Tulsa Book Review - January 2017

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JANUARY 2017

the cause of religion. Charlemagne would oversee vast land holdings and would attempt to Christianize conquered areas and their people. His fear of the apocalypse would guide his journey. His death would only lead to more fighting among his kin.

The life of Charlemagne is told from a skeptical point of view in areas, as the myth and the truth have become blurred over time. Johannes Fried has put forth a valiant effort in untangling the wheat from the chaff in Charles the Great’s life. Charlemagne is viewed as a flawed leader who cared about his kingdom and his religion, even if his approach could be questioned. An excellent view of a mysterious monarch.

Category

History

SPIES IN THE CONGO: AMERICA’S ATOMIC MISSION IN WORLD WAR II

By Susan Williams PublicAffairs, $28.99, 432 pages Reviewed by C.D. Quyn Check this out!

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HITLER: ASCENT, 1889-1939

By Volker Ullrich Knopf, $40.00, 1008 pages Reviewed by Owen Hamill Check this out!

The introduction of Hitler: Ascent, 1889-1939 makes clear there are four seminal biographies of Adolf Hitler. With that, Volker Ullrich—author of what is now surely the fifth—tasks his own work with justifying its place in the canon, something he does by focusing on Hitler as a human being. Deemphasizing—although certainly not ignoring—the social and political contexts of his rise to power, Hitler: Ascent treats its subject as a man worthy of study not because of the power he ruthlessly seized, but because of his personality’s dizzying dualities that left even his inner circle in the dark as to his true self.

Separating Hitler the man from Hitler the myth is no easy task, considering Hitler the man was the architect of much of his own myth. Consequently, Mr. Ullrich expends vast amounts of energy clarifying misconceptions of Hitler. It’s an incredibly thorough approach, although occasionally needlessly so: a rumor that Hitler was under a hypnotic spell during his rule over the Third Reich hardly deserves debunking. But it’s indicative of Mr. Ullrich’s detailed approach, and what’s remarkable is that, stripped of all sensational rumors, Hitler emerges even more terrifying for being human.

CALIPHATE: THE HISTORY OF AN IDEA

By Hugh Kennedy Basic Books, $27.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali Check this out!

ISIS uses the promise of being an Islamic caliphate to recruit Muslims to its ranks. The caliphate dissolved with the demise of the Ottoman Empire in the early twentieth century. However, dreams of an Islamic caliphate have been harbored by various Muslims across the world. ISIS today portrays a specific image of the caliphate and deems it as being “Islamic” (in the sense that it should be affirmed by all Muslims the world over).

This book traces the idea of a caliph through history up to contemporary times. It begins with the first four caliphs after the death of Muhammad and the caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty, devoting a chapter to each. The next three chapters (over a third of the book) cover the Abbasid caliphs. The next chapter discusses how three medieval Muslim thinkers viewed the caliphate, followed by a chapter on the Shia’s view. This is followed by a chapter apiece on the Umayyad and Almohad caliphs in Muslim Spain. The Mumluks and Ottomas are covered in a single chapter (a mere twenty pages). The last chapter (only ten pages) covers the caliphate from the early twentieth century to contemporary times.

While the early history is interesting, the same insight and depth is not afforded to the last two chapters. As these chapters are chronologically closer to us, readers may be more interested in the later chapters as they more directly relate to current events. The book explores three main overarching questions: how should the caliph be chosen, what should be his powers, and how did the various caliphs use (or abuse) their powers? In the end, this is more of a historical narrative than one on current affairs. Readers may be struck by the vast diversity in how the Muslim communities addressed the issues this book explores.

CHARLEMAGNE

By Johannes Fried Harvard University Press, $39.95, 688 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out!

At the end of his storied life, Charlemagne was troubled over dying in sin. He sought salvation in his last days. He was devout but engaged in sin, marrying multiple times, engaging in affairs, conducting reigns of terror in times of war against rival groups.

His succession to his father’s throne was paved with family infighting, arranged marriages, partnerships with the clergy.

Charlemagne’s reign would last from 768-814. Charlemagne would rule with an iron hand, banishing familial rivals to solitary lives in monasteries or disappearing them altogether. War was seen as a form of renewal. Charlemagne would battle with the Lombards and Saxons, and wars would be legitimized with

Behind the scenes, hidden in the shadows, CIA, MI6, and exKGB agents all whisper assassination plots to keep secrets in the Congo, the world’s richest source of uranium used for nuclear fission. Somehow the author, Dr. Susan Williams, managed to unearth secrets buried in the Shinkolobwe Mine and live to tell us about it. Her award-winning journalism launched UN investigations into the mysterious death of the UN Secretary General, and as a result, the film A United Kingdom was made.

America’s involvement in securing this cache of uranium, in a race against Nazi Germany during WWII to build the first atomic bomb, was so top-secret that there is no record of the four leading spies who conducted operations for the OSS, a precursor to the CIA. Nevertheless, Williams stitches together the cloak-and-dagger action through extraordinary means. “It was as if the West African stations and their agents never existed.”

Although now officially closed, the mine still supports a lively trade in contraband ore to Hezbollah, who in turn exports to Iran. “[F]reelance miners still go to the site to dig out uranium and cobalt.” No small wonder, then, that spies still hide in the Congo.

A KINGDOM OF THEIR OWN: THE FAMILY KARZAI AND THE AFGHAN DISASTER

By Joshua Partlow Knopf, $30.00, 432 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out!

Hamid Karzai would be the chosen one to lead Afghanistan, post 9/11, post Taliban overthrow. Karzai had previously extolled the rule of the Taliban but quickly grew wary of their fundamentalism and potential for tyranny. Karzai would collaborate with the CIA in battling the Taliban, and he would emerge as the predominant leader after the assassination of Ahmed Shah Massoud. The alliance with the US would last over a tumultuous decade, with initial success in the War on Terror.

As the years went on, Karzai would be challenged by charges of corruption and drug running involving his brother Ahmed Wali.

His reign would also be highlighted by factional challenges and assassination attempts. His military expertise would be questioned as the Taliban gained ground, and the Obama administration would take office and begin to shirk from outright support of Karzai. Hamid Karzai would need to navigate rough waters in his time as leader.

A Kingdom of Their Own explores the leadership of one of the US’s tentative allies in the Global War on Terror. The Karzais are viewed from many angles: as diplomatic envoys, military leaders, politicians. Some hold positive views, others lean negative. Karzai’s reign can be more described as a stalemate. The man himself is an enigma but fascinating nonetheless.

HIS FINAL BATTLE: THE LAST MONTHS OF FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT

By Joseph Lelyveld Knopf, $30.00, 416 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out!

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had already transcended history as the first three-term President of the U.S. He had battled polio, the Great Depression, and various political foes and basked in adulation of the populace. As of 1943, World War II was turning in the Allies’ favor but was not a sure thing. Alliances were still being cemented with the USSR, and Roosevelt’s health was starting to decline. The Russians and the Americans were each concerned with battles on the European and Asian fronts, but no definitive plans had been reached. Roosevelt was hearing different opinions with respect to the Soviets from his advisors. The war was a few years in, but a post-war future loomed. As 1944 began, FDR debated running for a fourth term...Health and politics weighed equally. FDR would run a limited campaign with a new VP running mate and defeat Tom Dewey, but his days would be numbered. The war would consume FDR until his final breath on April 12, 1945.

Joseph Lelyveld’s biography of the thirty-third President puts the last eighteen months of his life under a fine lens. The troubles facing the country and the world placed a heavy burden on an increasingly weakened Roosevelt. His heart condition was kept a secret and his blood pressure was skyrocketing, but Roosevelt kept working toward peace. Lelyveld has done a great service by illustrating the perils of leading a country.

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 2

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IN THIS ISSUE History...........................................................2 Nonfiction.................................................. 4, 5

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Speculative Fiction.........................................9 Kids’ Books............................................. 10, 11 Kids Read......................................................11

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Crime Fiction................................................12 Biographies & Memoirs................................13 Bestsellers Coming Soon...............................13

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Category

Nonfiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.

WHERE TO GO WHEN: THE WORLD’S BEST DESTINATIONS

By Craig Doyle (editor) DK Eyewitness Travel, $20.00, 336 pages Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali Check this out!

Fortunately, this book follows very much in DK’s tradition of well-organized text and gorgeous photography. The book is divided into twelve chapters (one for each month). At the beginning of each chapter, there are brief descriptions (a couple of sentences) of thirty vacation spots appropriate for that month.

These are divided into six categories (festivals and culture, unforgettable journeys, natural wonders, luxury and romance, active adventures, and family getaways). There are five recommendations in each category. Each of the thirty recommendations either has page numbers where it is explored in greater detail or a website for readers to explore on their own. Those that are featured (eleven destinations per month) take up a double page that has more dazzling photography, a description, how to get there, accommodations, places to eat, and a suggested five- or seven-day itinerary (a few itineraries do go to up to two weeks, and a few others are as short as three days).

Each of these also refers the reader to websites for more info.

While the book itself is excellent in its layout and pictures, some of the websites are dead. Also, this work is virtually identical to an earlier one (also by DK and with the same title). Of the eleven featured destinations per chapter (one-hundred and twenty-three total), only five were replaced with new ones. In each case, the replacements were closer to America than those in the earlier 2007 edition. The pictures make this book an exquisite coffee-table book or a great gift for those who love to travel (or dream of traveling). It is also a superb starting point for those exploring possible vacation spots.

WHO SHOT SPORTS: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY, 1843 TO THE PRESENT

By Gail Buckland Knopf, $45.00, 344 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!

Sports photography is an artistic world all its own, and never before has it seen such appreciation and love than in Who Shot Sports, a collection celebrating the photos and photographers that created legends, captured iconic moments, and chronicled the highs, lows, and magic in sports history.

Disagree? Just look at the different newspaper covers for the Cubs’ World Series win to see the difference between sports photographers and the rest. It’s night and day.

Photos here range from those in the middle of the action to those off the field, from posed to natural, plus glimpses of fans, coaches, crowds, and support staff. And all sports are represented, from Olympic events and pro sports to lucha libre, extreme sports, and Quidditch. There are even photos by Stanley Kubrick and Leni Riefenstahl.

Plus, we’re granted an all-access pass to the lives and stories of the photographers who captured these moments. We learn about a baseball great signaling his favorite photographer before bunting, or how you can see a disappointed photographer between Ali’s legs in the famous photo of him standing over Sonny Liston.

This is an art book and the history of sports reporting all in one. It’s beautiful and fascinating in equal measure.

RETHINK: THE SURPRISING HISTORY OF NEW IDEAS

By Steven Poole Scribner, $26.00, 352 pages Reviewed by Aron Row Check this out!

There is nothing new under the sun, a cliche that British writer Steven Poole examines in great detail, specifically in the area of ideas. Current innovations that are now broadcast as brilliant findings actually have a history of having been seeded in earlier times. In the realm of evolution, the now well-regarded biologist Lamarck in the late eighteenth century had his theory of acquired characteristics ruefully dismissed, yet his notion of environmental influence on genes has now been revived in epigenetic research. A new viable anti-malarial drug was developed from a plant described in an ancient Chinese textbook. Before bacteria were recognized as carriers of disease, Semmelweis instituted a regime of disinfectant hand washing and was laughed

out of the medical profession. Greek philosophers pondered the makeup of matter, which developed into atomic theory. A tract written by a Chinese general around 500 BCE included strategies that are still used by the military, bankers, and criminals. The name Tesla should call to mind both the far-seeing inventor and the auto that honors his name. New ideas need time to mature, and their rawness frequently chafes the unexposed spectator. In this lengthy review of current innovations, the author advises us to first review the history of the idea to see how it has adapted to the prevailing culture.

SEINFELDIA: HOW A SHOW ABOUT NOTHING CHANGED EVERYTHING

By Jennifer Keishin Armstrong Simon & Schuster, $26.00, 320 pages Reviewed by Owen Hamill Check this out!

Benefiting from the initial network apathy that allowed them more creative control, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David created Seinfeld, a sitcom that “commanded the commercial realm like no sitcom before it.” Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s book about a show about nothing, Seinfeldia, is interested in not only the massively successful show but also its continued interaction with the real world. What has resulted is the bizarre titular realm, where holidays like Festivus and people like J. Peterman are simultaneously real and not.

Ms. Armstrong necessarily begins with the show itself, which imitated the real world long before the reverse was true. Here, she makes a strong case for the show’s unique reputation, from the absence of stage directions in its scripts to its pioneering of a single camera, on-location approach to filming. And because an argument between Seinfeld and David about the inclusion of Kramer in the series can only have one outcome, the book streamlines the general narrative, instead adopting a more anecdotal style that succeeds in fleshing out an increasingly bizarre in-between world where Festivus is attacked

by Fox News as a threat to Christmas and characters based on real people come to life alongside their real-world inspirations.

CONVERSATIONS WITH MCCARTNEY

By Paul Du Noyer The Overlook Press, $29.95, 352 pages Reviewed by Ryder Miller Check this out!

In Conversations with McCartney music journalist and music magazine editor Paul Du Noyer gives an interesting inside account of the career of music idol Paul McCartney. The book is not all interviews, but Du Noyer tells stories and shares a lot of what McCartney has to say in this biographical treatment.

There were many chapters in McCartney’s career, starting with bands he played with before the Beatles, his meetings with other band members to become the Beatles, the life and times of the Beatles, the life and times of Wings, and his later career.

Du Noyer fills the readers in on the details of these episodes and what Paul said to him about them. They were in contact for generations despite the changes in McCartney’s career.

The Beatles’ section could have been longer, but there are other books about them. McCartney was not as famous in his later career, but he still produced many famous love songs. John Lennon called him “the king of syrup,” but McCartney acknowledged that he was at times silly, but he pressed on to try to change the world. McCartney was versatile, prolific, and gifted. The music world is still lucky to have this living legend, even if one preferred the other Beatles band members.

LET THERE BE LAUGHTER: A TREASURY OF GREAT JEWISH HUMOR AND WHAT IT ALL MEANS

By Michael Krasny William Morrow, $19.99, 304 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!

Whether they’re the writers, comedians, and performers bringing the jokes to life or they’re the butt of the joke, the Jewish people have a long and curious history with comedy.

Let There Be Laughter breaks down more than a hundred jokes about Jews, providing cultural and historical insight into the mindsets and movements that inspired these jokes.

And what could have simply been another repository of jokes about thrifty men, shrewish women, and overbearing mothers instead becomes a cultural touchstone, a scholarly analysis of the roots of each joke, its stereotypes, its hidden truths and ugly dark sides, and why we tell them at all.

I was thoroughly impressed by Krasny’s ability to tie significant historical or social value to nearly any joke in his arsenal, covering everything from the rise of gallows humor during the Holocaust to jokes that cross unexpected cultural lines (like the one about the Jewish and Japanese samurai). Krasny not only makes you laugh, but he makes you pause and really think about where that laugh comes from. It’s great stuff.

Let There Be Laughter puts Jewish humor under the microscope, creating a deeper, more worthwhile read than you’ll expect.

See ART OF WAITING, cont’d on page 5

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 4

Book Reviews

Nonfiction

It’s hard to accurately describe the pain of infertility to someone who has never experienced it. And yet, a surprisingly high portion of the population has experienced infertility in some form, and those readers will take great solace in the eloquently-worded essays in Belle Boggs’s new book. The Art of Waiting details the author’s journey through infertility and various forms of treatment, from artificial insemination up through in vitro fertilization. Along the way, she explores other related topics such as famous plays and movies that deal with infertility, writers who have explored their feelings on the topics in their own books, virtual and in-person infertility support groups, the perils of adoption, and the strange world of international surrogacy. Readers are bound to learn a lot about all these topics, and they will gain a valuable first-hand look at exactly how infertility affects people.

This is not a book to be read quickly but one that will demand your full attention for the period of time it takes to read each chapter, and it’s one that will have you taking frequent breaks in order to digest what you’ve just read.

A PLANT-BASED LIFE: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO GREAT FOOD, RADIANT HEALTH, BOUNDLESS ENERGY, AND A BETTER BODY

By Micaela Cook Karlsen, T. Colin Campbell (Foreword) AMACOM, $16.95, 352 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out!

There is a lot of sound science out there to back up the healthfulness of a plant-based diet, but it is a huge challenge to transition from the “standard American diet” to one without meat, eggs, or milk. That’s where a book like A Plant-Based Life comes in. Author Micaela Cook Karlsen recognizes how daunting it might seem and understands that many need more than facts and recipes to stick with it, and her book provides a step-by-step action plan to help. Readers will be able to pinpoint what motivated them to go plant-based in the first place, they’ll get a solid education in what is (and isn’t) part of a plantbased diet, and they’ll get advice on how to build habits, create a supportive environment, and connect with other like-minded individuals. And, of course, there are pages of actual recipes to help you get started. Karlsen clearly knows the challenges and potential pitfalls of such a major life change, and the helpful, encouraging tone of this book is sure to help people who need a little boost.

in the same environment.

The book is split into six parts, which reveal the types of sexist men (and women!) one might encounter in a toxic workplace environment and what to do about it. From overtly sleazy behavior bordering on sexual harassment to more subtle behaviors that toe the line, reading Feminist Fight Club will help the working woman develop tactics to parry sexism. More importantly, Feminist Fight Club identifies ways women might sabotage themselves, from downplaying their accomplishments to being too quiet and sheepish for fear of appearing shrill. As a woman who has worked in highly toxic work environments, I felt empowered by Feminist Fight Club not just to advocate for myself but to be supportive toward other women.

SKEWED: A CRITICAL THINKER’S GUIDE TO MEDIA BIAS

By Larry Atkins Prometheus Books, $24.00, 360 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!

I’m writing this review on election night, which seems wholly appropriate given that the subject of Skewed is media bias, and that has been a hot-button issue all election.

Skewed is an in-depth study of the evolution of journalism in America, from political papers and penny-press outlets to the blogging revolution and the modern 24-hour news cycle, exploring what journalism meant then and means today. And it’s pretty eye-opening to consider just how much the idea of journalism has changed in just a few hundred years.

Atkins delves into fact-checking organizations, media literacy, and how to recognize media bias, even posing a grand debate of the pros and many, many, MANY cons of advocacy journalism. This is not only a history of journalism, it’s a treatise on how it’s up to us as consumers of media to be better filters because we can’t trust the news to be unbiased (whether the bias is there or not).

Atkins, like most great teachers, gives us the tools and allows us to develop them ourselves, hopefully breeding smarter media consumers. Skewed feels like a solid first step toward building better media literacy, something we desperately need.

DOGS IN CARS

By Lara Jo Regan Countryman Press, $16.95, 144 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

This book is exactly what the title promises—photographs of dogs in cars. But don’t let the simplicity of that statement fool you. This book is just plain fun. Imagine the backseat of a very See DOGS IN CARS, cont’d on page 15

a n d

THE ART OF WAITING: ON FERTILITY, MEDICINE, AND MOTHERHOOD

By Belle Boggs Graywolf Press, $16.00, 224 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out!

THE HEALTHIEST DIET ON THE PLANET: WHY THE FOODS YOU LOVE-PIZZA, PANCAKES, POTATOES, PASTA, AND MORE-ARE THE SOLUTION TO PREVENTING DISEASE AND LOOKING AND FEELING YOUR BEST

By John McDougall HarperOne, $27.99, 224 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out!

Carbohydrates have been getting a bad reputation among certain food circles, but they don’t deserve that kind of vilification.

The truth is that most populations of humans throughout history have relied primarily on grains and starchy vegetables for the bulk of their nutrition and calories. While there is a very small subset of the population that can’t digest gluten properly, most people enjoy better health when their diet is primarily plants, including wheat and other grains; potatoes and other root veggies; legumes; and other, non-starchy fruits and veggies. And that’s exactly the kind of diet Dr. John McDougall promotes in The Healthiest Diet on the Planet. McDougall has been using evidence-based diets to help heal people from inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, and excess weight for decades. His book describes the science behind why it works, offers a clear-cut plan for healthy eating, and provides plenty of recipes (all of which are completely plant-based) to get readers started. With recipes like Almond French Toast, Curried Yam Stew, Layered Tex-Mex Lasagna, and Chocolate Fruit Fondue, everyone is sure to find something that sounds tasty while improving their health along the way!

FEMINIST FIGHT CLUB: AN OFFICE SURVIVAL MANUAL (FOR A SEXIST WORKPLACE)

By Jessica Bennett Harper Wave, $24.99, 336 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out!

When you work in a sexist workplace, it’s easy to become disillusioned, bitter, and combative, even toward other women who could advocate for you. Jessica Bennett’s Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual (For A Sexist Workplace) is the perfect guide for women to learn about workplace sexism. The book is not only a useful tool for navigating workplace sexism, but it can help women be encouraging allies and mentors to other women

p r e s e n t

BRANDO SKYHORSE

Winner of the Pen/Hemingway Award

Thursday, Jan. 26 • 7 p.m.

AHHA-Hardesty Arts Center • 101 E. Archer St. Presented in partnership with Tulsa Artist Fellowship

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 5

THE DOLLHOUSE: A NOVEL

By Fiona Davis Dutton, $26.00, 304 pages Reviewed by Meghana Hulsure Check this out!

Category

Fiction

This novel about the Barbizon Hotel--referred as “The Dollhouse”--follows two parallel stories of women in two different eras in New York City. Rose, a journalist living at the Barbizon that is now converted into condos, becomes curious about the older occupant, Darby McLaughlin, a recluse. She begins to investigate what happened to Darby while her own life begins to fall apart.

The Dollhouse is fast paced and this time-shifting story is very hard to put down. The parallel run of stories is very gripping and enjoyable. In fact, it is a surprisingly good book for a debut writer. All the characters in this book are interesting and their stories very realistic. It is easy to connect to the characters’ points of view. The plot slowly reveals itself like a movie and ends on a convincing note. However, at times it feels like there is too much going on in the story and it drags for a few pages. Davis’s style of writing is effortless and visual; and she makes it easy to picture the scenes in the mind.

Overall, a brilliant and page-turning book.

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THE EARLY STORIES OF TRUMAN CAPOTE

By Truman Capote Random House, $16.00, 178 pages Reviewed by Julia McMichael Check this out!

Some writers seem like they were born writers. This volume makes a strong case that Capote’s literary gifts were innate.

The stories are simple and direct, but the style is unmistakably Capote. They were written when Capote was in his teens and early twenties and were discovered in the archives of the New York Public Library. Twenty-one other books were published by Capote both during his lifetime and posthumously. His unfinished novel Answered Prayers cost him what few friends he had left. Like all good writers, Capote was a keen observer. He was dismayed when he realized that his good friends did not realize that they were but fodder for his pen.

This small book is wonderful. The stories are short and crisp.

His observations seem like they are from someone much older. The reader can sense the alienation that Capote deeply felt because of his unusual manner and voice. If you have been a fan of Capote at his best (In Cold Blood) or loved his insights into his characters, you will be astonished by this wonderful volume.

THE VERSIONS OF US

By Laura Barnett Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $26.00, 416 pages Reviewed by Sarah Perry Check this out!

The Versions of Us is an intricate tale spanning three alternate realities in the lives of Eva and Jim. The realities are set into play when Eva and Jim meet, by chance, in between classes at Cambridge University in England. After the first chapter, we see their meeting in two other realities, and we follow all three for the rest of the book.

Everyone finds themselves asking the question “what if” at some point in their life, and this book does an amazing job of delving into that question. Beautifully written with realistic and memorable characters, this is definitely a book worth reading, but it will take some time. Readers may want to actually take notes to remember what happens in each reality, otherwise the potential of getting confused can be fairly high. But the magic of the book is in its possibilities, both in the words on the page and the ideas it inspires in the reader.

This isn’t a fluffy romance, but it’s a rewarding love story nevertheless. Kudos to author Laura Barnett for pulling it off so beautifully.

THE HATING GAME: A NOVEL

By Sally Thorne William Morrow Paperbacks, $14.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Nadia Caballero Check this out!

Lucy Hotton and Joshua Templeman have been at each other’s neck since Gamin Publishing and Bexley Books have emerged to save them from financial hell. Both hate each other so much that it becomes small games for them, like “The Staring Game” and “The HR Game.” Lucy is sweet and friendly to everyone, while Joshua is cold and intimidating. These polar opposites were both notified of a promotion opportunity. Their relationship of constant one-upsmanship is altered when a earth-shattering kiss happens on a normal elevator ride. Lucy and Joshua now have to re-evaluate their “hate” relationship that might not be so full of hate anymore.

Sally Thorne’s debut novel was amazing. I really enjoy books with this trope, and this one has made it close to the top of my personal favorites. I loved Lucy’s personality and sense of humor, and those two elements were well portrayed in Thorne’s writing. I also enjoyed how this intimidating character of Joshua was so kind and vulnerable with Lucy and how he did enjoy their little games just as much as Lucy did. The banter between the two characters was fantastic. I do want to read more of Thorne’s works in the near future.

LEAVE ME: A NOVEL

By Gayle Forman Algonquin Books, $26.95, 352 pages Reviewed by Rebecca Williams Check this out!

Like the Energizer Bunny, Maribeth just keeps going. She is an editor at a fashion magazine, mother to four-year-old twins, and lucky wife to a radio DJ. In fact, she keeps going, even while suffering symptoms of a heart attack. After emergency surgery, she returns home to her family, where everyone relies on her and expects her to bounce back because no one else can organize them as well. Maribeth quickly realizes she will not be able to fully recuperate in that environment, so she packs up her bag and leaves. Just like that. Forman’s story is a fantasy to many overworked mothers who would love to just get in the car and drive away – not that they don’t love their families, but sometimes it just gets to be too much. The new friends that M.B. meets and her search for her biological mother move the story along quickly. Like Scary Mommy and other Internet mothers who embrace the fact that true motherhood is not all grape juice and white sofas, the story of Maribeth helps to alleviate the selfish feelings all busy mothers feel when they have that urge to just keep driving…and leave it all behind.

EVERYTHING LOVE IS

By Claire King Bloomsbury USA, $27.00, 384 pages Reviewed by Meghana Hulsure Check this out!

Everything Love Is is a poignant and compelling story of love and happy endings that will truly capture your heart. It is a story of Baptiste Molino, who was born on a train and was adopted afterwards by loving parents. He now lives on a houseboat near Toulouse and works as a therapist; but his obscure past keeps haunting him. He doesn’t know exactly where he came from.

Although the central theme of this book is love, the notion of love is explored in a refreshing manner. Don’t let the title mislead you; it is nothing like a “boy-meets-girl” kind of romantic love story. Claire King is a gifted writer. Her writing is captivating, and her vivid descriptions will pull you into the story to witness the lives of the characters through their eyes. At the beginning, you will end up confused as the story alternates between narrators. But do hold on for a rewarding journey to the end.

Everything Love Is is simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting. It is an intense book meant to savor and contemplate.

TODAY WILL BE DIFFERENT

By Maria Semple Little Brown and Company, $27.00, 272 pages Reviewed by Caryn Shaffer Check this out!

Today Will Be Different is a woman’s day-long odyssey that begins with a goal of semi-mindfulness.

Eleanor is a flighty middle-aged woman with a seemingly normal life in Seattle. The book takes place over one day, in which her son, Timby, fakes being sick to get out of school and Eleanor’s husband goes missing. Eleanor traverses the city, with some of her childhood and early adulthood memories coming back to haunt her.

Today Will Be Different is an uncomfortably funny book. While flashbacks show moments between Eleanor and her sister, Ivy, those moments are cut with almost slapstick comedy. Eleanor drops her phone into a bait bucket after receiving an unnerving phone call. She swipes an insufferable mother’s keys because she can, and when she tries to anonymously return them, the situation turns into a bigger deal than it needed to be. Each scene thrums with tension and anxiety, and there’s no saying which scenes will end with nervous humor or unspeakable tragedy.

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 6

Book Reviews

Fiction

Maria Semple’s novel is fast paced, heartfelt, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable. Mothers who feel like they never quite have it all together will be able to relate.

cover art is quite magnificent. Highly recommended.

THE SHATTERED TREE: A BESS CRAWFORD MYSTERY

By Charles Todd William Morrow, $25.99, 304 pages Reviewed by Lauren Stafford Check this out!

THIS WAY TO THE END TIMES: CLASSIC TALES OF THE APOCALYPSE

By Robert Silverberg (Editor) Three Rooms Press, $19.95, 468 pages Reviewed by Glenn Dallas Check this out!

It’s strange that English classes spend so much time either looking at the distant past or at British lit, but sci-fi gets such short shrift. (Other than 1984 or A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, that is.) And there’s so much that science fiction reveals, not only about the sensibilities of the time, but about what they envisioned the future could be.

This Way to the End Times is a chronicle of the last hundred years of science fiction through a rather dark lens: the end of the world. And yet, there’s a great deal of optimism infusing these tales of impending disaster or catastrophe run amok. Names like Connie Willis, Brian W. Aldiss, Jack Vance, and more have penned stories to impress and stun all at once.

Whether it’s Jules Verne’s story detailing a young civilization uncovering a past apocalypse or Philip Latham’s tale of a scientist recording in detail the last days on Earth when no one else will listen, these stories form the incredible foundation of all the dystonian tales that dominate modern YA. This is a science fiction collection for the ages.

THE INVOICE: A NOVEL

By Jonas Karlsson Hogarth, $24.00, 208 pages Reviewed by Lenna Stites Check this out!

When one simple man receives a mysterious invoice for 5,700,000 kronor due for payment, several reasonable possibilities as to why come to mind. Fairly levelheaded, he doesn’t know where it’s from, or what it’s for: could it be a mistake? Could it be fraud? Perhaps a government scam? Surely, it must be a mistake.

In reality, it’s a quirky story taking an imaginative look into a world where nothing is free and we are held accountable to pay for experiencing.

When he gets a reminder of missed payment, he calls the help line to solve the mystery, and matters only get worse when the amount on the invoice gets re-evaluated and almost doubles.

Now even more panicked and without a means to pay, he makes multiple phone calls to the help line over several days, resulting in a sweet relationship between him and the voice on the other line as he comes to terms with what this invoice is.

Karrlson has written a plot that gave me pause, thinking about the world we live in and our relationship to it and about what my own invoice amount would be. The mystery behind this simple and interesting premise adds an unpredictable humorous charm.

An exhilarating, heart-pounding, and totally mystifying novel! The Shattered Tree by Charles Todd took me for a ride from the moment I started reading. Each new twist and turn became more shocking and horrifying than the last. I simply could not put this book down! Bess Crawford is a very strong female lead character, with her pure heart and spunky determination. Being a nurse in WWI was hard enough for most women, but especially so for the daughter of a solider like Bess. She shows intelligence and wit that’s a very refreshing departure from how most people view old war nurses. The drama and mystery she finds herself in the middle of could not be more heart-breaking or curious.

Human nature is a very dark and dangerous thing, and I love the way its many facets are portrayed in this novel. The talented teamwork of the authors making up “Charles Todd” definitely are a treat, and I look forward to discovering more Bess Crawford novels from them. This is a highly recommend book for anyone who loves mysteries and historical fictions from the WWI era.

POWERS OF DARKNESS: THE LOST VERSION OF DRACULA

By Bram Stoker, Hans de Roos (Translator) The Overlook Press, $29.95, 320 pages Reviewed by Alex Telander Check this out!

In 1901, an Icelandic edition of Dracula was translated and published by Valdimar Ásmundsson, which he titled as Makt Myrkranna, or Powers of Darkness, for the Icelandic readers. It included an original preface by one Bram Stoker but remained unknown for a long time. In 1986 this Icelandic edition was discovered, and Bram Stoker’s preface was translated and studied, while the rest of the book was largely ignored.

In 2014, independent researcher Hans de Roos took a look at the rest of the Icelandic text and discovered something unique: a whole new, never-before-seen story of a vampire named Dracula. Apparently, when Valdimar See POWERS, cont’d on page 13

THE OTHER EINSTEIN: A NOVEL

By Marie Benedict Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, $25.99, 304 pages Reviewed by J. Aislynn d’Merricksson Check this out!

The Other Einstein, by Marie Benedict, is a look at lost dreams, failing hopes, and “what ifs.” What if Mileva, the little known first wife of Albert Einstein, had never forsaken her path and graduated with a physics degree as she had planned? What if she had collaborated equally with her husband?

This extraordinary woman had the misfortune to be born into a world reluctant to allow women a university education, especially in the “hard” sciences of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Mileva had to fight for her chance, with everything working against her. She was a female of Eastern European descent who walked with a pronounced limp and was subject to open and veiled scorn alike.

Mileva met Albert at university in Zurich. He was the first in her small class to be welcoming, and soon enough he managed to sneak under her guard and into her affections. This proved her undoing, in more ways than one. A pregnancy and birth out of wedlock led to Mileva failing her final work toward her physics degree and never going back to finish. Instead, she married Einstein and had two more children by him. Sadly, only the middle child survived, though by that point, Mileva was separated from the renowned physicist.

This work is one of historical fiction, speculating on the relationship between Mileva and Albert, including the notion that she helped him develop the theory of relativity we know him for today. Of course, we cannot know all of the truth today, but it’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of the famed physicist’s life and an even more fascinating look at this sharp-minded woman determined to go against convention. History is as relative as time; it is the story written by the victor of an engagement, especially in absence of strong compelling evidence to the contrary.

Benedict’s book is astounding. I breezed through it in a few quick hours, secluding myself from family so as to better sink into the story world. There is nothing worse than being abruptly torn from a truly engrossing story, leaving one momentarily dazed and confused by the shift, especially for mere trivialities. The writing was beautiful and always engaging, often drawing tears and melancholy. What could Mileva have accomplished had she stayed her own course? As a bonus, the

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 7

Traveling the Mother Road this Winter?

Download the Guide to Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives for diners on this route and many others.

Category

Cooking, Food & Wine SNAP IT for additional book summaries.

VEGETARIAN SUSHI SECRETS: 101 HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS RECIPES

By Marisa Baggett Tuttle, $15.95, 128 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out!

Marissa Baggett’s cookbook on sushi would be excellent except for a poor index. Nevertheless Vegetarian Sushi Secrets, a trade paperback, is still a very good cookbook with a usable Contents section for searching. In her introduction, Baggett gives us all we need to know about sushi, including the various types, a long list of ingredients Japanese sushi chefs may use, and the equipment we need. The large number of recipes she presents include far more than sushi: soups, appetizers, salads, pickles, even a few desserts, all a la Japanese cuisine. You do need a good source for Japanese ingredients for these recipes. The recipes are well written and the instructions easy to follow, but making sushi is not for the beginner cook.

The recipe layouts are good, all on single pages. The recipe head notes are informative. The photo illustrations are excellent, and Baggett includes many thumbnail series photos as a teaching aid (making vegetable gyoza; how to make thin sushi rolls). We learn that there are seven different types of sushi, many more than we commonly encounter at the average sushi restaurant. The index is not very good, not a cross-reference, and you would have a hard time finding there what you are searching for.

HERBARIUM

By Caz Hildebrand Thames & Hudson, $29.95, 224 pages Reviewed by Alicia Tomelioso Check this out!

A straight-forward encyclopedic guide to all things, HERB! Read up on everything from cilantro to wolf’s bane. New to cooking? Have a skin or respiratory ailment? Herbarium is definitely your cup of tea (pun intended). The book is packed with useful information, homeopathic remedies, how-to guides, suggestions for uses, scientific facts, and even plant origins.

Hildebrand guides the reader through the vast world of herbs while simultaneously entertaining the reader with informational, fun, historical, and modern references. Herbarium doubles as an illustrated encyclopedia and a historical recipe book, rich in insight and and sprinkled with quirky references. Grow, cook, and heal with Hildebrand’s artistic representation of natural herbs and spices. There’s never been an easier way to educate yourself on the many uses of herbs. There are tons of practical uses for ancient herbs. If you can appreciate Breaking Bad references, then this a must have! Herbarium is for anyone who loves witty, educational, and useful books on their shelves. Eat, plant, study, heal, and grow with this perfectly written, beautifully illustrated guide to the world of herbs!

BEST SALTY SWEET SNACKS: GOOEY, CHEWY, CRUNCHY TREATS FOR EVERY CRAVING

By Monica Sweeney Countryman Press, $14.95, 128 pages Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali Check this out!

While preparing food is a necessity, virtually all cultures have instances of food preparation that contain elements of socialization and bonding. Families come together for Thanksgiving dinners, and summer BBQs encourage all participants to help with food preparation and serving. Food preparation and consumption is a learned task. This means that children need to be taught acceptable methods of preparing and consuming food.

Of course children learn socially acceptable ways of consuming foods from a very early age. Food preparation takes more time– especially since sharp objects and hot items are involved.

Preparing foods with children in elementary school not only teaches them valuable skills, but it also helps parents connect with their children. Cooking demonstrations where children can participate in preparing foods help bring both the neighbor-

hood children and families together. The challenge is always to prepare healthy foods that are easy to prepare and that children will enjoy–a Sisyphean task.

This book provides several snack suggestions that could be served on their own (as snacks) or as part of a larger meal. These are all easy to prepare and can be used to entice reluctant budding chefs to help with food preparation. Each recipe claims a double page: a picture on one page and the recipe on the other. Chapter titles describe the snack quality (gooey, savory, crunchy, chocolaty, and nutty). A highly recommended book for those looking for ways to cook with children.

SKILLET & SHEET PAN SUPPERS: FOOLPROOF MEALS, COOKED AND SERVED IN ONE PAN

By Monica Sweeney Countryman Press, $14.95, 128 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out!

While many contemporary cookbooks present unusual and rather time-consuming recipes with hard-to-find ingredients, Monica Sweeney took the opposite approach in her cookbook Skillet & Sheet Pan Suppers. She provides a nice selection of simple, basic recipes that even the least skilled home cook can prepare with ease. Yet these are not recipes we find in the cookbooks of the 1950s. Her food is well-seasoned and is up to today’s flavor standard. The ingredients are readily available, making your marketing effortless. This cookbook is for those who are ready to take the next step from prepared meals to homemade. Sweeney uses either a skillet or a rimmed sheet pan, and she even suggests lining the pan with foil to minimize cleanup. Many ingredients are prepared foods (frozen pizza dough, frozen meat balls, canned mushroom soup). Simplicity is also shown by this basic but well-illustrated trade paperback. Many of the photos are simple and lack professional quality; others are purchased from stock photo supplies (having much better quality). The recipe layout is very good, and so are the recipe instructions. The head notes are nice and are worth reading. Sweeney divides the book into Beef/Pork, Poultry, Veggies, and Seafood. The index is excellent.

SLOW COOKER FAMILY FAVORITES: CLASSIC MEALS YOU’LL WANT TO SHARE

By Maggie Shi Countryman Press, $19.95, 176 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out!

By combining the classic ease and comfort of the appliance with the modern sensibility of today’s tastes, this cookbook reminds us that, for those looking for an easy, stress-free way to a hearty dish, the slow-cooker never really goes out of style. This is not a book full of ‘healthy’ recipes; delicious slow-cooker recipes require fats and lots of seasoning, and these recipes are written for taste. The first section, Dips, employs pounds of melty, smooth cream cheese as bases for party indulgences such as Creamy Garlic Dip, Caramelized Onion Dip, and Maryland Crab Dip. But bring any of these and you are guaranteed to be the star of the party buffet. Of course main dishes are well represented, so you can have a ready meal after a long day’s work, but appetizers, sides, and even desserts and drinks can be made in the slow cooker. The recipes are fantastic; even better, the book is full of beautiful, artistic photos that plate several recipes together, giving you a visual meal suggestion guide. Shi also has excellent suggestions for when and why (and how) to best use this appliance–this book will make you wish you had two or three!

101 ONE DISH DINNERS: HEARTY RECIPES FOR THE DUTCH OVEN, SKILLET & CASSEROLE PAN

By Andrea Chesman Storey Publishing, $16.95, 192 pages Reviewed by George Erdosh Check this out!

Too bad 101 One-Dish Dinners was only published in trade paperback. This cookbook by Andrea Chesman will be heavily used in the kitchen; hardback would have a better survival rate. This is an excellent cookbook with heavy, glossy pages and truly one-hundred-and one very nice, very usable recipes.

It is profusely illustrated with nice professional color photos, and Chesman is generous with useful and interesting cooking tips (perfect skillet rice; cast iron vs. nonstick; using lemon grass). Her recipe writing is very good, clear, and easy to follow, and ingredients, many of which are canned foods, are available at any good market. She suggests alternative ingredients for hard-to-find items (e.g. tamarind). Her headnotes are also good.

The recipe layout is user-friendly. The traditional recipes are updated to today’s standards. She sensibly divided her book into four sections: soups/stews; skillet suppers; oven suppers; salad suppers. The recipes are not hard to prepare and are written for cooks having limited weekday kitchen time but having a reasonable basic cooking knowledge. The cookbook is also good for beginners. Chesman has chosen recipes that are most popular among cooks: Pad Thai, Jambalaya, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Moussaka. The index is well cross referenced.

THE GOURMET KITCHEN: RECIPES FROM THE CREATOR OF SAVORY SIMPLE

By Jennifer Farley Gallery Books, $23.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali Check this out!

Culinary ingredients and practices have followed migrants along migration routes and travelers along trade See GOURMET KITCHEN, cont’d on page 15 Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 8

www.TulsaLibrary.org

JANUARY 2017

918.549.READ

A FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY, ITS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ADULT CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST PAGE 8

adults & all ages BIXBY LIBRARY Movie Showing: "Zootopia" Saturday, Jan. 7 • 2-4 p.m.

Spend a winter afternoon watching the movie "Zootopia" (rated PG) while enjoying free popcorn. For all ages.

Meet Four Local Best-Selling Authors Saturday, Jan. 14 • 1:30-3 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon with authors Jaci Burton, Rhenna Morgan, Dena Garson and Lauren Smith. Books will be available for purchasing. Light refreshments will be provided. For adults.

NEW: PAWS for Reading for Adults Saturday, Jan. 21 • 10 a.m.-noon Try out this new program! Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners.

Adults are invited to read for 20 minutes from your favorite short story, poetry, chapter of a book or magazine article to a furry, fourpawed friend. Registration is required.

Call 918-549-7514 to register.

Bixby Adult Book Discussion Wednesday, Jan. 25 • 2-3 p.m.

Read the novel "The Light Between

LIBRARY CLOSINGS

NEW BUILD-A-READER APP PAGE 5

Oceans" by M.I. Stedman and then join us for a lively discussion.

Copies of the book are available at the Bixby Library. Light refreshments will be served.

BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Open Book Discussion: "Fahrenheit 451" Tuesday, Jan. 3 • 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Read Ray Bradbury's 1953 classic "Fahrenheit 451" and join us for an engaging discussion. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library. Ask at the desk. For adults.

BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Brookside Book Discussion: "Dead Wake" Monday, Jan. 9 • 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Read Erik Larson's "Dead Wake" and then join us for a lively discussion.

This 100th-anniversary chronicle of the sinking of the Lusitania reveals the factors that led to the tragedy and the contributions of such figures as President Wilson, bookseller Charles Lauriat and pioneering female architect Theodate Pope Riddle. Larson tells it thrillingly, switching between hunter and hunted while painting a larger portrait of America at the height of the Progressive Era. For adults.

All Tulsa City-County Library locations will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 1 and Monday, Jan. 2 for New Year’s; and on Monday, Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Zarrow Regional Library will be closed Monday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 22 for improvements.

To search for events, scan this code using your mobile device and QR scanner app.

Friday Movie Time: "Inside Out" Friday, Jan. 27 • 3:30-5 p.m.

Emotions run wild in the mind of a little girl who is uprooted from her peaceful life in the Midwest and forced to move to San Francisco in this Pixar adventure. Rated PG. For all ages.

for a hands-on workshop where we will explore using Trello and Slack, two fantastic apps for managing projects. Customers need to bring log-in information for a personal email account. Registration is required. To register, call 918-549-7323. For adults.

CENTRAL LIBRARY

COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY

Project Management Tools: Brown Bag Lecture Tuesday, Jan. 17 • noon-12:45 p.m.

Location: Pocahontas Greadington Learning and Creativity Center Managing projects can be a daunting task, but there are apps to help with that. Bring your lunch and come learn a bit about Slack and Trello, two fantastic apps for managing projects. Join reference and instruction librarian April Schweikhard of OU-Tulsa’s Schusterman Library and Katlin Seagraves, Digital Literacy Lab associate at Central Library, as we explore these apps and some of their capabilities. For adults.

All Thumbs Knitters Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 12:30-2:30 p.m.

All levels of knitting expertise are welcome to join us for this fun and instructional afternoon. For adults.

Workshop: Project Management Tools Tuesday, Jan. 17 • 1-1:45 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab Join reference and instruction librarian April Schweikhard of OUTulsa’s Schusterman Library and Katlin Seagraves, Digital Literacy Lab associate at Central Library,

Collinsville Book Discussion Tuesday, Jan. 10 • noon-1 p.m.

Read "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon and then join this fun group of readers for a lively discussion.

Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. For adults.

Patchworkers: Quilting Tuesday, Jan. 10 • 6:30-8 p.m.

If you want to learn to quilt or are already an experienced quilter, join us for a fun and informative evening. For adults.

Family Movie Night Thursday, Jan. 12 • 6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for Family Movie Night at the Collinsville Library. Space is limited to 75. For more information, call 918-549-7528. For all ages.

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HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY DIY Personalized Dotted Sharpie Mugs Thursday, Jan. 12 • 7-8 p.m.

Location: Oak Meeting Room Make a personalized coffee or tea mug, just in time for the cold winter! Registration is required.

Call 918-549-7550 to register or sign up at Hardesty on the second floor at the ASK desk. For adults.

Back-to-School Essentials for Adults Saturday, Jan. 14 • 9:30-11 a.m.

Location: Computer Lab Heading back to school? Learn about the top 10 free tools the library offers for adult students. Class is limited to 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.

HELMERICH LIBRARY Books People Are Talking About Wednesday, Jan. 18 • 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Our monthly book discussion will focus on the award-winning novels and nonfiction of Luis Alberto Urrea, January speaker for Tulsa Town Hall.

Urrea is often described as a border novelist, bridging the worlds of Mexico and the Southwestern United States.

His novels resonate with authentic voices and unique characters. We will discuss "Into the Beautiful North," "The Hummingbird's Daughter" and "The Water Museum," his newest collection of short stories. Refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Helmerich Library. For adults.

Saturday Afternoon Movie Saturday, Jan. 28 • 2-4 p.m.

Join us for a showing of "The LEGO Movie" (2014, rated PG).

We will have cookies and juice for a snack. For all ages.

JENKS LIBRARY Jenks Library Book Discussion Group Thursday, Jan. 19 • 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Join us for a lively discussion. Call 918-549-7570 to see what book we will be discussing. For adults.

NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Reading Across Genres at Nathan Hale Tuesday, Jan. 24 • 11 a.m.-noon Visit Nathan Hale Library to pick up your copy of this month's invigorating selection. For adults.

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OWASSO LIBRARY Afternoon Movie Tuesday, Jan. 17 • 2-3:30 p.m.

Join us for a showing of the movie "Zootopia" (rated PG) and some yummy popcorn! For all ages.

RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Color Yourself Jazzy Thursday, Jan. 26 • 6-8:30 p.m.

Location: Ancestral Hall Enjoy an evening of adult coloring to a smooth jazz beat. Open mic performances add to the mellow atmosphere as your inner child colors you happy. For adults.

SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY Mystery Readers Roundtable Thursday, Jan. 5 • 2-4 p.m.

Come for coffee and find out what other mystery lovers are reading. For adults.

teens & tweens BIXBY LIBRARY Bixby Teen Manga/Anime Club Tuesday, Jan. 17 • 6-7 p.m.

Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18.

Perler Bead Art Tuesday, Jan. 24 • 6-7 p.m.

Arrange colorful beads into pictures or patterns on plastic pegboard and fuse to create unique art.

Supplies are provided. For teens.

BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY BATAB Thursday, Jan. 12 • 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join the Broken Arrow Teen Advisory Board (BATAB) for snacks and activities while giving input for future library programs and displays.

Read or Die! Anime Club Saturday, Jan. 21 • noon-2 p.m.

Hang out with us as we watch anime, talk manga (and other stuff) and eat snacks. Come in cosplay or as you are! For ages 12-18.

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BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH LEGO Club Monday, Jan. 23 • 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Do you like to play with LEGOS? Get hands-on experience with engineering principles as you design and build with LEGOS. For ages 5-18.

In the Middle Book Club Monday, Jan. 30 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for snacks and great conversation about "Counting by 7's"

by Holly Goldberg Sloan. For ages 9-12.

BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Origami: Japanese Paper Folding Thursday, Jan. 12 • 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn to make bugs, animals, planes and things! For teens.

CENTRAL LIBRARY Not Your Average Book Club: anime/manga/comic book/ graphic novel club Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 31 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Mary K. Chapman Children's Meeting Room Read manga? Watch anime?

Join us as we celebrate fandoms by making swag and chatting about our favorite series, show or graphic novel. Oh yeah, we’ll have snacks too! For ages 12-18.

Homeschool Workshop: Intro to Library Resources Wednesday, Jan. 18 • 1-2 p.m.

Location: Digital Literacy Lab Join us in our new American Electric Power Foundation Digital Literacy Lab as we explore databases offered by the library. We’ll walk you through how to use the best of the resources that the library has to offer. Registration is required and limited. Call 918-549-7323 to register or register online. For ages 10-18.

Introduction to Coding for Tweens Thursday, Jan. 19 • 1-2 p.m.

Location: Digital Literacy Lab Learning to code can be intimidating. Where do you start?

Why, at your library, of course!

Join us as we remix a Homework Excuse Generator using JavaScript and HTML! Registration is required.

Class size is limited. To register, call 918-549-7323. For ages 9-11.

Teen Test Prep: Exploring the Library's Databases Saturday, Jan. 21 • 1-2 p.m.

Location: Digital Literacy Lab Testing is almost here. The library

has lots of resources to help you prepare. Join us as we explore test help databases. For ages 12-18. Class size is limited to 10.

To register, call 918-549-7323.

Series: Introduction to CSS for Teens Mondays, Jan. 23, 30 • 4-5:30 p.m.

Location: Digital Literacy Lab Learning to code can be intimidating.

Where do you start? Why, at your library, of course! Join us for a 7-week series introduction to CSS. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7323 to register or register online. Registration for this class indicates registration for the entire 7-week series. For ages 12-18.

Intro to Screen Printing for Teens Tuesday, Jan. 24 • 4-6 p.m.

Location: Maker Space Ever been interested in designing your own T-shirt? Bring a blank light-colored T-shirt and learn how to screen print.

For ages 12-18. Class size is limited to 15. Call 918-549-7323 to register.

COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Sukikyo! Anime Club Wednesday, Jan. 11 • 3:30-5 p.m.

Learn how to make stickers with your favorite anime characters. For teens.

Crafting: Let It Snow!

Wednesday, Jan. 25 • 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Join us as we make Shivery Snow Paint Snowman and Key Snowman Jewelry. For teens.

GLENPOOL LIBRARY Teen Lab Tuesday, Jan. 17 • 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Bring a friend and come meet new friends! Look at new young adult and tween books, have a chance to win a $5 Sonic card and do a fun activity, like making something with Perler Beads or a leather cuff bracelet. For ages 10-18.

HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Gaming Thursday, Jan. 5 • 6-8 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For teens.

Hardesty Anime/Manga Club Saturday, Jan. 14 • 1-2:30 p.m.

Location: Digital Lounge Join us and discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18.

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Hardesty Spilled Ink Teen Creative Writing Group Thursday, Jan. 19 • 6-7:30 p.m.

Location: Oak Meeting Room Develop your craft through writing exercises. Come with your own writings to share with the group, or just come to socialize and get to know other writers. All methods of storytelling are welcome.

Food for Thought: A Recipe for Good Nutrition Thursday, Jan. 26 • 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Location: Pecan Meeting Room Join us for an interactive program on healthy eating presented by winners of the White House Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. Participants will enjoy a trivia game, craft and a presentation for ages 7-12.

HELMERICH LIBRARY Teen Lab Tuesday: Teen Advisory Group Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 31 • 4:30-6 p.m.

Join us for our first session of the new year! Enjoy books, crafts, games, snacks, chat and more! Sponsored

by Friends of the Helmerich Library.

OWASSO LIBRARY Life Skills: Scheduling Thursday, Jan. 12 • 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Are you constantly having to ask your teen or tween about upcoming events? Send them to this program where they will learn the basics and benefits of scheduling. For ages 10-18.

Owasso Manga Club Thursday, Jan. 26 • 4-5 p.m.

Join like-minded individuals to discuss and share your favorite Japanese anime and manga. For ages 10-18.

SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY Craft Connection Thursday, Jan. 26 • 6-7 p.m.

If you enjoy making crafts, join us the fourth Thursday of the month! For ages 10-18.

ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Minecraft Night Thursday, Jan. 26 • 6-7 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft! For ages 10-18.

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computers, devices &

digital services BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 3-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or service? Whether you need to learn how to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help.

Appointments are available on a firstcome, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. Call 918-549-7500 to schedule.

Meet Your Digital Library: Explore OneClickdigital and Cloud Library Wednesday, Jan. 11 • 2-4 p.m.

Learn how to access downloadable audiobooks and eBooks using OneClickdigital and Cloud Library.

Participants are encouraged to bring their compatible devices on which to practice.

BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH Book-A-Librarian Jan. 3-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or service? Whether you want to learn how to navigate the library's website and digital services or improve your computer and job skills, we are here to help. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Call 918549-7662 to schedule an appointment.

BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 3-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library service?

Whether you want to learn to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help.

Appointments are available on a firstcome, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7507 to Book-A-Librarian.

CENTRAL LIBRARY Intro to 3-D Printing Wednesday, Jan. 11 • 4-5 p.m.

Location: Maker Space This orientation will cover the equipment, along with software used and potential projects for you to develop. After the demonstration, this event will qualify you to use the equipment along with general Maker

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Space access. No registration required but seating is limited. For all ages.

Intro to CNC Milling Wednesday, Jan. 18 • 6-7 p.m.

Location: Maker Space This orientation will cover the equipment, along with software used and potential projects for you to develop. After the demonstration, this event will qualify you to use the equipment along with general Maker Space access.

No registration required but seating is limited. For adults and teens.

Digital Literacy Lab Orientation Tuesday, Jan. 24 • noon-1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 • 6-7 p.m.

Location: Digital Literacy Lab Want to learn more about the American Electric Power Foundation Digital Literacy Lab? Come and see what we’re about! Orientation is required before independent use of the Digital Literacy Lab. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7323 to register. For ages 12 and older.

Intro to Laser Engraving Wednesday, Jan. 25 • 6-7 p.m.

Location: Maker Space This orientation will cover the equipment, along with software used and potential projects for you to develop. After the demonstration, this event will qualify you to use the equipment along with general Maker Space access. No registration required but seating is limited.

GIFs in a Jiff Thursday, Jan. 26 • 4:30-6 p.m.

Location: Digital Literacy Lab The GIF keyboard is the only keyboard worth using anymore.

Come and learn how to make GIFs using Photoshop. Class size is limited to 10. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register. For adults.

Digital Literacy Series: Web Literacy, Part 1 Friday, Jan. 27 • noon-1 p.m.

Location: Digital Literacy Lab Join Luke Crouch, software engineer at Mozilla, and learn about search terms, keywords, and how to assess the validity and relevance of Web resources. Class size is limited to 10.

Registration is required. Call 918549-7323 to register. For adults.

HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY 3-D Demo Wednesday, Jan. 4 • 7-8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 21 • 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 • 7-8 p.m.

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See what 3-D printing is all about with a demonstration of the Ultimaker2 3-D printer. For all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

MS Word 1 Tuesday, Jan. 10 • 6-8 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to use toolbars and menus, set margins, apply spell check, and preview, save and print documents. You should have some experience using a keyboard and mouse.

MS Word 2 Tuesday, Jan. 17 • 6-8 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and format tables, use bulleted and numbered lists, and apply and format columns in a document.

You should take MS Word 1 prior to attending. For adults.

Exploring Fold3 Genealogy Database Saturday, Jan. 21 • 10-11:30 a.m.

Location: Pecan Meeting Room Join us for an overview of the various collections found in the Fold3 genealogy database. For adults.

MS Word 3 Tuesday, Jan. 24 • 6-8 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and use borders and shading, headers and footers, page numbering and drawing tools.

You should take MS Word 2 prior to taking this class. For adults.

MS Word 4 Tuesday, Jan. 31 • 6-8 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab This class explores mail merge, and shows how to use tables to perform calculations and create onscreen forms. You should take MS Word 3 prior to taking this class. For adults.

HELMERICH LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 3-31 • Receive individualized instruction from library staff.

Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. Topics include navigating the library's website, database research, career services, computer skills, and audio and eBook tutorials. Call 918-549-7631 to schedule an appointment. If you require additional time, you may make a follow-up appointment.

TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE

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JENKS LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 3-31 • Need Individualized instruction on a library service? Whether you want to learn to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help. Appointments are available on a first-come, first served basis and last 3060 minutes. Reservations are required.

Call 918-549-7570.

MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY MS Excel 1 Saturday, Jan. 7 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create formulas, use automatic fill and change basic formatting. You should take MS Word 2 and have some experience using a mouse prior to taking this class. For adults.

MS Excel 2 Saturday, Jan. 14 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create and edit formulas, and apply functions and advanced formatting to your spreadsheets and workbooks.

You should take MS Excel 1 prior to taking this class. For adults.

MS Excel 3 Saturday, Jan. 21 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create charts, apply conditional formatting and control the appearance of printed spreadsheets. You should take MS Excel 2 prior to taking this class. For adults.

MS PowerPoint 101 Saturday, Jan. 28 • 10 a.m.-noon Location: Computer Lab This class shows how to create group presentations and slide shows.

You should take MS Word 2 prior to taking this class. For adults.

MAXWELL PARK LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 3-31 • Receive individualized instruction from library staff. Topics include navigating the library's website, database research, career services, computer skills, and audio and eBook tutorials. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis and last 30-60 minutes. Call 918-5497610 to schedule an appointment.

OWASSO LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 3-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library product or

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service? Whether you need to learn how to download eBooks or improve your job skills, we are here to help.

Book-A-Librarian appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes.

Registration is required. Call 918-5497624 to reserve your time. For adults.

RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Book-A-Librarian Jan. 3-31 • Need individualized instruction on a library service? Get individual help with computer skills, email, résumés, applications, or whatever you need. Book-A-Librarian appointments are available on a firstcome, first-served basis and generally last 30-60 minutes. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to reserve your time.

Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, Jan. 4 • 9:30-11 a.m.

Location: Computer Lab Learn about the parts of the computer and how to use them.

Practice mouse usage and typing skills. This class is a great way to get your feet wet with computers.

Registration is required. Call 918549-7645 to register. For adults.

MS Word 1 Wednesday, Jan. 11 • 9:30-11 a.m.

Location: Computer Lab Learn the basics of document creation, including basic word processing and tips for using MS Word. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register. For adults.

Internet @ the Library Wednesday, Jan. 18 • 9:30-11 a.m.

Location: Computer Lab Learn the basics of Internet navigation and all the great things the library's website has to offer.

Registration is required. Call 918549-7645 to register. For adults.

Email 101 Wednesday, Jan. 25 • 9:30-11 a.m.

Location: Computer Lab Learn email basics. If you don't have an email account, we will get you set up with one. If you have one, but don't remember the password, bring your cellphone and we'll get you logged back in. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register. For adults.

ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY Really Basic Computer Class Wednesday, Jan. 25 • 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab This class is designed for new

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computer users who have little or no previous experience using computers, Windows, a mouse or the Internet, and little or no knowledge of basic computer terms. For adults.

children BIXBY LIBRARY My First Storytime Mondays, Jan. 9, 23, 30 10:10-10:30 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.

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read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required and begins Jan. 4.

Explore and Play Thursdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 • 10:30-11 a.m.

For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! Join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 1-5 and their caregivers.

BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Jan. 4 • 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend.

Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.

Preschool Storytime Mondays, Jan. 9, 23, 30 • 11-11:30 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5.

Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 10:30-11 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler.

Dads & Donuts Saturday, Jan. 28 • 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a child/dad only event! We will play games, make a craft, read books and OF COURSE eat donuts!

Registration is required as supplies are limited. Call 918-549-7514 to register. For ages 3-10 and their dads.

Stay and Play Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 11-11:30 a.m.

For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger.

BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY

My First Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 10:30-11 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 3-yearolds and their caregivers.

Adventures in Science Friday, Jan. 6 • 2-3 p.m.

Explore different science topics through hands-on projects that are fun for the whole family. For ages 5-12.

Preschool Storytime With Miss Hannah Mondays, Jan. 9, 23, 30 • 10:30-11 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5.

My First Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 10:30-11 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.

PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Jan. 11 • 4-5 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to

LEGO Club Monday, Jan. 23 • 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Do you like to play with LEGOS? Get hands-on experience with engineering principles as you design and build with LEGOS. For ages 5-18.

Evening Storytime Tuesday, Jan. 24 • 6-6:30 p.m.

Join us for a family storytime featuring songs, rhymes and fun literacy-building activities.

BROOKSIDE LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 10:15-10:45 a.m.

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CHARLES PAGE LIBRARY Preschool Storytime With Mrs. Alice Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Enjoy storytime and stay after for toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 3-5.

COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY Stories From the Rocking Chair Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 10:30-11 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 2-5.

PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Jan. 18 • 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite book to a furry, four-pawed friend.

Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.

Now you can get great library learning experiences in your pocket! The app combines practical literacy tips, great book suggestions and videos of library staff demonstrating brain-building (and fun!) songs, finger plays and activities to do with your child at home.

GLENPOOL LIBRARY

The app is FREE, and you can find it in your mobile device’s app store by searching “Tulsa City-County Library.” songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler.

For ages 5 and younger.

My First Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 11-11:20 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-year-olds and their caregivers.

PAWS for Reading Friday, Jan. 20 • 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend.

Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required.

CENTRAL LIBRARY First Friday Art With Gilcrease Museum Friday, Jan. 6 • 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Location: Mary K. Chapman Children's Storytime Room Begin your First Friday Art Crawl at Central Library! Gilcrease staff will help us explore artists featured at the museum while your young artist creates a masterpiece of his or her own. For ages 5-10.

PAWS for Reading Saturday, Jan. 14 • 1-2 p.m.

Location: Mary K. Chapman Children's Storytime Room Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register.

Family Fun Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 • 10:30-11 a.m.

Location: Mary K. Chapman Children's Storytime Room Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger.

Babies, Bubbles & Books Wednesday, Jan. 18 • 10:30-11 a.m.

Location: Mary K. Chapman Children's Storytime Room Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs with your little one! For infants.

Homeschool Workshop: Intro to Library Resources Wednesday, Jan. 18 • 1-2 p.m.

Location: Digital Literacy Lab Join us in our new American Electric Power Foundation Digital Literacy

Lab as we explore databases offered by the library. We’ll walk you through how to use the best of the resources that the library has to offer. Registration is required and limited. Call 918-549-7323 to register or register online. For ages 5-18.

Hands On! Thursdays, Jan. 19, 26 • 10:30-11 a.m.

Location: Mary K. Chapman Children's Storytime Room Busy hands, busy brain! Preschoolage children learn through handson activities. At this program we will explore, experiment and create. Be ready to get messy! For ages 3-5.

Family Storytime Mondays, Jan. 23, 30 • 6:30-7 p.m.

Location: Mary K. Chapman Children's Storytime Room Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes with friends and family. For all ages.

Toddlers & Tales Wednesday, Jan. 25 • 10:30-11 a.m.

Location: Mary K. Chapman Children's Storytime Room Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs with your little ones! For ages 3 and younger.

Ms. Tori's Musical Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join Ms. Tori and her guitar for stories, songs and rhymes. Babies and toddlers learn through play, so stay after storytime for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger.

PAWS for Reading Thursday, Jan. 19 • 4-5 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7535 to register.

LEGO Club Thursday, Jan. 26 • 4-5 p.m.

Bring your creativity; we'll supply the LEGOS. For ages 5-11.

HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY My First Storytime With Ms. Julia Mondays, Jan. 9, 23, 30 Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 10-10:20 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.

TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY EVENT GUIDE

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Toddler Time Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 11-11:20 a.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 10-10:20 a.m.

Enjoy stories, action rhymes, fun flannels, music, bubbles and meeting other toddlers in the neighborhood.

For ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

Mr. Paul's Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 11-11:30 a.m. • Hear stories and sing songs with your friends. For ages 3-5.

Mr. Paul's Family Storytime Thursdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 • 6:30-7 p.m.

Hear stories and sing songs with your friends. For all ages.

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Food for Thought: A Recipe for Good Nutrition Thursday, Jan. 26 • 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Location: Pecan Meeting Room Join us for an interactive program on healthy eating presented by winners of the White House Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. Participants will enjoy a trivia game, craft and a presentation for ages 7-12.

after for toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For infants to kindergartners and their caregivers.

HELMERICH LIBRARY

HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY

Stay and Play Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 10:30-11:30 a.m.

For children of all ages, playing is learning! Enjoy storytime and stay

Saturday Afternoon Movie Saturday, Jan. 28 • 2-4 p.m.

Join us for a showing of "The LEGO Movie" (2014, rated PG).

We will have cookies and juice for a snack. For all ages.

Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other

tulsa city-county library locations 24 Bixby Library

20 E. Breckenridge, 74008 • 918-549-7514 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 18 Broken Arrow Library 300 W. Broadway, 74012 • 918-549-7500 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 22 Broken Arrow Library/South 3600 S. Chestnut, 74011 • 918-549-7662 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 16 Brookside Library 1207 E. 45th Place, 74105 • 918-549-7507 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 9 Central Library 400 Civic Center, 74103 • 918-549-7323 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 8 Charles Page Library 551 E. Fourth St., Sand Springs, 74063 918-549-7521 • M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 2 Collinsville Library 1223 Main, 74021 • 918-549-7528 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 23 Glenpool Library 730 E. 141st St., 74033 • 918-549-7535 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 21 Hardesty Regional Library and Genealogy Center 8316 E. 93rd St., 74133 • 918-549-7550 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 20 Helmerich Library 5131 E. 91st St., 74137 • 918-549-7631 M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 17 Herman and Kate Kaiser Library 5202 S. Hudson Ave., Suite B, 74135 918-549-7542 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 19 Jenks Library 523 W. B St., 74037 • 918-549-7570 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 3 Judy Z. Kishner Library 10150 N. Cincinnati Ave. E., Sperry 74073 • 918-549-7577 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5

10 Kendall-Whittier Library

21 S. Lewis, 74104 • 918-549-7584 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 14 Martin Regional Library and Hispanic Resource Center 2601 S. Garnett Road, 74129 • 918-549-7590 M-Th, 9-9; Fri., 9-6; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 7 Maxwell Park Library 1313 N. Canton, 74115 • 918-549-7610 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 13 Nathan Hale Library 6038 E. 23rd St., 74114 • 918-549-7617 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 4 Owasso Library 103 W. Broadway, 74055 • 918-549-7624 M-Th, 10-8; Fri., 10-6; Sat., 10-5 11 Pratt Library 3219 S. 113th W. Ave., Sand Springs, 74063 • 918-549-7638 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 10-8; Sat., 10-5 6 Rudisill Regional Library and African-American Resource Center 1520 N. Hartford, 74106 • 918-549-7645 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5 12 Schusterman-Benson Library 3333 E. 32nd Place, 74135 918-549-7670 • M-Th, 10-8; Fri.-Sat., 10-5 1 Skiatook Library 316 E. Rogers, 74070 • 918-549-7676 M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 12-8; Sat., 10-5 5 Suburban Acres Library 4606 N. Garrison, 74126 • 918-549-7655 M, T, W, Th, F, 10-6; Sat., 10-5 15 Zarrow Regional Library and American Indian Resource Center Closed Jan. 9-22 for improvements 2224 W. 51st St., 74107 • 918-549-7683 M-Th, 9-9; Fri.-Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5

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reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5.

PAWS for Reading Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 25 • 3:30-5 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend.

Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.

My First Storytime Thursdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.

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JENKS LIBRARY My First Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 10-10:15 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.

Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 10:30-11 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler. For ages 3-5.

Stay and Play Storytime: Play and Learn!

Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 11:30 a.m.-noon For preschoolers, playing is learning!

Enjoy storytime and then stay after for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 3-5.

PAWS for Reading Tuesday, Jan. 10 • 4-5 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite book to a furry, four-pawed friend.

Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required.

Call 918-549-7570 to register.

KENDALL-WHITTIER LIBRARY Bilingual Storytime/Cuentos Bilingües Wednesday, Jan. 11 • 10-10:45 a.m.

Enjoy stories, songs and activities in English and Spanish./Cuentos, canciones y actividades en inglés y español.

MARTIN REGIONAL LIBRARY Winter Wonderland Party Tuesday, Jan. 3 • 1-3 p.m.

Location: Auditorium Come to our festive winter party to enjoy the movie "Frozen" and winter crafts and activities. For ages 5-12.

Bilingual Storytime/Cuentos Bilingües Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 11-11:30 a.m.

Enjoy stories, songs and activities in English and Spanish./Cuentos, canciones y actividades en inglés y español.

LEGO Lab Mondays, Jan. 23, 30 • 4-5 p.m.

Location: Storytime Room Learn new building ideas, partner with

other children during team-building challenges and explore free building.

Leave your LEGOS at home and come play with ours! For ages 6-12.

MAXWELL PARK LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 10-10:30 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared.

For preschoolers and their caregivers.

Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 3-3:30 p.m.

Join us for fun stories and activities. For ages 5-12.

NATHAN HALE LIBRARY Mrs. Cindy's Storytime Thursdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26 10:30-11 a.m.

Join Mrs. Cindy for reading adventures, music, rhymes and fun. For ages 5 and younger.

PAWS for Reading Saturday, Jan. 14 • 2-3 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend.

Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust.

OWASSO LIBRARY Bounce'n Beethovens Friday, Jan. 13 • 10-10:45 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 • 11-11:45 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 • 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Join Katherine Battenburg from the Midtown School of Performing Arts for a high-energy parent/child music class that introduces children to a variety of musical instruments and styles. For ages 5 and younger with their caregivers. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Call 918-549-7624 to register.

My First Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 Wednesdays, Jan. 18, 25 10-10:30 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.

Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 Wednesdays, Jan. 18, 25 10:30-11 a.m.

The best in children's literature,

c o n t i n u e d songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler.

Stay and Play Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 Wednesdays, Jan. 18, 25 11-11:30 a.m.

For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger.

PAWS for Reading Wednesday, Jan. 18 • 4-5 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Call 918-549-7624 to register.

Preschool Yoga Friday, Jan. 20 • 10:30-11 a.m.

Join certified yoga teacher Jeanne Doss for a free parent/child class featuring interactive stories and yoga poses. For ages 3-5. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Call 918-549-7324 to register.

Teddy Bear Clinic Friday, Jan. 27 • 10:30-11 a.m.

Bring your teddy bear (or other stuffed animal friend) to learn about hand washing, X-rays, splinters and more. This program is hosted

by MedExpress. For ages 3-5.

Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 10:30-11 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler.

Stay and Play Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 11-11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 10:30-11:30 a.m.

For babies and toddlers, playing is learning! After our regularly scheduled storytime, join us for games, toys and activities that foster critical early literacy skills. For ages 5 and younger.

My First Storytime Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 10-10:20 a.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 10:30-10:50 a.m.

Learn and enjoy songs, stories and activities that are just right for your little one at this lapsit storytime. For newborns to 2-yearolds and their caregivers.

Parachute Play!

Thursday, Jan. 26 • 4-5 p.m.

On your mark, get set, parachute!

Join Miss Joy for an afternoon of games and stories involving fun and cooperative parachute games! For grades K-3.

RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 Wednesdays, Jan. 18, 25 10-10:30 a.m.

The best in children's literature, songs, games, finger plays, rhymes and other reading-related activities are shared with your preschooler.

SCHUSTERMANBENSON LIBRARY PAWS for Reading Monday, Jan. 9 • 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Registered therapy dogs are excellent listeners. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to read their favorite books to a furry, four-pawed friend. Each reader will receive a free book provided by the Tulsa Library Trust. Registration is required. Please see a staff member to schedule your child to read to one of the therapy dogs. For ages 5-12.

NOW OPEN at Central Library Mon.-Thur., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fri. & Sat., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sun., 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free and Open to the Public If you are hearing-impaired and need a qualified interpreter, please call the library 48 hours in advance of the program.

The Tulsa Book Review and Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide are printed on partially recycled paper.

The Tulsa City-County Library Event Guide is produced by the Public Relations Office of the Tulsa City-County Library. For questions or concerns, call 918-549-7389.

40th annual adult

writing contest 2017 deadline: march 31 cash prizes awarded

Children’s fiction • graphic story informal essay • poetry • short story entry forms are available at all tulsa city-county library locations or online at www.tulsalibrary.org/friends.

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Category

Speculative Fiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.

brought to Azeroth by Gul’dan, an orcish warlock. Skirmishes with the weaker but more numerous humans lead the orc chieftain Durotan to seek a truce with the humans. A half-orc named Garona, slave to Gul’dan, is captured and turns traitor, helping Llane and Lothar.

Ultimately, Durotan is betrayed by his closest friend, his right hand. Durotan’s Frostwolf clan is wiped out, but this helps Orgrim see the true treachery and danger Gul’dan poses. He takes up Durotan’s cause, denouncing the fel and fighting alongside humans however briefly. They all get a surprise adversary in the form of the Guardian, Medivh. He has been corrupted by the fel as well. Khadgar comes into his own here, becoming in action the Guardian he had once hoped to be.

Warcraft as a game is a thing I have a passing familiarity with. I felt I never had the time to invest in a game that really never ends. I’m more a Final Fantasy kind of gal. I have, in the past, enjoyed Warcraft-based books suggested by a co-worker. I found this story engaging and the characters enchanting. Khadgar is quite the adorable little mage, no matter how strong he is. I’m fairly certain if you are a Warcraft fan, you’ll enjoy this read, and you certainly will if you are a fantasy fan. I really want to see the movie now! I also want to see more with these characters. So many questions raised, so many possibilities. Maybe another movie is in the works?

This book could really use another editing run-through. There were several grammatical errors and places where names were switched in a confusing manner. They were very noticeable to me, though they didn’t detract from the overall story. The most confusing parts were when the names randomly changed and I had to parse out who was really meant.

Recommended if you enjoy Warcraft, the Dragonlance stories of Weis and Hickman, or The Legend of Drizzt books by R.A. Salvatore.

RED RIGHT HAND

By Levi Black Tor, $24.99, 304 pages Reviewed by Heather Clawson Check this out!

LOST GODS: A NOVEL

By Brom Harper Voyager, $27.99, 496 pages Reviewed by J. Aislynn d’Merricksson Check this out!

Brom’s Lost Gods is a dark, gripping tale of the power of love, the wickedness of men, and the power of alchemic forces always at work in our lives. Chet Moran is a man with a new lease on life.

Recently released from prison, Chet elopes with the live of his life, who is carrying his child. Impending fatherhood has made a new man of Chet, and he vows to be the best of fathers to his unborn child.

Chet and Trish flee from her father, going nearly a hundred miles away to where his grandmother lives. Chet hopes to get on his feet and make a new life for himself and his fledgling family here on remote Moran Island. He never gets the chance. Not even one day back and Chet learns the sinister truth behind his mother’s family. Not one day back and he finds himself dead. The only way to save Trish and his unborn daughter the same fate is to traverse the Netherworld, searching for his grandfather, Gavin.

Chet’s travels carry him across the River Styx and all the way to Lethe and back. Along the way, he meets some once-human friends, such as Ana and Ado, and makes the acquaintance of several gods, from Sekhmet to Veles. He also earns the enmity of several once-human souls and their demon masters. In his quest to find Gavin, Chet helps thwart a hostile coup of humans and demons against the twilight gods who dwell in purgatory. After all that, he still needs to get back to the surface and confront the threat to his family.

One part Dante’s Inferno, one part the journey of Orpheus, Lost Gods is an alchemic journey quite unlike any other. I have yet to read a novel by Brom that wasn’t richly complex, and this was certainly no exception. Filled with exquisite description, this book follows Chet Moran through seven distinct phases, mirroring the phases of alchemic transformation. At the beginning of each section is a unique, detailed drawing depicting a beastie or being relevant to that section. I loved Chet’s determination. Even after death, he fought to keep his promise of being there for his fledgling family. Through his underworld travels, he lived a veritable lifetime, growing into the full manhood his death had cut short.

This story mirrored a belief I hold personally: that we shape our own afterlife. Here, the twilight gods make a note that it is our beliefs in life that lead a soul to be damned or not. It was only those who had a dual belief in heaven and Hell, and who committed some deadly sin that ended up in Hell. Those who followed other paths did not, though they may still suffer death at the hands of demons or other underworld beings. And souls can die. Once a soul crosses over, if the ba is released from the ka’s frame, through damage to the skull, then there’s no coming back. A soul whose ba is still safe can heal damage to the ka, either over time or through ingestion of ka coins.

This story speaks to me on an even deeper level, in relation to the subjugation by the Book religions, called here the One God faiths, of so many of the myriad faiths that once flourished.

So much lost because of what? Jealousy? Intolerance? If you want a book guaranteed to make you think, look no further.

Highly recommended because Brom. ‘Nough said.

Charlotte Moore has fought her way through the darkest places of the human soul, but nothing prepares her for her encounter with the Man in Black, an elder god brandishing a wicked sword in his red right hand. Marking her as his Acolyte, the Man in Black informs Charlie that she must help him locate and destroy his demonic brethren before they have a chance to lay waste to all humanity. And to make sure she doesn’t get any second thoughts, Charlie’s new master binds her love, Daniel, to him as his minion.

Black’s disturbing imagery, breakneck pace, and visceral prose makes Red Right Hand feel like a literary roller coaster ride through hell without the safety bar. All you can do is hang on, scream yourself hoarse, squirm uncomfortably, and wish that it would never end. Black’s pacing is admirable, slowing down occasionally to let you catch your breath before mercilessly plunging you back into the cold dark void full of horrors more felt than seen. The super-short chapters make the story a bit choppy, but within the first few pages you’re hooked, and there’s no getting off the ride until you get to the end.

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WARCRAFT: OFFICIAL MOVIE NOVELISATION

By Christie Golden Titan Books, $7.99, 304 pages Reviewed by J. Aislynn d’Merricksson Check this out!

Warcraft was adapted from screenplay to novel by Christie Golden. It follows Lothar as he is dealing with reports of mysterious attacks. Khadgar, a baby mage, once destined to be Azeroth’s next Guardian, approached Lothar about other attacks bearing similar evidence of the danger and insists the the Guardian of Azeroth be summoned. Lothar takes him to King Llane. The King sends Lothar and Khadgar to Karazahn, home of the Guardian.

What they find is unsettling to say the least. The once bustling tower is now devoid of the staff necessary to keep it running. Only Medivh, his personal attendant Moroes, and a few kitchen and forge people remain. Medivh himself looks drawn and haggard, not at all the person Lothar met. Khadgar convinces Medivh to come help against this new threat.

Said threat turns out to be fel-tainted Orcs from another world, a world now dead. They were Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 9

THE POET’S DOG

By Patricia MacLachlan Katherine Tegan Books, $14.99, 96 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

Category

Kids’ Books SNAP IT for additional book summaries.

OWL SEES OWL

By Laura Godwin, Rob Dunlavey (Illustrator) Schwartz & Wade Books, $13.44, 40 pages Reviewed by Allyson Cauthon, Children’s Library Associate, Bixby Library Check this out!

I love owls so I was excited to have the opportunity to review Owl Sees Owl by Laura Godwin and Rob Dunlavey. Immediately I was drawn to the cover, with a baby owl framed by a big, bright full moon. Because of the topic and cover illustration, I had high expectations for an excellent read; the book did not disappoint.

This is a simple story about a baby owl that leaves his mother, brother and sister asleep in their nest as he goes on his first adventure into the deep blue night of the forest. As he journeys through the night, the bird’s-eye perspective offers glimpses of a beautiful autumn night full of vibrant leaves, glowing stars and scampering mice – all adding variety to dark pages that seem to make the illustrations pop. The nighttime scenes throughout the book are brilliant and serene.

The text is written as a four-pattern reverse poem (a poem with two halves where the words reverse in the middle) and includes basic concepts and larger print. Each turn of the page provides the reader with just four words, each on a separate line; some of the words describe the scene and some express the actions of the baby owl.

The simple text and watercolor illustrations create a beautiful and striking book for young children that would be a great bedtime story.

MITZI TULANE, PRESCHOOL DETECTIVE, IN WHAT’S THAT SMELL?

By Lauren McLaughlin, Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Illustrator) Random House, $11.38, 32 pages Reviewed by Alicia Latimer, Coordinator, African-American Resource Center Check this out!

With a diverse and colorful mix of characters that fill the pages, this beautifully illustrated book is delightful fun for any small child. Mitzi Tulane is a 3-year-old girl whose job it is to know what’s happening at 123 Maple Street. Mitzi has brown skin, her doll has yellow hair, and her baby brother wears a white diaper. Mitzi’s family and friends wear many colors of clothing and shoes and skin. One morning, Mitzi detects the smell of shaving cream, and realizes that her dad has a spot of white behind his ear and he’s all scratchy. Mitzi becomes a bit suspicious. Then Nonny and Noo Noo, her aunties and uncles, and the whole wide world are standing in the living room, and infant brother has no clue as to what’s going on. Hmmmm … the green and purple cake with four candles on top is the biggest clue of all that it’s somebody’s birthday. While the vocabulary of the book is above Mitzi’s age level, the adult and the small child being read to will equally enjoy the experience.

CURSE OF THE BOGGIN: THE LIBRARY (BOOK 1)

By D.J. MacHale Random House, $9.65, 242 pages Reviewed by Darla L’Allier, Youth Librarian, Helmerich Library Check this out!

If you want suspense, Curse of the Boggin, a new series from D.J. MacHale, is the tale for you. With lots of twists and turns, you learn all sorts of things, especially in the library. This intermediate read is a paranormal fantasy of friendship, intrigue and no romance whatsoever. Marcus holds the key to the library and it is not under the bed hidden with his sneakers and day-old breakfast!

Stony Brook Middle School was not what Marcus expected after the loss of his parents and his adoption. There are bullies and outrageous apparitions that roam the halls of the school.

Marcus also learns about detention hall, along with a few other challenges in his new middle school life. But he finds school buddies, Lu and Theo, who share in his adventures in the quest for the mysterious library and the books that need endings to the stories. His buddies share untold stories too and search the library for answers to their questions as well. The library holds stories without endings, stories of family and friends, stories of ghostly beginnings and who done its.

Turn the pages with Marcus, Theo and Lu as they battle it out with the boggin, using their wits and their wiles. “The whole way back home, I kept looking over my shoulder in case the old lady was creeping upon me.” The boggin uses fear, fear that conjures up wild images to scare others.

The library has stories that help Marcus understand some of his fears and questions about his family. The boggin wants the key to the library, but Marcus and his friends hold the paradox key to the library stacks. Track the race as you turn the pages of this puzzling book and see if Marcus and friends truly find what the library holds for them.

Two young children, Nick and Flora, are lost in a blizzard, having left the car where their mother had to leave them to go and get help. A dog, Teddy, comes upon them and, speaking softly to them, leads them to a cabin in the woods where Teddy had lived with his master, a poet named Sylvan. But Sylvan is gone. Yes, the children understand the dog as he speaks to them. Teddy had been told by Sylvan that only poets and children can understand dogs when they speak. Now Teddy knows this to be true.

The children and Teddy stay together in the cabin for several days as the blizzard rages around them. They help each other to keep the fire going and to find and cook things to eat.

Patricia MacLachlan reminds readers why she won a Newbery Medal. This enchanting story has a very old-fashioned, folktale feel to it. The characters are absolutely charming, the writing is spare and lyrical, and the story satisfies in every way. Younger middle-grade readers will especially enjoy being able to read such a rich story on their own, but everyone reading it will be equally charmed.

JUBILEE

By Patricia Reilly Giff Wendy Lamb Books, $16.99, 160 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

Judith is called Jubilee by her Aunt Cora who took her in when Jubilee’s mother dropped her off like a load of laundry when she was quite small. Jubilee hasn’t spoken a word since that time, communicating only through drawings and gestures. She and Aunt Cora live on an island, which Jubilee loves to explore while watching the wildlife. When she starts fifth grade, she is no longer in a special class but is in a regular class with a new teacher who has some different ideas about learning. It is there Jubilee meets Mason, who is sloppy and talks too much, but he doesn’t mind that Jubilee doesn’t talk as the other children do. They become fast friends. On Aunt Cora’s birthday, she receives a card from Jubilee’s mother, and Jubilee discovers her mother is nearby. She decides to go and see her.

When Patricia Reilly Giff has a new book out, it is cause for celebration among readers. This lovely, lyrical book has everything a reader would want — strong, believable characters, an interesting setting, and a well-crafted story full of conflict and drama. This will surely garner readers beyond the intended middle-grade audience.

HOW TO WRITE YOUR BEST STORY EVER!: TOP TIPS AND TRADE SECRETS FROM THE EXPERTS

By Christopher Edge Barron’s Educational Series, $12.99, 128 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

Kids love stories — hearing them, telling them, and some even enjoy writing them. But a great many kids are afraid to try their hands at writing stories. They don’t know how to find ideas or how to create characters or even how to plot. This fantastic new book is the perfect answer for kids who want to write stories or are assigned to do so in school. It covers everything a person needs to know to create a well-structured tale. Sections cover sparking ideas, creating settings, characters, action, realistic dialogue, word choice, and so much more. It even covers coming up with a good title, one of the most difficult tasks. In addition to all of this fundamental information, there are sections covering how to write in a wide variety of genres including adventure, horror, thriller, historic, funny, sports-related, school-related, fantasy, science fiction, romance, espionage, confessional, and it even describes how to write a script. Every one of these sections is illustrated with fun drawings in bold colors and includes lots of fun graphics. The writing is snappy and crisp and will keep young minds engaged. This might be the best writing book for kids in print.

THE GRIZZLY BEAR WHO LOST HIS GRRRRR!

By Rob Biddulph HarperCollins, $17.99, 40 pages Reviewed by S. D. Britt Check this out!

It is the morning of the Best Bear in the Wood contest and the most talented grizzly bear, Fred, wakes up to find he’s lost his growl. He searches and searches the forest but to no avail, his growl seems to have vanished. Having no friends, Fred has always been on his own with no one to depend on but himself and has nowhere to turn, until some friendly forest animals come to his aid. He then learns the importance of friendship and how to be a friend to those who feel the same loneliness he once felt.

Written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph, The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His Grrrrr is a timeless tale of earning and maintaining friendship predicating on loneliness. Biddulph utilized rhymes in his storytelling that created a fun atmosphere in driving the message of friendship home.

Geared for children ages 4-8, The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His Grrrrr! is colorfully illustrated with quirky forest characters that draw the young reader in easily.

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 10

Book Reviews

Kids’ Books

THE FRIEND SHIP

By Kat Yeh, Chuck Groenink (Illustrator) Disney-Hyperion, $16.99, 32 pages Reviewed by Josh Harrison Check this out!

WINTER, WINTER, COLD AND SNOW

By Sharon Gibson Palermo, Christina Song (Illustrator) Sleeping Bear Press, $16.99, 24 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

In The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh, a lonely hedgehog overhears others say that “friendship is out there.” So, she builds a boat to go searching for the “friend ship.” As she searches unsuccessfully, she encounters a variety of animals who all agree to come aboard and join the hunt. Hedgehog is ready to give up, but is encouraged by her shipmates to keep looking.||The story offers an unexpected twist at the end, rather than the obvious ending that Hedgehog now shares friendship with all the other animals. Young readers will likely enjoy coming to the conclusion for themselves. Parents will appreciate the theme that friendship is often right under your nose.||The illustrations by Chuck Groenink are superb. They are reminiscent of a blend of Lauren Castillo and Jon Klassen’s art. And that is high praise. The illustration of the Japanese dog could be framed and proudly displayed in my home. The illustrations support the text beautifully.

The forest animals are facing a winter in the woods. They all deal with this time of year in different ways. This rhyming picture book visits several forest animals at their wintering places and takes a peek at how they will spend the season. The rhythm is so strong in the text that it almost sounds like a song, and the repetition adds to that musicality.

This will become a real favorite with the youngest of listeners and will bring about calls for readings and re-readings on a daily basis.

Author Sharon Gibson Palermo has a great grasp of not only what subject matter (animals are ALWAYS popular with the kiddies) will interest these young listeners, but also how to build a consistent rhythm and rhyme to keep their interest high but also to lull them into a quiet time.

Illustrator Christina Song has used cut-paper illustrations with painted details to give absolutely charming completion to this lovely story. In addition, there is a section in the back that discusses the winter habits of the eight forest animals covered in the book. This would be a perfect holiday gift for youngsters and their parents.

LITTLE BROTHER PUMPKIN HEAD

By Lucia Panzieri, Samantha Enria (Illustrator) Holiday House, $16.95, 32 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out!

A POEM FOR PETER: THE STORY OF EZRA JACK KEATS AND THE CREATION OF THE SNOWY DAY

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Steve Johnson (Illustrator), Lou Fancher (Illustrator) Viking Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 60 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

When a little boy is expecting a new baby in the family, he finds himself worrying about his mom’s seemingly odd behavior: the way she sings all the time, or falls asleep during story time, and especially her odd cravings for pumpkin. Will his new little brother be born with a pumpkin instead of a regular head?!? What can he do to help make sure this doesn’t happen?

This cute little picture book brings a fun perspective to what it might be like for a young child expecting a new sibling. How do kids see the odd habits of an expecting mama? Little Brother Pumpkin Head makes for a fun story that little ones will want to read over and over again, whether they’re about to be big brothers or sisters or not. Author Lucia Panzieri keeps the story short and sweet, while the illustrations

by Samantha Enria bring it all to life. Readers will enjoy the boy’s solution--telling his brother all kinds of interesting new words to ensure that he does, indeed, have a brain, and little ones just might learn some new vocabulary themselves.

Anyone who has read picture books since the mid-1960s is sure to know A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. It is arguably one of the best books for children of the 20th century. It has a great following, is known to children of all ages from three to one-hundred and three, and has charmed them all. So how did Keats come to be an illustrator and author, and how did this iconic book come to fruition? That is the story of this marvelous picture book for those seven-to-ten years old, though many beyond that age group will enjoy it as well. Author Andrea Davis Pinkney uses many poetic devices including repetition, internal rhyme, and alliteration in her very well-researched text that very nearly sings the story of Keats. Readers will follow his story from his birth through his remarkable career and the picture book that changed everything. The illustrations of Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson echo the illustrations of Keats in a lovely homage to his groundbreaking work. Readers will be fascinated by the struggles Keats overcame in order to be able to complete his remarkable work. This a fine example of non-fiction for children.

MONSTER SCIENCE: COULD MONSTERS SURVIVE (AND THRIVE!) IN THE REAL WORLD?

By Helaine Becker, Phil McAndrew (Illustrator) Kids Can Press, $18.95, 96 pages Reviewed by Holly Scudero Check this out!

Everyone knows monsters aren’t real--but could they be?!

This clever book by Helaine Becker and Phil McAndrew explores just that question. Monster Science delves into the possible science between a host of popular monsters, including vampires, werewolves, and Bigfoot. There are several pages devoted to each monster, and various scientific topics are discussed. In the vampire chapter, for example, readers learn about real-life bloodsucking creatures, diseases that cause vampire-like symptoms, and the concept of immortality; the chapter on zombies discusses cannibalism, the process of decay, and deadly pandemics. Many scientific concepts are illustrated, and there are other fun illustrations that will make readers laugh (or maybe shiver).

While the book doesn’t purport to tell readers the absolute truth, the facts speak for themselves.

This book is sure to keep young readers (and their parents) thoroughly entertained.

BEFORE MORNING

By Joyce Sidman, Beth Krommes (Illustrator) HMH Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 48 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

A young child comes home from school, and it is clear she has had a hard day. Her sadness shows on her face. While talking to her mother, she hides her mother’s uniform hat in hopes of keeping her mother home for some extra time together. This entire opening is shown with illustration, before any words are on the page. From there forward, lyrical, spare language, simple and sweet, carries the story of a wish or invocation this little girl sends some great power, asking it to please deliver a special day filled with snow to make it possible for mother to stay home and spend extra time with the little girl.

When a new book by Newbery Honor winner Joyce Sidman comes out, it is cause for celebration by her legions of fans. Here she uses a mere sixty-six well-chosen words to carry readers through the story. Of course, much of the story work is in the very capable hands of Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes. Her subtly-colored scratch-board illustrations are incredibly rich and detailed.

This sweet book will rapidly become a favorite cuddle-time story.

Helping Kids Grow as Readers!

Tulsa City-County Library is proud to announce a NEW resource for parents, caregivers and educators: the Kids Read blog. Check back every week for fun literacy tips, great children’s book suggestions and alerts about upcoming library programs your kids will love.

www.TulsaLibrary.org/blog/kids-read Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 11

This was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. It engages the attention from the start and doesn’t let go. The authors did a great job of doling out tidbits of Sonny’s life. I spent most of the book really wanting to know what happened in his past. (You don’t find out until close to the end.) My only qualm was with the places where we jump perspective several times in a row, sometimes from paragraph to paragraph.

Category

Crime Fiction SNAP IT for additional book summaries.

LIAR’S KEY

By Carla Neggers MIRA, $26.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Tamara Benson Check this out!

“An FBI legend, a mysterious antiquities specialist, and a brazen art thief draw top FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan into a complex web of blackmail, greed, and murder in the eagerly awaited new novel in the highly acclaimed Sharpe & Donovan series.”

Although I jumped into the series with this sixth novel, Liar’s Key, I was neither disappointed nor confused. Carla Neggers does a wonderful job of recapping the past story lines and giving just enough character background without it seeming intrusive. The story revolves around a rumor, and each character who enters the story adds their piece to the ever-evolving puzzle.

The plot is interesting on its own, but it is in her characters where this author truly shines. Emma and Colin have a romance that has clearly developed over the previous books in the series and is both believable and endearing. English art thief Oliver York appears again, and the relationship between these three grows more complex. Add a host of other well-rounded characters, and you have a recipe for certain success.

This author is new to me, but as soon as I finished it I was online looking for the first five books in the series. The mail carrier cannot come fast enough!

NIGHT AND DAY: AN EVE DUNCAN NOVEL

By Iris Johansen St. Martin’s Press, $27.99, 352 pages Reviewed by Karen Collins Check this out!

Danger is nothing new to Eve Duncan. In Iris Johansen’s third book in the series Night and Day, danger hits close to home.

Eleven-year-old Cara Delaney has been captured by her biological mother, Natalie Castino. Even with the help of former Navy SEAL Joe Quinn and Eve’s other close associates who specialize in subterfuge, it will be no easy feat to rescue Cara. Natalie’s father is Sergai Kaskov, a major Russian mafia boss.

Cara’s eight-year absence from her mother has not instilled a sense of longing for a reunion. Can she be lured into believing her mother wants her back for the right reasons? Sergai connects with Cara through their mutual love of classical music. He presents her with a valuable violin which she plays for him, to his delight.

Eve must face threats to her most precious relationships, one of which is just being formed.

MacDuff may be on the verge of locating Cira’s gold, which comes with its own history of love, sacrifice, and loss. The legend of Cira and her lost son adds a layer of urgency to the plans to save Cara. Never one to disappoint, Johansen has written another fast-paced, suspenseful story.

GOLIATH: A THRILLER

By Shawn Corridan, Gary Waid Oceanview Publishing, $26.95, 320 pages Reviewed by J. Aislynn d’Merricksson Check this out!

With Goliath, Corridan and Waid have woven a gripping novel in the style of Michael Crichton and the duo of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. It is a story of man-against-man, of the deceptions we play against one another and the wounds we inflict on one another.

As the owner of Skeleton Salvage, Sonny Wade is a man down on his luck. Sonny’s crew abandons him, quitting en masse. Following on the heels of the crew’s desertion, Sonny’s ships and home are repossessed. A lucky last-minute break comes in the form of an SOS from the Russian supertanker Bennkah.

Sonny manages to stave off repossession and reassembles his crew. Despite the odds, Skeleton Salvage beats their competition to the great ship. What they find is a nightmare. The ship has run aground, and there is the very real prospect of crude oil spilling into the ocean.

Even worse, the interior of the massive ship has been ravaged by fire. The dead are found littered throughout the inside, bodies charred beyond recognition, or found floating frozen in the sea. It’s up to Sonny and his crew to secure the ship and unground her. However, a deadly storm looms on the horizon, and there’s more to the Bennkah than meets the eye.

UNDERGROUND AIRLINES

By Ben H. Winters Mulholland Books, $26.00, 336 pages Reviewed by Michael Shulman Check this out!

Underground Airlines, written by Ben Winters, in an alternatehistory thriller. The novel takes place in modern day. Everything that we are accustomed to--the Internet, Facebook, television, modern transportation--is present, but with one major difference: the Civil War never happened and slavery exists to this day in four states known as the Hard Four, a result of the deal reached between the North and the South. In the past, slavery existed in the entire South; however, as time went on, some slaves rebelled against their masters while some were voluntarily freed. Also, over time state and local law enforcement became less and less interested in catching fugitive slaves and returning them to the plantations. As a result, it became necessary for federal law enforcement agencies to use former African-American slaves as undercover agents in order to find and return fugitive slaves according to the compromise. The book tells of one such undercover agent. Victor, which is an assumed name, is a young black man who struck a deal with the government to track down and return Jackdaw, a fugitive slave. At first, Victor knows nothing about Jackdaw, but as time goes on, he learns more and more about him. He travels to Indianapolis, where Jackdaw is believed to be hiding. While there, he infiltrates Underground Airlines, an abolitionist movement working to free the remaining slaves. However, Underground Airlines has its own agenda for which it plans to use Victor. As a result, Victor becomes a tool in the game of political intrigue.

Underground Airlines is very beautifully written. The plot is very imaginative, with lots of juicy details. In addition, character development is very strong, as the reader takes a close look at Victor’s moral choice of why he took the federal agents up on their offer, which guaranteed his personal freedom upon the mission’s successful completion. The way the author describes how Victor wrestles with his morals during his mission to capture and return Jackdaw back to slavery is in my opinion the star of the book.

All in all, I found Underground Airlines to be quite an enjoyable read. If you are a fan of alternate history novels and enjoy reading about moral dilemmas, then Ben Winters’ book is for you.

ESCAPE CLAUSE

By John Sandford G.P. Putnam’s Sons, $29.00, 400 pages Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro Check this out!

Virgil Flowers clearly has his hands full. His latest assignment finds the brilliant detective on the trail of a couple of kidnapped tigers. Flowers is tasked with the unenviable task of locating the exotic felines before they meet an untimely end.

The media scrutiny shines a suffocating light on Flowers and the BCA. Virgil has to weed his way through the medical quacks who would look to trade in exotic medicine while keeping an eye on a crazed animal rights assassin looking to take down one of those quacks. The robbers who would be the beneficiaries of inside help in their theft quickly delve into a treacherous double cross when a key piece of evidence turns up. The action amps up as the bodies start to fall. In addition to this, Virgil’s girlfriend is endangered by the work of her sister in researching slave labor in a local business. Will Virgil be able to solve the cases before he becomes the next cadaver?

Escape Clause excels at engaging the reader in a fun and action-filled story. The story line moves fast, the twists are smart, the characters are well written. John Sandford has done it once again in furthering the story of Virgil Flowers. Grade A mystery!

WAKE THE DEVIL: A THRILLER

By Robert Daniels Crooked Lane Books, $25.99, 352 pagges Reviewed by Michael Shulman Check this out!

Wake the Devil is a tense thriller written by Robert Daniels.

It is his second book in the Jack Kale and Beth Sturgis series as well as his second overall. In Wake the Devil retired FBI agent Jack Kale and police detective Beth Sturgis take up a new case in which witnesses that are to testify against a terrorist are murdered by an extremely elusive assassin called Sandman, who he leaves no clues. As the body count rises, it is up to these two FBI agents to track down the assassin and put a stop to his killings.

Wake the Devil has a healthy dose of action and suspense as well as character development. The novel is chock full of twists and turns. The plot is likewise very thick in action as Kale and Sturgis are hot on Sandman’s trail. Finally, both characters are extremely well developed, as the author elaborates on their mental state and background. For example, Kale, who was an FBI agent, has extremely great analytical skills that greatly help in their quest to track down the villain. Beth Sturgis, a police detective, is a risk taker. Her superiors don’t take kindly to her taking risks as they believe it will ultimately jeopardize whatever mission she is tasked with. Finally, the reader sees the villain Sandman as a very clever person who goes to great lengths to stay under the radar and avoid capture.

All in all, I found Wake the Devil to be quite enjoyable. I really liked the fast-paced plot of the book, which kept me guessing until the very end.

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 12

Category

Biographies & Memoirs

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SHIRLEY JACKSON: A RATHER HAUNTED LIFE

By Ruth Franklin Liveright, $35.00, 624 pages Reviewed by Sean West Check this out!

There’s a pretty famous story about Shirley Jackson writing her legacy-making story “the Lottery.” The story goes that she thought up the idea one day at the supermarket, plotted it out on the drive home, typed it up, mailed it out, and a few short weeks later it appeared in The New Yorker.

This is a story Jackson herself told often. “There’s only one problem with Jackson’s origin myth,” Ruth Franklin tells us. “It is not entirely true.”

“The Lottery” underwent rewrites and had to be resubmitted before The New Yorker published the story in April 1948. And so Franklin dives into the myth and reality of the “haunted life” of one of the masters of 20th-century horror.

Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life does a great job boosting Jackson’s profile and stature, not just as a horror author but as a major player in 20th-century fiction in general.

MY LIFE WITH THE SAINTS

By James Martin, SJ Loyola Press, $16.95, 432 pages Reviewed by Jane Manaster Check this out!

Even those not responding to the Catholic faith will be captivated by James Martin’s eclectic friends, nine celebrated saints to whom he turns when personal issues lead him to seek wisdom or comfort. My Life with the Saints, an award-winning book when first published ten years ago, retains its integrity, brimming over with Martin’s candor and humor.

Tracing his own youthful years from businessman to Jesuit priest, he confronts the doubts that befell him and the knowledge of his personal shortcomings. He confesses the need to avoid attempting to emulate the saints and instead to recognize one’s worth, a message he passes along to readers.

The saints he chooses range from such intellectuals as Thomas Merton and Ignatius of Loyola to the French girl Bernadette and Therese of Lisieux, whose writing was inspirational despite her early death at 24 years old, to the courageous Joanne of Arc and the martyrs of Uganda. Reaching back to the earliest days of Christianity to the apostle Peter, Martin steps across the centuries to include Pope John XXlll and Mother Teresa, both widely familiar and admired today.

The chapters follow three paths, Martin’s own story, the early years of the saints in their family settings, and not least their legacy.

POWERS, cont’d from page 7 Ásmundsson translated Stoker’s bestseller, he made some character and plot changes. The result is a shorter novel that runs a lot faster and is a little more erotic and more suspenseful. Makt Myrkranna focuses more on Jonathan Harkness’s stay at Castle Dracula and the strange and terrifying things that go on there.

This edition of this new and unique text features and introduction and margin annotations by Hans de Roos, as well as a foreword by Dacre Stoker and an afterword by John Edgar Browning.

Powers of Darkness is a completely new look at this classic text that fans of the book and genre won’t want to miss.

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 13

This book analyzes the photo and its impact in a measured, thoughtful way. Filled with photographs that capture the era and enlighten the text, this book is an accessible introduction to the Vietnam Era suitable for high school students. Surprisingly, although the image itself quickly became inextricably linked to war protests, the shooting was the culmination of a series of events that began a few days earlier. Readers will learn about the political climate of the country, student attitudes on campus, and the broader effect of the photo. The author is careful to present the views of those both supporting and opposing the war and the varied reactions to the shooting without either vilifying or commending the actors; readers are invited to draw their own conclusions. This book is an excellent resource for those looking for more depth about the protests against the Vietnam War.

Category

Teens

ROSE & THORN

By Sarah Prineas HarperTeen, $17.99, 416 pages Reviewed by Rebecca Williams Check this out!

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CARAVAL

By Stephanie Garber Flatiron Books, $, 416 pages Reviewed by Rebecca McWilliams, Teen Associate, Hardesty Regional Library Check this out!

Stephanie Garber’s debut novel Caraval is bound to garner well-deserved attention. If you love being transported to another world full of magic, intrigue, danger and, yes, a little bit of romance, then you will love this story.

Growing up, Scarlett and her younger sister Donatella (Tella) listened to their grandmother’s stories about the magical game Caraval, where the audience gets to participate in the show and wished to attend. Trapped on the small island of Trisda her whole life, Scarlett wants nothing more than to escape the manipulative clutches of her father, Governor Marcello Dragna, and experience the wonderment of Caraval herself. Now about to be wed to a man she has never met, Scarlett hopes he will be the ticket for her and her sister to leave the abusive tyranny of their father. While waiting for her wedding day, Scarlett receives a letter from Legend, Master of Caraval, as well as three tickets to join the enchanted game on his own private island. Despite being terrified of her father’s wrath, Scarlett is whisked away by her sister Tella and a mysterious sailor, Julian. As soon as they arrive, Tella is taken by the mastermind Legend. The first contestant to find her by the end of the game wins, but they only have five days before she disappears forever. In a desperate race to find her sister, Scarlett struggles to discern between what is real and what is only an elaborate performance in the game of Caraval.

Set along the same lines as Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, Garber’s book takes you on a journey full of twists and surprises that keep you guessing what happens next and whom Scarlett can actually trust. The characters are well-rounded, complex and believable albeit outlandish, but the plot moves so quickly and events unfold so surprisingly you can’t put the book down. You will not be disappointed. Fans of fantasy will await any new works by Stephanie Garber.

FINDING WONDERS: THREE GIRLS WHO CHANGED SCIENCE

By Jeannine Atkins Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 208 pages Reviewed by Aron Row Check this out!

Travel through three different centuries to find several remarkable women with true grit who helped to advance scientific knowledge in their distinctive areas of expertise. Written in exquisite verse form by the skilled children’s literature writer Jeannine Atkins, three authentic individuals are rendered within a fictionalized background to portray their significant achievements. The book strongly emphasizes the determination, perseverance, and fortitude of these remarkable personalities who fostered their childhood preferences into mature research endeavors despite the prevalent attitude of ignoring and devaluing females in the prevailing man’s world. From the 18th century, the painter Maria Merian revealed the life cycle of insects and exposed the mystery of metamorphosis. From a similarly impoverished background in the 19th century, Mary Anning fortuitously chiseled out patterned rock layers that later were identified as fossil records, transforming her into a leading paleontologist. And the more recent 19th century astronomer Maria Mitchell started out working in Nantucket with her map-maker father and was entranced by the night sky and the secrets revealed through the telescope. The Miss Mitchell comet is named for this intrepid woman who first discovered and described its path. The message engendered by this poetically painted history of woman scientists from the past is that youths should follow their passion and that women are well able to succeed.

DEATH AT KENT STATE: HOW A PHOTOGRAPH BROUGHT THE VIETNAM WAR HOME TO AMERICA

By Michael Burgan Compass Point Books, $8.95, 64 pages Reviewed by Gretchen Wagner Check this out!

John Filo’s powerful image shows students on the campus of Kent State, one fatally shot, another in the extremity of grief, while others look on in disbelief. This image became a rallying cry for opposition to the Vietnam War, especially for college students throughout the country.

Rose has lived hidden with Shoe her entire life. She knows she is special, from the curses that surround her to the budding rose birth mark on her wrist. When she finds an intruder near her home and then Shoe dies, she knows her life has changed.

She asks the Forest to help her get to City where she might start anew. When she arrives, everyone is afraid of her because they believe she is a tool for Story to weave its magic and tell its stories, using everyone and everything in City for Story’s own end.

Rose and her new friends Griff, Quirk, and Timothy vow not to let that happen, but the cost may be more than they bargained for. This is a follow-up to Ash and Bramble, but this story happens fifty years later. While it’s not necessary to read the books in order, reading the first one may provide some background to help readers understand what Rose is facing. Rose is a likable character, though sometimes too happy, but the pessimistic Timothy and realist Quirk help keep that in check. All in all, a satisfactory re-telling of a favorite fairy tale which, in this tale, cannot come to pass.

REVENGE OF THE EVIL LIBRARIAN

By Michelle Knudsen Candlewick, $16.99, Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

Cynthia had a tough year in school. Her school had a librarian who really was a demon, and he had designs on Cyn’s best friend, Annie. Cyn had to vanquish the demon to save her friend and, in doing so, created a connection with the underworld. But that’s all behind her. This summer, Cyn will go to theater camp for the whole summer, and her dreamy boyfriend, Ryan, will be there, too. Cyn, a set designer, is assigned to a new show written and scored by a student. Ryan, meanwhile, is cast in a different musical with a girl who is clearly crazy about him. If that isn’t enough drama, the playwright on Cyn’s show is not only hot in the usual sense, but it turns out he’s a demon as well. It’s complicated.

Michelle Knudsen’s sequel to Evil Librarian is perfectly delightful. Who knew chasing demons, including some great shape-shifting ones, could be this much fun? The characters jump off the page. The story pulls readers through with hardly time to breathe. The writing couldn’t be better. This is more fun than a day at an amusement park with a hot date. Don’t miss this one.

AS I DESCENDED

By Robin Talley HarperTeen, $17.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Rosi Hollinbeck Check this out!

Maria had some experiences as a little girl that make her think she may have a special connection to the spirit world, a fact she shared with her roommate and lover, Lily. Lily buys an antique Ouija board and convinces Maria they should try having a seance with their friend Brandon. They choose the old dining hall at their boarding school, a place thought to be haunted. Things go terribly wrong and it seems they have unleashed some powerful evil forces. Maria is in competition with popular girl Delilah for a scholarship, and when Lily suggests drugging Delilah to ruin her reputation, Maria does and starts wishing for other things to help her, but the evil powers kind of take over and terrible things start happening.

VERY loosely based on Macbeth, this modern tragedy has so much going on it is hard to know author Robin Talley’s true intent. Is it a story about being young and gay, an anti-bullying story, or a retelling of one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays? The writing is crisp, the characters engaging, and the darkness intriguing. YA readers who like scary stories will like this one.

THE AMATEURS

By Sara Shepard Freeform, $17.99, 320 pages Reviewed by Bailey Tulloch Check this out!

The Amateurs, Sara Shepard’s latest installment, features a female sleuth protagonist reminiscent of Nancy Drew _ but one who has some secrets of her own. Eighteen-year-old Seneca has been drawn to crime ever since the disappearance of high school senior Helena Kelly five years earlier. The unsolved case inspired

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 14

Book Reviews

Teens

Seneca to become a member of Case Not Closed, an online message board dedicated to the pursuit of old cases. When a message appears on the board about Helena’s case and Seneca decides to follow the lead, she is pulled into a world of crime, mystery, and secrets about her own past as well as Helena’s.

The story reads like a true Sara Shepard novel, fast paced and full of twists you know will happen but that you still can never anticipate. While some of the supporting characters could use a little more depth and relatability, Seneca is a genuine protagonist whose journey is thrilling and engaging. The Amateurs is sure to be a quick read, but its twists and turns will take you on an adventure that you can’t get enough of.

THE GIRL IN THE PICTURE

By Alexandra Monir Delacorte Press, $17.99, 272 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out!

In Alexandra Monir’s young adult thriller, The Girl in the Picture, Chace is dead and Oyster Bay will never be the same. It starts with two girls. Lana is the girl everyone wants to know and be, whose mother is a politician. Nicole is the girl who was never really noticed as anything more than a music nerd until a scar and fight with Lana leave her a social pariah. When Congressman Porter’s son, Chace, transfers to Oyster Bay, both Lana and Nicole take notice. Lana ends up dating Chace while Nicole admires from afar and focuses on her violin. However, Chace is not what he seems, and a secret past and desire are uncovered. Police, friends, and suspects are trying to piece together what happened.

Who will pay and who will get away?

The Girl in the Picture is a well written suspense novel that will keep readers guessing until the end. Monir’s characters mirror your typical teenagers with a twist. Her attention to detail and unfolding of information while holding just enough back is incredible and adds to the pace and intrigue of the story. Overall, this is a five-star young adult thriller that is one to add to your list to read.

THE DA VINCI CODE

By Dan Brown Delacorte Press, $18.99, 416 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out!

Adapted for the young adult reading audience, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is every bit the thrill ride and adventure of the original. Robert Langdon is in Paris giving a speech when during the night he is called to the Louvre. There he is informed by the police that the curator of the museum is dead. Little does he know that he is not there because he was the last person listed in the curator’s book for a meeting that never happened, nor is he there to help with the strange positioning and symbols left near the curator’s body--he is there a suspect. When Agent Sophie Neveu comes to rescue Langdon, they end up following clues left behind by the curator, Sophie’s grandfather. However, they are not the only ones. At the end of the treasure hunt is something that many want and some are willing to kill or die for. The chase is on and time fleeting.

While adapted for young adult readers, this version of The Da Vinci Code would still be geared toward readers that fall on the upper end of that age range. While the story, historical information, pictures, and treasure hunt would be appealing to middle school and high school readers, the higher level thinking and inference as well as the heavy subject of the depth and breadth of the church makes it more appropriate for the older readers in this group. Overall, The Da Vinci Code, even adapted, still earns a solid five stars for delivering suspense and facts to its audience.

BAD BLOOD

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes Disney-Hyperion, $17.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Rebecca Williams Check this out!

Cassie and the Naturals have linked the Masters _ a group of serial killers _ to her missing mom. Lorelai is the Pythia, the most important, and the most tortured, of them all. Clues from Cassie’s newly found sister, Laurel, give them information about Nightshade, a Master and serial killer with an affinity for poisons. These clues take them to a small town in Oklahoma to investigate his childhood for clues, but Cassie recognizes the town and her previous home of a whole year. As the memories start returning, she knows that they are close to figuring out the identities of the Masters and her mom, so close that the latest of the Master’s killings are affecting them personally and that any one of them may be next. This final book in The Naturals series is as explosive as the rest, with all the drama and statistics expected from this group of almost supernaturally talented teens. Like the previous books, the chapters alternate between the story and the perspective of a killer, one readers will not expect at all. The fast pacing will bring the end of the series too quickly but with a conclusion that will be exceptionally satisfying to the fan base.

THE FEVER CODE

By James Dashner Delacorte Press, $18.99, 384 pages Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Check this out!

There once was a boy named Tom, who was put into a maze.

However, before that, there was a boy named Stephen and a maze that needed to be created. In The Fever Code, James Dashner’s fifth installment of The Maze Runner series, readers learn how it all began. WICKED begins the story by ÒrescuingÓ children from their parents, who are becoming sick and turning into cranks and changing their names. When Stephen is rescued, he becomes Tom, a key element to WICKED and ultimately the hero of the series. The Fever Code also introduces us to characters that we will remember from previous books, such as Theresa, Alby, Chuck, Minho, and others. However, in this book we see how they were before they were inserted into the maze. Ultimately, The Fever Code shows us the first true glance of WICKED. WICKED is good. Right?

Dashner has outdone himself with The Fever Code. A prequel four books in the making, it answers questions and raises others that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. While well-written in the first four books of The Maze Runner series, offering back stories to the characters allows readers to sympathize more with what they go through. If ever there was a prequel that would make readers want to go back and reread a series The Fever Code definitely tops the list. A 5 star young adult novel that should not be missed!

DOGS IN CARS, cont’d from page 5 luxurious car filled with Chihuahuas—at least eight of them of various colors along with a strange looking dog and the tail of another—both might be Chihuahuas. Or think about a toy Pomeranian that looks more like a teddy bear than a dog, peering through of the divider in a limousine with a great smile on his face. Most of the photographs have two or more dogs interacting with the car or each other, but there are solitary dogs, including one even wearing a low-cut sweater. One seems to be driving; most, though, are simply enjoying their ride. Three pugs, tongues at attention and heads out the window with impish expressions, will make your day.

Lara Jo Regan has put together a fabulously funny collection of impressive photographs. The dogs are all expressive and all seem to be enjoying themselves immensely. This is a very fun coffee-table book that every dog lover (and a lot of others) will appreciate.

THE CASE OF ALAN TURING: THE EXTRAORDINARY AND TRAGIC STORY OF THE LEGENDARY CODEBREAKER

By Eric Liberge, Arnaud Delalande (Illustrator), David Homel (Translator) Arsenal Pulp Press, $23.95, 112 pages Reviewed by Aron Row Check this out!

A brilliant mind, an award-winning mathematician and physicist, an eccentric who lived in his own world, the Enigma codebreaker Alan Turing was recognized for his genius and at the same time demonized for his sexual practices. This epic story of the heroic quest to decipher the German orders during World War II zooms in on the intrigues at Bletchley Hall and the numerous discouraging attempts to construct the ‘bombe’ that would ultimately decrypt the enemy code. Using classified data recently released, this graphic novel recounts the military pressures exerted on their code breakers, and the obstinacy of Turing, specifically, in pursuing his challenged line of thought. Translated from the original French, the dark, mournful colors used in the cartoon images project the melancholy plaguing this exceptional scientist. Floating through the drawings are projections of his desire for male companionship and lovers. Finally exposed as a homosexual, this war hero lost the protection of the war office, was labelled a sexual deviate by the civilian court and sentenced to undergo chemical castration. While still in his forties, Alan Turing took his own life. The illustrative snapshots along with short text explanations impart the sad, tragic biographic of a brilliant theorist who was destroyed by the prevailing ideology of his time. It’s a sad tale recounting how often we destroy anything or anyone that is different.

GOURMET KITCHEN, cont’d from page 8 routes. Over time, recipes change, reflecting the evolution of food and science and the way society regards foods and food presentation. This collection of recipes reflects Korean and Middle Eastern influences on American cuisine.

The book’s approach is that these recipes are to be used as guidelines, and it encourages readers to change, modify, omit, and add ingredients to the various recipes. Readers would be well advised to read the chapter titled “Ingredients and Equipment” that outlines why certain ingredients are chosen and offers guidelines for possible substitution. That chapter also justifies the use of the kitchen equipment referenced throughout the book.

The recipes are thematically arranged. Each recipe starts with a relevant blurb, list of ingredients, and step-by-step preparation. There may be some discussion of possible variations or substituting ingredients. A full-page picture shows the finished product–a definite help for readers trying to compare their creations with those intended by this work.

Most of the recipes take more time (and some more patience) than one would expect for these meals. However, the additional effort truly makes them “gourmet.” With that said, once one has experimented with a recipe, the results are always repeatable and are generally very good to excellent. Recommended for those who want to prepare excellent ordinary meals.

Tulsa Book Review • January 2017 • 15

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