Ex Libris brings summer reading recommendations for our readers. Our goal is to showcase Raynor Memorial Libraries’ Browsing Collection and to identify a broad range of contemporary fiction and nonfiction for the general reader. In addition to staff choices, we selected a recent prizewinning author. All readers in the Marquette community are invited to suggest books, or better, to write a brief review for Ex Libris. If you missed an alert, earlier issues of Ex Libris are available online.
Clicking on the title or cover image will take you to the book's MARQCAT record; please note locations carefully as items may be in the Browsing Collection (Raynor 1st level) or in the Memorial stacks. Books that are checked out may be reserved by clicking on the blue recall/hold button at the top or bottom of the MARQCAT record.
Fiction
Lee Child (Delacorte 2007)
Fans of David Morrell, Richard Stark (Donald Westlake), and F. Paul Wilson's brawny thrillers will love Lee Child's laconic loner hero. Featured in ten previous novels, Jack Reacher is a shiftless vagabond who owns nothing and lives nowhere and everywhere. A former military policeman and Army special investigator, he is also a knight-errant of sorts, using his experience, large body, and suppressed violent disposition to right wrongs for people who can't. Like a masterless ronin, he's not "in the system," using the names of obscure baseball players as aliases. But in this newest novel, Child throws Reacher a curve, reuniting him with a group of tightly-knit "special investigators" gathered to find out what happened to their four missing and murdered comrades – and to make someone pay. Reacher's loner personality is tested when he must fit into a team system once again. Watching this quiet, dangerous giant of a man interact with fellow ex-soldiers is almost as interesting as watching the elite unit follow nebulous clues to uncover the reason one of their own was tortured and tossed out of a helicopter. Once hooked, chances are you'll go back for those previous Reacher books featuring this engaging modern judge, jury, and sometime executioner.
Recommended by Bill Gagliani, Stacks Supervisor
Janet Evanovich (St. Martin’s Press, 2007)
In her 13th escapade, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum once again finds herself in a dangerous dilemma. Stephanie is the prime suspect when her womanizing jerk of an ex-husband, Dickie Orr, disappears, leaving his home bloodstained and bullet-holed right after Stephanie goes nuts and tries to strangle him in front of witnesses. Is Dickie alive or dead? Dickie’s business partners are being murdered in a gruesome fashion and it looks as if Stephanie may be on the killer’s list as well. How many cars will Stephanie destroy in this adventure? The fun begins as she sets out to clear her name, find the murderer, and stay alive. Stephanie manages all that with the help of Lula, Grandma Mazur, sexy Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the Man of Mystery, Ranger. Once again Evanovich proves that she is adept at characterization and leaves the reader longing for the series’ fourteenth installment. This book is a marvelous beach read if you don’t mind being stared at when you burst out laughing.
Recommended by Sharon Olson, Acquisitions Department
Geraldine Brooks (Viking, 2005)
Readers of March will be struck by Brooks' amazing originality and imagination, well-deserving the 2006 Pulitzer Prize it won. Her novel tells the backstory of Mr. March, father in Louisa May Alcott's 1867 novel, Little Women, who is largely absent as he ministers to the Union troops in the south during 1861-1862. Brooks' afterword tells of her extensive research in the archives of Bronson Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, as well as Civil War battle accounts. This prequel will make readers run to re-read Little Women or see one of the movie versions in hopes of putting the two stories together. This is a must read for lovers of historical fiction.
Recommended by Susan Hopwood, Outreach Librarian
Thrity Umrigar (William
Morrow, 2005)
This novel tells the contrasting stories of two women: Bhima--Parsi widow, domestic servant, and guardian of her orphaned granddaughter, Maya; and Sera Dubash, upper-middle-class housewife and Bhima’s employer. Set in modern-day Bombay, the author illustrates the complex class and gender divides that still exist today. The smells and gritty facts of life in an urban slum are tangible, along with the despair and dreams for a better life. Bhima has been haunted by events related to her illiteracy but we learn at the beginning that Maya is pregnant and quitting college—a fact that makes Bhima frantic with worry and dashed hopes. The novel’s themes are universal in literature--marriage, parenthood, hope and betrayal, loyalty among family members, friendship, relationships between women, and life of the privileged. This is Umrigar's second novel; she was a daily journalist for 17 years (Washington Post, Cleveland Plain Dealer, and the Boston Globe) and now lives in the U.S., teaching creative writing and journalism.
Recommended by Susan Hopwood, Outreach Librarian
The Tale of the Children of Húrin
J.R.R Tolkien (Houghton Mifflin, 2007)
At last the full tale is told. J.R.R. Tolkien labored for decades on The Tale of the Children of Húrin (Narn i chîn Húrin in the Elvish tongue), an epic story set in the Elder Days of Middle-earth, long before the events of Lord of the Rings. Unfinished at Tolkien’s death, the tale has since been published only in partial form...until now. This beautifully illustrated, 313-page volume offers a complete version of the narrative, painstakingly forged by Christopher Tolkien from his father’s myriad drafts. The story centers on the mighty hero Húrin, his wife Morwen, and their two children, Túrin and Niënor -- a human family swept up in the desperate war between Middle-earth’s Elves and the satanic enemy Morgoth. Like Lord of the Rings, this is more than a simple tale of good versus evil. The Children of Húrin is a reflection on fate, free will, and the tragic consequences of excessive pride. The book contains the vivid place descriptions and epic battle scenes readers expect of Tolkien; however, be warned -- this is a grim tale, darker than anything else Tolkien wrote. Some readers may be turned off by the many names in the story, but Christopher Tolkien has provided a helpful glossary. Those who make it past the first chapters will find the remainder highly rewarding. In terms of reading tastes, this is a gourmet dinner, not a light supper.
Recommended by Bill Fliss, Project Archivist
Laura Lippman (William Morrow, 2007)
After a minor traffic accident, a somewhat disoriented driver, who may have caused the accident, keeps driving only to pull onto the shoulder and walk down the Interstate. She identifies herself to the traffic policeman as the younger sister of two who were abducted in 1975 and are now presumed dead. One problem: the ID in her purse is a different woman. Is she one of the sisters as she says? Many details pan out but others seemingly do not. It is the job of a young detective and an empathetic social worker to sort it all out. From this jumble of events, author Lippman has crafted a cunning mystery, a portrait of life in a Baltimore suburb in the 1970s and, finally, a study of how such a tragedy affects both the grieving parents and the wider society for whom such crimes are now a staple of the 24-hour news cycle. The denouement is satisfying, but beware--Lippman seems to have a need to bring her unmarried sleuths together at the end, nearly (but not quite) ruining this compelling story.
Steven Blackwood, Access Services
Nonfiction
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life
Barbara Kingsolver (HarperCollins, 2007)
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle chronicles the year in which writer Barbara Kingsolver (The Poisonwood Bible and The Bean Trees) and her family made a commitment to eat only food they purchased locally or produced on their farm in Appalachia. Steven L. Hopp who is a professor of environmental studies and Kingsolver’s husband and daughter Camille also contributed to the book. Tales of harvesting chickens and turkeys, longing for fresh fruit, planting 14 varieties and canning 300+ pounds of tomatoes, “giving in” and serving cranberries from Wisconsin for Thanksgiving dinner and literally living off the fruits of their labors during the long winter months delight and entertain. While not a how-to manual, the book provides practical information which would be of particular interest to the gardener and promotes a more healthful pattern of food consumption for oneself and for the planet. Most of us are not in a position to move to a farm and start raising chickens and growing crops, but the book manages to inspire without being preachy. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is highly enjoyable and the perfect summer read to prompt a trip to the farmer’s market. Check out the book’s companion Web site for recipes and information on eating locally.
Recommended by Jean Zanoni, Head, Bibliographic Control
The Broadcast Century and Beyond: A Biography of American Broadcasting
Robert L. Hilliard and Michael C. Keith (Focal Press, 2005)
It's amazing to look back at the infancy and growth of the powerful radio and television industries. Arranged chronologically, this book describes important broadcasting innovations and events from the past century through 2004, including AM and FM radio, major television networks, cable, legislation, the FCC, and public broadcasting. The authors also discuss the great impact that these communication technologies have had on American society. This is a highly readable book and anyone interested in electronic communications and American history will find it fascinating and informative.
Rose Trupiano, Research & Outreach Librarian
The Family That Couldn’t Sleep: A Medical Mystery
D.T. Max (Random House, 2006)
The title of this popular science book, though a great hook, actually misleads the reader about its scope. While the sad story of this fatally sleep-deprived family is there, the book is about far more--prion diseases in general (also called spongiform encephalopathies; of which mad cow disease is perhaps the most famous), their history, cause, variations, and above all, the story of the science so far. The diseases occur in both humans and animals, are invariably fatal, and though they all have the same ultimate cause, can occur randomly or because of infection or heredity. The author is an excellent writer and researcher, and clearly explains the story of how the science of prions was discovered. Along the way, we learn how scrapie (a disease in sheep) came to England through an 18th century breeding program; about the rivalry between two brilliant prion researchers, one arrogant, one eccentric; and how the governments of Britain and the U.S. have responded to the mad cow epidemic (poorly—with serious conflicts of interest). One positive note: there is a phenomenally low incidence of these diseases in the general population. The likely genetic basis for this resistance leads the author to some speculation about prehistoric cannibalism. All in all, it’s an utterly fascinating book.
Recommended by Valerie Beech, Business Reference Librarian
No Excuses: Concessions of a Serial Campaigner
Robert Shrum (Simon & Schuster, 2007)
Dust jacket blurbs are intended to entice readers, but the book often disappoints. Not so with Robert Shrum’s political memoir—warts and all. Georgetown and Harvard educated, Shrum has been active in Democratic politics since his college days. Whether Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, readers will find this story of political strategies and intrigues utterly fascinating, covering contests from important senatorial campaigns to presidential primaries and elections. The author even addresses the “Shrum curse,” the fact that while he and his consulting firm helped elect or reelect more than thirty senators, he was never successful for his Democratic presidential nominee clients, notably Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004. Although occasionally self-serving, Shrum is candid about the behind-the-scenes tensions among advisors, politicians, and campaign staff, and he shares his up-close-and-personal observations about the candidates. Given what he’s written, it is unlikely that he’ll return to full-time consulting from the comfort of his current position as senior fellow at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. Undoubtedly he’ll continue to be a commentator and guest on political television programs. No Excuses is an insightful read for anyone interested in how modern political campaigns are run, written by someone who has helped shape them.
Recommended by Nicholas Burckel, Dean of Libraries Emeritus
Peter Guralnick (Plume, 1998)
Mississippi blues singer, songwriter and guitarist, Robert Johnson (1911-1938) has had a tremendous influence on blues and rock music. His songs have been recorded by countless artists including Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and Lucinda Williams. Although Johnson’s life is not well documented, this short biography provides a glimpse into his enigmatic life, as well as his equally mysterious death at the age of 27. Myth has it that Johnson obtained his extraordinary musical mastery by selling his soul to the Devil. The author includes recollections and reflections by people who knew Johnson. His songwriting and guitar-playing style were unique; only 29 of his recorded songs exist today, including “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Cross Road Blues,” and “Hell Hound on My Trail.” All myth aside, Johnson was a musical genius. This is a great book if you are intrigued with Johnson's songs and legacy and wish to learn more about this paramount figure in the history of Delta Blues.
Rose Trupiano, Research & Outreach Librarian
Erik Larsen (Crown Publishers, 2006)
Larsen follows up his 2003 best-selling The Devil in the White City with another dual story of two men in the late 19th century. Meek and quiet Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen is married to Belle, an opportunistic social climber. Pushed to the edge by Belle's wily ways, he finds solace in the arms of another woman, Ethel. The love triangle turns into a mysterious story filled with intrigue and unanswered questions about Crippen’s activities. The parallel story follows the rise of Guglielmo Marconi, the arrogant and driven man instrumental in establishing wireless communication through extensive laboratory experiments. With Marconi in the thick of the competition, the race to corner the market on wireless communication is filled with politics and cutthroat tactics. The two stories finally intersect with an arresting finish by Scotland Yard. A fascinating and informative read with an ending you can't wait to get to.
Recommended by Diane Claeys, Library Intern
The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring
Richard Preston (Random House, 2007)
In 1987, using a neighboring shorter tree as their starting point, a couple of college kids with no special equipment or training climbed to the top of a redwood tree in northern California. From that lark one of them went on to an academic career in botany, a career exploring tall trees around the world. This book chronicles the lives and discoveries of several such redwood enthusiasts. Some of them are scholars, some are not, but they all share a fascination with the great trees: climbing them, measuring and mapping them, and inventorying the many different life-forms found in the completely unknown territory of the redwood canopies. Written in novelistic fashion, there is perhaps too much emphasis on personality and drama (for example one man’s quest to find the tallest tree or description of the very real perils of tall tree-climbing) and I would have preferred more science. But it’s still a very interesting read about a place literally unknown until recently.
Recommended by Valerie Beech, Business Reference Librarian
Spotlighting Alumni Authors
Cornelius N. Lehane (St. Martin's Minotaur, 2007)
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Meet MU alumnus (Journalism '67) Con Lehane. This mystery is third in his series featuring a New York City bartender and sleuth Brian McNulty (What Comes Around Goes Around, 2005, and Beware the Solitary Drinker, 2002). McNulty has landed a job at the rundown and seedy Savoy Hotel in an Irish American milieu with plenty of drugs, sex, and alcohol. His fellow bartender is a feisty Irishman named Barney Saunders, who airs suspicions of a corrupt management; after Saunders is attacked, the rest of the workers strike and murder abounds. Barney emerges as a suspect, so McNulty and a flirty waitress colleague investigate. While the characters are perhaps a bit predictable, they are likeable and the plot is well-paced. Lehane (from the dust jacket) has been a union organizer, college professor, and bartender. He now works as a labor journalist in the Washington, DC, area. Mr. Lehane talked in a MyShelf interview about his upbringing in Connecticut, education at a Jesuit prep school and Marquette, and how reading Nelson Algren in college helped him decide to write fiction. Visit his Web site for more on his career. |
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Spotlighting a Prizewinner
Chinua Achebe, considered to be the father of modern African literature, recently won the 2007 Man Booker International Prize. The Nigerian Achebe is the author of more than twenty books—novels, short stories, collections of poetry, and political commentary. He is perhaps most known for his acclaimed Things Fall Apart (1958), considered to be not only the archetypal modern African novel, but among the finest novels ever written. The biennial Man Booker International Prize was established in 2005 to recognize a living author’s international achievement in English fiction or fiction translated into English.