The July/August 2003 Book Sense 76

June 24, 2003

1. THE CLEARING: A Novel, by Tim Gautreaux (Knopf, $23, 0375414746) "The Clearing is the story of Randolph and Byron, two brothers separated for years, both geographically and emotionally, who are brought together again in a remote cypress logging camp in the Louisiana swamps. Gautreaux's evocative descriptions and outstanding storytelling should not only bring him critical acclaim, but also the broad-based readership his writing deserves." -- Stephen Grutzmacher, Passtimes Books, Sister Bay, WI

2. EASTER ISLAND, by Jennifer Vanderbes (Dial, $22.95, 038533673X) "In this extraordinary fiction debut, rich with love and betrayal, history and intellectual passion, two narratives converge on Easter Island. In 1913, Elsa Pendleton leaves England with her anthropologist husband to study the maoi statues on Easter Island. Sixty years later, an American botanist travels to Easter Island to research the island’s ancient pollen, but also to recover emotionally from the death of her husband. A series of brilliant revelations brings to life the parallel quests of these two intrepid women as they delve into the centuries-old mysteries of Easter Island." -- Margaret Gwerder, Bookshelf At Hooligan Rocks, Truckee, CA

3. FLUKE: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings, by Christopher Moore (Morrow, $23.95, 0380978415) "Moore concocts a bizarre mix of characters, including a crazed woman, a Rastafarian, whales, research scientists, and primordial soup. A laugh-out-loud novel with a serious message." -- Dan Bogart, Bear River Books, Evanston, WY

4. MAISIE DOBBS: A Novel, by Jacqueline Winspear (Soho, $25, 1569473307) "Maisie Dobbs is the perfect heroine for this atmospheric mystery -- smart and self-reliant, but also vulnerable, haunted by her experiences as a nurse in France during WW I. In this wonderful debut, we care deeply about her, as her very first case as a private investigator brings her face-to-face with the demons in her own past. I hope Maisie is around for a long, long time." -- Kristine Kaufman, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA

5. CONFEDERACY OF SILENCE : A True Tale of the New Old South, by Richard Rubin (Pocket, $14, 067103667X) " Rubin's Confederacy of Silence is a deeply moving story about the Mississippi Delta that shows the tenacity of poverty and prejudice even today -- and of the impact of these forces on one special football player and the gifted writer who became his friend." -- Mary Price Dunbar, Beaucoup Books, New Orleans, LA

6. THE DOGS OF BABEL: A Novel, by Carolyn Parkhurst (Little, Brown, $21.95, 0316168688) "This is a beautifully written account of love, loss, and memory. In an attempt to piece together the events leading up to his wife's death, Paul Iverson begins to teach his dog -- the only witness to the death -- to communicate. During the course of his research, Paul's memories of his wife reveal the forces at work, in their relationship and in a troubled heart that led to her final act." -- Sandy Johnson, The Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, VT

7. HELL AT THE BREECH : A Novel, by Tom Franklin (Morrow, $23.95, 0688167411) "This is one of the most powerful, astonishing, and deeply absorbing books I have ever read. Beginning with a small, horrific bit of Alabama history that most folks will never have heard of, Franklin has built a story and a world that you will never forget. Write this down somewhere, Tom Franklin is going to win a lot of awards for this one." -- Cheryl Upchurch, Capitol Book & News Company, Montgomery, AL

8. THE PHOTOGRAPH: A Novel, by Penelope Lively (Viking, $24.95, 0670032050) "Kicked off by the discovery of an incriminating photograph, the characters in this book find a missing woman and themselves in a journey I won't soon forget. This intricate story reads like silk sliding across your hands." -- Marian Fleischman, Sedalia Book & Toy, Sedalia, MO

9. DUE PREPARATIONS FOR THE PLAGUE: A Novel, by Janette Turner Hospital (Norton, $24.95, 039305764X) "When a writer of this caliber takes on the subject of espionage, terrorism, and political intrigues, the result is a book that kept me engrossed for hours on end. Hospital writes with heartfelt compassion for those who survived and who now believe intrigues of those who played a part in the terror. And one is left with the question, again, of how much do we really know about events that happen in this world?" -- Susan Wasson, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

10. THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING: A Novel, by Laura Moriarty (Hyperion, $22.95, 1401300316) "Evelyn Bucknow is the heroine of this exquisitely written coming-of-age story. Growing up in a small Midwestern town with a single mother and autistic brother, Evelyn manages to survive adolescence with her dignity intact. Funny, touching, and never predictable, this book perfectly captures what it feels like to learn lessons the hard way." -- Alana Willhite, Colby College Bookstore, Waterville, ME

BANGKOK 8, by John Burdett (Knopf, $24, 1400040442) "Bangkok 8 is set in Thailand and experienced through the eyes of an earnest half-breed Bangkok police officer. His Buddhism informs everything that happens in this thrilling multicultural cop novel, from his relationship with the FBI agents with whom he works to the occasional heavy hand he must wield in the course of his job. A meeting of the East and West from the viewpoint of The Other, to be read slowly, then reread." --Paul Ingram, Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City, IA Also a Random House Audio (Abridged CD, 0739303872)

BLESSED ARE THE CHEESEMAKERS, by Sarah-Kate Lynch (Warner, $22.95, 0446531286) "Cheese artisans, great friendship, love of the rarest sort, and the romance of Ireland make this novel one to read this summer. The reader can taste the unique cheeses, smell the countryside, and enjoy the people we meet in this wonderful story." --Joci Tilsen, Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, MN Also a HighBridge Audio (Unabridged Cassette, 1565117522)

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, by Mark Haddon (Doubleday, $22.95, 0385509456) "This novel takes you right into the world of a 15-year-old autistic savant boy who is obsessed with solving the mystery of who killed his neighbor's dog. In his search, he discovers much more about his family than he ever wanted to know. Very engaging and written in a true voice of innocence." --Luanne Kreutzer, St. Helens Book Shop, St. Helens, OR Also a Recorded Books Audio (Unabridged Cassette, 1402555989)

DISTANT MUSIC, by Lee Langley (Milkweed, $22, 1571310401) "I could hardly set down this truly memorable book. Combining plot twists through different time periods with an ongoing and never-ending love story, Langley's lovely writing is eloquent and captivating." --Sally Dumont, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY

EVIDENCE OF THINGS UNSEEN, by Marianne Wiggins (Simon & Schuster, $25, 0684869691) "As Turner captured the infinite qualities of light upon canvas, so Wiggins captures them on the page. In one of the best books I have ever read, she weaves a tale of wonder, tragedy, and, above all, love through the lives of Fos and Opal as they traverse the land and history of early 20th century Tennessee and North Carolina. As I read the last word, my mouth was agape in wonder at the beauty I had just experienced." --Sarah Carr, McIntyre's Fine Books, Pittsboro, NC

FLEUR DE LEIGH IN EXILE, by Diane Leslie (Simon & Schuster, $23, 0743226089) "Somehow, some way, Fleur de Leigh has survived her serial-nannied childhood, only to find her teenage self shipped off to a miserable Arizona boarding school in Diane Leslie's latest novel, Fleur de Leigh in Exile. Fleur is both charming and pure of heart, and, despite her loneliness, she eventually finds friends, first love, and the strongest parts of herself. Do yourself a favor, Cherie, and get to know this terrific young heroine." --Linda Urban, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

FOR MATRIMONIAL PURPOSES, by Kavita Daswani (Putnam, $24.95, 0399150706) "If you read fiction to be transported into new landscapes and cultures, you can't go wrong with this charming, funny, heartachy, and warm story of Anju, daughter of a wealthy Bombay family. What a portrait of Bombay and upper-crust Hindu life plus the New York fashion scene! I was captivated." --Barbara Peters, The Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale, AZ Also a Brilliance Audio (Unabridged Cassette, 1590869427)

HEY NOSTRADAMUS!, by Douglas Coupland (Bloomsbury, $21.95, 1582343586) "As its evocative title suggests, Hey Nostradamus! is cast with characters searching for meaning among a multitude of tragedies. The voices who tell this story -- beginning with a victim of a high school massacre -- have their convictions shaken, and must reassemble their beliefs as best they can. Their stories -- and the oddly dark conclusions they arrive at -- are some of Coupland's best writing." --Patrick Nevins, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville, KY Also a HighBridge Audio (Unabridged Cassette, 156511809X)

I LOVE YOU LIKE A TOMATO, by Marie Giordano (Forge, $24.95, 0765306689) "Giordano is an original voice who has created an aromatic and nutty world set in post-WWII Minneapolis. It is told from the perspective of ChiChi, who as a young child crossed the Atlantic from Southern Italy, and, surrounded by the backdrop of Italian-American Minneapolis, I Love You Like a Tomato is a vibrant example of an immigrant family's struggle to find the American Dream." --Genevieve Heater, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

THE LAWS OF EVENING, by Mary Yukari Waters (Scribner, $21, 0743243323) "This is a beautiful collection of short stories with artfully painted prose that contrasts the pain and horror of war, loss, and cultural change with beauty, strength, and hope in postwar Japan." --Debbi Montisano, UCSD Bookstore, La Jolla, CA

THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, by Daniel Stolar (Picador, $23, 0312304099) "These stories are fully realized, filled with characters equally authentic in their yearning and their self-sabotage. Stoler invites us into their world with economy, elegance, and unfailing intelligence." --Suellen Brown, Midsummer Books, Galveston, TX

A MOUTHFUL OF AIR, by Amy Koppelman (MacAdam/Cage, $23, 1931561303) "It took a while after finishing A Mouthful of Air to recover from its impact. The devastating story of a young mother who, after a failed suicide attempt, finds herself pregnant with a second child and fighting depression, is moving and heartbreaking. The insights into depression, and particularly postpartum depression, are well delivered." --Susan Whittaker, Viewpoint of Columbus, Columbus, IN

MY FATHER HAD A DAUGHTER: Judith Shakespeare's Tale, by Grace Tiffany (Berkley, $21.95, 042519003X) "How would you deal with an absentee father who is a famous playwright, the death of your beloved twin brother, and that your father has used your grief to create a comedy play? These events shaped Tiffany's Judith Shakespeare, the second daughter of William Shakespeare. This is a must-read for anyone who has loved a Shakespeare play." --Jenny Luscher, Bohannons' Books With a Past, Georgetown, KY

NATURE LESSONS, by Lynette Brasfield (St. Martin's, $23.95, 031231034X) "In response to a cryptic letter from her seemingly paranoid mother, Kate returns reluctantly to her childhood South Africa only to discover that her mother has gone missing. Nature Lessons almost reads like a memoir: Loose strands, broken threads, and innocent childhood memories are slowly knotted together to form a troubled family's history during the apartheid era in the 1960s. What a great debut for a first-time author." --Elly Smith, Madison Park Books, Seattle, WA

1929: A Novel of the Jazz Age, by Frederick Turner (Counterpoint, $25, 1582432651) "The stylized cover of 1929 first attracted me to this fictionalized story of the tragically short life of Jazz Age musician Bix Beiderbecke. After reading this great mood piece of a novel, a first by this acclaimed nonfiction writer, I want to hear Beiderbecke's music and read more about him." --Susan Schenone, The Book Bag, Valparaiso, IN

THE ONLY GOOD THING ANYONE HAS EVER DONE, by Sandra Newman (HarperCollins, $24.95, 0060514981) "This is a crazy ride of a book with fabulously awful characters, and it made me shriek with indignation and delight. An original and personal book unlike anything else I have ever read ." --Audrey Bullar, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY

ORYX AND CRAKE, by Margaret Atwood (Doubleday/Nan A. Talese, $26, 0385503857) "This is a superbly crafted, compelling novel set in a dystopian future, where people live in gated communities, watch Noodie News, and are terrified of disease. The similarities to our own world are striking and disturbing, but Atwood is too good a writer to let this become a simple morality tale. The questions she raises about science and society are complex and uncomfortable, and every day more pressing." --Tish Hayes, Women & Children First, Chicago, IL Also a Random House Audio (Unabridged Cassette, 0739304070)

PERSONALITY, by Andrew O'Hagan (Harcourt, $25, 0151010005) "O'Hagan, featured in Granta's 'Best of Young British Novelists' this year, has been steadily gaining recognition in the U.K., and with his new novel, Personality, he is poised to steal the hearts of American audiences. Maria Tambini, an Italian by descent who grows up in Scotland, becomes a famous singer, but her personal demons threaten to destroy everything that she has accomplished. O'Hagan's storytelling subtly reveals the struggles of this remarkable woman, thereby illuminating her humanity." --Stephanie Good, Canterbury Booksellers, Madison, WI

THE PURSUIT OF ALICE THRIFT, by Elinor Lipman (Random House, $23.95, 0679463135) "A romance minus sappy or sordid details, a mystery without a dastardly crime, and an exploration of family dynamics that's not maudlin -- all this and good laughs, too, means we have a new Elinor Lipman novel to enjoy! Alice Thrift is a brilliant intern in surgery from a wealthy, loving family, who seems to have it all -- except personality. When she falls for candy salesman Ray Russo, her friends set out to remake Alice, and set her on the path to true happiness." --Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

THE QUALITY OF LIFE REPORT, by Meghan Daum (Viking, $24.95, 0670032131) "Lucinda Trout truly proves herself to be a fish out of water when she leaves New York for Paradise City to do 'Quality of Life' reports for a morning talk show. A smart and humorous look at just how complicated the simple life can be." --Tara O'Donnell, Paperbacks Plus, Bronx, NY

REUNION, by Alan Lightman (Pantheon, $22, 037542167X) "Lightman has beautifully rendered that moment in time when the sweet taste of a first love is made that much sweeter by the hopefulness of youth, when there is no limit to what is possible. But, as he has done in his previous work, Lightman presents a cautionary story, wonderfully and mysteriously told, all the while reiterating the illusive and fragile nature of happiness." --Mitchell Kaplan, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL

THE RICE MOTHER, by Rani Manicka (Viking, $24.95, 0670031925) "Set in Malaysia before, during, and after the Japanese occupation, this is an indelible glimpse into the lives of one family, and the cruelties perpetrated, witnessed, or endured by each member. The redemption Manicka offers, with subtlety and skill, arrives in the form of forgiveness and leaves with the assuredness of hope." --Katrina Denza, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, NC

SOMEPLACE LIKE THIS, by Renée Ashley (Permanent Press, $26, 1579620906) "Someplace Like This is very well-written and a good read throughout." --Marlene Ladjias, Annie's Book Stop, Bloomingdale, NJ

SUSHI FOR BEGINNERS, by Marian Keyes (Morrow, $24.95, 0060520507) "Why is lying on the beach even more heavenly when you are reading a book about the miserable travails of a downtrodden staff, as they are bullied and abused by the ice queen editor from hell, while attempting to launch a new, fashion magazine in Ireland? The pleasure is almost sinful, when the mousy employee gets stepped on once too often, the ice queen cracks, and the meek inherit the earth. What fun!" --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI Also a HarperAudio (Unabridged Cassette, 006055780X)

WAR AGAINST THE ANIMALS, by Paul Russell (St. Martin's, $24.95, 0312209355) "Russell's generous exploration of a disparate -- and, in many ways, a desperate -- group of characters makes clear how hard it is to love at all, let alone to love well. This is a novel that lingers in the heart long after one reads the closing lines." --Joe Pilla, Paperbacks Plus, Bronx, NY

THE WATER DANCERS, by Terry Gamble (Morrow, $24.95, 0060542667) "The Water Dancers is a story of a young man, wounded in WWII, who returns to his family's idyllic summer home in the northern lake district of Michigan to find that, because of the war, he has changed. Now, seeing differently his family and the people who make their leisure possible, he becomes open to love." --Julie Norcross, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI

AMBULANCE GIRL: How I Saved Myself by Becoming an EMT, by Jane Stern (Crown, $23, 140004832X) "This is a wonderful -- and uplifting -- account of overcoming constant anxiety, depression, and hypochondria by facing the demons that caused them. Stern is an amazing storyteller who uses honesty and humor to rivet us as she writes about becoming an EMT -- the scariest thing she could think of. (Warning: if you read this in the middle of the night, as I did, your laughter might wake members of your family.)" --Roxanne Coady, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

APPETITES: Why Women Want, by Caroline Knapp (Counterpoint, $24, 1582432252) "As in her genre-bending memoir, Drinking: A Love Story, Knapp again combines her personal struggles with a broader discussion of the psychology and sociology of women's relationships to appetites -- whether for food, sex, material goods, recognition, or connection. Knapp's own struggles illuminate her discussion and, again, show her command of her craft (which will be missed since she sadly died last year)." --Carla Jimenez, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

DRY: A Memoir, by Augusten Burroughs (St. Martin's, $24.95, 0312272057) "Running with Scissors fans, rejoice! Burroughs' life story continues to be as stunning and seductive as ever. A fabulous book for those with a morbid curiosity for the sharper side of life." --Anne Whalen, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA Also Available from Audio Renaissance (Unabridged Cassette, 1559279001)

FIRE AND ASHES: On the Front Lines of American Wildfire, by John N. Maclean (Holt, $25, 0805072128) "Maclean gives us a unique look at wild fires and the men who fight them." --Rodney Musgjerd, Lee's Book Emporium, Glasgow, MT

GETTYSBURG: You Are There, by Robert Clasby (Burford Books, $24.95, 1580801110) "The unique format of Gettysburg: You Are There -- vivid photography and digital technology -- will make this a great edition to add to your Civil War collection." --Virginia Hobson Hicks, Books on the Bluff, Townsend, GA

THE GIRL FROM THE FICTION DEPARTMENT: A Portrait of Sonia Orwell, by Hilary Spurling (Counterpoint, $24, 1582432430) "Surviving a strict Catholic schooling, Sonia Orwell (wife of George Orwell) began working for Horizon magazine, which plunged her into the art and writing world. After reading The Girl From the Fiction Department, I wish I had known her. Those who did either fell in love with Sonia or just wanted to bask in her bright light. I would have gladly fallen under her spell." --Clyde Holloway, So Many Books ..., Vancouver, WA

IN BUDDHA'S KITCHEN: Cooking, Being Cooked, and Other Adventures in a Meditation Center, by Kimberley Snow (Shambhala, $18.95, 1590300475) "This marvelous book is the first I've read with a Buddhist theme that has inspired me to investigate Buddhism -- it's that openhearted. A funny, tender book about how we might remake our way in the world." --Sheryl Cotleur, A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books, San Francisco, CA

THE INTERIOR CASTLE, by St. Teresa of Avila; Mirabai Starr (Trans.) (Riverhead, $23.95, 1573222488) "I was hesitant to pick up The Interior Castle because I had always heard St. Teresa of Avila referred to as a 'mystic' and 'Doctor of the Church,' which made the book sound theological and over my head. I was wrong. Reading it is just like having coffee with your best girlfriend, someone funny, smart, stubborn, and practical. What a pleasure it was to meet Teresa." --Deb Wehmeier, Garden District Book Shop, New Orleans, LA

LESSONS FOR DYLAN: From Father to Son, by Joel Siegel (PublicAffairs, $24.95, 1586481274) "This is a perfect book filled with the spirit of a life well lived. Siegel is a captivating storyteller with an hilarious and ironic sense of humor. I enjoyed his 'lessons' immensely, and I can't wait to handsell Lessons for Dylan." --Mary Yockey, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL

LIFE AL DENTE: Laughter and Love in an Italian-American Family, by Gina Cascone (Atria, $22, 074345328X) "This is the story of an oldest daughter growing up in the role of 'oldest son' in her wacky and hilarious Italian family. Cascone is one gifted storyteller, and she made me envy her childhood with every page that I read. Bravo!" --Jen Reynolds, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH

MY FATHER'S FOOTPRINTS: A Memoir, by Colin McEnroe (Warner, $23.95, 0446529338) "This is much more than an ordinary memoir. As the author strives to understand his father, he explores the themes of life and death, addiction and adoption, love and fear -- all with sensitivity, refreshing wit, and honesty." --Jan Owens, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT

MY INVENTED COUNTRY: A Nostalgic Journey Through Chile, by Isabel Allende (HarperCollins, $23.95, 006054564X) "As the title suggests, Allende's new book is a journey through the remembered Chile, from which she was exiled for so many years. A journalist early on, she is still a journalist at heart, impeccable in her research, precise in her detail, and acute in her analysis. But no journalist alive can match her transcendent prose, as she alternately reports and creates, telling tale after Scheherazade-like tale." --Betsy Burton, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT Also a HarperAudio (Unabridged Cassette, 0060559268)

AN OBSESSION WITH BUTTERFLIES: Our Long Love Affair With a Singular Insect, by Sharman Apt Russell (Perseus, $24, 0738206997) "Russell is one of literary America's outstanding contemporary artists. Every sentence she writes is a precise brushstroke, which together build and layer upon one another until a vibrant image emerges that is as luminous, and illuminating, as the butterflies she writes about. Impossible to put down, you will read more slowly as you approach the end, hoping it won't." --Steven Fidel, Powell's City of Books, Portland, OR

SCOUT'S HONOR: A Father's Unlikely Foray into the Woods, by Peter Applebome (Harcourt, $24, 0151005923) "When Applebome found himself with an 11-year-old who got into scouting, he went right along with him, hiking, camping, canoeing, the whole bit. He has come back from his 'unlikely foray into the woods' with a great book." --Tom Campbell, The Regulator Bookshop, Durham, NC

SHE'S NOT THERE: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Finney Boylan (Broadway, $24.95, 076791404X) "Boylan's compelling memoir of changing genders focuses on a common, and sometimes urgent, human concern: how to live an authentic life in body and spirit. By turns sad and hilarious, She's Not There is a beautifully written book, shot through with emotional clarity and buoyant wit. Included is an afterword written by Boylan's longtime friend Richard Russo, which is in itself a moving testament to the power of friendship and love." --Dea Anne Martin, Chapter 11, Atlanta, GA

SHIP ABLAZE: The Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum, by Edward T. O'Donnell (Broadway, $24.95, 0767909054) "This is the story of the steamship General Slocum disaster in New York harbor in 1904. O'Donnell does a wonderful job re-creating the period and the tragedy in this nautical thriller, which is also a great human-interest story. I bet we'll be seeing this one all over the beaches this summer." --Tom O'Grady, the bookshop, Bay Head, NJ

TANTRIKA: Traveling the Road of Divine Love, by Asra Q. Nomani (HarperSanFrancisco, $24.95, 0062517139) "This is an intensely personal exploration of Hinduism and Buddhism from a Muslim perspective and, as such, cannot be bettered for freshness -- and good reading. A very timely eye-opener." --Peggy Vickers, Stacey's Bookstore, San Francisco, CA

THE UNCONQUERABLE WORLD: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People, by Jonathan Schell (Metropolitan Books, $27.50, 0805044566) "Schell gives us an unblinking historical survey of the horrors of war and genocide in the 20th century -- and still manages to make us more optimistic about the prospects for humankind in the 21st. Tracing the rise of people power from Gandhi and the felling of the Soviet Empire up to the worldwide uprising against Bush's war on Iraq, Schell inspires us with his vision of a future where we the people take back the power we have given to rulers who act against our best interests." --Robby Bick, Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, Vineyard Haven, MA

WIGFIELD: The Can-Do Town That Just May Not, by Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, and Stephen Colbert (Hyperion, $22.95, 0786868120) "Three very funny writers combine their twisted talents to present this jaundiced portrait of small-town America, as seen through the eyes of the highly dubious journalist Russell Hokes. As Hokes introduces us to the denizens of Wigfield, which is threatened by the imminent demolition of the dam that keeps it above sea level, he finds himself hard-pressed to explain why the town should be saved. The audio book from HighBridge Audio (Unabridged Cassette, 1565117719), performed by the authors, is equally hilarious." --Joe Murphy, Olsson's Books & Records, Washington, DC

GAME TIME: A Baseball Companion, by Roger Angell (Harcourt, $25, 0151008248) "This is a rich compilation of Angell's favorite pieces on baseball. His acute observations on the game, people, and culture of baseball are unequaled. Angell communicates the nuance and poetry of the game, and his strength is his ability to seamlessly digress from reporting to storytelling. Don't miss his retelling of Bill Veeck's story of 'the duker,' who worked in old-time Wrigley Field." --Will Peters, Annie Bloom's Books, Portland, OR

MONEYBALL: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, by Michael Lewis (Norton, $24.95, 0393057658) "For all those fans who root for the underdog, Moneyball provides a compelling look at how one small-market team, the Oakland A's, competes successfully against far wealthier teams. Lewis insightfully describes the new methods of running a successful baseball team and provides a fascinating look behind the scenes of a modern-day team that bucks the old ways of doing business." --Will Peters, Annie Bloom's Books, Portland, OR Also a Random House Audio (Abridged Cassette, 0739308157)

THE ANGEL OF MONTAGUE STREET, by Norman Green (HarperCollins, $24.95, 0060188197) "This is an intriguing and gritty look at the lower rungs of organized crime, as Green takes you on an underworld tour of violence, personal vendettas, and near insanity. A great follow-up to Shooting Dr. Jack and perfect for sitting at the beach or by the pool this summer." --Barry Johnson, Books at Stonehenge Market, Raleigh, NC

ASHES, by Kenzo Kitakata; Emi Shimokawa (Trans.) (Vertical, $23.95, 1932234020) "Discovering this book -- the author's first work to appear in English -- is to find a real gem. Kitakata is one of Japan's most prolific hard-boiled detective authors, with over 100 novels to his credit -- all of which are in print. This story about a midlevel Japanese yakuza (mafia) soldier going through a midlife crisis showcases Kitakata's dialogue and descriptions, but especially the cunning thought processes of the protagonist." --Bob Spear, The Book Barn, Leavenworth, KS

DANGEROUS UNDERTAKING, by Mark de Castrique (Poisoned Pen Press, $24.95, 1590580559) "Dallas Willard's graveside murder of his brother and sister, and attempted murder of ex-cop and undertaker Barry Clayton, is just the beginning of this fast-paced, thoroughly engrossing book. After the police discover Dallas' body at the bottom of a quarry pond, the search takes on a new desperation when they realize he had been killed before the last murder occurred. This debut novel is a wonderful read with an exciting resolution. I'm already looking forward to de Castrique's next book." --Jenny Luscher, Bohannons' Books With a Past, Georgetown, KY

A FISTFUL OF RAIN, by Greg Rucka (Bantam, $23.95, 055380135X) "A Fistful of Rain is a powerful psychological thriller that explores what's beneath hitting bottom. In creating a character in denial of her past and her current fall, Rucka mines the dark territory of Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder. An obsessive read." --Tammy Domike, Seattle Mystery Bookshop, Seattle, WA

FOX EVIL, by Minette Walters (Putnam, $24.95, 0399150544) "With compelling characters and an exceptionally surprising ending, this is one of Walters' best works. I couldn't finish the book fast enough and yet didn't want it to end." --Carol Erfe, Book Tales, Westerly, RI

HAUNTED GROUND, by Erin Hart (Scribner, $24, 0743235053) "This mystery set in a modern-day Ireland with ties to the past is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Filled with folklore, Irish history, and gothic intrigue, Haunted Ground is a wonderful blend of classic suspense and modern day forensics." --Carrie Sutherland, J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, Superior, WI Also a Random House Audio (Abridged CD, 0739302531)

THE HIT, by Jere Hoar (Context, $24.95, 1893956342) "Find the most comfortable reading zone in the house and spend the night with this lean, fast-paced Southern thriller. Vietnam vet Luke Carr's wartime survival skills come in handy when he is challenged to 'off' his lover's sleazy husband. Don't be tricked into thinking that you know what's around the bend -- you won't till the end." --Kathryn Clark, Square Books, Oxford, MS

INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS, by Robert Wilson (Harvest Books, $14, 0156011131, Paperback) "Life is precarious in West Africa, especially for a white man. Between poverty and politics, no one is guaranteed a tomorrow. Bruce Medway is an investigator for hire, who acquires more beatings than profit while tracking down a missing person and a 'funny' business deal. This is a tough, fascinating, and intriguing tale from the author of A Small Death in Lisbon." --Mary Jane Weber, The Town Book Store, Westfield, NJ

HENRY'S LIST OF WRONGS, by John Scott Shepherd (Pocket, $13, 074346625X) "Every once in a while a real gem comes along -- and this is it. Filled with all the hallmarks of a great story -- strangely familiar characters, brilliant dialog, and a wonderful theme of redemption -- this book is a real page-turner." --Maryann Eastman, White Birch Books, North Conway, NH

I, LUCIFER: Finally, the Other Side of the Story, by Glen Duncan (Grove, $13, 0802140149) "The devil is on vacation in London, and loving it! God gives Lucifer a month in a suicidal writer's body, with an option to own, if he gives up his evil ways. Lucifer's not about to purchase, but he will take full advantage of the free rental. A wonderful, witty read." --Mitch Gaslin, Food for Thought Books, Amherst, MA

THE SONG READER, by Lisa Tucker (Downtown Press, $12, 0743464451) A Paperback Original. "On the first page we learn of Mary Beth's talent -- song reading, like palm reading with music rather than palms exposing people's hearts. On the last page, we have evidence of Leeann's love for her sister, Mary Beth. Readers will relish every page in between and some will begin to ponder the music of their lives. All will love this reading experience." --Mary Gay Shipley, That Bookstore in Blytheville, Blytheville, AR

THE VIRGIN BLUE, by Tracy Chevalier (Plume, $14, 0452284449) "As a fan of Girl with a Pearl Earring and Falling Angels, I was anxious to read The Virgin Blue. I loved the parallel stories of Ella and Isabelle -- two women born centuries apart. At times heartbreaking, this is a lovely, well-written novel of two strong, loving women." --Susan Diffenderfer, Tall Tales Book Shop, Atlanta, GA

THE WHORE'S CHILD: And Other Stories, by Richard Russo (Vintage, $12.95, 0375726012) "These stories -- there is no other way to put it -- are simply incredible. In the title story, an elderly nun attends a college writing class, where through the process of relating her personal narrative she uncovers new, sometimes disturbing truths about her past. In this engrossing collection, Russo treats his flawed, memorable, and very human characters with tenderness and compassion." --Rose Levine, Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse, Washington, DC

YOU SHALL KNOW OUR VELOCITY, by Dave Eggers (Vintage, $14, 1400033543) "Two naive Americans attempt to travel the world in a week and give away a large sum of money. Their interaction with others, based on the assumption of good will, is not always reciprocated, and their tale is delivered with typical Eggers' humor and subtlety." --Nicole Schultz, Olsson's Books & Records, Washington, DC

CLEANSING THE DOORS OF PERCEPTION: The Religious Significance of Entheogenic Plants and Chemicals, by Huston Smith (Sentient Publications, $14.95, 1591810086) "I like noted religious scholar Smith's detached, yet involved, stance -- and especially the idea expressed that this subject needs to lose some of its 'taboo' status. An important book." --Mike Dixon, Bayboro Books, St. Petersburg, FL

JAMES DEAN DIED HERE: The Locations of America's Pop Culture Landmarks, by Chris Epting (Santa Monica Press, $16.95, 1891661310) "Want to know where Zsa Zsa Gabor was arrested? The house that was built on the Indian burial ground in Poltergeist? Where Elvis recorded 'Heartbreak Hotel'? It's all in here, Baby!" --Tim Hammaker, University Book Store, Seattle, WA

NOT BY ACCIDENT: Reconstructing a Careless Life, by Samantha Dunn (Owl, $13, 0805065865) "What a wonderful book! Dunn tells her story with honesty and humor, and I felt like I'd shared deeply in the experience of her injury and her recovery." --Winnie Knutsen, Books to Go, Devils Lake, ND

WAR IS A FORCE THAT GIVES US MEANING, by Chris Hedges (Anchor, $12.95, 1400034639) "After 15 years of covering the hot spots of the globe for the New York Times -- from El Salvador to Bosnia -- Hedges has come to believe that war creates an intensity and a sense of purpose. But it is still awful, and, whether you are a pacifist or a general, you must look it in the face. Please pick up this timely and important meditation." --Amy Robinson, Kepler's Books & Magazines, Menlo Park, CA

THE WAR OF ART: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, by Steven Pressfield (Warner, $12, 0446691437) "Get a creative kick start! Though a quick read, this book rekindles artistic desire, revealing what really keeps a person from pursuing their creative desires and discovering their muses. Very intuitive and a fine read!" --Robert Kelley, DIESEL, A Bookstore, Oakland, CA

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