bookpagedev

by Alice Cary

On a more serious note, the touching Yoon and the Christmas Mitten focuses on a family that has just arrived in America from Korea. Young Yoon comes home from school full of excitement about Mr. Santa Claus and his presents. She is ready to join the fun, but her parents admonish her that We are not a Christmas family. Our holiday is New Year’s Day. Yoon remains determined to throw herself into the holiday of her new culture, however, and is so desperate to celebrate that she pins her red mitten to her blanket and hopes that Santa will fill it during the night. The issue is resolved beautifully, and when Yoon receives a candy cane, she thinks she has a piece of the North Pole. Helen Recorvits has fashioned an extremely well-crafted tale about an immigrant child’s experience in a new country. Gabi Swiatkowska’s rich artwork swirls with images of a family immersed in both American and Korean cultures. Vivid splashes of red appear throughout, grounding the holiday brightness amid a backdrop of pastels and more fleeting images that fill Yoon’s thoughts and hours.

Memoir

Memoir

Behind-the-counter wisdom

Review by bookpagedev

by Alison Hood

When he was a kid in New Jersey, Steven Sorrentino loved his neighborhood luncheonette, “an exotic destination where grilled cheese sandwiches and double-decker dreams were served up in no short order.” Little did he know that one day he’d wind up behind that luncheonette’s faded Formica counter, an order pad in one hand and a spatula in the other, with hopes of a Broadway musical career temporarily trashed. The scene thus set, the curtain rises on Act One of Luncheonette, a wacky, poignant and brutally truthful memoir of family, fast food and filial love.

New Jersey, Christmas Eve, 1980: Sorrentino’s father is felled by a mysterious illness that completely paralyzes his lower body. On December 26, the author, in the role of dutiful son, steps up to the proverbial plate to run the family luncheonette and shelves his song-and-dance dreams to spend four years in front of a sizzling grill. He soon realizes, however, that it is not his father he must rescue, but himself. A young gay man not yet “out” to his New Jersey friends and family, Sorrentino gradually slips into a paralyzing despair, while his crippled father, ironically, finds renewed mobility and meaning through a career in local politics.

Written in short, wittily titled “acts,” with a keen, acidly observing eye, Luncheonette serves up a slice-of-life, a coming-of-age story with dark humor, straight-up characterizations and bald honesty. A supporting cast of luncheonette eccentrics adds special spice: waitress Dolores, profane queen of malapropisms; abstemious Half-cup Harold; lugubrious Tombstone (a local gravedigger); and curmudgeonly Herck the Jerk. All worthy memoirs offer epiphany, and Sorrentino’s dishes out rueful realization: “When it comes to family business, I have always been a slow learner. . . . I didn’t need to know everything right away . . . true wisdom is parceled out into short orders, coming from the most surprising places, at the most unexpected times.” And, if you’re hungry for more truth, Luncheonette imparts another lesson: the secret to the perfect porkroll-egg-and-cheese sandwich is to fearlessly plunge in, score the meat and break the yolk.

When he was a kid in New Jersey, Steven Sorrentino loved his neighborhood luncheonette, "an exotic destination where grilled cheese sandwiches and double-decker dreams were served up in no short order." Little did he know that one day he'd wind up behind that luncheonette's…

Children's & YA

Children's & YA

Friends in need

Review by bookpagedev

by Alice Cary

Two lonely souls find each other during the holidays that’s the age-old premise of Emma Chichester Clark’s Melrose and Croc: A Christmas to Remember. Croc has come to the big city in search of Santa Claus, but he arrives at the department store too late to see the big man in red. Meanwhile, Melrose, a yellow dog, has just moved into town and feels so alone that he hardly wants to celebrate. These two characters run into each other literally while ice skating around a giant Christmas tree. They decide to spend Christmas at Melrose’s new place, and all of their problems are solved.

Clark writes a simple but sweet story that young children will enjoy. Her lovely and lively illustrations radiate the subdued simplicity of a gentler time. Clark’s text and tale are just right to help calm excited little revelers and remind them of the true meaning of Christmas: sharing with friends and family.

Two lonely souls find each other during the holidays that's the age-old premise of Emma Chichester Clark's Melrose and Croc: A Christmas to Remember. Croc has come to the big city in search of Santa Claus, but he arrives at the department store too…

History

History

How Britannia came to rule the waves

Review by bookpagedev

by Roger Bishop

Philip II of Spain was, without question, the most powerful ruler in Europe during the 1580s. A zealous Catholic, he felt it was his role to eliminate heretical Protestantism from the continent. At the same time, he envisioned a Spanish empire that would stretch from the Baltic to the New World. As his country’s relationship with England faltered, Philip began to prepare for what he hoped would be the first link in a chain of events to achieve his goals. He decided to invade England. The result was not what Philip had hoped, but led instead to the defeat of the Spanish Armada, one of the major events of Elizabeth I’s reign and of European history in that period.

Neil Hanson, using a wide range of sources, recreates the period and personalities in both countries in magnificent detail in his The Confident Hope of a Miracle: The True History of the Spanish Armada. He explores the diplomatic, military and commercial aspects of the event as seen from the highest level Philip and Elizabeth and their numerous advisors and military leaders and from the lowest the galley slaves and seamen. As Hanson shows, the outcome came as a surprise to many (“some felt that the mere sight of [the Armada] would be enough to make Elizabeth capitulate”). Others, however, were not so certain of victory. The Venetian ambassador in Madrid noted that the Englishmen bear “a name above all the West for being expert and enterprising in maritime affairs, and the finest fighters upon the sea . . . for the English never yield.” English ships that were not only faster and easier to maneuver, but were also, Hanson writes, “armed with weapons that were, by the standards of the day, precision engineered, delivering projectiles with greater frequency, velocity and accuracy, over a greater range.” Hanson also portrays the sharp contrast between the two royal leaders. Philip, austere and remote, consulted with others, yet remained the grand strategist. He had known battle only once, but, having ruled for 30 years, did not lack self-confidence. Neither did Elizabeth, though Morgan believes, “It was evident that neither the Queen nor her ministers had the slightest comprehension of the tactics that had brought her fleet to victory.” Hanson’s riveting narrative enlightens and stimulates our thinking about a major turning point in European history. Roger Bishop is a Nashville bookseller and frequent contributor to BookPage.

Children's & YA

Children's & YA

Merry Un-Christmas

Review by bookpagedev

by Alice Cary

Imagine a place where it’s Christmas every day.

What could be better, right? Actually, it’s bor-r-r-ring! That’s what little Noelle has discovered in Merry Un-Christmas by Mike Reiss, illustrated by David Catrow. Noelle and her family live in Christmas City, Texmas, where Christmas is celebrated 364 days a year. Every morning it’s time once again to open the presents, kiss the relatives and eat a huge dinner. And little Noelle has a garage full of new bikes and a whole backyard full of ponies. Thankfully, the family looks forward to that one day of the year when it’s not Christmas Un-Christmas. On that day, the decorations finally come down and the kids get to go to school! This is a delightfully clever story with right-on text and fabulous illustrations by the always hilarious David Catrow, whose wide-eyed Noelle reminds me of Dr. Seuss’ Cindy-Lou Who. Merry Un-Christmas is definitely the new holiday favorite at our house.

Imagine a place where it's Christmas every day.

What could be better, right? Actually, it's bor-r-r-ring! That's what little Noelle has discovered in Merry Un-Christmas by Mike Reiss, illustrated by David Catrow. Noelle and her family live in Christmas City, Texmas, where Christmas…

Biography

Biography

More than art in the family

Review by bookpagedev

by Deborah Donovan

The carefully researched The Guggenheims: A Family History is an intriguing look at one of the country’s wealthiest and most influential families from the 1880s to the present, as well as a perceptive probe into the constant intermingling of business, politics and anti-Semitism during those years. Their story begins with Simon, who leaves Switzerland for America in 1847; Simon’s oldest son Meyer produces seven sons and three daughters, whose lives the authors document in meticulous detail, beginning with their fortunes gained from mining in Colorado. Meyer passes on to his sons the “core Guggenheim principles” of maintaining strong family solidarity and always hiring the best talent available. By the 1890s, their “breakthrough decade,” they move to New York City and take their place among the Jewish upper-crust, although compromising somewhat by joining an “assimilationist” congregation. With the fall of postwar mineral prices, the Guggenheims see a gradual retreat of their industrial empire. In the second two-thirds of the century, they become known primarily as patrons of the arts and sciences; by 1950, they are no longer listed among the nation’s wealthiest families. The authors delve deeply into the lives of some of the more notable members of the second and third generations, beginning with Harry, Meyer’s grandson, who befriends Lindbergh and helps to promote aviation in America. Solomon, Meyer’s last male survivor, opens a museum for his growing art collection in 1939; the move to the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright building comes in 1959, long after his death. Peggy, daughter of Meyer’s son Ben, leads a flamboyant life while assembling an impressive collection of western 20th-century art of her own.

Although very few family members still carry the last name Guggenheim, the authors conclude that a bond remains, created by their foundations and museums. This thoughtful and well-researched look at the family and the times in which it ro se and fell serves as an insightful journey through the whole of the 20th century.

The carefully researched The Guggenheims: A Family History is an intriguing look at one of the country's wealthiest and most influential families from the 1880s to the present, as well as a perceptive probe into the constant intermingling of business, politics and anti-Semitism during…

Children's & YA, Picture Book

Children's & YA Picture Book

Is there a letter in your bag for me?

Review by bookpagedev

by Joanna Brichetto

Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s beloved book, The Jolly Postman, is celebrating its 20th year of letting kids read other people’s mail. People, in this case, are famous fairy tale characters, and the mail consists of actual letters and postcards tucked inside envelopes. The story is simple: We follow a busy postman on his rounds, and get to read the private correspondence of each delivery. Meanwhile, the postman gets cup after cup of tea in each hospitable home. It is unaccountably satisfying to reach into a real envelope (with fabulous facsimile stamps and addresses), pull out a folded note, and read what Jack has to say to the Giant, or Goldilocks to the Three Bears. Especially noteworthy are the Big Bad Wolf’s letter from Red Riding Hood’s legal advisers, and an illustrated supply catalog requested by the Wicked Witch.

Although the chief attraction of The Jolly Postman may be the frisson of permissible nosiness, its enduring appeal must be put down to the utterly charming illustrations and the sheer inventiveness of the concept. The Ahlbergs lavished five years of work on this delightful confection, and the subsequent awards, international translations and millions of sales attest to their success. Note that the anniversary edition comes with free stationery and stickers, which makes it a bonus for literacy and etiquette: Thank-you notes have never been so much fun to write and send!

Janet and Allan Ahlberg's beloved book, The Jolly Postman, is celebrating its 20th year of letting kids read other people's mail. People, in this case, are famous fairy tale characters, and the mail consists of actual letters and postcards tucked inside envelopes. The story…

Memoir

Memoir

The spy who didn’t love it

Review by bookpagedev

by MiChelle Jones

The spy who didn’t love it Lindsay Moran’s resignation from the CIA didn’t cause the furor that George Tenet’s did, but don’t let that stop you from reading Blowing My Cover: My Life as a CIA Spy and Other Misadventures. Moran was young, adventurous, fresh from her valedictory speech at Harvard and a little bored when she decided to work for the CIA. She already had several years of training behind her, so why not serve her country while traveling the world? OK, as Moran admits, her training consisted mostly of reading Harriet the Spy books. She rethought her decision.

A few years later, however, Moran again felt herself drawn to the agency, which is where the book’s fun begins. Nothing is as she expects it to be: her recruiter’s limp is not the result of a shoot-out with opposing agents but was acquired at the hands of the FBI during a softball game. The CIA headquarters is, according to Moran, "a colossal structure that is bafflingly and alarmingly well-marked by large signs reading CIA,’ " yet the higher-ups believe the custodial and cafeteria staff to be unaware of their true employer. Armed with a clever sense of humor and an active imagination her field reports must have been masterpieces Moran fills Blowing My Cover with stories of her training at the Farm in Langley, Virginia, and her efforts to cultivate foreign agents in Macedonia. For the most part, her adventures are more "Boris and Natasha" than The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.

This is fine until one realizes that Moran’s tenure immediately preceded September 11, 2001. Her growing feelings of futility and her disdain for the agency’s old-school mentality lead to her decision to leave "the Company." Her comments about the CIA’s inability to foresee and adequately react to terrorist attacks echo conventional wisdom about the need to revamp U.S. intelligence organizations. Though Moran was generally frustrated by her experiences, the overall tone of this memoir is not despair. How could it be with lines like: "I half expected to find a flask of Jack Daniel’s in my own butt crack when I went to bed that night."

The spy who didn't love it Lindsay Moran's resignation from the CIA didn't cause the furor that George Tenet's did, but don't let that stop you from reading Blowing My Cover: My Life as a CIA Spy and Other Misadventures. Moran was young, adventurous, fresh…

Children's & YA

Children's & YA

Kids Cook 1-2-3

Review by bookpagedev

by Joanna Brichetto

Do-able and delicious describes Kids Cook 1-2-3. Rozanne Gold and illustrator Sara Pinto tempt kids nine and up with the promise of simplicity: three-ingredient recipes (yes, three ingredients). Simple need not mean boring. Beginning cooks, busy cooks and cooks with limited attention spans can whip up Petits Pains au Chocolate, Carrot-Ginger Soup, Coconut Rice, butter cookies and many other extraordinary and everyday dishes. Instructions are easy and straightforward, and the charming line drawings are less intimidating than color photos would be (circumventing perfectionist tendencies).

Perhaps most valuable is the realization that kids can make food happen, too. Note that this cookbook (and any other) is not for children unaccompanied in the kitchen. Aside from obvious safety issues, most kids lack basic familiarity with kitchen terrain and techniques. The ultimate goal is to build skill and confidence in measured quantities, resulting in independent, creative and happy young chefs.

Nashville writer Joanna Brichetto hopes that any and all dishes from the above cookbook appear in her kitchen soon.

History

History

The Gunny sounds off

Review by bookpagedev

by Howard Shirley

All right, you maggots, listen up! You say you don’t know what MRE stands for? Can’t tell an RPG from a BAR? Wonder how to dig a foxhole? Well, the Gunny’s gonna tell ya, as only your ever-lovin’ Gunny can! For the straight skinny on all things military from medieval crossbows to futuristic jet fighters few books are more fun than Mail Call. Mail Call is based on the popular History Channel show of the same name, hosted by actor and retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, “The Gunny” to his fans. The book follows the format of the show, answering viewers’ questions about military life, history and hardware in layman’s terms.

Mail Call draws on a variety of experts, including historians, engineers and military personnel and sometimes the Gunny himself. The book is a quick, fun read, with interesting sidebars, quick facts and photos from the show. Mail Call is divided into six parts Weapons, Gear, Grunts, Airplanes, Ships and Vehicles and each question and answer section is written in a conversational style that’s often quite funny. And of course, the book is peppered with the Gunny’s favorite drill-sergeant jargon, familiar to his fans (and generations of hapless recruits). Oh, and in case you didn’t know, an MRE is a “Meal Ready to Eat” (a precooked food package), an RPG is a Rocket Propelled Grenade, and a BAR is a Browning Automatic Rifle. To find out how to dig a foxhole, you’ll have to read the book!

All right, you maggots, listen up! You say you don't know what MRE stands for? Can't tell an RPG from a BAR? Wonder how to dig a foxhole? Well, the Gunny's gonna tell ya, as only your ever-lovin' Gunny can! For the straight skinny…

Children's & YA

Children's & YA

The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History

Review by bookpagedev

by Joanna Brichetto

If the word history elicits yawns from children, it is not the fault of The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History. Written by Jennifer Armstrong and illustrated by Roger Roth, this treasury is ideal for short read-aloud or read-alone sessions; each story is no more than four pages long, and the illustrations are plentiful and exciting. Arranged in chronological order, it’s a painless, satisfying way to introduce America’s stories to children: from the first city (St. Augustine, 1565) to the 2000 Presidential election. Introduced along the way are not only the biggies like Ben Franklin and Abe Lincoln, but people and events as varied as Sojourner Truth, the O.K. Corral, Lizzie Borden, the Cuban Missile Crisis and PacMan.

Race for the cure

Review by bookpagedev

by Edward Morris

Many Americans can still recall when the word “polio” had the same chilling effect that “cancer” and “AIDS” have today. But owing to vaccines created in the early 1950s, the disease was virtually eradicated in the U.S. by the mid-1970s. In 2003, only 700 cases of the crippling affliction were reported throughout the world. Also known as “infantile paralysis,” polio hit children hardest. But adults succumbed as well, most notably the man who would become America’s 32nd president and the plague’s fiercest opponent, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Kluger, a senior writer for Time and the co-author (with Jim Lovell) of Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage Of Apollo 13, begins Splendid Solution: Jonas Salk And The Conquest Of Polio in the summer of 1916. During that hot and terrible season, 27,000 people were stricken across the country; 6,000 of them died. In New York City, where there were more than 9,300 cases reported, one of the lucky children who avoided infection that summer was two-year-old Jonas Salk. Within two decades, his and Roosevelt’s paths would converge not literally, to be sure, but in a shared determination to thwart the calamity. Roosevelt would call attention to the disease and help set up the mechanism to finance the resistance; Salk and dozens of equally determined colleagues would embark on the arduous trail to develop an effective vaccine.

Drawing heavily on official documents and interviews with Salk’s three physician sons, Kluger depicts a man who was tireless and single-minded in pursuing a cure, suspicious of the media in matters of science but aware of its utility, and capable of being self-effacing and diplomatic when he needed to be. Providing just the right degree of tension is fellow researcher Albert Sabin, who routinely denigrated Salk’s discoveries. The source of their tension, other than professional competitiveness, was the question of what condition of polio viruses was best suited for a vaccine. Salk constructed his from dead viruses, while Sabin maintained that only live ones would work as needed. Ultimately, both men made major contributions to eradicating the disease.

As prospects mounted for a successful assault on polio, Salk found himself transformed from a fairly anonymous drone into a controversial public figure. Nationally syndicated columnists Earl Wilson and Walter Winchell touted or assailed his discoveries, Life dispatched photographers to his laboratory and Time awarded him a cover.

In Splendid Solution Kluger does a fine job of resurrecting another time and of demonstrating the drama that always attends significant scientific breakthroughs.

Many Americans can still recall when the word "polio" had the same chilling effect that "cancer" and "AIDS" have today. But owing to vaccines created in the early 1950s, the disease was virtually eradicated in the U.S. by the mid-1970s. In 2003, only 700 cases…

Children's & YA

Children's & YA

The Big Book of Brain Games

Review by bookpagedev

by Joanna Brichetto

Should the brain need additional stretching, older kids and brave adults can try The Big Book of Brain Games: 1,000 PlayThinks of Art, Mathematics, and Science. Author Ivan Moscovich, the best-selling puzzlemaster, delivers original and retooled classic challenges, puzzles, riddles and illusions in a wide range of categories. Ranked by difficulty and (thankfully) answered in the back of the book, anyone’s perfect puzzle is just a page away.

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bookpagedev

Culture clash

Behind-the-counter wisdom

Friends in need

How Britannia came to rule the waves

Merry Un-Christmas

More than art in the family

Is there a letter in your bag for me?

The spy who didn’t love it

Kids Cook 1-2-3

The Gunny sounds off

The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History

Race for the cure

The Big Book of Brain Games

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