Book Review: Rendezvous in Phoenix by Tony Sandoval

Rendezvous in Phoenix
by Tony Sandoval (j Biography Sandoval)

An autobiographical tale of the author’s attempts to enter the U.S. from Mexico without permission, for love and career. He is attempting to reunite with his U.S.-born fiance in Phoenix and the visa process is in the way. He is faced with blistering heat, vicious bandits, barbed wire, Border Patrol Agents and “Coyotes” that want to take his money with the promise to get him across the border.

 

The lives and struggles of several other immigrants he meets during his journey are also interwoven into the story. The author succeeded with his journey and is now a successful graphic novel writer in the U.S. He also witnesses a sexual assault by a Border Patrol Agent.

 

( publisher’s official Rendezvous in Phoenix web page ) | ( official Tony Sandoval Instagram account )

 

This was one of dozens of Graphic Novel reviews submitted by library staff during our 2022 In-Service Training day on 9/23, all collected on A Day Full of Graphic Novels

 

Recommended by Jessica S.
Walt Branch Library

 

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Venomous

Venomous
by Christopher Krovatin

I don't normally read many books with the main character being male, but Locke's story was appealing to me because of my background in social work. Locke has severe issues with being able to control his anger, something he has been dealing with since he was in elementary school. He and his mother refer to his anger as "Venom" and Locke believes he can actually feel it running through his veins when he loses his temper. Locke is not a bully, but his anger has exiled him from any kind of social life with the exception of one friend, who has problems of his own. His social life changes, whether for the best or worse is up to the reader, when Locke attends a party and meets a new group of people his age. One new person in particular is a girl, who becomes his love interest in the story. The one thing that impressed me about the character is that he is a really good son and brother, despite his issues. His physical description of being very thin and wearing glasses, does not fit the stereotype of a teen with anger issues, so it seems to add another dimension to the character's personality. It's a fictional, yet honest story of a troubled teen trying to attain maturity, self-knowledge and to once and for all, rid himself of the "Venom." The Graphic novel style illustrations make this book really unique and add another dimension to the story. It's my opinion that this book would best be suited for adults and older teens as it has elements of sex, violence, drugs and drinking throughout the story. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ Wikipedia page for Christopher Krovatin ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month. Click the tag for the reviewer's name to see more of this reviewers recommendations!

Nine Stories

Nine Stories
by J.D. Salinger

A great book of nine, complex, short stories! All having strange endings, which are not tied up with a nice "happy ending" bow when the story is over. Many characters live upscale lives, but are dealing with hardships and many with the pain of World War II in some way or another. The selfishness and narcissism of the characters is what is so intriguing. Salinger leaves many loose ends giving the reader leeway for imagination and consideration. If you enjoy short fiction without the fluff of a "happily ever after" ending, I highly recommend Nine Stories. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ Wikipedia page for J.D. Salinger ] 

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Stolen

Stolen
by Lucy Christopher

This is a young adult, fictional story, not a romance, yet not a horror story. A Sixteen year old girl, Gemma, is kidnapped and taken away to the vast and remote outback of Australia. Her kidnapper , Ty, believes he is deeply in love with Gemma and is "rescuing" her from her big city dwelling, indifferent parents, selfish friends as well as a materialistic life in London. The story is told in the first person and reads as an honest, realistic letter to her kidnapper. The personality development of both main characters is intriguing and the reading is continually guessing as to whether Ty is just an eccentric, slightly delusional person or someone more sinister, extremely mentally ill. As Gemma reluctantly gets to know Ty, her emotions run the gamut until she begins to empathize with her kidnapper and have romantic feelings toward him. Naturally, these feelings brings up the psychological phenomenon, "Stockholm Syndrome", in which a hostage grows adulation and positive feelings toward his or her captor. After I finished this novel, I read up on the author, Lucy Christopher. This was her first book, and I was very surprised that she actually wrote this book as part of her doctoral thesis. The author is from Wales and resided in Australia for most of her life. Therefore, Ms. Christopher brought vivid, mind capturing detail to the story allowing the reader to be pulled in and to have a clear picture of the outback without having ever being there. Stolen was intriguing, and as I had hoped, the story is not be overly dark and depressing. Surprisingly, there is no rape and very little physical violence, so if you are a reader who is sensitive to these themes, it is still a book I would recommend. I have been not so patiently waiting for this story to be published for quite a few months. I read it quickly and was not disappointed. Ms. Christopher is definitely a unique author to the Young Adult genre. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library


[ official Stolen and Lucy Christopher web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Wintergirls

Wintergirls
by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls is a fictional account of Lia, an eighteen year old girl whose best friend just died, in a motel room, alone. Before she died, the two girls were not on speaking terms. The night Cassie died, she attempted to reconcile with Lia by calling her cell phone, 33 times. Now her childhood friend is dead and the guilt of not answering Cassie's calls as well as the secrets she holds are weighing heavily on her conscience. When in Junior High, the two girls had made a pact to be the skinniest, to be skinnier than one another. This pact triggered full blown anorexia nervosa, an illness that Lia has learned to hide very well, despite landing in treatment centers twice. Lia's mental health fades as she continues to deprive her body of food and secretly exercises obsessively in the middle of the night. Not only are voices in her head telling her she is worthless, stupid, fat etc., she is now followed around by a hallucination of Cassie's ghost, who praises Lia for not eating, encourages her to keep exercising, stay strong, so they can "be together" by New Years Eve. Using first person narrative and unique writing techniques, the author is amazingly talented by being able to demonstrate just how manipulative, secretive and mentally ill Lia has become while hiding her anorexia. Still, this character has so many redeeming qualities, including a special bond with her five year old sister, that you really want to see Lia conquer her illness. This is an amazing story, written by the author of both Speak and Chains. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Massive by Julia Bell, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Unbearable Lightness by Portia DeRossi.] -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[Also available in downloadable audio, book-on-cd formats.]

[ official Wintergirls page on the official Laurie Halse Anderson web site ]

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Classy: Be a Lady, Not a Tramp

Classy: Be a Lady, Not a Tramp
by Derek Blasberg [YA Blasberg]

This non-fiction book is usually the type I would just flip through in order to note key points. However, I found myself reading this book of etiquette from cover to cover. The author, Derek Blasberg, uses wit and humor as well as examples of bad manners from his own past. He also added many pop culture elements and references to make his points interesting in what otherwise could have easily ended up being a dry read. I really enjoyed the author's examples of indiscretions made by many of today's out-of-control socialites, reality TV stars and actresses in a way that gets his point on how not to be a "self-entitled skank". The conduct of life content is useful for all adults, but the overall theme of the book is geared towards young-adult women. Derek Blasberg grew up in St. Louis Missouri, but moved to New York City after his high school graduation. He graduated with honors and degrees in Dramatic Literature and Journalism in 2004, and then started his first job as an assistant at American Vogue. Blasberg is now the Editor at Large of Conde Nast's premiere fashion website, Style.com, as well as the Editor at Large of Hearst Publications' fashion title Harper's Bazaar. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ official Derek Blasberg web site ]

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The September Issue

The September Issue: Anna Wintour and the Making of Vogue
a film by R.J. Cutler [DVD 746.92 Sep]

If you are of the belief that Vogue Magazine is the fashion bible, this is a must see Documentary. Every year, the September issue sets the tone for the following seasons' clothing styles and designs. Cameras follow Editor-and-Chief of Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour, as well as other key Vogue team members as they design and prepare for not only the years' largest issue of 2009, but for their largest issue in Vogue Magazine history. You may recall Anna Wintour, who was immortalized as the nightmare boss in the 2003 novel The Devil Wears Prada, written by Lauren Weisberger. This DVD allows entrance into Vogue's offices, fashion photo shoots and even a rare glimpse into Ms. Wintour's office, home and private life. The cameras also take the viewer to photo shoots in Paris and Italy as well as to several fashion shows and Haute Couture Houses such as Karl Lagerfeld. There are also interviews with several famous designers. This a two disk set with special bonus material and deleted scenes. [If you're looking for something light and fun with New York's high fashion scene, Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes is a good choice. Ms. Sykes is a Vogue staff member and is often a feature writer for Vogue articles. I would also recommend Front Row: The Cool Life and Hot Times of Vogues Editor-and-Chief by Jerry Oppenheimer.] -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official The September Issue web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Hearts at Stake

Hearts at Stake
by Alyxandra Harvey

A young adult, paranormal romance, the First book in the Drake Chronicles has the story going back and forth between two fifteen year old girls who have been best friends since birth. Solange, born into the very ancient and powerful vampire Drake family, is prophesied to become a vampire queen at age 16. Lucy, whose legal name to her horror is "Lucky", was born into a new-age, no-violence, alternative, hippie family. One unique aspect of this novel is that the chapters of the novel volley back and forth between Solange's point of view and Lucy?s point of view. The author allows the Drake family to be your guide into a secret vampire society chronicling the growing teenage romances; Lucy and Nicholas (Solange's older vampire brother) and teenage vampire princess (Solange) who feels a strong attraction to the teenage vampire hunter torn between protecting Solange and killing her for a bounty. The romantic attraction and tension between Lucy and Nicholas as well as great fight scenes, humor and suspense definitely makes this book a page turner. Another unique aspect about this story is that Lucy's new age parents are very close and trusting with the Drake family, having always known about their vampire history. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Immortals series by Alyson Noel and The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer.] -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library


[ official Drake Chronicles and Alyxandra Harvey web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

The Hollow

The Hollow
by Jessica Verday

A Young Adult Paranormal Romance novel about a high school girl, Abby, coming to terms with the mysterious death of her best and only close friend. The story is intertwined with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving and set in the town Sleepy Hollow as well, thus the title of the novel. Abby deals with rumors about her and her friend, being tormented by her peers and pitied, which she felt was the worst. The author wrote Abby as a very realistic teen and was able to describe her emotions so well that the reader can really feel the girls' emotional pain. Unfortunately, I was definitely disappointed in the ending of the story. The novel was marketed as a paranormal romance, but I feel those should have happy endings or at least some resolution between the two protagonists. This book had neither, and I believe the ending was definitely set up for a sequel. One theme in this book which I found interesting was the craft of perfume making, for which Abby had a wonderful talent. This creativity allowed time for Abby to take her mind off the tragic events of her best friends' death. I could tell the author had conducted some research or had some knowledge of making fragrances, and it was interesting to learn a bit about the process. I would give The Hollow a pass unless you are a die-hard paranormal romance reader. [If you enjoy this, I would recommend Fallen by Kate Lauren, and the Evernight Series by Claudia Gray, which is a story that becomes darker and action packed as you read through the series.] -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library


[ official The Hollow and Jessica Verday web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush
by Becca Fitzpatrick

A sacred oath, a fallen angel, a forbidden love. This story takes many twists and turns and was very difficult to put down. It debuted at #10 on the New York Times Bestseller List. The heroine in the story, High School student Nora Grey, feels a strong physical attraction and an even stronger emotional connection to the new transfer student, Patch, who seems to know more about Nora than her closest friend. Patch makes it obvious that he is interested in Nora, but Nora sees him as trouble. She does her best to steer clear, however, Patch seems to show up wherever she goes. After a series of unexplainable encounters and what appeared to be an attempt on her life, Nora is unsure of who to trust. She begins to wonder if she is quickly losing her mind, but feels she can't confide in anyone. After getting a glimpse of a large, disturbing, black scar in the shape of an upside down V on Patch's back, Nora begins seeking answers. What she finds is more frightening than Patch himself. At first, you may want to write this book of as part of the Stephanie Meyer Twilight Saga series, but the story takes a completely different direction. Elements of fantasy, thriller, action and romance, you may be left feeling spooked during parts of the story. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ Publisher's Hush, Hush web page ] | [ official Becca Fitzpatrick web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Hungry

Hungry
by Crystal Renn [Biography Renn]

At the age of 14, Crystal Renn, a regular teen attending school in Mississippi, was spotted by a modeling scout. She was told she could be a supermodel, but first, she would have to lose a little weight. Crystal lost 70 pounds in order to gain glamour, fame and a modeling contract with a competitive New York modeling agency. Crystal also gained a severe case of anorexia and exercise bulimia. As a straight sized model, Crystal was proud of her thin body and the fact that her hips measurements were smaller than the sample clothing she would be modeling. However, to Crystal's frustration, her new modeling career in new York city would did not take off and despite her 'heroin chic' frame, her photos did not inspire the fashion world. It may have been due to the vacant look in her eyes, her emaciated body or the fact that her hair was falling out. Crystal was starving herself and what few calories she did eat, she made herself exercised back off that same day. To Crystal's horror, as she became a year older, her body began to change and no matter how little she at and how much she exercised, her body refused to stay at a size zero. The more weight she gained the more she became manic about controlling what she ate (mostly plain lettuce), exercising to the point where she could barely walk and experimenting with diet drugs. She belonged to two gyms so that people would not raise eyebrows when she exercised for eight hours a day almost everyday. As her weight increased, Crystal's modeling agency was closely monitoring her size. The agency would call her in for test photos, then wince at the images and tell her 'the hips need to come down'. This was Crystal's wake up call. She decided to get healthy, nourish and heal her body. Crystal quit her current modeling agency and was immediately signed on with Ford Modeling Agency as a plus sized model. Once she became healthy and her weight settled at a size 12, her career took off. Crystal is the only plus-size model to appear on a Harper's Bazaar cover, and in four international Vogue editions. She has broken the stereotype of plus sized modeling, enjoyed lucrative contracts with many high-profile plus-size clothing manufacturers and has also appeared on the runway for top couture fashion designers. Crystal Renn paved the way for Plus sized models. In her biography, Crystal describes her new found happiness and contentment and success as a plus sized model which is apparent when comparing her straight sized modeling photos with her more recent photos in the biography. At times, Crystal's self-image waivers more than once between a very poor self-image to almost egotistical which may give some insight into why she was prone to such a severe eating disorder. The book also discusses America?s obsession with weight, how the modeling industry is slowly changing its view on ultra skinny, unhealthy models as well as how some areas of the fashion industry are still refusing to see anything other than a size zero as beautiful. This would be a great book for anyone who is interested in the behind the scenes working of the cutthroat fashion and modeling industry or has ever struggled with a weight problem and body image. By the end of this biography, you will be pulling for Crystal Renn to find herself, fulfill her dream and her place as a successful model in the fashion industry. [If you like this, you may also enjoy Alek: From the Streets of Sudan to the Runways of Milan and New York By Alek Wek or Secrets of the Model Dorm by Amanda Kerlin] -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ Wikipedia page for Crystal Renn ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Living Dead Girl

Living Dead Girl

by Elizabeth Scott

"Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared. Once upon a time, my name was not Alice." This is a fictional story about a fifteen year old girl who has been living with her kidnapper for five years. She endures daily physical, mental and sexual abuse. As she has become older her kidnapper becomes angry and more abusive to her for not being a little girl anymore. He begins to starve her in an attempt to keep her figure that of a ten year old. As the reader, you feel powerless to save her. You also see countless opportunities for her to get away or ask for help when she is out in the community, but she never does. Her kidnapper has her frozen with fear of what he will do to her family if she ever leaves him. He has her family address memorized and through the years brings her evidence that he is keeping tabs on them. The main character has many conflicting elements to her personality: defeat, naivety, self-blame, hardened, envious and mean to other children, longing for death and yet still being hopeful she will escape alive. This story will stay with you long after you have finished the book. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ official Living Dead Girl page on the official Elizabeth Scott web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Influence

Influence

by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson [YA j746.92 Ols]

This is a gorgeous coffee-table book about fashion, seasoned fashion designers, respected authors and others who have influenced Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen with hope that they, in turn, will inspire others. Although this book is presented as a Young Adult item, due to its level of sophistication, in the artists interviewed as well as the discussions on fashion and writing, I feel this book is geared toward adults who are interested in the world of art and expression. In this book, Mary-Kate and Ashley reflect on what has paved the way for their generation and has helped shape them into who they are today. The girls interviewed twenty respected artists and seasoned designers who have impacted the twins throughout the past decade. Interviews include fashion designers Karl Lagerfield, Diane VonFurstenburg, John Galliano and Christian Louboutin, as well as model-actress Lauren Hutton. During each interview, the girls explore what inspired the interviewee as well. Influence has 4 major sections: Fashion, Environment, Art and Giving Back. The book's artwork includes photographs and drawings provided by the interviewed artists, exclusive photographs of Ashley and Mary-Kate from world renowned photographer Rankin, and a wide variety of other never-before-seen materials and interviews from the 22-year-old twins' private collections. This unique book is edited by fashion and arts writer Derek Blasberg and designed by prominent book designer, Rodrigo Corral. --recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Slash

Slash

by Slash with Anthony Bozza [Music 781.66 Sla]

This is a captivating autobiography of one of the most talented and well known lead guitarists in the music industry. Slash was a member and original founder of the rock band, Guns n' Roses. This is one of the better biographies that I have read with new information and an inside look of what really went on between the members of Guns n' Roses. Slash includes his life story from his early childhood years up to the current day. There are many great photos. The guitarist addresses the many, many rumors of Guns n' Roses as well as past speculations and reports on his outrageous, living on the edge personal life. He discusses his battle with drugs and alcohol, his chronic infidelity, his new projects as well as how he has finally become sober and settled into a traditional family life including a wife and two children. At the end of the biography, Slash answers once and for all the reason for his decision to leave one of the most famous rock bands in history at the height of their popularity. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ official Guns n' Roses web site ] [ Book's page on Wikipedia ]

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Ten (or more) new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

New Reviewer Profile - Jessica H.

We've posted another new Reviewer Profile on the BookGuide site -- this time for Jessica S., from the Walt Branch Library. You can see her profile responses at: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/profiles/jkh-profile.htm You can also view previous Reviewer Profiles -- look for the bold link after individual reviewers' names -- at : http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec-indexbyname.htm

Mistaken Identity

Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope

by Don VanRyn [363.1 Van]

This is a heartbreaking, true story of a extremely deadly car accident that took place on April 26, 2008. Like me, you may have followed the story through CNN or other news sources. This story is chilling and absolutely riveting and comes highly recommended. I read this entire book in less than two days. Two girls, Whitney Cerek and Laura Van Ryn, who happen to look very similar in appearance, were students of Taylor University. Both were riding in the same van that was struck head on by a semi-truck. At the accident scene, these two girls were mistaken for one another by medics due to their similar appearance and Laura's purse lying next to Whitney in the grass. Whitney was alive, severely injured but believed to be Laura Van Ryn. Laura died at the scene, but was identified as Whitney Cerek. Whitney's parents were notified that their daughter was one of the students who did not survive the accident, and Laura's parents were told that their daughter was hospitalized with a severe head injury and was in a coma. When the Van Ryns first saw what they thought was their daughter, she was in a coma, tubes in her mouth and nose with her face was partially bandaged. The doctor's warned the family Laura may not look like herself. They did not question the identity. Laura Van Ryn's parents held vigil at a hospital for weeks nursing a woman they believed to be their daughter, Laura. The Cerek's buried what they thought was their daughter Whitney on Whitney's 19th birthday when in fact it was Laura Van Ryn. Over 1,400 people attended Whitney's funeral. As Whitney slowly came out of her coma, her behavior and things she said were not making sense. They also noticed a few physical traits that were different, but thought nothing of it. After five weeks, the Van Ryn family began to question whether this was really their Laura. After dental records were ordered and their worst fear confirmed, two families' worlds were once again torn apart. For two years the families were asked "how could you not know your own child?" Now the Cerek and Van Ryn families have come together to write the true story about their daughters' mistaken identity and how unwavering faith in god, helped both families cope with tragedy twice. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

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Ten (or more) new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Staff Recommendation - sTORI Telling

sTORI Telling

by Tori Spelling [Biography Spelling]

This is a great autobiography from Tori Spelling herself, most notably famous for her television character, Donna Martin in Beverly Hills 90210 which was produced by her father, Aaron Spelling. The actresses' personal life has been filling celebrity gossip columns ever since she landed her breaking role in one of her father's weekly TV series during her late teens. Belonging to one of California's most wealthy families, Tori has chronicled juicy snippets of her lonely, but elaborate childhood, the much publicized relationship with her mother, a nose job at the age of 15, the fight to be taken seriously in Hollywood as a talented actress, her paltry disinheritance from her father, and most notably a fairytale wedding to the wrong man and then scandalously stealing a married man from another woman. Finally settling down to family life with the man of her dreams, Tori describes her recent changes in life, most notably her excitement over finally having the "normal" family life she has always wished for and learning to subside in Hollywood on a much more modest income. Tori discusses her newest ventures and projects such as the Oxygen channel's series Tori & Dean Inn Love and Tori & Dean Home Sweet Hollywood. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ official Tori Spelling web site ]

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Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Staff Recommendation - Not on Our Watch

Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond

by Don Cheadle [962.4 Che]

According to the book Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond, 3.5 million Sudanese are going hungry, 2.5 million have been displaced from their homes by violence, and over 400,000 have died in Dafur to date. Don Cheadle, award winner actor who appeared in films such as Hotel Rwanda, Oceans Eleven, Oceans Twelve and Oceans Thirteen, teamed up with leading activist John Prendergast to write this memoir in order to focus the world's attention to these ongoing tragedies. Although it was a slightly slow read with little historical information, the authors' inspiring memoir offers some practical information and instructions including six small actions we, as readers, can implement ourselves to make a difference in the fate of this nation. Despite the downsides of this book, it is a decent starting point for new activities wishing to educate themselves on genocide in Dafur as the important topic of this crisis seems to be lacking in national attention as well as in other written materials. -- recommended by Jessica H. - Walt Branch Library

[ official Not On Our Watch web site ] [ NPR article/excerpt for this book ]

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Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

New Book Talk Booklist at BookGuide

Jessica H., of the Walt Branch Library, joined readers at the downtown Bennett Martin Public Library for our Tuesday afternoon Courtyard Book Chat on July 10th, to give a presentation on High Fashion and High Society Fiction.

You can see the complete list of the books she talked about by visiting the booktalk page (link above), or here's a sampling of her titles:

Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
Gucci, Gucci Coo by Sue Margolis
Wolves in Chic Clothing by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargan
A Model Summer by Paulina Porizkova
and Secrets of the Model Dorm by Amanda Kerlin