fads. If you enjoy decorating, this book will build on your knowledge. Architecture fans will demolish it, as will historians. Readers in the mood for something different will also love “The Language of Houses.”  Don’t you have room for it, too? “The Language of Houses: How Buildings Speak to Us” by Alison Lurie, c.2014, Delphinium Books, $24.95, 311 pages. The building must be nearly done. Every day for months, you’ve seen it on your way to work. You’ve watched it go from a hole in the ground, to a steel skeleton, to a behemoth structure that you’re glad you’ll never have to enter. The whole place seems unwelcoming. But why?  Why get the heebie-jeebies over a building?  In the new book “The Language of Houses” by Alison Lurie, you’ll see how that place and your home both have a lot to say. Ask any preschooler to draw a house and, if she’s happy and secure, you’ll probably get “Happy House” with peaked roof, a door in the lower middle and symmetrical windows, surrounded by trees and a smiling sun. Yes, even at that age, we tend to instinctively link a simple home with good feelings. We also instinctively know what a building is for, just by looking at it. There’s no mistaking a hospital, for instance, with a night club. A public building constructed of wood “is slightly suspect unless it’s a church.” Huge stone columns generally indicate that we’re entering somewhere formal (real or imagined), just as a porch swing and flowers (even artificial ones) say “welcome.” A building’s color says a lot, too: like business clothes, public buildings are usually neutrally-toned. Colors can indicate an intended décor or the kind of merchandise you’ll find in a store. Even lack of color speaks volumes about the people inside. As for that interior, we expect it to match the exterior. In our minds, therefore, Victorian charmers shouldn’t contain post-modern furniture. Ranch homes, once the most popular builds, should be cozy and relaxed. It feels wrong to find otherwise. On that note, consider this: many newly-built houses contain rooms that are rarely, if ever, used. Or this: when you were a kid, you were likely familiar with your friends’ bedrooms. That’s probably not the case now. Houses speak of gender, status, and age of their occupants. They can speak with local dialect or foreign accents. And despite that they’re inanimate objects, we fondly remember some and mourn others – and that’s natural. “After all,” says Lurie, “we are a territorial species.” When you think about it, what’s in “The Language of Houses” is quite commonsensical. And maybe that’s the point: author Alison Lurie makes you think about your home, your workplace, and what the outside world knows from them. Indeed, after reading this book, it’s really very difficult not to look at buildings in a different way – and that includes churches, prisons, hospitals, and schools, all of which Lurie touches upon here. You’ll also learn about the things inside our buildings, why we place furniture as we do, what specific rooms say about who we think we are, and a basic history of housing and fads. If you enjoy decorating, this book will build on your knowledge. Architecture fans will demolish it, as will historians. Readers in the mood for something different will also love “The Language of Houses.”  Don’t you have room for it, too? Bookworm Blog, 2014-10-15T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-a-cup-of-water-under-my-bed http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-a-cup-of-water-under-my-bed#When:15:01:00Z What’s inside? Good question – and once you learned that you can determine the answer by taking things apart, well, nothing was safe. The hidden parts, an object’s guts, were always more complicated and more interesting than what was on the outside. Isn’t life like that: what you don’t see is sometimes better than what you do?  Unraveling her story for examination in “A Cup of Water Under My Bed,” author Daisy Hernández, lets us find out.  Until she was in kindergarten, Daisy Hernández’s entire world sat in Union City , New Jersey . Her parents, her Cuban father and Colombian mother, spoke only Spanish at home – although Hernández learned a smattering of English here and there; more, once she was sent to Catholic school. English always held a certain fascination for her but Hernández’s three tías insisted she keep up with her Spanish, which she resented. There were words that didn’t translate easily from English to her parents’ language, so there were things she couldn’t share with her elders. To “make that leap… to leave for another language hurts.”  Perhaps not surprisingly, when she told her father that she wanted to be a writer, he told her she’d “gone crazy.”  Still, Hernández pursued her dream, maybe because storytelling was in her blood: her Mami loved sharing tales of her own immigration from Colombia , how she’d heard that money grew on trees but, instead of finding cash on the ground like leaves, she’d had to find a factory job.  Such stories of strength in her mostly-female household gave Hernández a map of life and relationships. She learned about men and whom to marry, disappointing her Mami and tías with her first Colombian boyfriend. American boys, they told her, were better because “Anything made in America works” but, at seventeen, Hernández was sure she was in love. That Colombian boy taught her a lot about sex. So did a feminist body-awareness class she took early in her college career, which was where she suddenly understood a long-held feeling that, once articulated, would hurt her mother and cause a rift with her favorite auntie. “I love kissing boys,” Hernández says, “but a girl. I could kiss a girl.” My first impression of “A Cup of Water Under My Bed” led to heavy sighing. It starts with a dismaying tale of invisibility and poverty, which made me think I had another pity-party memoir in my hands. Ach, I was wrong. With wit and respectful grace, author Daisy Hernández shares stories of love for family, of strong (despite herself) roots, and of assimilation and claiming who you are without losing who you were. These tales are sprinkled, essay style, with powerful anecdotes of self-discovery that I couldn’t get enough of. I also enjoyed the unwavering tone that Hernández takes, speaking her truth, firmly, no arguments. That no-nonsense attitude mixes nicely with quiet humor and familial devotion to make this a don’t-miss for memoir fans. And if that’s you, then have “A Cup of Water Under My Bed.” You’ll like what’s inside. What’s inside? Good question – and once you learned that you can determine the answer by taking things apart, well, nothing was safe. The hidden parts, an object’s guts, were always more complicated and more interesting than what was on the outside. Isn’t life like that: what you don’t see is sometimes better than what you do?  Unraveling her story for examination in “A Cup of Water Under My Bed,” author Daisy Hernández, lets us find out.  Until she was in kindergarten, Daisy Hernández’s entire world sat in Union City , New Jersey . Her parents, her Cuban father and Colombian mother, spoke only Spanish at home – although Hernández learned a smattering of English here and there; more, once she was sent to Catholic school. English always held a certain fascination for her but Hernández’s three tías insisted she keep up with her Spanish, which she resented. There were words that didn’t translate easily from English to her parents’ language, so there were things she couldn’t share with her elders. To “make that leap… to leave for another language hurts.”  Perhaps not surprisingly, when she told her father that she wanted to be a writer, he told her she’d “gone crazy.”  Still, Hernández pursued her dream, maybe because storytelling was in her blood: her Mami loved sharing tales of her own immigration from Colombia , how she’d heard that money grew on trees but, instead of finding cash on the ground like leaves, she’d had to find a factory job.  Such stories of strength in her mostly-female household gave Hernández a map of life and relationships. She learned about men and whom to marry, disappointing her Mami and tías with her first Colombian boyfriend. American boys, they told her, were better because “Anything made in America works” but, at seventeen, Hernández was sure she was in love. That Colombian boy taught her a lot about sex. So did a feminist body-awareness class she took early in her college career, which was where she suddenly understood a long-held feeling that, once articulated, would hurt her mother and cause a rift with her favorite auntie. “I love kissing boys,” Hernández says, “but a girl. I could kiss a girl.” My first impression of “A Cup of Water Under My Bed” led to heavy sighing. It starts with a dismaying tale of invisibility and poverty, which made me think I had another pity-party memoir in my hands. Ach, I was wrong. With wit and respectful grace, author Daisy Hernández shares stories of love for family, of strong (despite herself) roots, and of assimilation and claiming who you are without losing who you were. These tales are sprinkled, essay style, with powerful anecdotes of self-discovery that I couldn’t get enough of. I also enjoyed the unwavering tone that Hernández takes, speaking her truth, firmly, no arguments. That no-nonsense attitude mixes nicely with quiet humor and familial devotion to make this a don’t-miss for memoir fans. And if that’s you, then have “A Cup of Water Under My Bed.” You’ll like what’s inside. Bookworm Blog, 2014-10-01T15:01:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-skink-no-surrender-by-carl-hiaasen http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-skink-no-surrender-by-carl-hiaasen#When:16:12:00Z Sorry to say, but know all about Santa. Yeah, you learned the truth about the Jolly Old Elf years ago, but you let your younger sibs believe. Same with the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy: get past grade school and you’re a little old for that stuff.  So if, in the new book “Skink – No Surrender” by Carl Hiaasen, fourteen-year-old Richard Sloan said he met a one-eyed, bearded, beak-wearing man-bear on a Florida beach, who’d believe him? Malley was almost never late. It’s true that she was a rebel and gave her parents plenty of grief, but late?  No, Richard Sloan knew his cousin Mal hated tardiness, which is why he was surprised when she didn’t show up on their nightly turtle nest hunt. Figuring that Malley was grounded (again), Richard decided to scout for egg-laying loggerheads anyhow. He was sitting next to a turtle nest when he saw a drinking straw poking out of the ground – right before the sand exploded and a gigantic man burst from the beach, scaring the daylights out of Richard. The guy was well over six feet tall, with different colored eyes pointing in different directions. He was wearing an ancient army jacket, camo pants, and vulture beaks tied in his long, scraggly beard. When he said his name was Clint Tyree, Richard couldn’t wait to Google it. It turned out that Clint Tyree, college football star and Vietnam vet, had somehow gotten elected to the Florida governor’s office years ago. Halfway through his term, he disappeared. Rumors said he lived in the wilderness as a hermit called Skink; one post said Skink was dead, but Richard knew that wasn’t true. He’d met Clint “Skink” Tyree. And Skink knew where Malley was. She’d lied to her parents when she said she was leaving early for boarding school, and had instead run away with a man with a strange alias. But now there was trouble, few clues to her whereabouts, and a lot of places to hide in Florida ’s Gulf Coast . Riding with Skink in a plain gray car heading north, Richard hoped the governor knew all that. And he hoped they weren’t too late… So you’ve known the truth about Santa for a few years: the dude doesn’t exist. It’s a fact, but after reading this book you’ll wish that Skink did. I mean, what can you say about an old guy who eats road kill, barely bathes, is moral and kind, but hates trouble? “Weirdly addictive.” That’s what you can say because author Carl Hiaasen’s main man – here in a teen novel for the first time – is someone you can’t resist. Indeed, the title character in “Skink – No Surrender” is outrageously, appealingly wild and the story is rompish with a surprisingly keen element of suspense, which will keep readers laughing and turning pages. Adult fans of Skink will run to find this book, but it’s mostly meant for readers age 14 and up. Still, you know you want it because “Skink – No Surrender” will make you say ho-ho-ho. Sorry to say, but know all about Santa. Yeah, you learned the truth about the Jolly Old Elf years ago, but you let your younger sibs believe. Same with the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy: get past grade school and you’re a little old for that stuff.  So if, in the new book “Skink – No Surrender” by Carl Hiaasen, fourteen-year-old Richard Sloan said he met a one-eyed, bearded, beak-wearing man-bear on a Florida beach, who’d believe him? Malley was almost never late. It’s true that she was a rebel and gave her parents plenty of grief, but late?  No, Richard Sloan knew his cousin Mal hated tardiness, which is why he was surprised when she didn’t show up on their nightly turtle nest hunt. Figuring that Malley was grounded (again), Richard decided to scout for egg-laying loggerheads anyhow. He was sitting next to a turtle nest when he saw a drinking straw poking out of the ground – right before the sand exploded and a gigantic man burst from the beach, scaring the daylights out of Richard. The guy was well over six feet tall, with different colored eyes pointing in different directions. He was wearing an ancient army jacket, camo pants, and vulture beaks tied in his long, scraggly beard. When he said his name was Clint Tyree, Richard couldn’t wait to Google it. It turned out that Clint Tyree, college football star and Vietnam vet, had somehow gotten elected to the Florida governor’s office years ago. Halfway through his term, he disappeared. Rumors said he lived in the wilderness as a hermit called Skink; one post said Skink was dead, but Richard knew that wasn’t true. He’d met Clint “Skink” Tyree. And Skink knew where Malley was. She’d lied to her parents when she said she was leaving early for boarding school, and had instead run away with a man with a strange alias. But now there was trouble, few clues to her whereabouts, and a lot of places to hide in Florida ’s Gulf Coast . Riding with Skink in a plain gray car heading north, Richard hoped the governor knew all that. And he hoped they weren’t too late… So you’ve known the truth about Santa for a few years: the dude doesn’t exist. It’s a fact, but after reading this book you’ll wish that Skink did. I mean, what can you say about an old guy who eats road kill, barely bathes, is moral and kind, but hates trouble? “Weirdly addictive.” That’s what you can say because author Carl Hiaasen’s main man – here in a teen novel for the first time – is someone you can’t resist. Indeed, the title character in “Skink – No Surrender” is outrageously, appealingly wild and the story is rompish with a surprisingly keen element of suspense, which will keep readers laughing and turning pages. Adult fans of Skink will run to find this book, but it’s mostly meant for readers age 14 and up. Still, you know you want it because “Skink – No Surrender” will make you say ho-ho-ho. Bookworm Blog, 2014-09-24T16:12:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-cosby-his-life-and-times http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-cosby-his-life-and-times#When:14:10:00Z For many years, you spent every Thursday night in the living room of a friend - and you never left your easy chair. Those Thursday nights were appointments you wouldn’t think of missing, and you always left with a smile. The Huxtable family was just like your family. And in the new book “Cosby: His Life and Times” by Mark Whitaker, you’ll learn what that TV show almost was, and more. William Henry Cosby, Jr. was born into a storytelling family. Though his father was mostly absent, young Cosby was heavily influenced by his paternal grandfather, a spiritual man who loved telling Bible stories. Cosby sometimes had a hard time understanding his grandfather’s Southern accent, but the elder man’s methods of holding an audience stuck with him forever. c.2014, Simon & Schuster               $29.99 / $35.95 Canada             544 pages After dropping out of high school, and once home from a stint in the Navy (where he worked in the Hospital Corps and got his GED), Cosby left Philadelphia and headed to New York City. There, he slept on the storeroom floor of a Greenwich Village club, and performed on a rickety stage beneath a leaky ceiling. Eventually, it paid off: word got around that he was a funny guy, one who didn’t rely on profanity or racial material to get laughs. Cosby soon had a manager, a wife, and a seat next to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. For Cosby, personally, it was a golden time: his comedy career was soaring, he was starring in a TV crime-drama, and he’d become a father. Offstage, however, the nation was working its way through the Civil Rights Movement and for Cosby, that created a stronger urge to help his “people.” As much as possible, he insisted on hiring more African Americans backstage, and assisted many in their show-business careers. He was also fierce about education (he had once wanted to be a teacher), and created children’s programming with that in mind. In 1984, having heard that Bill Cosby was open to the possibility of a sitcom, Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner asked for a meeting. They had something in mind for a different kind of comedy. Cosby had some ideas of his own… Reading “Cosby: His Life and Times” is kind of like visiting your childhood on paper. Who among us hasn’t felt like we’ve always known Fat Albert and the Huxtable family?  Who didn’t want to run away and live with Cliff and Claire? Not many, I’d guess, and that’s why readers will be surprised at what author Mark Whitaker uncovered. Not only are we treated to the good in Cosby’s life, but Whitaker includes the warts, both onstage and off, as well as the what-ifs within Cosby’s career – and I just couldn’t get enough of it. What if, for instance, Cliff Huxtable had been a limo driver? Are you shaking your head now?  Me, too, as I devoured this comfort-food biography – and if that sounds tasty to you, then here’s your next book. Grab “Cosby: His Life and Times” and head for your easy chair. For many years, you spent every Thursday night in the living room of a friend - and you never left your easy chair. Those Thursday nights were appointments you wouldn’t think of missing, and you always left with a smile. The Huxtable family was just like your family. And in the new book “Cosby: His Life and Times” by Mark Whitaker, you’ll learn what that TV show almost was, and more. William Henry Cosby, Jr. was born into a storytelling family. Though his father was mostly absent, young Cosby was heavily influenced by his paternal grandfather, a spiritual man who loved telling Bible stories. Cosby sometimes had a hard time understanding his grandfather’s Southern accent, but the elder man’s methods of holding an audience stuck with him forever. c.2014, Simon & Schuster               $29.99 / $35.95 Canada             544 pages After dropping out of high school, and once home from a stint in the Navy (where he worked in the Hospital Corps and got his GED), Cosby left Philadelphia and headed to New York City. There, he slept on the storeroom floor of a Greenwich Village club, and performed on a rickety stage beneath a leaky ceiling. Eventually, it paid off: word got around that he was a funny guy, one who didn’t rely on profanity or racial material to get laughs. Cosby soon had a manager, a wife, and a seat next to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. For Cosby, personally, it was a golden time: his comedy career was soaring, he was starring in a TV crime-drama, and he’d become a father. Offstage, however, the nation was working its way through the Civil Rights Movement and for Cosby, that created a stronger urge to help his “people.” As much as possible, he insisted on hiring more African Americans backstage, and assisted many in their show-business careers. He was also fierce about education (he had once wanted to be a teacher), and created children’s programming with that in mind. In 1984, having heard that Bill Cosby was open to the possibility of a sitcom, Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner asked for a meeting. They had something in mind for a different kind of comedy. Cosby had some ideas of his own… Reading “Cosby: His Life and Times” is kind of like visiting your childhood on paper. Who among us hasn’t felt like we’ve always known Fat Albert and the Huxtable family?  Who didn’t want to run away and live with Cliff and Claire? Not many, I’d guess, and that’s why readers will be surprised at what author Mark Whitaker uncovered. Not only are we treated to the good in Cosby’s life, but Whitaker includes the warts, both onstage and off, as well as the what-ifs within Cosby’s career – and I just couldn’t get enough of it. What if, for instance, Cliff Huxtable had been a limo driver? Are you shaking your head now?  Me, too, as I devoured this comfort-food biography – and if that sounds tasty to you, then here’s your next book. Grab “Cosby: His Life and Times” and head for your easy chair. Bookworm Blog, 2014-09-17T14:10:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-five-days-left http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/book-review-five-days-left#When:16:00:00Z Grandma was right. Darn it. Every year, when November rolled around and you longed for the holidays, she told you not to wish your life away. Time moved fast enough, she said, and it went faster the older you get. Back then, a week lasted forever; today, you blink and where did it go?  And in the new novel “Five Days Left” by Julie Lawson Timmer, even that’s not enough time. Texas lawyer Mara Nichols always did her research. It was something she prided herself on – until Huntington’s Disease robbed her of her moods, memory, and then her job.  What horrified her more than this loss of identity, though, was that, if her disease progressed as she understood it, she would lose control of her body more and more, little by little, until there was no Mara left. She’d be a burden to her husband, Tom, and an embarrassment for their daughter, Lakshmi – and that, to Mara, was unacceptable. Four years prior, when she received her diagnosis and knew what was to come, she made a decision: if symptoms progressed beyond a certain point, she would take her own life. That was best – a gift, really – for her parents, and for Tom and Laks. She could never tell them this, but they’d understand later. She now had five days to wrap up her life. Laurie Coffman always wanted a family but fostering a grade-school child from inner-city Detroit wasn’t what she had in mind – particularly since she was pregnant with her first baby. For her husband, Scott, though, having Curtis for a year was so incredibly rewarding. It had been a challenge, for sure; Scott was happy to get advice from friends on an online forum, and it really helped him and Laurie to raise Little Man. Scott fell hard for Curtis in the past, fleeting year, but he never forgot one thing. Curtis wasn’t his son. And in five days, the boy would return to his mother… Here’s one thing you might as well warm up to: you will cry when you read “Five Days Left.”  You. Will. Cry. First-time author Julie Lawson Timmer hasn’t merely just penned a good novel; she leaps out of the chute here with this keeps-you-guessing story of two people who have a finite time – real or imagined - to spend with those they love. It’s that guessing part, the will-she-won’t-she on Mara’s behalf, and the frustration from Scott that kept me turning pages well into the night. I also found myself wondering what I’d do if I was in their shoes, which led me to ignore my clock as I got wrapped up in their lives and this story – and if that’s not the mark of an exceptional novel, well, then I don’t know what is. This is one of those winners that’ll be passed from reader to fan to book group and beyond. It’s a novel that people will buzz about awhile. Start it, and I think you’ll agree that “Five Days Left” is a right fine read. Grandma was right. Darn it. Every year, when November rolled around and you longed for the holidays, she told you not to wish your life away. Time moved fast enough, she said, and it went faster the older you get. Back then, a week lasted forever; today, you blink and where did it go?  And in the new novel “Five Days Left” by Julie Lawson Timmer, even that’s not enough time. Texas lawyer Mara Nichols always did her research. It was something she prided herself on – until Huntington’s Disease robbed her of her moods, memory, and then her job.  What horrified her more than this loss of identity, though, was that, if her disease progressed as she understood it, she would lose control of her body more and more, little by little, until there was no Mara left. She’d be a burden to her husband, Tom, and an embarrassment for their daughter, Lakshmi – and that, to Mara, was unacceptable. Four years prior, when she received her diagnosis and knew what was to come, she made a decision: if symptoms progressed beyond a certain point, she would take her own life. That was best – a gift, really – for her parents, and for Tom and Laks. She could never tell them this, but they’d understand later. She now had five days to wrap up her life. Laurie Coffman always wanted a family but fostering a grade-school child from inner-city Detroit wasn’t what she had in mind – particularly since she was pregnant with her first baby. For her husband, Scott, though, having Curtis for a year was so incredibly rewarding. It had been a challenge, for sure; Scott was happy to get advice from friends on an online forum, and it really helped him and Laurie to raise Little Man. Scott fell hard for Curtis in the past, fleeting year, but he never forgot one thing. Curtis wasn’t his son. And in five days, the boy would return to his mother… Here’s one thing you might as well warm up to: you will cry when you read “Five Days Left.”  You. Will. Cry. First-time author Julie Lawson Timmer hasn’t merely just penned a good novel; she leaps out of the chute here with this keeps-you-guessing story of two people who have a finite time – real or imagined - to spend with those they love. It’s that guessing part, the will-she-won’t-she on Mara’s behalf, and the frustration from Scott that kept me turning pages well into the night. I also found myself wondering what I’d do if I was in their shoes, which led me to ignore my clock as I got wrapped up in their lives and this story – and if that’s not the mark of an exceptional novel, well, then I don’t know what is. This is one of those winners that’ll be passed from reader to fan to book group and beyond. It’s a novel that people will buzz about awhile. Start it, and I think you’ll agree that “Five Days Left” is a right fine read. Bookworm Blog, 2014-09-11T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/being-miss-america-behind-the-rhinestone-curtain-by-kate-shindle http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/being-miss-america-behind-the-rhinestone-curtain-by-kate-shindle#When:16:20:00Z Elbow, elbow, wrist-wrist-wrist. It’s like icing a cake with your hand, they say, and you practiced that wave aplenty when you were young. You never knew when you might find yourself walking down a long stage with roses in your arms and a crown on your head. Millions of young women try. Only one per year becomes Miss America – most of the time. In “Being Miss America ” by Kate Shindle, you’ll peek behind the brocade curtains to learn more. Growing up in New Jersey, in a family that often volunteered for the Miss America Organization, Kate Shindle had a first-hand, on-the-ground look at making a pageant. That knowledge obviously didn’t scare her: she later entered a local Illinois pageant, won, and won again to eventually become Miss America 1998. Pageant fans know that the first Miss America was crowned in 1921, in an effort to keep tourists on The Boardwalk a little longer. Only one woman won the title twice (1922 and 1923). There’s been one Jewish winner (1945) and one Native American title-holder (1927), but no Muslims or lesbians (yet) to wear the crown. Scholarships weren’t given until Miss America 1943 suggested them. The pageant schedule, originally set for mid-September-ish, has often been in flux; in fact, it was completely cancelled for a few Depression-Era years. In the beginning, there was no “platform” (it seems to have “become a thing of the past” today). Swimsuit parades clashed with feminism, racism quietly lingered as “an ugly underbelly,” countdowns were tweaked, and the pageant once endured an attempt at reality TV. Political maneuvers and corporate rules now determine things. Today, Shindle still gets the “What was it like?” question, and it’s complicated. At first, travelling was fun and receiving gifts was interesting. Both became tedious pretty quickly. She was happy to have a chance to work with HIV awareness, but was often instructed on what she couldn’t say. Winning the pageant was empowering, but with the growing popularity of the internet then, it was too easy to find forums filled with vitriol and even easier to fall into an eating disorder… It’s very safe to say that the majority of us never were Miss America material. That never stopped us from dreaming, though, which is why a behind-the-scenes book like “Being Miss America ” is so fun to read. Author Kate Shindle takes the (elbow-length) gloves off in this book, and tells the truth as she knows it: the good and bad of wearing the crown, the humor and difficulty of being an “ideal” woman, changes that title-holders have made within pageant workings, and the struggles some have endured. She does this with wit and passion, as well as with sadness; Miss America ’s future, as Shindle sees it, isn’t quite so rosy but, with work, “she can become something greater than ever.” I liked this book for its lightly-scandalous humor and its tarnished-crown honesty, and if you’re a pageant-watcher, I think you’ll like it, too. Grab “Being Miss America ,” and you can wave the hours good-bye. Elbow, elbow, wrist-wrist-wrist. It’s like icing a cake with your hand, they say, and you practiced that wave aplenty when you were young. You never knew when you might find yourself walking down a long stage with roses in your arms and a crown on your head. Millions of young women try. Only one per year becomes Miss America – most of the time. In “Being Miss America ” by Kate Shindle, you’ll peek behind the brocade curtains to learn more. Growing up in New Jersey, in a family that often volunteered for the Miss America Organization, Kate Shindle had a first-hand, on-the-ground look at making a pageant. That knowledge obviously didn’t scare her: she later entered a local Illinois pageant, won, and won again to eventually become Miss America 1998. Pageant fans know that the first Miss America was crowned in 1921, in an effort to keep tourists on The Boardwalk a little longer. Only one woman won the title twice (1922 and 1923). There’s been one Jewish winner (1945) and one Native American title-holder (1927), but no Muslims or lesbians (yet) to wear the crown. Scholarships weren’t given until Miss America 1943 suggested them. The pageant schedule, originally set for mid-September-ish, has often been in flux; in fact, it was completely cancelled for a few Depression-Era years. In the beginning, there was no “platform” (it seems to have “become a thing of the past” today). Swimsuit parades clashed with feminism, racism quietly lingered as “an ugly underbelly,” countdowns were tweaked, and the pageant once endured an attempt at reality TV. Political maneuvers and corporate rules now determine things. Today, Shindle still gets the “What was it like?” question, and it’s complicated. At first, travelling was fun and receiving gifts was interesting. Both became tedious pretty quickly. She was happy to have a chance to work with HIV awareness, but was often instructed on what she couldn’t say. Winning the pageant was empowering, but with the growing popularity of the internet then, it was too easy to find forums filled with vitriol and even easier to fall into an eating disorder… It’s very safe to say that the majority of us never were Miss America material. That never stopped us from dreaming, though, which is why a behind-the-scenes book like “Being Miss America ” is so fun to read. Author Kate Shindle takes the (elbow-length) gloves off in this book, and tells the truth as she knows it: the good and bad of wearing the crown, the humor and difficulty of being an “ideal” woman, changes that title-holders have made within pageant workings, and the struggles some have endured. She does this with wit and passion, as well as with sadness; Miss America ’s future, as Shindle sees it, isn’t quite so rosy but, with work, “she can become something greater than ever.” I liked this book for its lightly-scandalous humor and its tarnished-crown honesty, and if you’re a pageant-watcher, I think you’ll like it, too. Grab “Being Miss America ,” and you can wave the hours good-bye. Bookworm Blog, 2014-09-02T16:20:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/joe-and-marilyn-legends-in-love-by-c.-david-heymann http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/joe-and-marilyn-legends-in-love-by-c.-david-heymann#When:16:00:00Z Can’t live with him, can’t live without him. That’s apparently, according to headlines, what your favorite star thinks of her first, third, and next husband – who happens to be the same man. It’s kinda silly. You can practically set your calendar by their splits and reconciliations. You shake your head. Can’t live with him. Can’t live without her. It happens, as you’ll see in the new book “Joe and Marilyn: Legends in Love” by C. David Heymann. The first time Joe DiMaggio met Marilyn Monroe was on a blind date. He’d began “thinking” about Marilyn once he saw publicity photos of her with another ball player, and he asked a friend to set them up. She pretended not to know who the great Yankee ballplayer was. He sat mute nearly the whole evening. And yet, Marilyn (born Norma Jeane Baker) thought he was “different” and wanted to spend more time with him. He was equally smitten and, on an after-date drive, he opened up to her like he’d never done with any other woman. He was reserved and gentlemanly. He called her again the morning after, and romance blossomed. But there were problems. Joe “didn’t know if he could deal with her voracious appetite for public exposure.” For Marilyn, being center of attention was as necessary as oxygen and, though she said she wanted to settle down and “have a boatload of babies,” she was, down-deep, not willing to give up her career. Part of the problem, says Heymann, is that there were “two Norma Jeanes” – a little girl who craved love, and a mercurial and complicated woman who’d do anything for the limelight – even if it meant sleeping around. Another part of the problem was that Joe was hot-headed and controlling. He grew to detest publicity, and resented that his star had fizzled while hers was rising. Marilyn was more famous than he, and it rankled Joltin’ Joe aplenty. She called him “Pa,” and warmly embraced the son he mostly ignored. He advised her in the career he hated. They fought, reconciled, fought more, and wed in early 1954. It was a marriage that wouldn’t last the year. Let’s start here: I liked “Joe and Marilyn.”  I really, really liked it because, while rabid fans of either DiMaggio or Monroe won’t find much new here, I did and I liked the way it was presented. The late author C. David Heymann was, in telling this long, scandalous saga, balanced and informative without being sensational. Readers become privy to private issues, as well as behind-closed-doors activities that led to even more issues, yet we come to see the deep devotion that lingered for the lifetimes of DiMaggio and Monroe, even though they clearly couldn’t ever live together. That makes this an excellently-heartbreaking love story, a juicy gossip piece, a slice of culture, and sports – all rolled into one. And if you’re a fan of those, of DiMaggio, Monroe , or Hollywood of yore, then “Joe and Marilyn” is a book you really can’t be without. Can’t live with him, can’t live without him. That’s apparently, according to headlines, what your favorite star thinks of her first, third, and next husband – who happens to be the same man. It’s kinda silly. You can practically set your calendar by their splits and reconciliations. You shake your head. Can’t live with him. Can’t live without her. It happens, as you’ll see in the new book “Joe and Marilyn: Legends in Love” by C. David Heymann. The first time Joe DiMaggio met Marilyn Monroe was on a blind date. He’d began “thinking” about Marilyn once he saw publicity photos of her with another ball player, and he asked a friend to set them up. She pretended not to know who the great Yankee ballplayer was. He sat mute nearly the whole evening. And yet, Marilyn (born Norma Jeane Baker) thought he was “different” and wanted to spend more time with him. He was equally smitten and, on an after-date drive, he opened up to her like he’d never done with any other woman. He was reserved and gentlemanly. He called her again the morning after, and romance blossomed. But there were problems. Joe “didn’t know if he could deal with her voracious appetite for public exposure.” For Marilyn, being center of attention was as necessary as oxygen and, though she said she wanted to settle down and “have a boatload of babies,” she was, down-deep, not willing to give up her career. Part of the problem, says Heymann, is that there were “two Norma Jeanes” – a little girl who craved love, and a mercurial and complicated woman who’d do anything for the limelight – even if it meant sleeping around. Another part of the problem was that Joe was hot-headed and controlling. He grew to detest publicity, and resented that his star had fizzled while hers was rising. Marilyn was more famous than he, and it rankled Joltin’ Joe aplenty. She called him “Pa,” and warmly embraced the son he mostly ignored. He advised her in the career he hated. They fought, reconciled, fought more, and wed in early 1954. It was a marriage that wouldn’t last the year. Let’s start here: I liked “Joe and Marilyn.”  I really, really liked it because, while rabid fans of either DiMaggio or Monroe won’t find much new here, I did and I liked the way it was presented. The late author C. David Heymann was, in telling this long, scandalous saga, balanced and informative without being sensational. Readers become privy to private issues, as well as behind-closed-doors activities that led to even more issues, yet we come to see the deep devotion that lingered for the lifetimes of DiMaggio and Monroe, even though they clearly couldn’t ever live together. That makes this an excellently-heartbreaking love story, a juicy gossip piece, a slice of culture, and sports – all rolled into one. And if you’re a fan of those, of DiMaggio, Monroe , or Hollywood of yore, then “Joe and Marilyn” is a book you really can’t be without. Bookworm Blog, 2014-08-27T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/shots-fired-by-c.j.-box http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/shots-fired-by-c.j.-box#When:14:08:00Z You’re stuck. Trapped in an elevator, office, front seat of a car, wishing you were someplace, anyplace, else. The people with you are getting on your last nerve. You’ve heard the same phrases over and over and over and you want to scream. We’ve all been there. We’ve all lived through the irritation, but what’s funny is that it’s not at all chafing to read about it happening to someone else. And that’s just one of the themes in “Shots Fired,” a book of short stories by C.J. Box. Throughout the years, says Box, fans have asked where they could find some of his shorter works, wondering why there wasn’t an anthology. Now there is, with favorite characters and a few new faces. Take, for instance, “ One-Car Bridge ,” in which a ranch owned by a big-city bully is on the edge of Game Warden Joe Pickett’s territory. Joe has bad news for the owner, but it could be worse news for the ranch’s manager: he could lose his job over something that’s not his fault. Could help come from the U.S. Mail? Pickett, of course, is one of Box’s best-loved characters – maybe because Joe cherishes his neighbors so much. In “Dull Knife,” one of Wyoming ’s finest basketball players is dead. Joe remembers the girl, and he mourns what she could have been. How she died is an even bigger issue. Joe’s friend, Nate Romanowski also appears in this book and he’s loaded for bear – or, in this case, for a rich Saudi who seems to think he owns the rogue falconer and can buy what he demands. In “The Master Falconer,” fans will be surprised to see that Nate tows the line. Or not. Revenge is a dish best served cold, they say, but not necessarily in a canoe. In “Every Day is a Good Day on the River,” a long-awaited fishing trip turns into a nightmare when something unexpected shows up on the waters. And in my favorite story here, “The End of Jim and Ezra,” two trappers are caught for the winter in a cabin high in the mountains. It’s 1835 and it’s been Three. Long. Months of living practically on top of one another. Stir-crazy ain’t the word for it… You know how it is when you want a book, but not the whole book?  That’s when you reach for this: with its ten short stories, “Shots Fired” will just fill that nagging want-to-read hunger. And yet, what’s nice about this book is that you can make it last. Most of author C.J. Box’s tales are short enough to read in one sitting, but not so involved that you won’t feel bad putting a bookmark in them for a minute. And that’s about how long you’ll need a bookmark – a minute – because these mystery-western-human-interest tales are awfully addicting. If you’re a Box fan, this is a must-have. If you’ve never read his works, you’ll be a fan in short order because what’s inside “Shots Fired” will have you stuck to your seat. You’re stuck. Trapped in an elevator, office, front seat of a car, wishing you were someplace, anyplace, else. The people with you are getting on your last nerve. You’ve heard the same phrases over and over and over and you want to scream. We’ve all been there. We’ve all lived through the irritation, but what’s funny is that it’s not at all chafing to read about it happening to someone else. And that’s just one of the themes in “Shots Fired,” a book of short stories by C.J. Box. Throughout the years, says Box, fans have asked where they could find some of his shorter works, wondering why there wasn’t an anthology. Now there is, with favorite characters and a few new faces. Take, for instance, “ One-Car Bridge ,” in which a ranch owned by a big-city bully is on the edge of Game Warden Joe Pickett’s territory. Joe has bad news for the owner, but it could be worse news for the ranch’s manager: he could lose his job over something that’s not his fault. Could help come from the U.S. Mail? Pickett, of course, is one of Box’s best-loved characters – maybe because Joe cherishes his neighbors so much. In “Dull Knife,” one of Wyoming ’s finest basketball players is dead. Joe remembers the girl, and he mourns what she could have been. How she died is an even bigger issue. Joe’s friend, Nate Romanowski also appears in this book and he’s loaded for bear – or, in this case, for a rich Saudi who seems to think he owns the rogue falconer and can buy what he demands. In “The Master Falconer,” fans will be surprised to see that Nate tows the line. Or not. Revenge is a dish best served cold, they say, but not necessarily in a canoe. In “Every Day is a Good Day on the River,” a long-awaited fishing trip turns into a nightmare when something unexpected shows up on the waters. And in my favorite story here, “The End of Jim and Ezra,” two trappers are caught for the winter in a cabin high in the mountains. It’s 1835 and it’s been Three. Long. Months of living practically on top of one another. Stir-crazy ain’t the word for it… You know how it is when you want a book, but not the whole book?  That’s when you reach for this: with its ten short stories, “Shots Fired” will just fill that nagging want-to-read hunger. And yet, what’s nice about this book is that you can make it last. Most of author C.J. Box’s tales are short enough to read in one sitting, but not so involved that you won’t feel bad putting a bookmark in them for a minute. And that’s about how long you’ll need a bookmark – a minute – because these mystery-western-human-interest tales are awfully addicting. If you’re a Box fan, this is a must-have. If you’ve never read his works, you’ll be a fan in short order because what’s inside “Shots Fired” will have you stuck to your seat. Bookworm Blog, 2014-08-20T14:08:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-norm-chronicles-by-michael-blastland-and-david-spiegelhalter http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-norm-chronicles-by-michael-blastland-and-david-spiegelhalter#When:12:39:00Z You hadn’t seen your old classmate in years. He was never at reunions or any events. He never called you, either, and truth be known, you kind of forgot about him – until his name came up on Tuesday and on Wednesday afternoon, you spotted his face in the background of a stranger’s online photo. Total coincidence? What are the odds?  Michael Blastland and David Spiegelhalter say they’re actually pretty good, and in “The Norm Chronicles,” they explain. Congratulations, your lottery numbers all came up. You missed being in an accident. You were in the right place at the right time, but you didn’t “defy the odds.” That, say the authors, is impossible. “Odds,” they explain, “simply describe how many people are expected to be on each side of a possibility.”  Something good happened in the above situations; you were on the positive side, which is “meeting the odds.” And chance, of course, “always plays a part” in everything we do. From the moment we’re born, we risk: infants have the “same level of annual hazard” as do middle-age adults. Get to age 10, though, and you’re good to go for awhile, since that’s the approximate age of our lives, roughly speaking, when we’re safest and have the lowest relative units of “MicroMorts.” Or take, for instance, disease. You might think that everything causes cancer, but numbers can be deceiving. Is a specific risk relative or absolute? The former can “make the numbers seem scarier than maybe they should be.” Furthermore, the “nature of news” is that “things that are… likely to get you are not reported nearly so often as others that are rare.” Yes, some behaviors seem to invite disaster, but others “fall… into the same category of philosophy” that should include data on values and traditions. Alcoholic consumption is one of those. Is it chancy to get immunized?  To lose a job?  To eat 5,000 bananas?  Yes, but what we need to remember about risk, chance, and probability is that there is no average. You can be “average for some subset” of people but that can change – and besides,  it’s all about perception anyhow, since probability is a “recipe for muddle.” Through a mixture of fact and fiction about a regular Joe called Norm, “The Norm Chronicles” is an informative book that’ll tickle your funnybone. Or, as much as you can understand it, anyway. Authors Michael Blastland and David Spiegelhalter sprinkle wit all over their chapters and fill them with asides and silly stories that illustrate risk throughout life and in all aspects. The thing is, the facts and stats just don’t let up, which can be overwhelming for some readers. We learn one thing that seems contradictory elsewhere (the nature of possibility), and the numbers just keep on coming… Now, that’s not to say that this is a bad book; quite the contrary, it’s good entertainment, but it’s just going to need some digesting-time, that’s all. Give yourself that, and I think “The Norm Chronicles” is a book you’ll probably like. You hadn’t seen your old classmate in years. He was never at reunions or any events. He never called you, either, and truth be known, you kind of forgot about him – until his name came up on Tuesday and on Wednesday afternoon, you spotted his face in the background of a stranger’s online photo. Total coincidence? What are the odds?  Michael Blastland and David Spiegelhalter say they’re actually pretty good, and in “The Norm Chronicles,” they explain. Congratulations, your lottery numbers all came up. You missed being in an accident. You were in the right place at the right time, but you didn’t “defy the odds.” That, say the authors, is impossible. “Odds,” they explain, “simply describe how many people are expected to be on each side of a possibility.”  Something good happened in the above situations; you were on the positive side, which is “meeting the odds.” And chance, of course, “always plays a part” in everything we do. From the moment we’re born, we risk: infants have the “same level of annual hazard” as do middle-age adults. Get to age 10, though, and you’re good to go for awhile, since that’s the approximate age of our lives, roughly speaking, when we’re safest and have the lowest relative units of “MicroMorts.” Or take, for instance, disease. You might think that everything causes cancer, but numbers can be deceiving. Is a specific risk relative or absolute? The former can “make the numbers seem scarier than maybe they should be.” Furthermore, the “nature of news” is that “things that are… likely to get you are not reported nearly so often as others that are rare.” Yes, some behaviors seem to invite disaster, but others “fall… into the same category of philosophy” that should include data on values and traditions. Alcoholic consumption is one of those. Is it chancy to get immunized?  To lose a job?  To eat 5,000 bananas?  Yes, but what we need to remember about risk, chance, and probability is that there is no average. You can be “average for some subset” of people but that can change – and besides,  it’s all about perception anyhow, since probability is a “recipe for muddle.” Through a mixture of fact and fiction about a regular Joe called Norm, “The Norm Chronicles” is an informative book that’ll tickle your funnybone. Or, as much as you can understand it, anyway. Authors Michael Blastland and David Spiegelhalter sprinkle wit all over their chapters and fill them with asides and silly stories that illustrate risk throughout life and in all aspects. The thing is, the facts and stats just don’t let up, which can be overwhelming for some readers. We learn one thing that seems contradictory elsewhere (the nature of possibility), and the numbers just keep on coming… Now, that’s not to say that this is a bad book; quite the contrary, it’s good entertainment, but it’s just going to need some digesting-time, that’s all. Give yourself that, and I think “The Norm Chronicles” is a book you’ll probably like. Bookworm Blog, 2014-08-14T12:39:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-wolf-called-romeo-by-nick-jans http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-wolf-called-romeo-by-nick-jans#When:13:00:00Z Your dog just can’t get enough of “catch.” Yes, he has plenty of toys, and just picking one up incites a glint-eyed round of the game. Nothing, apparently, is better than snatching something from the air. He’d play til he dropped, if you’d let him. Some dogs love a ball. Some dogs love squeaky-toys, while others crave complicated playthings. And in the new book “A Wolf Called Romeo” by Nick Jans, some dogs have unusual playmates, too. Nick Jans was astounded at the size of the pawprints. They weren’t ordinary, dog-sized prints; these were huge, indicative of a wolf prowling near the city limits of Juneau , Alaska . It was a late afternoon in December 2003 and, though most residents of the Last Frontier “spend a lifetime” without ever spotting a wolf, here one was, almost teasing Jans with its bold presence. Days later, while walking their dogs, Jans and his wife encountered the wolf. He was full-coated, black, in the prime of his life, tipping the scales near 120 pounds – and before they could stop her, their Lab, Dakotah, dashed out to meet him, and to play. The wolf seemed smitten with the yellow (spayed) dog, a puppy-love that ultimately gave him his name. Though the Janses tried to keep Romeo under wraps, other dog owners also noted throughout that winter that the wolf interacted happily with their pets, too. From a handful of neighbors, Romeo’s fan club grew. When he returned for a second, then a third winter to the edge of Juneau , so did people who enjoyed his friendliness but often disregarded that he was still a wild animal. That made some Juneauites clamor for the wolf’s removal. Others, believing him a danger, wanted Romeo dead. But, as Jans noted, fatal wolf attacks are extremely rare. “You have to be… unlucky – right up there with being struck dead by a piece of space junk – to be killed by a wolf.”  And so Romeo stayed because “there was no basis for action unless something actually happened. And then it did.” There’ll be two camps that will read this review: those who love wolves and the natural history behind them, and those who think they’re varmints and want them eradicated. “A Wolf Called Romeo” is for the former type of reader. And yet, author Nick Jans offers his readers balance: in his basic overview of Canis lupus, he admits that attacks happen and that the presence of a wolf can be problematic; indeed, Romeo reverted to his natural behavior more than once, and may have killed a pet dog or two. Still, what happened to him, the controversy that swirled around him, and the aftermath of his unfortunate death are things that no self-respecting animal lover will want to miss. In addition to the wolfish tale here, I also enjoyed the travelogue that’s inherent in a story like this. I think that if you love wildlife, if you love nature, or you enjoy spending time outdoors, then “A Wolf Called Romeo” is a book to catch. Your dog just can’t get enough of “catch.” Yes, he has plenty of toys, and just picking one up incites a glint-eyed round of the game. Nothing, apparently, is better than snatching something from the air. He’d play til he dropped, if you’d let him. Some dogs love a ball. Some dogs love squeaky-toys, while others crave complicated playthings. And in the new book “A Wolf Called Romeo” by Nick Jans, some dogs have unusual playmates, too. Nick Jans was astounded at the size of the pawprints. They weren’t ordinary, dog-sized prints; these were huge, indicative of a wolf prowling near the city limits of Juneau , Alaska . It was a late afternoon in December 2003 and, though most residents of the Last Frontier “spend a lifetime” without ever spotting a wolf, here one was, almost teasing Jans with its bold presence. Days later, while walking their dogs, Jans and his wife encountered the wolf. He was full-coated, black, in the prime of his life, tipping the scales near 120 pounds – and before they could stop her, their Lab, Dakotah, dashed out to meet him, and to play. The wolf seemed smitten with the yellow (spayed) dog, a puppy-love that ultimately gave him his name. Though the Janses tried to keep Romeo under wraps, other dog owners also noted throughout that winter that the wolf interacted happily with their pets, too. From a handful of neighbors, Romeo’s fan club grew. When he returned for a second, then a third winter to the edge of Juneau , so did people who enjoyed his friendliness but often disregarded that he was still a wild animal. That made some Juneauites clamor for the wolf’s removal. Others, believing him a danger, wanted Romeo dead. But, as Jans noted, fatal wolf attacks are extremely rare. “You have to be… unlucky – right up there with being struck dead by a piece of space junk – to be killed by a wolf.”  And so Romeo stayed because “there was no basis for action unless something actually happened. And then it did.” There’ll be two camps that will read this review: those who love wolves and the natural history behind them, and those who think they’re varmints and want them eradicated. “A Wolf Called Romeo” is for the former type of reader. And yet, author Nick Jans offers his readers balance: in his basic overview of Canis lupus, he admits that attacks happen and that the presence of a wolf can be problematic; indeed, Romeo reverted to his natural behavior more than once, and may have killed a pet dog or two. Still, what happened to him, the controversy that swirled around him, and the aftermath of his unfortunate death are things that no self-respecting animal lover will want to miss. In addition to the wolfish tale here, I also enjoyed the travelogue that’s inherent in a story like this. I think that if you love wildlife, if you love nature, or you enjoy spending time outdoors, then “A Wolf Called Romeo” is a book to catch. Bookworm Blog, 2014-08-07T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/summer-lagniappe http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/summer-lagniappe#When:13:00:00Z This time of year always does it to you: you start seeing places to clean. Any other time, there can be a whole warren of dust bunnies living with you, but that restless last part of summer…?  Nope, gotta clean – which leads you to this years’ big discovery: a Christmas bookstore gift certificate that you forgot but that you found. So what to do with it?  You could send it to me. No, just kidding. Why not use it on any of these great reads: FICTION A forced suicide, a powerful family, and a long-buried secret are at the heart of “What We Lost in the Dark” by Jacquelyn Mitchard. When a young woman with a devastating disease loses her best friend, she knows who forced the girl into suicide. She knows, but what can she do? What can you do but read the latest novel from this beloved author? You might also like “Dirty Copper” by Jim Northrup. It’s the story of a Native American Marine who returns to the Rez after a stint in Vietnam and becomes a lawman. Needless to say, that’s not exactly what his fellow citizens want… If a little fantasy is to your liking, then try “Killer Frost” by Jennifer Estep. This latest installment of the Mythos Academy features a little bit of romance, a little bit of humor, and a lot of darkness – which will please current fans and make new ones. Yes, you can read this book all by itself, but you’ll be happier with at least one earlier one, to get you a bit more up to speed. Mystery mavens might enjoy “Rivers to Blood” by Michael Lister. It’s a noir-ish whodunit featuring a unique sleuth with an equally unique tie to crime. Here, he desperately tries to find a maniacal escaped prisoner and a killer with a penchant for cruelty. This is the sixth book with this crime-solving character, so beware: it might propel you to find the other five in this series. And if you’re still looking for your next whodunit, look for “Death Stalks Door County” by Patricia Skalka. It’s a mystery set up North and it’ll keep you guessing, whether you’ve traveled there or not. If you’re up for something a little different, try “The Newirth Mythology: the Invasion of Heaven by Michael B. Koep. It’s the story of a psychologist who falls from a cliff into the icy drink, and when he comes out of it, his life has changed. Nothing is the same, so he writes it all down for someone else to decipher. It’s part adventure, part fantasy, a bit of mystery, and all fun. NON-FICTION Are you hooked on leaving your status?  Can’t get enough of the memes your friends are posting? Then you’ll enjoy “Fakebook: A True Story. Based on Actual Lies” by Dave Cicirelli, a book about a Facebook experiment and what happens when a virtual life separates from the real one. And if that quirky book piques your interest, then you should also look for “A People’s History of the Peculiar” by Nick Belardes. It’s filled with quick-to-read entries about the weird, freaky, and unusual among us. World War II buffs will surely want to read “Under the Eagle” by Samuel Holiday, Navajo Code Talker, and Robert S. McPherson. It’s the story of Holiday’s life, his childhood, his culture, and his service in the War. This decorated veteran’s tale is one you won’t want to miss… Are you a Michael Perry fan yet? You will be after you’ve read “From the Top: Brief Transmissions from Tent Show Radio” by Michael Perry. This is a book filled with essays on this and that, a bit about something else, and comments that may make you nod your head in agreement. If you dream of a different life and are constantly searching for a way to have it, “Ancient Treasures” by Brian Haughton will help you dream. This fascinating book takes a look at riches found by treasure hunters, above ground, underwater, and under the sod. Take a look at this paperback and you’ll never look at a plot of land the same again. Readers who love treasure-hunting may also want to find “Defending Your Castle” by William Gurstelle. It’s about how you can make your own catapults, moats, bulletproof shields, and other things you might need to protect the treasure you’ll find… History fans won’t want to miss “Tudor: The Family Story 1437-1603” by Leanda De Lisle. It’s a thick book about Henry and Louis, Thomas Cromwell, Mrs. Henry I through VIII, Elisabeth the first, and her sister Mary. It’s deliciously scandalous, wonderfully detailed, and irresistible, if you’re a British history buff. Along the same lines, Downton Abbey fans will want “Servants: A Downstairs History of Britain from the Nineteenth Century to Modern Times” by Lucy Lethbridge. If you’re an animal lover – the wild kind or the wild-at-heart ones – you’ll enjoy “Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed” by Marc Bekoff. This anthology of quick-to-read chapters takes a look at the emotional lives, friendships, and intelligence that animals possess, and what you can do to observe and preserve it. For skeptics and believers alike, this is an eye-opening, thought-provoking book. Another interesting book by an author you won’t expect: “Myths of Love” by Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer and Jerome E. Singerman. It’s a book about ancient mythology and what it has to do with love and romance today. Parents of school-age children might like reading “The Hybrid Tiger: Secrets of the Extraordinary Success of Asian-American Kids” by Quanyu Huang. Mixing parenting advice with anecdotes illustrating the difference in culture and attitude, this book may set your child on a path to success… or it might rile you. Now aren’t you intrigued?  Also in the news: look at “Forcing the Spring: Inside the Fight for Marriage Equality” by Jo Becker. It’s a book about same-sex marriage in California and how that battle changed the way the nation looks at an institution. I was quite fascinated by “Folsom’s 93: The Lives and Crimes of Folsom Prison’s Executed Men” by April Moore. In this book, you’ll read about despicable crimes, horrible murders, and the men who paid for their transgressions with the ultimate punishment. And even though most of these executions happened around 100 years ago, this book will still chill the true crime fan. And if that sounds like a juicy read to you, then look for “Passport to Hell” by Terry Daniels, who spent time in a prison in Spain – five years after being cleared of charges. So your baby is heading for college in about a years’ time or so. That makes it a great time to check out “The Perfect Score Project” by Debbie Stier, a book about the SATs. How can you UP those numbers?  Is there a right way to study for them?  Find out by reading this book by a Mom who’s been there, done that. And for the student who’s going into sales after graduation (or even before!), “Ditch the Pitch” by Steve Yastrow is a book that might help him (or her). It’s about a new way of selling, which could be the start of an awesome career. If you’re itching for hunting season to start (or you mourn that it’s over), then look for “Wingbeats and Heartbeats” by Dave Books. This is a meditation in short bits on life, prey, prayer, and dogs. It’s also a book you’ll want to remember for gift-giving in a few months, too. Still, if hunting season is too far away for your tastes, look for “Wheel Fever” by Jesse J. Gant & Nicholas J. Hoffman. It’s a history-type book about Wisconsin, biking, and our love of the two-wheeler. HEALTH-RELATED If it looks like you’re going to be a caretaker this summer, then you may want to use your gift certificate to find “Happier Endings: A Meditation on Life and Death” by Erica Brown. It’s a book about the end, how to lessen fears of it, and how to make life before it, grander. Another book for a beautiful you, outside, is “Ageless Beauty: The Ultimate Skincare & Makeup Book for Women & Teens of Color” by Alfred Fornay and Yvonne Rose. This book includes step-by-step ideas for using make-up correctly, how to cover flaws, and how to know which cosmetics are right for you. Bonus: it’s easy to use and includes quizzes. Health care is another issue on the minds of a lot of people – and if you’re one of them, then find “The American Health Care Paradox” by Elizabeth H. Bradley and Lauren A. Taylor. It’s a book about why the cost of health care is going up but the outcome is, the authors profess, declining. There’s outrage in this book, but there’s hope, too, and that’s something every adult needs to know. Another book to look for – and this one is more for medical professionals – is “Taming Disruptive Behavior” by William “Marty” Martin, PsyD and Phillip Hemphill, PhD. It’s a book about making sure your patients follow along with their own protocol and treatment. At the end of the day, rest is what you want and you’ll find it inside “Burning the Midnight Oil” by Phil Cousineau, a book of short essays and poems by night owls and lovers of lateness. And if that doesn’t do the trick, then look for “Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Growth for the African American Community” by Daya Devi-Doolin. It’s a book that can teach you to do yoga (it has pictures!) and gain inner peace. Of course, you want to take care of yourself this summer, so why not know what’s inside first?  “Leonardo’s Foot” by Carol Ann Rinzler takes a look at those things at the end of your legs that help you perambulate. That’s walking, you know. Then, grab “Year of No Sugar” by Eve O. Schaub, a memoir about where sugar is, what it does, and one woman’s quest to see if she could live without it. MEMOIRS If a memoir is more to your liking, try “This is the Story of a Happy Marriage” by Ann Patchett.  This book – heartfelt and genuine – gives readers a peek inside the life of a beloved novelist, her family, her thoughts, and her love. I remember watching “The Great Santini” and then reading the book – or was it the other way around? Anyhow, you can guess how excited I was to see the true story that inspired it, “The Death of Santini” by Pat Conroy. It’s the true story of Conroy’s father, his mother, and the family dynamics that inspired Conroy’s novels (and the movies).  Bring tissues. You’ve been warned. For a lighter biography, look for “Romance is My Day Job” by Patience Bloom, a book about editing books about romance, and finding the real thing. Popular belief says that farms are bucolic and peaceful but that’s not always the case, as you’ll see in “One Hundred and Four Horses” by Mandy Retzlaff.  This is the story of a ranch, horses, and the war that separated them all from the land they loved.  Horse-lovers won’t be able to put this one down. And speaking of farms, I loved “Chickens in the Road” by Suzanne McMinn, which is the story of a city girl’s new life on a farm – complete with animals and the chores that come with them. You got a gift certificate, which means you’re undoubtedly a book lover so you might enjoy “The World’s Strongest Librarian” by Josh Hanagarne, a book about an unusual librarian in Salt Lake City and his unusual life.  And if this sounds great to you, you might also like “I Forgot to Remember: A Memoir of Amnesia” by Su Meck (with Daniel de Vise), which is a book about injury, coping, and ultimate triumph. Readers who are interested in The Other Side will also be interested in reading “There’s More to Life Than This” by Theresa Caputo, also known as The Long Island Medium. This book is part memoir, part anecdotal, part new-agey, and every bit as much fun as Caputo’s show. Your pugilist (or fan of the art) will love reading “Undisputed Truth” by Mike Tyson. This brick of a book is all about Tyson’s life as he sees it, his career, and the men (and women) he’s known. Excuse me for saying it, but this book packs a punch. LGBT INTEREST Sometimes, a good novel is what you need. And if that’s the case, then look for “Just Between Us” by J.H. Trumble. It’s the story of seventeen-year-old Luke who falls in love with his band tech, Curtis. But does true love ever run smoothly?  Not when one of the boys is HIV positive and the other one won’t listen to reason… A missing mother who harbors a surprise for her grown son is at the heart of “Moving Forward Sideways Like a Crab” by Shani Mootoo. When writer Jonathan Lewis-Adey was just a boy, his mother disappeared. Later, he learns what happens but he doesn’t know the whole truth until much, much later. This book comes from a Canadian publisher; American readers may have to search a little extra for it, but you won’t be sorry. If time is of the essence – and when isn’t it? – you’ll want to snag “Naming Ceremony” by Chip Livingston. This anthology of short stories and essays takes a look at what we call ourselves within our communities, and how that fits with the people we are and the people we want to be. And at under 200 pages, it won’t take much time to read, either. Pair it up with “In a New Century” by John D’Emilio, a book of essays on queer history and more. Can you stand another memoir about a gay man who’s HIV-positive?  If you can, then you’ll be rewarded by “The Nearness of Others” by David Caron. Caron is HIV-positive, and struggles with many aspects of it: when to reveal it, who to tell, what it’s like to live with it and how to deal with people who still fear it. And if you read Caron’s book, you’ll want to look at “Cured” by Nathalia Holt, a book by a molecular biologist who’s worked in research with HIV patients since the mid-90s. Can religion mix with a gay lifestyle?  Jeff Chu takes a look at that question in “Does Jesus Really Love Me?”, now in paperback. This is a nation-wide search for prayer, protest, and proselytizing; it’s got humor in it, spirituality, and sadness. How could you miss that?  And now, the fine print: some books may have to be ordered from your local bookstore or library. Titles are subject to change. If you need more information, ask your very favorite bookseller and you’ll get scads more information. Really, booksellers are somehow related to Superman. For sure, they Know All. Happy Reading! This time of year always does it to you: you start seeing places to clean. Any other time, there can be a whole warren of dust bunnies living with you, but that restless last part of summer…?  Nope, gotta clean – which leads you to this years’ big discovery: a Christmas bookstore gift certificate that you forgot but that you found. So what to do with it?  You could send it to me. No, just kidding. Why not use it on any of these great reads: FICTION A forced suicide, a powerful family, and a long-buried secret are at the heart of “What We Lost in the Dark” by Jacquelyn Mitchard. When a young woman with a devastating disease loses her best friend, she knows who forced the girl into suicide. She knows, but what can she do? What can you do but read the latest novel from this beloved author? You might also like “Dirty Copper” by Jim Northrup. It’s the story of a Native American Marine who returns to the Rez after a stint in Vietnam and becomes a lawman. Needless to say, that’s not exactly what his fellow citizens want… If a little fantasy is to your liking, then try “Killer Frost” by Jennifer Estep. This latest installment of the Mythos Academy features a little bit of romance, a little bit of humor, and a lot of darkness – which will please current fans and make new ones. Yes, you can read this book all by itself, but you’ll be happier with at least one earlier one, to get you a bit more up to speed. Mystery mavens might enjoy “Rivers to Blood” by Michael Lister. It’s a noir-ish whodunit featuring a unique sleuth with an equally unique tie to crime. Here, he desperately tries to find a maniacal escaped prisoner and a killer with a penchant for cruelty. This is the sixth book with this crime-solving character, so beware: it might propel you to find the other five in this series. And if you’re still looking for your next whodunit, look for “Death Stalks Door County” by Patricia Skalka. It’s a mystery set up North and it’ll keep you guessing, whether you’ve traveled there or not. If you’re up for something a little different, try “The Newirth Mythology: the Invasion of Heaven by Michael B. Koep. It’s the story of a psychologist who falls from a cliff into the icy drink, and when he comes out of it, his life has changed. Nothing is the same, so he writes it all down for someone else to decipher. It’s part adventure, part fantasy, a bit of mystery, and all fun. NON-FICTION Are you hooked on leaving your status?  Can’t get enough of the memes your friends are posting? Then you’ll enjoy “Fakebook: A True Story. Based on Actual Lies” by Dave Cicirelli, a book about a Facebook experiment and what happens when a virtual life separates from the real one. And if that quirky book piques your interest, then you should also look for “A People’s History of the Peculiar” by Nick Belardes. It’s filled with quick-to-read entries about the weird, freaky, and unusual among us. World War II buffs will surely want to read “Under the Eagle” by Samuel Holiday, Navajo Code Talker, and Robert S. McPherson. It’s the story of Holiday’s life, his childhood, his culture, and his service in the War. This decorated veteran’s tale is one you won’t want to miss… Are you a Michael Perry fan yet? You will be after you’ve read “From the Top: Brief Transmissions from Tent Show Radio” by Michael Perry. This is a book filled with essays on this and that, a bit about something else, and comments that may make you nod your head in agreement. If you dream of a different life and are constantly searching for a way to have it, “Ancient Treasures” by Brian Haughton will help you dream. This fascinating book takes a look at riches found by treasure hunters, above ground, underwater, and under the sod. Take a look at this paperback and you’ll never look at a plot of land the same again. Readers who love treasure-hunting may also want to find “Defending Your Castle” by William Gurstelle. It’s about how you can make your own catapults, moats, bulletproof shields, and other things you might need to protect the treasure you’ll find… History fans won’t want to miss “Tudor: The Family Story 1437-1603” by Leanda De Lisle. It’s a thick book about Henry and Louis, Thomas Cromwell, Mrs. Henry I through VIII, Elisabeth the first, and her sister Mary. It’s deliciously scandalous, wonderfully detailed, and irresistible, if you’re a British history buff. Along the same lines, Downton Abbey fans will want “Servants: A Downstairs History of Britain from the Nineteenth Century to Modern Times” by Lucy Lethbridge. If you’re an animal lover – the wild kind or the wild-at-heart ones – you’ll enjoy “Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed” by Marc Bekoff. This anthology of quick-to-read chapters takes a look at the emotional lives, friendships, and intelligence that animals possess, and what you can do to observe and preserve it. For skeptics and believers alike, this is an eye-opening, thought-provoking book. Another interesting book by an author you won’t expect: “Myths of Love” by Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer and Jerome E. Singerman. It’s a book about ancient mythology and what it has to do with love and romance today. Parents of school-age children might like reading “The Hybrid Tiger: Secrets of the Extraordinary Success of Asian-American Kids” by Quanyu Huang. Mixing parenting advice with anecdotes illustrating the difference in culture and attitude, this book may set your child on a path to success… or it might rile you. Now aren’t you intrigued?  Also in the news: look at “Forcing the Spring: Inside the Fight for Marriage Equality” by Jo Becker. It’s a book about same-sex marriage in California and how that battle changed the way the nation looks at an institution. I was quite fascinated by “Folsom’s 93: The Lives and Crimes of Folsom Prison’s Executed Men” by April Moore. In this book, you’ll read about despicable crimes, horrible murders, and the men who paid for their transgressions with the ultimate punishment. And even though most of these executions happened around 100 years ago, this book will still chill the true crime fan. And if that sounds like a juicy read to you, then look for “Passport to Hell” by Terry Daniels, who spent time in a prison in Spain – five years after being cleared of charges. So your baby is heading for college in about a years’ time or so. That makes it a great time to check out “The Perfect Score Project” by Debbie Stier, a book about the SATs. How can you UP those numbers?  Is there a right way to study for them?  Find out by reading this book by a Mom who’s been there, done that. And for the student who’s going into sales after graduation (or even before!), “Ditch the Pitch” by Steve Yastrow is a book that might help him (or her). It’s about a new way of selling, which could be the start of an awesome career. If you’re itching for hunting season to start (or you mourn that it’s over), then look for “Wingbeats and Heartbeats” by Dave Books. This is a meditation in short bits on life, prey, prayer, and dogs. It’s also a book you’ll want to remember for gift-giving in a few months, too. Still, if hunting season is too far away for your tastes, look for “Wheel Fever” by Jesse J. Gant & Nicholas J. Hoffman. It’s a history-type book about Wisconsin, biking, and our love of the two-wheeler. HEALTH-RELATED If it looks like you’re going to be a caretaker this summer, then you may want to use your gift certificate to find “Happier Endings: A Meditation on Life and Death” by Erica Brown. It’s a book about the end, how to lessen fears of it, and how to make life before it, grander. Another book for a beautiful you, outside, is “Ageless Beauty: The Ultimate Skincare & Makeup Book for Women & Teens of Color” by Alfred Fornay and Yvonne Rose. This book includes step-by-step ideas for using make-up correctly, how to cover flaws, and how to know which cosmetics are right for you. Bonus: it’s easy to use and includes quizzes. Health care is another issue on the minds of a lot of people – and if you’re one of them, then find “The American Health Care Paradox” by Elizabeth H. Bradley and Lauren A. Taylor. It’s a book about why the cost of health care is going up but the outcome is, the authors profess, declining. There’s outrage in this book, but there’s hope, too, and that’s something every adult needs to know. Another book to look for – and this one is more for medical professionals – is “Taming Disruptive Behavior” by William “Marty” Martin, PsyD and Phillip Hemphill, PhD. It’s a book about making sure your patients follow along with their own protocol and treatment. At the end of the day, rest is what you want and you’ll find it inside “Burning the Midnight Oil” by Phil Cousineau, a book of short essays and poems by night owls and lovers of lateness. And if that doesn’t do the trick, then look for “Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Growth for the African American Community” by Daya Devi-Doolin. It’s a book that can teach you to do yoga (it has pictures!) and gain inner peace. Of course, you want to take care of yourself this summer, so why not know what’s inside first?  “Leonardo’s Foot” by Carol Ann Rinzler takes a look at those things at the end of your legs that help you perambulate. That’s walking, you know. Then, grab “Year of No Sugar” by Eve O. Schaub, a memoir about where sugar is, what it does, and one woman’s quest to see if she could live without it. MEMOIRS If a memoir is more to your liking, try “This is the Story of a Happy Marriage” by Ann Patchett.  This book – heartfelt and genuine – gives readers a peek inside the life of a beloved novelist, her family, her thoughts, and her love. I remember watching “The Great Santini” and then reading the book – or was it the other way around? Anyhow, you can guess how excited I was to see the true story that inspired it, “The Death of Santini” by Pat Conroy. It’s the true story of Conroy’s father, his mother, and the family dynamics that inspired Conroy’s novels (and the movies).  Bring tissues. You’ve been warned. For a lighter biography, look for “Romance is My Day Job” by Patience Bloom, a book about editing books about romance, and finding the real thing. Popular belief says that farms are bucolic and peaceful but that’s not always the case, as you’ll see in “One Hundred and Four Horses” by Mandy Retzlaff.  This is the story of a ranch, horses, and the war that separated them all from the land they loved.  Horse-lovers won’t be able to put this one down. And speaking of farms, I loved “Chickens in the Road” by Suzanne McMinn, which is the story of a city girl’s new life on a farm – complete with animals and the chores that come with them. You got a gift certificate, which means you’re undoubtedly a book lover so you might enjoy “The World’s Strongest Librarian” by Josh Hanagarne, a book about an unusual librarian in Salt Lake City and his unusual life.  And if this sounds great to you, you might also like “I Forgot to Remember: A Memoir of Amnesia” by Su Meck (with Daniel de Vise), which is a book about injury, coping, and ultimate triumph. Readers who are interested in The Other Side will also be interested in reading “There’s More to Life Than This” by Theresa Caputo, also known as The Long Island Medium. This book is part memoir, part anecdotal, part new-agey, and every bit as much fun as Caputo’s show. Your pugilist (or fan of the art) will love reading “Undisputed Truth” by Mike Tyson. This brick of a book is all about Tyson’s life as he sees it, his career, and the men (and women) he’s known. Excuse me for saying it, but this book packs a punch. LGBT INTEREST Sometimes, a good novel is what you need. And if that’s the case, then look for “Just Between Us” by J.H. Trumble. It’s the story of seventeen-year-old Luke who falls in love with his band tech, Curtis. But does true love ever run smoothly?  Not when one of the boys is HIV positive and the other one won’t listen to reason… A missing mother who harbors a surprise for her grown son is at the heart of “Moving Forward Sideways Like a Crab” by Shani Mootoo. When writer Jonathan Lewis-Adey was just a boy, his mother disappeared. Later, he learns what happens but he doesn’t know the whole truth until much, much later. This book comes from a Canadian publisher; American readers may have to search a little extra for it, but you won’t be sorry. If time is of the essence – and when isn’t it? – you’ll want to snag “Naming Ceremony” by Chip Livingston. This anthology of short stories and essays takes a look at what we call ourselves within our communities, and how that fits with the people we are and the people we want to be. And at under 200 pages, it won’t take much time to read, either. Pair it up with “In a New Century” by John D’Emilio, a book of essays on queer history and more. Can you stand another memoir about a gay man who’s HIV-positive?  If you can, then you’ll be rewarded by “The Nearness of Others” by David Caron. Caron is HIV-positive, and struggles with many aspects of it: when to reveal it, who to tell, what it’s like to live with it and how to deal with people who still fear it. And if you read Caron’s book, you’ll want to look at “Cured” by Nathalia Holt, a book by a molecular biologist who’s worked in research with HIV patients since the mid-90s. Can religion mix with a gay lifestyle?  Jeff Chu takes a look at that question in “Does Jesus Really Love Me?”, now in paperback. This is a nation-wide search for prayer, protest, and proselytizing; it’s got humor in it, spirituality, and sadness. How could you miss that?  And now, the fine print: some books may have to be ordered from your local bookstore or library. Titles are subject to change. If you need more information, ask your very favorite bookseller and you’ll get scads more information. Really, booksellers are somehow related to Superman. For sure, they Know All. Happy Reading! Bookworm Blog, 2014-08-06T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/laws-of-wrath-by-eriq-la-salle http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/laws-of-wrath-by-eriq-la-salle#When:16:00:00Z One for me, and one for you. Divvying up candy when you were a kid was an almost-exact science. Everybody had to have an equal amount, and they watched closely to ensure that happened. One for you, one for me. Even Steven, it’s all the same. But, in the new book “Laws of Wrath” by Eriq La Salle, what’s good for the goose might kill the gander. Phee Freeman could never forget why his brother left the family. A.J. was gay, which was something that neither Phee, nor their father, Clay, could accept back then. When Phee and Clay learned the truth, it was as if A.J. had never been born. Phee couldn’t forget that, nor could he forgive himself for shunning his only brother – especially when A.J. was found mutilated and dead. Naturally, Clay Freeman mourned for his eldest son but as an older man, Clay had seen death before. He’d lost his beloved wife years ago – but prior to that, he’d been on the wrong edge of trouble and the right end of a gun. It wasn’t something he was proud of, but that was all in the past. Although it wasn’t protocol, when Detective Quincy Cavanaugh was assigned to investigate the murder of A.J. Freeman, he needed his partner by his side. Having been a team for years, he and Phee were known around the NYPD for being the best at solving unusual cases – so when a second mutilated body was found, Cavanaugh knew that this would be one of the strangest cases of all. Years ago, there were other corpses with similar mutilations, but Dr. Daria Zibik, the person behind those murders, was sitting in prison. She couldn’t have committed these crimes, but Cavanaugh knew that Zibik led a Satanic cult and had prepared someone to take over until her release. It made sense for him to offer Zibik a deal in order to figure out why innocent people were being tortured and killed. But time was of the essence. A killer was on the loose, and he apparently had the Freeman family in his sights… There are two things you need to know about “Laws of Wrath.” First of all, this book screams for an editor and a disabled comma key. Yes, it’s rough, littered with extraneous (and incorrect) punctuation and choppy sentences - both of which are increasingly irritating as the pages fly by. Which brings me to the second thing: the pages will fly by because, though his story can be quite gruesome at times, author Eriq La Salle gives thriller fans that edge-of-the-seat feeling they crave. There are good guys here that are filled out nicely and criminals who couldn’t be more evil. I was also pleased to note that while I saw some of the ending coming, I didn’t see it all. And when you ignore its punctuation flaws, “all” is what you’ll get with this otherwise fine thriller. If you want to pick a nail-biter, in fact, “Laws of Wrath” may be one for you. One for me, and one for you. Divvying up candy when you were a kid was an almost-exact science. Everybody had to have an equal amount, and they watched closely to ensure that happened. One for you, one for me. Even Steven, it’s all the same. But, in the new book “Laws of Wrath” by Eriq La Salle, what’s good for the goose might kill the gander. Phee Freeman could never forget why his brother left the family. A.J. was gay, which was something that neither Phee, nor their father, Clay, could accept back then. When Phee and Clay learned the truth, it was as if A.J. had never been born. Phee couldn’t forget that, nor could he forgive himself for shunning his only brother – especially when A.J. was found mutilated and dead. Naturally, Clay Freeman mourned for his eldest son but as an older man, Clay had seen death before. He’d lost his beloved wife years ago – but prior to that, he’d been on the wrong edge of trouble and the right end of a gun. It wasn’t something he was proud of, but that was all in the past. Although it wasn’t protocol, when Detective Quincy Cavanaugh was assigned to investigate the murder of A.J. Freeman, he needed his partner by his side. Having been a team for years, he and Phee were known around the NYPD for being the best at solving unusual cases – so when a second mutilated body was found, Cavanaugh knew that this would be one of the strangest cases of all. Years ago, there were other corpses with similar mutilations, but Dr. Daria Zibik, the person behind those murders, was sitting in prison. She couldn’t have committed these crimes, but Cavanaugh knew that Zibik led a Satanic cult and had prepared someone to take over until her release. It made sense for him to offer Zibik a deal in order to figure out why innocent people were being tortured and killed. But time was of the essence. A killer was on the loose, and he apparently had the Freeman family in his sights… There are two things you need to know about “Laws of Wrath.” First of all, this book screams for an editor and a disabled comma key. Yes, it’s rough, littered with extraneous (and incorrect) punctuation and choppy sentences - both of which are increasingly irritating as the pages fly by. Which brings me to the second thing: the pages will fly by because, though his story can be quite gruesome at times, author Eriq La Salle gives thriller fans that edge-of-the-seat feeling they crave. There are good guys here that are filled out nicely and criminals who couldn’t be more evil. I was also pleased to note that while I saw some of the ending coming, I didn’t see it all. And when you ignore its punctuation flaws, “all” is what you’ll get with this otherwise fine thriller. If you want to pick a nail-biter, in fact, “Laws of Wrath” may be one for you. Bookworm Blog, 2014-07-30T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/north-of-normal-a-memoir-of-my-wilderness-childhood-my-unusual-family-and-h http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/north-of-normal-a-memoir-of-my-wilderness-childhood-my-unusual-family-and-h#When:13:00:00Z You stopped in the store the other day, and stopped short. In all its electric-colored glory, tie-dye is back. Or maybe it never left, just passed down by Baby Boomers like you who also loved groovy music, an everybody-helps-everybody mentality, and how wonderfully carefree that felt. Ah, the good ol’ days… or were they?  For author Cea Sunrise Person, the answer was “no” for years, but in her new memoir “North of Normal,” she explains how she made peace with it. Cea Sunrise Person’s grandfather was more at home in nature than he was anywhere else. He’d always wanted to live in the outdoors and so, shortly after he came home from Korea , he took his new bride to live in the wilderness. In about the mid-60s, the family (including three girls and a boy) moved to Wyoming , then to California where they fit in perfectly: they’d already embraced the emerging counter-culture, so “pot smoking, nude cookouts, and philosophical discussions” were easy additions. Their home soon became known as a clothing-optional place to hang out and score drugs, and “the parents were always totally groovy with it all.” Not-so-groovy: Person’s mother was sixteen when she became pregnant. She married the boy but they parted before their baby was born, so Person’s first home was a drafty shack in the British Columbia woods. Later, when she was a toddler, the family moved into a tipi on Indian land where she recalls the freedom of an idyllic childhood spent on chores, pretending, and running through meadow, woods, and water. But that, too, would end: when Person was five, her mother met a man who whisked them away to a life of tent-living, theft, and things little girls shouldn’t see. By the time she was thirteen, Person had enough of the “misfits,” so she lied about her age, left family behind, and started a surprising career – though she still wondered why they couldn’t seem to be “normal.” Twenty-five years later, broke and twice-divorced, she finally learned the truth. As a tail-end Baby Boomer, I was really excited to start “North of Normal.” Would author Cea Sunrise Person’s recollections be ones that I shared, too? No.  Not even remotely, which just made this book more enjoyable. Through memories of her own and that of her mother’s family, Person tells what it was like to be raised by an unconventional hippie mom who did her best but was, herself, a product of the times. That alone would be a far-out tale, but the way it’s told makes this a book to read: Person is a gifted storyteller, and that snatched me up from the first paragraph. I also was fascinated by her voice, as it changed with the age she was as she remembered. Beware that this coming-of-age memoir contains explicit language, but it fits with what you’ll read. Yes, it might make you wince but you’ll be so engrossed in the tale that you might not even notice. For you, that’s a hint of what “North or Normal ” has in store… You stopped in the store the other day, and stopped short. In all its electric-colored glory, tie-dye is back. Or maybe it never left, just passed down by Baby Boomers like you who also loved groovy music, an everybody-helps-everybody mentality, and how wonderfully carefree that felt. Ah, the good ol’ days… or were they?  For author Cea Sunrise Person, the answer was “no” for years, but in her new memoir “North of Normal,” she explains how she made peace with it. Cea Sunrise Person’s grandfather was more at home in nature than he was anywhere else. He’d always wanted to live in the outdoors and so, shortly after he came home from Korea , he took his new bride to live in the wilderness. In about the mid-60s, the family (including three girls and a boy) moved to Wyoming , then to California where they fit in perfectly: they’d already embraced the emerging counter-culture, so “pot smoking, nude cookouts, and philosophical discussions” were easy additions. Their home soon became known as a clothing-optional place to hang out and score drugs, and “the parents were always totally groovy with it all.” Not-so-groovy: Person’s mother was sixteen when she became pregnant. She married the boy but they parted before their baby was born, so Person’s first home was a drafty shack in the British Columbia woods. Later, when she was a toddler, the family moved into a tipi on Indian land where she recalls the freedom of an idyllic childhood spent on chores, pretending, and running through meadow, woods, and water. But that, too, would end: when Person was five, her mother met a man who whisked them away to a life of tent-living, theft, and things little girls shouldn’t see. By the time she was thirteen, Person had enough of the “misfits,” so she lied about her age, left family behind, and started a surprising career – though she still wondered why they couldn’t seem to be “normal.” Twenty-five years later, broke and twice-divorced, she finally learned the truth. As a tail-end Baby Boomer, I was really excited to start “North of Normal.” Would author Cea Sunrise Person’s recollections be ones that I shared, too? No.  Not even remotely, which just made this book more enjoyable. Through memories of her own and that of her mother’s family, Person tells what it was like to be raised by an unconventional hippie mom who did her best but was, herself, a product of the times. That alone would be a far-out tale, but the way it’s told makes this a book to read: Person is a gifted storyteller, and that snatched me up from the first paragraph. I also was fascinated by her voice, as it changed with the age she was as she remembered. Beware that this coming-of-age memoir contains explicit language, but it fits with what you’ll read. Yes, it might make you wince but you’ll be so engrossed in the tale that you might not even notice. For you, that’s a hint of what “North or Normal ” has in store… Bookworm Blog, 2014-07-23T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-illusionists-by-rosie-thomas http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-illusionists-by-rosie-thomas#When:13:00:00Z Now you see it. Now you don’t. The magician’s coin jumps from hand to hat and though you’re astounded, that would be an easy trick to learn. You could research, and know how he made an elephant disappear. You could teach yourself how to conjure the right card from a deck. But why would you? Being baffled is half the fun – unless your life depends on sleigh of hand. And then, as in the new novel “The Illusionists” by Rosie Thomas, the trick’s on you. At the age of ten, and just before he killed a boy, Hector Crumhall fell in love with magic. He couldn’t quite get over the stunts an itinerant conjurer performed. Hector pestered his father until the elder man explained that there was no such thing as magic, that it was all just entertainment for fools, but Hector thought it fascinating. So when he needed to flee tiny Stanmore for London , there were dreams of magic that the boy took with him, and little else. But that was all he needed – that, and a name change to something more mysterious. And thus, only his best childhood friend, Jasper, knew the truth about Devil Wix, and that was how Devil wanted it to stay. And it might have remained so, if not for a fortuitous meeting with a street performing dwarf who called himself Carlo. Recognizing an opportunity, Devil partnered with Carlo for a feat of illusion that would make them rich by attracting a good audience. It also attracted the lovely Eliza Dunlop. At just twenty years old, Eliza wasn’t like other women. She spoke her mind, traveled without chaperone and, against her father’s wishes, took a job as a model at an artists’ school. For a Victorian-era lady, that was scandalous but Eliza knew what she wanted – and what she wanted was Devil Wix. Though she had surely caught his eye, Devil wasn’t the only man who wanted Eliza’s company. Jasper was madly in love with her, as was Carlo. And so was Herr Bayer, the automaton-maker who craved Eliza’s beautiful voice… I suppose, with a theme of Victorian magic, sideshows, and darkness, it’s inevitable that this novel would be compared to two blockbuster books from summers past. Inevitable – and wrong. Here’s the thing: “The Illusionists” starts out well, with shades of malevolence that will give you shivers for around 30 pages. And there’s about as far as it goes. After that, author Rosie Thomas’ story continues like a broken-down dray horse, forever plodding nowhere in particular; in fact, I waited for a punch line that never seems to come. There is no edge-of-your-seat climax in this novel – there’s no climax at all. The characters aren’t particularly likeable. I even thought the romance here was trite and predictable. I guess if you’re a fan of 19th-century theatre or early prestidigitation, this novel might appeal to you; the descriptions and historic details here are exceptional. Other than that, though, as far as big enthusiasm for “The Illusionists,” I just can’t see it. Now you see it. Now you don’t. The magician’s coin jumps from hand to hat and though you’re astounded, that would be an easy trick to learn. You could research, and know how he made an elephant disappear. You could teach yourself how to conjure the right card from a deck. But why would you? Being baffled is half the fun – unless your life depends on sleigh of hand. And then, as in the new novel “The Illusionists” by Rosie Thomas, the trick’s on you. At the age of ten, and just before he killed a boy, Hector Crumhall fell in love with magic. He couldn’t quite get over the stunts an itinerant conjurer performed. Hector pestered his father until the elder man explained that there was no such thing as magic, that it was all just entertainment for fools, but Hector thought it fascinating. So when he needed to flee tiny Stanmore for London , there were dreams of magic that the boy took with him, and little else. But that was all he needed – that, and a name change to something more mysterious. And thus, only his best childhood friend, Jasper, knew the truth about Devil Wix, and that was how Devil wanted it to stay. And it might have remained so, if not for a fortuitous meeting with a street performing dwarf who called himself Carlo. Recognizing an opportunity, Devil partnered with Carlo for a feat of illusion that would make them rich by attracting a good audience. It also attracted the lovely Eliza Dunlop. At just twenty years old, Eliza wasn’t like other women. She spoke her mind, traveled without chaperone and, against her father’s wishes, took a job as a model at an artists’ school. For a Victorian-era lady, that was scandalous but Eliza knew what she wanted – and what she wanted was Devil Wix. Though she had surely caught his eye, Devil wasn’t the only man who wanted Eliza’s company. Jasper was madly in love with her, as was Carlo. And so was Herr Bayer, the automaton-maker who craved Eliza’s beautiful voice… I suppose, with a theme of Victorian magic, sideshows, and darkness, it’s inevitable that this novel would be compared to two blockbuster books from summers past. Inevitable – and wrong. Here’s the thing: “The Illusionists” starts out well, with shades of malevolence that will give you shivers for around 30 pages. And there’s about as far as it goes. After that, author Rosie Thomas’ story continues like a broken-down dray horse, forever plodding nowhere in particular; in fact, I waited for a punch line that never seems to come. There is no edge-of-your-seat climax in this novel – there’s no climax at all. The characters aren’t particularly likeable. I even thought the romance here was trite and predictable. I guess if you’re a fan of 19th-century theatre or early prestidigitation, this novel might appeal to you; the descriptions and historic details here are exceptional. Other than that, though, as far as big enthusiasm for “The Illusionists,” I just can’t see it. Bookworm Blog, 2014-07-16T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-skeleton-crew-by-deborah-halber http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-skeleton-crew-by-deborah-halber#When:16:00:00Z You can’t find your keys.  Again. It happens every now and then: you get busy, distracted, and you put them down somewhere they don’t belong. Then you spend an hour looking for them. Fortunately, you always find them because they won’t travel far without you. But, as you’ll see in the new book “The Skeleton Crew” by Deborah Halber, some things go missing for a lot longer… Wilbur Riddle was a well-driller back in May of 1968 and was waiting for a job to start when he noticed a canvas sack on a stone slab just off Kentucky ’s Route 25. As he got closer, he could see that something was inside, and then he could smell it. He kicked the tent-canvas bag and was shocked at what he spied. Inside the bag was a girl, curled up and bound tight with a rectangular bit of white cloth over her shoulder. She was long dead – long enough that identifiable features were nearly gone. Without a name to attach to the body, the media dubbed her Tent Girl. The case of “Tent Girl,” says Halber, “drew me in.” If you’re a fan of TV detective shows, you might think that the world is littered with unidentified bodies – and there are “shockingly large numbers of them out there,” says Halber. A survey done several years ago indicated “more than thirteen thousand sets” of unidentified bones moldering in morgues, but one estimate places the number nearly three times higher. While “many people are unaware of the extent of the problem,” a fierce group of folks are well-acquainted with the issue. Lurking online under pseudonyms and handles that often belie their age and gender, these people spend hours “obsessed” with matching data for missing persons with data for unknown bodies. Often sneered at by local police (and sometimes totally ignored), this “Skeleton Crew” has single-handedly solved decades-old cold cases, given names to corpses anonymously buried, and offered closure to families of people who vanished generations ago. They’ve solved murders in Missouri . They’ve ID’d vagrants in Vegas. They’ve closed cold cases in Canada . And in a situation that launched a career, one man ascertained the identity of Tent Girl. You know you’ve got a great read in your hands when, on page two, you mourn that the book will end. That’s what happened when I read “The Skeleton Crew.” With a mystery-true crime-science mix of facts and detective stories, author Deborah Halber explains why this two-pronged issue exists and how modern technology and amateur sleuthing is helping lessen it. Along the way, Halber tours morgues and back-rooms, lurks near an exhumation, and tries her hand at solving one of New England ’s best-known cases. And on that one, she learns that there’s some information best left buried… If you tend to get a little queasy, this isn’t the book for you. It’s graphic and gruesome, but oh-so-fascinating and hard to put down. When it comes to your Books to Read pile, in fact, “The Skeleton Crew” is one that shouldn’t be missing. You can’t find your keys.  Again. It happens every now and then: you get busy, distracted, and you put them down somewhere they don’t belong. Then you spend an hour looking for them. Fortunately, you always find them because they won’t travel far without you. But, as you’ll see in the new book “The Skeleton Crew” by Deborah Halber, some things go missing for a lot longer… Wilbur Riddle was a well-driller back in May of 1968 and was waiting for a job to start when he noticed a canvas sack on a stone slab just off Kentucky ’s Route 25. As he got closer, he could see that something was inside, and then he could smell it. He kicked the tent-canvas bag and was shocked at what he spied. Inside the bag was a girl, curled up and bound tight with a rectangular bit of white cloth over her shoulder. She was long dead – long enough that identifiable features were nearly gone. Without a name to attach to the body, the media dubbed her Tent Girl. The case of “Tent Girl,” says Halber, “drew me in.” If you’re a fan of TV detective shows, you might think that the world is littered with unidentified bodies – and there are “shockingly large numbers of them out there,” says Halber. A survey done several years ago indicated “more than thirteen thousand sets” of unidentified bones moldering in morgues, but one estimate places the number nearly three times higher. While “many people are unaware of the extent of the problem,” a fierce group of folks are well-acquainted with the issue. Lurking online under pseudonyms and handles that often belie their age and gender, these people spend hours “obsessed” with matching data for missing persons with data for unknown bodies. Often sneered at by local police (and sometimes totally ignored), this “Skeleton Crew” has single-handedly solved decades-old cold cases, given names to corpses anonymously buried, and offered closure to families of people who vanished generations ago. They’ve solved murders in Missouri . They’ve ID’d vagrants in Vegas. They’ve closed cold cases in Canada . And in a situation that launched a career, one man ascertained the identity of Tent Girl. You know you’ve got a great read in your hands when, on page two, you mourn that the book will end. That’s what happened when I read “The Skeleton Crew.” With a mystery-true crime-science mix of facts and detective stories, author Deborah Halber explains why this two-pronged issue exists and how modern technology and amateur sleuthing is helping lessen it. Along the way, Halber tours morgues and back-rooms, lurks near an exhumation, and tries her hand at solving one of New England ’s best-known cases. And on that one, she learns that there’s some information best left buried… If you tend to get a little queasy, this isn’t the book for you. It’s graphic and gruesome, but oh-so-fascinating and hard to put down. When it comes to your Books to Read pile, in fact, “The Skeleton Crew” is one that shouldn’t be missing. Bookworm Blog, 2014-07-09T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-pocket-book-of-weather-by-michael-bright http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-pocket-book-of-weather-by-michael-bright#When:13:00:00Z c.2013, Adlard Coles Nautical / Bloomsbury     $18.00 / $20.00 Canada     144 pages A stranger – unknown, but not unfamiliar – told you what to take to work today. She also told you how to dress the kids, what to avoid this weekend, where to park the car, and whether or not you should water the garden. And you appreciated the information; after all, what would you do without your weather forecast?  In fact, you wanted more - and when you’ve got “The Pocket Book of Weather” by Michael Bright around, you’ll get it. For as long as there have been people, there have undoubtedly been people who’ve looked skyward and wondered if they’ll get wet, sweat, or need more sunscreen. Just as it is now, their day-to-day existence was affected by weather – and because of that, early humans began to recognize trends in the atmosphere. Of course, some of them were Old Wives and they had tales to tell but, even as far back as 400 BCE, meteorologists (a word coined by Aristotle) had real ways to measure what was going on outside. By the 1700s, meteorology was a “new science;” in the mid-1800s, information was shared internationally; and by 1900, the world had climatologists who understood winds and storm-making. Today’s meteorologists have a lot of information with which to prognosticate: they can tell which clouds will soak you and which will dissipate. They can track the path of a tornado or hurricane (something birds seem adept at doing naturally). And they can offer a hint of what your weekend will be like, although Bright says that the farther out the forecast gets, the less correct it is. In this book, you’ll learn what oktas are, and how to measure them. You’ll see that “high pressure” isn’t what you put on your weatherman when you want sunshine. You’ll find out why you should run from a pogonip, the difference between a cyclone and a tornado, why you should take flash flood warnings very seriously, how hail can kill you, what snizzle is, how bugs can tell the temperature, and why you should definitely avoid being outside at 7:30pm in July during a thunderstorm in central Florida. If you’re like just about everybody I know, the weather has been a big concern of yours in the past year or so. You look to the sky, you check the batteries in your weather radio, and you read or watch the forecasts. Once you’ve got “The Pocket Book of Weather,” you’ll be able to understand what they mean. But deciphering weather reports isn’t all that author Michael Bright offers his readers. We also get anecdotes about unusual weather phenomena, history of instruments and ideas, explanations of how weather is made, and how animals adapt to it. In addition, Bright goes on to look at climate change and the future of our planet. I like this book because it’s wide in scope but not too much so. It’s easy to understand, it’s enjoyable to read, and with real information and facts you can believe, “The Pocket Book of Weather” isn’t just full of hot air. c.2013, Adlard Coles Nautical / Bloomsbury     $18.00 / $20.00 Canada     144 pages A stranger – unknown, but not unfamiliar – told you what to take to work today. She also told you how to dress the kids, what to avoid this weekend, where to park the car, and whether or not you should water the garden. And you appreciated the information; after all, what would you do without your weather forecast?  In fact, you wanted more - and when you’ve got “The Pocket Book of Weather” by Michael Bright around, you’ll get it. For as long as there have been people, there have undoubtedly been people who’ve looked skyward and wondered if they’ll get wet, sweat, or need more sunscreen. Just as it is now, their day-to-day existence was affected by weather – and because of that, early humans began to recognize trends in the atmosphere. Of course, some of them were Old Wives and they had tales to tell but, even as far back as 400 BCE, meteorologists (a word coined by Aristotle) had real ways to measure what was going on outside. By the 1700s, meteorology was a “new science;” in the mid-1800s, information was shared internationally; and by 1900, the world had climatologists who understood winds and storm-making. Today’s meteorologists have a lot of information with which to prognosticate: they can tell which clouds will soak you and which will dissipate. They can track the path of a tornado or hurricane (something birds seem adept at doing naturally). And they can offer a hint of what your weekend will be like, although Bright says that the farther out the forecast gets, the less correct it is. In this book, you’ll learn what oktas are, and how to measure them. You’ll see that “high pressure” isn’t what you put on your weatherman when you want sunshine. You’ll find out why you should run from a pogonip, the difference between a cyclone and a tornado, why you should take flash flood warnings very seriously, how hail can kill you, what snizzle is, how bugs can tell the temperature, and why you should definitely avoid being outside at 7:30pm in July during a thunderstorm in central Florida. If you’re like just about everybody I know, the weather has been a big concern of yours in the past year or so. You look to the sky, you check the batteries in your weather radio, and you read or watch the forecasts. Once you’ve got “The Pocket Book of Weather,” you’ll be able to understand what they mean. But deciphering weather reports isn’t all that author Michael Bright offers his readers. We also get anecdotes about unusual weather phenomena, history of instruments and ideas, explanations of how weather is made, and how animals adapt to it. In addition, Bright goes on to look at climate change and the future of our planet. I like this book because it’s wide in scope but not too much so. It’s easy to understand, it’s enjoyable to read, and with real information and facts you can believe, “The Pocket Book of Weather” isn’t just full of hot air. Bookworm Blog, 2014-07-03T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-promise-by-ann-weisgarber http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-promise-by-ann-weisgarber#When:12:00:00Z It was a vow you took very seriously. Friends forever, you said in school. Til death do you part, you uttered in front of an altar. Semper fi, on my honor, read my lips, it’ll get done, I’ll be there. It’s easy to make a pledge to someone. It’s not always easy to keep it – especially, as in “The Promise” by Ann Weisgarber, the covenant is a big one. Catherine Wainwright was well aware that she’d caused quite a scandal. It was bad enough that she’d kept company with another woman’s husband. It was brazen to touch Edward’s arm in public and they were seen alone together at night, which made tongues wag. But what really caused Dayton’s society women to shun Catherine, to make her a pariah, was that the man was her handicapped cousin’s husband – and such audacity in the year 1900 was simply unforgivable. Her piano concerts were canceled. Friendships ended. With her money almost gone and her mother unwilling to help, Catherine turned to a stack of letters from a suitor she’d spurned eight years before. Catherine and Oscar Williams had known one another in school, their relationship stiffly cordial. Once he moved to Texas, they spent years corresponding through the mail but she’d wanted nothing to do with his working-class existence. Now, panicking, she wrote to him, and learned that he was a recent widower. “My Son is in need of a Mother.” he wrote three months later. “I am in need of a Wife.” And so, in desperation, Catherine packed the belongings she hadn’t already sold, and boarded the train to Galveston… Nan Ogden took pride in her roots and her stubbornness. She also knew that the word of a Texas woman was steel, so when she promised Oscar’s dying wife that she’d help Oscar raise his son, Nan was determined to keep her vow. But it wasn’t going to be easy with the new Mrs. Williams in the house. Oscar and every man in Galveston saw Catherine’s loveliness, but not her laziness. So why couldn’t Oscar also see that Nan was really the better woman for him? One good book. That’s all you need this summer - just one book that you can put down if you need to, but that you won’t want to. And that describes “The Promise.” With a real historical event as her background, author Ann Weisgarber spins a story of two women who are more alike than they’d ever admit, and the reasons they eventually learn of that truth.  That’s cause enough to become totally captivated by this novel, but what struck me most was the way in which this story is told: Weisgarber deftly turns the clock back 115 years, immersing readers in social mores, turn-of-the-last-century life, and tiny details of day-to-day survival. That, plus wonderful characters, makes this book a winner. Just be prepared with a tissue, that’s all I’m going to say. Bring a box of ‘em, in fact, because this book proves that “The Promise” isn’t all that can be broken. It was a vow you took very seriously. Friends forever, you said in school. Til death do you part, you uttered in front of an altar. Semper fi, on my honor, read my lips, it’ll get done, I’ll be there. It’s easy to make a pledge to someone. It’s not always easy to keep it – especially, as in “The Promise” by Ann Weisgarber, the covenant is a big one. Catherine Wainwright was well aware that she’d caused quite a scandal. It was bad enough that she’d kept company with another woman’s husband. It was brazen to touch Edward’s arm in public and they were seen alone together at night, which made tongues wag. But what really caused Dayton’s society women to shun Catherine, to make her a pariah, was that the man was her handicapped cousin’s husband – and such audacity in the year 1900 was simply unforgivable. Her piano concerts were canceled. Friendships ended. With her money almost gone and her mother unwilling to help, Catherine turned to a stack of letters from a suitor she’d spurned eight years before. Catherine and Oscar Williams had known one another in school, their relationship stiffly cordial. Once he moved to Texas, they spent years corresponding through the mail but she’d wanted nothing to do with his working-class existence. Now, panicking, she wrote to him, and learned that he was a recent widower. “My Son is in need of a Mother.” he wrote three months later. “I am in need of a Wife.” And so, in desperation, Catherine packed the belongings she hadn’t already sold, and boarded the train to Galveston… Nan Ogden took pride in her roots and her stubbornness. She also knew that the word of a Texas woman was steel, so when she promised Oscar’s dying wife that she’d help Oscar raise his son, Nan was determined to keep her vow. But it wasn’t going to be easy with the new Mrs. Williams in the house. Oscar and every man in Galveston saw Catherine’s loveliness, but not her laziness. So why couldn’t Oscar also see that Nan was really the better woman for him? One good book. That’s all you need this summer - just one book that you can put down if you need to, but that you won’t want to. And that describes “The Promise.” With a real historical event as her background, author Ann Weisgarber spins a story of two women who are more alike than they’d ever admit, and the reasons they eventually learn of that truth.  That’s cause enough to become totally captivated by this novel, but what struck me most was the way in which this story is told: Weisgarber deftly turns the clock back 115 years, immersing readers in social mores, turn-of-the-last-century life, and tiny details of day-to-day survival. That, plus wonderful characters, makes this book a winner. Just be prepared with a tissue, that’s all I’m going to say. Bring a box of ‘em, in fact, because this book proves that “The Promise” isn’t all that can be broken. Bookworm Blog, 2014-06-24T12:00:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-secret-life-of-sleep-by-kat-duff http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-secret-life-of-sleep-by-kat-duff#When:14:35:00Z Seven hours of your life, gone – just like that. You’d be annoyed if that happened while in traffic. You’d be angry if it was spent on-hold. And you’re not getting paid for it?  Outrageous, but it happens every day of your life: seven hours, give or take, spent sleeping and you can’t account for it. You can’t even be sure you stayed in bed. But is there a benefit from snoozing?  Why do we lose awareness of our surroundings for a third of our lives? Read “The Secrets of Sleep” by Kat Duff, and find out. “I can’t sleep!” That’s something that well over half of us howl several times a week, and nearly a quarter of us take a drug to fix it. That’s odd, really, since sleep is something we’ve practiced since birth. Aside from the fact that sleep feels so darn good, though, why do we do it? Scientists aren’t sure – it’s not like we can describe sleep while we’re asleep – but we seem to become drowsy because chemicals build up in our brains during wakefulness. The build-up slows down brain activity and soon, it’s lights-out time. Of course, however, it’s not always that easy. Sometimes, we toss and turn. We achieve near-sleep, but worries chase it away. We sleep, but vastly (even proudly!) underestimate exactly how much. Or we fall asleep, wake up for awhile, then fall asleep again – which is how scientists say our ancestors slept before the invention of electric lighting.  On the other hand, our ancestors likely group-slept – even in public, with strangers – so maybe never mind. Still, sleep habits run along social and cultural lines. Work often influences our bedtimes and outta-bed times – although Ben Franklin’s advice (early to bed, early to rise…) means fighting natural circadian rhythms for ten percent of us. Some cultures co-sleep with infants and think it’s child abuse to do otherwise. We often to put babies to bed in total quiet, then wonder why we can’t tolerate a little night-noise. We wake up. And when that happens – watch out!  Studies show that too little sleep is a big problem in this country. But so is too much… So how’d you sleep last night? In “The Secret Life of Sleep,” author Kat Duff says she used to wonder why her elders asked such a strange question. The research she shares explains that, and so much more. Using philosophy, science, research, new age beliefs, and personal anecdotes, Duff takes a look at sleep, beginning with the perfect almost-there sweet spot and ending with a good examination of the future of slumber.  Along the way, we learn about dreams, drugs, and why your Mom was right when she told you that everything will look better in the morning. Though there were times when I felt as though some of what’s in this book was common knowledge, that doesn’t make it any less interesting. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind closed eyes, I think “The Secret Life of Sleep” could be a dream for you. Seven hours of your life, gone – just like that. You’d be annoyed if that happened while in traffic. You’d be angry if it was spent on-hold. And you’re not getting paid for it?  Outrageous, but it happens every day of your life: seven hours, give or take, spent sleeping and you can’t account for it. You can’t even be sure you stayed in bed. But is there a benefit from snoozing?  Why do we lose awareness of our surroundings for a third of our lives? Read “The Secrets of Sleep” by Kat Duff, and find out. “I can’t sleep!” That’s something that well over half of us howl several times a week, and nearly a quarter of us take a drug to fix it. That’s odd, really, since sleep is something we’ve practiced since birth. Aside from the fact that sleep feels so darn good, though, why do we do it? Scientists aren’t sure – it’s not like we can describe sleep while we’re asleep – but we seem to become drowsy because chemicals build up in our brains during wakefulness. The build-up slows down brain activity and soon, it’s lights-out time. Of course, however, it’s not always that easy. Sometimes, we toss and turn. We achieve near-sleep, but worries chase it away. We sleep, but vastly (even proudly!) underestimate exactly how much. Or we fall asleep, wake up for awhile, then fall asleep again – which is how scientists say our ancestors slept before the invention of electric lighting.  On the other hand, our ancestors likely group-slept – even in public, with strangers – so maybe never mind. Still, sleep habits run along social and cultural lines. Work often influences our bedtimes and outta-bed times – although Ben Franklin’s advice (early to bed, early to rise…) means fighting natural circadian rhythms for ten percent of us. Some cultures co-sleep with infants and think it’s child abuse to do otherwise. We often to put babies to bed in total quiet, then wonder why we can’t tolerate a little night-noise. We wake up. And when that happens – watch out!  Studies show that too little sleep is a big problem in this country. But so is too much… So how’d you sleep last night? In “The Secret Life of Sleep,” author Kat Duff says she used to wonder why her elders asked such a strange question. The research she shares explains that, and so much more. Using philosophy, science, research, new age beliefs, and personal anecdotes, Duff takes a look at sleep, beginning with the perfect almost-there sweet spot and ending with a good examination of the future of slumber.  Along the way, we learn about dreams, drugs, and why your Mom was right when she told you that everything will look better in the morning. Though there were times when I felt as though some of what’s in this book was common knowledge, that doesn’t make it any less interesting. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind closed eyes, I think “The Secret Life of Sleep” could be a dream for you. Bookworm Blog, 2014-06-16T14:35:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/when-i-first-held-you-by-various-authors-edited-by-brian-gresko http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/when-i-first-held-you-by-various-authors-edited-by-brian-gresko#When:12:52:00Z You’ve done some scary things in your life. It’s a wonder you survived your childhood, in fact: the heights you jumped from, rides you took, things you ate, dares you accepted. It’s a wonder you’re even alive. Yep, you’ve done some scary things – but nothing was as terrifying as the moment your firstborn was placed in your arms. As you’ll see in “When I First Held You,” edited by Brian Gresko, that’s a heart-pounder that may last forever. Try to describe what it’s like to be a father, and you may have a bit of trouble. It’s about love, certainly. Ferocious protectiveness; that’s a given. Fear of failure, maybe, or as Darin Strauss says in his foreword, fatherhood is “something like contentment, only more profound… a warm fullness around the heart, like a water heater squirting everywhere inside the rib cage.” When a man becomes a father, he learns, says Dennis Lehane, that “we don’t control anything. Nada. Niente. Nothing.”  Peace of mind is an illusion, and the “Anything Could Happen at Any Time Chunk of Fate” could hit anywhere. Fatherhood makes a man understand his own father, even if he wasn’t there at conception but “chose to be” a father, as did Gresko’s Pop. Becoming a father also proves that “the business of making new people is actually pretty important,” says Lev Grossman. It’s a chance to watch science in action, says Anthony Doerr, since your children are “tiny emissaries… repositories of ancient DNA…” from your genes and that of their mother. But being a father has a flip-side, too. It sometimes means living hundreds of miles away from your child because you’re not with his mother anymore. You might also have to live with your heart in your throat because the “earth brims with the bones of children” who didn’t live to adulthood. It means giving up sleep, time, silence, and vomit-free clothes. Fatherhood makes you understand that you owe a lot of people a lot of apologies.  You’ll have to learn to play, to embrace failure, endure sickness, and let your kids go. And that may be the hardest thing of all. You know what I liked best about this book?  I liked that “When I First Held You” wasn’t all heart-tugging and teary like many of its ilk. No, it made me laugh, it made me miss my Dad, and its truth kept me on my toes while I was reading. The honesty – that’s what I liked. Editor Brian Gresko offers readers a wide variety of experiences – we see the ups and downs of fatherhood through the eyes of 22 authors and writers, and not a one of them flinches from reality. Through these essays, we see warts and fears, loss, irritation, and yes, we see astoundingly fierce, blinding love. No doubt that Dads – new and experienced – will enjoy this book, but it’s also great for Dads-to-be. If you’re a man who’s loved a child, “When I First Held You” is a book you won’t be able to let go. You’ve done some scary things in your life. It’s a wonder you survived your childhood, in fact: the heights you jumped from, rides you took, things you ate, dares you accepted. It’s a wonder you’re even alive. Yep, you’ve done some scary things – but nothing was as terrifying as the moment your firstborn was placed in your arms. As you’ll see in “When I First Held You,” edited by Brian Gresko, that’s a heart-pounder that may last forever. Try to describe what it’s like to be a father, and you may have a bit of trouble. It’s about love, certainly. Ferocious protectiveness; that’s a given. Fear of failure, maybe, or as Darin Strauss says in his foreword, fatherhood is “something like contentment, only more profound… a warm fullness around the heart, like a water heater squirting everywhere inside the rib cage.” When a man becomes a father, he learns, says Dennis Lehane, that “we don’t control anything. Nada. Niente. Nothing.”  Peace of mind is an illusion, and the “Anything Could Happen at Any Time Chunk of Fate” could hit anywhere. Fatherhood makes a man understand his own father, even if he wasn’t there at conception but “chose to be” a father, as did Gresko’s Pop. Becoming a father also proves that “the business of making new people is actually pretty important,” says Lev Grossman. It’s a chance to watch science in action, says Anthony Doerr, since your children are “tiny emissaries… repositories of ancient DNA…” from your genes and that of their mother. But being a father has a flip-side, too. It sometimes means living hundreds of miles away from your child because you’re not with his mother anymore. You might also have to live with your heart in your throat because the “earth brims with the bones of children” who didn’t live to adulthood. It means giving up sleep, time, silence, and vomit-free clothes. Fatherhood makes you understand that you owe a lot of people a lot of apologies.  You’ll have to learn to play, to embrace failure, endure sickness, and let your kids go. And that may be the hardest thing of all. You know what I liked best about this book?  I liked that “When I First Held You” wasn’t all heart-tugging and teary like many of its ilk. No, it made me laugh, it made me miss my Dad, and its truth kept me on my toes while I was reading. The honesty – that’s what I liked. Editor Brian Gresko offers readers a wide variety of experiences – we see the ups and downs of fatherhood through the eyes of 22 authors and writers, and not a one of them flinches from reality. Through these essays, we see warts and fears, loss, irritation, and yes, we see astoundingly fierce, blinding love. No doubt that Dads – new and experienced – will enjoy this book, but it’s also great for Dads-to-be. If you’re a man who’s loved a child, “When I First Held You” is a book you won’t be able to let go. Bookworm Blog, 2014-06-10T12:52:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/over-our-dead-bodies-undertakers-lift-the-lid-by-kenneth-mckenzie-and-todd http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/over-our-dead-bodies-undertakers-lift-the-lid-by-kenneth-mckenzie-and-todd#When:11:10:00Z The End. It comes after the walking-into-the-sunset shot in old movies, usually in florid script. You see it in books for children, more than for adults. It’s at the tail of short stories, tongue-in-cheek advertisements, sarcastic social media postings… and life. And then what? What happens to your mortal remains when that’s all that remains?  Take a peek at “Over Our Dead Bodies” by Kenneth McKenzie and Todd Harra, and you’ll get a general idea. In your job, you basically know what to expect from day-to-day. Not so, if you’re an undertaker. When you care for the dead and their families, anything can happen – and McKenzie and Harra prove that well. But first – a little history. Take the label “undertaker,” for example. It initially had to do with the undertaking of proper burial but some 130 years ago, the National Funeral Directors Association officially changed the title to “funeral director.” Back then, funeral directors and cabinet makers went hand-in-hand; someone had to make the coffins, so why not someone with woodworking skills? The business was then passed down through the family, with many an undertaker getting his (or her) start as a child, sweeping the parking lot, pulling weeds, or helping out inside. But getting back to the main point: “no day is the same” for a funeral director. You can’t ever prepare yourself for a “Goat” to appear on someone’s last wishes. You can’t fail to be impressed at the timing of a husband and wife who die within hours of one another. You can’t remain unfazed by any coincidence, really, and you’ll never get over the death of your own mother, no matter how many mothers you’ve buried. Still, funerals aren’t “doom and gloom and death and dying and tears and crying every day, all day.”  Funny things happen – like a hearse caught in a snowstorm and a funeral rescued by a beat-up pickup. Like a jazz funeral that ended with a second chorus. Like superstitions, accidental love-matches, funeral crashers, and life stories that start with a piece of furniture and go full circle. And speaking of life, the authors say, enjoy yours to the fullest “because you too will one day be pushing daisies.” No pun intended, but my first impression of “Over Our Dead Bodies” was that it was a little stiff. There’s quite a bit off-topic in the first few pages here – extraneous info that felt like a commercial – and because of that, it seems to take a while for authors Kenneth McKenzie and Todd Harra to get to the body of their book. Once they do, however, we’re treated to the kinds of tales we’d normally beg to hear when we’d meet an undertaker at a cocktail party, as well as personal stories and a rambling (and quite fascinating) social history of death and funerals. But fear not: this isn’t macabre stuff; it’s funny and poignant and, as you dig in, it’s very, very addicting. Once you’ve started “Over our Dead Bodies,” in fact, you’ll like it to The End. The End. It comes after the walking-into-the-sunset shot in old movies, usually in florid script. You see it in books for children, more than for adults. It’s at the tail of short stories, tongue-in-cheek advertisements, sarcastic social media postings… and life. And then what? What happens to your mortal remains when that’s all that remains?  Take a peek at “Over Our Dead Bodies” by Kenneth McKenzie and Todd Harra, and you’ll get a general idea. In your job, you basically know what to expect from day-to-day. Not so, if you’re an undertaker. When you care for the dead and their families, anything can happen – and McKenzie and Harra prove that well. But first – a little history. Take the label “undertaker,” for example. It initially had to do with the undertaking of proper burial but some 130 years ago, the National Funeral Directors Association officially changed the title to “funeral director.” Back then, funeral directors and cabinet makers went hand-in-hand; someone had to make the coffins, so why not someone with woodworking skills? The business was then passed down through the family, with many an undertaker getting his (or her) start as a child, sweeping the parking lot, pulling weeds, or helping out inside. But getting back to the main point: “no day is the same” for a funeral director. You can’t ever prepare yourself for a “Goat” to appear on someone’s last wishes. You can’t fail to be impressed at the timing of a husband and wife who die within hours of one another. You can’t remain unfazed by any coincidence, really, and you’ll never get over the death of your own mother, no matter how many mothers you’ve buried. Still, funerals aren’t “doom and gloom and death and dying and tears and crying every day, all day.”  Funny things happen – like a hearse caught in a snowstorm and a funeral rescued by a beat-up pickup. Like a jazz funeral that ended with a second chorus. Like superstitions, accidental love-matches, funeral crashers, and life stories that start with a piece of furniture and go full circle. And speaking of life, the authors say, enjoy yours to the fullest “because you too will one day be pushing daisies.” No pun intended, but my first impression of “Over Our Dead Bodies” was that it was a little stiff. There’s quite a bit off-topic in the first few pages here – extraneous info that felt like a commercial – and because of that, it seems to take a while for authors Kenneth McKenzie and Todd Harra to get to the body of their book. Once they do, however, we’re treated to the kinds of tales we’d normally beg to hear when we’d meet an undertaker at a cocktail party, as well as personal stories and a rambling (and quite fascinating) social history of death and funerals. But fear not: this isn’t macabre stuff; it’s funny and poignant and, as you dig in, it’s very, very addicting. Once you’ve started “Over our Dead Bodies,” in fact, you’ll like it to The End. Bookworm Blog, 2014-06-03T11:10:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/natchez-burning-by-greg-iles http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/natchez-burning-by-greg-iles#When:11:02:00Z All you have to do is ask. That’s how to keep small life-knitting memories from being lost. It’s how to save tales of your grandma’s favorite toy, your mother’s best friend, your dad’s first love. Knowing those stories preserves history that books may never hold. And to get those stories, all you have to do is ask and listen. But, as in the new novel “Natchez Burning” by Greg Iles, be prepared for what you hear. Natchez Mayor Penn Cage knew that District Attorney Shadrach Johnson only called the Mayor’s Office when he had no other option. Penn and Johnson were far from friends – one might even call them adversaries – but Johnson’s announcement that he was planning to file murder charges against Penn’s father stunned the mayor. For more than forty years, Tom Cage had been one of Natchez’s most beloved citizens. Dr. Tom had stitched, birthed, vaccinated, and tended folks, black and white, and was considered “a saint” by many. That he was accused of killing Viola Turner was ludicrous but when Penn tried to clear up what was surely a misunderstanding, Tom cited doctor-patient confidentiality, saying only that he’d treated his former nurse before she died. But somebody had killed Viola Turner by overdose, and her son, Lincoln, was pushing for an arrest. Dark-skinned Lincoln hinted that racism might be a motive; back in the 1960s, when Viola worked for Tom, Natchez boiled with racial issues and it wasn’t unheard-of for a white man to take advantage of a black female employee. To Penn, though, that didn’t describe his father. Tom was known for his fairness and his morals, so Penn began to listen closer to old rumors that re-surfaced – rumors about Viola and long-ago crimes supposedly committed by a group of local rednecks that called themselves Double Eagles. Penn heard about the brutality attributed to them, the whispers of attacks on black men and women, destruction of black businesses, people who disappeared without a trace. Was his father involved in those murderous activities?  Was it possible?  Penn wondered… and Tom wasn’t saying… Though I have to admit that I was ready for the end of this novel by page 490, and though it has its predictable elements, “Natchez Burning” is a very good book. Maybe that’s because author Greg Iles uses real history as a reference for this multi-layered thriller, which adds raw authenticity to scenarios that will surely give the average reader nightmares. Yes, there’s a whole cadre of bad guys here who would be better described as “horrible guys,” so heinous are the crimes that Iles allows them. Fortunately for readers, that’s nicely balanced by a likeable lawyer-cum-mayor with finely-honed crime-solving skills and a girlfriend who’s hungry for cold cases. I don’t think this is a read-in-bed kind of book – in part because of many disturbingly heavy scenarios and partly because, at nearly 800 pages, this book is heavy. Still, it’s finely detailed, meticulously set, and written well enough that “Natchez Burning” is a book for which you should surely ask. All you have to do is ask. That’s how to keep small life-knitting memories from being lost. It’s how to save tales of your grandma’s favorite toy, your mother’s best friend, your dad’s first love. Knowing those stories preserves history that books may never hold. And to get those stories, all you have to do is ask and listen. But, as in the new novel “Natchez Burning” by Greg Iles, be prepared for what you hear. Natchez Mayor Penn Cage knew that District Attorney Shadrach Johnson only called the Mayor’s Office when he had no other option. Penn and Johnson were far from friends – one might even call them adversaries – but Johnson’s announcement that he was planning to file murder charges against Penn’s father stunned the mayor. For more than forty years, Tom Cage had been one of Natchez’s most beloved citizens. Dr. Tom had stitched, birthed, vaccinated, and tended folks, black and white, and was considered “a saint” by many. That he was accused of killing Viola Turner was ludicrous but when Penn tried to clear up what was surely a misunderstanding, Tom cited doctor-patient confidentiality, saying only that he’d treated his former nurse before she died. But somebody had killed Viola Turner by overdose, and her son, Lincoln, was pushing for an arrest. Dark-skinned Lincoln hinted that racism might be a motive; back in the 1960s, when Viola worked for Tom, Natchez boiled with racial issues and it wasn’t unheard-of for a white man to take advantage of a black female employee. To Penn, though, that didn’t describe his father. Tom was known for his fairness and his morals, so Penn began to listen closer to old rumors that re-surfaced – rumors about Viola and long-ago crimes supposedly committed by a group of local rednecks that called themselves Double Eagles. Penn heard about the brutality attributed to them, the whispers of attacks on black men and women, destruction of black businesses, people who disappeared without a trace. Was his father involved in those murderous activities?  Was it possible?  Penn wondered… and Tom wasn’t saying… Though I have to admit that I was ready for the end of this novel by page 490, and though it has its predictable elements, “Natchez Burning” is a very good book. Maybe that’s because author Greg Iles uses real history as a reference for this multi-layered thriller, which adds raw authenticity to scenarios that will surely give the average reader nightmares. Yes, there’s a whole cadre of bad guys here who would be better described as “horrible guys,” so heinous are the crimes that Iles allows them. Fortunately for readers, that’s nicely balanced by a likeable lawyer-cum-mayor with finely-honed crime-solving skills and a girlfriend who’s hungry for cold cases. I don’t think this is a read-in-bed kind of book – in part because of many disturbingly heavy scenarios and partly because, at nearly 800 pages, this book is heavy. Still, it’s finely detailed, meticulously set, and written well enough that “Natchez Burning” is a book for which you should surely ask. Bookworm Blog, 2014-05-29T11:02:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-little-girl-who-fought-the-great-depression-by-john-f.-kasson http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-little-girl-who-fought-the-great-depression-by-john-f.-kasson#When:13:09:00Z Staying upright. That’s what you learned when you were a year old: being vertical and walking. You mastered communication at two, played well with others at four, and by time you were six years old, you could read, write, and remember your telephone number. So this’ll make you feel silly: at just six years old, Shirley Temple was saving the world from despair. Read all about it in “The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression” by John F. Kasson. Herbert Hoover had surely enjoyed a good run of popularity. For a decade before he was swept into the White House in 1928, he was one of America ’s most respected men. The “personal tenderness” he exhibited and his “ability to deal with calamities,” however, weren’t quite as apparent when the stock market plunged, unemployment rose, and the country began its slide into the Great Depression. But Hoover knew what to do. He told a reporter in 1931 that the country needed “’a good, big laugh’” to make things right. Gertrude Temple already had two sons when she “made a fateful resolution.” She decided that her third child would be a curly-haired blonde girl named Shirley, who would pull the family out of financial difficulties. When that child was born in 1928, it was as if Gertrude’s dream had “willed [Shirley Temple] into existence.” By the time Franklin Roosevelt ousted Hoover in the 1932 election, most of the world’s citizens were truly suffering. Average American paychecks had fallen to nearly half of what they were in 1929 – that is, if the wage-earner even had a job. Unemployment was well into double-digits; worse, for southern blacks. Food was scarce, housing was iffy, and resources were dear. Enrolled in a dance class, three-year-old Shirley Temple caught the eye of two one-reel moviemakers and was offered a contract for $10 per day of filming. It was formulaic work, but it gave her mother hope and in the fall of 1933, Gertrude made certain that Shirley was seen by the songwriter for a new Fox Film. He promptly replaced a “less winning little girl” with Shirley. Within a year, the world was smitten… Heavy things to put on the shoulders of a child, no?  Yes, and author John F. Kasson explains why the time was ripe for a kid to become one of the world’s best-known, then-best-loved people. But that’s not all: in “The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression,” we’re treated to a lively, yet focused, history filled with surprises and unique perspectives. Kasson shows us how African Americans fared, both on-screen and off. We’re told of Shirley Temple’s unusual friendships, and how she misbehaved sometimes. And Kasson offers statistics and excerpts from letters that keenly show how the Depression affected everyday people, and how Shirley Temple offered them comfort. I came for the history that’s here, I stayed for the biography, I loved every minute of both and so will movie fans and history buffs. For them, “The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression” is an upstanding book. Staying upright. That’s what you learned when you were a year old: being vertical and walking. You mastered communication at two, played well with others at four, and by time you were six years old, you could read, write, and remember your telephone number. So this’ll make you feel silly: at just six years old, Shirley Temple was saving the world from despair. Read all about it in “The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression” by John F. Kasson. Herbert Hoover had surely enjoyed a good run of popularity. For a decade before he was swept into the White House in 1928, he was one of America ’s most respected men. The “personal tenderness” he exhibited and his “ability to deal with calamities,” however, weren’t quite as apparent when the stock market plunged, unemployment rose, and the country began its slide into the Great Depression. But Hoover knew what to do. He told a reporter in 1931 that the country needed “’a good, big laugh’” to make things right. Gertrude Temple already had two sons when she “made a fateful resolution.” She decided that her third child would be a curly-haired blonde girl named Shirley, who would pull the family out of financial difficulties. When that child was born in 1928, it was as if Gertrude’s dream had “willed [Shirley Temple] into existence.” By the time Franklin Roosevelt ousted Hoover in the 1932 election, most of the world’s citizens were truly suffering. Average American paychecks had fallen to nearly half of what they were in 1929 – that is, if the wage-earner even had a job. Unemployment was well into double-digits; worse, for southern blacks. Food was scarce, housing was iffy, and resources were dear. Enrolled in a dance class, three-year-old Shirley Temple caught the eye of two one-reel moviemakers and was offered a contract for $10 per day of filming. It was formulaic work, but it gave her mother hope and in the fall of 1933, Gertrude made certain that Shirley was seen by the songwriter for a new Fox Film. He promptly replaced a “less winning little girl” with Shirley. Within a year, the world was smitten… Heavy things to put on the shoulders of a child, no?  Yes, and author John F. Kasson explains why the time was ripe for a kid to become one of the world’s best-known, then-best-loved people. But that’s not all: in “The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression,” we’re treated to a lively, yet focused, history filled with surprises and unique perspectives. Kasson shows us how African Americans fared, both on-screen and off. We’re told of Shirley Temple’s unusual friendships, and how she misbehaved sometimes. And Kasson offers statistics and excerpts from letters that keenly show how the Depression affected everyday people, and how Shirley Temple offered them comfort. I came for the history that’s here, I stayed for the biography, I loved every minute of both and so will movie fans and history buffs. For them, “The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression” is an upstanding book. Bookworm Blog, 2014-05-19T13:09:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/debbie-doesnt-do-it-anymore-by-walter-mosley http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/debbie-doesnt-do-it-anymore-by-walter-mosley#When:11:40:00Z You need to change things up. A new sense of style is called-for, a new job, new digs, maybe a new outlook on everything. Out with the old, in with the new, different, exciting. Your old life isn’t working for you these days and that goes doubly for Debbie Dare. In the new book “Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore” by Walter Mosley, it’ll be time for a change – if she survives. The day that Debbie Dare learned of her husband’s death had started out like any other: she went to work, naked, on her back, and wished her co-star would hurry up as she feigned passion for yet another porn film. But there was no faking her surprise when she arrived home at the end of the day and found the front yard filled with cops.  The housekeeper had found Debbie’s husband, Theon, dead. He’d accidentally electrocuted himself in the bathtub – along with a naked teenager who was apparently auditioning for Theon’s films. Debbie supposed she loved Theon. He didn’t beat her. They were as compatible as was possible, but he spent too much money – a fact that was underscored when a loan shark showed up at the door, hours after Theon’s death, and demanded that Debbie pay up on the money Theon borrowed. It was the last straw. Once upon a time, Debbie Dare was known as Sandra Peel. She was her parents’ only daughter, the middle child of three, and she was wild. At fifteen, she was working on her knees in a parking lot, which was where she met the much-older Theon and her life changed. It was about to change again because, though Theon had left her broke and she was about to be homeless, Debbie was done with porn. Or was she? When the loan shark sold his debt to an L.A. mobster, Debbie was given an ultimatum: pay up or act again, a choice that she wasn’t going to make. She suddenly saw the porn industry for what it was. The only passion she had was for a “handsome man” named Suicide, “all silence and smiles” and urges to die… You know those old black-&-white war movies, where soldiers try to outrun exploding artillery shells? This book is something like that: it’s run-run-BOOM, run-run-BOOM all the way to the end of “Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore.” And that’s quite a surprise: Debbie Dare is no Easy Rawlins, and she’s not Socrates – two things that every fan of author Walter Mosley will want to know. There are hints of both of Mosley’s most famous characters, but this book is much more explicit than his past few novels. That’s not a bad thing, once you get into the heart of this most excellent story but it definitely bears mentioning – especially if profanity isn’t your cup of tea. If you don’t mind X-rated scenes, though, and you need your Mosley fix, then this is the book you need to find. For you, “Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore” will surely be a big change. You need to change things up. A new sense of style is called-for, a new job, new digs, maybe a new outlook on everything. Out with the old, in with the new, different, exciting. Your old life isn’t working for you these days and that goes doubly for Debbie Dare. In the new book “Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore” by Walter Mosley, it’ll be time for a change – if she survives. The day that Debbie Dare learned of her husband’s death had started out like any other: she went to work, naked, on her back, and wished her co-star would hurry up as she feigned passion for yet another porn film. But there was no faking her surprise when she arrived home at the end of the day and found the front yard filled with cops.  The housekeeper had found Debbie’s husband, Theon, dead. He’d accidentally electrocuted himself in the bathtub – along with a naked teenager who was apparently auditioning for Theon’s films. Debbie supposed she loved Theon. He didn’t beat her. They were as compatible as was possible, but he spent too much money – a fact that was underscored when a loan shark showed up at the door, hours after Theon’s death, and demanded that Debbie pay up on the money Theon borrowed. It was the last straw. Once upon a time, Debbie Dare was known as Sandra Peel. She was her parents’ only daughter, the middle child of three, and she was wild. At fifteen, she was working on her knees in a parking lot, which was where she met the much-older Theon and her life changed. It was about to change again because, though Theon had left her broke and she was about to be homeless, Debbie was done with porn. Or was she? When the loan shark sold his debt to an L.A. mobster, Debbie was given an ultimatum: pay up or act again, a choice that she wasn’t going to make. She suddenly saw the porn industry for what it was. The only passion she had was for a “handsome man” named Suicide, “all silence and smiles” and urges to die… You know those old black-&-white war movies, where soldiers try to outrun exploding artillery shells? This book is something like that: it’s run-run-BOOM, run-run-BOOM all the way to the end of “Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore.” And that’s quite a surprise: Debbie Dare is no Easy Rawlins, and she’s not Socrates – two things that every fan of author Walter Mosley will want to know. There are hints of both of Mosley’s most famous characters, but this book is much more explicit than his past few novels. That’s not a bad thing, once you get into the heart of this most excellent story but it definitely bears mentioning – especially if profanity isn’t your cup of tea. If you don’t mind X-rated scenes, though, and you need your Mosley fix, then this is the book you need to find. For you, “Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore” will surely be a big change. Bookworm Blog, 2014-05-12T11:40:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/dont-miss-these-summertime-reads http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/dont-miss-these-summertime-reads#When:10:38:00Z What’s on your summer reading list? Photo by Alan Levine via Flickr Creative Commons You made your reservations months ago. This was a vacation you’ve been planning for… well, it seems like forever. One of those once-in-a-lifetime trips is what you’ve always dreamed about, and you’ve bought all new clothes and even a new suitcase for it. So why would you take just any old book on your vacation this summer?  Instead, why not look for something new by an author you love? MAY So a Memorial Day getaway is in the plans and you can’t wait. Before you go, grab one of these new books released toward the end of the month… Conservative writer Ben Carson has a new book out about America’s Future. There’s a new book out, co-written by Bill Geist, too. In fact, you’ll find quite a few memoirs out toward the end of May, as well as novels by Terry Hayes, Tom Robbins, Robert Ludlum, and Joseph Finder. And Bob the Street Cat has a new book out, too, and fans will want it. JUNE Summertime reading bolts out the door like a teenager off curfew with new novels by Mary Alice Monroe, Dorothea Benton Frank, and Jeff Shaara; cookbooks; a business book by William Poundstone and one on commodities; a book about Sally Ride by Lynn Sherr; and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s much-anticipated biography. And that’s just the first week… Later in June, look for new novels by Diana Gabaldon, Jennifer Weiner, Janet Evanovich, Linda Fairstein, Ridley Pearson, James Patterson, Jude Deveraux, and Dean Koontz. You’ll find a book about a dog that flew during World War II (and why). Learn how to do math in a fun way. Read about Justice Antonin Scalia. Pick up some new Will Shortz puzzle books in June. And learn how to use your manners when you have to swear. For the kids, look for a new Dork Diaries installation; an encyclopedia of animated characters; a few new mysteries for middle-grade readers; a new book about Charlie the Ranch Dog; and a book about farting fish. JULY Just because summer’s half over doesn’t mean your reading list is! Before the fireworks even begin, look for new novels by Jojo Moyes, Susan Wiggs, J.A. Jance, Jacqueline Winspear, and Amy Sohn. There’s a new book coming out about Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio; a new book that debunks myths about sex; a new book by Ja Rule; a skinny book about crossword puzzles and why we love them; a self-help book on “wallowing” the right way; and a cool true-crime book about how amateurs have been solving cold cases and bringing killers to justice. Later in July, you’ll find more favorites: novels by Brad Thor, Iris & Roy Johansen, Anne Rivers Siddons, Terry Brooks, Catherine Coulter, Brad Taylor, Conn Igguldon, Stuart Woods, James Lee Burke, Ace Atkins, and Julie Garwood; a new memoir by singer Rick James; a biography on Michelangelo; a new book about families and race; a tell-all about the Clinton’s political life; and a memoir of faith and football. The kidlets will love finding new Guardians of the Galaxy books; new joke books to while away the summer; the latest Fancy Nancy installment; and a new graphic novel by Neil Gaiman. AUGUST You’re not done yet. There’s still plenty of summer – and plenty of time to read – left! The first part of August will see a new book by Andrew Cuomo; a new novel by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child; a new W.E.B. Griffin tome; a new book about crime-scene profilers; and a book about the woman behind the Mona Lisa. Also in August, look for a book about college football conferences; a business book about getting organized and one on prosperity; new cookbooks for backyard and for fall; and new novels by Carl Weber, William Kent Krueger, Debbie Macomber, Kelly Armstrong, Elaine Hussey, Randy Wayne White, Tami Hoag, Paul Coelho and Kathy Reichs. Get the kids in back-to-school mode with a new children’s book by Malala Yousafzai; a new Cupcake Diaries installment; ghost stories; and a kid’s book about paying it forward. AND NOW THE DISCLAIMER… Yes, some of these books can be shifted, moved, or cancelled altogether. Titles can change; so can subject matter. If you’ve got a question about your favorite author, NICELY ASK your librarian or bookseller – this is why they get paid the big bucks. Seriously, they’re experts at this stuff. Have a great summer and Happy Reading! What’s on your summer reading list? Photo by Alan Levine via Flickr Creative Commons You made your reservations months ago. This was a vacation you’ve been planning for… well, it seems like forever. One of those once-in-a-lifetime trips is what you’ve always dreamed about, and you’ve bought all new clothes and even a new suitcase for it. So why would you take just any old book on your vacation this summer?  Instead, why not look for something new by an author you love? MAY So a Memorial Day getaway is in the plans and you can’t wait. Before you go, grab one of these new books released toward the end of the month… Conservative writer Ben Carson has a new book out about America’s Future. There’s a new book out, co-written by Bill Geist, too. In fact, you’ll find quite a few memoirs out toward the end of May, as well as novels by Terry Hayes, Tom Robbins, Robert Ludlum, and Joseph Finder. And Bob the Street Cat has a new book out, too, and fans will want it. JUNE Summertime reading bolts out the door like a teenager off curfew with new novels by Mary Alice Monroe, Dorothea Benton Frank, and Jeff Shaara; cookbooks; a business book by William Poundstone and one on commodities; a book about Sally Ride by Lynn Sherr; and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s much-anticipated biography. And that’s just the first week… Later in June, look for new novels by Diana Gabaldon, Jennifer Weiner, Janet Evanovich, Linda Fairstein, Ridley Pearson, James Patterson, Jude Deveraux, and Dean Koontz. You’ll find a book about a dog that flew during World War II (and why). Learn how to do math in a fun way. Read about Justice Antonin Scalia. Pick up some new Will Shortz puzzle books in June. And learn how to use your manners when you have to swear. For the kids, look for a new Dork Diaries installation; an encyclopedia of animated characters; a few new mysteries for middle-grade readers; a new book about Charlie the Ranch Dog; and a book about farting fish. JULY Just because summer’s half over doesn’t mean your reading list is! Before the fireworks even begin, look for new novels by Jojo Moyes, Susan Wiggs, J.A. Jance, Jacqueline Winspear, and Amy Sohn. There’s a new book coming out about Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio; a new book that debunks myths about sex; a new book by Ja Rule; a skinny book about crossword puzzles and why we love them; a self-help book on “wallowing” the right way; and a cool true-crime book about how amateurs have been solving cold cases and bringing killers to justice. Later in July, you’ll find more favorites: novels by Brad Thor, Iris & Roy Johansen, Anne Rivers Siddons, Terry Brooks, Catherine Coulter, Brad Taylor, Conn Igguldon, Stuart Woods, James Lee Burke, Ace Atkins, and Julie Garwood; a new memoir by singer Rick James; a biography on Michelangelo; a new book about families and race; a tell-all about the Clinton’s political life; and a memoir of faith and football. The kidlets will love finding new Guardians of the Galaxy books; new joke books to while away the summer; the latest Fancy Nancy installment; and a new graphic novel by Neil Gaiman. AUGUST You’re not done yet. There’s still plenty of summer – and plenty of time to read – left! The first part of August will see a new book by Andrew Cuomo; a new novel by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child; a new W.E.B. Griffin tome; a new book about crime-scene profilers; and a book about the woman behind the Mona Lisa. Also in August, look for a book about college football conferences; a business book about getting organized and one on prosperity; new cookbooks for backyard and for fall; and new novels by Carl Weber, William Kent Krueger, Debbie Macomber, Kelly Armstrong, Elaine Hussey, Randy Wayne White, Tami Hoag, Paul Coelho and Kathy Reichs. Get the kids in back-to-school mode with a new children’s book by Malala Yousafzai; a new Cupcake Diaries installment; ghost stories; and a kid’s book about paying it forward. AND NOW THE DISCLAIMER… Yes, some of these books can be shifted, moved, or cancelled altogether. Titles can change; so can subject matter. If you’ve got a question about your favorite author, NICELY ASK your librarian or bookseller – this is why they get paid the big bucks. Seriously, they’re experts at this stuff. Have a great summer and Happy Reading! Bookworm Blog, 2014-05-08T10:38:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/mistakes-i-made-at-work-edited-by-jessica-bacal http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/mistakes-i-made-at-work-edited-by-jessica-bacal#When:14:01:00Z Everybody knows what you did. It didn’t take long for word to get around, actually; you can tell by the smirks and the lack of eye-contact in the hall. It was a colossal error, one that cost the company more than you care to think about. And it was all your fault. How can you ever bounce back from something like this?  Will it end your career?  Twenty-five leading women say no – and you’ll find out why in the new book “Mistakes I Made at Work,” edited by Jessica Bacal. It’s a platitude everybody’s heard before: learn from your mistakes. Embrace them, we’re told, and grow from them. But Jessica Bacal wondered how, with a culture that demands perfection from women and a reluctance to discuss such things, we can ever learn anything from our errors? She contacted influential women from several walks of life, and asked them about their mistakes, what they learned, and how they grew from it. Laurel Touby, founder of Mediabistro.com, learned the hard way that no job was worth ignoring who she really was, down-deep. Her advice is to “pursue work environments that feel like the right fit for you.” For writer Rachel Simmons, achievement was the only goal until she accepted a Rhodes scholarship. She realized, once she was at Oxford , that being a Rhodes Scholar was a big mistake for her. She was embarrassed to quit and her family was angry, but it was a turning point in her life. Her advice: “Don’t be afraid to quit.” Lawyer and social activist Reshma Saujani lost a Congressional race in 2009 and “I felt like I had let [supporters] down.”  She advises readers to keep trying: “fail fast, fail hard, and fail often.” From economist Carla Harris: if you “don’t know, you need to ask.” From writer Cheryl Strayed: “We’re all rough drafts.”  From physician Danielle Ofri: nobody learns through humiliation. Says writer Alina Tugend: master the art of asking for money. And from writer J. Courtney Sullivan: “be a kind and generous coworker. You never know where it might lead you in the future.” As a Champion Goof-Up from way back, I approached “Mistakes I Made at Work” with a little trepidation. When it comes to blunders, there are lots of chestnuts out there that are of little help – and then there’s this book. I was pleased with the candor that editor Jessica Bacal found when interviewing the women she chose. Some of the mistakes in this book might seem minor, while some are pretty good-sized but the meaning behind each brief chapter is the same; to wit: these women messed up, they were embarrassed, and they lived to tell about it. Best of all, things were often better, post-oops. And wow, that’s pretty comforting to anybody who knows she can’t cast that first stone… This is an excellent book to give to a new grad, an old hand, an employee who’s feeling red-faced, or YOU. Reading “Mistakes I Made at Work,” in fact, is something you’ll be glad you did. Everybody knows what you did. It didn’t take long for word to get around, actually; you can tell by the smirks and the lack of eye-contact in the hall. It was a colossal error, one that cost the company more than you care to think about. And it was all your fault. How can you ever bounce back from something like this?  Will it end your career?  Twenty-five leading women say no – and you’ll find out why in the new book “Mistakes I Made at Work,” edited by Jessica Bacal. It’s a platitude everybody’s heard before: learn from your mistakes. Embrace them, we’re told, and grow from them. But Jessica Bacal wondered how, with a culture that demands perfection from women and a reluctance to discuss such things, we can ever learn anything from our errors? She contacted influential women from several walks of life, and asked them about their mistakes, what they learned, and how they grew from it. Laurel Touby, founder of Mediabistro.com, learned the hard way that no job was worth ignoring who she really was, down-deep. Her advice is to “pursue work environments that feel like the right fit for you.” For writer Rachel Simmons, achievement was the only goal until she accepted a Rhodes scholarship. She realized, once she was at Oxford , that being a Rhodes Scholar was a big mistake for her. She was embarrassed to quit and her family was angry, but it was a turning point in her life. Her advice: “Don’t be afraid to quit.” Lawyer and social activist Reshma Saujani lost a Congressional race in 2009 and “I felt like I had let [supporters] down.”  She advises readers to keep trying: “fail fast, fail hard, and fail often.” From economist Carla Harris: if you “don’t know, you need to ask.” From writer Cheryl Strayed: “We’re all rough drafts.”  From physician Danielle Ofri: nobody learns through humiliation. Says writer Alina Tugend: master the art of asking for money. And from writer J. Courtney Sullivan: “be a kind and generous coworker. You never know where it might lead you in the future.” As a Champion Goof-Up from way back, I approached “Mistakes I Made at Work” with a little trepidation. When it comes to blunders, there are lots of chestnuts out there that are of little help – and then there’s this book. I was pleased with the candor that editor Jessica Bacal found when interviewing the women she chose. Some of the mistakes in this book might seem minor, while some are pretty good-sized but the meaning behind each brief chapter is the same; to wit: these women messed up, they were embarrassed, and they lived to tell about it. Best of all, things were often better, post-oops. And wow, that’s pretty comforting to anybody who knows she can’t cast that first stone… This is an excellent book to give to a new grad, an old hand, an employee who’s feeling red-faced, or YOU. Reading “Mistakes I Made at Work,” in fact, is something you’ll be glad you did. Bookworm Blog, 2014-05-07T14:01:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-hippest-trip-in-america-soul-train-and-the-evolution-of-culture-style-b http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-hippest-trip-in-america-soul-train-and-the-evolution-of-culture-style-b#When:12:29:00Z hey should have called you Super-Fly. Yep, that’s what you were, dancing in front of your TV every Saturday, spinning on the carpet and waving your arms around until you got yelled at for “gonna break something.” But you were the flyest of fly. The only thing you were going to bust was a move, just like on Soul Train. And in “The Hippest Trip in America ” by Nelson George, you’ll read about the iconic TV program that you never, ever missed. Everyone knew that Don Cornelius had “ambition”: he was a car salesman, policeman, and insurance agent before his “foghorn voice” led him to radio in 1966. He made the transition to TV two years later, and he soon realized there was a need for a “black” TV show. He presented the idea, then found major corporate sponsorship, and on October 2, 1971, Soul Train appeared locally in Chicago. The show was “’overnight hot’” but Cornelius knew there was more to this idea. With another sponsor on-board for a nation-wide launch, Cornelius pitched the show to the networks, but they turned it down. He decided to syndicate Soul Train and moved the show to Los Angeles. Though the music was always the focus of Soul Train, Cornelius knew that the dancers (in particular, those in the Soul Train line) were what brought viewers back. In L.A., scouts kept their eyes open for promising teens who could dance, often mining prospects from three main area clubs. Dancers performed for free and were fed chicken dinners, but the real appeal of being a Soul Train dancer was fame and the opportunity for a career in show biz. It seemed as though every regular viewer wanted to be a Soul Train regular, too. But as much as Cornelius controlled his show (and, to a certain extent, his dancers), he couldn’t control what happened, culturally. Early-90s fashions confounded him, music videos concerned him, and gangsta rap made him uncomfortable. And so, though the show would continue for another 13 years, Cornelius announced in 1993 that he’d step down as Soul Train host – a move that arguably meant “the show was over.” From its first pages and throughout, the word “joy” crops up often in “The Hippest Trip in America ,” and for good reason: it was everywhere in the show and even more in this book. I took great joy, in fact, in seeing how author Nelson George sent me to the internet. His descriptions of what happened through the years on Soul Train made me want to see, too, and there are plenty of clips online. I also liked the interviews with former dancers and the cultural frame-of-reference included here, and the history of the show – along with little-known tidbits – made this a great (and surprisingly fast-paced) read filled with reminiscing, “love, peace, and soul.” Get out your bell-bottoms and your best dancin’ shoes, have a good internet connection, and get ready. For you, “The Hippest Trip in America” is a book you’ll want to bust out and find. hey should have called you Super-Fly. Yep, that’s what you were, dancing in front of your TV every Saturday, spinning on the carpet and waving your arms around until you got yelled at for “gonna break something.” But you were the flyest of fly. The only thing you were going to bust was a move, just like on Soul Train. And in “The Hippest Trip in America ” by Nelson George, you’ll read about the iconic TV program that you never, ever missed. Everyone knew that Don Cornelius had “ambition”: he was a car salesman, policeman, and insurance agent before his “foghorn voice” led him to radio in 1966. He made the transition to TV two years later, and he soon realized there was a need for a “black” TV show. He presented the idea, then found major corporate sponsorship, and on October 2, 1971, Soul Train appeared locally in Chicago. The show was “’overnight hot’” but Cornelius knew there was more to this idea. With another sponsor on-board for a nation-wide launch, Cornelius pitched the show to the networks, but they turned it down. He decided to syndicate Soul Train and moved the show to Los Angeles. Though the music was always the focus of Soul Train, Cornelius knew that the dancers (in particular, those in the Soul Train line) were what brought viewers back. In L.A., scouts kept their eyes open for promising teens who could dance, often mining prospects from three main area clubs. Dancers performed for free and were fed chicken dinners, but the real appeal of being a Soul Train dancer was fame and the opportunity for a career in show biz. It seemed as though every regular viewer wanted to be a Soul Train regular, too. But as much as Cornelius controlled his show (and, to a certain extent, his dancers), he couldn’t control what happened, culturally. Early-90s fashions confounded him, music videos concerned him, and gangsta rap made him uncomfortable. And so, though the show would continue for another 13 years, Cornelius announced in 1993 that he’d step down as Soul Train host – a move that arguably meant “the show was over.” From its first pages and throughout, the word “joy” crops up often in “The Hippest Trip in America ,” and for good reason: it was everywhere in the show and even more in this book. I took great joy, in fact, in seeing how author Nelson George sent me to the internet. His descriptions of what happened through the years on Soul Train made me want to see, too, and there are plenty of clips online. I also liked the interviews with former dancers and the cultural frame-of-reference included here, and the history of the show – along with little-known tidbits – made this a great (and surprisingly fast-paced) read filled with reminiscing, “love, peace, and soul.” Get out your bell-bottoms and your best dancin’ shoes, have a good internet connection, and get ready. For you, “The Hippest Trip in America” is a book you’ll want to bust out and find. Bookworm Blog, 2014-04-28T12:29:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/postcards-from-cookie-by-caroline-clarke http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/postcards-from-cookie-by-caroline-clarke#When:14:14:00Z Among the usual fliers, bills, and donation requests in the mail last week, there was something you haven’t seen in ages: someone sent you a greeting card. It wasn’t marking any special occasion. No, it was sent as a pick-me-up from a friend, a nice surprise at a time when mail usually has an “e” in front of it. But, as you’ll see in the new memoir “Postcards from Cookie” by Caroline Clarke, some snail mail can make your heart zoom. She was only looking for medical records. As an adoptee, Caroline Clarke knew she had the right to learn at least that about her birth mother, but health data was only part of the unhidden information in the sealed records. There were lots of clues in what Clarke was told on that chilly afternoon; enough to help her figure out who her biological mother might be. The shocker was that Clarke had known her birth mother’s family for years. From the time she was almost 8-years-old and learned that she was adopted, Clarke told everyone that she wasn’t interested in finding her birth mother.  Secretly, though, she dreamed of making the woman proud and fantasized about accidental, happily-ever-after meetings. She loved the parents who raised her – adored them, in fact – but “all adoptees are curious about their beginnings,” and Clarke was no exception. Her Daddy was shaken by the news. Her Mommy said to contact the woman. Clarke’s husband was excited for her, but she sat on the information until she couldn’t stand it any longer. So she mustered up the courage and called Carole “Cookie” Lane. Cookie was the eldest (adopted) daughter of Nat “King” Cole and, while away at college, had become pregnant. It was 1964 and that sort of thing was scandalous – especially since the father was a white Jewish boy. Maria, Cookie’s adoptive mother, sent her away to a home for pregnant girls. Cookie was 20-years-old. As Cookie and Clarke excitedly began to erase the years they’d missed, and as they shared “synchronicities” through phone calls and huge boxes of mail, they also got “on each other’s nerves.” Clarke craved Cookie, but they obviously irritated one another – enough to make Clarke wonder whether their experience was “going to have that fairy-tale ending after all.” Though adoption-reunion stories are becoming commonplace due to social media, author Caroline Clarke’s is unusual in that there were some amazing coincidences that led her to Cookie, before and after. Obviously, Clarke is awe-stricken about those and yes, I was pretty impressed, too. And yet, “Postcards from Cookie” has a bit of a Peeping-Tom element: this is a very personal story of adoption and love. While I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it’s easy to feel uncomfortable watching two vastly different personalities dance around one another, trying to get along. So, ultimately, do they? I’m not telling. You’re going to want to read this book. No, seriously - you’re going to want to read this book because “Postcards from Cookie” will send you away satisfied. Among the usual fliers, bills, and donation requests in the mail last week, there was something you haven’t seen in ages: someone sent you a greeting card. It wasn’t marking any special occasion. No, it was sent as a pick-me-up from a friend, a nice surprise at a time when mail usually has an “e” in front of it. But, as you’ll see in the new memoir “Postcards from Cookie” by Caroline Clarke, some snail mail can make your heart zoom. She was only looking for medical records. As an adoptee, Caroline Clarke knew she had the right to learn at least that about her birth mother, but health data was only part of the unhidden information in the sealed records. There were lots of clues in what Clarke was told on that chilly afternoon; enough to help her figure out who her biological mother might be. The shocker was that Clarke had known her birth mother’s family for years. From the time she was almost 8-years-old and learned that she was adopted, Clarke told everyone that she wasn’t interested in finding her birth mother.  Secretly, though, she dreamed of making the woman proud and fantasized about accidental, happily-ever-after meetings. She loved the parents who raised her – adored them, in fact – but “all adoptees are curious about their beginnings,” and Clarke was no exception. Her Daddy was shaken by the news. Her Mommy said to contact the woman. Clarke’s husband was excited for her, but she sat on the information until she couldn’t stand it any longer. So she mustered up the courage and called Carole “Cookie” Lane. Cookie was the eldest (adopted) daughter of Nat “King” Cole and, while away at college, had become pregnant. It was 1964 and that sort of thing was scandalous – especially since the father was a white Jewish boy. Maria, Cookie’s adoptive mother, sent her away to a home for pregnant girls. Cookie was 20-years-old. As Cookie and Clarke excitedly began to erase the years they’d missed, and as they shared “synchronicities” through phone calls and huge boxes of mail, they also got “on each other’s nerves.” Clarke craved Cookie, but they obviously irritated one another – enough to make Clarke wonder whether their experience was “going to have that fairy-tale ending after all.” Though adoption-reunion stories are becoming commonplace due to social media, author Caroline Clarke’s is unusual in that there were some amazing coincidences that led her to Cookie, before and after. Obviously, Clarke is awe-stricken about those and yes, I was pretty impressed, too. And yet, “Postcards from Cookie” has a bit of a Peeping-Tom element: this is a very personal story of adoption and love. While I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it’s easy to feel uncomfortable watching two vastly different personalities dance around one another, trying to get along. So, ultimately, do they? I’m not telling. You’re going to want to read this book. No, seriously - you’re going to want to read this book because “Postcards from Cookie” will send you away satisfied. Bookworm Blog, 2014-04-21T14:14:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-wanted-woman-by-eric-jerome-dickey http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-wanted-woman-by-eric-jerome-dickey#When:20:44:00Z Bookworm Blog, 2014-04-16T20:44:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/vintage-by-susan-gloss http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/vintage-by-susan-gloss#When:14:28:00Z The sweater is like an old friend. Once upon a time, it was your mother’s favorite garment. Back then, it was sophisticated and elegant, with beads and bangles that must’ve made her feel terribly chic.  Today, it’s a little beat-up. It’s missing beads, is worn on one elbow, and it’s as far from haute couture as you can get, but you really don’t care. Wearing it makes you feel warm, inside and out and, as you’ll see in “Vintage” by Susan Gloss, new friends can give you that same feeling. Ever since Violet Turner got divorced, left her small Northern Wisconsin hometown, and moved to Madison, life was almost exactly what she’d envisioned. Hourglass Vintage, the clothing boutique Violet owned, fulfilled her dream of a career in fashion, which was something she wanted practically her whole life.  She loved her business and her customers - but as for the dream of raising a family, well, at thirty-eight and divorced, Violet figured that dream was dead. April Morgan would never wear the 1950s-era wedding dress she got from Hourglass Vintage. For one thing, at five months’ pregnant, she’d never fit into it. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. She and Charlie were in love, but his parents didn’t approve of an eighteen-year-old whose mother had been mentally ill. They wanted their only son to marry a society girl, and they’d withheld funds for Charlie’s medical school until he came to his senses. That kind of stress wasn’t good when you were just starting out, and an unplanned baby didn’t help. Charlie couldn’t take the pressure, and now April was alone. Amithi Singh’s daughter didn’t want her mother’s colorful saris – Jayana didn’t want anything to do with tradition – so Amithi brought the clothes to Hourglass Vintage. She wasn’t sure why she’d kept the saris in the first place but it was time to get rid of them, just like she’d get rid of her cheating husband. Forty years ago, when her arranged marriage was new, Amithi put aside her hopes and followed her husband to America. So much had happened since then. Could she again change her life as easily as she changed her wardrobe? You know that “ahhhhhh” feeling you get when you come home and slip into your favorite around-the-house clothes?  Yep, that’s the kind of comfort you get when you slip into “Vintage.” Starting each chapter with a clothing description to set the tone, author Susan Gloss tells a story of friendship, dream-keeping, and great outfits.  It’s a cute tale with likeable-enough characters and it’s light on the drama – but here’s where I think the appeal of this novel lies: it’s as familiar as an old sweater, in a good way. Reading it is like wrapping yourself in coziness – and isn’t that why you love novels like this? I think if you’re tired of heavy drama, screaming plots, and unbelievable characters, this book is the perfect antidote. Grab your sweater, grab a chair and grab “Vintage.” You might find that it’s just your style. The sweater is like an old friend. Once upon a time, it was your mother’s favorite garment. Back then, it was sophisticated and elegant, with beads and bangles that must’ve made her feel terribly chic.  Today, it’s a little beat-up. It’s missing beads, is worn on one elbow, and it’s as far from haute couture as you can get, but you really don’t care. Wearing it makes you feel warm, inside and out and, as you’ll see in “Vintage” by Susan Gloss, new friends can give you that same feeling. Ever since Violet Turner got divorced, left her small Northern Wisconsin hometown, and moved to Madison, life was almost exactly what she’d envisioned. Hourglass Vintage, the clothing boutique Violet owned, fulfilled her dream of a career in fashion, which was something she wanted practically her whole life.  She loved her business and her customers - but as for the dream of raising a family, well, at thirty-eight and divorced, Violet figured that dream was dead. April Morgan would never wear the 1950s-era wedding dress she got from Hourglass Vintage. For one thing, at five months’ pregnant, she’d never fit into it. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. She and Charlie were in love, but his parents didn’t approve of an eighteen-year-old whose mother had been mentally ill. They wanted their only son to marry a society girl, and they’d withheld funds for Charlie’s medical school until he came to his senses. That kind of stress wasn’t good when you were just starting out, and an unplanned baby didn’t help. Charlie couldn’t take the pressure, and now April was alone. Amithi Singh’s daughter didn’t want her mother’s colorful saris – Jayana didn’t want anything to do with tradition – so Amithi brought the clothes to Hourglass Vintage. She wasn’t sure why she’d kept the saris in the first place but it was time to get rid of them, just like she’d get rid of her cheating husband. Forty years ago, when her arranged marriage was new, Amithi put aside her hopes and followed her husband to America. So much had happened since then. Could she again change her life as easily as she changed her wardrobe? You know that “ahhhhhh” feeling you get when you come home and slip into your favorite around-the-house clothes?  Yep, that’s the kind of comfort you get when you slip into “Vintage.” Starting each chapter with a clothing description to set the tone, author Susan Gloss tells a story of friendship, dream-keeping, and great outfits.  It’s a cute tale with likeable-enough characters and it’s light on the drama – but here’s where I think the appeal of this novel lies: it’s as familiar as an old sweater, in a good way. Reading it is like wrapping yourself in coziness – and isn’t that why you love novels like this? I think if you’re tired of heavy drama, screaming plots, and unbelievable characters, this book is the perfect antidote. Grab your sweater, grab a chair and grab “Vintage.” You might find that it’s just your style. Bookworm Blog, 2014-04-11T14:28:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/scared-stiff-everything-you-need-to-know-about-50-famous-phobias-by-sara-la http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/scared-stiff-everything-you-need-to-know-about-50-famous-phobias-by-sara-la#When:13:44:00Z You are one incredibly brave person. Fearless, actually: that’s you. You take risks, climb high, jump far, and you laugh at safety equipment. You ain’t afraid of anything. Except, well, that one little thing that makes you scream, causes your hands to sweat, gives you nightmares, makes you almost faint. Yeah, except that – and if you read “Scared Stiff” by Sara Latta, you might find a name for it. So you freak when you speak in public. The thought of a snake makes you quake. It’s the rare person who’s not frightened by something because fear is “an important survival mechanism” that actually comes from your brain. Most people can handle or hide phobias quite well, while others are debilitated by their fears. A fear isn’t a phobia, by the way, until it “interferes with your ability to function…” Let’s say you’re afraid of heights, which is a common phobia. You can’t go past the first floor of a building without feeling shaky and you can’t bear to look out of high-rise windows. That’s acrophobia, and it’s an ancient fear that even babies suffer from. Scientists think it has to do with balance and sight. Or let’s say you can’t bear to be in a room with a spider. Again, researchers believe it’s an evolutionary fear. They say that spiders are more afraid of you than you are of them - but who wants to test that theory?  Not J.K. Rowling, Justin Timberlake, Johnny Depp… or me! If you’re a nomophobic, you’re afraid of being out without your cell phone. Your mother might be happy if you had ataxophobia (the fear of messes) or mysophobia (the fear of germs). And if you have dentophobia, you join “up to 80 percent of adults in the United States” in your fear of dentists. Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck are both afraid of flying. Christina Ricci says she’s afraid of houseplants. Johnny Depp is afraid of clowns and Kristen Wiig fears blood. Boxer Sonny Liston would rather fight than face a needle. Matt Damon is terribly afraid of snakes. And believe it or not, Barbra Streisand and Carly Simon have both suffered from fear of performing! Huh. There’s nothing in this book about bibliophobia, or the fear of books. That’s just as well, though, because “Scared Stiff” will still leave you plenty to worry about. Indeed, author Sara Latta includes in her book phobias that you’ve probably never heard of, and she’ll make you glad you don’t have them. Here, you get an overview of fifty phobias, a bit of info on how each might bloom, and gossip on famous folks who fear. And if that’s not enough, Latta gives you an in-depth section on what you can do to conquer the phobias that plague you. This book is respectful and serious but lighthearted, too, and includes trivia, sidebars, and plenty of resources. It’s great for the curious and the terrified alike, but beware: give “Scared Stiff” to your 12-to-17-year-olds, and I’m afraid reading is all they’ll want to do. You are one incredibly brave person. Fearless, actually: that’s you. You take risks, climb high, jump far, and you laugh at safety equipment. You ain’t afraid of anything. Except, well, that one little thing that makes you scream, causes your hands to sweat, gives you nightmares, makes you almost faint. Yeah, except that – and if you read “Scared Stiff” by Sara Latta, you might find a name for it. So you freak when you speak in public. The thought of a snake makes you quake. It’s the rare person who’s not frightened by something because fear is “an important survival mechanism” that actually comes from your brain. Most people can handle or hide phobias quite well, while others are debilitated by their fears. A fear isn’t a phobia, by the way, until it “interferes with your ability to function…” Let’s say you’re afraid of heights, which is a common phobia. You can’t go past the first floor of a building without feeling shaky and you can’t bear to look out of high-rise windows. That’s acrophobia, and it’s an ancient fear that even babies suffer from. Scientists think it has to do with balance and sight. Or let’s say you can’t bear to be in a room with a spider. Again, researchers believe it’s an evolutionary fear. They say that spiders are more afraid of you than you are of them - but who wants to test that theory?  Not J.K. Rowling, Justin Timberlake, Johnny Depp… or me! If you’re a nomophobic, you’re afraid of being out without your cell phone. Your mother might be happy if you had ataxophobia (the fear of messes) or mysophobia (the fear of germs). And if you have dentophobia, you join “up to 80 percent of adults in the United States” in your fear of dentists. Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck are both afraid of flying. Christina Ricci says she’s afraid of houseplants. Johnny Depp is afraid of clowns and Kristen Wiig fears blood. Boxer Sonny Liston would rather fight than face a needle. Matt Damon is terribly afraid of snakes. And believe it or not, Barbra Streisand and Carly Simon have both suffered from fear of performing! Huh. There’s nothing in this book about bibliophobia, or the fear of books. That’s just as well, though, because “Scared Stiff” will still leave you plenty to worry about. Indeed, author Sara Latta includes in her book phobias that you’ve probably never heard of, and she’ll make you glad you don’t have them. Here, you get an overview of fifty phobias, a bit of info on how each might bloom, and gossip on famous folks who fear. And if that’s not enough, Latta gives you an in-depth section on what you can do to conquer the phobias that plague you. This book is respectful and serious but lighthearted, too, and includes trivia, sidebars, and plenty of resources. It’s great for the curious and the terrified alike, but beware: give “Scared Stiff” to your 12-to-17-year-olds, and I’m afraid reading is all they’ll want to do. Bookworm Blog, 2014-04-01T13:44:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/heimlichs-maneuvers-by-henry-j.-heimlich-md http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/heimlichs-maneuvers-by-henry-j.-heimlich-md#When:20:01:00Z Attaboy! Good job. You’ve done well for yourself. You deserve the Gold Star, a standing ovation. There’s a raise in your future, a bonus for work done right. You deserve a pat on the back – except if you’re choking. And in the new book “Heimlich’s Maneuvers” by Henry J. Heimlich, MD, you’ll find out why, from the man who invented the lifesaving measure. From the time he was a small boy growing up in New York, Henry Heimlich wanted to be a doctor. His parents were role models: he watched them help others, and he noticed that they never turned anyone away. He wanted to be like them – and he started down that path at age 21, when he assisted the victim of a train wreck until rescuers arrived. That was the first of “hundreds of thousands” of lives Heimlich would save. While in college, Heimlich led the ROTC band then, as required, enlisted in the military. After graduation, he was called for duty and served in the Navy on a special mission to China during World War II. There, he taught Chinese soldiers first-aid basics and, because anti-Semitism was rampant in America, he taught fellow soldiers that the myths they believed about Jews were largely wrong. That bias against Jews almost cost the doctor his career: Heimlich had a hard time finding a residency position after the war ended, but he knew he was in a good spot when he landed at Bellevue in New York. He had his sights set on becoming a thoracic surgeon specializing in the esophagus and, ever the tinkerer, Heimlich began looking for ways to improve old methods of treatment. Back in China, he’d developed an easier way to treat trachoma and save the eyesight of sufferers. In the 1950s, he developed the reversed gastric tube operation (though he later learned that he wasn’t the first to use it). During the Vietnam War, he developed a way to drain post-surgery chest wounds. And in 1972, he gave the world a life-saving hug… There’s so much delight in “Heimlich’s Maneuvers” and so many surprises to uncover while reading this book. Too bad there’s one big thumbs-down. First: I was overwhelmingly charmed by author Henry J. Heimlich’s story, and by the jaunty way he tells his tales. Heimlich writes with an obvious sparkle in his eye and it’s a worthwhile trip we take with him, back to his childhood, his young marriage, his early career, his keen eye for invention, and his battle with the Red Cross. Even his World War II tales held excitement. Unfortunately, it seemed to me that this book sometimes descends into infomercial territory, in which Heimlich uses his memoir to promote his inventions. I thought that marred the feel of this book – not enough to make me want to quit reading, but enough to make me notice. I think that if you ignore the commercials, you’ll like what you ultimately find here. If it’s a good memoir you want, “Heimlich’s Maneuvers” has that down pat.  Attaboy! Good job. You’ve done well for yourself. You deserve the Gold Star, a standing ovation. There’s a raise in your future, a bonus for work done right. You deserve a pat on the back – except if you’re choking. And in the new book “Heimlich’s Maneuvers” by Henry J. Heimlich, MD, you’ll find out why, from the man who invented the lifesaving measure. From the time he was a small boy growing up in New York, Henry Heimlich wanted to be a doctor. His parents were role models: he watched them help others, and he noticed that they never turned anyone away. He wanted to be like them – and he started down that path at age 21, when he assisted the victim of a train wreck until rescuers arrived. That was the first of “hundreds of thousands” of lives Heimlich would save. While in college, Heimlich led the ROTC band then, as required, enlisted in the military. After graduation, he was called for duty and served in the Navy on a special mission to China during World War II. There, he taught Chinese soldiers first-aid basics and, because anti-Semitism was rampant in America, he taught fellow soldiers that the myths they believed about Jews were largely wrong. That bias against Jews almost cost the doctor his career: Heimlich had a hard time finding a residency position after the war ended, but he knew he was in a good spot when he landed at Bellevue in New York. He had his sights set on becoming a thoracic surgeon specializing in the esophagus and, ever the tinkerer, Heimlich began looking for ways to improve old methods of treatment. Back in China, he’d developed an easier way to treat trachoma and save the eyesight of sufferers. In the 1950s, he developed the reversed gastric tube operation (though he later learned that he wasn’t the first to use it). During the Vietnam War, he developed a way to drain post-surgery chest wounds. And in 1972, he gave the world a life-saving hug… There’s so much delight in “Heimlich’s Maneuvers” and so many surprises to uncover while reading this book. Too bad there’s one big thumbs-down. First: I was overwhelmingly charmed by author Henry J. Heimlich’s story, and by the jaunty way he tells his tales. Heimlich writes with an obvious sparkle in his eye and it’s a worthwhile trip we take with him, back to his childhood, his young marriage, his early career, his keen eye for invention, and his battle with the Red Cross. Even his World War II tales held excitement. Unfortunately, it seemed to me that this book sometimes descends into infomercial territory, in which Heimlich uses his memoir to promote his inventions. I thought that marred the feel of this book – not enough to make me want to quit reading, but enough to make me notice. I think that if you ignore the commercials, you’ll like what you ultimately find here. If it’s a good memoir you want, “Heimlich’s Maneuvers” has that down pat.  Bookworm Blog, 2014-03-24T20:01:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/kitty-genovese-the-murder-the-bystanders-the-crime-that-changed-america-by http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/kitty-genovese-the-murder-the-bystanders-the-crime-that-changed-america-by#When:16:31:00Z You always hold doors open. That’s because your mama taught you to help others: you hold doors for stragglers, lend your ear, dispense advice, volunteer, donate, and keep an eye on your neighbor’s house.  Really, it’s no big deal. You’re a good helper, but how involved do you get in other people’s matters? Read “Kitty Genovese” by Kevin Cook, for example, and ask yourself what you’d do if you heard a murder. By all accounts, Catherine “Kitty” Genovese was a nice girl with a great smile and a generous spirit. As the manager of a local bar near her Queens, New York neighborhood, Kitty was trustworthy, good with customers, and was known to loan money to regulars in need. She made friends easily and was an “adventurous, troubled but optimistic, hard-working, fast-driving, living, breathing person…” Until the morning of March 13, 1964. It was just after 3am that morning and Kitty was on her way home to the apartment she shared with her girlfriend, Mary Ann Zielonko. Most people thought they were just roommates and, though it wasn’t quite the truth, the women let others believe it because it was safer. In 1964, homosexuality was still illegal. She was in her beloved red Fiat and was driving fast, as she usually did. Perhaps because of the hour, Kitty didn’t notice that she was being followed. Quiet, soft-spoken Winston Moseley had done something noteworthy for a Negro man in 1964: he’d purchased a house in an up-and-coming, mostly white neighborhood where he and his wife, Betty, were raising their boys. Between his good job and Betty’s salary, they were relatively well-off but Betty sometimes worried about Winston. He was an insomniac and liked “just thinking.” What she didn’t know was that he was “thinking” about killing. In early March 1964, Moseley committed the “particularly gruesome” murder of a black woman, then calmly went to work. He wondered if killing a white woman would be any different. Two weeks later, while driving around, looking for a victim, he spotted a little red Fiat and had a “compulsion” to find out… You might be asking yourself what’s so unusual about a fifty-year-old crime. Author Kevin Cook will tell you as he takes you on a journey through the early 1960s and a death that literally impacts everyone in North America today. But that’s not all you’ll read in “Kitty Genovese.” Cook reminds us in many ways that Genovese was more than just a victim, that she was a real person who loved life. On the flipside, we meet the neighbors who supposedly ignored her cries and we’re shown the slow making of a “monster” who seems chillingly without conscience. Cook uses these parallel stories to illustrate what happened as he busts myths that still linger to this day. There are outrageous surprises in this book, some heartbreak, and passages that are grisly enough to make anyone squirm. But if you’re a true-crime fan or you love good storytelling, “Kitty Genovese” is a book you can’t help but devour. You always hold doors open. That’s because your mama taught you to help others: you hold doors for stragglers, lend your ear, dispense advice, volunteer, donate, and keep an eye on your neighbor’s house.  Really, it’s no big deal. You’re a good helper, but how involved do you get in other people’s matters? Read “Kitty Genovese” by Kevin Cook, for example, and ask yourself what you’d do if you heard a murder. By all accounts, Catherine “Kitty” Genovese was a nice girl with a great smile and a generous spirit. As the manager of a local bar near her Queens, New York neighborhood, Kitty was trustworthy, good with customers, and was known to loan money to regulars in need. She made friends easily and was an “adventurous, troubled but optimistic, hard-working, fast-driving, living, breathing person…” Until the morning of March 13, 1964. It was just after 3am that morning and Kitty was on her way home to the apartment she shared with her girlfriend, Mary Ann Zielonko. Most people thought they were just roommates and, though it wasn’t quite the truth, the women let others believe it because it was safer. In 1964, homosexuality was still illegal. She was in her beloved red Fiat and was driving fast, as she usually did. Perhaps because of the hour, Kitty didn’t notice that she was being followed. Quiet, soft-spoken Winston Moseley had done something noteworthy for a Negro man in 1964: he’d purchased a house in an up-and-coming, mostly white neighborhood where he and his wife, Betty, were raising their boys. Between his good job and Betty’s salary, they were relatively well-off but Betty sometimes worried about Winston. He was an insomniac and liked “just thinking.” What she didn’t know was that he was “thinking” about killing. In early March 1964, Moseley committed the “particularly gruesome” murder of a black woman, then calmly went to work. He wondered if killing a white woman would be any different. Two weeks later, while driving around, looking for a victim, he spotted a little red Fiat and had a “compulsion” to find out… You might be asking yourself what’s so unusual about a fifty-year-old crime. Author Kevin Cook will tell you as he takes you on a journey through the early 1960s and a death that literally impacts everyone in North America today. But that’s not all you’ll read in “Kitty Genovese.” Cook reminds us in many ways that Genovese was more than just a victim, that she was a real person who loved life. On the flipside, we meet the neighbors who supposedly ignored her cries and we’re shown the slow making of a “monster” who seems chillingly without conscience. Cook uses these parallel stories to illustrate what happened as he busts myths that still linger to this day. There are outrageous surprises in this book, some heartbreak, and passages that are grisly enough to make anyone squirm. But if you’re a true-crime fan or you love good storytelling, “Kitty Genovese” is a book you can’t help but devour. Bookworm Blog, 2014-03-18T16:31:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-ogallala-road-a-memoir-of-love-and-reckoning-by-julene-bair http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-ogallala-road-a-memoir-of-love-and-reckoning-by-julene-bair#When:16:50:00Z Tap, tap, tap. That’s all you’re thinking when you’re thirsty. A chilly glass, sparkly ice, and a fresh tap that requires little more than a turn for relief. It’s a simple thing, really, but imagine how much your great-grandma would’ve appreciated it. Now imagine what your own great-grandkids might do without readily available water. And then read “The Ogallala Road” by Julene Bair. Four thousand feet above sea level, the High Plains in western Kansas sometimes feel as though they touch the sun. That’s the area where Julene Bair’s family had farmed for a century – and before them, it’s where the Cheyenne traveled the Ladder of Rivers, and fought for the land. It’s where the Ogallala Aquifer has nurtured the Earth for thousands of years. As the only girl in the family, Bair was discouraged to work on the farm, but she knew its contours, its springs, sands, and the taste of water from a well. As a child, she was also distantly aware that the aquifer wouldn’t last forever. Her father knew it too, but figuring that the government was keeping watch, he tapped it to irrigate his corn crops. Time passed and, like many farm kids, Bair left the farm but returned often. Between visits, she had several relationships and a son before returning to try farming again in earnest, but she wasn’t happy. She moved to Iowa, then Wyoming but the land tugged at her soul – as did a man she’d met, who lived closer to Kansas than to Laramie, and with whom she was deeply in love. But romance, like water, evaporates and life changes. Bair’s brother, who’d been running the farm since their father’s death, wanted out. Bair’s mother was willing to relinquish her family’s lands, and government officials released a claim that the farm’s wells were depleting at a faster-than-expected rate. With her father’s demand (“Hang on to your land!”) running through her head, Bair became somewhat of an activist. Was it possible to farm prairie without chemicals, irrigation, or interference? Moreover, would her family be the last to use water from an aquifer about to run dry? Though it can seem a little confusing at times, “The Ogallala Road” is surely one of the most beautiful books you may ever read. Author Julene Bair writes so evocatively of the land she loves that you can almost feel the wheat stubble under your feet and dust on your face. Her descriptions, in fact, make you want to drop everything you’re doing and go lie in the grass to savor the serene feeling she lends her readers. But then we read about the depletion of the Ogallala and zing! there goes the Zen. Bair is saddened and outraged, and her subtle call to action could get readers fired up. Add in a makes-you-smile romance and, well, how can you resist? For conservationists, romantics, or anyone who wants a soul-soothing read, I don’t think you can afford to pass this memoir up. For you, “The Ogallala Road” is a book to tap into. Tap, tap, tap. That’s all you’re thinking when you’re thirsty. A chilly glass, sparkly ice, and a fresh tap that requires little more than a turn for relief. It’s a simple thing, really, but imagine how much your great-grandma would’ve appreciated it. Now imagine what your own great-grandkids might do without readily available water. And then read “The Ogallala Road” by Julene Bair. Four thousand feet above sea level, the High Plains in western Kansas sometimes feel as though they touch the sun. That’s the area where Julene Bair’s family had farmed for a century – and before them, it’s where the Cheyenne traveled the Ladder of Rivers, and fought for the land. It’s where the Ogallala Aquifer has nurtured the Earth for thousands of years. As the only girl in the family, Bair was discouraged to work on the farm, but she knew its contours, its springs, sands, and the taste of water from a well. As a child, she was also distantly aware that the aquifer wouldn’t last forever. Her father knew it too, but figuring that the government was keeping watch, he tapped it to irrigate his corn crops. Time passed and, like many farm kids, Bair left the farm but returned often. Between visits, she had several relationships and a son before returning to try farming again in earnest, but she wasn’t happy. She moved to Iowa, then Wyoming but the land tugged at her soul – as did a man she’d met, who lived closer to Kansas than to Laramie, and with whom she was deeply in love. But romance, like water, evaporates and life changes. Bair’s brother, who’d been running the farm since their father’s death, wanted out. Bair’s mother was willing to relinquish her family’s lands, and government officials released a claim that the farm’s wells were depleting at a faster-than-expected rate. With her father’s demand (“Hang on to your land!”) running through her head, Bair became somewhat of an activist. Was it possible to farm prairie without chemicals, irrigation, or interference? Moreover, would her family be the last to use water from an aquifer about to run dry? Though it can seem a little confusing at times, “The Ogallala Road” is surely one of the most beautiful books you may ever read. Author Julene Bair writes so evocatively of the land she loves that you can almost feel the wheat stubble under your feet and dust on your face. Her descriptions, in fact, make you want to drop everything you’re doing and go lie in the grass to savor the serene feeling she lends her readers. But then we read about the depletion of the Ogallala and zing! there goes the Zen. Bair is saddened and outraged, and her subtle call to action could get readers fired up. Add in a makes-you-smile romance and, well, how can you resist? For conservationists, romantics, or anyone who wants a soul-soothing read, I don’t think you can afford to pass this memoir up. For you, “The Ogallala Road” is a book to tap into. Bookworm Blog, 2014-03-11T16:50:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/pee-shy-a-memoir-by-frank-spinelli http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/pee-shy-a-memoir-by-frank-spinelli#When:16:21:00Z Sometimes, you wish you had a better memory. You would never, for instance, forget appointments. You could tell better jokes, win more arguments, save more money. You’d remember faces of the people you met and events that happened when you were too small for it to matter. Then again, as you’ll see in the new book “Pee-Shy: A Memoir” by Frank Spinelli, some things you’ll wish you could forget. When he just an eight-year-old, Frank Spinelli received a toy medical kit as a gift, and decided on the spot that he wanted to be a doctor someday. It was a surprise, therefore, years later, when he flunked out of college, his scholarship gone with his dreams. Taking the advice of a friend, Spinelli began therapy to explore the reasons for his dark life and med-school failure. The answer, as it turned out, was easy… It started when Spinelli was just eleven years old, overweight, bullied, sports-hating, and a frustration to his Italian parents, who pushed their son into Scouting. Spinelli hated Scouting, but he admired the area’s Scoutmaster. He liked Bill, and he knew that Bill liked him. Bill took Spinelli out for ice cream, and to do errands. He invited Spinelli over to his house for what Bill called “boy bonding.” When Spinelli eventually told his parents about this molestation, very little was done and even less was said. Fast forward: back on track, Spinelli achieved his dream of becoming a doctor. He opened his own practice in New York and grew his clientele. He seemed like a successful, happy gay man, but old issues still plagued him: sometimes, he couldn’t empty his bladder. Configurations of bathrooms mattered. Other occupants mattered. Urinals were mostly off-limits. It was a remnant of his abuse, and he’d learned to deal with it. And then, old memories began to float forward. Small reminders nagged at Spinelli. He found a book written about Bill, and learned that Bill had adopted a son. That opened a floodgate of images and questions. So Spinnelli picked up the phone and called the man… Is your jaw on the floor yet?  I know mine was as I followed author Frank Spinelli on his incredible journey in “Pee-Shy.”  With steady strength and a rare kind of candor, Spinelli writes of a childhood filled with bullying, embarrassment, and curiosity for forbidden (girl’s) things. It’s almost a relief as this formerly-outcast kid lets us see him become a successful adult – and yet, it’s a mixed bag, since we’re then privy to his falling apart, his self-doubts, and frustrations that his body reacts as it does, now that it’s safe. None of this is easy to read – it’s a squirmy book, for sure - but what makes it worthwhile is the sense of courage and closure that the ending allows. Be aware that there are some explicit bits to this book, but it’s appropriate and not gratuitous. If you can handle that, though, then “Pee-Shy: A Memoir” is a book that’ll surely stick in your memory. Sometimes, you wish you had a better memory. You would never, for instance, forget appointments. You could tell better jokes, win more arguments, save more money. You’d remember faces of the people you met and events that happened when you were too small for it to matter. Then again, as you’ll see in the new book “Pee-Shy: A Memoir” by Frank Spinelli, some things you’ll wish you could forget. When he just an eight-year-old, Frank Spinelli received a toy medical kit as a gift, and decided on the spot that he wanted to be a doctor someday. It was a surprise, therefore, years later, when he flunked out of college, his scholarship gone with his dreams. Taking the advice of a friend, Spinelli began therapy to explore the reasons for his dark life and med-school failure. The answer, as it turned out, was easy… It started when Spinelli was just eleven years old, overweight, bullied, sports-hating, and a frustration to his Italian parents, who pushed their son into Scouting. Spinelli hated Scouting, but he admired the area’s Scoutmaster. He liked Bill, and he knew that Bill liked him. Bill took Spinelli out for ice cream, and to do errands. He invited Spinelli over to his house for what Bill called “boy bonding.” When Spinelli eventually told his parents about this molestation, very little was done and even less was said. Fast forward: back on track, Spinelli achieved his dream of becoming a doctor. He opened his own practice in New York and grew his clientele. He seemed like a successful, happy gay man, but old issues still plagued him: sometimes, he couldn’t empty his bladder. Configurations of bathrooms mattered. Other occupants mattered. Urinals were mostly off-limits. It was a remnant of his abuse, and he’d learned to deal with it. And then, old memories began to float forward. Small reminders nagged at Spinelli. He found a book written about Bill, and learned that Bill had adopted a son. That opened a floodgate of images and questions. So Spinnelli picked up the phone and called the man… Is your jaw on the floor yet?  I know mine was as I followed author Frank Spinelli on his incredible journey in “Pee-Shy.”  With steady strength and a rare kind of candor, Spinelli writes of a childhood filled with bullying, embarrassment, and curiosity for forbidden (girl’s) things. It’s almost a relief as this formerly-outcast kid lets us see him become a successful adult – and yet, it’s a mixed bag, since we’re then privy to his falling apart, his self-doubts, and frustrations that his body reacts as it does, now that it’s safe. None of this is easy to read – it’s a squirmy book, for sure - but what makes it worthwhile is the sense of courage and closure that the ending allows. Be aware that there are some explicit bits to this book, but it’s appropriate and not gratuitous. If you can handle that, though, then “Pee-Shy: A Memoir” is a book that’ll surely stick in your memory. Bookworm Blog, 2014-03-06T16:21:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-orphan-choir-by-sophie-hannah http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-orphan-choir-by-sophie-hannah#When:14:42:00Z Your neighbor loves heavy rock & roll. He has all the CDs of all the major metal bands. It’s impressive, really, the determination he used to find them, starting with the earliest and the heaviest. He listens to them every weekend. Over and over, loudly. Which would be nice, except you hate heavy metal. So, aside from buying a boxful of earplugs, what can you do about a noisy neighbor? You could move, of course, but as you’ll see in “The Orphan Choir” by Sophie Hannah, sometimes that doesn’t even help… It didn’t happen every night—or every weekend, for that matter. But it happened often enough for Louise Beeston to become a bit unhinged over the loud music that her neighbor, Justin Clay, spewed from his stereo. In the several times that Louise had complained, Clay was polite, but she could see that he was as annoyed at her as she was at him. Stuart, Louise’s husband, didn’t seem to be bothered by the din, so he was no help at all. And though it pained Louise that he was gone, she considered it a minor blessing that her seven-year-old son Joseph was away at Saviour College on choir scholarship. He’d never have to endure the noise. No, the cacophony irritated Louise the most and it only got worse. Not only did Clay start blasting music more frequently, but he upped the battle by playing choir music: The kind that Joseph sang at Saviour College! Clay must’ve known how Louise was suffering over Joseph’s absence. It was surely some sort of torture. To escape this awful neighbor, Louise convinced Stuart that they needed a second home in an exclusive enclave where privacy, neatness, and silence were valued above all. It would be a lovely weekend retreat for their family, a perfect spot to bring Joseph when he was on holiday. It would be quiet. But then, Louise started hearing the choir again. She began to think that maybe the singing was all in her head. It got louder when she thought about Joseph’s choir director, whom she hated. It started following her when she was outside, in the nearby forest. It got terrifying when she began to see faces… Every now and then, having a little scare is good but you don’t want it to keep you up all night. That’s when you want “The Orphan Choir” at your bedside. Is Louise insane? That’s what author Sophie Hannah spurs her readers to ask, and it’s a valid question. Through pages and pages of fussiness, we’re shown that Louise is fretful and difficult, prone to excitability and bordering on hysterical (in a bad way). She’s not someone you’d want to know; in fact, eventually, you’ll want to roll your eyes at cranky Louise—which is about when Hannah cranks up the suspense. Though I thought this book was overly-wordy at times, its gentle shivers make it worth a peek if you want something Scary Lite. Read “The Orphan Train,” and the only sound you’ll hear is “Eeeeeeeeek.” Your neighbor loves heavy rock & roll. He has all the CDs of all the major metal bands. It’s impressive, really, the determination he used to find them, starting with the earliest and the heaviest. He listens to them every weekend. Over and over, loudly. Which would be nice, except you hate heavy metal. So, aside from buying a boxful of earplugs, what can you do about a noisy neighbor? You could move, of course, but as you’ll see in “The Orphan Choir” by Sophie Hannah, sometimes that doesn’t even help… It didn’t happen every night—or every weekend, for that matter. But it happened often enough for Louise Beeston to become a bit unhinged over the loud music that her neighbor, Justin Clay, spewed from his stereo. In the several times that Louise had complained, Clay was polite, but she could see that he was as annoyed at her as she was at him. Stuart, Louise’s husband, didn’t seem to be bothered by the din, so he was no help at all. And though it pained Louise that he was gone, she considered it a minor blessing that her seven-year-old son Joseph was away at Saviour College on choir scholarship. He’d never have to endure the noise. No, the cacophony irritated Louise the most and it only got worse. Not only did Clay start blasting music more frequently, but he upped the battle by playing choir music: The kind that Joseph sang at Saviour College! Clay must’ve known how Louise was suffering over Joseph’s absence. It was surely some sort of torture. To escape this awful neighbor, Louise convinced Stuart that they needed a second home in an exclusive enclave where privacy, neatness, and silence were valued above all. It would be a lovely weekend retreat for their family, a perfect spot to bring Joseph when he was on holiday. It would be quiet. But then, Louise started hearing the choir again. She began to think that maybe the singing was all in her head. It got louder when she thought about Joseph’s choir director, whom she hated. It started following her when she was outside, in the nearby forest. It got terrifying when she began to see faces… Every now and then, having a little scare is good but you don’t want it to keep you up all night. That’s when you want “The Orphan Choir” at your bedside. Is Louise insane? That’s what author Sophie Hannah spurs her readers to ask, and it’s a valid question. Through pages and pages of fussiness, we’re shown that Louise is fretful and difficult, prone to excitability and bordering on hysterical (in a bad way). She’s not someone you’d want to know; in fact, eventually, you’ll want to roll your eyes at cranky Louise—which is about when Hannah cranks up the suspense. Though I thought this book was overly-wordy at times, its gentle shivers make it worth a peek if you want something Scary Lite. Read “The Orphan Train,” and the only sound you’ll hear is “Eeeeeeeeek.” Bookworm Blog, 2014-02-26T14:42:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-big-fat-crisis-by-deborah-a.-cohen-md http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/a-big-fat-crisis-by-deborah-a.-cohen-md#When:15:48:00Z You feel as though you might have to quit your job. Yeah, you’re that desperate to get away from the treats that somebody’s been leaving in the break room. Nice gesture, but you’re totally incapable of resisting them and each bite ruins your diet. It’s a point of shame that you have no willpower, but there may be more to your weight problem than lack of the word “no.”  Find out by reading the new book “A Big Fat Crisis” by Deborah A. Cohen, MD, and cut yourself some slack. It seems as though you can’t escape it: everywhere you look, you’re reminded to eat healthier, get active, and lose weight. But you also can’t escape the things that taste good but are bad for you, and sticking to Dietary Guidelines “is neither easy nor fun.” In fact, most of us don’t eat right and just five percent of us get the recommended amount of exercise. But to say that we’re weak-willed is misleading, says Cohen. Most overweight people “appear to have plenty of self-control in most other areas of their lives.” They get to work on time, volunteer, pay bills, drive safely, and raise families. So why can’t they control what they eat? The reason, Cohen says, is twofold: we’re hard-wired to eat, and we’re exploited by our “food environment.” The good news is that the latter – “point of purchase and point of consumption” - are changeable. First, though, we must understand “that an individual’s ability to resist overeating is limited when excess food is constantly available.” In other words, for myriad reasons, the more we try to control our appetites, the less we can avoid that extra donut or large O-rings. The fixes are many: pay attention to what you eat; just seven extra calories a day will result in surprisingly big weight gain. Familiarize yourself with caloric content. Become aware of how marketing promotes overeating. And support government regulations on grocery stores and restaurants; after all, laws keep us safe from cholera and typhoid. They should be able to keep us safe from obesity, too. So you say you need to lose ten pounds – but they’re kicking your (well-padded) butt?  It might not be your fault, and “A Big Fat Crisis” tells you why but not without an extra helping of controversy. On one side of the table, this book should be a big comfort to anyone who’s shamed by weight and temptation. Author Deborah A. Cohen, MD takes the onus off dieters by explaining that it may be genuinely true that they can’t help themselves. Cohen doesn’t let them totally off the hook, though; she still scolds, but not terribly harshly. The controversy, however, lies in Cohen’s strongly-opinionated solutions. Specifically, restaurant owners, grocers, vendors, and retailers won’t like ‘em. Not one crumb. Obviously, this isn’t your usual diet-and-exercise book. There are conversation-starters on every page here, and lots to think about. But if you’re concerned about obesity, eating right, and your family’s weight, “A Big Fat Crisis” might give you the skinny. You feel as though you might have to quit your job. Yeah, you’re that desperate to get away from the treats that somebody’s been leaving in the break room. Nice gesture, but you’re totally incapable of resisting them and each bite ruins your diet. It’s a point of shame that you have no willpower, but there may be more to your weight problem than lack of the word “no.”  Find out by reading the new book “A Big Fat Crisis” by Deborah A. Cohen, MD, and cut yourself some slack. It seems as though you can’t escape it: everywhere you look, you’re reminded to eat healthier, get active, and lose weight. But you also can’t escape the things that taste good but are bad for you, and sticking to Dietary Guidelines “is neither easy nor fun.” In fact, most of us don’t eat right and just five percent of us get the recommended amount of exercise. But to say that we’re weak-willed is misleading, says Cohen. Most overweight people “appear to have plenty of self-control in most other areas of their lives.” They get to work on time, volunteer, pay bills, drive safely, and raise families. So why can’t they control what they eat? The reason, Cohen says, is twofold: we’re hard-wired to eat, and we’re exploited by our “food environment.” The good news is that the latter – “point of purchase and point of consumption” - are changeable. First, though, we must understand “that an individual’s ability to resist overeating is limited when excess food is constantly available.” In other words, for myriad reasons, the more we try to control our appetites, the less we can avoid that extra donut or large O-rings. The fixes are many: pay attention to what you eat; just seven extra calories a day will result in surprisingly big weight gain. Familiarize yourself with caloric content. Become aware of how marketing promotes overeating. And support government regulations on grocery stores and restaurants; after all, laws keep us safe from cholera and typhoid. They should be able to keep us safe from obesity, too. So you say you need to lose ten pounds – but they’re kicking your (well-padded) butt?  It might not be your fault, and “A Big Fat Crisis” tells you why but not without an extra helping of controversy. On one side of the table, this book should be a big comfort to anyone who’s shamed by weight and temptation. Author Deborah A. Cohen, MD takes the onus off dieters by explaining that it may be genuinely true that they can’t help themselves. Cohen doesn’t let them totally off the hook, though; she still scolds, but not terribly harshly. The controversy, however, lies in Cohen’s strongly-opinionated solutions. Specifically, restaurant owners, grocers, vendors, and retailers won’t like ‘em. Not one crumb. Obviously, this isn’t your usual diet-and-exercise book. There are conversation-starters on every page here, and lots to think about. But if you’re concerned about obesity, eating right, and your family’s weight, “A Big Fat Crisis” might give you the skinny. Bookworm Blog, 2014-02-18T15:48:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-longest-date-life-as-a-wife-by-cindy-chupack http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-longest-date-life-as-a-wife-by-cindy-chupack#When:15:41:00Z Image courtesy of Viking Your calendar looks like Swiss cheese. Every week, nearly every entry, there are holes where there should be events. Blanks where fun should be penned in. Emptiness where there should be excitement. Your six-year-old neighbor has a better social life than yours: she has play dates all the time. You haven’t dated in eons. But read “The Longest Date” by Cindy Chupack, and you’ll see that these things just take time. Ever the romantic, Cindy Chupack says that, while single, she “slept only with men I believed I could marry.” She won’t – can’t - say how many men that was, but “[a]lcohol was often involved.” Oh, sure, she’d been married before but it didn’t work out – mostly because, two years postnuptial, her then-husband realized “he might be gay.” Chupack was nonetheless hopeful for Happily Someday After, which is why it was nice to meet Ian. Ian was cute and impulsive in a fun way; the kind of guy who stayed in touch with old girlfriends and was “definitely more of a bad boy than I had ever dated.” Chupack told herself not to fall for him. She knew his type. Ian wasn’t “that guy.” But he was, and she made room for him in her “Fabulous Beach House,” though it irked her that Ian “would come with things” for which she also needed to make room. He came with far-fetched dreams, outrageous holiday rituals, and friends she’d have to spend time with, too. Still, she married him… and came home from the honeymoon, pregnant. Realizing that she wanted children badly, Chupack was happy - until she miscarried her honeymoon baby, and then she lost another. Fearing that she was “too old” to get pregnant again, she and Ian tried nearly everything modern medicine had to offer (and some things it didn’t). They also fought, made up, got a dog, renewed their vows annually, and learned to be marriage partners long before they’d ever need to learn to be parents. “Maybe fictional characters live happily ever after,” says Chupack, “but for the nonfictional rest of us, the story continues with a lot more complexity…” What’s it like to be a wife? Author Cindy Chupack says in her introduction that she “wanted to tell the honest, horrible, hysterical truth about the early years of marriage.” But I think “The Longest Date” missed the mark. Now, I have to admit that there are a few chuckles here and there in this book. Not belly-laugh stuff but yeah, it’s comedic. What I saw more of, however, was an abundance of heels-dug-in fussing and angst-y, cynical wisecracks. That can be amusing but it can also be annoying, and the latter is what won this race in my eyes. The reason to read this book lies in the parts not intended for humor. That’s where Chupack does absolute magic in her story – but is it enough?  That would depend on what you want in a book: some readers might find “The Longest Date” to be perfect, while others might think it too cheesy. Image courtesy of Viking Your calendar looks like Swiss cheese. Every week, nearly every entry, there are holes where there should be events. Blanks where fun should be penned in. Emptiness where there should be excitement. Your six-year-old neighbor has a better social life than yours: she has play dates all the time. You haven’t dated in eons. But read “The Longest Date” by Cindy Chupack, and you’ll see that these things just take time. Ever the romantic, Cindy Chupack says that, while single, she “slept only with men I believed I could marry.” She won’t – can’t - say how many men that was, but “[a]lcohol was often involved.” Oh, sure, she’d been married before but it didn’t work out – mostly because, two years postnuptial, her then-husband realized “he might be gay.” Chupack was nonetheless hopeful for Happily Someday After, which is why it was nice to meet Ian. Ian was cute and impulsive in a fun way; the kind of guy who stayed in touch with old girlfriends and was “definitely more of a bad boy than I had ever dated.” Chupack told herself not to fall for him. She knew his type. Ian wasn’t “that guy.” But he was, and she made room for him in her “Fabulous Beach House,” though it irked her that Ian “would come with things” for which she also needed to make room. He came with far-fetched dreams, outrageous holiday rituals, and friends she’d have to spend time with, too. Still, she married him… and came home from the honeymoon, pregnant. Realizing that she wanted children badly, Chupack was happy - until she miscarried her honeymoon baby, and then she lost another. Fearing that she was “too old” to get pregnant again, she and Ian tried nearly everything modern medicine had to offer (and some things it didn’t). They also fought, made up, got a dog, renewed their vows annually, and learned to be marriage partners long before they’d ever need to learn to be parents. “Maybe fictional characters live happily ever after,” says Chupack, “but for the nonfictional rest of us, the story continues with a lot more complexity…” What’s it like to be a wife? Author Cindy Chupack says in her introduction that she “wanted to tell the honest, horrible, hysterical truth about the early years of marriage.” But I think “The Longest Date” missed the mark. Now, I have to admit that there are a few chuckles here and there in this book. Not belly-laugh stuff but yeah, it’s comedic. What I saw more of, however, was an abundance of heels-dug-in fussing and angst-y, cynical wisecracks. That can be amusing but it can also be annoying, and the latter is what won this race in my eyes. The reason to read this book lies in the parts not intended for humor. That’s where Chupack does absolute magic in her story – but is it enough?  That would depend on what you want in a book: some readers might find “The Longest Date” to be perfect, while others might think it too cheesy. Bookworm Blog, 2014-02-10T15:41:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/confessions-of-a-wild-child-by-jackie-collins http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/confessions-of-a-wild-child-by-jackie-collins#When:16:19:00Z Oh, the things you got away with when you were a teen! Cutting classes and hanging out in the school parking lot. Sneaking out of the house when your parents thought you were asleep, parties when they weren’t home, “borrowing” their car, busting curfew, stupid stuff you hope your kids never do. You got away with a lot. It’s a good thing your mother never knew. Then again, as you’ll see in “Confessions of a Wild Child” by Jackie Collins, she probably did the same things when she was a kid. Almost-fifteen-year-old Lucky Santangelo was tired of being in prison. Ever since her mother was murdered ten years prior, Lucky’s father, Gino, kept Lucky and her brother, Dario, locked in their posh Bel Air mansion. They weren’t allowed to go anywhere unchaperoned, though Lucky was good at sneaking out. Outwitting Gino was fun - until the day he informed her that she was being shipped to a “very expensive” boarding school in Switzerland. As it turned out, it wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened. Eager to find out about boys and sex, Lucky and her boarding school roommate escaped every night, biked into town, drank, and played a game Lucky called “Almost.” It was a fun, empowering game in which she “almost” lost her virginity to several local boys. Kicked out of the Swiss school for “Almost,” Lucky was sent to a different school in Connecticut but she didn’t stay long: her former roomie, a Greek heiress named Olivia, invited Lucky to the south of France . It was easy to get there. It was even easier to forget to tell Gino where she was. Caught once again, Lucky was dragged to Las Vegas , where Gino told her that he’d figured out how to tame her. As much as she wanted to walk in her father’s footsteps and go into business, Lucky wasn’t destined to run the Santangelo Empire. No, that would be Dario’s future. For Lucky, marriage and babies were inevitable. And Gino Santangelo believed that was that. But if he thought he had a wild child before, he hadn’t seen anything yet… Every once in awhile, I get in the mood for a good trashy novel and, really, you can’t beat a book by author Jackie Collins. You can’t. Still, there are bumps and bruises inside “Confessions of a Wild Child.” It’s often hard, first of all, for an adult to write in the voice of a young teenager, and the first few pages of this book reflect it: Lucky sounds like a middle-aged woman. That bump passes quickly, but occasionally returns; there are also light continuity errors in here, and some preening repetition. Turn up the heat, though, and you’ve got a story that has its flaws but is, overall, a delightfully guilty pleasure. Though Lucky is a teenager in this book, this is an escapist-novel for adults. If you’re looking, in fact, for something to take on that mid-winter vacation, “Confessions of a Wild Child” is a great book to get away with. Oh, the things you got away with when you were a teen! Cutting classes and hanging out in the school parking lot. Sneaking out of the house when your parents thought you were asleep, parties when they weren’t home, “borrowing” their car, busting curfew, stupid stuff you hope your kids never do. You got away with a lot. It’s a good thing your mother never knew. Then again, as you’ll see in “Confessions of a Wild Child” by Jackie Collins, she probably did the same things when she was a kid. Almost-fifteen-year-old Lucky Santangelo was tired of being in prison. Ever since her mother was murdered ten years prior, Lucky’s father, Gino, kept Lucky and her brother, Dario, locked in their posh Bel Air mansion. They weren’t allowed to go anywhere unchaperoned, though Lucky was good at sneaking out. Outwitting Gino was fun - until the day he informed her that she was being shipped to a “very expensive” boarding school in Switzerland. As it turned out, it wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened. Eager to find out about boys and sex, Lucky and her boarding school roommate escaped every night, biked into town, drank, and played a game Lucky called “Almost.” It was a fun, empowering game in which she “almost” lost her virginity to several local boys. Kicked out of the Swiss school for “Almost,” Lucky was sent to a different school in Connecticut but she didn’t stay long: her former roomie, a Greek heiress named Olivia, invited Lucky to the south of France . It was easy to get there. It was even easier to forget to tell Gino where she was. Caught once again, Lucky was dragged to Las Vegas , where Gino told her that he’d figured out how to tame her. As much as she wanted to walk in her father’s footsteps and go into business, Lucky wasn’t destined to run the Santangelo Empire. No, that would be Dario’s future. For Lucky, marriage and babies were inevitable. And Gino Santangelo believed that was that. But if he thought he had a wild child before, he hadn’t seen anything yet… Every once in awhile, I get in the mood for a good trashy novel and, really, you can’t beat a book by author Jackie Collins. You can’t. Still, there are bumps and bruises inside “Confessions of a Wild Child.” It’s often hard, first of all, for an adult to write in the voice of a young teenager, and the first few pages of this book reflect it: Lucky sounds like a middle-aged woman. That bump passes quickly, but occasionally returns; there are also light continuity errors in here, and some preening repetition. Turn up the heat, though, and you’ve got a story that has its flaws but is, overall, a delightfully guilty pleasure. Though Lucky is a teenager in this book, this is an escapist-novel for adults. If you’re looking, in fact, for something to take on that mid-winter vacation, “Confessions of a Wild Child” is a great book to get away with. Bookworm Blog, 2014-02-03T16:19:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-smart-girls-guide-to-going-vegetarian-by-rachel-meltzer-warren-ms-rd http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-smart-girls-guide-to-going-vegetarian-by-rachel-meltzer-warren-ms-rd#When:18:12:00Z That sound you heard a few minutes ago? That’s your stomach, rumbling. Yep, you’re hungry. Ready for chow. Wanting something salty, sweet, crunchy (sound good?) smooth, chewy, tasty. For sure, you know what you don’t want—but you’re not sure if your parents will play along. So read “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Going Vegetarian” by Rachel Meltzer Warren, MS, RD, and find out how you can fill your plate with nutrition that fills you up. Okay. You’ve decided that you don’t want to eat meat anymore. You’ve undoubtedly got your reasons; for Warren, it was because she couldn’t stop thinking about where meat comes from. Whatever your convictions for going vegetarian, you want to know how to do it right but giving up meat doesn’t mean, um, going cold turkey. You can be “veg-curious,” just dipping your toe into the lifestyle. You can be a “Red Head” who wants to start eating more veggies and less meat; a “Pescetarian” who eats fish, a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian who eats dairy and eggs, or a vegan who avoids all animal products. You could also be an “ethical carnivore.” The thing to remember is that you’re allowed to change your mind. Daily, if you want. You’ve probably already figured out that your new mealtime habits will be questioned. Your parents might worry about how you’ll get proper nutrition, vitamins, and minerals. Your friends might think it’s weird. You’ll have to explain to your grandma a hundred times why you can’t eat her famous chili again. But that’s where this book helps: protein (probably the number-one topic of concern), minerals, and vitamins are already in vegetables; you just have to know the right combinations. You’ll also need to know how to read nutrition labels, because meat products often sneak into other foods. And to prove that vegetarianism isn’t weird or to show that yummy chili doesn’t require meat, why not try some mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing vegetarian recipes? Some of them are found at the end of this book. Above all, Warren says, stick with your ideals but “be polite.” Know what you’re eating, know where it comes from, and do your research. And be proud of what you’re doing. It’s good for the environment—and good for you! Looking for a basic intro to eliminating meat from your diet?  You’ll find it in “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Going Vegetarian,” but there’s a lot of repetition to slog through to get it. That’s not to say that I didn’t like this book—because I did. It’s got humor, nutritional information, tips, and encouragement inside it, as well as argument-busters and a good section on eating disorders. It’s also got a huge section of recipes but the nitty-gritty of this book, the solid info, is too brief— especially when you consider the reiteration. Still, if it’s basic you want, basic is what your 11-to-16-year-old reader will get here. If she wants to make a change, “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Going Vegetarian” is a book she might be hungry for. That sound you heard a few minutes ago? That’s your stomach, rumbling. Yep, you’re hungry. Ready for chow. Wanting something salty, sweet, crunchy (sound good?) smooth, chewy, tasty. For sure, you know what you don’t want—but you’re not sure if your parents will play along. So read “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Going Vegetarian” by Rachel Meltzer Warren, MS, RD, and find out how you can fill your plate with nutrition that fills you up. Okay. You’ve decided that you don’t want to eat meat anymore. You’ve undoubtedly got your reasons; for Warren, it was because she couldn’t stop thinking about where meat comes from. Whatever your convictions for going vegetarian, you want to know how to do it right but giving up meat doesn’t mean, um, going cold turkey. You can be “veg-curious,” just dipping your toe into the lifestyle. You can be a “Red Head” who wants to start eating more veggies and less meat; a “Pescetarian” who eats fish, a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian who eats dairy and eggs, or a vegan who avoids all animal products. You could also be an “ethical carnivore.” The thing to remember is that you’re allowed to change your mind. Daily, if you want. You’ve probably already figured out that your new mealtime habits will be questioned. Your parents might worry about how you’ll get proper nutrition, vitamins, and minerals. Your friends might think it’s weird. You’ll have to explain to your grandma a hundred times why you can’t eat her famous chili again. But that’s where this book helps: protein (probably the number-one topic of concern), minerals, and vitamins are already in vegetables; you just have to know the right combinations. You’ll also need to know how to read nutrition labels, because meat products often sneak into other foods. And to prove that vegetarianism isn’t weird or to show that yummy chili doesn’t require meat, why not try some mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing vegetarian recipes? Some of them are found at the end of this book. Above all, Warren says, stick with your ideals but “be polite.” Know what you’re eating, know where it comes from, and do your research. And be proud of what you’re doing. It’s good for the environment—and good for you! Looking for a basic intro to eliminating meat from your diet?  You’ll find it in “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Going Vegetarian,” but there’s a lot of repetition to slog through to get it. That’s not to say that I didn’t like this book—because I did. It’s got humor, nutritional information, tips, and encouragement inside it, as well as argument-busters and a good section on eating disorders. It’s also got a huge section of recipes but the nitty-gritty of this book, the solid info, is too brief— especially when you consider the reiteration. Still, if it’s basic you want, basic is what your 11-to-16-year-old reader will get here. If she wants to make a change, “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Going Vegetarian” is a book she might be hungry for. Bookworm Blog, 2014-01-28T18:12:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-baby-boom-by-p.j.-orourke http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-baby-boom-by-p.j.-orourke#When:20:23:00Z Whenever you get together with old friends – no matter what the reason – it always ends up with “Remember When…?” Remember piling in the station wagon, scrambling for a good seat in the back? And when your sister chased that bully away? He was bigger than she, but twice as scared. And remember cruising down Washington Avenue in a convertible, top-down? Ahh, those were the days: fun then, fun to recall now. And when you read “The Baby Boom” by P.J. O’Rourke, you’ll remember even more of them. To write about the Baby Boom is to tackle a big project: There are more than 75 million of us, born over the course of nearly twenty years. There are times, in fact, when “the oldest Baby Boomers are sometimes the parents—usually via an oopsie—of the youngest Baby Boomers.” Basically, though, Baby Boomers can be sorted, much like high school, into seniors (at the beginning of the Boom); juniors (born in the early 50s); sophomores (late 50s); and freshmen (born at Boom’s end). This book, written by a “senior,” nonetheless holds memories for all Boomers… Memories like getting a new TV, though the people on television were generally members of the “Silent Generation,” born between our parents and us. Later, they’d be the “anyone over 30” we weren’t supposed to trust. When we went anywhere in our parents’ big-finned cars, we rode in the front seat, often standing up. Houses had one phone, connected to the wall, but we rarely used it because yelling across several yards was the preferred neighborhood method of communication. People wrote letters, too, or they just “dropped over,” no appointment necessary. Kids played outside a lot then, and parents liked it that way. Games were fair, it didn’t matter who won, and “we ran wild—in a rather tame manner.” We learned the Facts of Life (and didn’t want to believe it), we spied on one another, blew things up, had crushes, were embarrassed by our parents, and were told that we could “be or do anything.” It was, says O’Rourke, a “good and happy place” to grow up. Though it does sometimes descend into curmudgeon territory and can seem somewhat growly, “The Baby Boom” really is quite a pleasure. Despite that author P.J. O’Rourke was an early Boomer (a “senior”), there’s plenty of Universal Boomer Truths here, and lots of nostalgia for anyone born between 1946 and 1964. O’Rourke (largely) ignores his usual topics in this book, instead bringing back the kinds of memories that occur when family and friends gather—though politics peek into the latter half of the book, and sarcastically profane humor isn’t missing, either. Overall, that will appeal to hip first-time readers without disappointing long-time fans. Better than an Ed Sullivan marathon; more enjoyable than Beach Boys Radio Weekend; more fun than cleaning out your parents’ attic, this book is a Boomer’s delight. If your bags are packed for a trip down Memory Lane, “The Baby Boom” is a book you’ll want to remember to take with you. Whenever you get together with old friends – no matter what the reason – it always ends up with “Remember When…?” Remember piling in the station wagon, scrambling for a good seat in the back? And when your sister chased that bully away? He was bigger than she, but twice as scared. And remember cruising down Washington Avenue in a convertible, top-down? Ahh, those were the days: fun then, fun to recall now. And when you read “The Baby Boom” by P.J. O’Rourke, you’ll remember even more of them. To write about the Baby Boom is to tackle a big project: There are more than 75 million of us, born over the course of nearly twenty years. There are times, in fact, when “the oldest Baby Boomers are sometimes the parents—usually via an oopsie—of the youngest Baby Boomers.” Basically, though, Baby Boomers can be sorted, much like high school, into seniors (at the beginning of the Boom); juniors (born in the early 50s); sophomores (late 50s); and freshmen (born at Boom’s end). This book, written by a “senior,” nonetheless holds memories for all Boomers… Memories like getting a new TV, though the people on television were generally members of the “Silent Generation,” born between our parents and us. Later, they’d be the “anyone over 30” we weren’t supposed to trust. When we went anywhere in our parents’ big-finned cars, we rode in the front seat, often standing up. Houses had one phone, connected to the wall, but we rarely used it because yelling across several yards was the preferred neighborhood method of communication. People wrote letters, too, or they just “dropped over,” no appointment necessary. Kids played outside a lot then, and parents liked it that way. Games were fair, it didn’t matter who won, and “we ran wild—in a rather tame manner.” We learned the Facts of Life (and didn’t want to believe it), we spied on one another, blew things up, had crushes, were embarrassed by our parents, and were told that we could “be or do anything.” It was, says O’Rourke, a “good and happy place” to grow up. Though it does sometimes descend into curmudgeon territory and can seem somewhat growly, “The Baby Boom” really is quite a pleasure. Despite that author P.J. O’Rourke was an early Boomer (a “senior”), there’s plenty of Universal Boomer Truths here, and lots of nostalgia for anyone born between 1946 and 1964. O’Rourke (largely) ignores his usual topics in this book, instead bringing back the kinds of memories that occur when family and friends gather—though politics peek into the latter half of the book, and sarcastically profane humor isn’t missing, either. Overall, that will appeal to hip first-time readers without disappointing long-time fans. Better than an Ed Sullivan marathon; more enjoyable than Beach Boys Radio Weekend; more fun than cleaning out your parents’ attic, this book is a Boomer’s delight. If your bags are packed for a trip down Memory Lane, “The Baby Boom” is a book you’ll want to remember to take with you. Bookworm Blog, 2014-01-22T20:23:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-death-class-a-true-story-about-life-by-erika-hayasaki http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-death-class-a-true-story-about-life-by-erika-hayasaki#When:10:17:00Z Last year, you went to too many funerals. There were too many days taken off work to attend wakes. Too much sitting Shiva, too many casseroles eaten in church basements, too much grief and too many friends lost. Even if it only happened once, it was too much. Tragedies always make you think about your own mortality. Someday, yes, you’re going to die. But as you’ll see in “The Death Class: A True Story About Life” by Erika Hayasaki, you need to learn to live first. As a journalist for several larger newspapers, Erika Hayasaki had seen plenty of death. She was at Virginia Tech after the shootings, had been on New York City ’s streets, had seen corpses, interviewed survivors; she’d even been close friends with a victim of domestic violence. And it began to bother her—a lot. “I had become a journalist to try to explain… the world and its stories,” she says. “But death’s mercilessness and meaning, I could not figure out…” So when she heard about a college course taught by a popular, much-loved teacher in New Jersey, Hayasaki begged to be allowed to sit in on the class. Dr. Norma Bowe agreed—but Hayasaki couldn’t be just a journalist in the back row. She had to participate. So Hayasaki spent a semester following The Death Class to morgues, autopsies, and a funeral home where the “sacred” happened. She took “field trips” to prisons, visited hospices, examined her own mortality and, as the one-semester project turned into a several-years-long friendship, Hayasaki got to know Bowe and her students. She learned that Bowe, who is a consummate caregiver, wasn’t just a teacher. Formerly a nurse, she was a mentor, advice-dispenser, calm presence, and advocate, seemingly always on the lookout for opportunities to make a difference. Bowe taught in prisons, redecorated hospices, supported a homeless girls’ shelter, and helped found an organization that fosters change. She taught that life is good, especially if you can make it better for someone else. Above all, she encouraged her students (old and new) to call her anytime, and she came flying when they needed her. She was there for them—and vice versa, when tragedy struck too close to home. Though it has a title that might make you think it would be dark, depressing, or even a little bit maudlin, “The Death Class” is really anything but. That journalism background is apparent in author Erika Hayasaki’s writing, which is excellent: Hayasaki has a reporter’s way of winnowing out the facts, the interesting stuff, small details, and tiny secrets that make us want to know more. She immerses us so well into the story of the class, students, and the professor that it’s almost easy to forget we’re reading. We become part of what’s happening, complete with triumphs, gasps, and life-affirming inspiration. This book is fascinating, a true pleasure to read, and I think that if you want something that puts life’s purpose into perspective, this is it. For you, “The Death Class” is too good to miss. Last year, you went to too many funerals. There were too many days taken off work to attend wakes. Too much sitting Shiva, too many casseroles eaten in church basements, too much grief and too many friends lost. Even if it only happened once, it was too much. Tragedies always make you think about your own mortality. Someday, yes, you’re going to die. But as you’ll see in “The Death Class: A True Story About Life” by Erika Hayasaki, you need to learn to live first. As a journalist for several larger newspapers, Erika Hayasaki had seen plenty of death. She was at Virginia Tech after the shootings, had been on New York City ’s streets, had seen corpses, interviewed survivors; she’d even been close friends with a victim of domestic violence. And it began to bother her—a lot. “I had become a journalist to try to explain… the world and its stories,” she says. “But death’s mercilessness and meaning, I could not figure out…” So when she heard about a college course taught by a popular, much-loved teacher in New Jersey, Hayasaki begged to be allowed to sit in on the class. Dr. Norma Bowe agreed—but Hayasaki couldn’t be just a journalist in the back row. She had to participate. So Hayasaki spent a semester following The Death Class to morgues, autopsies, and a funeral home where the “sacred” happened. She took “field trips” to prisons, visited hospices, examined her own mortality and, as the one-semester project turned into a several-years-long friendship, Hayasaki got to know Bowe and her students. She learned that Bowe, who is a consummate caregiver, wasn’t just a teacher. Formerly a nurse, she was a mentor, advice-dispenser, calm presence, and advocate, seemingly always on the lookout for opportunities to make a difference. Bowe taught in prisons, redecorated hospices, supported a homeless girls’ shelter, and helped found an organization that fosters change. She taught that life is good, especially if you can make it better for someone else. Above all, she encouraged her students (old and new) to call her anytime, and she came flying when they needed her. She was there for them—and vice versa, when tragedy struck too close to home. Though it has a title that might make you think it would be dark, depressing, or even a little bit maudlin, “The Death Class” is really anything but. That journalism background is apparent in author Erika Hayasaki’s writing, which is excellent: Hayasaki has a reporter’s way of winnowing out the facts, the interesting stuff, small details, and tiny secrets that make us want to know more. She immerses us so well into the story of the class, students, and the professor that it’s almost easy to forget we’re reading. We become part of what’s happening, complete with triumphs, gasps, and life-affirming inspiration. This book is fascinating, a true pleasure to read, and I think that if you want something that puts life’s purpose into perspective, this is it. For you, “The Death Class” is too good to miss. Bookworm Blog, 2014-01-15T10:17:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-invention-of-wings-by-sue-monk-kidd http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-invention-of-wings-by-sue-monk-kidd#When:15:54:00Z Your best friend has been all a-flutter about something lately. You haven’t seen much of her, in fact. She’s been sticking close to her nest but that’s okay. Next time you get together, it’ll be just like you were never apart. That’s the way a long-time friendship is: no matter how much you don’t see one another, you know your friend is somewhere and, as in the new novel “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd, she’ll come flying when you need her. Eleven-year-old Sarah Grimké did not want to own a human. Already at that age, she understood that it was wrong to have slaves but Mother insisted. The Grimkés were one of Charleston ’s finest families. It would be unseemly for a proper young lady to be without her own handmaid. So for Sarah’s birthday, Mother gave her Hetty, also known as Handful. For most of her nine years, Handful figured she’d be a seamstress like her mauma, but it wasn’t to be. After she was given to Miss Sarah, she was told that she was to sleep outside Miss Sarah’s bedroom, like a personal servant would do. But most nights, Handful crept away to Mauma, where she listened to stories of her granny-mauma, and laid beneath quilts that gave her dreams of flight. Though Sarah tried to give Handful her freedom, it wasn’t allowed by law so she did the next best thing: she taught Handful to read, which was also illegal. They would both be punished for it: Handful, by lash and Sarah, by banishment from her father’s library. It was the final straw for Sarah, who suddenly understood that she would never become a lawyer like her brothers. No, society was where Sarah belonged, though she thought it dreadful. Once she entered a world of dances and parties, she rarely saw Handful. Sarah didn’t need a handmaid any more and Mother was happy to have Handful back. Handful had become quite the seamstress. But Handful had also found life outside the homestead walls, sneaking out as much as she could - though if caught, punishment would be swift and harsh but she wasn’t afraid. They could own her body. They would never own her mind. Sweeping, reaching, and maybe just a tad too long, “The Invention of Wings” is one of those books that pulls you into another world and makes you believe. That’s because, as you’ll learn by reading the author’s notes, Sue Monk Kidd based a lot of this novel on reality. Yes, there really was a Sarah Grimke, about whom Kidd says she wanted to write a “thickly imagined story….” She succeeds at that endeavor by adding Handful and her mauma. The anger that bubbles just beneath these two characters’ lives, the hopes they harbor and the plotting they do makes this book what it is. And what it is, is near-perfect. For book clubs and Saturday afternoons, bedtime and lunchtime, if you’re looking for the years’ first great novel, here you go. “The Invention of Wings” absolutely soars. Your best friend has been all a-flutter about something lately. You haven’t seen much of her, in fact. She’s been sticking close to her nest but that’s okay. Next time you get together, it’ll be just like you were never apart. That’s the way a long-time friendship is: no matter how much you don’t see one another, you know your friend is somewhere and, as in the new novel “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd, she’ll come flying when you need her. Eleven-year-old Sarah Grimké did not want to own a human. Already at that age, she understood that it was wrong to have slaves but Mother insisted. The Grimkés were one of Charleston ’s finest families. It would be unseemly for a proper young lady to be without her own handmaid. So for Sarah’s birthday, Mother gave her Hetty, also known as Handful. For most of her nine years, Handful figured she’d be a seamstress like her mauma, but it wasn’t to be. After she was given to Miss Sarah, she was told that she was to sleep outside Miss Sarah’s bedroom, like a personal servant would do. But most nights, Handful crept away to Mauma, where she listened to stories of her granny-mauma, and laid beneath quilts that gave her dreams of flight. Though Sarah tried to give Handful her freedom, it wasn’t allowed by law so she did the next best thing: she taught Handful to read, which was also illegal. They would both be punished for it: Handful, by lash and Sarah, by banishment from her father’s library. It was the final straw for Sarah, who suddenly understood that she would never become a lawyer like her brothers. No, society was where Sarah belonged, though she thought it dreadful. Once she entered a world of dances and parties, she rarely saw Handful. Sarah didn’t need a handmaid any more and Mother was happy to have Handful back. Handful had become quite the seamstress. But Handful had also found life outside the homestead walls, sneaking out as much as she could - though if caught, punishment would be swift and harsh but she wasn’t afraid. They could own her body. They would never own her mind. Sweeping, reaching, and maybe just a tad too long, “The Invention of Wings” is one of those books that pulls you into another world and makes you believe. That’s because, as you’ll learn by reading the author’s notes, Sue Monk Kidd based a lot of this novel on reality. Yes, there really was a Sarah Grimke, about whom Kidd says she wanted to write a “thickly imagined story….” She succeeds at that endeavor by adding Handful and her mauma. The anger that bubbles just beneath these two characters’ lives, the hopes they harbor and the plotting they do makes this book what it is. And what it is, is near-perfect. For book clubs and Saturday afternoons, bedtime and lunchtime, if you’re looking for the years’ first great novel, here you go. “The Invention of Wings” absolutely soars. Bookworm Blog, 2014-01-07T15:54:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/crazy-about-basketball-by-loris-lesynski-illustrated-by-gerry-rasmussen http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/crazy-about-basketball-by-loris-lesynski-illustrated-by-gerry-rasmussen#When:00:30:00Z It’s after school, and Mom’s looking for you. She probably knows where to find you, though, because wherever there’s a pick-up game, that’s where you are. Your whole family knows that you live for swishing, shooting, dribbling and dunking. They know you’ll jump through hoops to play hoops, which is why you’ll love “Crazy about Basketball!” by Loris Lesynski, illustrated by Gerry Rasmussen. From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, you’re just a bunch of body parts that don’t even seem to work together very well sometimes. But when they do, you become something awesome: you’re a “basketball machine!” There’s so much excitement during a basketball game, and so much going on. No matter where you are, inside or outside, it seems like the best kind of chaos. There’s cheering and noise, a thunka-thunk of dribbling, shoes squeaking, and a basketball moving from hand to hand and up in the air. Who won? Either way, “the thrill’s immense!” But basketball hasn’t always been the game you know and love. Ancient Aztec ball players couldn’t dribble because their basketballs were solid, heavy, and had no bounce. The playing area of “olden days” was made of cobbly stones or plain dirt, neither of which made a game easy. Early, primitive basketballs were made of pig bladders or not-quite-round soccer balls with thick laces. Then, in the winter of 1891, Canadian “professor-coach,” Dr. James Naismith devised a way for his students to get some indoor exercise. He took some old fruit baskets, hung them “ten feet high” and started to play. The problem was that if a basket was made, someone had to climb up to get the ball. It took fifteen years for someone to realize that nets would work better, and that the game would be more fun if there were holes in the bottom of them. You know how exciting it is to watch a game, and how thrilling it is to be cheering with a crowd. You also know what it takes to play: practice and training for body, hands, and mind because, as a future pro, you know that it’s not all about the shoes… I have to admit, “Crazy about Basketball!” took me a little aback. I was expecting a fun, fans-and-players-based kid’s book on the game of basketball. I wasn’t expecting it to be written almost totally in rhyme. What’s most surprising, though, is that it works. Using verse to speak to young athletes, author Loris Lesynski highlights the excitement of the game and all its facets to kids for can’t get enough hoops. I liked the way Lesynski moves between spectator and player POVs here (for kids who are one or the other), and the action-packed cartoon drawings by Gerry Rasmussen just add to the enjoyment. Though this isn’t a stats-and-fact-filled book of seriousness, I think kids who love the game will want this light-hearted book on their shelves nonetheless. Young B-Ballers ages 8 to 13 will find “Crazy about Basketball!” to be a slam-dunk. It’s after school, and Mom’s looking for you. She probably knows where to find you, though, because wherever there’s a pick-up game, that’s where you are. Your whole family knows that you live for swishing, shooting, dribbling and dunking. They know you’ll jump through hoops to play hoops, which is why you’ll love “Crazy about Basketball!” by Loris Lesynski, illustrated by Gerry Rasmussen. From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, you’re just a bunch of body parts that don’t even seem to work together very well sometimes. But when they do, you become something awesome: you’re a “basketball machine!” There’s so much excitement during a basketball game, and so much going on. No matter where you are, inside or outside, it seems like the best kind of chaos. There’s cheering and noise, a thunka-thunk of dribbling, shoes squeaking, and a basketball moving from hand to hand and up in the air. Who won? Either way, “the thrill’s immense!” But basketball hasn’t always been the game you know and love. Ancient Aztec ball players couldn’t dribble because their basketballs were solid, heavy, and had no bounce. The playing area of “olden days” was made of cobbly stones or plain dirt, neither of which made a game easy. Early, primitive basketballs were made of pig bladders or not-quite-round soccer balls with thick laces. Then, in the winter of 1891, Canadian “professor-coach,” Dr. James Naismith devised a way for his students to get some indoor exercise. He took some old fruit baskets, hung them “ten feet high” and started to play. The problem was that if a basket was made, someone had to climb up to get the ball. It took fifteen years for someone to realize that nets would work better, and that the game would be more fun if there were holes in the bottom of them. You know how exciting it is to watch a game, and how thrilling it is to be cheering with a crowd. You also know what it takes to play: practice and training for body, hands, and mind because, as a future pro, you know that it’s not all about the shoes… I have to admit, “Crazy about Basketball!” took me a little aback. I was expecting a fun, fans-and-players-based kid’s book on the game of basketball. I wasn’t expecting it to be written almost totally in rhyme. What’s most surprising, though, is that it works. Using verse to speak to young athletes, author Loris Lesynski highlights the excitement of the game and all its facets to kids for can’t get enough hoops. I liked the way Lesynski moves between spectator and player POVs here (for kids who are one or the other), and the action-packed cartoon drawings by Gerry Rasmussen just add to the enjoyment. Though this isn’t a stats-and-fact-filled book of seriousness, I think kids who love the game will want this light-hearted book on their shelves nonetheless. Young B-Ballers ages 8 to 13 will find “Crazy about Basketball!” to be a slam-dunk. Bookworm Blog, 2013-12-31T00:30:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/you-can-tell-just-by-looking-and-20-other-myths-about-lgbt-life-and-people http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/you-can-tell-just-by-looking-and-20-other-myths-about-lgbt-life-and-people#When:02:26:00Z You’ve been hearing rumors. You don’t know what to believe. Your favorite club is closing, it’s got new owners, it’s being remodeled, none of the above. You can get married anytime, the law is being repealed, it’s being approved. You’re being downsized, you’re getting a raise. Sometimes, you don’t know what to think. Other times, you think you know but you’re wrong. In the new book “’You Can Tell Just By Looking’ And 20 Other Myths about LGBT Life and People” by Michael Bronski, Ann Pellegrini, and Michael Amico, you’ll see where truth and misconception cross paths. For most of your life, you’ve probably heard how no one person is better than anybody else. We’re all created equal… or are we? Thinking, for instance, that LGBT people are “the same as” straight people “obscures the fact that specific everyday realities and social structures have shaped the lives of LGBT people very differently…” say the authors. Even the term “LGBT” ignores that L, G, B, and T are “all distinct experiences.” The myths continue: Take, for instance, the notion that “gaydar” is more than just intuition, “a skill that everybody… has.”  While research shows that lesbians and gay men can identify other lesbians and gay men better than can straight people, it may only be a matter of desire or empathy. Or consider the myth that homophobia masks a straight person’s true desire. That belief came from something published more than fifty years ago; the author took the thought in a different direction, but “it became the main idea people took away from the book.” Same-sex marriage does not “harm” marriage as a whole; in fact, it may “make for happier heterosexual couples.” Not all religions “condemn” homosexuality; no one race is particularly biased against it; parenting has nothing to do with the sexuality of the mothers or fathers (“good parenting… is not a biological given”); bodies and sexuality are “complicated;” and it’s not necessarily easier coming out today than it was a half-century ago. Though your Mama warned against such things, based on the cover, you might think that this is a fun kind of book. And you’d be disappointed. No, “’You Can Tell Just by Looking’” is filled with deep-thinking research-based information and no-nonsense answers to “myths” that may or may not be widely-rumored. It’s wordy to the extreme, and – though authors Michael Bronski, Ann Pellegrini, and Michael Amico claim that LBGT readers believe myths about themselves—I often wondered if this book was preaching to the choir. There’s a whole lotta overgeneralization goin’ on here, too. Still, the authors don’t shy away from controversy; they tackle some tough (and food-for-thought) ideas with thoughtful inspection. I appreciated that lack of fear and the willingness they had to confront ill-conceived credos. Overall, I think that if you’re searching for retorts to blanket-statements about LGBT people, this book may give you what you need. It won’t be the most fun thing you’ve ever read, but “’You Can Tell Just by Looking’” is one I believe may help. You’ve been hearing rumors. You don’t know what to believe. Your favorite club is closing, it’s got new owners, it’s being remodeled, none of the above. You can get married anytime, the law is being repealed, it’s being approved. You’re being downsized, you’re getting a raise. Sometimes, you don’t know what to think. Other times, you think you know but you’re wrong. In the new book “’You Can Tell Just By Looking’ And 20 Other Myths about LGBT Life and People” by Michael Bronski, Ann Pellegrini, and Michael Amico, you’ll see where truth and misconception cross paths. For most of your life, you’ve probably heard how no one person is better than anybody else. We’re all created equal… or are we? Thinking, for instance, that LGBT people are “the same as” straight people “obscures the fact that specific everyday realities and social structures have shaped the lives of LGBT people very differently…” say the authors. Even the term “LGBT” ignores that L, G, B, and T are “all distinct experiences.” The myths continue: Take, for instance, the notion that “gaydar” is more than just intuition, “a skill that everybody… has.”  While research shows that lesbians and gay men can identify other lesbians and gay men better than can straight people, it may only be a matter of desire or empathy. Or consider the myth that homophobia masks a straight person’s true desire. That belief came from something published more than fifty years ago; the author took the thought in a different direction, but “it became the main idea people took away from the book.” Same-sex marriage does not “harm” marriage as a whole; in fact, it may “make for happier heterosexual couples.” Not all religions “condemn” homosexuality; no one race is particularly biased against it; parenting has nothing to do with the sexuality of the mothers or fathers (“good parenting… is not a biological given”); bodies and sexuality are “complicated;” and it’s not necessarily easier coming out today than it was a half-century ago. Though your Mama warned against such things, based on the cover, you might think that this is a fun kind of book. And you’d be disappointed. No, “’You Can Tell Just by Looking’” is filled with deep-thinking research-based information and no-nonsense answers to “myths” that may or may not be widely-rumored. It’s wordy to the extreme, and – though authors Michael Bronski, Ann Pellegrini, and Michael Amico claim that LBGT readers believe myths about themselves—I often wondered if this book was preaching to the choir. There’s a whole lotta overgeneralization goin’ on here, too. Still, the authors don’t shy away from controversy; they tackle some tough (and food-for-thought) ideas with thoughtful inspection. I appreciated that lack of fear and the willingness they had to confront ill-conceived credos. Overall, I think that if you’re searching for retorts to blanket-statements about LGBT people, this book may give you what you need. It won’t be the most fun thing you’ve ever read, but “’You Can Tell Just by Looking’” is one I believe may help. Bookworm Blog, 2013-12-27T02:26:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/mud-season-by-ellen-stimson http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/mud-season-by-ellen-stimson#When:18:37:00Z Sometimes, you just need a change. Life becomes same-old, same-old and that’s boring. You need to shake things up. Get out of your rut. Do something different. Sometimes you need to surprise yourself or, as author Ellen Stimson says in her new book “Mud Season,” you need to go shopping at the “Life Store.” Just beware of what’s in your cart. Back when Ellen Stimson’s family was young, Stimson and her husband got a rare chance at a real vacation, so they flew from their St. Louis home to Vermont. She’d always dreamed of seeing the famed New England fall and when she did, she was absolutely in love with it. She never forgot the beauty of Vermont so, when her children were older and wondering if they could really live anywhere they wanted, being a Vermonter suddenly wasn’t just a pipe-dream. It could be reality—so they moved to Dorset. But life in small-town New England wasn’t as idyllic as Stimson had envisioned. Her first mistake was to import “foreigners” (a work crew from St. Louis) to remodel the Victorian home she and her husband bought. That didn’t endear them to the locals, nor did their decision to home-school their youngest son. Their fussy-yuppie chicken coop was cause for gossip. When the family bought the local Country Store and (gasp!) moved the bread, it seemed to be the final straw. But though the locals appeared to be tight-knit and reticent, there were pockets of kindness that Stimson saw: a church minister with a sense of humor visited the family often. A local constable was compassionate during a silly, embarrassing moment. The family got a lamb and lessons in shepherding from a farmer-friend. Even their banker was kind, but the fact was that buying the Country Store had been a bad decision and, as the family’s finances began to wane, it was obvious that this part of the New England dream wasn’t working. Stimson found comfort in the gorgeous scenery that surrounded her, but mountains and waterfalls couldn’t erase debts. The family began to look for a way out. Could they find it in time to save themselves? “Mud Season” is a little rough around the edges, but it’s got its goodness. Without a doubt, firstly, the state of Vermont would be well-advised to adopt parts of author Ellen Stimson’s book for their brochures. Stimson writes lyrically of the incredible beauty of the state’s countryside, which made me want to see it, too. As for her adopted town’s residents, though, I thought there was a little too much fun-poking. That made me wince sometimes, as did a lengthy litany of disasters with barely a breath. Add overabundant footnotes… and… too much… of this… kind of thing… and, well, it’s rough. But don’t forget, I said there was goodness—which is in the form of a humorously self-depreciating story filled with grace and gratitude. For that, I think this book is worth a peek. For that, “Mud Season” is a book to put in your cart. Sometimes, you just need a change. Life becomes same-old, same-old and that’s boring. You need to shake things up. Get out of your rut. Do something different. Sometimes you need to surprise yourself or, as author Ellen Stimson says in her new book “Mud Season,” you need to go shopping at the “Life Store.” Just beware of what’s in your cart. Back when Ellen Stimson’s family was young, Stimson and her husband got a rare chance at a real vacation, so they flew from their St. Louis home to Vermont. She’d always dreamed of seeing the famed New England fall and when she did, she was absolutely in love with it. She never forgot the beauty of Vermont so, when her children were older and wondering if they could really live anywhere they wanted, being a Vermonter suddenly wasn’t just a pipe-dream. It could be reality—so they moved to Dorset. But life in small-town New England wasn’t as idyllic as Stimson had envisioned. Her first mistake was to import “foreigners” (a work crew from St. Louis) to remodel the Victorian home she and her husband bought. That didn’t endear them to the locals, nor did their decision to home-school their youngest son. Their fussy-yuppie chicken coop was cause for gossip. When the family bought the local Country Store and (gasp!) moved the bread, it seemed to be the final straw. But though the locals appeared to be tight-knit and reticent, there were pockets of kindness that Stimson saw: a church minister with a sense of humor visited the family often. A local constable was compassionate during a silly, embarrassing moment. The family got a lamb and lessons in shepherding from a farmer-friend. Even their banker was kind, but the fact was that buying the Country Store had been a bad decision and, as the family’s finances began to wane, it was obvious that this part of the New England dream wasn’t working. Stimson found comfort in the gorgeous scenery that surrounded her, but mountains and waterfalls couldn’t erase debts. The family began to look for a way out. Could they find it in time to save themselves? “Mud Season” is a little rough around the edges, but it’s got its goodness. Without a doubt, firstly, the state of Vermont would be well-advised to adopt parts of author Ellen Stimson’s book for their brochures. Stimson writes lyrically of the incredible beauty of the state’s countryside, which made me want to see it, too. As for her adopted town’s residents, though, I thought there was a little too much fun-poking. That made me wince sometimes, as did a lengthy litany of disasters with barely a breath. Add overabundant footnotes… and… too much… of this… kind of thing… and, well, it’s rough. But don’t forget, I said there was goodness—which is in the form of a humorously self-depreciating story filled with grace and gratitude. For that, I think this book is worth a peek. For that, “Mud Season” is a book to put in your cart. Bookworm Blog, 2013-12-18T18:37:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/junkyard-planet-travels-in-the-billion-dollar-trash-trade-by-adam-minter http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/junkyard-planet-travels-in-the-billion-dollar-trash-trade-by-adam-minter#When:17:08:00Z This will probably be the last year for your old Christmas lights. You’ve noticed that the bulbs are half burned-out and replacements are hard to find these days. Besides, you’d really rather have those newfangled lights anyhow; they’re energy efficient and they look nicer. You’re going to recycle those old twinklers because it’s the right thing to do. But where do they go after you’ve put them in the bin? Read “Junkyard Planet” by Adam Minter, and you might be surprised to find out. For most of his life, Adam Minter has been intrigued by junk. You could almost say it’s genetic—his father and grandmother owned a Minneapolis junkyard—and since he’s already a journalist working in China, trash is relatively easy to investigate. China , you see, is where a lot of America ’s scrap—cell phones, electric motors, plastic, construction debris, Christmas lights—ends up. Says Minter, it’s “the most logical (and greenest) endpoint…” When you put something in the recycling bin, you’re really, in some respects, throwing away money. Yesterday’s newspaper, an empty detergent bottle, your old computer, that junker in your garage will eventually all be bought, sold, and either picked apart here in America or shipped overseas to be processed and metals reclaimed. “… the richer you are, and the more educated you are,” says Minter, “the more stuff you will throw away.” And throw away we do: Minter says that, in 2012, U.S. scrap workers “were responsible for transforming 135 million metric tons of recyclable waste into raw materials that could be made into new stuff.” Exporting other trash for processing saves low-grade scrap from being dumped in a landfill. Together, that lessens environmental costs. As for financial costs, Minter says it’s often cheaper for U.S. scrappers to send materials overseas than across the country. Despite that safety is often iffy there, overseas facilities offer employees better-than-farming wages and opportunities for family businesses. And besides, “the developing world can usually find a use for what Americans can’t recycle profitably,” sometimes returning to us a re-recycled item, ready to use again. Says Minter, “Round and round it goes.” “Junkyard Planet is a good book—and it’s not. Because it takes a lively look at the symbiosis between American and Chinese trash trade, there’s a lot of back-and-forth-across-the-ocean here, resulting in what feels like a good amount of repetition. The facts that are highlighted in this book are quite shocking, but author Adam Minter throws them around like confetti on New Year’s Eve. After awhile, it’s hard to be impressed by them anymore. And yet—there’s something to be said about a book that offers solid, deep scrutiny of a “hidden,” big-bucks industry that makes something good from an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality. Overall, though it takes time to absorb, I think that if you’ve ever thrown something away and figured it would magically disappear forever, this book will disabuse you of that notion. For you, or anyone who wants to know where America’s recyclables go, “Junkyard Planet” will show you the light. This will probably be the last year for your old Christmas lights. You’ve noticed that the bulbs are half burned-out and replacements are hard to find these days. Besides, you’d really rather have those newfangled lights anyhow; they’re energy efficient and they look nicer. You’re going to recycle those old twinklers because it’s the right thing to do. But where do they go after you’ve put them in the bin? Read “Junkyard Planet” by Adam Minter, and you might be surprised to find out. For most of his life, Adam Minter has been intrigued by junk. You could almost say it’s genetic—his father and grandmother owned a Minneapolis junkyard—and since he’s already a journalist working in China, trash is relatively easy to investigate. China , you see, is where a lot of America ’s scrap—cell phones, electric motors, plastic, construction debris, Christmas lights—ends up. Says Minter, it’s “the most logical (and greenest) endpoint…” When you put something in the recycling bin, you’re really, in some respects, throwing away money. Yesterday’s newspaper, an empty detergent bottle, your old computer, that junker in your garage will eventually all be bought, sold, and either picked apart here in America or shipped overseas to be processed and metals reclaimed. “… the richer you are, and the more educated you are,” says Minter, “the more stuff you will throw away.” And throw away we do: Minter says that, in 2012, U.S. scrap workers “were responsible for transforming 135 million metric tons of recyclable waste into raw materials that could be made into new stuff.” Exporting other trash for processing saves low-grade scrap from being dumped in a landfill. Together, that lessens environmental costs. As for financial costs, Minter says it’s often cheaper for U.S. scrappers to send materials overseas than across the country. Despite that safety is often iffy there, overseas facilities offer employees better-than-farming wages and opportunities for family businesses. And besides, “the developing world can usually find a use for what Americans can’t recycle profitably,” sometimes returning to us a re-recycled item, ready to use again. Says Minter, “Round and round it goes.” “Junkyard Planet is a good book—and it’s not. Because it takes a lively look at the symbiosis between American and Chinese trash trade, there’s a lot of back-and-forth-across-the-ocean here, resulting in what feels like a good amount of repetition. The facts that are highlighted in this book are quite shocking, but author Adam Minter throws them around like confetti on New Year’s Eve. After awhile, it’s hard to be impressed by them anymore. And yet—there’s something to be said about a book that offers solid, deep scrutiny of a “hidden,” big-bucks industry that makes something good from an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality. Overall, though it takes time to absorb, I think that if you’ve ever thrown something away and figured it would magically disappear forever, this book will disabuse you of that notion. For you, or anyone who wants to know where America’s recyclables go, “Junkyard Planet” will show you the light. Bookworm Blog, 2013-12-11T17:08:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-dogs-of-christmas-by-w.-bruce-cameron http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-dogs-of-christmas-by-w.-bruce-cameron#When:18:18:00Z This Christmas, you’re giving up a lot. You’re giving up a corner of your home for a Christmas tree. You’re giving up money to make sure the best gifts are beneath that tree on Christmas morning. You’re giving up time to bake, decorate, send cards, maybe even volunteer. You’re giving up a lot this Christmas, whether you realize it or not. But, as in the new book, “The Dogs of Christmas” by W. Bruce Cameron, you’re getting so much more in return. Josh Michaels didn’t want to answer the phone. After Amanda left him for another man, there was barely any reason to even have a phone but he picked the receiver up anyhow, hoping it was her. When he found out who was on the line, he was immediately sorry he did. It was his scruffy neighbor, Ryan, who told Josh a hurried, convoluted story about France and his ex-girlfriend’s dog, Loose. Blah-blah-blah, and before Josh could protest, Ryan left the dog on Josh’s porch and, tires spinning, was gone. Loose. As in Lucy. As in, a female dog. A pregnant female dog. Josh had never had a dog, didn’t know the first thing about caring for one, and didn’t want this tail-thumping German-Shepherd-something. He didn’t want puppies, either, but he felt bad when Lucy’s puppies died. Was it fate that somebody abandoned five tiny pups in his truck while he was at the vet’s? Maybe, and it was a miracle that Lucy adopted them. Dogs were pretty awesome. Still, Josh had lots of questions, so he called the local animal shelter and spoke with a girl named Kerri, who offered to come to his house. He wasn’t expecting her to be so pretty or funny. Josh could imagine himself asking her out—and when he finally did, he decided he liked her. Kerri could almost make him forget about Amanda. Almost. But what he couldn’t forget was that Lucy was somebody else’s dog. Kerri wouldn’t let him forget, either, that keeping six dogs was illegal and that he’d promised to adopt the puppies out—which was something Josh couldn’t bear. He’d had enough loss in his life. Could he lose his little dog family, too? It’s a good thing you weren’t sitting next to me while I was reading “The Dogs of Christmas.” I never cry at novels, but I cried at this one… though it’s really not a sad story. Yes, this book has sad elements in it (ones that dog lovers will completely understand), but it also oozes with humor and charm. Author W. Bruce Cameron introduces us to a wonderfully geeky main character, a sweet-but-socially-inept man to whom bad things perpetually happen. That makes for a delightful story, a perfect plot, and a book that’s hard not to love. If you must have a holiday tale to put you in the Christmas mood, this is the one you must have. For whatever little free time you’ve got left this season, “The Dogs of Christmas” is worth giving it up for. This Christmas, you’re giving up a lot. You’re giving up a corner of your home for a Christmas tree. You’re giving up money to make sure the best gifts are beneath that tree on Christmas morning. You’re giving up time to bake, decorate, send cards, maybe even volunteer. You’re giving up a lot this Christmas, whether you realize it or not. But, as in the new book, “The Dogs of Christmas” by W. Bruce Cameron, you’re getting so much more in return. Josh Michaels didn’t want to answer the phone. After Amanda left him for another man, there was barely any reason to even have a phone but he picked the receiver up anyhow, hoping it was her. When he found out who was on the line, he was immediately sorry he did. It was his scruffy neighbor, Ryan, who told Josh a hurried, convoluted story about France and his ex-girlfriend’s dog, Loose. Blah-blah-blah, and before Josh could protest, Ryan left the dog on Josh’s porch and, tires spinning, was gone. Loose. As in Lucy. As in, a female dog. A pregnant female dog. Josh had never had a dog, didn’t know the first thing about caring for one, and didn’t want this tail-thumping German-Shepherd-something. He didn’t want puppies, either, but he felt bad when Lucy’s puppies died. Was it fate that somebody abandoned five tiny pups in his truck while he was at the vet’s? Maybe, and it was a miracle that Lucy adopted them. Dogs were pretty awesome. Still, Josh had lots of questions, so he called the local animal shelter and spoke with a girl named Kerri, who offered to come to his house. He wasn’t expecting her to be so pretty or funny. Josh could imagine himself asking her out—and when he finally did, he decided he liked her. Kerri could almost make him forget about Amanda. Almost. But what he couldn’t forget was that Lucy was somebody else’s dog. Kerri wouldn’t let him forget, either, that keeping six dogs was illegal and that he’d promised to adopt the puppies out—which was something Josh couldn’t bear. He’d had enough loss in his life. Could he lose his little dog family, too? It’s a good thing you weren’t sitting next to me while I was reading “The Dogs of Christmas.” I never cry at novels, but I cried at this one… though it’s really not a sad story. Yes, this book has sad elements in it (ones that dog lovers will completely understand), but it also oozes with humor and charm. Author W. Bruce Cameron introduces us to a wonderfully geeky main character, a sweet-but-socially-inept man to whom bad things perpetually happen. That makes for a delightful story, a perfect plot, and a book that’s hard not to love. If you must have a holiday tale to put you in the Christmas mood, this is the one you must have. For whatever little free time you’ve got left this season, “The Dogs of Christmas” is worth giving it up for. Bookworm Blog, 2013-12-02T18:18:00+00:00