8/14/2019 Bristol Herald Courier May 10, 2009

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BOOKS & MORE SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2009 BRISTOL HERALD COURIER D

RECOMMENDED READING

If you like historical romance orRobin Hood-type stories, checkout What A Scoundrel Wantsby Carrie Lofty (paperback,

$3.99, 2008).Robin Hoods

nephew, WillScarlet, is the starof this book.

Will is employedas a hired

swordsman whenthe men that hesworking for pick aght with a noblelord and his entou-rage.

During theattle, Will ndsimself saving alind woman, Megf Keyworth, fromhe other men.

Will is imme-iately drawn toeg, who is just

s strong, deviousand passionate as he is. But Meghas no time for romance, sinceshes searching for her sister,whos in trouble for selling fakeemeralds.

But Will upsets Megs plans inmore ways than one especiallysince shes as attracted to him ashe is to her.

Lofty has written a lovelyromance, full of action, adventure,danger and passion. This one willespecially appeal to readers whoare searching for a different takeon the Robin Hood legend.

ENNIFER ESTEP is a features pagedesigner for the Bristol Herald Courier.

SHELTER REVIEW

nGimme Shelter by MaryElizabeth Williams, 2009, Simon& Schuster, $26.99/$34 Canada,320 pages: No matter whether itwas a mudhole or a mansion, yourrst home as a grown-up is theone youll never forget.

So imagine looking for threeyears for the perfect home in theperfect neighborhood.

In the new book Gimme Shel-ter by Mary Elizabeth Williams,youll read about the most hair-pulling, frustrating, aggravating,teeth-gnashing, wonderful thingone New York couple ever did.

Living in a tiny (less than 750square feet) apartment in Brook-lyn might seem like a dream tosome. Thats plenty of room to

spread out, if you dont have manypossessions.

But add another adult and a 3-year-old child, and you understandwhy Williams went househuntingin the winter of 2003.

But staying in Brooklyn, in thearea in which they wanted tolive, would be extremely difcult.Many older buildings were beingreplaced by condos then, and thecondos were expensive.

Williams says that she and herhusband had an absolute topbudget of $400,000. Condoscould cost double that, or more.

So they decided to have a babyinstead. But the househuntingdidnt stop.

Now with baby in tow, Williamsscoured the want ads and stalkedopen houses. Everything shefound was either over budget orundersized, needing extensivework or just didnt work out.

Buying a home is like gettinga job or nding a soul mate orconceiving a baby, Williams says.Its a piece of cake. Except whenits impossible.

Discouraged, the couple gaveup. Kind of.

With one child heading forkindergarten and another headingfor preschool, they expanded theirsearch area and stumbled on anarea of Manhattan that still had

wooded acreage and large openparks.Several co-ops were within

budget range. But on the verge ofthe housing crisis, would a mort-gage come through?

Gimme Shelter is a denitedelight. Its funny and truthful, lledwith gratitude, familiarity and back-handed advice.

But it may suffer from a badsense of timing: will readers,weary of the whole housingbubble/housing crisis, want toread a book about buying a veryexpensive home?

I hope so, because I likedGimme Shelter. Author Williamsmade me laugh more than once.

Anyone whos ever househuntedknows the mind-numbing frustra-tion of making realtor-rounds, andWilliams sums that up well.

She has a few words to sayabout the current housing situa-tion, lenders and predators. Shesalso donating 2 percent of moneyearned on this book to NationalAlliance to End Homelessness.

Be cautious before buyingGimme Shelter. If youre stillsmarting from a housing debacle,you wont like it.

But if youve been able to main-tain a sense of humor, or are readyto buy a house nally thenreading this book is a gimme.

GOT A LEFTOVER GIFT

card from Christmas? Thinkabout trying some of these titles

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

THE BOOKWORM

Ah, theres something wonderfulabout spring cleaning. Its a greattime to rid yourself of all the clutteryou amassed over the winter. Agreat time to make room for all thefun things youll need for warmweather.

A great time to nd gift certi-cates you forgot you had. Oops.

So you got a gift certicate to thebookstore last Christmas, and youdidnt use it. How about looking forany of these great books?

FICTION

nDo you envy the lifestyles of the

rich and famous? Then read The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund by Jill Kargman.When Holly Talbott nds out that herhusbands business trips are morethan just business, she suddenlybecomes a divorcee a rich one,at that. This is one of those guiltypleasure books: fun to read and agreat escape.n Looking for something a little

different and deeper? Try Carpen-taria by Alexis Wright. This book,written by an Australian Aboriginalwriter, includes mysticism, myth andmagic for an engrossing story.n If short stories are more to your

liking, look for Button Button:Uncanny Stories by Richard Math-eson. One of the stories in this book is

due to become a movie soon, and therest? They should be. This is a creepybook. Youve been warned.nWhen two brothers take dif-

ferent paths, it leads to heartbreakin Where the Line Bleeds byJesmyn Ward. This novel, set in Mis-sissippi is the story of twin boys, onewho nds a job and the other, whocant seem to nd the right path. I tsone of those novels you cherish andwill be perfect for that vacation youretaking this summer.

Me by Stacey Jay is a young adultnovel? So what? Its still tons of fun forbig girls, too. This book is lled withzombies, dead people and a 15 yearold whos a Zombie Settler. Soundfun? Read it, pass it along to yourteen, discuss.nHow about a staycation with

a vacation theme? Then pick up Trin-idad Noir by various authors. Thesemystery stories are set down near theequator, in a place where intrigue is ashot as the thermometer. When youredone, look for a few of the other Noirbooks in this same series. Theyrelike literary peanuts: you cant stopreading them.

NONFICTIONn Think of the Wild West, and

horses come to mind, right? Then look

for Mustang by Deanne Stillman.This book is a huge overview of thewild horse in history, pop culture andindustry. I love the pictures in here,and I think horse lovers will, too.nBeware before you start this

book if youve got a loved one at war.Wounded Warriors by Mike Sagerwill bring you to tears. This beautifulbook is lled with stories of heroescome home, and it will touch even thehardest of hearts. Also look for WarIs, edited by Marc Aronson and

tty Campbell. This is a book of sto-s from soldiers, survivors and family

embers, and is meant for teens, butperfect for any adult, too.n I love a good mystery. I love a

ue mystery even more. And I love Auestion of Murder by Cyril H.

echt, MD, JD, and Dawna Kauf-ann. Wecht is one of Americasost famous forensic pathologists,d in this book, he looks at severalmous cases and tries to solve them.his is a great book i f you love trueime, whodunits or if you just love ascinating story.nHeres a great trivia-type bookr the person who needs to knowerything: Genius and HeroinMichael Largo. This cool book is

l about creative genius and angst,tists, poets and thinkers, bad (andadly) habits and obsession. For

ivia buffs and anyone who loves a bitscandal, its delicious fun.n If you think a book that makes

you think is what you want, try TheJewish Body

by Melvin Konner.This fascinating biology/history bookis steeped in information, tradition,science, religion and beware some photos that might upset weak-stomached readers. Also try Stuckby Anneli Rufus, a thoughtful bookon getting out of your rut and movingforward in your life and in work.nFeeling blue about going green?

You dont have to give up yourcosmetics! Just read The GreenBeauty Guide by Julie Gabriel andgive up harmful chemicals. This bookgives you tons of ideas and resourcesfor looking great in an earth-friendlyway. Bonus: some recipes so you canmake your own beautifying products.n Love isnt just for the young, you

know. If youre of A Certain Age, youll

love reading September Songsby Maggie Scarf. Whether yourecelebrating your 50th anniversary oryour fth date, this book is lled withgood news about marriage and rela-tionships in middle age and beyond.Perfect for anybody over 50, thisbook might also be of interest to 30-somethings looking ahead. Also lookfor Welcome to the DepartureLounge by Meg Federico. This is afunny, touching book about parentingyour parents.

HARDCOVER FICTION

1. The 8th Confession byJames Patterson and MaxinePaetro (Little, Brown)

2. Lover Avenged by J.R.Ward (NAL Hardcover)

3. First Family by DavidBaldacci (Grand CentralPublishing)

4. Summer on BlossomStreet by Debbie Macomber(Mira)

5. Just Take My Heart byMary Higgins Clark (Simon &Schuster)

6. The Host by StephenieMeyer (Little, Brown)

7. Tea Time for theTraditionally Built: The New No.1 Ladies Detective AgencyNovel by Alexander McCallSmith (Pantheon)

8. Loitering with Intent byStuart Woods (Putnam Adult)

9. The Perfect Poison byAmanda Quick (Putnam Adult)

10. Look Again by LisaScottoline (St. Martins Press)

11. The Language of Bees

by Laurie R. King (Bantam)12. Long Lost by HarlanCoben (Dutton Adult)

HARDCOVER NONFICTION

1. Act Like a Lady, Think Likea Man: What Men Really ThinkAbout Love, Relationships,Intimacy, and Commitment bySteve Harvey (Amistad)

2. Liberty and Tyranny:A Conservative Manifestoby Mark R. Levin (ThresholdEditions)

3. The Girls from Ames:A Story of Women andFriendship by Jeffrey Zaslow(Gotham)

4. Outliers: The Story ofSuccess by Malcolm Gladwell(Little, Brown)

5. Always Looking Up: TheAdventures of an IncurableOptimist by Michael J. Fox(Hyperion)

6. Master Your Metabolism:The 3 Diet Secrets to NaturallyBalancing Your Hormones fora Hot and Healthy Body! byJillian Michaels and Mariska vanAalst (Crown)

7. Columbine by DaveCullen (Twelve)

8. The Last Lecture byRandy Pausch with JeffreyZaslow (Hyperion)

9. The Secret by RhondaByrne (Atria/Beyond Words)

10. Mommywood by ToriSpelling (Simon SpotlightEntertainment)

11. House of Cards byWilliam D. Cohan (Doubleday)

12. 10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea by SuzyWelch (Scribner)

MASS MARKET PAPERBACKS

1. Burning Wild by ChristineFeehan (Jove)

2. At Last Comes Love byMary Balogh (Dell)

3. Angels & Demons by DanBrown (Pocket)

4. Sail by James Patterson

and Howard Roughan (Vision)5. Dark Summer byIris Johansen (St. MartinsPaperbacks)

6. No Choice But Seduction:A Malory Novel by JohannaLindsey (Pocket)

7. Odd Hours by DeanKoontz (Bantam)

8. Flowers on Main bySherryl Woods (Mira)

9. Just Breathe by SusanWiggs (Mira)

10. Robert Ludlums TheBourne Sanction by Eric VanLustbader (Grand CentralPublishing),

11. True Love & Other

Disasters by Rachel Gibson(Avon)

TRADE PAPERBACKS

1. Vision in White by NoraRoberts (Berkley Trade)

2. The Shack by William P.Young (Windblown Media)

3. City of Thieves by DavidBenioff (Plume)

4. The Middle Place by KellyCorrigan (Voice)

5. 7th Heaven by JamesPatterson and Maxine Paetro(Grand Central Publishing)

6. Unaccustomed Earth:Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri(Vintage)

7. Three Cups of Tea: OneMans Mission to PromotePeace ... One School at a Timeby Greg Mortenson and DavidOliver Relin (Penguin)

8. Hungry Girl: 200 Under200: 200 Recipes Under 200Calories by Lisa Lillien (St.Martins Grifn)

9. Firey Lane by KristinHannah (St. Martins Grifn)

10. Naturally Thin BethennyFrankel with Eve Adamson(Fireside)

11. Pride and Prejudice andZombies by Jane Austin andSeth Grahame-Smith (QuirkBooks)

Spring books

nEn Route: A ParamedicsStories of Life, Death, andEverything in Between bySteven Kelly Grayson, 2009,Kaplan Publishing, $24.95/$28.95

Canada, 303 pages:The pain started inyour shoulder.

No big deal. Youconvinced yourself itwas nothing. Really.

But then, it spread.Your left arm hurt,and your ribs andyour chest. Espe-cially your chest. Thiswas not good.

You called 911,and a truck came to

your house, sirens howling, mon-itors beeping. Curious neighborsstopped in their yards to watch twohefty guys wheel you through yourfront door, at on a gurney.

Youre ne now. But then, yousure were glad to see those EMTswith their sirens and monitors.

Now how about seeing life fromthe other side of the siren? Readthe new book En Route by StevenKelly Grayson.

New EMTs are taught to expectcalamity, but that was too a mildword to describe the place whereGrayson got his rst gig as anemergency medical technician. Thejob was with a start-up companyrun by former employees of the big

outt in the area, and their newofce was a mess lled with papers,

equipment and EMTs

sleeping on every hori-zontal surface

Grayson, who waslittle more than arookie, abruptly learnedthat he was hired whena call came in and theowners said, Letsgo! For an EMT-Basicwho didnt even havea uniform yet, it was anexciting call

Until the patienthad an accident of adifferent kind, all overGraysons front.

That inauspicious event was thebeginning of a career that took

Grayson all over the backroads andhighways of northwestern Louisi-ana. It a llowed him to make somelife-long friends and to help peoplewho made such an impression onhim that he wrote about them inthis book. If it wasnt for the job,Grayson wouldnt have met his wife.

But as he racked up months andmiles, through ghts and friendshipswith doctors, repeat patients andclueless colleagues, Grayson felthe was burning out. Horried, hewondered how an eager, formerly-sympathetic medical professionalcould lose his compassion so easily.He wondered why he stayed at thejob.

One December, he found out why.

En Route has everythingyou could want in a true-medical

emoir: lots of

xcitement; someood laughs; plentyf practical-joke-typeles; an abundancef scampish fre-uent-yer patientshe supporting castind you see onlevision ; momentsf tenderness;andne gigantic story notr the squeamish. Itstrauma-drama fansream, except for oneing.

Author Graysons chapters tendto jump around, timeline wise. Therewere several loose ends here, story

arcs that (I thought) were over butthen (surprise!) continued severalchapters later with something com-pletely different in between. I pagedback many times, thinking I hadmissed something. I liked this bookvery much, but I also happen to likelinear thinking. En Route neededmore of that.

If you can ignore the (slight) con-fusion, youll be rewarded with a ten-sion-lled, humorous and thoughtfulbook and an ending you wontexpect. If you can take each chapterindividually, pick up En Route andincrease your heart rate a bit.

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER has been read-ing since she was 3 years old and never goes

anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill inWisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books.

En Route looks at paramedic stories

Field guide focuses on animal tracks, morenPeterson Field Guides:

Animal Tracks, Third Edition byOlaus J. Murie and Mark Elbroch,2005, Houghton Mifin Company,$19.95, softbound, 391 pages: A

key to tracksdone in pen andink starts theguide off nicely.The key con-tains 83 tracks

ranging from those of the cottontail

and prairie dogs to the North Ameri-can porcupine, harbor seal, wild boar,and insects and other invertebrates.

The introduction is not to beignored. In this section, the readerwill discover tips on how to readanimal signs and on how to pre-serve tracks by such methods assketching and measuring, cuttingaround the track or through the useof plaster of Paris or sooted trackplates.

The guide is then broken intospecies accounts. These presentmore detailed sketches of animaltracks and list some proportions anddistances between tracks.

Line drawings of the animals foreand hind paws are also shown, andthere are photographs of tracksfound in the wild. Some sections

also contain drawingsof the animals, theirhabitat or variationsof tracks by the sameanimal under a numberof circumstances,such as running orin the snow. In eachof these sections,the authors relayinformation about theanimals themselves,

such as their habitatrange, diet, where theymay be found, callsand behavior, and dataabout the tracks.

This may include notes on thespecic tracks photographed forthat section.

For instance, the opossum whomade the tracks pictured in the rstspecies account is noted to have adistinctive hind foot. In addition, theusual traits of the animals tracks aregiven. In the opossums case, forexample, the fore and hind tracksland next to one another like thoseof a raccoon. An opossum may draghis tail if walking slowly, but at anormal or faster pace, the tail doesnot drag.

Punctuating the text now and then

re Muries personalxperiences in track-g and wild animalncounters. Oneemorable experienceas when he cameross a band of elk

plashing and playinga pond.A very small sectiondevoted to bone

nd horn chewing.

lso included is anxtensive bibliography.At the time this bookas published, a freee-year membership

to the Roger Tory Peterson Instituteof Natural History was available withpurchase of the eld guide. Themission of RTPI is to inspire passionand knowledge of the natural worldin children. Contact the membershipdepartment at (800) 758-6841,fax (716) 665-3794 or e-mailwebmaster@rtpi.org.n Lees take: An excellent

resource.nJ.J.s take: An invaluable eld

guide.LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN

are twins andvoracious readers living in Bris tol, Tenn. E-mailthem at leeandjj.doubletake@yahoo.com.

DOUBLE TAKEBY LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN

THE

BOOKWORMTERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

BOOKENDS BOOKENDS

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST-SELLERS TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

THE BOOKWORM

RECOMMENDED

READING

JENNIFER ESTEP