November 2009 Staff Book Reviews

Last Updated on Monday, 30 November 2009 12:06

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The Pioneer Library System staff has been busy reading and reviewing several books both, new and old, for the month of November. If you are looking for a good love story, money saving recipes, or even a fun book about worms, take a look at these books and maybe you will find one to take home and enjoy.

The Consequences of Love by Sulaiman Addonia
Staff Reviewer: Susan Gregory
Genre: Adult Fiction

The consequences of disobedience to the strict Muslim laws of separation between men and women in Saudi Arabia are harsh:  offenders can face public lashings or even a death by stoning.  Despite the very real dangers facing them, the young couple in this lovely first novel risks everything to be together.  They tempt the fates—and the religious police—by falling in love and daring to spend time together.

 Jeddah is not the easiest place for a young man to fall in love with a young woman.  Naser, an Eritrean immigrant, washes cars for a meager living and spends hours under the tree outside his room, wondering what life has in store for him and whether or not he will ever know real love.  Sent to Saudi Arabia with his little brother by their Eritrean mother to avoid the war, he has been cast out of his uncle’s home for refusing to worship at the mosque and for his yearning for a different life.  One day, a note flutters to his feet.   He looks up to find a woman, covered completely by the dark abaya that women must wear in public, hurrying away.  Her only distinguishing characteristic is that she is wearing pink shoes covered in sparkling stones that flash color into a black and white world.  He is astonished to find that the note is a love letter to him—and their journey together begins.  It will be a journey of passion, betrayal and ultimately, help from an unexpected place.  It will be up to Naser and his beloved to work for a happy ending.

The author is an Eritrean immigrant who did, indeed, spend years as a teen in Saudi Arabia before seeking asylum in England.  He learned English and earned degrees from the University College of London and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.  The author writes lyrically and knowingly of Saudi culture, human nature and the power of love.

Kissing Games of the World by Sandi Kahn Shelton
Staff Reviewer: Julie Kreft
Genre: Adult Fiction

When Harris Goddard meets single mom Jamie McClintock at his grandson's scout meeting, the two strike up an unlikely friendship and soon become roommates.  It seems a perfect situation for them and their young boys until Harris dies suddenly, naked and in Jamie's bed.  Innocent as the entire situation is, it looks bad and Harris's best friend, Sheriff Cooksey, is determined to pin something on her.  As if things couldn't get worse, Harris' estranged son Nate shows up determined to sell the house and put Jamie and her son out on the street.  What follows is an emotional and often hilarious ordeal through painful memories and complete transformations.  Nate must learn to forgive his father while becoming a father himself to the son he abandoned.  And Jamie must learn to stand on her own without the crutch of Harris or her sister.  This book has lovable characters and enough surprises to keep the pages turning.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
Staff Reviewer: Susan Gregory
Genre: Adult Fiction

Howe, a Harvard doctoral student when she wrote the book, is a descendant of Elizabeth Proctor, who survived the Salem witch trials, and Elizabeth Howe, who did not.  The author has an intriguing view of the Salem witch trials:  what if one of the accused women was actually a witch?  And, more importantly, what qualities make one a witch?

Howe writes exceptionally well and does a fine job of illuminating the dark, hysterical months of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, when neighbor lived in fear of neighbor and the simple ability to heal a fever with herbs could mean death by hanging.  She does an even better job of presenting the argument that people have always been fascinated with the mystical and that even Christianity has elements of alchemy in its roots.  Her characters are vividly drawn and struggle with the questions of good vs. evil in their own ways:  Graduate student, Connie Goodwin, is determined to complete her dissertation despite the series of misfortunes she encounters; her mentor and professor chases professional acclaim through his research into alchemy; her mother practices ancient healing arts; and her friends help her search for the ancient “Physick” book from Mistress Deliverance Dane that will hold answers to all of her questions.

This isn’t a quick read, because the issues are complex and academic, but it’s a satisfying one.  This is an especially good read for anyone interested in Colonial American History and the Salem witch trials.

Semi-Homemade Money Saving Meals by Sandra Lee
Staff Reviewer: Alice Fielding
Genre: Non-fiction

If your frame of reference is going out for gourmet restaurant meals every night, then yes, this book will save you money. I can’t make a recommendation about whether these recipes taste good, since I can’t afford to buy the ingredients to try them. And I consider myself to be middle-class. If you are on a budget, skip this one.

The Day It Snowed Tortillas/ El Día Que Nevaron Tortillas: folktales told in Spanish and English by Joe Hayes, illustrated by Antonio Castro López
Staff Reviewer: Valerie Kimble
Genre: Children's Fiction

Joe Hayes is a well-known storyteller, who performs in schools, libraries and museums throughout New Mexico.  This is a bilingual reprinting of a collection of Hispanic tales presented as Mr. Hayes must tell them.  There is not an extraneous word, or over-blown description in any of these stories.  They are funny and clever with notable characters who speak for themselves.  These traditional tales are made fresh and accessible in Mr. Hayes personal telling.  Read this aloud and share the pleasure of good stories well told.

A Poke in the I by Paul B. Janeczko and Christopher Raschka
Staff Reviewer: Valerie Kimble
Genre: Children's Poetry

This collection of concrete poems selected by poet Paul Janeczko and illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Christopher Raschka is a visual treat.  The words of a concrete poem form a shape that is the poem’s concept, so the visual appeal is in the text as well as the pictures.  This is a beautiful introduction to the play of language that is poetry presented in a most amusing way.  Adults will enjoy this as much as the children for whom it was intended.

Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer by Carol Brendler and Ard Hoyt
Staff Reviewer: Alice Fielding
Genre: Children's Fiction

This book manages to be cute, entertaining and educational all at the same time, and will appeal equally well to boys and girls. Winnie Finn manages to help her neighbors while earning the money for a new wagon in a creative, energetic way. Who knew worms could be so much fun?