BOOKS LIBRARIANS GIVE, 2005
6th Annual Holiday Book List, with suggestions from Newton Free Library Staff
NONFICTION
Abu-Jaber, Diane. THE LANGUAGE OF BAKLAVA. 641.595 ABU-JABER 2005
Pantheon, 2005 ISBN 0375423044 $23.00
Includes both recipes and recollections of a bi-cultural childhood. Diane's father was the cook of the family and recreated the delicious Bedouin meals of his boyhood for his American children and extended family. --KH, Reference
Apple, Sam. SCHLEPPING THROUGH THE ALPS. 914.36 APPLE 2005
Ballantine, 2005 ISBN 0345465032 $23.95
A New York Jewish neurotic writer, Apple attends a travelogue-concert of Yiddish songs sung by Viennese-born shepherd, Hans Breuer, who intersperses stories and slides of his sheep. Struck by Hans’ method of spreading Yiddish music, Apple learns shepherding with Hans, “schlepping” his 625 sheep and two goats through the Alps. Both are obsessed with looking for answers to anti-Semitism in Austria along route. Quirky humor, serious history. Music CD available separately. CB, Reference
Batali, Mario. MOLTO ITALIANO: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home. 641.594 BATALI 2005
Ecco Press, 2005 ISBN 0060734922 $35.00
This is a beautiful, comprehensive book of rustic recipes suitable for knowledgeable cooks yet simple enough for beginners, by Mario Batali, Food Network host and owner of five restaurants. Full color illustrations complete this gorgeous book.
--Cheryl Devitt, Circulation
Bittman, Mark. THE BEST RECIPES IN THE WORLD: More Than 1,000 International Dishes to Cook at Home. 641.5 BITTMAN 2005
Broadway Books, 2005 ISBN 0767906721 $29.95
A huge collection of recipes from 44 countries, with notes on ingredients and techniques, menu suggestions, symbols to indicate quickly-prepared dishes, and an index of recipes by cuisine. --STC, Reference
Brett, Bill. BOSTON, ALL ONE FAMILY. 974.461 BRETT
Commonwealth Editions, 2005 ISBN 1933212160 $27.95
Here is a terrific collection of black and white portraits of the individuals who “are 21st Century Boston” by the retired Chief Photographer for the Boston Globe. A wonderful glimpse into the soul of the City. –Nancy Johnson, Reference
Very natural, relaxed b&w photographs of many of today's prominent Bostonians. There are 240 portraits by veteran Boston Globe photographer Bill Brett of community leaders in business, government and sports. A good choice for someone with an interest in Boston history. --SK, Reference
EXTRAORDINARY EXHIBITIONS: The Wonderful Remains of an Enormous Head, the Whimsiphusicon & Death to the Savage Unitarians; Broadsides from the collection of Ricky Jay. 745 JAY 2005
Quantuck Lane Press, 2005 ISBN 0670034363 $29.95
A marvelous collection of broadsides from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, advertising entertainment of the bizarre, the grotesque, and the world of wonder. The commentary of the author attests to humanity’s timeless appetite for visual stimulation. –Alan Allaire, Reference
GOOD POEMS FOR HARD TIMES / selected and introduced by Garrison Keillor. 828.08 GOOD 2005
Viking, 2005 ISBN 1593720122 $49.95
This is the sequel to the popular 2002 anthology of poetry "Good Times."Selections from the archives of Keillor's daily NPR radio show are mostly plain, understandable and yet memorable. –Nancy Johnson, Reference
Harrison, Marina. GARDENWALKS IN NEW ENGLAND : Beautiful Gardens from Maine to Connecticut. 917.4 INSIDERS 2005
Globe Pequot Press, 2005 ISBN 076273664X $14.95
This book includes 32 lovely gardens to admire in Massachusetts alone. It is the perfect book to give to the local garden lover on your list. –Elinor Hernon, Reference
HOW TO BREAK AN EGG: 1,453 Kitchen Tips, Food Fixes, Emergency Substitutions and Handy Techniques / by the editors, contributors and readers of Fine Cooking magazine. [641.5 HOW]
Taunton Press, 2005. ISBN 1561587982 $19.95
Move over, Joy of Cooking! Here is the ultimate resource for both novice and experienced cooks. Full of tips, fixes and emergency substitutions as well as handy techniques. You’ll learn how to halt disasters and have fun along the way!
–Nancy Johnson, Reference
Katz, Jon. THE DOGS OF BEDLAM FARM: An Adventure with Sixteen Sheep, Three Dogs, Two Donkeys and Me. 636.7 KATZ 2004
Villard Books, 2004 ISBN 1400062438 $22.95
Random House, 2005 ISBN 0812972503 $12.95 (PB)
Recounts the author's year in West Hebron, NY, about 60 miles north of Albany, as a beginning sheep farmer with tales of assorted helpful rural folks, border collies, sheep, donkeys, "dog people," and his success at reclaiming his lost sister after the chaotic childhood they had both endured. --KH, Reference
Lightman, Alan P. THE DISCOVERIES: Great Breakthroughs in 20th Century Science. [509.222 LIGHTMAN 2005]
Pantheon, 2005 ISBN 0375421688 $32.50
A collection of 25 "breakthrough" scientific papers - Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Linus Pauling, Barbara McClintock and more - accompanied by introductory, explanatory, biographical essays, and including the original papers. --STC, Reference
Lowell, Robert. THE LETTERS OF ROBERT LOWELL.
821.09 LOWELL .HA 2005
Farrar, Straus, 2005 ISBN 0374185468 $40.00
Lowell's letters are distinguished by his "refusal to be boring on paper." 852 pages cover most of his communications to family and famous literary figures to 1977.
--RKC, Reference
Marzluff, John M. and Tony Angell. IN THE COMPANY OF CROWS.
598.864 MUZLUFF 2005
Yale University Press,2005 ISBN 0300100760 $30.00
Everything you ever wanted to know about these mysterious and fascinating birds - totally engrossing with wonderful drawings. --Miriam Sack, Circulation
Mass, Leslie. IN BEAUTY MAY SHE WALK: Hiking the Appalachian Trail at 60. 796.51 MASS 2005
Rock Spring Press, 2005 ISBN 0976568608 $21.95
2000 miles in sporadic but tiring spurts with new revelations about her mental and physical possibilities. --RKC, Reference
Meagher, Timothy J. THE COLUMBIA GUIDE TO IRISH AMERICAN HISTORY. [973.049 MEAGHER]
Columbia University Press, 2005 ISBN 0231120702 $45.00
This is a major contribution to the study of Irish-American history. --EJW, Reference
Reichl, Ruth. GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES : The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise. 641.5 REICHL 2005
Penguine Press, 2005 ISBN 1594200319 $25.00
Good sense of humor, entertaining, for those who love food. --Tanya, Technical Services
Reichl, Ruth. [Works] [sound recording]
TENDER AT THE BONE (1998) Abridged 4 cassettes + booklet of recipes. Read by the author. [E REICHL]
Random House Audio ISBN 0553525174 $23.00
COMFORT ME WITH APPLES (2001) Abridged 4 cassettes
Read by the author. E REICHL
Random House Audio Books ISBN 0375417230 $25.95
GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES (2005) Abridged 4 CDs
Read by the author. [641.5 REICHL]
Random House Audio ISBN 0739308807 $27.50
Ruth Reichl, the renowned food critic, has written three memoirs that are fun, candid and full of recipes and personal insights: Tender at the Bone; Comfort Me with Apples; and Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise. The author's readings are very lively and a set of all three would make a great gift.
--SK, Reference
Rothman, Rodney. EARLY BIRD. 306.38 ROTHMAN 2005
Simon & Schuster, 2005 ISBN 0743242173 $23.00
An over-worked twenty-eight year old with no leisure time, Rothman, a former David Letterman joke writer, loses his sit-com writer’s job and heads for early retirement to Boca Raton's Century Village, remembering the relaxing time he had with his grandparents as a child. A fun look at Florida retirement which may spur you to visit the Discovering What's Next HUB at the library. --CB, Reference
Siegel, Bernie S. 101 EXERCISES FOR THE SOUL: A Divine Workout Plan for Body, Mind, and Spirit. 204.46 SIEGEL 2005
Pub Group West, 2005 ISBN 1577315111 $17.95
Sound advice, inspirational, easy reading. --Anonymous
Thrane, Susan W. and Tom Patterson. STATE HOUSES : America’s 50 State Capitol Buildings. 973 THANE 2005
Boston Mills Press, 2005 ISBN 1550464574 $49.95
Magnificent photographs of the architecture reflecting the hopes and dreams of the people of each of the states. Stories of the unique facts about each of the buildings and the “events surrounding construction – background on its architects and builders – dimensions and costs – primary features and main rooms – unique furnishings and works of art” and historic events that have taken place in these buildings. For those interested in history, architecture and also for armchair travelers.
–Nancy Johnson, Reference
Waal, F.B.M. de (Frans B.M.). MY FAMILY ALBUM: Thirty Years of Primate Photography. 599.8 WAAL 2003
Univ. of California Pr., 2003 ISBN 0520236157 $29.95
A primatologist has captured the full range of emotions in chimps, bonobos, etc., alone and in groups. Let your anthropomorphic projections run wild.
--ShGr, Reference
Weiner, Ellis and Barbara Davilman. YIDDISH WITH DICK AND JANE.
439.1 WEINER 2004
Little, Brown, 2004 ISBN 0316159727 $14.95
This parody on the reading primer Dick and Jane written by a former National Lampoon writer, intended for an adult audience, finds Dick, Jane and Sally are grown and leading contemporary lives. Learn some great phrases as the story masterfully weaves in Yiddish, some of which as a child you weren’t supposed to understand. For the most enjoyment, read the definitions from the 80 word glossary, even if you think you know the meaning – the examples and origins are hilarious. CB, Reference
FICTION
MacDonald, Marianne. THREE MONKEYS.
Severn House, 2005 ISBN 0727862189 $27.95
Dido Hoare, single parent, Londoner, antiquarian book dealer encounters another mystery right outside her bookshop door.
--KH, Reference
Martini, Steve. DOUBLE TAP: A Paul Madriani novel.
Putnam, 2005 ISBN 0399150927 $26.95
Readers of legal thrillers will want to purchase an early copy of the latest Martini book so that they can read it before giving it as a gift. All of the books featuring California criminal defense attorney Paul Madriani are highly entertaining mystery and courtroom dramas. Another good read. --EW, Reference
Roth, Philip. PLOT AGAINST AMERICA.
Houghton Mifflin, 2004 ISBN 0618509283 $26.00
Random House, 2005 ISBN 1400079497 $14.95
What would have happened if Lindbergh had been elected president. A wonderful book. –Kathy Glick-Weil, Administration
CHILDREN'S and YOUNG ADULT BOOKS
Borden, Louise. THE JOURNEY THAT SAVED CURIOUS GEORGE: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey; illustrated by Allan Drummond.
J E Rey .BO
Houghton Mifflin, 2005 ISBN 0618-33924-8 $17.00
See how the authors of Curious George came to create their beloved 1940s character as the lives of this German-Jewish couple are traced through documents, diaries and letters. From their childhood days, early marriage and as artists living in Brazil and France, we later follow their narrow wartime escape on bicycles, trains and boats through Portugal, Spain and Brazil to America. Reproduced documents, photos and George himself enhance this engagingly illustrated adventure. --CB, Reference
A FAMILY OF POEMS: My Favorite Poetry for Children / [selected by] Caroline Kennedy. J 821 FAMILY
Hyperion/for Children 2005 ISBN 07858511112 $19.95
These poems will appeal to the whole family. The book is beautifully illustrated. There are over 100 poems from five continents. The book is organized into sections, e.g. the seashore, the seasons, adventure, and bedtime. A wonderful book to read aloud or to read alone. --Kate May, Reference.
Gormley, Beatrice. MARIA MITCHELL: The Soul of an Astronomer.
J E M694 .GO
Eerdmans, 2004 ISBN 0802852645 $12.00
--MS, Technical Services
THE HUMAN ALPHABET / by Polobolus [Dance Theatre]; photographs by John Kane. [J 428.13 PILOBOLUS]
Roaring Book Press, 2005 ISBN 1596430664 $16.95
Very creative way to display the alphabet, and also what letter represents in the visual helps kids think creatively & presents a bit of a challenge as well.
--PS, Technical Services
Marston, Elsa. FIGS AND FATE: Stories about Growing Up in the Arab World Today. YA FIC and Adult FIC
George Braziller, 2005 ISBN 080761551X $22.50
Sisters, brothers, parents, teachers, friends can enjoy and learn from these five stories of growing up in five locales in the Middle East. One of the stories, "Santa Claus in Baghdad" inspired filmmaker Raouf Zaki. Boston area events toward improved relations with Arab neighbors have highlighted readings of Figs and Fate along with showings of Zaki’s film. Elsa Marston, who was born in Newton, turned her career in international studies to understanding and writing about Middle Eastern culture. --CB, Reference
MUSEUM SHAPES / The Metropolitan Museum of Art. J PICT
Little, Brown, 2005 ISBN 0316056987 $16.95
A wonderful way to introduce the beauty of art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art to children through shapes they already know. (Also available through Little, Brown are Museum 123 and Museum ABC.) --PS, Technical Services.
GIFT LIST FOR PARENTS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILDREN
Supplement to: The Daytime (November 2005)
Created by Newton Free Librarians: Jean Holmblad and Pam McCuen
Adventure/ Mystery
Abrahams, Peter. Down the Rabbit Hole: An Echo Falls Mystery.
Allison, Jennifer. Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator.
Broach, Elise. Shakespeare’s Secret.
Curry, Jane Louise. The Black Canary.
Feinstein, John. Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery.
Wynne-Jones, Tim. A Thief in the House of Memory.
Realistic Fiction
Creech, Sharon. Replay.
Crutcher, Chris. The Sledding Hill.
Frank, Lucy. Lucky Stars.
Howe, James. Totally Joe.
Perkins, Lynne Rae. Criss Cross.
Trueman, Terry. Cruise Control.
Humorous
Anderson, M.T. Whales on Stilts!
Hiaasen, Carl. Flush.
Hughes, Mark Peter. I Am the Wallpaper.
Larochelle, David. Absolutely, Positively Not.
Lubar, David. Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie.
Rosenbloom, Fiona. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!
Historical Fiction
Blackwood, Gary. Second Sight.
Lawrence, Iain. The Convicts.
Lester, Julius. Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue.
Staples, Suzanne Fisher. Under the Persimmon Tree.
Tingle, Rebecca. Far Traveler.
Short Stories
Bruchac, Joseph. Sports Shorts: An Anthology of Short Stories.
Lanagan, Margo. Black Juice.
Pierce, Tamora, and Josepha Sherman. Young Warriors: Stories of Strength.
Singer, Marilyn. Make Me Over: 11 Original Stories about Transforming Ourselves.
Fantasy
Flanagan, John. The Ruins of Gorlan.
Gardner, Sally. I, Coriander.
Gerstein, Mordicai. The Old Country.
Riordan, Rick. The Lightning Thief.
Shinn, Sharon. Truth-Teller’s Tale.
Watts, Leander. Ten Thousand Charms.
Horror/ Supernatural
Delaney, Joseph. Revenge of the Witch.
Horowitz, Anthony. Raven’s Gate.
Shan, Darren. Lord Loss.
Shusterman, Neal. Dread Locks.
Wooding, Chris. Poison.
Science Fiction
Haddix, Margaret. Double Identity.
Halam, Ann. Siberia: A Novel.
McNaughton, Janet. The Secret Under My Skin.
Pratchett, Terry. Only You Can Save Mankind.
Sleator, William. The Last Universe.
Biographies & Non-Fiction
Blumenthal, Karen. Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX.
Fleming, Candace. Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Remarkable Life.
Giblin, James Cross. Good Brother, Bad Brother: The Story of Edwin Booth & John Wilkes Booth.
Partridge, Elizabeth. John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth.
Scieszka, Jon. Guys Write for Guys Read.
Poetry
Carlson, Lori Marie. Red Hot Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Being Young & Latino in the U. S.
Hemphill, Stephanie. Things Left Unsaid: A Novel in Poems.
Janeczko, Paul B. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms.
Nye, Naomi Shihab. A Maze Me: Poems for Girls.
Rylant, Cynthia. Boris.
[Editorial Note: call numbers in brackets are for new orders and should be verified.]
11/05 CB
Newton Free Library
Newton, Massachusetts
http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net/reference/bibliographies/books_librarians_give_2005.htm