The Secret Life of Prince Charming

The Secret Life of Prince Charming
By Deb Caletti
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009. 322 pgs. Young Adult

Seventeen-year-old Quinn is trying to maintain a relationship with her father, who has been absent most of her life. At the same time, she's constantly hearing about the many flaws in men, as all the women in her life have had their hearts broken. When she discovers his father has a tendency to steal from the many women in his life, she embarks on a quest with her younger sister and older half sister to return the stolen goods and to discover the truth about their father and life in general.

I highly enjoyed this book. Some language detracted from the book but only slightly. The many relationships depicted (parent-child, sibling, romantic) were genuinely depicted and there were moments of true beauty in this book.

AE

The Winter of Her Discontent

The Winter of Her Discontent
By Kathryn Miller Haines
Harper, 2008. 323 pgs. Mystery

Rosie's had a string of bad luck lately: she was accidentally cast in a Broadway dance chorus in a musical that's got "flop" written all over it. She's worried about her missing-in-action boyfriend who hasn't written in months. Lately she's also been keeping bad company with her mob-muscle pal, Al, who's dabbling in a host of shady money-making enterprises in this time of shortages and rationing. But despite his illicit line of work, Al's no killer. When the cops finger him for his girlfriend's murder, Rosie and Jayne, her closest friend, set out to clear Al's name, and plunge into an intricate backstage drama featuring a bevy of suspiciously well-dressed wannabe starlets. But the plot could soon be taking another lethal turn, bringing a final curtain down on Rosie, Jayne, and all their good intentions.

This is the second installment of the Rosie Winter Mysteries. I read the first book in this series, The War Against Miss Winter, awhile ago and really enjoyed it. This is a great series if you're looking for clean mysteries and if you like historical fiction, particularly WWII. I love Rosie Winter's character, she has a sense of humor and her personality peppers the sometimes methodical move from clue to clue. I thought Haines really brought war-time New York to life in this book, not just setting the stage but delving into the moods and psyche of the era. For someone who doesn't usually like mysteries, I love this series.

BHG

Caught

Caught
By Harlan Coben
Dutton, 2010. 388 p. Mystery

Dan Mercer stands before the red door, knowing that if he opens it, his life will change forever. He feels a strange reluctance, but slips it open nonetheless. What happens next will haunt him until his life’s end—which could be sooner rather than later if anyone who hates a child molester gets their hands on him. However, after opening the door to the sting house and getting caught on camera walking into a what he thought was a teenage girl’s bedroom (whom he met in an underage chat room), he swears he’s been set up from start to finish. Innocent or guilty? – the story winds back and forth and between all the possible suspects so it’s never a sure bet just who did the dirty deed.

Coben’s latest suspense novel strikes the thrill-seeking spot and there’s a bit more than just the mystery at stake. If you like your crime a little raw and don’t mind the sordid subject, than this is a sure hit for suspense lovers. Strong language will keep the sensitive readers away, but the fast-paced action and constant twists will keep the eager reader guessing just who the real killer(s) is/are up until the very last page.

DAP

The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook

The French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook
by Mireille Guiliano
Atria Books, 2010. 298 p. Nonfiction

If a vacation get-a-away sounds utterly divine right about now, then why not try the haute cuisine of gay Paris (pronounced /gei pə'ri:/) and give your taste buds a treat they’ll never forget. If the airline tickets are slightly outside your budget, then peruse Mireille Guiliano’s cookbook in order to wine and dine yourself into believing the Eiffel Tower is just around the corner. And you can do it all without putting on those dreaded holiday pounds. If exotic flare and flavor is what you’re looking for than we’ve got what your stomach wants.

Guiliano is the author of the bestselling French Women Don’t Get Fat and she finally serves up more than just the secrets to eating yourself slim—she now produces the recipes to all those delectable French dishes. There are recipes for all the expected meals and entries include exotic titles such as Pumpkin and Apple Gratin, a Croque Monsieur (Eric Ripert Style), Butternut Squash Soup and a Fruit Salad with Quinoa. If that doesn’t say ‘health in a bowl’ then I don’t know what does. Of course, the ever important dessert course is included under “Closures” and the French take on a Mango Lassi sounds too soothing for words.

If you can’t beat them, join them. For those tired of staring daggers at all those skinny French girls then we might as well give in and start eating like the gourmands suggest. Bon appétit!

DAP

Richistan

Richistan: A Journey Through the American Wealth Boom and the Lives of the New Rich
By Robert Frank
Crown Publishers, 2007. 277 pgs. Nonfiction.

Just before the U.S. economy took a brutal beating in 2008, Robert Frank wrote this book detailing the lifestyles of the wealthiest Americans. The spending habits of these multi-millionaires and billionaires (because just having a million dollars now-a-days barely raises you above the middle class) demonstrate a shocking level of consumerism and opulence. And if readers aren’t dazed by the spending, they may still experience feelings of astonishment over the amount of debt people are willing to get themselves into in order to “have it all”.

Before reading this book, I thought I had a pretty good idea of the amount of money the “other half” was spending. But when I read about the $350,000 watches being purchased, I had to take a serious moment to swallow the unkind feelings that may have surfaced. It would be interesting to learn what has changed over the past couple of years since the recent economic downturn. But definitely, the strongest conviction I walked away with was the assurance that if I found myself in possession of a large (or small) fortune, I would surely be a better rich person than most of those described in this book. I would demonstrate the perfect combination of frivolous and sensible. Money is so wasted on the wealthy!

CZ

Under Heaven

Under Heaven
by Guy Gavriel Kay
Penguin, 2010. 567 pgs. Fantasy.

Shen Tai hears ghosts each night at Kuala Nor, site of the last great battle between his countrymen and the Tagurans. As a memorial to his father, Tai has come here to bury the bones of the dead, and to give their spirits peace. The Kitans on one side, and the Tagurans on the other, honor his work and bring him supplies, and it is the Tagurans who bring him news of an extraordinary gift: 250 Sardian horses from the White Jade Princess. Tai knows this extraordinary gift will either make his fortune or get him killed instantly and thus begins Kay's atmospheric, alternative Tang Dynasty epic replete with court intrigues, Kalin warriors, silent assassins, and a man made nearly undead by a frightening shaman. One thinks at the outset that this will be an adventure with horses, but the horses themselves barely figure into the plots to get them and the shifting relationships of family, the power struggles of the mandarins of the court, the loves won and lost, the unlikely friendships of memorable characters. In the end, Under Heaven is an historical, fantastical romance, the whole of which is much greater than the sum of its parts. If the reader can sit up and pay attention so as to keep the panoply of players straight, and overlook the author's wearying fixations on lovemaking and winebibbing, the story itself is rewarding and memorable, and the characters become very dear.

Beatrice and Virgil

Beatrice and Virgil
By Yann Martel
Spiegel & Grau. 2010, 197 p. Fiction

While taxidermy isn’t a career choice for many, it figures strongly in celebrated author Yann Martel’s latest novel. After his brilliant and much translated Life of Pi, Martel hands us the story of a raw-boned, introverted and enigmatic taxidermist. The man is a foil for the book’s protagonist, a celebrated author with a brilliant novel translated into scores of foreign languages and famous for its focus on wild animals. Familiar? The author is Henry, who has been attempting to write a fictional account of the Holocaust but can’t seem to bring any publishers on board. It’s at that point he receives an odd letter of help from a taxidermist writing a bizarre play about two animals, a howler monkey and a donkey—Beatrice and Virgil—or the two people Dante encounters in his journey through heaven and hell. While Henry is put off by the taxidermist’s discomfiting manner, he can’t seem to stop visiting the amazing shop of dead things or reading this intriguing, yet highly alarming play.

Beatrice and Virgil is a story about horrors -- the horror of murder and the horror of the human conscience. It’s a difficult read, due somewhat to its original and modernist nature but mostly because of its disconcerting qualities. However, there are several beautiful passages on the nature of art and history. Opinion? It works, but it’s perhaps one of most disturbing and the unique stories of the Holocaust up to the present. As with Life of Pi, the story seems to be headed decidedly in one direction when the twist at the end comes slamming into you out of nowhere -- until you realize it’s been staring you in the face the entire time.

DAP

Stories from the Life of Porter Rockwell

Stories from the Life of Porter Rockwell
By John W. Rockwell & Jerry Borrowman
Covenant Communications, 2010. 166 p. Nonfiction

If you were told your very life would be preserved if you never cut your hair, would you comply with this odd stipulation? Well, if you lived in the Wild West, had a high price on your head and your name was Porter Rockwell, you just might think it wise. Especially if the man doing the telling was none other than Joseph Smith, first prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rockwell is one of the most notorious figures in early church history and the stories told about him run far and wide—stories both stirring and sobering. Porter’s great-great-grandson, along with the help of LDS author Jerry Borrowman, is here to tell all the great stories known about Rockwell and set to rest many of the unpleasant rumors. They don’t aim to write a definitive biography, just touch on the most thrilling aspects of Rockwell’s infamous life. You’ll read about Rockwell’s excruciating time in jail, his saloon business and his appointment as Joseph Smith’s bodyguard. If you want to know the real story behind Rockwell’s involvement with the Danites, you'll find that out too.

Admittedly, it’s one of the most slap-bang adventure stories you’ll ever read and the best part is, they claim it's all true. Perhaps the treatment is a bit too shallow in places, but it does serve as an inspirational tale of this man’s devotion to his faith. Mostly though, it’s a heart-wrenching tale of Rockwell’s complete loyalty to what he terms the “only friend he ever had”—Joseph Smith. If this is friendship, to never betray and swear to always protect, then let every man or woman have such a friend as Porter Rockwell.

DAP

The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time

The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time
by Judith Shulevitz
Random House, 2010. 246 pgs. Non-fiction.

Judith Shulevitz begins her story as a non-observant Jew except insofar as she is required by her mother to be; in fact, we first meet her wedged between a file cabinet and a freezer on the Sabbath day, knowing her mother is not allowed to take meat out of the freezer and so will not find her. And yet Shulevitz remains fascinated by the idea of the Sabbath and sets out to understand it. Defined by the rabbis as "a Temple in time rather than space," the Sabbath, ordained by God to follow the sixth day of creation, was believed by the early Christians to have been a strictly Mosaic law overturned by Jesus when he healed the sick on the Sabbath, and then refused to rebuke his disciples for threshing wheat in their hands on the holy day. The idea of a day of worship and rest became part of the Christian tradition only after the believers began meeting on Sundays, which they celebrated as the day of the Lord's resurrection. Charles Dickens, William Wordsworth, the Puritans, the government in the establishment of "blue laws" all played a part in what the Sabbath came to mean to both Christians and Jews. At the end of her investigations, Shulevitz admits that the Sabbath is "a fossil," rarely observed in our breakneck, overworked, entertainment-ridden lives, but though she seems not to believe in a personal God, she does come to the understanding that "at some point we all look for a Sabbath, whether or not that's what we call it. Organized religion need not be involved." And yet Shulevitz's own little family is now observant, walking thirteen blocks to the synagogue each Saturday, lighting the Sabbath candles, and blessing "the children, the wine, the challah." The Sabbath World is a lovely, lyrical, scholarly and yet deeply personal book that should help define and refine anyone's understanding of the Sabbath day, and of ritual and religion.

The Prince of Mist

The Prince of Mist
By Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Little, Brown, 2010. 214 pgs. Young Adult

Thirteen-year-old Max moves with his family to a new home in a new town on the beachfront in 1943. Trying to escape from the war, Max and his family don’t realize they are entering their own personal war. Exploring the grounds around their new home, Max discovers a walled garden full of clown statues that seem to move into different poses. Max’s younger sister adopts a cat that is malevolent. And old home movies they find show the eerie life of a young boy who lived there and drowned. Max knows all these things are connected, but isn’t sure how until he meets another teenage boy and his grandfather who relates a tale of evil. Max knows all these connections will culminate in something, but doesn’t realize the magnitude until he meets the Prince of Mist. A creepy tale, somewhat reminiscent of Something Wicked This Way Comes, this book is a quick read and one that that hooks the reader instantly with its great writing and haunting descriptions.

MN

The Cardturner

The Cardturner: A Novel About a King, a Queen, and a Joker
By Louis Sachar
Delacorte Press, 2010. 336 pgs. Young Adult

Alton’s content to stand back and take whatever life handles him. So when his mom insists he become his uncle’s cardturner, Alton goes along with it. Trapp (as Alton eventually calls his uncle) is a passionate bridge player who has recently become blind. Trapp is also extremely rich and Alton’s greedy parents are determined to inherit his wealth when he dies. So under the pressure of playing the cards right and playing his uncle, Alton undertakes his new job. Alton discovers he legitimately enjoys spending time with Trapp and that he likes bridge. He begins playing with his little sister and with Toni, a young woman whose family is good friends with Trapp and who have a shady history. All these elements come together, when in an interesting twist, Alton and Toni find themselves on the brink of something big.

I really enjoyed this tale of a young man who grows up and realizes he can make his own decisions regardless of what others want. I also found myself wanting to learn how to play bridge and join a club! While a book about bridge may not sound appealing, give this one a try. You might be surprised.

MN

Once

Once
By Morris Gleitzman
Henry Holt, 2010. 163 pgs. Young Adult

Once, Felix enjoyed a happy life with his parents, who are booksellers. However, when business started to fail, they took him to a Catholic orphanage while they went out to try to solve the problems with their bookshop. Once, Felix ran away from the orphanage to try to find them...and instead found that maybe the problem wasn't with books but with their heritage. As Felix tries to find his family, he instead finds himself realizing the grave danger that he and other Jews are in as Nazi forces sweep across Poland.

Although Holocaust stories abound in YA literature, this one is a cut above most. Gleitzman takes 10-year-old Felix on a journey of loss and of hope. The events of the Holocaust, seen through the eyes of a child who is quickly losing his naiveté, are particularly piercing. This is a must read for fans of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

AE

The Other Wes Moore

The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates
By Wes Moore
Spiegel & Grau, 2010. 233 pgs. Biography

How are our fates decided? How can one person succeed and another fail when their origins appear to be so similar? These questions are asked in a very powerful way through this dual biography of two boys whose names, family circumstances, and socioeconomic positions are all eerily similar but whose lives lead them in two entirely different directions. One becomes a Rhodes Scholar and the other is sentenced to life in prison. The author summarizes their stories well on the front jack stating “The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my story could have been his.”

In each of the eight chapters, Moore describes events or decisions in both boys’ lives during a single year that led them to their polarized futures. Don’t expect any real answers to what points a kid toward success or failure. What Moore does provide is a very vivid picture of the obstacles young men face as they progress to manhood, especially in our country’s inner cities. Readers gain a timely reminder that our youth need role models and positive influences that give them confidence in their own ability to rise above their circumstances. Moore realizes at one point that “The Expectations that others place on us help us form our expectations of our selves.” A powerful message our society undeniably needs.

CZ

War

War
By Sebastian Junger
Twelve, 2010. 287 pgs. Nonfiction.

From the author of The Perfect Storm, comes a new book detailing the lives of U.S. Army soldiers fighting from the most dangerous camp in Afghanistan. What goes through the mind of a man after a bullet ricochets off his helmet? What type of relationships develop between soldiers who continuously trust their lives to each other? How can these men return to civilian life after living on the front lines? Junger tries to answer these and other probing questions, illuminating the sacrifice and courage demonstrated by those fighting for our country.

The author spent months at a time on the outpost eating the same food, sleeping in the same bunks, and venturing out with the company on missions into enemy territory. His observations give a unique look at these men living in extreme circumstances. It’s a look into what we ask of those protecting our interests and the toll it takes on them physically, emotionally, and mentally. I highly recommend this book. Be prepared for the rough language that necessarily accompanies an honest portrayal of Army life. But also be prepared to understand a little better how modern warriors are made.

CZ

Birdology

Birdology: Adventures with a Pack of Hens, Cantankerous Crows, Fierce Falcons, Hip Hop
Parrots, Baby Hummingbirds, and One Murderously Big Living Dinosaur
by Sy Montgomery
Free Press, 2010. 260 pgs. Non-Fiction.

I have always felt comfortable calling someone a birdbrain whose intellect I wanted to impugn. Wrong again. Even chickens are much smarter than we give them credit for, according to award-winning nature writer Sy Montgomery and she should know. A keeper of hens for much of her adult life, she branches (sorry) way out from the henhouse in this fascinating book about the high art and savagery of falconry, how birds migrate so accurately (they can "see" the magnetic fields of the earth), and how crows put walnuts under the wheels of cars at stoplights and then go back for the nutmeats after the cars have passed. Not such birdbrains after all. My favorite bird in this book is the cassowary, the aforementioned dinosaur bird who is most closely related to and looks most like its dinosaur ancestors, and who could peck your head off if he felt threatened. Birds, as Ms. Montgomery says, are the only wildlife most people see every day. It is instructive to know what intelligent company we are keeping.

Twenty Boy Summer

Twenty Boy Summer
By Sarah Ockler
Little, Brown, and Co., 2009. 290 pgs. Young Adult

Anna thinks lift can't get any better when Matt, her best friend, kisses her. However, Matt's sister Frankie is their other best friend, and Matt makes Anna promise not to tell Frankie about their new relationship, thinking it'll be better if he tells her. However, before Matt has a chance to tell Frankie, he dies. The next summer, Anna is still keeping their secret, which becomes increasingly harder when Frankie and Anna hit the beach for the summer, with Frankie determined they'll have a "twenty boy summer." Anna isn't interested in meeting anyone, but not being able to explain that her heart has been broken makes her agree to Frankie's plan.

While some of the themes explored in the book (love, loss, and healing) are pertinent to teens and adults alike, Ockler's characters and plot didn't have quite the same pull for me that other books on the same topic have, perhaps because the book's depth was sacrificed by the immature behavior Anna and Frankie exhibit throughout the book.

AE

Fire in the Bones

Fire in the Bones
By S. Michael Wilcox
Deseret Book, 2004. 255 pgs. Nonfiction

In this biography of William Tyndale, who translated the Bible into English from Greek (New Testament) and Hebrew (Old Testament), Wilcox tells more than just Tyndale's story; he also talks of other reformers who wanted to get the Bible into the hands on the average man, as well as make other reforms in the Catholic Church. Wilcox also draws comparisons between Tyndale's efforts translating the Bible and Joseph Smith's work translating the Book of Mormon.

This was both informative and interesting. Tyndale's dedication to his task, even to the point of being executed for his determination to make the Bible accessible to the English population, is inspiring. This is a good starting point for those interested in learning more about the father of the English bible.

AE

Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy

Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy
By Richard G. Scott
Deseret Book, 2007. 336 pgs. Nonfiction

LDS Apostle Richard G. Scott shares insights about how to find lasting peace and joy in this life. With his characteristic directness, he writes as though he's having a one-on-one conversation with the reader. He addresses various reasons for having a lack of joy and peace, shares insights and stories from his own life, and encourages readers to seek personal revelation to get specific guidance for how to find the peace and joy they need.

This book was very insightful and I really enjoyed the personal stories Elder Scott shared, including his own mistakes and shortcomings. This was really an inspiring book.

AE

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
By Stephenie Meyer
Little, Brown and Company, 2010. 178 pgs. Young Adult

In this devastating story, Bree Tanner--a character introduced in Eclipse--and the newborn vampire army prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Fans of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series will be interested in learning more about the newborn vampire’s perspective in this new novella. This book follows Bree’s conversion to the vampire lifestyle and her perspective on the vampire world. After reading this book, I want to re-read the scenes in Eclipse where Bree was first introduced.

AMM

Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer

Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer
By Van Jensen
SLG Publishing, 2009. 128 pgs. Young Adult Comics

Pinocchio Vampire Slayer continues where the classic Pinocchio story ended. After his maker/father Geppetto is killed by vampires, Pinocchio tries to protect the disbelieving inhabitants of his village, aided only by woodcarver Master Cherry, a greatly aged Blue Fairy and the ghost of the nagging cricket he squashed some time ago. As that last reference indicates, this is not the sentimentalized Disney version of the story; the protagonist of this book is one tough little puppet. As a vampire fighter Pinocchio has the advantage of a built-in wooden stake—as long as he remembers to tell lies at the right time.

I think that this book is quite clever in having Pinocchio use his bluffing nose as a vampire stake. I found the graphics to be a little hard to figure out at times, but would recommend this graphic novel to anyone looking for a twist on the Pinocchio story we all grew up with.

AMM

The Eyre Affair

The Eyre Affair
By Jasper Fforde
Viking, 2002. 374 pgs. Science Fiction

Thursday Next is a LiteraTec, a special operative who specializes in literature-related crime. British citizens take their literature very seriously--and soon a criminal begins taking literature very literally. When the original manuscript to Dickens' Martin Chuzzlewit is stolen under mysterious circumstances, only Acheron Hades can be the culprit. Thursday is recruited to help nab him, but the case takes a personal nature when Thursday's uncle, a genius who has invented a machine with the potential to alter literary works completely, is kidnapped. Now Thursday has to save her family as well as some of the world's greatest works of literature.

This book is offers alternate history (England and Russia are still fighting the Crimean War in 1985), time travel, and a passionate literary community. Humorous and clever, this book is a good one for those who, like me, aren't typically sci-fi readers. While the world is different than ours, it still is based enough in real life not to be a complete system shock, and the cast of characters (including appearances by Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester) are delightful. The "Eyre" part of the affair was a little long in coming, but once the story hit that spot, it was especially entertaining.

AE

Surviving Antarctica

Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083
By Andrea White
Eos, 2005. 327 pgs. Young Adult

It's 2083 and five teens are contestants on a reality TV show, Antarctic Survivor, which is set up to re-create a doomed 1912 attempt to reach the South Pole. But this reality TV is not just an act. The five must struggle to survive the real conditions that killed the original team of experienced explorers and scientists - or die trying.

This was a fun read, but it lacked much depth. The ending was brought up a little short, and I didn't really care for any of the characters. The thing that really interested me was the original 1912 expedition - from the journal excerpts that were included, it sounds like an amazing journey by some amazing men. Still, Surviving Antarctica is a decent book, and I was surprised at how compelled I was to keep turning pages as I got closer and closer to the end.

BHG

World of the Weird

World of the Weird
By Tracey Turner
Firefly Books, 2009. 144 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

In this book of trivia about the strange and the unexplained, readers find out about weird animal and plant life, weird encounters, weird science, weird minds, the weird human body, and more. These real-life phenomena and mind-boggling scientific adventures range from the mildly interesting to the truly captivating. With excellent illustrations, colorful pages, and oodles of websites to consult after discovering your favorite oddities, this book is an excellent place to discover how weird our world truly is. Recommend this one to science fans, high school boys, and anyone who likes strange trivia.

AE

The Real Monsters

The Real Monsters
By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Sterling, 2008. 88 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

From vampires to witches to mummies, this book looks at creepy creatures and some of their characteristics. It also provides some history behind them and some theories to explain them--while acknowledging that in many cases, the true origins of the myths are not concrete.

This is an interesting book, particularly the history of these creatures. Illustrations as well as a read-friendly layout make this an appealing package.

AE

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
By Seth Grahame-Smith
Grand Central Pub., 2010. 336 pgs. Fiction

As if Abraham Lincoln didn’t have enough stress in his life, what with preserving the union and emancipating the slaves, Grahame-Smith also has him saving the nation from vampires. Abe is first introduced to this dark world of death when he learns that his mother’s terminal illness was caused by his father’s dealings with the undead. He vows to avenge her murder and begins a quest to rid the entire country of all vampires.

This was so much better than Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! The picture of a tall, thoughtful Abe Lincoln wielding a fierce ax has he slaughters the walking dead is surprisingly believable…as far as stories of vampire hunters can be believable. Historic facts are represented as Lincoln struggles with depression and suicide each time he is devastated by the deaths of those nearest to him. If you are looking for an entertaining and light horror read with little language or sensuality but a whole lot of blood and guts, this book may be perfect for you.

CZ

Flawless

Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History
By Scott Andrew Selby & Greg Campbell
Union Square Press, 2010. 319 pgs. Nonfiction.

Is there such a thing as a perfect crime? Probably not, but a group of jewel thieves from Turin came pretty close when they robbed the vault of a building in Antwerp’s Diamond District. They got away with hundreds of millions of dollars worth of diamonds, cash, and jewelry without anyone being aware of their visit to the vault until a security guard opened the building for business the following Monday morning. Some of those involved were apprehended and sentenced to jail time but there are still aspects of the job that baffle investigating officials.

As a fan of heist movies and novels, I didn’t think this true narration was exactly gripping. It was fascinating though. The patience the thieves had over the two years of planning for the theft and then their nerve in actually pulling it off was truly amazing. On the other side of the crime, the authors also describe the actions of victims and law enforcement officers as they face the crime’s aftermath. This is an entertaining true crime story, without the violence that genre often contains.

CZ

Fragile Things

Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders
By Neil Gaiman
William Morrow, 2006. 360 pgs. Fantasy.

This is a collection of short stories and poems, including a novella featuring Shadow from American Gods. The introduction includes a short explanation for each story telling why it was written, where it was originally published, and any awards it won. Gaiman’s stories contain the dark humor that usually accompanies his work. Fans will enjoy these little morsels, but those not familiar with his other works may find them a bit random.

I listened to a production of this book read by the author, which I’m convinced is the best way to enjoy all things Gaiman. His skills as a writer are enhanced by his narrating abilities. I did not love every story, but I really enjoyed most and I usually dislike reading short stories. A couple of the stories were a little gritty and definitely for a mature audience.

CZ

The Tree House

The Tree House
Douglas Thayer
Zarahemla Books, c2009. 373 pgs. Fiction

You might think that growing up in Provo, Utah during the mid 1900’s would provide an idyllic childhood. However, Harris Thatcher’s life is anything but idyllic. He begins life with several amenities: a nice Mormon mother, an inactive, but adventurous and Scout loving father, fun-loving siblings and of course--his beloved tree house. But then Harris encounters an overwhelming number of obstacles, which all begin with the death of his father at an early age. And that is only the beginning of the catastrophe that becomes Harris’ life. His work as a missionary in post WWII Germany is a merely one trial. But perhaps the most difficult experience forced on Harris is the complexity of keeping his faith during the travesties of the Korean War. Although he plugs on, the “whys” of life are interminably present.

Denizens of Provo and especially all old-time residents should find the book interesting from a historical viewpoint. (Anyone remember the Starlight Cafe?) Members of Thayer’s faith should appreciate it from a religious perspective--there is much truth in Harris’ mission experiences and it’s not all gloss. And for those who experienced the Korean War, the book should feel all too real. Thayer is a local writer and creative writing professor at BYU. Former colleagues give the book high praise, believing it’s some of the best in Mormon fiction on the market today. Thayer’s prose is certainly unique, but some might find it a barrier. His style follows a simple, repetitive pattern which hints at stream-of-consciousness and it’s an experiment you’ll have to try for yourself.

DAP

The Cake (mix) Doctor Returns!

The Cake (mix) Doctor RETURNS!
Anne Byrn
Workman Pub, 2009. 502 p. Nonfiction

The doctor is in! But this one won’t require an operation to fix your problems, this doctor is mixing up a cake to make it all better. It all starts with a simple cake mix, but Anne Byrn, author of the famous Cake Mix Doctor returns once again to doctor up these mixes so fancy that even your Grandma won’t know the difference.

With 160 all-new recipes, there’s a treat for every palate in the crowd. How about the luscious lemon lover’s layer cake for the tart in your life. – Yum! Or could you see yourself trying the double chocolate Kahlua cake for those chocoholics you know? If those don’t please then there’s always the marbled ricotta cheesecake brownies or the caramel tres leches cake. Sound divine? It’s not all cakes though, you’ll find recipes for cookies and cupcakes, brownies and bar treats. There’s even a wedding cake for the adventurous sorts. And it all comes with a spoonful of helpful tips to keep you learning all the trademark secrets of a master baker.

So if spending hours in the kitchen to produce a masterpiece just isn’t for you, then try the cake mix doctor’s prescription for a guaranteed success. Sigh…it’s simply too bad she doesn’t make house calls.

The Poacher's Son

The Poacher's Son
by Paul Doiron
Minotaur Books, 2010. 324 pgs. Fiction

Mike Bowditch is a game warden in Maine which doesn't sit well with his father, who makes his living poaching wildlife, or with his girlfriend who thinks he should go to law school and give up this "little boy's dream" job. But Mike loves the woods and his work, though everything he loves is imperiled when a lumber company rep and a police officer are killed and Mike's father is the prime suspect. Though Mike has only rare and uncomfortable contact with his father he believes him to be innocent and risks his career and his life trying to find out what happened, aided only by a retired ranger who thinks actual evidence might be a good idea. Tense, violent, beautifully well-written, The Poacher's Son is both plot- and character-driven and the setting is so well-wrought you can smell the pine needles. Some sex and language to go with the violence. Fans of C. J. Box's mystery novels should like this one.