Web-Exclusive Reviews: Week of 4/2/2007

-- Publishers Weekly, 4/2/2007

NONFICTION

CROWS: Encounters with the Wise Guys of the Avian World
Candace Savage. Douglas & McIntyre/Greystone, $16.95 paper (114p) ISBN 9781553652861

In this charming introduction to the genus Corvus, Savage consolidates scientific research with myths and legends, to attest to the cleverness of crows, ravens, rooks and jackdaws. Savage begins with reports of tool-use by crows in New Guinea; they not only use bits of twig to dig insects out of narrow holes, but they also shape the twigs to form hooks that grab insects and prevent them from escaping. As legends show, humans have been fascinated by crows for thousands of years, and the raven plays a prominent role in many aboriginal creation myths. Synthesizing science and storytelling, Savage shows that the ancient image of crow-as-trickster bears out among contemporary researchers, who have observed such crow behavior as misrepresentation and misdirection. In addition, some species of crow show evidence of language skills and even artistic sensibility (as in the case of a winged shell collector). They also exhibit cooperative child-rearing, as well as grieving behavior after losing a mate or chick. Though this illuminating book ends too quickly, readers wishing to follow up on the clever Corvus will be quite pleased with Savage's detailed footnotes and lengthy list of references. (Apr.)

 HEALTH CARE HALF TRUTHS: Too Many Myths, Not Enough Reality
Arthur Garson Jr. and Carolyn L. Engelhard. Rowman & Littlefield, $24.95 (272p) ISBN 9780742558298

A much-needed dose of realism, this state-of-the-policy report should be required reading for anyone weighing in on the debate over health-care reform, especially students of health policy. Dean Garson and policy analyst Engelhard, both of the University of Virginia's School of Medicine, show how both defenders and opponents of the current American health-care system rely on false truisms and lazy thinking, such as the idea that most health-care dollars are spent in the last six months of life, or that consumer choice automatically improves care. Members of Congress cling to the hope that quality improvement programs or more preventive care will save enough money to bail out Medicare and other programs, but Garson and Engelhard expose the flaws in these arguments. Thanks largely to its well-thought-out structure, this book makes a surprisingly quick read; in the introduction, for example, the authors' myth vs. reality chapter descriptions make for easy browsing and reference. The sheer number of misconceptions exposed and the seemingly intractable dysfunction of the health-care system as a whole result in a sobering tour, but the final chapter proposes some sound, if occasionally controversial, solutions. Though more general readers may balk at some tedious hair-splitting, this title successfully flushes the plaque from the hardened arteries of the country's health-care dialogue. (Apr.)

KITCHEN CON: Writing On The Restaurant Racket
Trevor White. Arcade, $25 (240p) ISBN 9781559708340

Lauded in the U.K. as the next Kitchen Confidential (if the punny title isn't enough, "Including a conversation with Anthony Bourdain" is printed helpfully on the cover), White's occasionally thrilling and frequently rambling take on restaurant criticism—and the state of food in general—is sure to raise hackles, much as his inspiration did when it was first published in 2000. White persuasively argues that restaurant criticism has no discernable purpose other than to sell the newspapers and magazines in which they appear, that wait staff should be paid a fair wage in lieu of tips and that a steady decline in true service is hobbling an industry allegedly devoted to it. His oft-repeated remark that most European critics (and patrons) "know the taste of everything, and how to cook nothing" supports his thesis that the West has bred a world of consumers constantly hunting down the Next Big Thing, rather than appreciating (or even understanding) what's in front of them. White thoughtfully includes original drafts of his reviews alongside their heavily revised published versions, lending credence to his entertaining take-down of sacred cows like the Michelin and Zagat guides. Though incendiary passages abound—White isn't one to mince words—this volume lacks focus, making it more like a loosely-assembled essay collection than a provocative assault on the status quo. (May)

 THE SILENT DEEP: The Discovery, Ecology, and Conservation of the Deep Sea
Tony Koslow. Univ. of Chicago, $35 (312p) ISBN 9780226451251

Deep-sea ecologist Koslow (a senior researcher at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) has both the breadth of knowledge and the keen insight to orchestrate this complex volume, an encyclopedic overview of 200 years' worth of oceanographic discoveries, research and resource exploitation. Organized chronologically, part one begins with ancient thinkers like Aristotle before profiling the work of pioneering oceanic naturalists of the early 19th century like Forbes, Milne-Edwards, Sars and (of course) Darwin. Part two explores 20th-century methods for tackling the mysteries of the deep sea, including spectacular discoveries of unknown species, hydrothermal hotsprings, methane seeps and whale falls. The third section considers the deep-reaching impact of humanity—not only through fishing, mining and dumping, but also global climate change—whose effects touch every region of the sea. This volume provides helpful information on any given sea-centric query and a thorough bibliography for finding additional material. Illustrations and figures range from reproductions of early drawings to high-resolution, in situ photographs, startling in beauty and detail. Informative, gorgeous and extremely well-written, this title may be the only marine-life reference you'll ever need. (Apr.)

TO LIVE'S TO FLY: The Ballad Of The Late, Great Townes Van Zandt
John Kruth. Da Capo, $26 (320p) ISBN 9780306815539

Finally, the first official biography of singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt (1944-1997) arrives; unfortunately, the life story of this troubled Texas troubadour is nearly as grueling to read as it was for Van Zandt to live. Kruth (Bright Moments: The Life and Legacy of Rahsaan Roland Kirk) deserves credit for interviewing scores of family members, friends and associates, but his efforts are diminished by oddly alternating first- and third-person narratives, awkward transitions and text cluttered with excessive quotes. In addition, many anecdotes and quotes from Van Zandt lack attribution. That said, Kruth (a veteran musician himself) shines when providing perspective on the evolving American folk scene and in dissecting numerous albums (some issued after Van Zandt's New Year's Day death at age 52). To be sure, Van Zandt's outrageous penchant for gambling, alcohol and women, not to mention his irresponsible career management, make him a less-than-sympathetic character; more insight into why—rather than countless tales of how—would have made this bio a more worthwhile read. (Apr.)

UNCHECKED AND UNBALANCED: Presidential Power in a Time of Terror
Frederick A.O. Schwarz Jr. and Aziz Z. Huq. New Press, $25.95 (276p) ISBN 9781595581174

Though another book criticizing the Bush presidency is of questionable necessity, Schwarz (Nigeria: The Tribes, the Nation, or the Race) and first-time author Huq, both of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, offer a clear look at what history has to say regarding controversial decisions made by the current administration. Covering "what went wrong," "why untrammeled executive power" is bad for America and what can be done "to reestablish the checks and balances that define our government," this call for transparency and accountability has a satisfying reach and focus. The first section traces abuse of presidential power throughout the Cold War, particularly in regard to intelligence communities. The second section demonstrates how efforts to correct that abuse were tragically reversed following 9/11, resulting in an executive branch that enacts policies of questionable legality in the name of fighting terrorists. The third section takes those policies to task, holding them up to the light of the Constitution, but ultimately just keeps hitting the same note. The authors' conclusion doesn't propose much of a plan for saving the republic, but the essential ingredient—citizens who demand more oversight, less obfuscation and greater access to information—should get a smart, historically adept kickstart here. (Apr.)

WEST FROM APPOMATTOX: The Reconstruction of America After the Civil War
Heather Cox Richardson. Yale Univ., $30 (416p) ISBN 9780300110524

This thoughtful, engaging examination of the Reconstruction Era began as a way for author and historian Richardson to understand the deep divide—over issues like taxes, size of government and the influence of special interests—that still separate "red states" from "blue states." Richardson's persuasive thesis is that the Reconstruction, rather than the Civil War itself, is the place to look for guidance through these thorny problems. Beginning with a dramatic retelling of General Lee's surrender at Appomattox, Va., Richardson immerses readers in the issues faced by Americans trying to restore the Union on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. Although her research is primarily informed by a social approach to history, Richadrson strikes a fine balance between the everyman experience and the trials of famous leaders. And because Richardson views Reconstruction as fundamental to the shape of contemporary America, she makes this period not only engaging but utterly relevant. This title will be appealing, therefore, not only to those interested in 19th century American history or the Civil War, but also to anyone interested in the roots of present-day American politics. (Mar.)

WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY? Fabulous Prayers In The Face Of The Shopocalypse
Reverend Billy. Public Affairs, $13.95 paper (224p) ISBN 9781586484477

Billy, the ringleader of the "Church of Stop Shopping"—whose protests have gotten him arrested multiple times—presents his philosophy and plan of action in this tongue-in-cheek guide to buying less and loving more—what Billy calls the "Love-a-Lujah Revival." Despite this welcome thesis, Billy's mission barely gets off the ground amid his slim volume's jokey tone. With a sermon-like delivery, Billy can prove amusing in small doses, but quickly overwhelms readers with too many odd phrasings, vain attempts at comedy and random capitalization: "Let me ask you a question. IS THERE ANYONE HERE AMONG US WHO HAS NOT BEEN CHASED DOWN AND KILLED BY A DISCOUNTED LUXURY ITEM?" Paradoxically, Billy's plea for honest expression gets mired in new-age vagary: "We have learned in the Church of Stop Shopping that memory reclamation is key, then sharing and comparing." Even when these kinds of statements get proper support, they're undermined by Billy's punch-line-happy prose, making it tough to take the actor/activist/author seriously. Relentlessly sarcastic, deadly repetitive and almost entirely reference-free, this book feels more like an attention-getting device than an earnest attempt at either social change or satire. (Mar.)

WHEN RAP MUSIC HAD A CONSCIENCE: The Artists, Organizations and Historic Events that Inspired and Influenced the "Golden Age" of Hip-Hop from 1987 to 1996
Tayannah Lee McQuillar. Thunder's Mouth, $13.95 paper (208p) ISBN 9781560259190

In her introduction, cultural anthropologist McQuillar (Rootwork: The Folk Magick of Black America) reflects on contemporary urban youths' "reluctance to reflect on the broader world around them, [their] obsession with non-action (except when it comes to partying), and [their] fierce determination not to deal with the past." In particular, McQuillar is concerned about young African-Americans unfamiliar with the politically conscious rap produced by acts like Arrested Development, Public Enemy and X-Clan during the 1980s and '90s. Most of the slim volume, however, covers the symbols and byproducts of mainstream hip-hop culture. For instance, McQuillar devotes a chapter to films like Boyz n the Hood and Do the Right Thing, making a connection between these films and conscientious rap lyrics that's tenuous at best, and all the weaker for McQuillar's lack of lyrical examples. In fact, there are few examples of rap lyrics included, an oversight that's hard to miss amid McQuillar's cumbersome prose. What at first seems like a those-were-the-good-old-days diatribe makes a good point, in that contemporary rap is largely fixated on "ass, guns, cars and jewels," with almost zero concern for social or political issues; unfortunately, McQuillar doesn't present a solid case. (Apr.)

WHERE HAVE ALL THE LEADERS GONE?
Lee Iacocca with Catherine Whitney. Scribner, $25 (288p) ISBN 9781416532477

Iacocca, the bestselling author and former president of Ford and Chrysler, is back to sound a howl of anger against the sad state of leadership in the U.S. today. Iacocca starts with a rundown of sins committed by George W. Bush and his administration, and then moves on to criticize the American auto industry—naturally, he's furious over over the sale of Chrysler to Daimler-Benz. Along the way, Iacocca rails against the lack of leadership in vital national concerns such as health care, open markets and energy policy. Iacocca may not have a whole lot new to say, but he is always engaging, even when spinning his wheels over the current crop of presidential hopefuls or recommending that Congress take a year off from enacting laws or spending money. The book's strength lies in Iacocca's emotional honesty, which shines when he details the reasons he passed on a Presidential run, how he felt when his wife died and his frustration at the poor decisions he's made during his retirement (fessing up to voting for Bush in 2000 and handpicking the executive who sold Chrysler to the Germans). Iacocca is a genial person to spend time with, but his insights no longer carry the weight that made his autobiography, Iacocca, a runaway bestseller. (Apr.)

WITNESS: One of the Great Foreign Correspondents of the Twentieth Century Tells her Story
Ruth Gruber. Schocken, $27.50 (288p) ISBN 9780805242430

Journalist Gruber, a Ph.D. at age 19, became an international correspondent for the New York Herald Tribune in 1935, launching a career that covered the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, the establishment of Israel and the first glimpse of Siberian gulags. Gruber has a charming, feminine perspective rare to the times; combined with her knack for (very) telling details, she makes a riveting storyteller. For instance, 1941 found Gruber in Alaska with troops preparing of the U.S.'s entry into WWII, and she captures their desperation expertly in a single quote from a teenaged soldier who visited her one morning: " 'Excuse me for bothering you. I'm so lonely. I only want to hear you laugh.' " Similarly, a planeful of Yemenite Jews emigrating to Israel in 1949 hides a thunderous story: "Because of years of starvation, (the Yemenites) were so tiny that the plane could hold twice as many Yemenites as American[s]." Gruber also found herself a participant in history-making: at 33, she escorted 1,000 Jews from Europe to America; in a 1951 visit with refugees in Israel, Gruber admonished Prime Minister Ben Gurion for deplorable living conditions, prompting quick improvements. Complemented by a slew of Gruber's own photographs—which succinctly record the desolation and hope of the times—this life story makes for a fascinating journey. (Apr.)

LIFESTYLE

THE CONFETTI CAKES COOKBOOK: Spectacular Cookies, Cakes, and Cupcakes from New York City's Famed Bakery
Elisa Strauss with Christie Matheson. Little, Brown, $29.99 (224p) ISBN 9780316113076

Proprietor of the titular bakery in New York City, Strauss offers a bevy of specific, helpful tips that will enable readers to replicate her whimsical and eye-catching designs. Opening with a detailed list of key tools (tape measure, scale, paring knife, scalpel) and basic techniques (overpiping, filling a pastry bag, making sugar bows), Strauss lays the groundwork for the heavy lifting: creating artful cookies, cakes and cupcakes using fondant, frosting and gum paste. Featured projects run the gamut from the relatively easy Pool Ball Cupcakes, Dice Mini Cakes and Snowflake Cookies to more advanced items like Teacup Mini Cakes (they look like detailed porcelain) and the gorgeous Chocolate Embroidery Wedding Cake (as seen on Sex and the City). Strauss is a patient and encouraging teacher, offering detailed instructions and drawings for complex accoutrements such as flowers, teddy bears and even shoes. Those with an interest in fondant-based cake designs will find this an informative and challenging introduction to the art. (May)

THE CRAFTER CULTURE HANDBOOK
Amy Spencer. Marion Boyars, $17.95 paper (288p) ISBN 9780714531281

Perfectly representing the post-feminist, socially active crafting movement in the U.S. and U.K., Spencer's fun, accessible volume is a nifty introduction to newly hip crafts. As Laura Newsom, whose felt pin designs are included, asserts, "We are taking back our ability to shape the world around us. We are rediscovering our ability to make the things we were told we had to buy." Leaders from the new crafts scene contribute about 40 projects, covering needlecraft, vintage refurbishing, clothing, home decor, cosmetics and electronics. Each is clearly photographed and explained, with space for each designer to detail his or her aesthetic. The vibe is young and hip, exemplified in projects like making a computer mouse out of an old Nintendo game control, cross-stitching a portrait of Sophia Lorenand knitting a "Red Light District Peekaboo Scarf." Other projects are more traditional—homemade soap and "bath fizzies," make your own smock—but a strong liberal political aesthetic—anti-sweat shop, anti-war, pro-recycling, etc—runs throughout. No introductory instructions are included, but most of the projects require no more than basic knowledge and skills. And once readers burn through the projects here, a handy resource guide points to dozens of online craft sites, making this a perfect library addition for any crafty Generation X or Yer. Photographs. (Apr.)

MEDITERRANEAN GRILLING: More than 100 Recipes from Across the Mediterranean
Diane Kochilas. Morrow, $29.95 (208p) ISBN 9780060556396

Greek cooking expert Kochilas (The Glorious Foods of Greece) returns with a bounty of recipes showcasing grilling, "arguably the oldest culinary art form in the Mediterranean." Packed with luscious photographs, Kochilas highlights the aromatic and flavorful foods of the region, including a multitude of kebabs, fresh vegetables such as eggplant and Portobello mushrooms, and a variety of lamb and seafood dishes. Olive oil, lemon, basil, garlic and feta are the stars here, though Kochilas keeps the recipes from becoming rote with the inclusion of dishes such as Grappa and Citrus-Marinated Chicken Breasts and a heady Grilled Mushroom and Garlic Soup that may cause cooks to reevaluate the traditional French cream-of-mushroom version. Those looking for a fresh take on grilling and those with an interest in the region will find this cookbook a welcome addition to their collection. (May)

URBAN TANTRA: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century
Barbara Carrellas. Celestial Arts, $17.95 paper (320p) ISBN 9781587612909

This handy how-to promises mind-blowing, toe-curling, highly spiritual sex for humble beginners, BDSM aficionados and everyone in between. Sex educator Carrellas is on a mission to bring Tantra—the ancient practice of sacred sex, in which interpersonal connection and transformative ecstasy are the norm—to the modern world, to reclaim sex from "messed-up, sexually-dysfunctional, judgmental, and ignorant culture," and to shift the urban sex paradigm from recreational activity to a sumptuous, impassioned way of life. Not that one necessarily needs that kind of ambition: Carrellas offers ways to enhance any old sexual encounter (with techniques like breathing, stroking, prodding and piercing), techniques for solo play and countless uses for a trunk full of toys. Same sex, transgender, and multi-partner play is encouraged (if not highly recommended), and the text is peppered with illuminating, try-this-at-home anecdotes. Pictures and diagrams are whimsical but instructive, making Carrellas's cheerful descriptions of unusual concepts—"gigglegasms," "rainbow rubs" and "the mushy puss" among them—easy to grasp. A final chapter, on "Sex Magic," examines the power of Tantra to achieve a number of effects, from backpain relief to a happier office to world peace; however far you'd like to take your sex life, this friendly guide will likely show the way. (Apr.)

FICTION

THE BABY LOTTERY
Kathryn Trueblood. Permanent, $28 (249p) ISBN 9781579621513

Despite its whimsical title, the tone of Trueblood's debut novel is anything but lighthearted. Rapidly approaching 40, five college friends find their bonds sorely tested when Charlotte, an alcoholic, opts for an abortion rather than facing the wrath of her happily child-free husband. Jean, a former social worker whose infertility has resulted in the end of her marriage, offers to adopt, to no avail. As the reactions of all are registered in turn (including proudly single Tasi), there are revelations of past abortions. But Charlotte is a cipher, as are the secondary male characters. And when OB nurse Nan, a married mother of two, reflects on women's reproductive history, or when Virginia muses at length about the difficulties of being a mother-writer, the book borders on Women's Studies 101. (June)

THE BUENOS AIRES BROKEN HEARTS CLUB
Jessica Morrison. Warner/5 Spot, $12.99 paper (302p) ISBN 9780446699129

Obsessive-compulsive Seattle Web worker Cassandra Moore has a life plan (and many meticulous revisions thereof), but that's before she loses her job, apartment and fiancé in one fell swoop. One martini-induced revelation later, Cassie books a planless six months in Buenos Aires. Though a formulaic tale of rejection rebound, Morrison's debut is firmly digital age: Cassie blogs her heart away, collecting a global network of similarly emotionally bruised souls, giving birth to the Buenos Aires Broken Hearts Club. There will be handsome men (Argentinean and American), sage girlfriends and even a melancholic political group of mothers whose cause Cassie champions. Finally, after a series of predictable misunderstandings, sensitive local artist Marco will attempt to teach Cassie to trust in love again. (May)

CHLOE ZHIVAGO'S RECIPE FOR MARRIAGE AND MISCHIEF
Olivia Lichtenstein. Ballantine, $23.95 (320p) ISBN 9780345495754

The endearing debut from BBC documentarian Lichtenstein features 43-year-old psychotherapist Chloe Zhivago, living in Queen's Park, London, with her doctor husband, Greg, and their two adolescent children. Despite success on all fronts, Chloe and friend Ruth Zimmer are in marriage-career-mommy ruts and desperate to get in touch with their erotic selves. An enticing Russian, Ivan, seems to offer Chloe the spark she badly wants, while Ruth spirals downward after reaching the top of the corporate ladder. Add in misbehaving clients, Chloe's kook brother and wise father, a gay Czech au pair and recipes that nicely punctuate many chapters, and the results are poignantly comedic. (May)

FRIENDS AND MOTHERS
Louise Limerick. St. Martin's/Dunne, $24.95 (272p) ISBN 9780312355128

In the genre-jumbling debut from Australian Limerick, a group of Brisbane married mommies struggle to deal with troubled Evelyn's recent psychotic postpartum episode, during which her infant daughter, Amy, disappeared—lost, stolen or killed. Evelyn's four friends—overweight, "poor cow" earth mother Joanna; neurotic perfectionist Susan; angst-ridden artist Clare; and part-time nurse Wendy, poorer than the rest—meet to talk, search, deny and cope. The inevitable resentments, revelations and dark secrets bubble up, and all are transformed when the mystery is solved, neatly, three-fourths of the way in. Not easily distinguished first-person chapters from all five women mix willy-nilly with omniscient narration, and the ground the women cover is familiar. (May)

STARTING OUT SIDEWAYS
Mary E. Mitchell. St. Martin's/Dunne, $23.95 (288p) ISBN 9780312368210

After her husband runs off with her best friend, Roseanna Plow thinks it can't get any worse, but the curve balls keep coming. Rosie's job as a social worker is made even more stressful as she's pursued by Milton, one of her developmentally challenged clients, and Mickey "Ham" Hamilton, Milton's boss at the SaveWay grocery. Her dad has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer; her relationship with her meddling mother, the tough-talking, cigarette-smoking Helen Pulkowski ("like a moll in the Rat Pack") is rocky. Rosie longs to swap her mother's tell-it-like-it-is approach for some maternal compassion, but instead finds a long-hidden skeleton in her family's closet. As the two fight it out, New England PEN Discovery Award–winner Mitchell writes prose that hums with vibrant characters, zippy dialogue and a poignant humor. (May)

THE WEDDING OFFICER: A NOVEL OF CULINARY SEDUCTION
Anthony Capella. Bantam, $22 (432p) ISBN 9780553805475

London-based culinarian Capella (Food of Love) returns with the WWII-era story of Livia Pertini, a beautiful young widow who leaves her family's destitute country osteria to try to find work in Naples. There, English Capt, James Gould has been assigned the task of discouraging British soldiers from marrying Italian women, many of whom have turned to prostitution in order to survive. At first Gould is a stickler for the rules, closing down restaurants and denying couples permission to marry. But when Angelo, the maitre d' at restaurant Zi'Teresa, tricks him into hiring Livia as the officers' cook, things loosen up considerably. Capella celebrates war-torn pleasures of the flesh with a winning in-the-moment lightness. (May)