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Stephanie's favorites It's been a while since we last
updated our favorite books list. Lots of reading has been going on since
the last, long ago updates. Here are some of our First off, "My Cat Loves Me Naked" is a book. MY book. So, of course I have to plug it here, on the books we love page, because, darn it, I LOVE this book, and, if you're a woman who loves cats, or some other cat loving gender, then, you just might love it, too. Look at this cute cover:
Designed by the great designers
at my publisher Now, onwards to more reviews!
Keturah and Lord Death -
by Martine Leavitt Beautifully written tale by an amazingly gifted
writer. From the first page to the last, this is a story that will
captivate your heart. The young storyteller, Keturah, lost in the forest
for three days, charms the Lord Death who has come to claim her,
allowing her one more day of life in exchange for the ending to the tale
she weaves for him. It has all the elements of a classic legend and
leaves you thinking about it long after you've read it. This is the kind
of book you want to buy for all your closest friends, and it is
currently making the rounds of the Goodwin Library! Glass Books of the Dream Eaters- by Gordon Dahlquist : Three of the most original protagonists in recent fiction reside within the confines of this dramatically over the top adventure story. Miss Celeste Temple, a very proper young lady of means has been jilted by her fiancée, an event that propels her into action to uncover the reason for his perplexing decision, and eventually, into the company of two exceptional comrades, the military doctor, Abelard Svenson and the hired assassin, Cardinal Chang. The story takes you on a journey of perilous plots, unspeakably dastardly villains (including a villainess SO unspeakable you want to reach into the book and throttle her!) and a darling pair of green shoes, of sinister masked evening parties at equally sinister private estates, evil scientific goings on, and surprising erotic interludes. You'll never view the color blue quite the same way after you've read this terrific book! Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell - by Susanna Clarke: is maybe the very best book I have ever read. As I've read a great many books and have dozens of favorites, this is saying a LOT! It is a completely unique masterpiece. Susanna Clarke has created a world so enticing, and compelling, and peopled it with the most engaging cast of characters including the title two, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, practitioners of English magic, and the mysterious Man With the Thistledown Hair. It contains many, many interesting footnotes, and visions of wonders, without giving anything away, as you want to surrender yourself to the beauty of Ms. Clarke's writing. You simply lose yourself in it for over 800 pages. The Historian - by Elizabeth Kostova When I read a book, I want the author to take me on a journey, and a journey is to be had in this marvelous (and lengthy) book. I love a good long read, and I'm fond of vampire tales, both fictional and...well, realistic. I hate to give away plots as I love to be surprised by where the author is taking me, but your fictional journey will take you from Amsterdam to Paris to all parts of eastern Europe. There is romance, there is intrigue, there are vampires, and, again, this is a book you never want to finish. I was ready to sign up for a Historian tour by the end, and I suggest Ms. Kostova might consider heading one up herself. I'll be the first in line! The Little Friend - by Donna Tartt. A small boy is found hanging from a tree. A mystery never solved, at least, not before his now 12 year old sister, Harriet decides to discover who murdered her brother. Along with her pal, Hely, a little boy devoted to Harriet, they set off on adventures that would make Huckleberry Finn envious. There's some moments that occur that you can't believe are happening, just riveting, scary and a book you can't put down till the last page. Twilight - by Stephenie Meyer Edward, oh, Edward, alas, I am too old for you, though you are a couple of hundred years old, yourself. Did I say I love vampires? You will find yourself falling under the spell of the gorgeous, seductive star of this very romantic modern take on the vampire novel. Bella, a teen girl, a sweetheart of a narrator, comes to live with her father, the sheriff of Forks, a small town in very rainy Washington state. Little does she realize that her sad little boring existence is soon going to change in a big way. So big, that the long waited for sequel New Moon, can't even contain it. Ms. Meyer is working on the story of Edward and Bella from Edward's perspective. We can't wait. Ms. Meyer is one hell of a good writer, and the love story of Edward and Bella will win your heart. Confederates in the Attic- by Tony Horwitz My best friend, Rita, gave this book to Nico, who is a history major, and this is how all history books should be written! Mr. Horwitz 's witty , informative exploration of the Civil War, and it's impact on the south, both then and now, including his trek to many of the sites and battlefields. His quest introduces him to some fascinating characters along the way, the most intriguing is a southern Civil War reenactor, Robert Lee Hodge, who comes across as an obsessively dedicated, but charming guide through battle re-enactments, and the ultimate Civil Wargasm quick battle site tour. After reading this, you'll be ready to hop in the car with this book as a tour guide for your own version of the 'gasm! Here's a link to some photos of Robert Lee Hodge! Robert Lee Hodge photos A perfect companion is the
most original documentary ever made, Horse Heaven- by Jane Smiley A memorable, funny, smart, and at times heart-wrenching look at race horses, their owners, fans, trainers and a terrific cast of some of the most enchanting horses in literature. Who could ever forget Justa Bob, the good natured claimer or the psychic Mr. T ? Captivating from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down. White Teeth - by Zadie Smith A breathtakingly, audaciously magnificent modern classic. So funny at times you'll find yourself laughing out loud and quoting passages to strangers. Dickensian in scope and with a multi-ethnic cast of characters that leap off the page. Set in North London, the story of two families, the Joneses and the Iqbals, their offspring and their long and intertwined relationships. This is a must read!!! My highest recommendation! Notes From the Pit - by Helen Kopec If you loved Bridget Jones Diary, you'll love this hilarious insider's view of the life of a professional cellist, and her search for Mr. Right. Poor Stephanie Kowalski is dumped by her husband for her lack of maternal feeling (he wants kids, she doesn't) and she finds herself taking up lodging on a llama farm, playing phone tag with a mysterious admirer and constantly on the go doing gigs from weddings to Passion Plays. My pal, Rita, sent me this book, by her good friend Helen, and though this book deserves to be on best seller lists all over, right now you can only get it from her. Contact her at http://www.helenkopec.com/ Kitchen-By Banana Yoshimoto Warm and funny story of an orphaned girl who finds happiness in cooking and in the home of a friend and his unusual mother. Home Sweet Homicide- Craig Rice FINALLY BACK IN PRINT!!!!! If you can score a copy of this terrific 1940's mystery, you won't regret it! The 3 Carstairs children help their mystery writer mom with romance and crime solving. Delightfully funny story and endearing characters . One of my ALL time favorites. I can't tell you how many times I've read it! Rocket City- Cathryn Alpert A fantastic book revolving around two unusual love stories and one of the most original heroes in modern fiction, Enoch Swan, a hitch-hiking dwarf who's so appealing you'd follow him anywhere! The Child Garden-Geoff Ryman Mr. Ryman is one of my very favorite authors, and I consider this his masterpiece. Beautifully written, very moving tale of a girl's struggle to survive in a sinister, futuristic London. Science fiction, but far more haunting than anything else in that genre. Circus of the Earth and the Air- Brooke Stevens Absolutely riveting story of a man's search for his missing wife who disappears after volunteering to be part of a magic act in a mysterious circus. Brooke Stevens captures the feel of a nightmare you can't wake up from. A book that deserves to be widely read! A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius - Dave Eggers After the tragic loss of both his parents, the 21 year old Mr. Eggers becomes the guardian of Toph, his 8 year old brother. This book chronicles their move to the west coast, their bonding and adventures. What could have been an unbearably depressing memoir, is, instead, a touching tribute to his family and actually hilariously funny. A great book! Phantom- Susan Kay Could another writer take the immortal Gaston Leroux character of Erik and make him uniquely her own creation? I was hesitant, but from the first page, Ms. Kay captures the heart and soul of Erik, the Phantom of the Opera, from his childhood to the familiar territory of the Paris Opera cellar and his love for Christine. Poignant, compelling, a surprising work of art!
Love, Loss and What I Wore- Ilene Beckerman If you can remember
things like what you wore your first day at school, or on your first
date, or at your second cousin's wedding...this is the book for you. Ms.
Beckerman recalls the events of her life, both large and small, funny
and sad, and illustrated with her own drawings, this is a charming,
lovely little gem of a book that you'll read over and over. Be sure to
check out Ms. Beckerman's other books, too. Nico's favorites The Dangerous Angels stories- Francesca Lia Block All the Weetzie Bat books are finally together in one collection. If you have never read these endearing books this is your chance! Ms. Block is a visual writer who paints these great pictures of LA and a loving unconventional alternative family. These books should be read by everyone, especially kids because they show tolerance and that is a much better message than a lot of kids books have. High Fidelity -Nick Hornby - This is a great book. Nick Hornby manages to write all his characters in a completely believable style. Rob's is a story of love, loss and lots and lots of records. The story is wonderful to read, and it makes you feel less dorky about reorganizing your records. If you enjoy this one be sure and check out About a Boy, another great read by Hornby. Eloise-Kay Thompson and Hillary Knight The story of a cheeky girl living at the Plaza. Eloise is spunky and witty and she's all around fun. You'd always like to have her on your team. Ms. Thompson and Mr. Knight are a fantastic combo, their cosmopolitan creation will capture your heart. The Harry Potter Books- J. K. Rowling- Yes, these have become the biggest hyped thing since Godzilla. But, for once the hype isn't that far off, these are great books. The details by themselves are enough to make a great story. Harry and his friends have great adventures that are worth wading through all the hype and hoop-la to enjoy! Ms. Rowling deserves all the praise she can get! I hope the movie is one half as good as these books, because then it would still be fantastic. Rats saw God- Rob Thomas- A lot of times when girls write books with boys characters as the leads, they romanticize the guy, making him a white knight or something. But Mr. Thomas knows better his lead is a teenage boy, just like the kind you see everyday walking down the hallway. This is a book set in present day with pop culture references and true to life situations. For those of us in high school it is very easy to relate to. Everything down to the wardrobes of the characters, (everything from Phish T-shirts to jock uniforms) is perfectly understandable. The object of my affection-Stephen McCauley- Totally different from the movie but still charming and moving. The basic plot is the same, (see movies we recommend) but the details are different. You get to know the characters better here. It is a excellent book and absolutely worth reading. A chair for my mother- Vera B. Williams Ms. Williams is a fantastic artist, this children's book is filled with her beautiful illustrations. This is a story of a daughter, mother and granddaughter who lost their favorite chair in a fire and how they got the perfect replacement. Both funny and moving, it always made my mom cry when she read it to me. The Moomin books- Tove Jansson These quirky Finnish tales are whimsical and fun to read. They follow the exploits of a family of moomin trolls and their many friends, most of whom live under their roof. The family has so many adventures they fill eight books! Each one is full of beautiful pen and ink drawings that are enough to justify picking up this book by themselves.
John's favorites NEW The Best Democracy Money Can Buy by Greg Palast Plume (Updated May 04 edition) (An investigative reported exposes the truth about globalization, corporate cons and high finance fraudsters and the theft of the US 2000 election, the Bush/Saudi connection - work used by Michael Moore in Fahrenheit 911 - the Enron energy scandal and much more.) To quote the Chicago Tribune's blurb about this essential reading: "Palst, who now reports for The Guardian and The Observer in London, as well as the BBC, distinguishes himself from many other advocacy journalists both left and right with his near-obsession with documentary evidence - memos, correspondence, e-mail, briefing reports and raw data, much of it stamped confidential - and his painstaking research methods."
NEW the Oh Really? factor by Peter Hart Seven Stories Press Some devout fans of Fox New Channel's Bill O'Reilly and his nightly news/talk show, should they stumble on this book by Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting's activism director, could be left with strong feelings concerning Hart. On reading it, you may experience them, too. The feeling "gratitude" comes to mind.
NEW Silent No More Paul Findlay Amana Publications Findlay, from Illinois, served 22 years in Congress and has also written "They Dare to Speak Out: People and Institutions Confront Israel's Lobby" (with diminishing success, one could add.) Viciously and falsely portrayed by political opponents as anti-Semetic for trying to alleviate the plight of the Palestinian people, Finlay's latest book, does wonderful service to America's seven million Muslims by dismantling the stereotype of Islam as a world of criminal bombers and mad mullahs. Very important reading for anyone willing to accept that American Muslims are scientists, business people, doctors, politicians, scholars, insurance clerks and other regular people. "Undeniably impressive." book jacket blurb from the Jerusalem Post.
NEW Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi Pantheon Graphic Novel: Using a format of black/white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her childhood in Tehran "years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution and the devastating effect of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists, and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran's last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country." Beautifully drawn, one must add.
NEW To Afghanistan and Back by Ted Rall NBM A Graphic Travelogue by a Pulitzer Prize finalist, cartoonist and writer. The jacket synopsis says: "When bombs began raining on the Taliban, Ted Rall hopped a plane to the war zone. But the only cartoonist to go to Afghanistan got more than he bargained for - prisoners blowing themselves up with grenades, anarchy and Afghan porn, and armed bandits hunting journalists to rob and murder. On Nov. 30, 2001 they came for him ... "
NEW Palestine by Joe Sacco Fantagraphics Books NEW The Fixer by Joe Sacco Drawn and Quarterly Comics Journalism (P.S. anything by Joe Sacco, to date, comes highly recommended) Palestine (the 2002 edition) has a forward by the late Edward Said which includes the following: "A political and aesthetic work of extraordinary originality .... with the exception of one or two novelists and poets, no one has ever rendered this terrible state of affairs better than Joe Sacco." In The Fixer, Sacco returns to Bosnia (see Safe Area Goradze) and explores the complex world of gangsters, criminals and warlords who flourished during the height of the Balkan conflict. Nobody illustrates the power of comics to educate, inform and unravel complex situations better than Sacco. The Book of Prefaces by Alasdair Gray Bloomsbury Publishing It took Alasdair 20 years to write Lanark (just republished as four books) and 16 years to complete this work, which, with selected prefaces and glosses, charts the development of literature (in English) down through the centuries. Why read a voluminous book when busy you can absorb a preface and a synopsis of the author's contribution to civilization? With that, you can almost guess the rest. Alasdair, also busy, has penned much more much than these two works over 36 years, of course, and has still found time to dash off a play, a painting or for a pint down Byres Road. Latest reports (June 2004) have him doing the decor for a church in Hyndland that is transmogrifying into a pub/club, as Scots continue to shift their faith and bawbees from ghosts to booze.
These following books by Christopher Hitchins, who is currently out of favor with the left (oh, well) may be thought of as a trilogy: The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice No One Left To Lie To (The Values of the Worst Family) The Trial of Henry Kissinger Verso Anyone suspicious of the carefully crafted public image of the 20th century's saintliest woman, repulsed by the antics of William Clinton or appalled by Kissinger's involvement in mass murder around the globe, will be grateful for Hitchens. To those who have never come across the work of this journalist/writer - there's a reason you are being kept in the dark. See The Media Monopoly below and then buy Vanity Fair or The Nation.
The Media Monopoly by Ben H. Bagdikian Faster than Bagdikian can update his book detailing the dictatorship of the communications industry, the situation grows even darker. One stout defense against such corporate mind control is to be aware of what is happening, by reading this well-researched work, but make sure you buy the latest edition. Yelling back at the TV news from the couch is also a useful vocal amulet.
Keeping the Rabble in Line by Noam Chomsky Interviews with David Barsamian. The back cover blurb puts it succinctly - "From one of the world's most formidable political cartographers, a map to the emerging global economic regime." Plus class, race, gun control and much more. A book put together seven years ago (in 1994) but a great introduction to MIT's Professor Chomsky.
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