Fall book review
A critique of 15 books from
Iowa authors and beyond
By Matt Miller, Jared Curtis, Shane Goodman, Karen Ericson and Laura Flaugher
Much of what people read today comes by way of gizmos and gadgets, but we at Cityview remind you that picking up a novel is great entertainment. In fact, reading a book can open an imagination of endless possibilities, and that’s why we are pleased to publish our third annual Fall Books Guide.
Inside, you will find nonfiction, fiction, novelty, children’s and travel reviews written by local authors that deserve to catch your eye. Many of these books won’t land on the list of the New York Times Best Sellers, but that doesn’t mean they are not worthy of recommendation. This week’s cover story is filled with reviews of books that are quick and easy reads, but some may take a bit longer. Go ahead, indulge yourself. We want you to, just as we did. These books will have you wanting to read others long after the first one is finished.
Fiction
“Wolf’s Blood”
By C.K. Casner
Eloquent Books; 194 pp; $25.50
Iowa’s own C.K. Casner howls with her debut novel, “Wolf’s Blood.” Dr. Jenna Westbooke is the newest resident at the small county hospital. After a long night of dealing with passive doctors, an abused wife, a town drunk and an accident victim, she head homes. But when she returns the next day, the accident patient is rapidly healing and makes some strange comments. After being suspended from the hospital, Jenna and her neighbor head out for a night on the town. But as they leave the bar, they have an encounter with a strange dog. As Jenna leads her neighbor away, the dog bites her on the hand. She soon has weird dreams, and her hair begins to grow. Jenna doesn’t understand the transformation she is going through, but let’s just say it’s of the full moon persuasion. “Wolf’s Blood” is an inventive, yet simple story (the first in a series) and should bring some love to the forgotten werewolf character, much like what “Twlight” did for vampires.
— Jared Curtis
“The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns”
By Elizabeth Leiknes
Bancroft Press; 167 pp; $21.95
The old saying of “never judge a book by its cover” drew me to this selection. What’s not to like about a cover sizzling with flames and the words “sin” and “Lucy?” I was hoping for adventures of sex, lies and drugs by author Elizabeth Leiknes, but soon after the prologue, I found out differently. It’s July 1976, and Lucy’s sister, Ellen, has just been killed in a bicycle-automobile accident. She died but was revived to a coma. Devastated by the news, Lucy sends a letter to “To Whom It May Concern” for Ellen to wake up, but in return agrees to “be forever in your debt.” While it may be a little out there, Ellen wakes up, and in the blink of an eye, Lucy has made a pact with Satan. Leiknes’ story is about good vs. evil and heaven and hell, but after 19 years of doing the Devil’s work, Lucy wants out. Just when it seems this black comedy can’t go any deeper, Teddy Nightingale, Lucy’s music idol, gives her the answer to rid herself from Satan. She can succeed, but the consequences are worse than death. This book will have readers thinking about life’s dilemmas and consequences in uneasy situations. Take a look, or one day it may be too late. — Matt Miller
“Dragon House”
By John Shors
New American Library; 368 pp; $15
A big fan of Asia’s history, people, food and natural beauty, Des Moines native and author John Shors shares the tale of two Americans set in modern-day Vietnam. Iris and Noah open a center to educate and house Vietnamese street children, but in doing so, they discover themselves in a country that has been filled with trials and tribulations from the last generation’s war. The success of the recently released “Dragon House” should come as no surprise to those familiar with Shors’ work. The bestselling author has won multiple awards for his first two novels — “Beneath a Marble Sky” and “Besides a Burning Sea” — which have been translated in more than 20 languages. Shors’ vivid descriptions and lessons of everyday life in Vietnam will tug at your heart and stay with you long after the book has been closed. — Matt Miller
“A Rainy Day Romance”
By Del Nett
Xlibris Corp.; 157 pp; $15.99
As the line between men’s and women’s sports continues to blur, author Del Nett’s account of a teenage girl’s struggle to compete in a boys’ soccer league while trying to find herself during adolescence details the awkward disparity. The novel matches Brad, the Rebels’ best player, with Stacy, who feels her game is on the same playing field as the boys. With time, the two develop a budding romance that matures with the flip of each page. While the book centers around the game of soccer, booklovers will find the novel to be enjoying, no matter if it’s a rainy day or not. — Matt Miller
“Dart”
By Phil Rustad
AuthorHouse; 235 pp; $18.95
With a lifelong interest in military and weapons, it comes as no surprise that Phil Rustad’s specialty is in a murder mystery. “Dart” shows the struggle of humankind’s good and evil in a story that takes place in the Twin Cities. Retired Minneapolis Homicide Det. Dan Neumann unravels this mystery thriller that involves a bank robbery, a bystander death, a circus trial and the acquittal of suspects. Oh, and let’s not forget an unknown weapon that can kill at great range. For a first-time author, Rustad has three things going for him that readers will enjoy — easy dialogue, short stories and a fairly short book. If you like “Dart,” be sure to check out Rustad’s new work “Alamo, North Dakota,” which will be available next year. — Matt Miller
“Stretch Marks”
By Kimberly Stuart
The B&B Media Group Inc; 288 pp; $14.99
Keeping my trend of reviewing at least one female, relationship, etc., selection (“Fall Book Guide,” “This Old Spouse,” Sept. 18, 2008), this year’s second pick is “Stretch Marks” by Kimberly Stuart. I haven’t the slightest idea about the intricacies of pregnancy, but this novel delves deep, showing the comedic yet poignant issues that mothers and daughters go through in the nine hard months and beyond. Mia Rathburn, a 20-something Chicago resident, discovers the harsh reality of becoming pregnant and being left on her own without her boyfriend, Lars. Her cruise ship hostess mother, Babs, timidly helps Rathburn, who realizes that single-parent life is difficult. While their relationship is rocky, the lessons learned in “Stretch Marks” will bring families that deal with this same issue closer together. Stuart doesn’t shy away from the issues of divorce, sex outside of marriage and single parenthood. — Matt Miller
“The Cradle”
Patrick Somerville
Little, Brown and Company; 208 pp; $21.99
Many books have been written on the premise of “Boy meets Girl” and are built on what follows that meeting. By page one of “The Cradle,” Boy has not only met but also wed and impregnated Girl. Weeks from giving birth to their first child, Girl (Marissa) ask Boy (Matt) to find a cradle for their baby. Not just any cradle, Marissa wants the exact cradle in which she was rocked as a baby. This cradle, with its supposed ties to the Civil War, has not been seen in over a decade when Marissa’s own mother left with the cradle and without explanation. This is a quixotic task to be certain, but Matt agrees and sets off to find this cherished item. On the face of it, “The Cradle” is a story of a husband trying to satisfy his pregnant wife’s most unusual craving — but it is more than that. Told in two intertwining stories, “The Cradle” is part impossible search, part road trip and part love story. It’s a tale of love and the things people do for love (or lack of it). It is also a tale of people who reach back to find the past and other people whose past comes back to find them. This book, simply written, is about connections and it will rock you. — Karen Ericson
“Of Bees and Mist”
By Erick Setiawan
Simon & Schuster; 416 pp; $25
Delve into the magical world “of Bees and Mist,” and you just might discover that you identify with the story being told. You’ll certainly be thinking about it for weeks to come. Teenaged Meridia inhabits a home of freezing cold temperatures and infuriatingly foggy mists. Ghosts appear in her mirrors. The stairways shorten and lengthen maliciously, depending upon how quickly she needs to climb or descend them. And her parents all but forget she exists, except when her father is expressing his disapproval.
Following this murky childhood existence, Meridia marries and moves into the home of her in-laws: the house of bees. This harsh environment leaves little room for love, leisure or mistakes. The magic is just as strong here, with roses that grow uncontrollably, chocking out anything that dares come near. Bravely investigating a strange buzzing noise, Meridia discovers a swarm of bees surrounding her father-in-law.
How then, with all this magic, can you be expected to identify with this story? “Of Bees and Mist” is a clever and entertaining portrayal of marriage and family. Meridia discovers how both her mother and mother-in-law have created these strange worlds of bees and mist, making their husbands’ and children’s lives a misery. Meridia continues to unravel mysteries as she discovers who her absent parents really are, battles the bees that threaten her marriage and struggles to find a balance that incorporates no nasty magic in her own household.
Erick Setiawan creates this fabulous, mythological world. This is his first novel, and I like to imagine his inspiration comes from a wild childhood in Indonesia (he was born there) and his wonderfully eclectic parents (they are Chinese); however after reading this novel, my imagination may have run away with itself. — Laura Flaugher
Non-Fiction
“Disabled Thoughts”
By Steven Paul Pritchard
Xlibris Corporation; 171 pp; $19.99
Author Steven Pritchard has seen his share of ups and downs. Growing up with a learning disability can be a difficult task, but through numerous stories, Pritchard ultimately succeeded, and the reader is a better person for experiencing the many trials and tribulations of his life. With a number of truly touching stories (Pritchard weaves in and out of time periods, with his heartbreaking stories of elementary school troubles, including bullies and name calling), the book tugs at the reader’s heart. But as Pritchard grows up, he becomes more confident in himself, and the book becomes an empowering tool for anyone who has ever been told he or she is not good enough or smart enough. Pritchard fought and won the battle many go through. I suggest anyone, especially those with learning disabilities, read “Disabled Thoughts.” — Jared Curtis
“Milo Powell, PI”
By T.W. Person
Xlibris Corp.; 132 pp; $19.99
T.W. Person is a licensed private investigator in the Des Moines area who shares strange, funny and sometimes serious stories from his 17 years of cases. He used the named Milo Powell a few times in his work, which led him to the book title. The stories are real but the subjects are kept anonymous, leaving central Iowa readers to wonder if they know the people he refers to. Some sound familiar, like the well-reported State Capitol tour guide who took a young girl for a private, but ultimately innocent, view. Person provides an honest depiction of life as a PI, with both the exciting and boring times. And then there are the disgusting moments, like when he discovered a deadbeat dad teaching toddlers how to have sex. This is an addicting read of compelling short stories, but the splattering of poorly scanned, low resolution line art added nothing of value. — Shane Goodman
Novelty
“Ants Are Stupid (100 Tips For Battling Office Ennui)”
By Margaret Cmelik
MEC Publications; 200 pp; $15
As the title refers, this book is full of tips to keep busy when time at work doesn’t fly by. The tips range from the truthful, yet odd ideas (Tip 44: “When a task is too large or too boring to contemplate, I pledge five minutes. Sometimes it’s enough to get some momentum and I finish it. Sometimes I just pretend to work on it while dreaming of eating roast pig at a luau and this idea fails miserably.”) to basic wonders (Tip 19: “I like to get my blood pumping with a little online gambling action. I’m not sure if it’s legal in the U.S., but is the Internet really in the U.S.?”) and even the extremely funny (Tip 57: “I sometimes pretend the Mob has threatened me. If I don’t get my work done, I will lose fingers, have my knees broken, or to be forced to attend early morning meetings.”) Each tip has a fun, related photo across the page, offering more enjoyment. Best of all is the tip the book is titled after, (Tip 28: “When I’m feeling lazy I watch ants. I like to watch the little guys working so hard and think, maybe I should be like the ant. Work without thought for self. Work for the common good. Work for the community. Work, work, work. Ants are stupid.”) I couldn’t have said it better myself. — Jared Curtis
“The Maxims of Manhood: 100 Rules Every Real Man Must Live By”
By Jeff Wilser
Adams Media; 224 pp; $14.95
Witty. Honest. Chauvinistic. Jeff Wilser writes what most men think but wouldn’t dare put in ink, at least not anywhere a woman could see. His “100 Rules Every Real Man Must Live By” should be required reading for every man who has watched a show with “dancing” in the title (Maxim No. 69). Great advice includes why you should support your friend’s crappy band (Maxim No. 77), why you should never ask another man how you look (Maxim No. 72) and why you should never be seen taking a granny shot (Maxim No. 19). Wilser says these are fundamental truths about manhood that serve as a code of behavior for men who would never use exclamation points or emoticons!!! :-) (Maxim No. 51). The book provides examples of Maxims in Action and the rare, but sometimes necessary, Maxim Exceptions. Most women would never get past the first few pages, which is exactly why this is a must read for all who have testicles. — Shane Goodman
“WTF? COLLEGE: How to Survive 101 of Campus’s Worst F*#!-ing Situations”
By Gregory Bergman and Jodi Miller
Adams Media; 247 pp; $9.95
College can be a tough time in anyone’s life. So, fortunately, Gregory Bergman and Jodi Miller have come up with 101 ways to survive the worst situations happening on college campuses. The ideas are broken down into 10 categories (orientation, dorm life, classin’ it up, flunked, party time, extracurricular, spring break, going greek, coed anatomy 101 and graduation) with a final exam at the end of the book. Each section has multiple options, with each a little different than the last, and includes special ideas for both men and women, as well as “Professor Tips.” The third option in the college rejection section reads as follows, “Stay Home with Mom and Dad: Fuck it. Get a job at Dairy Queen instead. Maybe you can work your way up to assistant manager or even manager one day. That’s when the big bucks start rolling in.” Along with numerous and hilarious options on spending too much on the credit card (“report it stolen”), your roommate stealing food (“poison the food”) and not knowing how to chug beer (“practice makes perfect”), there is a hefty slang list of words for masturbation. But my favorite idea in the book is the third option dealing with campus housing being full, “Become a Gigolo: Find a different girl to hook up with every night and just stay at her place.” This is the perfect way to stay classy while making new friends and enemies this fall. — Jared Curtis
Travel
“Glimpses of Iowa’s Capitol”
By Rosa Snyder
Sycamore Publishing; 36 pp; $9.95
Few could understand Iowa’s Capitol like Rosa Snyder. She describes in great detail the nuances of this historic gem that too many Iowans take for granted. Snyder doesn’t. She couldn’t. As a restoration painter and art teacher, she appreciates the grandeur of our state’s most beautiful structure. And as a tour guide and “history detective,” she may be one of the most knowledgeable people in all things related to the Capitol. The beauty of Iowa’s State Capitol is magnificently captured in this pictorial collection in exquisite detail with nearly 50 past and present photos and explicit text, describing and showing the restoration. Facts, figures and trivia — edited well by Carol McGarvey — make this a truly educational read for all Iowans. -— Shane Goodman
Children
“Peanut Loves Tomatoes”
By R.R. Ficek
Xlibris Cooperation; 37 pp; $21.99
R.R. Ficek provides a fun-loving tale of a squirrel named Peanut, who — you guessed it — loves tomatoes. He spends his days on Mr. and Mrs. Louie’s farm, interacting and running amok with other animals including Mr. Mouse and Mable the blue jay. But even though his days are filled with fun, he has to be on the lookout for Catcher, the prowling cat, and a noisy yellow lab named Skip. After Mr. Louie puts up a birdhouse, Peanut finds a new treat meant for the birds. But soon after enjoying the taste, he is chased away and Mr. Louie puts grease on the pole, denying access to the furry creature. Peanut continues to store walnuts and tomatoes before the first frost comes. After the snow falls, Peanut meets another squirrel named Blossom, and they become good friends. “Peanut Loves Tomatoes” is filled with plenty of colorful illustrations of the characters and makes it easier to follow along, even if the story is a tad too long for a children’s book. — Jared Curtis CV
