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Reviewer's Choice
The Future of Family Farms
Teresa Opheim, Editor
University of Iowa Press
119 West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
9781609384531, $24.95, www.uiowapress.org
The Future of Family Farms: Practical Farmers' Legacy Letter Project outlines a trend towards
the transfer of farmland in the U.S. due to the aging farmer (the average age is fifty-eight, with
forty percent of leasing farmers over sixty-five years old). The Farm Legacy Letter project was
developed by a nonprofit group to encourage farmers to think about the future of their land. This
collection gathers the letters and stories of these farmers under one cover, outlining the major
challenges to small-time agriculture in America in general and the Midwest in particular, and
considering how what kinds of farmers will make their living from the land, in the future. Any
collection strong in agriculture needs this hard-hitting consideration of the forces influencing the
American farm's future.
The Journalism Shelf
Skewed
Larry Atkins
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781633881655, $24.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
Skewed: A Critical Thinker's Guide to Media Bias is recommended reading for college-level
audiences interested in media and journalism, and focuses on advocacy journalism's bias and
processes and how different types of media structures create and influence news and public
perception. Chapters consider both the positive and negative roles of advocacy journalism and
provide a series of tools helpful in analyzing media presentations. In presenting discussions that
help craft a more informed audience, Skewed offers insights that are particularly recommended
for classroom discussion and debate for audiences already involved in media studies.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Goddess and God in the World
Carol P. Christ and Judith Plaskow
Fortress Press
P.O. Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1209
http://fortresspress.com
9781506401188, $29.00, www.fortresspress.com
Goddess and God in the World: Conversations in Embodied Theology comes from two feminist
theologians who met while each was earning her PhD in Religious Studies at Yale University,
and represents the third book they've worked on together - and, perhaps, the most revealing. Half
of the book is autobiographical in nature, describing each author's life and spiritual evolution.
The second half represents an interactive dialogue between the two, in which they consider the
elements and nature of the God and Goddess in the world. While the two friends and colleagues
have basic differences in perspective which are explored within this dialogue process, their
similarities, questioning attitude, and respectful discussion will prove intimate and revealing to
any who also feel close to spiritual alternatives in the world. From the metaphysical cause of evil
to the infinite nature of the divine, these conversations are recommended for feminist and
alternative spiritual thinkers alike.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Winter's Child
Margaret Coel
Berkley Books
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
9780425280324, $27.00, www.penguin.com
Winter's Child provides a satisfying "Wind River" mystery saga that continues a series, providing
a saga that will attract newcomers and prior fans alike. Myra and Eldon Little Shield find an
abandoned baby on their doorstep during a blizzard, and raise the girl as their own. Five years
later, she's ready for school - but her adoptive parents haven't faced the truth: that perhaps the
white child will be taken from them because they aren't her legal parents. They hire a lawyer
hoping to make the adoption official, but when the lawyer's run down, it's up to co-counsel Vicky
to unravel a series of clues that point to something more dangerous than a child's uncertain
heritage.
The Sports Shelf
Basketball Essentials
Ryan Goodson
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
97814925196114, $19.95, www.humankinetics.com
Basketball Essentials: Improve Ballhandling, Shooting, Rebounding, and All Aspects of Your
Game offers a close review of the basics of basketball, and adopts a 'learn as you do' approach to
the subject using black and white photos paired with sequential instruction to explain the basics
of how to play. Novice basketball players receive a survey of all the fundamental skills and how
to move them from basic to advanced in the course of practicing, and receive clear explanations
of strategies for offensive and defensive maneuvers in an exceptionally clear overview that
should be the starting point for any layer newly entering the game.
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Comic Book Fever
George Khoury
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614
9781605490632, $34.95, www.twomorrows.com
Comic Book Fever: A Celebration of Comics 1976-1986 captures the look and feel of a bygone
era of comic book enthusiasm, when comics of all types could be found in every local business,
artists proliferated, and comics were experiencing revolutionary trends from limited series
publications to new artists and real-world inspirations for comic book heroes. Chapters packed
with color photos from comics, ads, and media supplement interviews with major artists and
industry professionals with discussions of the social and artistic developments that helped
influence and change the comic book world and created a decade of powerful transformation,
lending to a book that is a fitting tribute for any comic book history enthusiast.
The Audiobook Shelf
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.hachetteaudio.com
Tom Wolfe's The Kingdom of Speech (9781478953166, $30.00) is presented as an unabridged
audio narrated by Robert Petkoff, a film and television actor who holds many credits to his name
and who lends a smooth and evocative voice to a startling examination of language and social
science - startling because Tom Wolfe is more commonly associated with powerful works of
fiction. This isn't to say that Wolfe doesn't employ some of his most successful fictional
approaches here, though: as he surveys Darwinism, evolution, language, and speech over human
history, he provides a riveting and often rollicking survey that lends well to a lively audio
presentation. Emma Donoghue's The Wonder (9781478911751, $30.00) receives a fine narration
by Kate Lock, whose voice successfully brings to life the story of English nurse Lib, trained by
Florence Nightingale herself, who is in a poor Irish village to investigate a pre-teen who has
eaten nothing for four months. Lib's job is to verify this - but it turns into something more than
exposing a hoax as Lib discovers the origins of true wonder in the world she thought she knew so
well. A powerful saga of discovery and revelation makes for a riveting account. Robert Hicks'
The Orphan Mother (9781478940579, $35.00) receives an engrossing coverage by Adenrele Ojo,
whose captivating voice is the perfect accompaniment of choice to tell of Mariah Reddick, a
former slave, whose post-Civil War career as a midwife to the women of Franklin, Tennessee is
once again about to change in the face of political struggle. This time it's her son who is involved
in a rally and a fight, and when murder happens, Mariah faces the destruction of everything she
knows, once again. This engrossing novel comes to life in audio. Amy Myers, MD's The Thyroid
Connection (9781478938675, $30.00) is narrated by Hilary Bogert who successfully and clearly
covers the highlights of a health guide on how to identify thyroid problems and understand their
impact on one's life. From exhaustion to brain fog and weight gain, a malfunctioning thyroid can
exhibit many symptoms attributed to other things. Here Dr. Myers shows how to work with one's
physician to get the tests and treatment that help identify thyroid problems and alleviate their
symptoms. James Patterson and Maxine Paetro's Woman of God (9781478941668, $35.00)
receives a vivid reading by Therese Plummer as it tells of a new pope who promises to be like
none other in history. Brigid's faith has always been locked in adversity and she faces vast
changes in her life at the same time as the Church is struggling for a new identity and meaning in
the world. Diverse purposes dovetail in this story of faith, renewal, and revolution. Maureen
Dowd's special brand of political commentary comes to life in The Year of Voting Dangerously:
The Derangement of American Politics (9781478964322, $35.00), a blend of pointed humor and
candid criticism of the 2016 election year's ironies and two candidates who have the highest
'dislike' rating of any other election. Dowd's background as a NY Times columnist who has
covered Trump and Clinton for decades lends a special authority to her vivid analysis, which
should be enjoyed by a wide audience of voters. Affinity Konar's Mischling (9781478912828,
$30.00) is narrated by Vanessa Johansson and includes an interview with the author as it tells of
Pearl and her twin sister, who are sent to Auschwitz with their mother in 1944 and who become
part of a terrible experiment by Mengele. When Pearl vanishes, her sister is convinced she's still
alive and a search evolves that is every bit as compelling as the struggle for survival. A powerful
saga evolves, which is especially engrossing and gripping in audio. Eowyn Ivey's To the Bright
Edge of the World (9781478964759, $35.00) is narrated by John Glouchrevich, Kiff
Vandenheuvel and Christine Lakin who bring to life an impressively compelling saga of survival
set in 1885 and revolving around an expedition to the wild Alaska Territory. As events continue,
the group makes discoveries while a pregnant wife left behind struggles with a winter that will
bring changes and challenges into her life. James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge's Bullseye
(9781478928164, $35.00) is read by Danny Mastrogiorgio and provides an engrossing Detective
Michael Bennett thriller revolving around a deadly encounter in Manhattan's Upper West Side,
where a storm hides the activities of a team of assassins on the hunt. Bennett may be the only
force standing between them and a new Cold War as politics and intrigue evolve into a gripping
confrontation that comes to life in audio. John C. Maxwell's Jump Start Your Priorities
(9781478909804, $15.00) benefits from Chris Sorensen's smooth and precise reading which
captures Maxwell's 90-day improvement plan. The focus on setting priorities for daily success
helps listeners stay organized and keep their eyes on their goals. It doesn't just say how to
develop strategies: it shows how to manage changing priorities in the process of achievement. All
are exceptional audios.
The Education Shelf
Creative Block Play
Rosanne Regan Hansel
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
9781605544458, $39.95, www.redleafpress.org
Creative Block Play: A Comprehensive Guide to Learning Through Building is another title that
should be in any early learning collection; especially those concerned with incorporating creative
block play into the curriculum. It focuses on how to use the simple block toy to foster a child's
creativity and ability to engage successfully with others, and photos and stories of different block
play activities create many ideas adults can apply to a child's playtime. From organizing a block
area and showing kids how to creatively handle loose parts to understanding various stages of
block play, Creative Block Play takes a relatively simple play tool and provides new connections
to learning.
Stenhouse Publishers
480 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101-3451
www.stenhouse.com
Jennifer Allen's second edition of Becoming a Literacy Leader (9781625310965, $33.33) covers
the author's work as she moved to a new school and position as a literacy specialist, and
examines what it means to assume such a role in supporting learning and change. While the first
edition of this book detailed her work and move, this latest continues the process of evaluating
her newfound role as a literacy guide, adding more information gleaned from the ten years since
her first discussion and surveying the basics of how she applied her job to the school community.
The result is more than just an update of events, but a re-assessment gained from further
experiences in the blossoming school system and new position, and is a highly recommended
reference for any teacher considering the role of a literacy leader. Kathy G. Short, Deanna Day
and Jean Schroeder edit Teaching Globally: Reading the World Through Literature
(9781571107923, $37.33) will reach teachers of grades K-8 with a discussion of how a global
curriculum operates and why it's important for students to know not only geographical facts
about other cultures, but their perspectives and social environment. The tips on how to
incorporate such a curriculum in an existing structure comes from an author who has developed
and applied her own framework, and shows teachers how to blend an expanded global focus into
existing literacy and social studies programs. From concrete examples of approaches that helped
open specific countries to students to tables and charts that offer data supporting case histories
and examples, Teaching Globally offers a powerful key to fostering student understanding. Vicki
Meigs-Kahlenberg's The Author's Apprentice: Developing Writing Fluency, Stamina, and
Motivation Through Authentic Publication (9781571109415, $33.33) is a year-long guide filled
with weekly lesson plans and strategies for encouraging students to write, and is an interesting
new approach that incorporates mentoring, middle grade to young adult published authors, and
ideas for turning notebooks, writing assignments, and projects into 'challenges' that spark student
interest. From creating characters to using National Novel Writing Month as an impetus for
extended writing projects beyond the usual essay or singular paper, The Author's Apprentice is an
inspiring survey that breathes new life into student creative writing projects. Kristin Ackerman
and Jennifer McDonough's Conferring with Young Writers: What to Do When You Don't Know
What to Do (9781625310392, $28.00) is for teachers of grades K-5 and any interested in helping
a child build early writing habits. The authors have been teaching writing for several years, and
though their classroom experiences and lesson plans they've created a structured program
specifically directed to writing teachers. Visual reproductions of student papers accompany
extensive notes from common core state standards to creating and keeping writing goals at the
forefront of creative assignments.
The Crafts Shelf
Making Art from Maps
Jill K. Berry
Rockport Publishers
c/o Quayside Publishing Group
400 - 1st Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1721
9781631591020, $24.99, www.quartoknows.com
Making Art from Maps: Inspiration, Techniques, and an International Gallery of Artists views
maps in a different light than geographer applications: it shows how artists around the world are
incorporating maps into fashion, sculpture, and even carved books and jewelry. The
project-oriented display includes step-by-step instructions, color photos, materials lists, and a
range of techniques for blending color maps into various projects. Brief autobiographical
sketches of each map artist and how they got started accompany these selections and round out a
crafts guide dedicated to taking maps to a whole new level of artistic endeavor, blending them
into everyday life decor.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Folk Art Quilted Traditions
Suzy Webster
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781683390077, $22.95, www.aqsquilt.com
Suzy Webster's Hungarian background led to her interest in Hungarian folk art which, when
combined with her penchant for quilting, offers some twelve inspired quilt blocks for newcomers
and advanced quilters alike in Folk Art Quilted Traditions. These blocks are then incorporated
into different projects that benefit from the folk art tradition. Chapters cover applique layering,
fusion, numbering pieces, and quilt stitching the results, creating a powerful gathering of
possibilities any quilter will want to know.
The Technology Shelf
Artech House Publishers
685 Canton Street, Norwood, MA 02062
www.artechhouse.com
James Sinopoli's Advanced Technology for Smart Buildings (9781608078653, $159.00) comes
from an expert in his field and provides a basic introduction to new technologies that can be used
for advanced smart buildings working with security, energy, and control systems. It's a
cutting-edge discussion that documents how information technology is changing the building
industry and how offices and homes are created, and it discusses the role of the facility data
manager and builder, various new smart technologies and their network requirements, how smart
technologies are utilized under different conditions, and specifications for future building. Protap
Pramanick and Prakash Bhartia's Modern RF and Microwave Filter Design (9781630811570,
$179.00) surveys the latest best practices for designing RF and microwave filters, offering
engineers and technical personnel a manual packed with information key to designing a filter
design software package, and using these filters in different mechanisms. Discussions of
prototypes, configuration requirements and processes, transmission lines, power capabilities are
accompanied by charts and formulas at every step, reinforcing this technical reference's
usefulness to practicing engineers.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
The Span of Empire
Eric Flint and David Carrico
Baen Books
PO Box 1188, Wake Forest NC 27588
9781476781532, $26.00, www.baen.com
The Span of Empire tells of a long battle against opponents who have been terrorizing the galaxy
- a battle looking for new soldiers as this book opens. Preceptor Ronz, guardian of Earth, is
sending an exploration fleet to gain more allies in the struggle; but the fleet's only find remnants
of intelligent species who have been slaughtered by the Ekhat. Even as they search for support,
the Ekhat are growing stronger as new warriors come into power. How can the Jao and their
contingent win such an impossible battle? Fans of military science fiction will find much to like
in this gripping saga of struggle and survival.
The Computer Shelf
Microsoft Access 2016 Programming By Example
Julitta Korol
Mercury Learning
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781942270843, $54.95, www.merclearning.com
Microsoft Access 2016 Programming By Example with VBA, XML, and ASP has been updated
for Access 2016 and provides programmers with the latest guide to the latest Access interfaces
and techniques. Like its previous editions, this "by example" coverage maintains the depth and
completeness of information, directs its detailed references to those already familiar with the
basics of Access, and blends in hands-on exercises with its wealth of programming specifics,
including code and real-world examples. These illustrated exercises form the foundation of a
book that is visually and textually clear on all the specifics of applying Access 2016's many new
tools to the latest objectives in the business and programming world, making it a top
reference.
Introduction to Scientific and Technical Computing
Frank T. Willmore, Eric Jankowski and Coray Colina, Editors
CRC Press
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781498745048, $79.95, www.crcpress.com
Introduction to Scientific and Technical Computing should be in any college-level collection
strong in science and engineering, as well as in many a practicing professional's library, and is
designed to help scientists with the basic techniques that can apply to scientific processes from
the computer world. Chapters offer direct routines and scientific research and analysis, covering
the basics of software engineering and providing references suitable for a wide range of scientific
disciplines. With its project examples including modification tips, practical issues and problem
points, software design and decision-making, and tips for creating new features, this is a solid
reference that reviews the entire process.
The Art Shelf
Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
Harriet Quick's Vogue: The Shoe (9781840916591, $125.00) appears in an oversized edition
including a clam shell case and presents lovely photos capturing amazing styles. Here are some
300 oversized color images of shoes that come from a hundred years of British Vogue,
accompanying an in-depth discussion of changing styles and the inspirational sources for their
creation. Besides being a 'must have' pick for fashion collections, a secondary strength of this
collection lies in its stunning photographic representations of shoes which come from some of
British Vogue's most talented artists. Luxurious, revealing, and opulent in structure and
presentation, Vogue: The Shoe is not to be missed by any fashion or photography artist or
collections catering to them. Judith Miller's Art Deco: Living with the Art Deco Style
(9781784721060, $39.99) traces the popularity of Art Deco among collectors and artists alike
and is recommended for any who want a basic overview of the movement, its origins, its
influence on the art world, and its lasting presence today. An oversized presentation packed with
illustrations discusses both specific artists and general impact of the Art Deco period, with
chapters displaying examples of works that have found their way into homes, public places, and
professional circles. Glassworks, clocks, pottery and sculpture are all covered as part of the
exploration of the wide-ranging applications of Art Deco beyond the usual architectural focus.
No arts collection should be without this sweeping overview of the style's many incarnations,
artists and examples.
The Cookbook Shelf
There's Always Room for Chocolate
Naomi Josepher, Jon Payson, and Georgia Freedman
Rizzoli
300 Park Avenue South, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10010
9780847848638, $32.50, www.rizzoliusa.com
There's Always Room for Chocolate: Recipes from Brooklyn's The Chocolate Room is
recommended reading for any cook who has already made numerous chocolate dishes from other
books but who seeks innovative, fresh new ideas. The Chocolate Room creates dishes that
incorporate high-quality ingredients with recipes both traditional and new. Here one will find
chocolate Canoes with Vanilla Cream Filling (a take-off on the Twinkie), an unusual Chocolate
Almond Flan, and a wide variety of puddings, cakes, and baked goods. Yes, there are Chocolate
Chip Cookies and Brownies, but there are also many new surprises, making for an inviting
cookbook packed with refreshing new ideas.
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
Dan Doherty's Toast Hash Roast Mash: Real Food for Every Time of Day (9781784721374,
$29.99) comes from a chef who focuses on comfort food recipe inspirations that have their roots
in breakfast and brunch dishes, but represent adaptations on a theme which may be served all
day. A wide variety of dishes are represented, from a Smoked Haddock, Crispy Onions and Curry
Sauce hash topped with poached eggs to an unusual consistency and flavor combination for
Rhubarb and Custard, or a sandwich variation on a burger, The Paddy Melt, made with Swiss
cheese, onion jam, pickles and minced beef. From classic Chicken and Waffles to Toffee Apple,
Mascarpone, Granola Crumble, the blends of sweet, savory, and familiar fare with original
innovations makes this a powerfully appealing collection. Kevin Dundon and Neil Cubley's The
Raglan Road Cookbook: Inside America's Favorite Irish Pub (9781784722364, $34.99) comes
from an Irish chef and a writer who focus on the traditional Irish pub and Dundon's Raglan Road
restaurant in Florida. Its unique pairing of Irish history and culture on both sides of the pond and
its recipes gleaned from the signature dishes of Raglan Road makes for an appealing, oversized
presentation packed with full-page color photos to accompany such fare as Beef & Irish Stout
Stew, Homemade Chicken Kiev, Lemon Zest Crusted Cod, Cherry Vine Tomatoes & Broad
Beans, and a fruit-cased Rhubarb Pannacotta. Nourish: Vibrant Salads to Relish and Refresh by
Amber Locke (9781784722326, $16.99) packs over a hundred salad recipes under one cover; and
if you're wondering how that many variations could be made on a single dish, read further. These
salads are designed to be eye-popping as well as delicious, pairing as many compatible colors as
possible into one fish, and in many cases, adding international flavors. Thus, one will find a
beautiful Massaged Kale Salad with Oranges & Cranberries, a Simple Carrot Salad consisting of
spiral slices of red cabbage, herbs, and peeled heirloom carrots, and an eye-opening Cauliflower
Salad made of cauliflower, okra, and edible flowers. "Vibrant" is the key here, and it's
represented in a combination of different slicing techniques and an attention to colorful detail to
make presentation of prime interest in the salad attraction process. It's always a special pleasure
to see a new Diana Henry book, and Simple: Effortless Food, Big Flavors (9781784722043,
$32.99) is no exception. Her books excel in taste combinations you won't find in every
cookbook, her ingredients are easy to find in ordinary supermarkets, and her approaches to
cooking lend an international flavor, yet present no complicated methods, making her books very
accessible to newcomers with little prior background in cooking. Here simple classics, such as
Chicken Piccata, appear alongside more inviting and unique dishes such as Artichokes, Carrots
and Preserved Lemons with Ginger & Honey or Baked Sausages with Apples, Raisins & Hard
Cider. The result is a mouth-watering gathering that represents classic Diana Henry attention to
foolproof dishes done with flair.
Kyle Books
www.kylebooks.com
c/o National Book Network
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com
Annie Rigg edits The Meat Free Monday Cookbook (9781909487499, $22.95), which doesn't
come from a restaurateur, but originated as a UK campaign to encourage people to eat less meat.
The idea was to make it an easy choice - and the campaign launched in the U.S. in 2003 as a
movement that's now in over forty countries. This vegetarian cookbook supports that movement,
offering menus for each of the 52 months of the year with two main dishes for each day and
supporting ideas for other meals of the deal. Packed with full-page color photos and recipes that
include many international influences, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will find much to like
here, from Risotto with Artichokes and Split Pea Dahl and Cauliflower Curry to Parsnip Gratin
and Eggplant and Dried Apricot Pastilla. Even cooks with plenty of cookbooks on Thai cooking
or curries will find much to like, and many new ideas, in 50 Great Curries of Thailand by
Vatcharin Bhumichitr (9781909487451, $14.95). While the title may sound as though its dishes
will be time-consuming, one of the pleasures of this book is its simple, easy instructions on how
to assemble a variety of curry pastes that then can be quickly added to any other dish in the book.
Access to an Asian or Thai market for such specialty ingredients as Kaffir lime leaves, pickled
bamboo shoots, or fresh lemongrass will make this cookbook a snap to use. Readers who go to
the effort of making these pastes (all the recipes are outlined in an introductory section) will find
the rest of the book's recipes require very minimal preparation, lending to its use by busy cooks
who want Thai curries that are quick to put together.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Outpatient Nutrition Care and Home Nutrition Support
Carol Ireton-Jones, PhD, RDN, Editor
CRC Press
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781498711029, $99.95, www.crcpress.com
Outpatient Nutrition Care and Home Nutrition Support: Practical Guidelines for Assessment and
Management is a nutrition support title recommended for any college-level healthcare collection
and for any professional reference library concerned about nutritional issues in home health
systems. It synthesizes the latest research and best practices information in nutrition for RDNs
and other professionals working outside of hospital settings, offering information specific to
assessing and meeting nutritional requirements in all kinds of settings. Common nutritional
problems and how to manage them receive clear direction in a guide that links risk factors and
management challenges with information specific to conditions commonly seen in home health
care settings, making for an invaluable reference nutritionists will need.
The Biography Shelf
Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life
Ruth Franklin
Liveright Publishing
c/o W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780871403131, $35.00, www.wwnorton.com
Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life provides a strong biographical study that blends history,
literature, and biography in a survey of Shirley Jackson like none other. It follows her mentors,
her struggle to balance her literary creations with her life as a wife and mother, and her depiction
of her trapped role as part of her horror writing (as in her powerful We Have Always Lived in the
Castle), and it offers a different view of Jackson's works and her controversial frankness in an era
where women's liberation wasn't a part of social thought. The result is more than another survey
of Jackson's works; but deeply probes their origins, their social influences, and the mentors and
life from which they evolved: essential reading for any student of Shirley Jackson's writings.
The American History Shelf
The Electrifying Fall of Rainbow City
Margaret Creighton
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393247503, $28.95, www.wwnorton.com
The Electrifying Fall of Rainbow City: Spectacle and Assassination at the 1901 World's Fair tells
of the year (1901) when Buffalo, New York hosted the world's fair meant to celebrate the
beginnings of a new century. Fair organizers envisioned it as a pinnacle of beauty and
achievement; but in fact the Buffalo Exposition became synonymous with murder, strife, and
protest. The key figures of this spectacle come to life in The Electrifying Fall of Rainbow City,
with chapters reading with the high drama and attraction of fiction as they present a captivating,
different viewpoint of an exposition's high and low moments. Vintage black and white images
pepper the story line and bring the times and its events to life in a coverage that should be part of
any American history holding.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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